Tranquility

Like some others have said, I think it is the trauma from the surgery and the anesthesia. I'm going to start taking the biotin and look for a protein shampoo just in case. The thing is...does anyone know if this is temporary, and about how long will it last? I'm so happy to be losing weight, but the truth is that I'm not at all pleased with the way I look right now.

Hey Bashful, great job reaching your first goal!!! How much have you lost? I've lost about 50 pounds total, but recently hardly losing any. I am also making terrible food choices and eating more than I think I should. But..I think I know why...THANKSGIVING. I'm in mourning over the loss of food! My first holiday and a food holiday!! I feel that I am ok, but a little voice inside me is telling me that I should be able to eat pumpkin pie, oh yes I can, dressing, and all the other foods that go with Thanksgiving. Not fair! So, what I'm doing is eating a little more interesting foods and little more sweets-ies every day in anticipation of the foods that I won't be able to eat on turkey day. Anyway, I'm wrestling with the same thing here. Soo, congrats with meeing your first goal and being so tiny and small!!! :biggrin:

Hi Michelle, Did you go on the two week pre op diet of only protein drinks? I did, so when it came time for the surgery, I had forgotten what it was like to eat. Also after the surgery, I certainly did not feel like eating. I was in lots of pain (don't worry, most don't have so much trouble as I did) and had a hard time even drinking. I sipped chicken broth for about one week, and then thinned cream soups, and then on to mushies. I still stay full for about 5 hours now, (even though I eat what I think is too much). I think you will be fine with not eating much. Good luck with your surgery.

Well, it finally happened to me. I'd stumbled upon many threads about hair loss, and thought that I would be one of those who was spared. I am so sad :wink2: Four months post op, my hair is falling out in gobs. It is now noticable -to me at least. What is the reason (I've heard so many different theories)? And, most importantly, can it be Stopped!? How? In what amount of time? Also, I actually knew this one would happen to me because I've always looked much younger than my age (54). I loved the compliments, but knew the reason was mainly because my face was so chubby. Now, when I look in the mirror... I am so sad :tongue2: I have lines around my lips and on my neck. What to do? I've even thought about cosmetic surgery.

I haven't had a soda since July 8, 2009 and on occasions, I still miss it. So, that's 4 months for me.

I'm glad you asked that question because I feel just like you. I am 4 months post op and have lost about 50 pounds! But, I don't feel like I used to feel when I lost weight on Weight Watchers. I know it sounds weird, but now I am smaller, but my stomach is more bloated and gassy than usual. (sorry) My daughter and I joke about how 'skinny' we used to feel on weight watchers after we lost about 10 pounds (of course we gained them back but that's not the point.) And, on weight watchers, I was eating Lots of fruits and raw vegetables, things I can't do now. I think I felt skinnier then and not now because of the stomach thing. Crazy! So, I'm glad you asked that question, because it is something that I think about every day when I put on my pants that hang loose.

I've been away from home for three days and have not gone...poo since. (sorry) I haven't been drinking much water. I went to Walmart and bought a stool softener, Dulcolax, but am now afriad to take it. It is liquid gels and the outside of the pill is firm. Does anyone have experince, or know of the possibility of these pills getting stuck in the band? I don't know if I need to soak it in water first, or if that would make it even more gummy. The pill won't open up (at least, I don't think so). My question is only about this gel tablet because I already bought it!!! Yikes! I know of course to up my water intake and all that. THANKS!!!!!!!

Oh gosh! ...and just when I think I have it bad! If you want, you can send me a private message. Maybe we can come up with something to make your new life better. and, lol, yes, I do teach English, but as I do not use spell check on this site, I will deny it next time. :scared2:

No, not nuts!!! I haven't had a fill, but I have the same pain in the shoulder whenever I eat that one or two bites too many. I've been banded for three months and this has been going on all that time.The pain sometimes lasts for an hour or maybe even two! I'd like to know what's going on, too!

Hi all, Texas teacher here... CONGRATULATIONS on passing the test! But even more...congratulations on losing 90 pounds!!!! I was banded right before the beginning of school. For the longest, I couldn't eat much of anything and that was good in the way that we've only about 25 minutes for lunch, so eating 'real food' in that amount of time would not be good. I was eating (sipping) cup-a-Soup most of the time. Now, three months later, I can eat many different foods, but not quickly. I usually eat a cream soup (too fatteningL) or a baked potato from the cafeteria. I'm not getting enough Protein, but haven't been able to stomach the Protein drinks after the hundreds I had pre op! To tracy in nyc, I guess I'm lucky that we teachers can eat or drink anything whenever we want at my school. Maybe it's because I teach high school... In the morning, I sip tea or coffee while I tutor my ESL students, and eat some spoonfuls of yogurt during the passing time between classes -five minutes after a 45-minute class. I have a conference period in the morning and afternoon, so I could eat at that time if I didn't feel like having lunch, but usually I have department and grade level meetings, or a parent meeting. There should be some allowances made since you’ve different nutritional needs, but I’m not one to advise getting on a soapbox. Maybe you could drink a Protein Drink? How do ‘they’ know that you are eating or drinking in the classroom? Anyway, Rebecca, congratulations to you for passing such a rigorous test! Yay! And, good luck in losing all of your weight!!!!! smiles Keep up the good work, everyone!!!

I'm at 205 today. Losing slowly, but that's mostly ok for now because I haven't had a fill. Eat too little protein as I don't drink the protein drinks and still have to put creams and sauces on my food to get it down without sticking. Wish I could find some protein foods that will slide down as good as candy Surprisingly, my life is not much different...take care!

Suffering for four years is no way to live and I feel for you. A few times in my life, I've held off in making an imprtant decision of taking action about something because I can't stand to make a wrong decision. What I've learned from my experiences is that it is sometimes hard to see the forest for the trees when the issue is too close to me. For example, I once stayed at a job where I was misearble, MSERABLE,wanting to die miserable, for three years. After I finally quit, I thought -What the H***was I thinking??? In your situation, I can help you see out of the darkness -take out the band no matter what it costs. don't get the sleeve until you recover

no, a thousand times no

I thought I'd be a smart@@@ and eat a fresh pear and now my throat has a tight squeezing feeling. It doesn't hurt, but is really, really, really uncomfortable. How long until it goes away? ps. I keep a food diary on fitday.com, and my annoying pie chart of nutrition says that I eat mostly carbs and fats...just trying to find fresh foods of the carbs that I can eat without getting stuck!!! I'll worry about the Protein in another post.

Thanks for the great responses-keep 'em commin'!!!!!! *just a note -I don't have a fill -they took it out because I couldn't even drink water!! And, I have always eaten slower than anyone at the table... But more about you all!!! I'm listening (ps.good luck to everybody :smile:

Warning -long post!!!! This post has some duplicate information from another post, but I wanted to expand on the topic. The new information is at the bottom...How do you compare? I was banded on July 22nd and have lost about 30ish pounds. (includig preop diet) I just recently got to where I don't feel like I am choking all day long -now it is only after I eat any food of substance (not yogurt, etc...) So, all in all, I think I should get a fill, but don't want to feel bad all the time. I eat anywhere from 1/2 a cup to 3/4 a cup of food, and not nearly enough Protein. Now, to my question... Well, it's not really a question, but a topic for discussion that I want to throw out there. I want to eat. Some people call it head hunger, but to me, it is more complicated. I love to eat and get more out of eating than just nourishment. Wow, big surprise, right?? The past few days, I've had a party at work -chips and other goodies, gone out to eat with my son and grandaughter- kind of a special occasion because I don't see them that often, and cooked dinner for them today. The work party- foods to make sandwiches with- meats cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and most special-BREAD. I looked longingly at the bread, but helped myself to meat and cheese, chips and dips, etc. Why did I eat chips and (lots) of dip? because I can't tolerate the healthy vegetables! What I really want! is a sandwich! And, what I really want is to eat without out being cautious. I don't need to overeat at all...I just want to eat like a regular person-Like I used to (just not huge portions !!) One half sandwich eaten with gusto would have made me happy. The Mexican restaurant -I couldn't eat much at all. Everything felt heavy, whatever that means. The family meal? I made roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, macaroni and cheese...you get it, comfort food. Did they need that either?? of course not! but that is my point. I ate the potatoes and gravy easily, but had to wet my food, especially the meat with lots of gravy... I have to put sauces, creams, and gravies on most of my food...really! It is either that, or just not eat the food and eat yogurt every meal. Soooo, just a post to basically see what you all are able to eat, how much? do you feel uncomfortable when you eat (not nervous) Don't you want to eat normal size bites of food? Doesn't the eating experience seem to be stressful eating small, tiny bites so slowly? Most of you all have had one or several fills at my point. How on earth do we live for the rest of our lives on such little food? Tablespoons? Don't you feel bad worrying about foods getting stuck when you are tight? And, mostly do you feel sad and unsatisfied eating the few tablespoons of food for an extended period of time? To me, I thought that I would be so happy with the described and that I would replace the food with more pleasant thoughts, but it's not happening for me... So, in summary, I have lots of questions! I don't need advice, I just want to see what you all are doing, eating, but mainly -thinking, feeling... Thanks for allowing me to have a peek into your life!! :smile:

It's nice to hear about everyone's progress. I was banded on July 22nd and have lost about 30ish pounds. (includig preop diet) I was losing well enough until about 2 weeks ago. That was about the time that I began to be able to eat many more foods. Since then, I've all but stopped losing. I lost about 1/2 a pound this week and the last. I have no fill at all yet! I had such a hard time with this LAP-BAND®, and it is still not easy to take all my pills, get enough Water in and eat regular food. I just recently got to where I don't feel like I am choking all day long -now it is only after I eat any food of substance (not yogurt, etc...) So, all in all, I think I should get a fill, but don't want to feel bad all the time. I eat anywhere from 1/2 a cup to 3/4 a cup of food, and not really enough Protein. I'm still not exercising, though. I know, I know... Congrats to you all for losing weight!

I don't like it at all- it is chalky and the flavor is not rich enough...more of a Vitamin taste to me. I have a two pound jar left over from my pre op diet. At the end of the pre op stage, I couldn't stand to look at or smell a Protein Drink and I haven't had one since. I do need to get back on them for my protein, though, so I might try one of the smoothie type drinks that the others suggested. (I ony wish I had a blender at work so that I could add fruit!)

That is absolutely fantastic! You are losing at record speed! I am also two months out and have lost 30 pounds, most presurgery. I am not eating too much, but the foods I eat are higher calorie. I would love to hear what you eat in a week's time!!! What fruits and veggies can you eat? Raw? and which ones don't go down well for you? Tell me your secret!!! Yea for you!!!

Hi everyone! I have been on here for a while reading everyone's stories. I am planning on being banded during the Christmas break. I have a few obscure questions: 1. After Lap Band is it hard to sleep at night? Can you comfortably sleep on your stomach or your side? I had my surgery two months ago, and haven't slept well since. Until a week ago, I could only sleep on my back as it hurts really badly to sleep on my sides. Now, I can sleep on my sides, but not for long. I am getting up an hour-two before usual becase I dont rest well, and then I am sleepy all day. 2. Gummi Vitamins yes or no? I take the chewable vitamins and am still cutting my medications into little pieces. it takes hours to get all of the meds in. 3. What is everyone's exercise routine? Is everyone hardcore for daily exercise? I am just walking right now; I walk my dog in the mornings. I did join a health fitness center that I plan to go to in a week or two -just haven't felt strong enough yet. 4. My main problem is that I NEVER feel full, even after I eat. Will the band help me FEEL full on just a cup of food sufficiently? People are so very different on how much food and which foods they can eat. For me, I don't eat too much...about 1/2 cup at a time if it is a food that I tolerate well, and if it is diffiicult for me, about 1/4 cup. However, the main thing for me is that full doesn't feel like what I thought it would. Full, for me, feels like slight pain or discomfort. It does not feel like satisfation. I have to eat small bites and chew really well and that takes a lot of the satisfaction from eating-that plus my fear of eating something that will go down wrong. 5:A lot of my extra weight is in my hips and thighs. Does this weight come off last after stomach weight? Mine too, in the beginning, I lost in my face, shoulders and then on down to my breasts. Now I am smaller all over, but mostly top part because that is just how my body is...I am narrow. My face used to look really young because of the plumpness, now I look older. I forgot to look to see your age, so you might stay youthful looking, but for me, I am thinking of getting collagen injections in my lips after I lose more. (I've lost about 30 pounds, 70 more to go.) 6: Anyone have the band for over 5 years here? Any long term problems? Sorry, just two months out, but am really interested in the answers from the oldtimers... 7: Do you find that you are satisfied on eating less by feeling full after wards. Satisfied is not the word I use. I don't want more food, but am disappointed that I can't eat a larger portion, I can't even eat half of a child's meal, just an example, no restaurants yet have allowed to me to order one, I have to get the full order... I throw out sooo much food. It bothers me to waste all the money. I thought that I would be eating the portions that I had on -for example weight watchers, but that is way too much food for me. I also want to mention that I cannot tolerate the nutritious foods that I associate with a diet -most fruits and vegetables. I can only eat the soft nonfibrous ones. no salad or veggies to snack on... Any responses to any of these questions would be helpful. Keep in mind that I am only two months out and many others at my stage can eat anything they want...just FYI in case you might be similar to me... good luck in your decision!!

Hi california, I love, love, love this question! I am hoping to someday go back into the dating world... It is ironic that my band incisions are all about 3inches from my gall bladder removal surgery incisions. Absolutely no one would know the difference in the surgeries! (Well, unless maybe he is a doctor...lol) Anyway, the hernia repair surgery is very close too, so either would be a good choice. You are young -enjoy every moment. And remember, 99% of women's bodies are not perfect. When I was your age-and dating-I already had strecth marks from previous childbirth. Believe me, I cared much more than my boyfriends did. I hope you have a wonderful time dating!!

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for the nice post and yes- very helpful. I love your ideas for making allowable foods sound so appealing, and I'm going to try to do the same! I go to the grocery store today and now I have a great start to my list. :wink: And I believe Linda mentioned nutritious foods like olives and nuts, and some from you others too! These are the kinds of foods that I associate with becoming healthier. I am afraid of foods like lettuce and nuts, but will give them a try. I hope to avoid slider foods, but it’s hard for me. Everyday is a new challenge! Thanks for the encouragement and good luck to you all, too.

Why are we not supposed to drink with meals? Is it because the Water will make us too full and we won't get all the food we need? OR Is it because the water washes the food through and we will eat MORE than we need? I ask because my doctor told me to drink with my meals (AND only for a few weeks) because I am dehydrated and cannot tolerate water unless I am eating...I know crazy...just my spams problem... So, which is it?????????? We will eat more, or we will not eat enough.............

Hi friends, same here...I've lost about 30ish pounds. My weight's fluctuated up a few and then down a few, but no real progress in the last few weeks. I'm wearing the same clothes (same size) but the clothes definitely fit differently. I've lost the most in the top area :thumbup: And, since my 3x clothes were too tight before, it is good that they are hanging on me now! Can't wait to actually NEED to buy new clothes!! ps. Have you all noticed that our clothes get longer as we lose?? My Big Mama peasant tops come way down my legs now, and last year's work pants almost drag the ground!! It kind of makes me not want to move on to the smaller size now that my body doesn't look like it is holding its breath about to POP!

It's not even Halloween yet, but I've started eating candy. Say whattt??? I've read about this problem here on the boards -It goes down better than real food...and of course -it tastes like...candy. So, here I am up to no good as I was before the band. I try so hard to eat nutritiously, but the old feelings of boredom and unhappiness are still with me. And, it doesn't help my cause any at all when it is difficult for me to tolerate real food. I've been overeating a bit at Nighttime meal times ( always my big meal reward for making it through another day ...I teach high school, God help me). The food doesn't look like it is too much, but when I stop, I realize that I should have stopped several bites before. SO, here I sit every afternoon, watching Everybody Loves Raymond, thinking about how alone I feel and what food will make me happy for dinner. Old habits are hard to break -even after radical surgery! I can't say that I need help in obvious ideas, I'm pretty logical in realizing that eating candy is not good and that overeating is not good. We all know that! :thumbup: So, I guess I'm wondering who else out there is still making the same old bad choices and what can we do to stop??? ps. Ive already tried to focus on the happiness of the possibility of losing weight and feeling better; all the wonderful things to come... My probelm is wanting to live in the moment!!