I posted this in the twenties support group also, and apologize for the double post, but am deserate for answers before friday and I figure I could get a few from some early january bandsters.

Hey there, I'm a 24 yo currently in school in Houston, (went to UT for undergrad obviously!) and got banded last Friday, the 23.

I am a bridesmaid in a wedding and have a few questions that I need answers to ASAP!

1) I am headed to Austin for a Bachelorette party on Friday. I am supposed to be transitioning to mushies this weekend, so I'm wondering what I should eat. I am pretty sure I'm just going to go with a broth based Soup, but am wondering how I can keep this surgery discrete... can I chew some of the pieces to a pulp? Are scallops mushie friendly? Are there other liquid/mushie items that I can order at a restaurant?

2) Drinking. The focal event of our friday night. I have no idea what I can do and what I'll physically be able to handle. Regardless, not drinking is not really an option, though I wish it was. Any advice/knowlege would be greatly appreciated. I haven't told any of my girlfriends, and am trying to keep this surgery under wraps for now. Normally I'm the life of the party (and a heavy drinker...obviously) so I'm worried they're going to wonder what's up. The 'foodpoisoning' excuse as of late can only go so far.

3) Bridesmaids dress. Wedding is the following Saturday. I have a corset-like dress that when I tried on preop was tight. Not just normal tight, but sausage casing tight. My incisions are still pretty tender right now, I think my abdomen is swollen, and am worried that I will be in intense pain the entire night. So I ask, how was your pain level 2 weeks post op? Am I going to be able to handle this? Did your swelling go down by then?

Thanks everyone in advance. I look forward to many days of losing together ahead!

You might think about telling them. I bet they will be supportive. As far as the drinking I would stay away from the alcohol and any carbonated drinks. You could always be the designated driver:thumbup:. I'm not sure what your doctor has told you about what to eat but remember that your stomach is still healing so you don't want to press your luck.

You can stick with some creamed Soups or something very soft and without spices.

In a week your swelling in your abdomen should be down alot and who knows with the weight loss your dress may be more comfortable than before.

Good Luck and have fun at the wedding. Just remember your WLS is there for you for life.

Thanks Burgy

Telling my girlfriends is definitely on the agenda longterm. I know they'll be supportive, that's not the issue, it's that we are all in school together and them knowing at this stage may jeapordize my future career options... In addition, I'd rather get some weight loss underway to escape some potential critisism and perhaps show everyone that this was a good thing for me before they find out and cheapen what has been the best and hardest thing for me.

As for the alcohol- We unfortunately booked a hotel downtown so we don't need a DD (which normally is an awesome thing, but boy do I wish we needed one now!). My doc does allow us to drink a small amt of alcohol at this point if desired, so I will just have to limit and start learning the word 'NO.'

Your comments on the dress are encouraging! If I lose a little I may actually be excited to try it on.

And thanks for mentioning this....you're right... this WLS is for life. I am in the healing process. The last thing I need to do is to damage my investment or hurt my body.

I'm a, well used to be, a big drinker myself. Big time Beer girl, my excuse this far has been that "no drinking" was my new year's resolution. I tell you, some poeple mourn the loss of food before banding; I was just trying to figure out what I could drink that wasn't carbonated, LOL, and I HATE hard liquor. However, my husband said that's when he realized I was serious about this when he found out I would forever have to give up beer. Sorry for rambling, I'm still in mourning:crying: Anyway, have you thought about wine? Easy to sip, not expected to guzzle. Or how about a bloody mary, not quite breakfast but another sippy drink, cranberry and vodka with extra ice and take you're time eating every ice cube after and be sure to drink a lot of water too. Easy way is buy the other girls lots of shots so they're so $hit faced they won't even notice you're not drinking!! :thumbup:HAHA

Buying the other girls lots of shots...best (and most expensive) advice ever!! Sounds like you understand the gravity of the situation. haha

my god, I am so with you on mourning the beer. I think it's so sad how I'm already thinking about how different superbowl sunday is going to be for me. My bf said the same thing. He's still unsure of this whole thing because it is so new. I'm sure he won't be dissatisfied with the results!

call me a guy, but beer and football are...err...were...my staples in life. Guess I'm going to have to find another one.I actually can't drink wine but I will try some of the other options you suggest. Thanks for the comments

Hello fellow Houstonian!

I had my surgery the same day and I can say the swelling is already going down. I'm going back to work Monday, so I'm thinking you will be 100% by next Saturday.

If you tell your girlfriends, I would pack some meals for yourself.

Ohh...I'm so having scallops for my first real meal.

Good Luck!

Here is one idea for an excuse not to drink. Tell them you have a bladder infection or (insert other infection) and are on antibiotics which make you unable to drink. Might work..

Just checking in to see how it went! I know you're not hungover:tongue: That is one upside to it all I suppose!!!!