ocotillo

I've only lost 29 pounds and I can already see the new wrinkles in my face. One cheek is definitely crinkly and I have at least a year and half to go to get close to my goal. I can just imagine how droopy I'm going to be by then. Fortunately, my husband doesn't mind. I think he wants me to be healthy and keep moving rather than be fat and immobile because of my fat. I'm also saving my money for PS. I swore I would never get a face lift, but let me tell you.....that's probably the first thing I'll get done when I get close to goal. I'm just not ready to have a flabby face. I can hide the rest, but not my face. ee

I think I was told go back to everything at three weeks. I was on a total liquid diet for three weeks then started with solid food. No mushies. I wasn't told not to pick up things either....oh well, I really didn't do too much. I also think being active helped in the healing part. As for the constipation.....I just use a little MOM almost every day. I got so bad that I was seriously worried, after that cleared up, I don't ever want to do that again. Oh, I'm 5 weeks out July 2nd and have lost 15 lbs post band. You know that averages to 3 pounds a week and that is fantastic weight loss. My weight loss has slowed a great deal also and I'm good with that because 3 pounds a week isn't normal for me and I keep telling myself slow and steady is the way to go. I think now that I'm two weeks into solid food and my body is finally figuring out what I did to it, it's better and the WL will happen as it should. Good luck everyone. ee

Wow, I'm newly banded, but I've been reading that some people do belch a lot even after a couple of years. I think the best advise is to go see your doctor. Maybe his body chemistry has changed enough that he is reacting differently to the foods he eats.

It will be interesting to see what more comes out on this. I hate working out in a gym. I feel it wastes my time and money because I never keep it up. I would rather mix and pour concrete in a wheel barrow than work out at a gym. At least when I'm doing concrete, I'm accomplishing something, like building my sidewalk. Now I don't mind walking, hiking, swimming (or playing in the pool), but as I age, then gym thing appeals to me less and less. I remember being a kid and playing out doors a lot, riding by bike all afternoon, or swimming in the public pool. I was fat then too, but I was active. We ate out maybe twice a year and mom always fixed healthy meals with a Protein, a starch (potatoes) and lots of veggies and fruit. I just ate too much of everything. Hence I am here. ee

Banded 7/2....I haven't been walking either....too hot and too out of shape, but I did start getting in the pool the first of June and actually move for an hour twice a week. So if you have any pool options, try that. It's so much easier on your joints and it's a great way to get movement in....you have to do something in the pool like jog or vigorously tread Water, but you can work up to the real tiring stuff. You can also do leg lifts and work the arms with resistance to the water stuff. I'm really liking the pool work because I'm tired (but not totally exhausted) when I get out, but nothing hurts. You could try a stationary bike too. Less impact on the joints, but it does work your leg muscles. Start slow and go as you can. Any exercise is better than nothing. ee

You guys are going to be in my neighborhood, can I join?

I was banded in Tijuana and I'm going back for my first fill 8-22, but I might use one of the fill centers in the States after that. Don't know yet. I live about 7 1/2 hours from Tijuana driving and 1 1/2 hours flying. I think we just have to plan the time and expense into the process. I think of how much money I'm saving on food right now, so I think it might work out to be the same. I have been quite happy about my treatment in Mexico and I'm hoping the fill experience will be similar. I also work out in a pool (it's too hot to walk here right now). I love the pool. ee

Scout, you keep us posted on how you are doing too. Maybe you can share insights into our behavior too, especially if your therapist is a good one and can truly help you. ee

Somedayslim, you are doing great!!! I was banded 7-2 and I'm struggling a little with what I'm eating since I can eat everything. But then again, I'm still eating a LOT less than I used to. Weight loss slowed way down, but I'm still okay with that since the previous loss was not realistic. Just got back from two small vacations and need to get back to a normal routine. Sometimes that is tough. Need to just stick to what is right and remember I don't need all the extra food. I have a problem with old habits and head hunger. I guess I have time to work on it though. Good thing. ee

I haven't done raw oysters in specific, but I eat sashimi with no problem and I eat several types of raw fish. I think it might be a bit of a slider food, but it shouldn't hurt you as long as you are on solids. Enjoy your meal.

Sorry Emjay...I got so carried away with cat's post I forgot your initial question. Yes, I am having problems with wanting more than I need....my eyes sometimes are much larger than what I can hold. I still want to eating everything I'm used to eating and I really am not hungry and I still want to eat. Head hunger. I think with time, we will be able to adjust our eyes to fit our stomach. ee

Catcalico, what a great idea...I still haven't been able to stretch my meals into 30 minutes (most times) but I'm not restricted yet. But I think limiting the time to 30 minutes and then throwing everything left over away is a fabulous idea. When food tastes wonderful I just want to eat and eat and eat. Now if I can practice that..................

Josie has great suggestions and she's lost a lot of weight. You know you can do it too. I have no fill yet and I can see where I can easily slip back to old ways and sometimes do a little. My first fill is scheduled in 2 1/2 weeks so I have some time to get my act together too. I really find fitday helps me....when I journal my food, it does help keep my food in perspective. Even now when I can eat just about anything, I know if I do, it's defeating what I'm trying to teach myself. I also think we lose interest in what we are eating because we keep doing the same things. Is there any way you can shake things up and maybe try some different foods? Maybe eat Breakfast for dinner? Indiogirl plans her Snacks for night time when she really likes to eat. There has to be something you can look forward to and help with what will motivate you. I wish you the best and hope you can find inspiration. ee

Patience people. You didn't gain this weight in 3 weeks and you won't lose it that quick although it is nice when you do. Think about it, you just had surgery...someone cut into you and did stuff to your insides. You need to heal. Your body has been on liquids or mushies or whatever you're supposed to do and it's finally catching up and saying "what the heck are you doing to me?". Most of your calorie counts are WAY down and you are going to react to that, first by losing, but it's going to catch up with you and stop because you might not be getting enough calories or it's just giving you a chance to catch up. I'm 4 weeks post-op. I lost 14 or 15 pounds post-op then gained 4.5 pounds back when I started eating solid foods. I was only eating 900-1200 calories and still gained weight. I've now lost 3 of those pounds and am confident the rest will come off in the way it needs to in order to stay off. Slowly. Not everyone here loses quickly, not everyone here loses at first, if you have Congratulations!! Let the band and your body get to know each other and work things out. When they get acquainted sufficiently, the weight will come off. Just play by the rules. Read some of the posts by the successful people. It's inspiring!:smile2:

RM and the rest of you posters-WOW-LIFE IS GOOD!!! I'm just 1 month post-op. I've lost more than 10 pounds in that month. Granted most of it was lost on the liquid phase, but at the end of that phase, I was already slowing down. When I started eating solid food I gained weight, actually 4.5 pounds. And you know what....it's okay. I am actually eating 1/2 of what I used to. I've been on vacation twice since starting solid food and have eaten everything. What is totally amazing is that I don't eat a whole lot of it. I've already lost 3 of the 4.5 pounds and even more amazing, I'm moving easier. I went hiking on the first vacation and it about kicked my butt, but I did it and I've been walking or doing pool work ever since. I tried a pair of jeans on I had bought and couldn't wear and wore them on the second vacation. What I want is to eat everything, but not huge amounts. A bite of two should satisfy me and so far, it's been working. I am doing the eating healthy thing too because that's what I do, but I will eat a french fry, just one and I'm okay with it. The weight will come off slowly and when I get to my first goal, you'll hear me all the way across the states. Great job to everyone and keep with it. It's worth it. ee

09Freedom and HappyHour, we'll be rooting for you tomorrow. Good luck and do well! ee:thumbup:

Our name seems to be either Freedom Fighters or July Jewels. I've seen both in signatures. One day we actually might make a decision and do one or the other or we can do both. Good luck with your surgery...sounds like you are on the right path. ee:thumbup:

You've lost 30 POUNDS!!! That's 10 pounds a month and truly a wonderful weight loss. You could always say to the rude person, "Sure I've lost weight, I look a lot better naked. You want to see?" That might make them think twice about negative commets. Keep up the great work. How are you feeling so far? I've only lost 26 pounds and my body doesn't look any better either, but my face has lost some weight and is starting to look wrinkled. GREAT, but it's a small price to pay to not be miserable moving and getting off of some of the drugs I take. You just keep after it. You'll do fine and be able to thumb your nose at that person some day soon.:biggrin:

Yes, there are several thread somewhere around here regarding this subject. Post banding the burping is pretty bad, but it subsides, not totally, but it does get better. As for breathing, that is probably the result of the surgery. Take about 10 really deep breaths a couple of times a day for a few days and see if that helps. I am still burping, just not quite as bad and I had problems with breathing for about a week or a little more. I don't have that issue now. Take care of yourself.

I go directly from liquids (full liquids) to solids, no mushies and no blender food. I'll live and my stomach has shrunk (even the lower one) so much that I already get full on relatively small amounts. So I guess I'm happy that I've had to do three weeks of liquids because it is preparing me to be happy with less real food.:wink2:

Wallyone, I was banded on the 2nd too. I'm still on liquids. It's amazing how different the doctors work and what they say we can do. I get off liquids Thursday and can start exercising for real then too. I've been doing some pool stuff, but mostly playing because I don't want to pull something. I don't get filled until mid-August.

I'm about 2 1/2 weeks out and the burping has gotten better. I still burp and some of them are doozys but I really feel better afterwards so I would rather have the burps than the gas pains. I've read some of the posts from people banded over a year and they say they still have the burps, but not as bad and they can deal with it. Lashayeb - the port pain lasted a lot longer than the other incisions and it is still tender, but at about day 9 or 10 the incredible burning I would get when I laid flat and moved stopped and I haven't had that since except if I really twist and do something weird. I thing that is fading too. What still bothers me is my skin around my port incision is very sensitive and not in a really good way. I don't like having it touched...it doesn't hurt exactly it's just annoying. Hang in there ladies (I'm assuming you are all ladies on this thread), it does get better. I believe it's attitude and your tolerance for pain. You all made the huge decision to do this and what you are going through is just a small step on the way to being much better. Keep posting and we'll see if we all can help each other. Eva

Good luck to you!! If you are not back already have a safe trip. EE

Do you truly want help...then you should respond either yes or no when some kind of help is offered. I guess you just needed to post and now you are going to give up. Too bad....at least a couple of people thought you were worth it.

I went to Mexico to have it done (this is a good experience) and haven't had a fill yet. I did Mexico because I am self-pay also because my insurance will not pay for weight loss. I will go back for at least my first fill, but I am sort of close and it's doable, then I will decide after my first fill whether I will go back to Mexico for the rest of the fills or try and find the fill center in Phoenix. If you are willing to work with the band, not expect the band to do the work for you, do it. It is your choice. Make sure you read all the "down side posts" before you spend the money. ee