suebydoo70

Count me in too...I'm suebydoo70@yahoo.com and would love more bandit buddies....

My hair is also falling out...in handfuls! I thought I was doing good because after 2 months post-op, I still wasn't losing hair, and then wham-o. I take 3000 mg of Biotin religiously, and have been, since surgery day. It's not helping. I am starting the Nioxin regimen every day now, to see if that helps. I hate it. My hair has thinned out so much!

I'm in....13 pounds. fingers crossed!

Another option you could try is going to one of the nutritional support meetings that your hospital/doctor holds and meet people there. Number one, you will be among a sea of people who were/are in your situation and can relate. Number two, I find that co-banders are very compassionate and helpful when there is someone in need. Best of luck to you.

Definitely be faithful to your biotin supplements, and also pay close attention to your protein intake. I started losing some hair as well, and I know it is because I haven't been paying close enough attention to the protein intake. It will reak havoc on your hair.

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments! I recently told someone that it feels so good to be able to cross my legs and have them stay that way, rather than pop off like a boomerang. It's the little things! I hope more people on here start sharing their positive joys rather than just their misery...Thanks for sharing!

Congrats! I cannot wait til I can say goodbye to the Avenue and Lane Bryant sales staff...I anxiously await the day that I can shop at Victoria's Secret. But for now, I am still Victoria's BIGGEST secret...LOL

I'm in North Jersey, Morris County. I haven't been to any support group meetings yet, but look forward to going soon. Would love to meet up with other bandsters....where are you from samanthea?

I've dealt with it myself for quite some time. Hubby fought me tooth and nail not to get the band because he was convinced I'd leave him when I lost the weight. See, he is a very large man...over 400 lbs. I tried convincing him to do the surgery as well, but he has no interest. It wasn't until this past weekend when he actually showed signs of happiness for me, and actually began to compliment me. Unfortunately, I think the rate is a bit high because spouses become so insecure when you become so secure....good luck, and like everyone else said, I am here to talk!

I had my first fill on 6/1 and it took me 3 days to be able to handle food! I thought I was going to lose my mind! Good luck, listen to your body, and you will all be great!

You might find the company welcoming. I won't lie...10 days out was right around the time I was asking myself if I did the right thing. Only because I was getting completely miserable with the liquids, I didn't feel like myself, and I started the pity party. But being 5 weeks out now, trust me...it passes. And when you start seeing the results, those feelings are put to rest...but never forgotten. Go...plan to have the liquids, or other diet your doctor requires at day 10, and replace your meal with your special family time. One piece of advice my doctor gave me when I started listing all the functions that I had coming up was "if you wrote down every single eating event you have throughout the year, you wouldn't have surgery for another 2 years." Just do it! You are so close to your date! And good luck!

I had my first fill yesterday. Like many of you, the doctor told me he put a little in during the surgery, and yesterday's fill was 1.5cc's. I could barely drink water last night. This morning seems a little better. But boy do I feel full. I feel like I just pushed away from the table after Thanksgiving dinner. I know there is no way possible I have hit my sweet spot already, but wow. I don't even want to think about food, which in my 40 years of existence has never happened!

I'm about 4 weeks out, and going in for my first fill tomorrow. I still take the protein shakes in the morning, and really enjoy them, which surprises me after the liquid phase. I vowed to never have another shake again because I was so sick of them! But then once I was on solids, I found myself craving the shake in the morning. I started using the Pure Protein shakes, and absolutley love them. They have 25g of Protein and only 2 carbs. The Cookies & Cream one is great, but I do like all the flavors, and it is not heavy or griddy at all...I have texture issues, and this one gives me no problems...just my opinion, but maybe worth a shot! Good luck in your journey.

Like everyone else who posted, I too had the shoulder pain and it was worse than child birth for me! It lasted an entire 7 days without letting up. The only thing that helped it was if I leaned on it, like against the couch. It immediately relieved the pain. After the 7 days, it would come back periodically when I ate something, and finally after week 2 it has been completely gone...knock on wood. hang in there....I am on week 4, and finally feel human again (and a lighter human to boot!)

Kellyjolli----wow we seem to be almost twins! Band date, start weight, goal weight, etc. And my first fill is June 1! I'd love to keep in touch with you!

What a fabulous uplifting post! Congratulations to you! I was banded on 4/28, so I'm a little early out of the gate, but find it absolutely amazing how much it has cut down my eating and drinking. And I don't miss it! Kudos to you, and best wishes on your journey!

I believe you have to resize them prior to adding them to your signature, like with using Photoshop or Picture It, etc. But you look awesome, and I caught your blog address in another post of yours that I read, and have been faithfully reading it! I love it, and feel like I know you! You are doing an incredible job, and have become quite an inspiration to me! Thanks for sharing your world...

I think the biggest variations come with the amount of time you are on liquids vs. mushies vs. solids. I have to be on liquids for 3 weeks, then right to solids. I'm two weeks today, and can't wait for the liquid phase to be done. It is killing me!

Has anyone introduced anything other than the standard shakes, jello, and broth during their first 2 weeks post op? Just wondering what it was, and how you did.

I did the same thing. And I got so cranky! It's ok. You aren't going crazy. It will all be worth it in the long run. I remember thinking the night before surgery, "Do I really want to do this? Look how miserable I am now. Do I want to live my life like this?" But, today is day 5 post-op and I can tell you for the most part, I am very happy with my decision. I say for the most part, only because I am in the liquids phase, and I crave chewing...not eating...chewing. And I don't mean gum! Once, this is over, I think I will be fine! Good luck on your journey. I am sure you will be happy and the crazies will go away...

Good Morning all...I had surgery on 4/28/10. I'm doing well with the protein shakes, etc. I don't find myself hungry at all when I cook for my husband and kids, but the desire to chew or taste something other than jell-o, broth and protein shakes is driving me crazy! From poking around at some other posts on the board, I see that I am not alone, but it is so bizarre! I wish there was SOMETHING you could add to your menu just to make it exciting. LOL Good luck to all of you who are considering, just starting out, or band veterans!:thumbdown: