chicalynn

I have heard the opposite with my dr's nurse saying she has many people come in FOR a fill prior to holiday or vacation. I know personally I want more restriction during these times otherwise I won't have the will power to "just say no" to that extra hot dog with the bun.

are you having right side pain with your heartburn as well? Do you still have your gallbladder? I suffered for months with what we thought was heartburn related issues using antacids, etc...turns out it was my gallbladder. At the time of my gallbladder removal surgery, I was just at 12 months post-op with my band. Just a thought....good luck!

it may be up to your surgeon as well. My doctor did not want me to fly within 2 weeks after my surgery or any fills. I don't know if that was because of air pressure reasons or if he wanted me close by in case I had any problems. 3 weeks post surgery I don't think I wanted to get on a plane as I was still trying to adjust with my mushy food phase. I'm with DodgerFan on this one, follow your dr's post-op rules. Do not cheat during this time as your body needs time to heal and adjust to this "foreign" band. Side note: I definitely was not drinking alcohol or anything for the first month. :biggrin: Good luck with your surgery and with your holiday. Let us know how it all turns out.

sometimes we have to "woot" our own horn! :biggrin: Good job! Keep up the positive attitude...it goes a long way.

I've read most of everyone's responses to this question. It is nice to see alot of people being willing to discuss this with at least close friends and family. I started this process completely by myself with only my mother and brother involved mostly by the phone as they live in another state. They were obviously supportive. I then started to slowly tell a few close friends, the ones I go out to eat alot with as they were going to obviously see a huge difference in what I order and how I move items to small plates. I am well known in my line of work but unfortunately I may not see some accounts for several months. They results slowly started and the comments were "wow, you're losing weight. You look great!" Next question is ALWAYS: "how are you doing it?" I usually tell them truthfully about portion control and small plates, etc....I have told a few close accounts the truth and honestly I have had a few cry with me over it because they were so moved by it and it helped my relationship with them as well because I trusted them with my "secret". I do not shout it from the mountaintops but I no longer feel ashamed for having to have this surgery. It has taken me 16 months to get to this point mentally but I am so proud to have the band and I hope everyone on here who is about to go through this process finds the mental acceptance like I have.

I don't usually measure as I don't have time and am always on the road for my work. I had to learn real quick to "eyeball" portions which my dr and I reviewed by using saucers and small salad plates. I try to always keep the meat smaller than the size of my palm and then starch and veggie together equal the size of my palm. That usually is the right amount for me and I am now 16 months post surgery and 110 lbs lighter. This was the thing my Dr was most concerned about because of my job and wine/dine mentality that comes with my work. I think I have done a great job of sticking to my small plate rule. Good luck on your journey and just do whatever you find works best for you.

I was hoping to meet a psychologist or therapist of some type that specializes in weight loss surgery patients. I am thinking I am going to need some extra mental help obtaining the next phase of my weight loss. I don't want to just get support from my Dr's support group that meets once a month. I want a licensed professional who will help me on a one to one basis. Any suggestions in the DFW metro area?

forgot to add: my gall bladder surgeon actually told me that if I had attack before removal of my gall bladder to go to bland and liquid diet immediately. Nothing spicy the blander the better. That may be a more helpful and immediate tip.

I had my first gallbladder attack about 6 months after my surgery. It was while on vacation and I attributed it to indulging too much food during breakfast. It was the first time I had any problems with food and throwing up after 5 hours of extreme stomach and pain. It was the worst pain and I never ate sausage gravy again. I suffered from an attack about once a month from that point on (always thinking it was band related and food related even though I am the most strict rule follower in the band world) Until December where I had a 5 day attack that resulted in 5-7 hours cycles of extreme pain resulting in vomiting. We thought it was swelling from band, virus, etc...finally saw a surgeon who was filling in for my actual weight loss surgeon and his first questions were about right side pain, back pain, after eating, etc....he sent me for a Hida scan and sure enough my gall bladder was not "squirting" correctly (his term). I had my gall bladder out before Christmas and I have not had one single episode again. Unfortunately after doing some research prior to my gall bladder surgery it is very common for weight loss patients to have gall bladder issues as well. Don't suffer through the pain, go to the doctor! Good luck!

Welcome PixelSmack. Not a man but wanted to respond to you anyway as I debated with myself for months before choosing the Band. I had to loose almost 200 lbs so obviously the bypass would have been the quicker more immediate route; however, my biggest problem has always been portion control. With the band I HAVE to control the portion or I will be hurting. I also wanted something that could be reversed if necessary b/c I have had a couple of friends who have had nightmare medical issues due to their bypass surgeries. I know it will take a longer time to loose but for me it was a better choice. Keep reading around on this site as there is some good info on here. Good luck on your decision, whatever it may be.