HI everyone! I have watched this forum for months, but now that I am 2 weeks post-op, I realize that I need to get involved. I had surgery on May 19, 2011 and I have lost almost 16lbs so far. I am trying to everything by the book. I just started mushies today, but I feel like I'm still not doing it right, even though I haven't eaten anything I;m not supposed to eat. I hear so many people say that they hate their bands, so I'm freaking out a little. I guess I just want some reassurance that there are people who are happy that they made this decision.

I look forward to hearing back from you all!

Lucky you..........I can't wait for my mushies next week. (LOL) I never thought I would be talking about "Mushies". Enjoy them slowly and I look forward to having a toast (Protein shake) with you next week to a week of mushies for me.

Is it week 3,that you can start eating the mushies,i know Drs. have different times.

. I guess I just want some reassurance that there are people who are happy that they made this decision.

I love my band! I have been banded for 8 weeks and only wish I had it done sooner! I have had no complications and am able to eat anything I want (I don't eat meat - I'm vegan) but now I fill up much quicker and stay full longer. Exercise /drinking Water is the KEY! I workout 6 days a week - mountain biking/running and boot camp.

There are a lot of us that love our bands and are doing great. Congrats on getting your band!

Vanessa

Definitely count me in as a happy bandster! And I know a ton of other bandsters through my blog -- not a single one who has ever said that she hates her band! I love mine. It has completely changed my life to be able to feel good about my body and weight, and to finally have control over the one thing -- my weight -- that made me unhappy and that I could not get a handle on by myself.

Hang in there on the mushies. It's actually a great phase, since you're not stuck on liquids anymore, and there are a ton of things you can eat. I enjoyed ff refried Beans with cheese a few times during that phase. Yum.

Why don't you consider starting a blog to get more involved in your process? That was an enormous help to me. It kept me honest and accountable, and provided a whole network of information and support that I never imagined I'd get that way. It really made a huge difference to me. I also like that I started it right before my surgery, so I have a diary with photos, data and tons of information chronicling the whole process. I like to go back and see where I was a year -- or two years -- ago, and to see how different I feel. It's incredibly easy to start a blog on www.blogger.com -- give it a thought!

My other advice to you is to take your measurements asap if you haven't already, and write them down. And, take a bunch of "before" photos if you don't already have a ton. You will want them later!

Wishing you lots of success and happiness with your band,

Catherine

Thanks everyone

It is good to know that there are people out there who are happy. I was just starting to feel overwhelmed with the number of posts talking about things not working the way they had expected. I am really happy with my band so far. Still a little tender in areas, but I'm back to work and loving that I do not have the desire to eat everything in sight.

I have enjoyed the mushies stage, but didn't even think about ff refried Beans with a little cheese. I might have to try that tonight. I did let some feta cheese melt in my mouth yesterday, and I thought I was going to die from how good it was.

Regretably, I do not have a ton of recent "before" pictures. I took a couple the night before surgery (in the standard sports bra and shorts) but I think those will be for my eyes only. I am planning on taking them again once a month so that I can keep track of the progress. I am going to take the advice and measure myself.

I know that this is going to be tough, but I didn't spend the time and money to mess it all up. I am ready for the work.

Thanks for the reassurance.

Kelly

hi tomorrow i will be 2 weeks post op. i was banded the day after you. i start soft foods tomorrow. do you find that your appetite varies from day to day. somedays i feel i could get a cow and others i'm forcing myself.

Hi Jennifer1,

Recently my appetite has been starting to return. I am not always able to go three hours between meals, probably because I'm not getting enough Protein. Regardless of my appetite, I have been forcing myself to stick to the plan. I do not eat more than I am supposed to, and if it is before I am supposed to eat, I try and remember to drink something, because I am usually just thirsty. My biggest problem, though, has been drinking slowly enough and not drinking during my meals. I don't know about you, but I was the person who could drink 2 whole glasses of a beverage while having dinner.

From what I understand, some people are able to eat as much as they did before until they have a fill. I'm trying really hard to not let myself get there. What I can tell you is that it is easier to stay full once you move to soft foods. I'm eating more protein and food that just feels more substantial. Hang in there. We didn't go through all of this to fail.

Good luck

Also, keep in mind that people who tend to post are those that are struggling or feeling discouraged because they are seeking help. So it might seem that a lot of people "hate their band" or have problems but keep a perspective.

I would say the first 6 weeks you are pretty much just dieting on your own (that's my experience so far). You don't have a fill yet and haven't reached that 'sweet spot" and that may take several fills.

Good luck!

HI everyone! I have watched this forum for months, but now that I am 2 weeks post-op, I realize that I need to get involved. I had surgery on May 19, 2011 and I have lost almost 16lbs so far. I am trying to everything by the book. I just started mushies today, but I feel like I'm still not doing it right, even though I haven't eaten anything I;m not supposed to eat. I hear so many people say that they hate their bands, so I'm freaking out a little. I guess I just want some reassurance that there are people who are happy that they made this decision.

I look forward to hearing back from you all!

Hello Ellyk,

I love my band and I am 1 week post op today! I cant believe you did liquids for two weeks. I thought most doctors or nutritionist have you on liquids 1 week. I have lost 10 pounds since my surgery on May28th and I lost 8 pounds pre op for a total of 18 pounds. I started some mushies in my first week such as watery oatmeal and watery grits and today I had eggs.

Continue to follow the rules, you will be successful. I know I bent them a little.

Queen