Bunz1969

I think in general, whether it's a traditional diet or WLS, the more you have to lose, the more you will lose in the beginning. I started out at 228 and lost 10 lbs by the 5th day post-op. I fully expect it to slow down to a healthy 1-2lbs a week pretty soon, but I'm ok with that. It's better than 1-2 gain a week. LOL

I also use Lose It! for the iPhone and it's ok. The only thing I don't really like is that they need to update their food database, it's amazing how many national brand foods aren't in there or they are wrong! It's a very simple program, which I like. Fit Day was somewhat overwhelming to me with all the information.

I am going to really try not to sound critical here, but - what were you thinking? I am also one week out today and I am still straining my cream of mushroom soup! I can't imagine spending up to $17K on a weight loss surgery and then eating a candy bar one week out. Your stomach is NOT ready to be digesting such things. Yeah, it may have gone down for you, but you don't know what's going on down there in the stomach. Let's hope you didn't do something to cause it to slip. Personally, I think you need to look at why you chose a candy bar? And now, thinking about fast food? Why did you get banded? Maybe write yourself a letter and remind yourself why you did it. Good luck to you, Derek. I wish you all the best, but gotta be honest with you. It irritates me that there are people who would give their left arm to be able to afford to be banded and would follow their Dr's instructions to a T, and here you are eating candy bars and thinking of fast food one week out.

*standing ovation* Sadie, for me anyway, you hit the nail right on the head! For me, food was/is an abusive boyfriend that I needed to leave, but got some comfort from the relationship. I have left that way of life and now see that food is for fueling our bodies and THAT'S IT!! It's absolutely amazing how freeing it is when your every thought is not consumed with where to eat, when to eat, what to eat, and planning trips based on where you want to eat. I am only a week post-op and I know that there are a lot of speed bumps ahead of me, but I already feel like a switch has been flipped. God bless you for baring your soul here. Thank You. :smile2: Amy

Hi Ladies! I was also banded on 7/21 and the biggest issue I had was after we left the surgical center (same day), we drove about 2 blocks and my husband had to pull over so I could throw up. It was the worst thing - pure bile. The next day, when the surgical RN called to check up on me, he said it was because the surgeon took my gallbladder out first and there was bile that drained back into my stomach. Other than that it's been ok, some days better than others. Today I feel great! Been burping up a storm (which I haven't been able to do until now) and took a chance and got on the scale today. Down 10 lbs from surgery day! I couldn't believe it!! I'm on thicker liquids until 8/2, unless the Dr. tells me something different when I go in for follow up on 7/30. Keep it up everyone and let's keep in touch and support one another. :smile2: Oh yeah, I took my steri-strips out today and got queasy looking at my incisions, but that's probably because I'm a wimp and scared to death they are going to pop apart.

Congrats! That's awesome. :thumbup:

This thread has been great, thanks! I was banded 7/21 and for the first 2 days thought, "Wow, this is no big deal" and then on day 3...BAM! I thought the gas pain in my shoulder was going to make me pass out. Thank God for my hubby and his ability to smush up vicodin (they didn't give me liquid). Each day I feel a little better and today I was able to get up, shower, go to church and then out to eat afterward (a little soup for me). It completely wore me out, but was well worth it. It's so nice to read that others are going through the exact same thing. And oh yeah: I'm so jealous for those of you that can burp! I think I'm going to burp, but it's like it gets stuck and nothing comes out. :skep: I have, however, become the queen of farting. :thumbup:

One of the best things you can do for low Vitamin D levels is to go out into the sun for 10-15 minutes a day. Definitely take care of your skin with a low SPF - the goal is not to burn, but to expose yourself to a moderated amount of UV each day.

LemonPOPtart - fingers are crossed for you not to have any sickness afterward! After talking to the follow up care nurse, we think it was because of the surgeon taking my gallbladder out first and some bile leaking back into my stomach. Ugh. See you on the other side! :thumbup:

Keep moving! I was banded 2 days ago and I didn't have a lot of gas pain that day, but today I feel it creeping around my chest and shoulder area. Everyone that I've talked to say it can take up to 3 or 4 days to get rid of the gas. I think taking Milk of Magnesia has helped me too. Good luck and just know it will get better!

I'm finally on the other side! Was banded yesterday. I had a not so good reaction to the anesthesia and was sick as a dog when we left the surgical center. Had to stop the car so I could throw up - was not a pretty site. I'm feeling so much better today, just sore at the incision sites and a little gas pain that doesn't seem to want to come out! Good luck to all of you who are having surgery today or tomorrow!

It's the final countdown! Surgery is set for tomorrow at 11am. I never thought it would happen, but today after the consult with my surgeon, I thought to myself "What in the hell am I doing? I can do this on my own and not spend this much money!!" After about 3 minutes, sanity came back to me and I said, out loud to myself "If you could, you would have already done it, silly girl." So with that said, I'm now just ready to get it over with. I'm not really nervous, just anxious I think. I'm also having my gallbladder taken out and I think I'm more nervous about that! Good luck to all my sisters/brothers who are also getting banded tomorrow!! :smile: Amy

Bless your heart. I was diagnosed with endometriosis when i was in my early 20's. After 3 endoscopy's to remove lesions, they tried shots of Lupron for 6 months. That helped for a little bit. FINALLY at 35 the doctor talked about doing a hysterectomy. Because I hadn't had children, they didn't want to go that route. Doctor even wanted to meet with husband before he'd do it. Uh hello? My body? I had a complete hysterectomy and don't regret it for a minute. I never knew a month without being off work a few days because of cramps. I finally felt free. Whatever you decide to do, stay on your doctors. You don't have to live with that pain!

I have had two do this to me in the past - one ex husband and one ex boyfriend (HS sweetheart and my "first"). They both called my mom and asked if they could have my phone number. Of course mom said "No, but I'll give her yours and she can decide if she wants to call". I never did. Through both conversations, my mom found out that they were both going through divorces. I was unhappily married at the time and almost called the HS sweetheart. It's probably a good thing I didn't.

I have not been banded yet, but nutrition is nutrition. I would say first and foremost, get off that scale!! You may be retaining water and a 1-3 lb gain/loss could be normal. You aren't going to do yourself any good to see the ups and downs on a daily basis. What are you currently eating/drinking?

You guys have already had your surgeries by now! Woo hoo! I am praying for a speedy recovery and no pain!

My surgery is scheduled for July 21st, too and I'm really starting to feel nervous. Not about the surgery itself, but about the first two weeks of liquids. This last week, I've really been paying attention to how I eat and drink. Man, do I gulp my beverages! I've also started having those thoughts of "Can't I do this on my own?" "Boy, is this a lot of money to spend because I couldn't do this on my own", "Oh no, I can never eat ______ again", "How is this going to affect my non-obese husband and his eating?" I think my thoughts are based on guilt more than anything else. Guilt for not "handling" my weight in the past and guilt for finally doing something for ME.

Jen, I feel the same way! I have so many lists going right now, scared to death I'm going to be caught without something. lol

You look absolutely incredible! Congrats!!

Oooh, I'm glad you mentioned it. I didn't even think about all the air you take in. Ok, scratch that one. Don't need any more gassy issues than necessary. LOL

How exciting! I pray that everything went well with your banding, Kat. Can't wait to hear from you on the other side. :thumbdown:

I haven't bought mine yet, but am planning on getting a silly straw. I have heard from post-op bander's that it's a great way not to gulp Water down. I also have V-8 fusion and Miso Soup on my list.

I think you hit it right there - I think it has a lot to do with jealousy. I remember when my bro-in-law had RNY gastric bypass 3 years ago thinking and saying "Wow, it must be nice to be able to afford a quick and easy way to lose weight, why the rest of us have to struggle" Man was I WRONG! I have watched him struggle a lot more since his surgery than ever before. It's ignorance and jealousy.

WARNING: I tend to ramble! :confused: My name is Amy, am 40 years old, married with two furry feline babies. My husband and I own a tanning salon in Little Rock, Arkansas. My struggles with weight started about 3rd grade, I remember having to shop at Sears in the "chubby sized section" (yes, it did say that on the signs) I remember watching my mom and grandmother constantly fight with their weight. When mom was on a diet, so was I - which I needed, but as soon as I was out of her sight, straight for the donut shop! In high school, I pretty much starved myself down to 125 lbs and can distinctly remember passing out in the shower several times because my blood sugar was so low. After one year in college, the weight came back in spades!! I have been over 200 lbs since 1989, which led to poor self image and self esteem, which led to bad relationships, which led to more weight gain. I'm happier in my life than I've ever been and it's time for me to get out of this fat body suit I've been wearing for 25 years. It took me until I reached 40 years old and having a wonderful husband to realize that I am worth it, dammit! I'm excited, nervous, scared, motivated, committed, fearful of failure all rolled into one. Anyone else with me? :ohmy:

I am just starting my journey as well, banding scheduled for 7/21. I made the mistake of telling a couple of people who I thought would be supportive and at least say "well, good for you!". Instead I got - "Oh wow." Oh wow?? That's all you've got? LOL So at the advice of my hubby, I am now only sharing with those that ask or are very close to me.