MelodyJ

Melinda--not there yet...but maybe someday!! Need to lose some more weight and get in better shape....then maybe!!? Lisa--congrats on your soon entrance into banded life!!! I love it!!! YOu will love it!!! God Bless, MElody Banded 3/20/06 -37lbs:)

Leenerbumps, Did you actually check your blood sugar or just "feel" that it was low?! Some antidepressants can make you feel this way....also you must be careful if your diagnosed w/ bipolar....the antidepressant can take you the other way! I've prescribed Prozac and it works good....it's an oldie but a goodie! And you are on a low dose.....so hopefully it will be just enough!! And you may adjust to that feeling of sugar....by the way....don't eat the sugar...it just raises your sugar and then it plummets....eat your Protein and AVOID sugar....makes the situation worse!!!! THat is why we gain weight is we eat the "wrong" food and our body screams and shoves out the insulin which makes our sugar drop then insulin also makes us hungry so it's a vicious cycle!!!!! If you don't have a rash, your sugar is not low then keep trying to work it!!! You've helped me...hopefully this helps!!! :party: God Bless, MElody Banded 3/20/06 -37lbs:)

Tinaj-- Best thing I ever did for myself so far!!! :party: Just do exactly what they tell you to do...only baby spoon bites; chew, chew, chew; 60sec. btwn bites and only dish out 3-4 oz on a small plate! Don't ask yourself if your full....ask yourself "Am I still hungry?".....I have lost 37lbs in 34days....all post op!! Didn't do a pre-op diet.....I weigh 100lbs more than you....so you won't lose as fast...but you will lose if you follow the band and use the band as a tool!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -37lbs

I am taking a Walmart knock off of Flinstones--One Source Complete chewable....they suggest only 1/day for adults and children over 4ys. They do have Iron and lots of stuff!! I also have invested in Fruit Plus..... I chew up "2fruits" in the morning and "2veggies" in the evening...suggested by a friend. I do feel great!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -37lbs :party:

Yoda--I agree w/ Dawn....my problem the 2nd or 3rd day was head hunger....food there that must be eat!! It will pass and it's easier said than done....don't think about it!! You will have a symphony down in your gut area!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -37lbs :party:

Leenerbumps: I've stayed on mushy since I was so rough Thursday and Friday!! :party: No thank you to the testing phase again....I have slowed WAY DOWN also!!! Really don't want to have that pain EVER again!!!!!! Maybe you do want to stay mushy a bit longer.....up to you of course!! Donna--sounds much better than what I did!!!! I will try mushy....gotta be better than nasty bitter!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!! There is actually a PPI that is powder to add to liquid....Zegerid didn't have any in my office and not sure how it tastes anyway?!!? Hopefully won't need anymore!!!! Desertmom--still could be food....remember it takes a while for it too pass through that little hole....maybe consider liquids for a day or so then mushies and go VERY VERY SLOW!!! From a woman who KNOWS!!!! Really appreciate everyones help and encouragement!! Thanks!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -37lbs

Well....I am alive!! Wondered if I would ever visit a site again!? I wasn't able to do much except sleep since 6pm last night. Finally up at 11am today!!! Feeling SO MUCH BETTER!!! PRAISE GOD!! I was truly in misery!! Hate to complain so was trying to be brave....I ended up taking the Meclizine....that made me hurl....but hurling w/ the band is much different I've disovered!! I was able to handle 3oz of smoothie this AM and took 20minutes to do it!! I am DETERMINED to S-L-O-W down!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, I gotta go do something!! Thanks for prayers and help!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -37lbs

Mona--so sorry you were denied....I was denied in TN by the same insurance!! They just don't want to pay anything...even though obesity has many more complications!!! VERY frustrating!! I ended up going self-pay. I'm praying the Lord providesa miracle in your finances!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -37lbs

Leenerbumps-- How do I take the meat tenderizer? I called my dr finally today....the PA called back and felt that something may have gotten stuck OR it was just left over from surgery swelling??? Told me to go back to liquids...already done that the last 24+ hrs!! I was dry-heaving...nothing out til the last time and I had this belch w/ the heaves and white stuff come out then have not since....the nausea has lessened...but in the background a bit still. Took Bonine (meclizine) chewables and have slept much since after work....rough day!! Anyway.....she told me only hot/warm stuff as cold could cause to spasm worse!?! So I am drinking hot only now....maybe helping?!? Broths' and hot Water w/ lemon in it....not really a tea drinker... bout ready to try no matter what?! She's telling me that by tomorrow I will be feeling better since I backed off?! I'm thinking I don't know if I ever want to eat again!! Thanks for any advice/help!!!!!!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs:) (probably more by now)

Good to the last Melody?!?!? Melody Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs :Banane56:

Leenerbumps, I guess eating too fast...I was a record speed eater prior to surgery...so anything was a slow down to me...but I'm eating too fast I guess AND not ready for solids....i was doing GREAT on mushies...but Monday when I went to solids got MISERABLE! I was up last night twice as I get a sudden metallic taste and have to dry heave gently....nothing comes out....but wonder if I had something stuck and it's just sore now?! These stupid pains come up from the intestinal area and go through my chest and sometimes come out the top....sometimes not?! I took Maalox max....so things are coming out the other end quite smoothly...magnesium always does the trick!! :eek: I am only about 32 days post op or so....I ate soup last night and still not hungry 13hrs later....have not had any fills yet of course....can't imagine making things tighter in there just yet?! :Banane56: My husband says, "should I worry?" I'm quite pitiful right now....I am able to work....but feel very tired of course....tried not to whine...but sure don't like this pain!! HOping that whatever it is passes. Using the antacids, liquid tylenol. He broke open a Nexium capsule yesterday and put in pudding (disgusting) and not quite feeling up to par...hoping this weekend to rest and recoup!!!! Any suggestions...I'm open!! :mad: Thanks, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs

WOW you ALL helped me!! I am 4 weeks post op and just started solids since Monday and I am MISERABLE the last 3 days!! I have this pain you are describing and I think you have all answered me!!! Thank you thank you!!!!! I went back to liquids today...I am still "sore" but praying that by tomorrow will be feeling perkier!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs

Oh Megan....you made me so excited....I just moved back to FL and told my husband I can't wait to get a new drivers' license taken as soon as I lose most of the weight!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs

Melinda-- I am losing quickly....loving it!! I know eventually it will need to slow down.... even though I wish it wouldn't I have actually lost a little over a pound a day!! Wooohoo!!! Not bragging at all....just PRAISING GOD as He is my strength!!! I am not on liquids anymore....I started mushy about 11 days ago and regular was 3 days ago...but today have backed back to liquids/mushies as I am having some discomfort. Praying nothing is stuck but I am sore in my chest/esophagus region! I am not vomitting so I must have an opening but wondering if something got stuck and it's just sore from that! I followed the liquids for 3 weeks as told then went forward....but still very careful!! I am exercising...I didn't get a full release til Monday which was my 28th day....My husband and I walk each evening and we're not quite walking 2mi each evening in 30min....hoping to increase the speed and distance! Also purchased "Yoga Booty Ballet"....hoping it gets me in shape soon!!! Let's keep up with one another!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs

Welcome....you can do it!! I pray for your peace....this has been life changing for me!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs

MelAnne: Oh girl, I hear your heart....we have struggled for YEARS to overcome. The band is a tool to do just that. The stats are the same when you go 5ys out as the bypass for lap band! I know we live in a microwave society--we want everything YESTERDAY!!!! Are you exercising? How much are you drinking in calories? Exercise is a mood elevator for sure!! You CAN do this....don't compare yourself to ANYONE!!! You are NOT losing your mind....God gave you a sound mind and self-control His Word says!! I'll be praying for you!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs

FEL0816--It's normal to not feel hungry...I actually prayed that the Lord would keep the hunger away as long as He would!!!!! I just made sure that I wasn't dehydrated!! Just go at your own pace...I couldn't even consider taking 4 oz every other hour....so your doing pretty good! :confused: You will get hungry...hang in there! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs

Sherri, Have just finished praying!! Pray the Lord eases the pain....it does get better each day....truly one day at a time!!! :confused: God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs

Tess, I did Clear Liquids for a week then full liquids for 2 wks then to mushies. Don't forget on full liquids you can have pudding which can be filling!! Liquids dont' last nearly as long.....it's a tough time!! But once you start eating more mushies it lasts up to 5 hrs before your actually hungry....so it does get better. Plus go distract yourself and don't "obsess" with your belly....boy I sure did at times and I still struggle with all these new feelings/sensations! Just keep focusing on the 18lbs!! WOW!!!! That is AWESOME!!!! Great motivation!!! Go take a walk!! Karen: Be careful!! You don't want to hurt your new surgery. If you are walking at a leisurely pace it's ok. They told me not to even sweat the first 4 weeks.....I slowly have worked my way up now that I was released yesterday. They also told me to not worry about the first 6wks weight until the fill....but of course, I'm focusing on the scale....have had to make myself only get on it only once a week....I really don't want it to control me!! It has in the past. And....10lbs is NOTHING to sneeze at ..it's 1/5th of your wt loss need!!! Good Job!!! :confused: Praying the Lord helps you both!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs

Susan...good wisdom!! Thanks!! I agree!! We paid way too much money, stress, etc to go back to our old ways!! The Bible says to renew your mind daily....it's the same with this!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs :confused:

I was excited someone posted too.....maybe I should have done it?! But glad we're now "talking"!! I pray we all set records!!! :confused: God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -30lbs

mrk520- this is the training ground!! This a time to "practice" what we've been told. I cannot personally eat much more than 4 oz at a time. You must ask yourself am I still hungry after each bite. You must take bites the size of a baby spoon and chew to mush and put your fork (sandwich) down and chew 15-20+ times each bite and then wait a full 60 seconds before you continue....this is the tough time before your fill...I have not had a fill yet....hoping to within the next 2 weeks as I am starting to get hungry before the 5hrs they said.....remember it's not necessarily about being "full" but not being hungry!! :confused: God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -30lbs

Melinda, I was actually banded in Dalton, GA 3/20/06 but have moved to Orange City, FL. I am loving banded life!! I love the sense of control and "power" I feel! :confused: What a difference!! Am VERY pleased!! I've lost 30lbs this past 28days!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -30lbs

CHeri--what a hoot!! I actually caught on.....or hoped I did!! I like your joke rather than real!! CONGRATS!!!!!! PRaying you lose even more...but hold onto that child!!!!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -30lbs :confused:

Eileen...I was told 4-6oz....that's 1/2 cup plus if I need it. So I measure out my 1/2 cup take a bite, put down my baby spoon chew 15times then wait 1min (still practicing) then take another bite. By the time I'm finished I generally feel "not hungry" anymore. It's not always a matter of feeling full....it's a matter of not feeling hungry anymore. A new way to look at it! I don't know rules on salad as I am just starting regular food today!! I have been on mushies, etc. Praying this helps!! God Bless, Melody Banded 3/20/06 -30lbs