Hello everyone, I'm back from Mexico and everything went well as expected. I’m a little sore, haven't had anything for pain since leaving the hospital. The liquid stage got off to a good start, until this evening! Started crying while warming up my Soup.

I don't even like eggs that much but I’m looking forward to having an egg. I’m looking forward to the next stage “MUSHY”

Need words of encouragement have no one to talk to about the surgery. Haven’t told anyone about my surgery (except my husband).

When will I be able to sleep on my side and stomach again?

Hang in there Jean it will pass. Take a day at a time. Just remember you're not going through or experiencing anything the rest of us haven't. Each day gets better and so does the excitement of getting to the mushy stage. Awwwww french onion soup and mashed taters, my first musy foods, then on to Taco Bell for refried Beans and cheese.

If you can't do a day at a time, do an hour at a time and try to stay busy, even if it's surfing the net. Good luck.

PS, My mom gets banded tomorrow and she can be your band pal...Ms Molly

Congratulations on getting your band! You've had a lot done inside and will hurt for a while. But it really will get better. A heating pad helps w/the aches and pains. Please be sure and follow your dr's orders on how long to stay at each stage...liquids, mushies, etc. Some people have trouble with eggs, so please take it easy when it's time to try them out. Best of luck to you!

Hi Jean! You'll do fine! The mushy stage actually makes you feel as if you are eating again! Ahhhh, the first refried beans I had, had to have been the best Taco Bueno ever made!!! Really, like everyone has said, each day you will feel so much better and then one day (very soon) you'll stand up and even forget you just had surgery! Hang in there and take care! Congratulations by the way!!! Laura

I understand about not tellling anyone b/c I have only included a couple of people other than my husband on this journey I will soon be taking. Hang in there and think of the benefit. I will be banded very soon. I am shooting for April 20, 2005 in Mexico. You have done the hardest part. You can do this!!!

I too am a stomach and side sleeper. About a week post surgery is when I was able to with the help of my trusty body pillow. My body pillow is saving me, I highly recommend one.

I also cried when making my chicken broth about the 5th day. (DH and son were having pizza). I take it one meal at a time. Once I choke down whatever it is that I don't want to be eating then I am full and it doesn't matter till next meal. Then, I go into the pantry, look around at all the food I can't have, then grab a different can of soup and start again.

Now, I am entering week 3 and it is soooo hard.

Hang in there! Soon we will have our fills and eating solid foods again like everyone else. That is what I keep telling myself. Plus, find a band buddy on here and bug the heck out of them sobbing/whining for hours on the phone (thanks Lisa and Penni).

I was totally depressed after surgery. It is hard to get used to not eating a lot. But with time it gets better with every pound you lose. It is mind over matter. The surgery was the easy part. The mental challange is hard for me. But it is worth it! Good luck.

So far it's been a brease for me! I was able to sleep on my side a few days after surgery, but it's been a couple of weeks now but I still have some discomfort sleeping on my tummy.

My DH can only eat eggs if the yolk is runny (yeah, I know, gross.) but I haven't had any trouble with eggs. I have them a fews days a week for Breakfast or lunch.

A week after I was banded and still on liquids, a pizza delivery guy showed up on my doorstep with 3 (THREE!!!) pizzas! He had the wrong address! waaaa! I've gone to my favorite pizza place here with friends, but the smell made me feel nausios...

I was banded on 1/12/2005 and can hardly remember the pain, sleeping trouble and lack of food. Time goes by quickly and before you know it, you will be amazed how you made it through the tough times. Take things slowly, stick to the liquids. You will lose most the longer you wait to eat. Try to occupy your mind with new things. Read, write in a journal, catch up on sleep and walk for a few minutes. It gets better each day. You made the first step toward a healthier, happier life. Good luck!