NJMOMof2

I was banded on July 29th and I am in the mushy stage. I have been eating things like cottage cheese, cheese sticks, omelets, scallops, flounder, salmon, shrimp, chicken, very steamed brocolli and SFFF pudding. I have tried some bread with no problems but I have taken small bites and chewed very well!!!

I went swimming, in the ocean and to a waterpark a week and a half post op. All my incisions were closed. I have had no problems and feel great. I have been bike riding too. My doctor said I could do it and I did. Five weeks seems extreme, especially since it was only laproscopic surgery. I think it would be different if we were cut.. Go swimming and have FUN!!!!

I have been taking Flintstones chewable since I was banded on 7/29. I have been eating mushy foods for a few days now with no problem. I have had flounder, scallops and other soft foods. I know I have been very, very lucky...

My surgery took about an hour. I stayed in the hospital overnight and I am telling you, was the BEST thing I could have done. The IV meds, nursing staff and hospital bed was what i needed!!!

Foggy---Are you still taking the pain meds at night? As for the phlem, that is prob from the breathing tube irritating your throat. Happened to me and it cleared up.

Sweetie, Do you have fluid in your band?

I am in the mushy stage and I am eating broiled flounder. I pureed some broccoli put in in a small casserole dish, then sprikled some cheese on it and baked it. It was very good. I also had some mushed black beans and this morning had an cheese omlete with low fat cheese and egg beaters. Be sure to get your protein in and try to stay away from real sugar. I am a sweets addict and know if I have one piece of sweets, my cravings will come back. Forgot about the Sundae and get focused. If you have the right food in your cabinets, you will be more prepared. I bought some sugar free popscicles and pudding. I like having them as a treat. Most importantly, get in your protein. It keeps hunger and cravings at bay!!!!

I have insurance and the psy eval was a big joke. I visited with the nutritionist once. I think the most important support is online and a monthly support group. My doctor did not require a pre-op diet, other than liquids a few day before surgery.

Walk and use some Gas-X thin strips. Good Luck and congratulations...

I was banded 6 days ago and have been sleeping on my side. My doctor placed my port in the center of my stomach below my sternum. After reading many of the same posts, I am so glad he did so. I have no port pain and can sleep whatever position I want (side or back). Good Luck and hope the pain subsides!

Well Stated Restless Monkey!!! Life is about choices we make. When we chose the Band we chose our health!!!

I was banded on July 29th and lost 13 pounds so far. I am so sick of the sweet taste of the shakes too. I had a small amount of creamed soup yesterday and today and tolerated well. I also tried 2 tbsp of very soft scrambled eggs this morning. The clear broth was way too salty for me. I feel fantastic. You should follow your doctors orders but so many have way different guidelines. It's confusing to me..

Congrats!!!! I was just banded on 7/29 and feel great! If your insurance covers an overnight stay...TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT. I am so glad I did. I think it made all the difference in my recovery. If you get nervous, send me a message. I was nervous but all the online support really helped. CONGRATS!!

Would you have lost 50lbs without the band???? I can say for myself the answer would be no. A pound a week is successful. Don't beat yourself up and be proud of what you've accomplished!!!

don't take any homepathic medicines before surgery!!

I was banded on July 29th and had MAJOR anxiety about going under. They knew I had anxiety problems and were so kind and understanding. I think they put meds in my IV before I knew it. When I woke up, I just relaxed in the bed until fully awake. Trust me, the wait up until surgery is the WORST part. I am only 5 days out and feel AWESOME. I just get tired and when I do, take my naps. You will do great, modern medicine is amazing...

Keep moving and get those GAS-X thin strips. They work great. I was also banded on the 29th and I put an ice pack across my stomach each night and it helped SO much????

I was banded on July 29th and other than feeling a little bit tired, I feel great!!! I made sure I walked around and took some gas x strips as soon as I felt that gas pain. So far, I can say it's been a great experience. I don't have port pain either. My doctor put it in the middle of my abdomen rather than the side, which I am happy with, given that I am a side sleeper!!!

Your story was so heart wrenching and inspiring at the same time. You have honored your mother's memory is so many ways and I am sure she is smiling down on you, so proud of your accomplishments...

Congrats, good luck and focus on all the positives in life. You are going to be successful...you worked hard on this..

I am also getting banded on Wednesday and I agree the waiting is very nerve racking!! My hospital offered a class with a holistic nurse and it was actually very confortable. She said that to write a list of 10 positive affirmations and read them. Also, when you get nervous about the procedure, start thinking of yourself doing something you haven't been able to do at your current weight (actually doing it) or just doing something you love. I have been thinking of sitting at the beach at the Jersey shore reading a favorite book and bike riding with my family without getting tired or winded. It must have helped because last night I had a dream that I was jogging (barefoot) and had so much energy. LOL. Alot of people say the wait it worse that the surgery so I am going to focus on the positive......you should do. Good luck and Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for your kind words. I have been on site, reading and keeping busy. I actually went out back for a swim and felt better. I suffer from anxiety as it is so I think it's just creeping up on me, plus PMS :thumbup: I do appreciate all your kind words. I have to say I feel good today. I had 3 shakes, lots of water and a tiny bit of tomato soup. I feel full and satisfied. I am going to listen to the relaxation CD the holistic nurse gave me.. Thanks again, Nina

I mix the whey Protein shakes with some PB2 (powdered Peanut Butter from the Bell Plantation website) along with a banana and some milk. They have really kept me full. I have 3 today, with different fruit blended in. Also, I am drinking tons of Water. I also had a little bit of tomato Soup for dinner. Good Luck to you!!!!

I am getting banded in 3 days.... on July 29th. I have been so nervous, it's unbelievable. I keep thinking, "Am I doing the right thing?" "What if something goes wrong during surgery?" and so on and so on.... Did anyone else have this and if so, how did you work though it...? I haven't slept in two days and I keep crying. I worked very hard through this process and I have NO intentions of backing out, but I don't want to be a nervous wreck......HELP:crying:

It's good to hear all the positives. One more week for me and I hope I am not in too much pain or have gas too bad...