Hello everyone! I got banded Jan 7, 2011 and this is my first post. I have been lurking for a little bit, and I just want to test the waters here. I have only been on one other forum (for something else), and it seems small and intimate, and this seems huge!

I was banded by Dr. Soong in Las Vegas. Everything so far seems normal compared to what I have read on here so far. I go in to get my wounds check tomorrow. The gas is subsiding and so is the pain.

I find I have an incredible amount of energy and my skin looks great! The only thing I am having trouble with right now is scheduling. When to drink Water and how to space three meals and one Protein shake out between 16 hours and not drinking 30 minutes prior to or following a meal without feeling like I am ravenous in between!

Trying different powders and mixing the unflavored protein in with stuff to see what I like and what works has been fun. I even took some protein with me one day when I had to be out and mixed it with some curry potatoes (one small potato and mostly broth) from the Whole Foods deli and it was really good.

I am so glad to see so many people on this journey with me!

{tap, tap, tap} Is this thing on?

I know the site seems huge, but after you are around awhile it's not so bad. It sounds like you are well on your way with the band. Everything gets easier as you go. The drinking vs. eating thing gets better as you get yourself trained. Now I don't even have to give it any thought. Stick around here at LBT and keep posting. You will see some of the same people posting and make some bandster friends. It helps when you know people that are going through the process with you.

Don't just stick a toe in the water jump on in. We don't bite unless it is something yummy

Hi Mangie, I'm also new here and it is extremely confusing at times..lol. I was banded on 12/30/10 and have lost nine lbs. since surgery. Its

all so different. the liquid, the puree, the soft, and then back to regular foods...... It is a journey that I am excited and happy to be on... And I know you will be to.

I try to write everything down and make sure I at least get the Protein in everyday. Some time it is difficult, especially when your working or out shopping and stuff so

its good that you took your protein with you... But i'm just going to take it one step at a time and I know I can make this work for me. Good luck...

Rachel, your so funny!!!! Good luck to you also...

Humming Bird, You are awesome!!!!