Elation

I had a funny experience last week. I was in the tub and when I laid back to relax I thought I was sitting on something hard, then I realized it was my butt bone!!

I too developed Gallbladder problems one month post-op. The symptoms are exactly what you describe. It is an excruciating pain that feels like what I imagine a heart attack would feel like. I had mine removed just over a month after getting the band and feel much better. Good luck!

For me personally, exercise makes me feel empowered. The band is awesome but taking control of my own health has been even more awesome! For the first time in my life I actually enjoy working out. Now get to the gym!

My advice is to stay off of the scale for the first month after being banded. This is a time for healing and you may not lose much weight if any at all in the beginning. I used to weigh at the same time each day because I felt like it kept me on track. If my weight was up, it made me even more intentional with my diet and exercise that day. As of recently though, I have put the scale in another room because my weight loss is slowing down a bit and I don't want to get frustrated. Now I'm able to focus more on my workouts and not so much on the scale.

Hello and congrats on your surgery! I realize you are frustrated right now, but you have done so AWESOME! I had some of the same feelings my first month being banded. You aren't expected to lose a ton during this time (even though you have!) You are in the healing phase right now. Just follow your surgeon's instructions and hang in there until your fill appointment. Don't beat yourself up over the occasional cheat, it's going to happen. This is a journey, not a race and you have endless support here.

Sorry to hear what an ass your PCP was. My PCP is Cindi Jones Woods at Stonecrest Medical in Smyrna, TN. She was great and really helped me out with everything that I needed to get my approval. Who is your surgeon? Baptist Metabolic was great and I highly recommend them! Good luck with everything.

First I just want to say congrats on your upcoming surgery. Believe me, it is life changing. Now for the pre-op....I was allowed to drink No Sugar Added Carnation Instant Breakfast rather than an actual protein shakes. This saved me because I hated the protein shakes. I agree with others that the pre-op gets easier as you go. The first two days were the hardest. During this time, you will find strength and self control that you didn't know existed within yourself. This is just the beginning of all sorts of positive feelings towards yourself that you're not used to! Hang in there and enjoy the ride!

I think 25 lbs. is awesome. Don't beat yourself up when you should be celebrating! I was banded February 15th and have now lost 34 lbs. There have been times since being banded that I don't lose and it gets frustrating but I now know that if I keep on doing the right things, the scale will start to move again. These first few months most doctors want us to heal and adjust to this new lifestyle and do not expect huge amounts of weight loss from us. At this point in the game it's a bonus. Hang in there and know that you are not alone. You are doing great!

My doc said to let pain be my guide. If it hurts....stop. He said that there really isn't much you can do to hurt it.

Did you use the coupon code at 24 hour fitness? That's where I bought mine last night and it worked fine. I placed a second order using a different coupon for 10% off on the digital display.

I used a coupon code that saved an additional $15.00. Type in skinnyscoopbb at checkout. It makes it $164 with free shipping.

I'm in the same boat. I had surgery on February 15th. I was able to introduce solid foods on day 5. I am eating significantly less than I did pre-band and I am making conscious decisions on what I will be eating at each meal. I have lost about a pound since surgery. I have read so much about the Lap-Band® and have spoken with my dietician about my own weight loss. She suggested that I stay off the scale during this time to avoid becoming frustrated. You and I both know that we're not going to stay off the scale! We have to be patient and wait for our fills so we can get the proper restriction. At least this is what I tell myself everyday. Good luck on your journey!

Thanks everyone. I have been on LB Talk for months and months and I know the answer to my own question, I guess it is comforting to know that you're not alone. As far as being on liquids until my first fill, I'm sure that would work because it certainly did on the pre-op. I just don't know if I should stray from what he told me to do. I want to do everything right so I can be successful. The other thing that I think about a lot since surgery is, when does this new life become normal because at this stage, it takes a very conscious effort to follow the bandster rules (eat, wait, drink, drink, drink). This has been surprisingly easy to adjust to so far. I'm just excited to be banded and look forward to more progress.

I was banded on February 15th. I was able to lose 11.5lbs on the pre-op diet but have only lost 1lb since surgery. My surgeon allows you to go on solids on day 5 which I did with no problems. I have been very good about eating my protein and in the correct portions. I experienced hunger for the first time yesterday. My dietician told me to stay off the scale during this time for this very reason, but I think we all know how difficult that is. I am very proud of the success I have achieved so far, I am just ready for the scale to move just a little. Did anyone else experience this immediately after surgery and if so, how long did it take for the scale to move? I have an appointment on the 4th, and I'm not sure if they are doing a fill at that time or not. My band does have some fluid from surgery. Just curious what other bandsters have experienced during the newbie phase.

The day before my pre-op diet, I went to Sams Club and spent a bunch of money on EAS and Atkins. I tried to drink them for 2 days and after that I gagged at the thought. I called the dietician and she said that CIB no sugar added would be fine. I lived on it for the 2 weeks and I'm still drinking it now that I had surgery this week. Good luck on your pre-op. It's a challenge, but it is so worth it.