Big Momma is Shrinking

Alwaysinpain......poor you I know this is NOT what you signed up for. Start with your band Dr, something is definetly going on and he needs to figure out what it is, second do you still have your gallbladder?? I started having attacks after my twins were born in '99, but I had no idea that's what it was. I was not actually diagnosed until 2005 and then didn't have it removed until this past christmas. When I had an attack it felt like I was having a heartattack. Like there was a vice around my chest along with a stabbing pain that went from my shoulder across to the oppisite hip (I would describe it as having a pc of rebar shoved thru my torso). Many people have gallbladder issues following significant weight changes. If you still have yours I would insist that they check to see if that might be the problem. Remember this is something you did to IMPROVE your quality of life, if you are miserable something needs to be done!! Don't take no for an answer!!

Don't be too hard on yourself, you are still in the healing phase and have NO RESTRICTION yet....everyone heals differently, but I am still wearing pretty much all the same clothes as before too. Our bodies need time to recover from the surgery. Right now I fix my dinner on a baby plate, and I usually eat everything on my plate, granted this is WAY LESS food then I was eating before, but it sure ain't a 1/4 c of yogurt either...I am weighing and measuring most of my food (notice I said MOST) but still I'm eating almost a serving (amazing how small 1 serving really is compared to how I use to eat). I know it's hard to be patient and you have invested alot of you time in finding a solution but try to remember this is a process and not a magic band. You keep doing your part and the band will do it's. Go easy with your fills, from what I've learned from others your stomach needs time to adjust to the pressure of the band from each fill, if you get too much at once you may have some issues, and if your Dr is not available that would not be a good thing. Just remember, we all understand what it is you are going thru and anytime you need someone we will be here for you. Try to shake off your doubts and worries and relax a little, your going to get there!!

I wouldn't do the lunchable thing....those are anything but health food. Ham and cheese roll-ups are pretty easy (for that matter it doesn't even have to be ham if you don't like ham) sometimes I used sliced cheeses and sometimes I will use a flavored cheese spread. Don't forget your Water so that you will be getting your fluids in. And most importantly.......God Bless YOU on a bus full of kids!!!

I say if they know you by voice alone.....or if your call always go directly to voicemail then maybe you called too much.....but I agree if you don't stay on top of it who is going to? I swear the waiting is one of the hardest parts!!!

I thought it might be more convienent if we had one place we could go for recipes links verses them being spread throughout the entire forum. These are a few that I know of.... Lapband.com - Healthy Recipes to Support Your LAP-BAND® Journey Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes - Home http://www.lowcarbluxury.com/lowcarb-desserts.html

Make sure you have a heating pad on hand. It will help with the gax and discomfort as well. Best of luck tomorrow!! Happy Shrinking!!

Hey Bandsters... I thought some might like this link... Lapband.com - LAP-BAND® Recipes: Browse, Rate & Share there is something here for every stage and it does not require a id # or membership to access the recipes. Happy Shrinking

I HIGHLY recommed that you consider calling the Dr to have a small amount removed. While not speaking from personal experience, I've read quite a few post from members who alowed their bands to remain to tight to the point of frequent vomiting and have ended up losing their bands in the long run. I know how hard it is to work your butt off and no be rewarded at the end of the day by the scales but you have to keep telling yourself....I didn't get here overnight and I'm not going to lose it overnight either. I honestly think our bodies are so use to the extra weight that their fighting us tooth and nail to hold on to every pound that we are sweating our butts off to kiss goodbye...especially for those of us that have been heavy for a long time....it is hard to push your body out of it's "comfort zone" but I think most of us chose the band as the healthiest alternative for WLS, so let it help you in a way that is not comprimising your well being. Happy Shrinking!!

I'm in TX and not RI so I don't have any advice regarding a surgeon, but here is what I can suggest. If you are planning to self pay contact the surgeons office and inquire about their requirments, but if you are planning to try and go thru your insurance co, then the first thing you need to do is contact them to verify bariatric coverage and then ask what the requirements are for qualification. Good luck to you, I wish you a healthy happy future!!

GRAZING..... I'm a grazer....I tend to have a bite of this and that when I'm cooking and then do it again if I end up back in the kitchen with the food after dinner. Now that I'm banded I keep reminding myself....your not hungry, don't put that in your mouth.

Jaime, My heart breaks for you, I myself have never lost a child, but my sister-in-law did and I've seen how devestating it can be. You are still greiving and that is understandable. Instead of turning to food try calling a friend, talking a walk, or maybe even journaling. It might help you to get our feelings out also have you considered looking for a support group? You had great success, I hope that God will give you the comfort you need to heal.

Congrats!!!

I started mushies on day 8 just to be on the safe side (surg Thurs 3/26, mushies Fri April 3)

Gregnlr, My bestfriend also happens to be my l/b mentor. She brought me a care package before surgery that contained a baby plate & silverware, a notebook and a cosmetics bag to keep them in. I thought she was being a little silly with the plate, but I have actually found it really helps with protion control. I only have one plate for now so I don't usually bring it with me to work or if I eat out....I'm finding that I think I eat larger portions at work if it's not something I have already pre-measured, so she obliviously knew better then me....lol

Sounds like yall are doing awesome!! Most days i feel pretty good, my port insicion can still be pretty tender at times...sometimes if I move the wrong way it feels like i'm being stabbed. Bernadette, don't fell bad about your fill I'm not getting my first fill until May 1. For now I'm eating on my baby plate with baby silverware and doing my best to eat a little amount and then walk away. Hang in there everyone, I'm soooo happy to hear everyone is doing sooo well!!!

Conetha, my surgery was 3/26 and yes I am still having some bloating in my stomach. I'm also still having lots of tenderness mostly around my bellybutton. I can only wear jeans for a cpl of hours before the waistband is just killing me. Try to be patient we are still healing and it will take some time for the swelling to go down, but just think how food you will feel when you wake up one morning and your tummy is MUCH flatter!!

here are the pics....if this doesn't work search Scar Stages http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/scar-stages-share-yours-6117/?highlight=scar also check out http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f178/i-finally-found-scar-treatment-works-91342/?highlight=scar

BSG....you are still healing and adjusting to a RADICAL change in your eating habits, it's very understandable that you just don't have the energy for sex.... Now saying that I also understand exactly how your wife is feeling....We are also a cpl that is VERY active....and if it is more then a few days that my husband seems "uninterested" I start to take it personally. Try explaining to her that you love her and still find her incrediably sexy and you can't wait until you can reconnect, ask her to be patient and try to keep the intamacy there.....sex doesn't equal love and right now she is problably feeling a little disconnected.

Unless you have blockage or your band is TOOO tight I do not see how it is possible for any liquids to "sit in your stoma".... Our bands provide us with a small drain if you will....and liquids go down the drain quickly...hence the reason we are supposed to eat solid foods after the healing process verses liquids and sliders...or atleast this is whatI have been instructed by my Dr.

There is a scar thread on here that has quite a few progress photos if you are interested in seeing how other's have healed. But it really will be more a matter of how your body heals.

I know it's hard amd it really sucks waiting for our fills....my 1st on isn't until May 1....today is my first day back on solid foods....and I have 14 days of that b/4 my fill...being doing ok so far..... As far as being hungry all the time try eating more protien rich foods they are going to stay with you longer. The more sweets and carbs (yes even s/f) the more you are going to crave.... Just keep repeating....This is ONLY Temporary, This is ONLY Temporary...

I'm sooo sorry to hear this. I hope that they can work everything out to get you back on the schedule ASAP....I think I would have flipped out on someone! Maybe this is supposed to be a little test from appove to see how commited you are...try to keep smiling, we can't wait to call you a bandster too!!!

I hope everything went great for you yesterday!! We wanna hear how you are feeling....good luck Zetanett