Country_Girl_NY

Relax, yes it will get better. The cravings may never go away, but the hunger pangs should. Everyone has to deal with cravings, it's a mental thing that Lap-Band doesn't help. The hunger does go away when you have the right fill. Like most of us, you'll have to work to figure out the difference between true hunger and mental hunger (easier said than done). Remember ... it's a marathon, not a sprint.

Thanks! The first go-around I didn't listen to my body, in fact I didn't know how to. That's the reason it didn't work. Now I'm learning to.

It's good to know that this won't last! :-)

Had a fill 2 days ago, since then I've had a headache. I'm into mushies now and don't feel hungry. Do you think the headache could be starch withdrawal (I love starches). I usually associate this headache with hunger, which I would feed with starch and all would be better. I've been good though and haven't had starches yet. Any thoughts?

May I suggest to you on youtube, 8 golden rules of lapband, introduction 1 - 4.

I just watched this. Wish I had seen this years ago, so much good information!! Thanks for sharing!

What always got me through was my own version of egg drop soup: Boil low sod/fat free broth and scramble up an egg and slowly drizzle it in.

Oh yeah :-) I guess that is still liquid. I'm going to try that now. You're a genius!!

I was just looking at my doc's suggestions yesterday: my doc recommends Quest (I love them!), Balance bars, Myoplex Lite, Oh Yeah Natural Bar, Detour or the Simply bar. My personal favorite is Quest chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. It's just like the real thing, and very easy to chew. My suggestion is go to GNC and get some single bars of things you find appealing and start that way.

Thank you! I was just reading " The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery" and it recommended carrying Protein bars to help stay on track. *smacks forehead* Why didn't I think of that?!

Does anyone have suggestions for "safe" Protein Bars? Any that we should avoid?

It's been a while since I've followed my plan, or any plan for that matter. I had a fill today, so I'm on liquids for the next 24 hours. I've forgotten what this felt like ... I'M SO HUNGRY!! I've had a Protein Shake, cup of coffee, more Water than my bladder wanted and now some broth. I can't wait to go to sleep!! (but I don't regret it at all)

Don't beat yourself up. You're doing great!! Think of it as a learning experience. Review what you could have done different to maintain your progress and still have fun. This way you'll be prepared for your next vacation. Focus on the big picture ... You're doing great!!

How do you stay motivated when you're tired, busy, stressed out?

Do slow arm circles when you walk. I found this helped big time with the gas. Also, I was in pain for 2 days, then I woke up and most of the pain was gone. All that was left was soreness at the incisions. Even if it's uncomfortable to move around, do it anyway.

*raises hand* Me too! I have for most of my life. Went on meds, which helped a bit. Finally started therapy, helped a bit more. Had WLS, good at first, then not so good (mentally speaking). Went back to therapy, really good. Now starting over with my weight loss.

Sometimes you have to go little by little. You deal with one obstacle, others are uncovered by it. Don't stop!! Sometimes it feels like you're walking in a circle, but the fact is that it's a slow incline. Eventually you'll turn around and see how far you've come!

I totally understand what you're saying. Before I got my band, I did tons of research, looking for both the good and the bad. Each bad thing I found, I talked to my doctor about. He was very patient with me and really explained the procedure, why some of the bad things happen and the real chances of it happening. It's a good thing to be informed, just talk to your doctor about it instead of letting your imagination (and fears) get the worst of you.

I can drink my coffee 1st thing, then about an hour later I drink a Protein shake and I'm good. I was just on vacation and thought I'd eat breakfast. ..... BAD idea! Lol. It also seemed to make the entire day rough for me.

Country _ girl _ NY, when was your surgery?

My surgery was in 2010. I did well for a while, but I don't think I was mentally ready, so I gained the weight back. Now I'm starting all over again. This time I worked on my "issues" with a therapist so I'm better prepared.

I am so glad I'm not the only one this happens too!! I always wondered why even drinking Water first thing in the morning bothered me some days.

I bought mine the other day. So far I like it! There was just way too much information before I had the surgery, I couldn't keep it all straight. Plus it helps to live with it a bit to really understand exactly why we have some of the "rules".

Sometimes when I eat too fast I get the hiccups (but not anywhere near as long as you). I take a deep breath, hold it for 2 or 3 seconds, then let it out very slowly. I may have to do it 2 or 3 times, but it usually relaxes my esophagus (?) and they go away. Hope you feel better!

Hi all! Had my surgery a few years ago (October 2010). I was doing okay, no complications, losing some weight. But emotional I guess I wasn't quite ready. Found ways to "cheat", felt sorry for myself ... you know the story.

Fast forward 4 years ... gain the weight back plus 20 pounds. But I'm ready this time ... I mean really ready. In those 4 year, I've gone through counseling to deal with my issues. I have finally started making decisions to care for myself, finally realized that I don't have to go through it alone.

So armed with love for myself, support and a new outlook, I start all over tomorrow with the liquid diet. Next week I have an appointment for a check up and fill. Then onward and downwards following the doctor's orders.

I'll need support and am ready to give support, so I look forward to chatting with you!

Just stopping in to say HI. I'm new and am in the beginning stages of my LAP-BAND® journey. I've done my research, seen my surgeon twice and am now waiting for insurance approval. Meanwhile, I'll keep doing my research, both about the procedure and my new life style.

Looking forward to reading your posts.