bdbmamaw

This was a tough one for me. I ended up in a LOT of pain because I neglected this rule. I now drink 4 16oz bottles of water a day. One in the morning before brkfst, one before lunch, one before dinner and 1 before bed. I use a straw which helps a great deal. At first I felt like I sloshed every time I walked. But now if I miss a bottle, I crave it. It has gotten much easier over time. So hang in ther and it should become 2nd nature before long. Good luck!

About 1 1/2 wks after my surgery I started feeling intense pain every time I was in an upright position. The pain would vanish instantly whenever I laid down. I thought maybe a stitch was caught on something and it pulled when I sat up. Doctor sent me in for a CT Scan at the ER. Everything looked perfect. They took a urine sample and found out I was really dehydrated. They pumped me full of liquids and sent me home. The next day I felt wonderful. No pain at all. Found out that the pain was caused by the dehydration. I drink 64 ozs of water a day now and feel on top of the world. Have lost 23 lbs in 4 weeks, no hunger, no need for my first fill at this point and doing great! I love this thing! I don't even know it's there. Just make sure you get your water!!!! It was hard to drink that much at first, but now I crave it, if I don't get the required amount in. If you choose to go ahead with it, just plan on being really strict with yourself and follow the rules. :biggrin:

I'm 4 week post and I have no hunger at all. I eat because I know I have to. I was scheduled for a fill on Wednesday, but I called and talked to the dr and was told to cancel since I am still losing a pound every 3 days. It's a good rate for me and since I don't have any hunger, it's easier to choose good foods. He said that if that changes, to call and re-schedule. I drink tons of Water between meals, so that might help with my non-hunger state. So I would call you doctor and see what he says.

Great post! I have my first fill Wed of next week and was wondering what it would feel like. Thanks for sharing. Anxious to see how you do now that you have some restriction. I am not hungry, but I know there is no restriction, so I am going on will power right now. I like that you felt that 'full' feeling, because I want it too! Keep us posted and let us know how you do the next couple of weeks. Congrats on your successful weight loss!:biggrin:

So worth it! But if you had asked me during the two weeks after surgery (8/25), I would have said, "Run for your life!" But I feel great. Diabetes is already in remission. I have more energy than I can believe. I feel WONDERFUL! I've dropped 22 lbs and will have my first fill next week. So hang in there, girl. It is definitely worth it!:biggrin:

Good info guys! I get my first fill next week and want to do it right. OP - You must have been really scared. I got distracted once while eating and swallowed something that I didn't feel was chewed enough, but luckily it went on through. I was scared though right after I realized what I had done. I know now to concentrate on my chewing and block out everything else until it becomes habit. Good post.

EAS Protein shake mix at Sam's. Big purple bag. High in protein, low carbs, low calories and comes in vanilla flavor. You can doctor it up with whatever flavors you want. Do not get the EAS at Walmart, as these have twice the calories and twice the carbs! The big bag at Sam's runs about $29.00 and I just put it in the freezer to keep it fresh. Good luck on your banding!

Sounds yummy. How much vanilla extract do you use? ...just to give me a starting point. Thanks!

I am 9 days out and feeling pretty good! I have lost a total of 18 lbs! I go on solids (soft solids) today. I'm craving some baked fish really bad! Funny how each doctor is different when it comes to our pre and post diets... Even though he's going to let me start solids this evening, I am really going to take it easy and not go overboard. Plus I want to keep losing...:biggrin:

I'm in!!! I put my info in the spreadsheet and froze the first two rows so you could scroll down the spreadsheet and still see the column headings. Hope you don't mind. :blushing: Good luck everyone!

I'd like to know too. I start my solids this coming Thursday and could sure use some advise...

Hey Guys! I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster at the highest point about to start down! I have butterflies in my stomach! I just want to thank those who have already been banded for all their support and testimonies. You have helped an incredible amount, so I can look at tomorrow with a positive outlook. So think about me tomorrow! I have to be there at 6:30. Yikes!:biggrin: ...:ohmy:

My surgery is Tuesday. I'm feeling ok right now. The nervousness has disappeared for now. Don't know what I'll be like tomorrow night and then the next morning. My mother-in-law made me some wonderful homemade chicken broth and my hubby has been making Soups that I can use for clear, non-clear, mushy and then the solid stages. I really appreciate all the posts you 'banded' bandits have been posting. It's helped me when I wonder if I'm doing the right thing. I'll post as soon as I can after the surgery.

So glad to see this thread. I, too, am 5'7" and 225. I carry my weight well because I am so tall, but it still takes a toll on how I feel. I was recently diagnosed with diabetes and that's what 'woke' me up to what I was doing to myself. My banding in Aug 25th (bundle of nerves here). But your posts have certainly laid a lot of my fears to rest. I am really looking forward to my diabetes going into remission. I already feel better by being on the pre-op diet. I'm having to eat healthy and am have no problem with the shakes. I actually have more energy! Can't wait to drop the pounds! I have told all my family (my dtrs are nurses) and the people I work with. Everyone is so supportive. I have heard the "you're not big enough" comment on a few occasions. I just ask them how big I need to get to get acceptance for banding? They usually don't have an answer. Anyway, I love this site and am really glad I ran into you guys. You are definitely what I needed!

No, I thing SummerAgain it the nail on the head! I'm still crying from laughing so hard!

Thanks for the update. I am eating all this info up. (Gotta eat something!) I am so less nervous just reading everyone's posts. I had a partial hysterectomy when I was in my 20's so I can't use the 'period' excuse to keep my undies on. But just think what the doctor feels like when he's banding a male and looks down to see 'Jim Bob and the Twins'... That would be disconcerting to say the least. Wouldn't want to be the doctor then...

OMG Band75! I have so much to look forward to! What a toot! ... I mean hoot!

Thanks for the update MissK. Hope you're doing well today and hope you have a speedy recovery. Please keep us posted, as my date is the 25th and I love all the encouragement from those of you that are already there!

If the nurses wheeling me in ask why I'm giggling, what do I say????:w00t: Because I'm probably going to be thinking of this thread about then.

Believe me... when you've had kids, this is a walk in the park! I was awake when I was spread eagle for the kids. At least I'll be asleep this time! OMG! I am sitting here laughing. And I needed a laugh. I'm going through the "What the hell am I about to do!" phase! :thumbup:

Hope you're doing well. We're thinking of you. Sure do miss your posts.

Hey Bandits. I have my pre-op today at 10:30. Did it make you feel better or more nervous? My surgery is 2 weeks from tomorrow. I'm suppose to see a dietician during the pre-op also. I'm happy about that, as I need direction on protein shakes that a diabetic can drink. Any recommendations from other diabetics out there?

OK... now that's funny! :thumbup:

OK guys! I'm starting to feel like the lone ranger! Am I the only 8/25'r on this site??? Come on everyone! Get your band dates posted! :thumbup:

What a guy! And what a great boss! My hubby has to work the next day, so my daughter (a nurse) will be babysitting me. Hubby feels so much better about having to work now. He's only 5 mins away, but he did not want me being alone. Thanks for the update. I'll keep peeking in to see how you are doing.