thebandedgirl

Ask your doc. My surgeon says okay, if there's no discomfort, two months or more post-op. I used to drink one or two cans a day...but I don't miss it now. I can resume soda in a few weeks but doubt I'll have it.

Awesome progress

You can make a ticker at tickerfactory.com and then post it in your signature area under the user control panel of the site. As for your weight loss: don't expect anything right now! This is a time for your body to heal and rest, not lose weight It's pretty common for people to gain weight during this stage, actually. Try to be patient. I know it's difficult (believe me, I'm having problems right now), but try. Go easy on yourself!

Wow. My doc has us on one or two days of liquids followed by one or two days of mushies--we are to advance as we are comfortable. I can't imagine two weeks of liquids!

I was surprised at how much chicken four ounces is when I weighed it out pre-op! I don't weigh or measure food, but I should start. I'm really resistant to the idea of adding one more step into food prep, though.

Listen to RestlessMonkey, please. Postponing the surgery is much better than death or major complications from having an illness. Don't forget that these are usually smart and highly trained people and they'll probably catch it if you're sick and think you silly for attempting to fool them.

Same here--liquid Lortab! I started taking liquid Tylenol almost right away, though. I don't like the way Lortab makes me feel.

Echoing therapy. I'm going to go as soon as I get my new insurance card--old insurance didn't cover it!

There is a ton of information you should know. There's no way anyone can put all of it in a response for you :smile2: My best advice for getting it? Read posts around here and peoples' blogs (check out signatures, lots of us have them). I was so sick of LAP-BAND stuff by the time I had surgery, I couldn't force myself to get online to check forums or even update my blog when I got home.

Any way to get the gas out is a good way. It relieves pressure and feels better :smile2:

We were banded on the same day :smile2: You've lost more than me. Congratulations on your progress and willpower!

Mine hurt for three or four weeks and twinges from time to time. I can't lay on my port side for long periods of time now, six weeks out. Fortunately, I sleep on my other side anyway :smile2:

I didn't have a hernia, fortunately, but it is pretty common! I've read that recovery from banding plus hernia operations is a little tougher than just the banding, but only a little.

Yay! Enjoy Costa Rica. The best advice I can give you is to pamper yourself and relax before surgery. I got a pedicure :smile2:

Goodness, I couldn't imagine eating a 12" sub BEFORE I started on this journey and got used to smaller portions than I was eating before. Now I eat a 6" with the top half of the bread removed and no chips. Thanks for the reassurance, all. Intellectually, I know that slower and more conservative is better. I struggle emotionally, though. I should have posted this in the Fills forum; I was having a ditsy moment last night :biggrin:

I have little to no restriction and don't have a problem with any food other than really dry hunks of food (chicken, beef, potatoes, etc). Just take it slow. Chew well. If you even suspect that you're going to have a problem, don't eat another bite. You'll be fine

I fell in love with mashed potatoes, green chili, and cheddar cheese when I was on my mushy stage. I don't think I would have survived without it I'm using my Wii Fit for exercise while it's still a workout for me! I love the boxing!! After I lose some weight and get in a bit of shape, I hope that I'm going to have to find something new.

I've only had one fill and was numbed. After over 18 pricks (that's the number of itty-bitty scabs could count in the area) with the fill needle and a lot of digging around, I was very glad that I couldn't feel the pain! Had it been a simple in and out thing, I would have been okay with no numbing agent at all. But it's standard procedure where I go

Does anyone else have a surgeon who is very conservative with fills? The office I go to does 1cc at a time. I, therefore, have 1cc in my 10cc band and no restriction whatsoever. An entire sandwich from Subway? Yes, please! I'm feeling a little frustrated because my weight is yo-yoing between the same three or four pounds and has been since I started solid foods three and a half weeks ago. I know that it's common for some people to get 3-4ccs on their first fill visit, and now I'm concerned that it's going to take me MONTHS (as the surgeon will do fills every 4 weeks) to feel any restriction at all. Anyone have reassurance? Similar stories? I'm feeling a little alone right now. Thanks

I was on a pre-op diet for three weeks, too; however, my surgeon doesn't require a purely liquid diet. We might be able to help you better with what "works well" if you let us know what your surgeon's requirements are. I was able to eat veggies, lean Protein, and the like, but many cannot My boyfriend has been completely supportive and wonderful despite the fact that he didn't want me to have the surgery done at all.

Hi Sharie! Hope you get to meet your surgeon soon!

I'm with Restless Monkey on the getting back from the hospital/surgical center front. I had a restriction on the amount of weight I could lift for four weeks, but it varies from one surgeon to the next. A rolling bag should be fine Good luck with all of your changes! You've got a lot to look forward to!

Dr. Nirmul was my surgeon, too!!! Hello all Phoenix area people :laugh:

Remember that the time that passes between the time you are banded and the time you get your first fill is for HEALING. This might mean that you gain weight. It might mean that you lose. It might mean that you maintain. Don't stress about it! Just follow your surgeon's instructions and let your body do its thing. I know it's much easier for me to type that than it is for you to hear it, but trust me (the stranger on the internet :laugh:! You've had a rough go of things; I am so sorry for the stresses that you've experienced over the past several years. Have you, as the above commenter suggested, considered counseling to help you deal with the emotional issues you have? It might do you a world of good. I know I've relied on therapy for several rough Patches in my life and it's been invaluable. When all else fails, come to other bandsters for support :tt2: You are absolutely not alone.

I guzzle it. I don't have a lot of restriction yet, so I might have to change that, in which case I'll be in trouble. I can't remember to take a sip every few minutes!