LapBandit

Thanks everyone! I'm sorry my photos are taking up half the screen! Some tips I have is to get regular exercise, follow your doctor's orders and stay positive and motivated. Sometimes I got distracted or lost a little of my spark but it's important to stay focused on the big picture which for me is NEVER wanting to go back to the way I was!

Thanks SD Chick...you made my day!

Yeah, a lot of my issues were based on poor lifestyle habits...lots of simple/processed carbs and not eating ANYTHING all day sometimes until dinner at which point I'd pig out almost all night until bedtime because I was starving.

We all have different things that got us to the point of needing surgery! But once I made up my mind that I was ready to change my old habits I lost weight, gained energy and greatly improved my health. So, it is worth it to me to forego those old pizza and Pasta pig outs!!!!

I think most of us slowed down once we went back to regular foods but it's a temporary issue. Hard as it is...try not to worry about it as it's totally normal. Once your body acclimates back to a normal diet it will settle down and you'll see progress again. Your body has been through a lot and just needs some time!

You sound perfectly on track to me. Everything you described is what I went through. I was feeling pretty well back to normal by day 4 but didn't regain my hunger for about two weeks. As far as getting in the liquids...keep trying. If you get dehydrated you will feel worse!

Find Members of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

This link takes you to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery site. Enter your zip and select whether you only want to see "Center Of Excellence" doctors then it should help you locate a doctor in your area. Good luck!

I was eating solids at this same point you're in and was fine. If your doctor said you're OK and you aren't having problems then you sound just fine to me.

I'd say nix the pepsi too. Carbonation doesn't sit well with me any more anyway. Some people say it's bad for your pouch...others say it's OK.

Yes, once you get a fill you will probably see that you are eating even less but you sound like you're doing just fine to me.

Ultimately YOU are the one who has to feel 100% confident in your decision whether to move forward or not. But, having doubts or being scared is a very normal part of the process. You are changing your life by getting banded. It's a huge decision.

For me, I knew I needed to improve my health and was committed to doing whatever I needed to do to lose this weight. Yes, I was still nervous even as I was being wheeled into the OR because who can possibly imagine what it was going to feel like to have a device implanted inside me. I was afraid it wouldn't work. I was afraid I would feel it inside me. I was afraid the surgery would need converted into an open procedure which I truly did not want. But, for me it all turned out great. Life changed but not in a bad way at all. I still eat and enjoy my food. I do not feel the "equipment" inside me and I followed the pre-op so my surgery went great...all in all...I had made myself more nervous from all the unknowns than I really needed to.

Just keep doing research and asking us questions all while you do some soul searching and the right answer will come with time. Good luck on your decision!

I was on a very strict diet for a full week prior to surgery...for the whole liver thing. So, if you are less than a week away then I would say you missed the boat.

Your surgeon's book says you can have a pig out day??!! That's too funny! My surgeon would never permit a pig out day regardless of when my surgery was scheduled for! He must be a fun guy!

Your stomach is probably still pretty swollen and so your band is most likely really tight right now...when I'm tight I have the burp issue while drinking. But, you're doing the right things...drink small sips and slowly. That's about all you can do from my experience. Plus...you aren't using a straw are you?? They say bandsters using straws can cause extra air to travel with the liquid and could be causing some of your problem.

I know know if everyone has to do a liquid pre-op diet but I'd definately say the vast majority of us had to. It's not the easiest thing to get through but it does get you mentally ready to change your relationship with food. I thought of mine as a "detox" of sorts as I prepared for my new life with band.

The pysch eval is nothing to worry about. The questions I were asked were basically aimed at making sure I was prepared to follow the doctor's orders; to make sure I wanted the surgery for the right reasons (not vanity) and to ensure I had a realistic concept of how my life might change after losing weight.

I'm sure everything will be just fine for you!

You poor thing...that piece of chocolate is taunting you, isn't it! If you really want it then perhaps you could just go ahead and have it. Depriving yourself too long can backfire into a major boo-boo. As far as post-op...it depends on your doctor. Some of us were allowed to eat regular foods after one to two weeks while others had to stay on a liquid diet for a month post-op. So, it all depends on what your doctor says about when you could have that chocolate post-op.

Good luck and whatever you decide to do I hope you get to truly enjoy it! Chocolate is yummy...even if it's sugar free!!

Thanks for sharing in my joy!!

My doctor reviewed my fill history to see how much should be in my band then he verified the correct amount was still present when he withdrew all the Fluid just prior to the fill. (This is a quick way to make sure there's no band leak as well.)

As far as deciding whether or not to call earlier regarding your fill. Unfortunately this has to be your decision. If you can stay on track until your next scheduled appointment then that's probably easier. But, if you are worried that you'll really struggle until then you might want to call and see if they can push up your appointment.

Good luck!

However I have not had a bm since surgery.

I usually go three times a day.

What's that about?

Things will definately slow to a trickle when you're on liquids or mushies. There's probably not much to "get rid of". But, my surgeon told us not to go three days without anything happening or else we should call. I hope that helps.

I'm glad my two cents actually helped someone feel better!! I'm happy you're feeling better!

You're doing great. Just hang in there until your next fill and things will work themselves out. Don't let someone tell you that you're eating too much. The only people who can give you that advice is yourself and your doctor! Especially if you're eating good foods as it seems you are.

I've had experiences with some bypass patient's opinions too but they are two completely different surgeries and you won't want to get into a habit of trying to compare yourself to her.

I was a carb-a-holic myself. Carbs are not the enemy...simple carbs are. (White bread, white rice and other processed carbs are the unhealthy culprits.)

Eating whole-grain carbs are OK and a necessary part of a balanced diet. So, I enjoy a baked potato and brown rice or whatever whole-grain carb I like...just in moderation. One word of caution...a lot of stuff will advertise that they are a good source of whole-grain but if you read the label you need to look to verify that it specifically lists only whole-grains and not "enriched" or other modified carbs as well.

I hope that helps. I've lost a good amount of weight and still enjoyed whole-grain carbs along the way!

I just wanted to share my good news! I have restriction! I haven't had consistent restriction since surgery...my choosing. This whole time I have eaten normal portions of food and would feel satisfied but never "restricted" in the sense that I physically couldn't eat another bite.

But now at 11cc's in my VG band I can say that I am restricted! I can eat perfectly fine but once I hit that 1-1 1/2 cup mark I actually get the sensation to STOP. It's amazing. I HOPE it stays and doesn't loosen up again.

Now I feel like a real member of the club! The interesting part is trying to get used to it. I went out to dinner tonight and actually took home a doggie bag!

No, the sweet spot should feel "sweet" and comfy! If you're having pain and can't eat more than a bite or two then you're in the "way too tight" spot! Fills can sometimes feel extra tight at first but if you had your fill 3 weeks ago and it hasn't loosened up then I'd definately say you are too tight and need to call. Good luck and you'll find that sweet spot!

faithmd is right...the incisions might need some extra attention but I have used a tanning bed many times with no issues at all. Don't worry...your band/port won't melt under the lamps!

Yep, you sound normal to me. chicken is way more dense than refried Beans so I can eat considerably more of softer foods than I can solid Proteins.

Although I wouldn't say it's normal to have actual "pain" a lot but yes, I also can experience different sensations following eating if I've eaten too quickly or too much. Actual pain might be something to mention to your doctor if it bothers you.

The last thing "Make sure I wake up."

The first thing "Was my liver small enough?" (He snickered at that one because I was still half unconsious!)

WOW...I feel so thankful that my surgeon has provided me with spectacular follow up care. Unfortunately, you didn't have that opportunity and have paid the price. But, the good news is...if you refresh yourself on the rules and start practicing them right now you will be prepared for the big fill coming up. Even if your portions are bigger right now because you aren't restricted it will still get you into the groove of how to eat when you're properly restricted. You'll probably be in for quite a shock though...having restriction is a whole different ball game! Good luck and you'll be fine!

Don't be worried about sporadically PBing in front of people without warning. I KNOW that something isn't going to work for me just a few seconds after I swallow it. Plus, this should be a once-in-a-blue-moon sorta thing anyway. If someone is PBing on a regular basis then their band is not properly adjusted or they might not be following the rules well enough. I never worry about it and when it does happen you just do your best to spare others from witnessing it!!

Your port is sutured onto your abdominal muscle wall and it seems to take longer to heal than the stomach for some people. If it is really bothersome then talk to your doctor. Otherwise, some times even now if I move wrong or wear tight pants I can still feel a twinge. But, I never had real "pain" just occasional discomfort.