Kittycat

I had swelling problems too in my left calf and foot...it's weird since I started the pre-op diet and I haven't had any swelling at all....I am hoping the reduction in salt and eating healthy and of course losing weight will help permanently. Reduce your salt intake, especially in the hot weather and if you still have swelling, contact your doctor...it could be something else. Good luck, Cathy

I am not entirely sure, I know my clinic requires a BMI in the morbid obesity range. The OCC may not require this, I would contact them to find out. I have seen people with as little as 50 lbs to lose and as much as 200 lbs...so do some research and you may find you are a candidate. Good Luck! Cathy

How exciting! Good luck and safe trip...let us know how you are doing!!! Take care Cathy

Lookin' Good!!! Your tummy has trimmed up so nicely, it looks like you have bigger boobs!!LOL!! Good for you! Cathy >

That must be even more difficult to control portions. You are doing so great, you must have a method of satisfying yourself with healthy choices. Do you have another fill booked? I have my first on July 16th...if I still have restriction...would I get it anyway or not? Thanks Cathy

Hi there, I gained 7 lbs with the swelling and water retention from surgery...after I started creamy soups about a week post op, the weight started to fall again. Everyone is different when it comes to weight loss between surgery and first fill. My surgeon told me not to expect any weight loss at all, but considering that I have alot of weight to lose and I am barely eating anything, I have lost 11 lbs since surgery. I was stalled for a few days last week, which is also normal, your body needs time to adjust. I started mushy foods yesterday and increased my calories intake a little and the scale has started moving again. Weird eh? Your body needs food, if you don't eat enough calories, it will stall and go into starvation mode and your body holds on to the lbs. Increase your calories and drink water and things will start moving again. Good luck...3 lbs is great and gone for good!!! Cathy

Congratulations to both you and your daughter for making this life changing decision!!! =D> I had my surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago and it was the best decision I ever made. The OCC has a different pre-op plan and post-op plan than I did. I was banded in Canada. When you talk to the surgeons at OCC they may required you and your daughter to start a pre-op diet plan to reduce the fat in your liver prior to surgery. Surgery is laproscopic and most are up and about the next day. I was not, I took a little longer to get moving, but everyone is different. Once you have been banded you will be on a 21 day liquid diet before starting on solid food. OCC will also provide this info to you. You may experience painful gas pains for the first week or so, sometimes longer, bring Gas-X strips or other gas reducing medicine. Port pain is also common for about 4-6 weeks. The port is stitched to your abdominal muscle just under your largest incision and can be very tender for awhile. I was back to work in a week (office job) and did just fine, tired but fine. My surgeon told me not to expect weight loss between surgery and my first fill 6 weeks later, but you may lose some weight due to the reduction in food intake and calorie intake. Be aware that you need to take in the appropriate amount of protein for your body weight. If you have any other questions, anyone on this forum can answer them for you...we are here to support you and encourage you to reach your goal!!! Best of Luck Cathy >

Set up an ID name...like Kittycat...and don't sign your real name when you post. I use Kittycat or Cathy...that's as much as I have provided. I am also on Facebook with a couple of girls from the forum, if anyone wants to join me on Facebook, just let me know! Cathy

I feel fullness now with very little food...to compare the feeling...it like sitting down to a huge turkey dinner and eating way too much....is that similar to the sensation you feel after 1/2 sandwich? Cathy

Hi Erin, how are you doing? Feeling ok? I ate creamy of potato soup mixed with cream of cheddar alot..and chewed the chunks...chewing is your blender and makes you feel like you are actually eating something. Take care, Cathy

Sounds great...is that 329 calories per serving??? Wow! Cathy

Excellent post!!!! Great info to know...and to follow for success!! Cathy =D>

Best of luck on Tuesday and be sure to let us know how you are doing? Cathy >

Thanks Alana, So if it's not restriction and just swelling...does restriction feel the same...when you eat and feel that twinge in your stomach of being full? Cathy

Paula, after surgery before your first fill...when did you lose restriction? Cathy

That's a great idea...we have a facility with a pool right next to where I work...water aerobics here I come!!! Have a great weekend! Cathy >

You are so right about that...if the kids don't eat up the spaghetti...it will last me all weekend!! I see you are driven too!! Zoom Zoom!!! Cathy

That's a good question..if you get a fill that isn't enough, how long do you have to wait for another? I have unlimited fills with my fee...my first is July 16th...I will ask that question...but if anyone else knows...I would love to know! Cathy

I graduated to mushy/blended foods today. I finally went to a restaurant after 6 weeks and ordered spagetti. I ate about 1/2 cup or less and was full. Brought the rest home for the kids. For dinner I had fish and a scoop of mashed potatoes, again could barely get that down. I feel restriction very quickly. I know, some of you are ready to smash me over the head with the closest frypan you can grab...sorry about that! My question is...when did your restriction stop after surgery? I am almost 3 weeks post op. When you started on solid foods after the 21 day liquid diet, did you have restriction? How long did it last? The nurse at the clinic told me to stop eating as soon as I feel the twinge in my stomach...shortly after I feel a lump in my throat which takes hours to go away. She said it is caused by food slowing making it's way into the larger stomach area. I guess I need to retrain my brain and learn to get used to the new way of eating, or not waste money eating out when I can hardly make a dent in it. Thanks Cathy

Welcome!!! Congratulations on a life changing decision! You will do great! All the best, Cathy >

I am sure he was very proud of your decision to get healthy. My brother and brother-in-law are army here in Canada...and giving our soldiers both in U.S. and Canada our support is key!! All the best to you and your family...we are all thinking of you. Take care of you and yours, Cathy

Great news!! You will do fine and being telling everyone else, I told you so!!! Take care, Cathy

I am so so sorry, my heart goes out to you and your wife. I wish I could be there to give you a hug and my support. You are all in our hearts and prayers. Keep strong. Cathy

Best of Luck! You will do great! Let us know when you are a bandster...take care, Cathy

Hi Sandy, I take pills all the time, I took pain meds, I take Biotin (for hair/metabolism) daily, advil or tylenol capsules for pain or headaches...as long as they are not horsepills..you should be fine. Good Luck! Cathy