Kittycat

Welcome!! Are you having surgery in the UK or at the OCC? I had mine here in Ontario, Canada. My advice would be to view the band as a weight loss tool. It's not a magic wand that will instantly make the weight fall off. You need to follow the guidelines of your surgeon, eat healthy, exercise and avoid the foods and drinks as instructed. It's a complete lifestyle change and if you are ready to make that committment to do it, you will do great! Congratulations on making this life changing decision, best of luck! Cathy

MMMmm..that's sounds really good! I am not sure what to have....I love chicken, but may not start with that...I have eaten enough fish to choke a shark! I like caesar salad too...hmmmm...that's a really good question....I will have to ponder that one before Friday. Cathy

Oh that's must be uncomfortable. Mine is not gas though, I burp and the lump remains. I have had gas bubbles and they are painful, this isn't, just a little annoying. Cathy

Wow Alana, you are doing amazing, you look so good!!! Great work, keep it up and before long you will be even hotter than you are right now!!! You go girl!! Cathy >

I was kind of relieved that there was very little fat internally for health reasons, but I still have alot to get rid of on the outside!!! Cathy

I think you are right, I think it might be gas trapped under my ribcage...stretching and walking seems to help. You are so welcome, I love it here, everyone is so wonderful!! Cathy

Yeh sort of...it's like a lingering pain, that hurts when you breathe. Could it be gas? Cathy

That's good to know...I was actually surprised that I have the smallest one, considering I started at almost 300 lbs. Thanks Cathy

I have been experiencing weird stitches under my ribcage on both left and right sides. I haven't had stitches in my side since running track in high school!LOL!! Does anyone experience these? Cathy

I have the smallest one and my surgeon told me it's 4cc. Cathy

Great article MamaMichelle, but it's not acid reflux that's causing the lump in my throat, anyway. My clinic's nurse advised it was a signal that my pouch is full. It goes away in an hour or two when the food moves to the larger stomach pouch. I used to have acid reflux before banding, but haven't since, so I am crossing my fingers. Cathy

Yes me too...but you do get used to it...I sip water and it helps or suck on a mint, that helps too! I am not sure when it will go away, but for me it means restriction and after 4 weeks post op, that is rare and I will take it!!! Have a great day! Cathy

Don't leave, we need to unite and stand up against people like that! Like Chad said, don't let him ruin it for the rest of us, otherwise he wins!! Cathy

99% of the ladies and gentlemen are absolutely wonderful and super supportive...it's unfortunate that one person can be so nasty! Cathy

Perfect! Thank you.

Actually, I kind of like having the lump, it tells me I am full and not to eat anything. Your body's way of shutting the food door. Cathy

That's great news, they seem very nice and are willing to help, which is a real plus! I hope you don't need it, but if you do, it's close by and that is huge advantage. I am so happy my clinic is only one hour away and with the cost of surgery, all of my fills and f/up visits are included. I can book a fill anytime I need one. My fingers are crossed for you! Cathy

Don't worry about stretching your pouch, when you feel the twinge of fullness, stop eating. The lump is common and can last indefinitely...4 weeks later, Shrty835 and I still have it. Take Kim's advice and try a warm drink, it helps me. Take care, Cathy

Hi there, how are you? Hope you are feeling better! The lump means you are full. I spoke with the nurse at my clinic and she said the food is sitting in the small pouch waiting to go through, thick liquids like shakes and creamy soups will do this too. It's normal. I take small sips of water to help tolerate the lump. It's a good thing, it's your body's signal telling you that you are full. I am 4 weeks post op tommorrow and still get it everytime I eat. Take care and keep up the great work! Cathy =D>

Feel better soon! > >

Thanks Mona!! BTW how are you doing? Is your fill working for you? I hope so!! You go girl! Cathy

That's great news, love rollercoasters!!! Cathy

Congratulations!!! Just a few days to go, safe trip and let us know how you make out! Best of Luck Cathy >

Lisa, Like the other ladies said, you need time to heal, you are bloated, swollen and probably retaining some water, once the healing starts and you are moving more, eating more, things will start to happen. My surgeon told me not to expect any weight loss at all between surgery and my first fill, but I have been lucky and have been losing. Not everyone is as fortunate. Be patient and stay on track and it will happen. Best of luck with your recovery, Cathy Edited

You will get through this, it's so worth it. I lost it on day three, totally lost it at work, crying for no reason, I couldn't stop, hugs from my co-workers made me cry harder, but I got through it, and you will too. I am three weeks post op and the weight is coming off, I am happy and able to chose what to eat, you will be there soon too. Keep your chin up and if you need anything, you just come here for support, we're here for you!! Take care, Cathy > > >