ginger61

Like you said you are not alone. Not sure if you are a church goer or not (you mentioned God), but Jesus has been my personal savior during this very trying time. Pray and keep praying....and remember God does not give us more than we can handle.

Down 6 lbs this week - Amazing what a fill can do!

I had the same symptons as you did. Advised the Doctor in my consult and he asked me to rate it from 1-10 (I rated it a 10) then he advised me he would take a look at it when he was already in there. Which he did and it was repaired.

Who knew that Bandster Hell would be so hard. I hear and see stories on this website so often, thinking that is not going to happen to me. Up and down the same 3 lbs since I started eating Solid foods. Just got my 1st fill yesterday, so now I have 3 cc's in a 10cc band. I have a little more restriction but not much. Next fill not for another 5 weeks, Hope I can still accomplish my goal!

When Doctors say to exercise they mean to get up and walk and move around. I attempted to join a gym 2 weeks post op and do the elliptical and 15 minutes felt like I was dying. I was so sore and called the doctors office later that day. I was told you should not being doing things like that too soon. I had a hernia repair at the same time that might have been part of my problem, as I had two major surgeries at once. So I was advised to wait at least a month and then try again. So the treadmill and me are doing just fine for now. So the biggest advice is to call your doctors office and ask what you can do as everyone is totally different

I personally like unjury - The strawberry Sorbet mixed with Lemonade is really good. I also use the Vanilla (in Soy Milf or Orange juice to make a Dreamsicle) and the Unflavored. They sell a started pack with a sample of all their flavors to try so that you don't invest in buying a big container just in case you don't like. Good luck in finding something you enjoy.......it is out there!

I was banded on 4/22 and my 1st fill is not until 6/7, almost wish it was sooner. Tried getting back on the elliptical at the gym and my body was not ready for it yet. As afterwards had some really bad pain on the incision on my right and then it managed to open slightly with a discharge. Doctor has me on antibiotics and it is slowly healing. Weight loss has dropped off considerably, but I still think that is all part of the healing process. So doctor said to stick to walking for another month and then try again. Have not eaten and breads and pasta's and really don't want to right now. Still drinking one Protein shake a day (sometimes two) depending on what type of day I am having. Hardest part is going to Graduation party's and not having any food there that you can eat. But I got through it by always having a packet of Protein powder available with me. Went to a lunch with some executives at work, and didn't feel uncomfortable at all asking the waitress to modify my lunch dish. Asked to leave off the bread & Rice and asked for Mashed potatoes instead. It actually felt good, as most restaurants are accomodating to your needs.

Well I am glad I am not the only one, I gained 3 lbs when going to regular foods. So devistated, that I knew I was letting my scale become my worst enemy. The worst part about eating normal food, is you just don't realize the sodium intake on some of them. Even with just Cottage Cheese. I make all my meals, so not buying anything prepacked. I know because of the high sodium by body is retaining fluid. We just need to remember that we now have the right tools in place to make this a successful journey!

Sign me up - 13 lbs by July 4th. A little on the low, don't want to set expectations too high and then I fail.

I was extremely skinny all through out my High school years. My aunts use to tell me I have to gain weight, as it looked like the wind would blow me away. Being 5'7" and maybe only 110 lbs. Then I got pregnant (out of Wedlock) and the 1st trimester I was extemely sick not gaining weight at all. That concerned the doctors and they advised me to go out and start eating and drinking milkshakes in order to gain. Well needless to say I then gained 60lbs throughout my pregnancy. After my daughter was born (she was almost 10lbs) everyone said I look fantastic and this was the ideal weight for me. Now I weight approximately 145 lbs. Yeah I got to admit, had more energy looked healthy and all. But damage was already done I got use to eating fattening things and I still continue to do so in more moderation then. Then I got married and got pregnant, has miscarriage and then pregnant 2 months later. The doctors has me so stressed out that they said I should have waited at least 6 months before trying to get pregnant again. Nothing that I can do, considering I was already pregnant. So gained 75 lbs with 2nd pregnancy. Use to blaime my fat on my kids since I gained so much weight during a pregnancy. After 20 years (my youngest son's age) I decided that I needed to get my life back. My mom died at an early age and I was not about to! I have been on so many diets, always lost weight but then gained it back. Primary reason: Stress! I know with all of us sticking together here on this forum we will all be successful with this new leaf on life we are being provided. Look forward to sharing this journey with all.

My personal favorite that I used was the UnJury unflavored protein mix

Never been made aware to wear one. What kind of Binder or Spanx - as I am thinking this might help me?

Doctor said I should not take off (don't want to right now), and should wait until they fall off. How long did it take for yours to come off? Considering they are starting to itch, I would think that is a sign that they are healing. Any advice or information that you can share would be greatly appreciated.

I had surgery on 4/22/10, and I would love to be your buddy. Email me on here, or at ohginny@hotmail.com

I was allowed to have Sugar Free Jello, Sugar Free Jello, and Natural Applesauce (no Sugar added). Which helped me considerably during those two weeks!

I had my final meeting with Surgeon yesterday - everything is a go for 4/22/10. On my appt yesterday, I have been on Preop diet now for 4 days and already lost 6lbs. The 1st 3 days of this diet was extremely hard and Yes, I did cheat (eating Crackers with my Soup). Surprisingly, I am still married (I was not a nice person to live with with not being able to eat any food). Not getting nervous yet (will be big time the day before surgery), but it has helped greatly reading everyone's challenges as I know I am not alone in this Journey.

My surgery is going to be on 4/22/10 - I told everyone at work including my boss that I am getting my Hernia repaired. As I know it will be, so technically I am not lieing. Don't want anyone judging me, nor the endless questions. As some people are just too noisy! Good luck on whatever you decide to tell them!

Sounds like you found what works, Keep up the Good Work!

This is what I am doing and pounds are slowly dropping. I am drinking ONE protein shake a day (for Lunch) in order to get my body use to only drinking for an extended period of time. As I didn't want my body to go in shock when I have no other choice (as it did when I initially replace food with a drink - it was hard). It gets easier each day, and I am totally confident that when it comes time for my 2 week liquid diet I don't forsee any issues with it. At least doing it before my preop, I am testing different kinds to find out which one I enjoy the most.

Surgery is scheduled for 4/22/10........seems like forever, but it will probably be here quicker than I think!

My date is 4/22/10.....long journey to get here. Let us know about the Unjury, as I am lactose intolerant also and would love to know how that worked for you.

I was originally part of March bandsters, but due to additional testing, work schedules, Easter Holiday (Family coming in) and anything else you can think of the date has now been pushed out to 4/22/10. Im hoping to connect with others that are currently scheduled for April (only) for surgery, for support, advice, education, and encouragement. Let's get together and share this journey together! So if possible, let's all post our surgery date and where you are having it done and let's track everyone's process! Surgery Date: 4/22/10 Hospital - Carle Hospital, Urbana IL Doctor: Dr. Oliphant Who did you tell you are having surgery? Husband Only

Health Alliance covers the lap band procedure. You have to go through a 6 month "I can change program" but as long as you meet all there criteria they approve! As this is the insurance that I have and my surgery date is scheduled for 4/22/10

I think that would be an excellent idea!

I finally got my approval, YEAH! Spoke to the Doctor's office (already had consult) and they will not schedule me for surgery until I see the nutionist and the nurse is diligently trying to work me into the schedule. I know the dtr is about 4 weeks out, so if I see the nutrionist in 2 weeks then it will be the middle of March that I can probably say I will have the surgery done. I have learned so much from this website, and will continue to use it as a tool for the balance of my journey. I will be having my surgery in Champaign/Urbana IL at Carle Hospital with Dr. Oliphant doing the surgery. Is there anyone else from Champaign/Urbana area doing this also?