als74

I am on 1st day of TOM and yesterday I started having pain under my sternum, and some today. My top roll is puffier than usual, and when I bend, it pushes on my sternum. I am betting TOM is the cause of this pain.

I just love how a few of you read only certain parts of what I have to say and completely ignore the rest. I also make mistakes, I DO sympathize, if I never made major mistakes- hello- would I have needed the band? NO! Please share your mistakes. JUST EXPECT ME TO BE HONEST! I bet I will make mistakes, and I will share them. I am just not going to ask you if it is ok. Because I know it is not. We are sharing and understanding, not here to tell you hurting yourself is ok. You are more than welcome to feel the way you do. People need all kinds of sympathy/empathy. I only used the hamburger incident (actually there was two) because it was the most recent and the most shocking to me. I feel horrible for that person, to go through such a painful process as surgery then to have such a lack of support. But I wouldn't ever say it was ok.

I agree. Well, my hubby and I do make love (very tender and completely in to each other), but most of the time it is just sex. I don't want to give too much away, but my hubby and I have had "wonderful times with other couples." One couple even had bariatric surgery! I got to ask them all sorts of questions. It was great! I caution though- there has to be a lot of trust, and mutual feelings about sharing. One person pushing another is no fun!

I haven't lost that much yet, but I am noticing that the skin under my armpits is flatter and flabbier (not rebounding well). I really notice it when I lay on my back! Like- what is this crap?! My feet are already smaller, and my ring is loose (yeah- I may soon be able to wear my wedding ring again!!!)

I called and they said it was probably muscle pain, and to try cold compress 1st, then it that didn't work, try heat. If I still have it tomorrow, to call back. I have it today, but not at bad as yesterday. It gets worse with bending and breathing out deep, so I am trying not to do that:wink2:

I am 3 weeks out and finally on purees. It is wonderful to eat something and feel full. I was stuffed after lunch today, and still not really hungry. That being said, I go home where everyone is eating chips and cookies, and it smells soooo good. My advice is to tough it out. I mean, this will not go on forever, and think about other diets you went on. You usually last what, a month or two? Pretend this diet will end in and week or two (which it kind of will) and you go on a new diet. I loved my refried beans, cheese, and spinach today, because all I could eat before was cottage cheese, yogurt, and soup before. One step at a time...

How long did yours last? I really don't want to call my surgeon. I can't afford to take ANY time off work. How about if I see my reg doc tomorrow? Thank you for your feedback by the way... Has anyone else had this problem and had it be serious?

I don't know what I did. I am 3 weeks out and did some more bending than usual today. But for some reason when I let out my breath I get a pain in my chest/sternum area. What could this be? It is not from food, because I wasn't able to each like I usually do, and the pain started early today, when I had only eaten a yogurt- the pain started a few hours later. suggestions PLEASE!!!

I really hate to post this, but I met a couple who had bi-pass, and the husband drank beer like there was no tomorrow. He said beer was his replacement behavior for eating. He looked great too! But he was bi-pass- maybe there is a difference. I am SURE an occational beer or pop would not do any harm. But I am not a doc. I know if the future when healing is all done, I will have the occational beer. Maybe one or two a month.

I have good insurance, and I am sure I can get a breast reduction after I am done losing weight, but what about the rest? How can I get insurance to pay for plastic surgery?

Hi Everyone! I have read on many threads some great sounding Protein shakes, and I was wondering what brands they were and where you get them at. I buy the EAS ones, but they don't sound nearly as good as some of the flavors you all have mentioned. I am looking for something new- can you help me out? My other question is, my packet says once I am on full solids I should not be drinking any Protein Shakes. Yet everyone seems to be drinking them. What's the what?

It is fine to admit to your mistake, but don't ask us to tell you it is ok because it is NOT!!!

I had the same problem. Cooking for family was hell. And my 3 yr old is always wanting what I have. So her delicious meal would sit there, and she would beg for my shakes and jello. Now she wants my yogurt and cottege cheese. Doesn't she realize how good she has it?

I was banded Dec 22, and have been struggling myself. When I went from the Clear Liquids to full liquids, I stopped losing weight. I assumed it was due to the extra calories from the oatmeal, yogurt, cottage cheese, and Soup I was eating. So I cut out the oatmeal, and have yogurt for Breakfast, cottage cheese for lunch, soup for dinner, and Protein shake for a snack. I also have a K protein Water if I get hungry in between. I am constantly drinking water in between to help with the hunger. My thought is, if you can get in you 60 grams of protein and your water, try to keep under 1000 cals, it might help. If you are eatling less, you body might go into starvation mode and start storing fat instead of burning it. Stretch those cals throughout the day to keep you metabolism going. Hope this is helpful:regular_smile:

Where are you guys getting these delicious sounding protein shakes????

I heard that cold restricts the band, and heat makes it looser. You may be going in the wrong direction. Try some hot tea before you eat.

Hi all, I start the mushies/pureed stage on Monday, and I was wondering what your favorite food was during this time. (Please, only diet friendly foods- no milkshakes).

I am sorry to hear you are having such a hard time. You know, I had to go to 12 sessions of counseling before they would approve my band. I think it would be better if they made everyone see someone once a week after surgery. That is when the real battle begins. I mean, AA have sponsers. Did you think about getting one?

Sorry, I thought I created this post looking for others who were frustrated like me. Guess I will have to private message next time.

I have used both, but I am "short" inside, so sometimes tampons hurt me.

How long did you wait after surgery to have sex?

I am new, and anticipate the same problems, but I was hoping to get some feedback on a current. I consider myself and clean person, and always work hard and being clean in certain areas. But this new diet, all the Protein and shakes and fish, I have notices a change in oder and taste (according to DH). How did I go from sweet and pleasant to bitter and foul!?! Sorry if this grossing anyone out, but what do I do?

I was told it is a water retention issue that causes that. Still waiting for Aunt Flo, so don't know yet.

I got a binder with all kinds of info in it. One page wat called fighting bad breath, and sugerless gum was recommended. You don't swallow the gum- just chew it. When I am done, I spit it out.

Welcome to bandster hell. I am almost 3 weeks out and having hunger pains. The first week after is the worst- it slowly gets better. Not till your fills and resrtiction does it get more normal where you really feel full.