Well, the wait is over and I finally got my band yesterday. I'm still in a lot of pain though. I guess that's normal?? I have a very sore throat and my stomach hurts along with a little pain in the shoulder - but not a lot.

My doctor said I can go on to soft foods at tolerated. I don't feel hungry yet though. When do most people start wanting real food and what do you eat?

Also, when do most start exercising?

Any advice is appreciated! Looking forward to gaining the many of you who have having great success!

Becky

I tried walking fairly early on - it helped that our County 4-H fair was that week and I had to work a little there, then vacation with walking, etc. I was sore for a couple of weeks, not bad though, am on week 3 and feel SOOOO much better! Every day I felt better after surgery - it'll get better and better! It is so nice to see the scale going DOWN instead of UP for once. My throat irritation went away after about 3 days - seemed to be better the more water I would drink. I find myself moving around and thinking...hey...that didn't hurt now! Good luck Becky - you're going to do great! Just don't overdo during healing - I was on clear liquids for 2 days, full liquids for 3 more days, mechanical soft (really mushy) for a week, and am now starting on soft foods - I've had some overcooked mac and cheese made with milk, refried beans with cheese (yum!), soup, Fettucini Alfredo (chewed really well), pudding, jello, etc. I have really tried to make sure I get a lot of protein in the day - found a juice called "Naked" that had a pretty good protein drink, had coconut, pineapple, and banana in it (I'm picky too, but liked this). I can really tell when I'm not chewing enough or eating too quickly, or am eating too much - I get a sensation of the food getting "stuck" on the way down, kinda painful, so be careful! Kim

Hi! I was banded on the same day. This is my first time on this site as anything other than just a reader. I didn't have any throat pain, but my port area is sore still, and yesterday I moved from clear liquids to thin liquids. I added protein shakes and tomato soup and SF pudding so far. I had started to feel hungry yesterday though. So far so good, my incisions are itchy now.

Hi, My name is Maryjo and I was banded on the 30th by Dr. Artiz. Also was with a group of patients that helped having them there. I amhaving a big problem with heartburn. The pain scares me enough that I am afraid of my liquid soups. Does anyone have any ideas for this type of pain (fells just like heart burn)? Thanks:help:

Hi, Im Anna and I was banding the same day also in NY--I am feeling pretty well, better than I thought I would. The nurse in the hospital told me to keep and Icepack on especially the port incision and I have not had any pain or swelling at all. I am having a "weird sensation" Im not sure if it is hunger or healing. It is in my stomach and its is something that is coming and going. Like a tightening sensation. Has it happened to any of you?

How is everyone feeling now? I noticed several people banded on the same day as me. I am doing really well. I've lost 9 lbs so far, but I'm starting to get hungry now. I'm not sure if it's as much physical as mental. I'm trying to drink a lot of water and hope it goes away. I can't wait for first fill, but I'm told that won't take place until the end of August for me.

Becky,

I know what you mean. Im not sure Im "hungry" or I just am craving the actual act of eating. What I wouldnt do just to chew something.. Gum is not helping.

Maryjo - try using gas-x either strips or chewable. That should help your heartburn a lot. My Dr. told me to take them before meals and at bedtime. Hope this helps!

Hi SD Chick, Thank you for the advice. It is helping me lots! I seem to feel hunger more now, and have to be real careful and not fall back into the pitfalls. Anyway, thanks again, maryjo

hi everyone i got banded on the 30th of july in mexico by dr. huacuz. i have a question about taking out the stitches. i don`t want to becuase they hurt and don`t know how. can someone tell me how to get them out with less pain as possible.

hi there -

i was banded 7/31 and i just started going back to the gym on 8/16. i was told it was ok at my two week check in, but it's all based on the individual.

i just moved to stage 4 (which on my plan is ground meat, very very moist meat, tuna, etc., eggs, Beans (mashed) and no Pasta or potatoes)

i am missing salads/veggies and fruit (that i bite - apples, peaches, etc.) more than i ever imagined - but in due time i guess

i had lost 14lbs by the two week check in, and haven't re-weighed.

regarding stiches - i had glue ones, so they just disolved... sorry i can't be of more help.

good luck

Hi I started exercising about seven days after surgery. Just walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes a day. Lost about 18 pounds so far. I get my first fill this friday. So far things are going well. Best to everyone. Donna