This is my first time posting on here..I had my surgery on December 11th. I started my journey at 417 pounds. The surgery itself went very well. I spent the night in the hospital and went home the next day. I had minimal challenges after the surgery itself. I did the liquid diet for a week, then the blended food, etc. My only difficulty that I have is first thing in the morning I have a hard time drinking Water when I first wake up. Having a C-PAP machine I tend to be quite parched when I wake up. I was told that there is a build up of mucus and it's usually best to drink warm liquid first thing in the morning to break that up. I'm usually not a warm liquid drinker but it's helped.

Since the surgery I've had 2 fills. The first fill was challenging in the first week but after that I was eating normally but my intake was a lot less. When I got my second fill last week I've noticed it to be more challenging to eat. I've had more foods getting stuck than in the past. I've learned that I have to make sure I really cut my food smaller. (especially steak) I've been able to tolerate a soda from time to time. I pour it in a cup and stir out the carbonation and I've had no issues with it. I know that I should avoid it not only because of the carbonation but for the sugar as well. Once in a while I've just gotta have one. I'm tolerating alcohol pretty well. I haven't had a beer yet but I've been doing mixed drinks and I haven't had any issues. I haven't really exercised that much other than walking further in the parking lot to the store because I intentionally park further away.

So far since I've started I've lost 42 pounds!!! My pants are falling off my butt...shirts are getting big. I'm loving it!! I want to lose another 10-15 pounds before mid May so I can go to Six Flags and hopefully fit on a roller coaster again and ride with my kids!!

My goal weight is 260 and I know I can get down to that.

Good luck... cut out the sodas and alcohol and it will go faster! Try diet sodas or crystal light.

Great work!!! My doctor says no carbonation at all. It can ruin the band. I put mio liquid in my water to make it taste better. I can't swallow well until I have been up for 2 hours. I do take musinex before bed a few days a week and that helps. Good luck.

GREAT job.

BUT I would definitely STOP the carbonated beverage... you may be asking for trouble down the road.

I know each doctor has a different option when it comes to carbonated beverages... mine says no carbonated beverages... I've tried them twice since being banded and was in terrible pain... never again. For me it's not worth the long term risk of causing damage.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

If you stir the bubbles out of the soda, like you do, then I think the carbonation is not an issue with the band.

The sugar is probably slowing weight loss...just try having less times to times until its non existent. For me giving up diet soda cold turkey was easier, but for you limiting it in decreasing intervals might work.

I bet you will lose the weight you want and enjoy six flags!!!! THat's a great goal.

Keep doing what you are doing that is working and tweak the rest!

I agree with others - at least cut out the soda. Even if it is diet soda - the carbonation can cause havoc on your band. And if you are pouring it into a glass to get rid of some of the carbonation, then what is the point to drinking it? It is a habit you can do without and one that you will appreciate later on. I was a soda drinker. Diet Mtn.Dew was the nector of the Gods to me... yes, I drank alot. I haven't had any kind of soda in almost a year. I was banded in July. I live on Crystal Light and regular Water. If caffeine is what you crave, they make "energy" Crystal Light... give it a try.

You owe this to yourself and it will only help the journey.

I don't mean to preach... you've done great so far.

The band only changes your life if you let it. If not, you'll easily go back to where you were.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice on the soda...I really don't do it that much. If I have 1 Diet Mtn Dew a week I'm lucky. I used to easily drink 4-5 cans a day before my banding. Now I mostly drink Crystal Lite or water. As far as the alcohol I'm a social drinker and that's far and few between. I'll usually drink Vodka Cranberry to avoid the carbonation. I used to drink whiskey and seven up but I don't want the carbonation...especially in public. Again I don't do it often. I really think I am going at a good pace and I'm sure once summer comes around I'll be more active outside and that will help even more.

Five Months and down 54 pounds!! 84 pounds to go!! Just had a fill done on Monday. God I hate this feeling...everything I drink or attempt to eat feels like it's sitting in my throat. I know it will pass in a few days....Staying motivated!! Went to Six Flags and I still wasn't able to fit on the roller coasters....Well maybe next year...all it did was piss me off and motivate me more.