My name is Mandy, I am new at all this! I have my own blog @ Blogger.com (not sure if you put in my email address if it would work).

Anyways, I had Lap-Band Surgery on Monday 12/6. It has not even been a week and I lost 8 lbs. I lost 22 before surgery so I m down a total 30lbs since I began this journey. I also have been non-smoker now 8 months, since I decided I was going to have surgery I had to quit smoking in order for them to even consider me a canidate for the surgery.

I am 29 yrs old married and Mother of 3, work full time as a case manager with adults with Developmental Disabilites I live in Mass.

I am ready to be a happy and healthier me, not just for myself, but my children and husband.

I hope to meet others on here that have had the band done....

I don't mind the Protein shakes, but I am hungry, the pains are bad, I feel like my insides are spazzing out and all twisted inside and out. I have such acid reflux...I have to deal with this for another week...but I think tomorrow I am going to call the dr's office. The pains are even in my back and not sure if this is normal.

I hope to hear from someone soon.

Mandy

Welcome Mandy!!!! I was also banded on the 6th. This is has been a great site for information and just finding other people that are expericing what you are...it's good to know that I am "normal" and this site has been a God Send for my sanity!

I was told the back pain (between your shoulder blades) is normal. I had that pretty bad the first few days and still occationally. My nurse told me to use a heating pad and put it between your shoulders. WOW that is great and really helps. Also they told me not to lay down (and that was right too because I was really uncomfortable when I did). I use the recliner and recline about 1/2 way with my arms up by my ears and that has helped the reflux. I don't know what Protein shakes you are drinking but the EAS Myoplex 25g have been really filling for me...can only drink 1/2 of a 14 oz bottle at a time. Last night I was so hungry I thought I was going to go crazy so I took a very small bite of Beans....turns out I wasn't hungry just a grumbly tummy.

Welcome to the Journey!!!

By the way I am 42, Wife and Mom (have a 15 year old daugher at home) and work full time....very stressful job. That is the one thing I have been concerned about is that I have heard that stress can really cause the band to tighten....guess I am going to have to learn to lighten up! Kudos for quiting smoking...I failed at that, only made it a week before surgery. Good thing is that seems to tighten the band too and I have only had 1 pack over the last week - big improvement from 3/4 of a pack per day! I think this will get easier because of the tightening... I learn by aversion therapy and pain is a big aversion.

Sending positive thoughts!!

Christa

Hi Christa,

Thnk you so much for letting me know that pain is normal. I was really getting worried. It hurts to the point of me crying...And come to think of it...burping really hurts too! I am super happy with the choices I hve made when it comes to surgery! I am really looking forward to the later results and I will do what I need to; to get to my goal weight! I am in the recliner most the days too. I do sleep in bed...and finally I am able to get 7 hours of sleep or so.

Well have you done well since Monday! The hunger pains I thought wouldn't bother me, but its really hard! I was told to drink carnation instant Breakfast with 1 or 2% milk. I bought tons of boxes because they are pricey! So I have plenty....I am only to have 4 oz at a time.. I don't feel as though its enough! My intestines feel so empty and hollow!

I have been walking a little bit...while shopping that is! I get tired easily and rest alot, but get bored easily too!

Well nice to meet you!

Good luck on your Journey!

Mandy