shutuplena

Don't be worried - I was banded on 11/14 and have lost 23 lbs so far. That pretty much comes out to a little over 3 lbs a week.

I am bipolar as well. I take 20mg of Celexa and 200mg of Lamictal. I was only banded on 11/14 but I've already lost 23 lbs. Effexor made me gain weight too and I had horrible withdrawals while weaning off of it. My meds now are great and they really work. You shouldn't be off your meds - without a healthy mind, there is no healthy body. Good luck and don't be so hard on yourself. Bipolar is very difficult to live with. The doctor that finally got my meds right was a psychopharmacologist - not a psychiatrist.

I was banded on 11/14 and I started eating more and getting more hungry about 3 wks postop. I get hungrier every day. I go for my first fill this week so I know how you feel. It doesn't sound to me like you're eating too much, just make sure you get your proteins in first. Don't be worried, once you have a fill hopefully it'll get better.

I was banded on 11/14 and I was supposed to go for my first fill on 12/21 but I missed my appt. Now I go this Thursday. Doctors don't want to fill that often because they want to make sure your stomach settles before the next one - to make sure the amount they filled is good for you. I've read that many people don't feel much of a difference with their first fill and that slow weight loss is expected in the beginning. I guess everyone is different. Give yourself more time and don't get discouraged - it's way too early.

I've had IBS for 20 years and mine too has subsided since WLS. My IBS would act up during real stressful situtations and if I ate like an animal at one time. Since surgery I've only had 1 attack but it was mild.

I went straight to a surgeron who specializes in Bariatric Surgery. I didn't have to see my GP until my clearance for surgery was required.

Sounds like you're having a rough time, understandably. Quite frankly, everyone should always listen to their doctors as they are all different, but I feel for you. My doc said no solids for 6 wks. I was eating mushy and pureed solids 2 wks post op. I couldn't take it anymore. Blended soup sounds like it should be ok just be careful of what's in it. Wish I could tell you more.

Good for you that you've made the choice to move forward and research the surgery. First step in the right direction. Keep researching and asking lots of questions. This site really helps a lot. Good Luck to you.

No more pop because of the carbonation - nothing carbonated. Because the fizzing can expand the band. They say no caffeine because it can irritate the lining of the stomach.

I didn't have to do a preop diet but my nutitionist said that if I consume more than the 30-50 gms of protein I will gain weight. So try and stay within the limit. Good luck with the surgery - it's so exciting!

Hi Paige, I was just afraid to swallow them whole in the beginning that why I cut them. Now I swallow them whole and it doesn't bother me at all. I tried mixing them crushed in applesauce and it was gross.

Crushing was gross for me too. I bought a pill cutter and cut my meds either in half or quarters depending on the size. I had no problems. You'll be fine. Did you check to see if any of your meds come in liquid form?

Hi Ashley, I was banded 11/14 and am very glad I did. I did plenty of research about what to expect so I wasn't surprised about much of anything. There's so much to tell so feel free to ask many questions, everyone here will help you. It's a whole life change and takes some getting used to but the lbs start coming off - it makes you feel like a new person. Keep reading and asking questions. Congratulations!

I'd get a lawyer - they'll find out everything you need to know. Sorry to hear that happened. Good luck!

I was hoping that I wouldn't want or be able to eat those things anymore either, but that didn't happen. My nutritionist told me that those cravings for pizza, chinese food, etc. are all in your head not your belly so it's like fighting the beast. I wish there was no temptation but unfortunately that's not going to happen.

Hey Julie and thank you. My surgeon says he puts 3cc in the first fill so I'm really hoping it works. And you're right about the PB or vomit. I'm so afraid of that happening. I just feel like I'm sinking into the old habits so I just keep counting the days til the first fill - next Thurs. Thank you again and have a happy New Year. Happy and safe New Year to everyone.

Toy duck is a good idea...ha ha..My pains didn't start til the 3rd day after surgery...and who knows, maybe you'll be a lucky one and not have any pains. Just be prepared--lots of Gas-X.

Congrats on your upcoming new life. Don't worry too much about the diet. You'd be surprised how you make it work. Just try and bring foods with you that won't perish if not refrigerated - like soft cheeses are good for awhile, applesauce, pudding, and even scrambled eggs if you don't mind them cold. You'll be fine and just make sure you drink a lot of water and don't skip your meals because you might get weak. Good luck.

Personally I don't drink others I've spoken to do. They have vodka with cranberry because it's more of clear liquid then say orange juice (which the acid might upset your stomach.) I don't think having a few would be bad just make sure you drink alot of water with it so you don't dehydrate. Good luck and have fun! Happy New Year.

Good for you! I can't wait til I can lay on the couch with my husband and son too. That's awesome. I wish I did as well as you over the holidays. unfortunately I didn't do great but my first fill is next week so I'll just keep trying. This is a bad time of year. That article is very true - but somehow no matter how guilty and sad we feel when we "indulge" we do it anyway, even knowing its not a "treat." Have a very happy New Year.

I took 2 wks. 1 wk that I really needed and the 2nd week was just getting back to doing things and I couldn't drive for 2 wks either. I probably could've gone back after 1 wk but it would've been a little too much. If you can take the time, take it...Good Luck.

My doctor had me take Senekot (a gentle laxative) because I couldn't take it anymore. It took 8 hrs to work and I never had a problem since. I find that Benefiber and fiber supplements make me more constipated and gives me gas because you must make sure you drink PLENTY PLENTY PLENTY of water or else it just binds you up.

I had 3 surgeries in one (LB, hernia repair and removal of my gallbladder). The pain in your back can also be gas. I suffered greatly with it. Try lots of Gas-X (double what the box says) and try to walk, walk, walk. The pains at your incisions are mostly likely just healing pains. You're only 2 days postop...Give it a few more days. By 7 days you should feel much much better.

I lived on eggs - any way except fried. I had yogurt, sugar free pudding and lowfat, soft cheeses. Try some chicken or tuna salad with lite mayo but make sure the chicken or tuna is very finely chopped.

My surgeon required an upper GI too (endoscopy) along with many other tests as well. It does seem odd that it wouldn't be covered. Is the doctor referring you to a gastro doctor who maybe doesn't participate in your plan? Check with your insurance co and find out what their procedure is. They should cover you.