snowflake21al

There's a website called vitalady.com. They will send you samples of all of the protein powders they sell. They have alot of the major brands like Isopure and Nectar. It's 1.99 for one sample.

Hi Mike, hang in there and don't get discouraged...I had the same problem. As you can see by my stats, they were pretty aggressive with my first fill but I was still getting hungry between meals and still able to eat as much as before as long as I chewed well. My doc waits a month in between but it was actually 5 weeks before I could get another appointment. I did lose about 10 pounds in between but with what I have to lose it's a miniscule amount. I definately feel a difference in restriction since my fill on Thursday so hang in there. You didn't put it on overnight, that's what I keep telling myself anyway...

I also get this pain but not when I eat too much but whenever. It really seems like the pain starts at my left collarbone and radiates into my neck. It doesn't happen everyday or anything but maybe once every 2 weeks or so and I am 3 months out from surgery. I'm glad I'm not the only one...

WOW :wink2:, I am so impressed by your weight loss. Congradulations! I also have alot to lose so you are such an inspiration. Question, do you have alot of loose skin?

I am so glad that someone else is going through what I went through. I mean I'm not glad you are in pain but people thought I was crazy when I was having this same problem and said that it was just gas but from what my surgeon told me was that I was on liquids for about 5 days, pre and post op, and once I switched to full liquids, my stomach was not used to the nutrients and whatnot. Also when you go on liquids the ph balance of your stomach gets out of wack and somethings just won't digest well. I would have these terrible stomach pains but it felt like a cross between hunger pains and really bad cramps. It would last any where between 2 to 8 hours sometimes. After seeing my surgeon and he insisted on everything being normal I felt better. I seemed to do better with mushy food so I switched a little earlier than advised and after about a week it totally went away. I hope this helps...I know exactly what you are going through...Good Luck!

I got a tattoo two weeks after being banded, it's my second, and it was for my birthday but also as a memento for my surgery. I got a realistic cherry blossom branch on my foot. If you know anything about japanese and chinese symbolism then you know why I got it. I have pictures posted on here of it. It turned out so great but the pain was almost unbearable...:tongue2:

I have the Implanon, it goes under the skin in your arm, close to your arm pit. It lasts for 3 years. I had it placed back in July and my surgeon said that it was fine, I have had no problems with it at all and I love it...

Hi Stephanie, I'm glad there are more and more people from our area on here. I live in Clay, not even a mile from the Publix so we are pretty close. Congradulations on the weight loss! Monica

I got 4 cc for my first fill and I go back on Dec 11 for my next fill.

Hi guys, I like this thread, My name is Monica. I am married but have no kids. Me and my husband work full time and go to school full time. Can you say busy? Some weeks I feel like I don't even know where the days went...lol. I was banded back in September and am finding it hard to find things that are easy for me to eat and fulfilling enough to keep me satisfied on the run. I really don't like protein mixes and find that they just don't stick with me very long. I'm getting my protein in just by eating but I have had a few sliming episodes and have also gotten stuck several times. It's a little irritating because I don't have 30 mins to eat all the time...Anyway, it's nice to see there are others like me on here...

I have type 2 diabetes and have not taken any oral medication since my surgery. I was put on a sliding scale (insulin shots) in case my sugar spiked after surgery but I have not had to give myself and shots. My sugar ranges from 100 to 150 depending on when I test it because of course it gets higher after you eat. My doctor gave me a list and if my sugar got over 200 then I would have to give myself some insulin. I would not worry about it unless your sugar starts getting over 200 and staying there. Before I was diagnosed I had an average blood sugar of 350 over a couple months (which is scary) but since the surgery it has been great.

I know exactly how you feel, my wonderful husband was eating pizza, hot dogs, and hamburgers while I was in the liquid phase and I honestly wanted him to choke on it...lol but I felt like it was really a test of my will power and I didn't give in (well at least not until my mushies phase) It will get better but you have to find the strenght inside you to overcome and just remember the outcome. I try to keep those things that I want to be able to do in the back of my mind and set goals for myself...for example be able to shop at regular stores, ride roller coasters, fit into booths comfortably, etc. You might also want to talk to your husband and try and get him involved with your weight loss. I know in my case, my weight loss will greatly benefit my husband too... Just try and stay focused and positive! Good luck! Monica

With my program, I have been told from the get go that I can not have carbonated drinks at all, EVER! I know every doctor is different but they say the carbonation can cause band slippage.

My surgeon said 3 weeks but I didn't make it that long ...lol...I just didn't get too entusiastic...

Hi Brenda, I'm Monica, I'm from Birmingham. Roll Tide...Welcome to the site, It is very good for pre banders to come here a get some of their questions answered by people that are going through it. I was banded last month on Sept. 11 so if I can help you with anything let me know...Welcome and Congradulations on your decision. :w00t: