I'm Elisabeth and I had the surgery Nov 18th. No complications at all! I was in a little pain after the surgery due to the placement of the port but other than that I was good to go....that's what I thought. I knew I was an emotional eater, never admitted to it but had all the qualifications and when my "friend" was taken away from me I didn't know what to do. I'm an active person ran my 2nd 1/2 marathon Nov 6th and not having the energy to exercise was tough. I took a walk around the block and normally I would be interested in going shopping but not NOW as I don't want to buy clothes until I need too. I'm glad I found this forum but I sure could've used it a few days out of surgery so I knew what to expect because even though I new I wasn't going to be hungry I didn't realize I didn't know what to do with myself. I'm finally settling into a routine ( 8 days post op) and really can't wait to go back to my exercise class with my friends. I survived Turkey day and was surprised how quickly I filled up on the "approved schmooshies". I am going through a mourning perioud though as I'm realizing that some foods are totally off limits for now, maybe when I am properly healed things will get better, but I guess I really didn't fully understand what my journey will be. I'm so glad I did it and don't regret any part of it, but getting the LB is definitely an ADJUSTMENT. I look forward to following everyone elses journey's too.

I'm glad you are coping with your new lifestyle and, sorry for the loss of your friend. I know that these times can be tough but I myself had some issues and I found that a psychologist was a great help to get me through the hard times. If it were not for one of these people I would have failed in my journey so far. Getting help does not mean your crazy but sometimes it helps to be able to talk to someone who will give an unbiased opinion. Good luck on your journey and I hope I may have said something that helped.

I am going through a mourning perioud though as I'm realizing that some foods are totally off limits for now............

For better or for worse......For me, there are foods that I know I will NEVER be able to eat again, some were my favorites. But getting banded is a life style change so you learn new things/habits and the old ones fade away.

Hi Elizabeth. It's quite a struggle and takes a bit of will power, but it sounds like you have

a good start. Giving up certain foods is really hard, I know, but I'm already able to do things

that I had almost given up on. My old horse is able to carry me without going oof with each

step. I only wish I'd done this years ago. You're going through the most difficult part of this

right now, but it only gets easier from here on, and I hope you continue to do well.

Hi Elisabeth,

Reading your post made me feel that I was looking into the mirror. I too had surgery on Nov. 18th and have been having some of the same 'issues' since then. I did very well the first 3 days, or so I thought. I realized, with the help of my doctor, that I was a bit dehydrated. Once I got that a bit under control I started to feel better. I made it through Thanksgiving because I really didn't want anything to eat. Now I guess I'm going through that 'mourning' period you were talking about. I wish I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. Although that being said, I wouldn't change the decision I made to have the lap band. Since the beginning of this process I've lost 35 lbs. and couldn't be happier. I'm just missing food. It's not that I'm hungry, but I miss food.

Hi Elisabeth, I am also a newbie to this forum. I havent had my surgery yet, scheduled for 11/30! I already miss food and I'm sure that I'll miss it more later also.

I'm hoping that in time I will be able to at least taste some of my favorite foods. But for now I'm content with what I have. I wish you all the best in this journey.

Elisabeth I'm right there with you. I've realized that I was an emotional eater as well as a boredom eater. I had surgery on 11/22/11 so I'm 4 days post op right now. It's a huge adjustment & I'm already craving certain foods that I can't have. I wondered if your doctor put you on a liquid post op diet for 1 or 2 weeks? Mine puts all his patients on a 2 week one. Are the "schmooshies" you referred to for your liquid or mushy diet? What kind of recipes are you using and where did you find them? I feel like I'm still hungry a lot & must not be drinking liquids that are 'full' enough. Thanks in advance!

Thanks everyone for your kind words and advice. Today was a little bit better and don't feel so down today. Hubby and son brought home Wendy's and there were left over french fries and I didn't even dare! Through the bag away and blended my chicken noodle soup and felt good with that!

Elisabeth I'm right there with you. I've realized that I was an emotional eater as well as a boredom eater. I had surgery on 11/22/11 so I'm 4 days post op right now. It's a huge adjustment & I'm already craving certain foods that I can't have. I wondered if your doctor put you on a liquid post op diet for 1 or 2 weeks? Mine puts all his patients on a 2 week one. Are the "schmooshies" you referred to for your liquid or mushy diet? What kind of recipes are you using and where did you find them? I feel like I'm still hungry a lot & must not be drinking liquids that are 'full' enough. Thanks in advance!

I was hungry, I think I was mentally hungry . I didn't have a pre-op diet as I was still training for my 1/2 marathon and took advantage of eating all the stuff I new I wouldn't be able to eat afterwards. As for the "schmooshies" that is the stuff I'm allow to have as long as it is blended. Greek yogurt, cream of wheat, chicken noodle soup in a blender, etc. I guess I'm on that from week 2-3. Definitely a whole new adjustment and trying to keep myself busy. I am glad I have a forum to speak as my husband tries to understand but doesn't and I haven't told anyone of my friends or family. Good luck on your journey and let me know how you are doing.