iamworthit

I agree that you guys are doing great! I have never smoked, but both of my parents did and I know by watching them how hard it is to quit. I cannot imagine doing both at the same time. You all should be really proud of yourselves.

When in the mushy stage, how much in one seating did you all eat volume wise? My nutritionist has me eating 2-3 ounces at every meal, and I do feel full after I eat, but I don't stay full for long. I am just curious how much everyone ate during this time period. The thought of another 3 weeks is kind of daunting...

I too have the smaller one. I was 233 when I got banded, but had dieted for 8 months prior. I think genetics has a lot to do with where you carry your fat either internally or externally. At first I was worried that smaller one wouldn't be as good, but we shouldn't think about it that way. Once fully inflated it won't allow anything in no matter how you look at it, ya know?

I was told that the size is dependent on how much fat you have internally on your stomach (not from the outside). The size is different for everyone for a reason. Someone with relatively little fat internally will have the smaller band and someone who has a lot of fat internally will have the larger. It has nothing to do with what you weigh, or how you look on the outside, rather the amount of fat on your internal organs.

I don't think you would be able to keep it secret for long. The incisions on your tummy would tell the story, not to mention the recovery time and the eating patterns post op. My husband wasn't on board with the decision at first either, but when my surgeon explained to him the importance of getting control of my weight now, he started coming around to my way of thinking. The risks of years of being overweight outweighed (no pun intended) the risk of the surgery, for me. Good luck with your decision!

Remind me why fluoro is better than without? My surgeons office doesn't use fluoro for fills so I was curious. What does it change? Thanks!

I think it is great that you have made the decision to do what is right for your health! Good for you! I too was pre-diabetic and struggled with issues ranging from PCOS to hypothyroidism all as a result of my excess weight I think you have made a great decision and will be happier because of it. Remember we are all here for you with support. I am a true believer that it doesn't matter how much a person has to lose, it is hard regardless. For me, I have about 100 left to go, but there have been times in my life when I was 50 pounds overweight or 20 pounds overweight. It doesn't change the feelings we have and in reality is the same struggle. Kudos to you for making the first step!

I don't have a low bmi (yet), but I thought I would give an answer. I struggled with the same thoughts prior to surgery. I kept thinking I could do it on my own. I lost 34 pounds in the 8 months prior to surgery and really changed my lifestyle for the better. My problem has always been keeping it off and getting past this point. For me, it was a no brainer to use the tool and have a real chance at success. I am curious... How are you going to qualify for the surgery with such a low BMI? Is it because you are self pay? My doctor requires patients to be over 100 pounds overweight. Good luck with your decision. Whatever you decide good luck!

Thanks, Shrty! I am proud of it too. It is the first time I have ever taken weight off and kept it off. Typically, I go on some crazy diet lost 30 pounds and then pack it all back on. When I made this committment to myself I was serious about changing my entire life. It isn't about looking great in a dress (although that will be nice), but more about health for me. I was starting to see a lot of the effects from excess weight and it scared me. My mom is having problems associated with her weight and for me, it was like looking down the barrel of a gun - that is me in 30 years if I don't start taking care of myself. As for the weighing, I think I am going to weigh once a week once I have my first f/up. I think that is reasonable and will keep me from getting 'crazy' based on the number on the scale.

I made a decision to not weigh myself until after my first follow up appt. I did this to keep from having disappointment and anxiety based on what I see on the scale. Did anyone else do this and how did it work out for you? I can tell my bloating is going down. Which is a good thing. I starting walking again today more regularly. I walked 1.5 miles this morning and 1 mile after lunch. It felt really good, but boy am I tired afterwards. I am so glad I have this time off from work to focus on me. Anyway, I was curious if anyone else waited to weigh themselves and how it worked out for you.

Ditto! I was contemplating leaving the site because of the ugliness. None of us need that in our lives right now. We need to be supportive and positive!

Leewaypromo, I am sorry you are feeling so poorly. I had my surgery on 07/01 and am still pretty sore too, but the pain meds help. I was wondering if anyone struggled with depression afterwards? I have never felt depressed before, but last night I had a complete meltdown and couldn't stop crying. I feel hungry, but I can't tell if it is true hunger or if it is just the gas. I calculated my calories for yesterday and they were like 330 for the day. I wonder if that is why? As for the pain when you breath, that is probably from the gas. I have that as well and it is getting better. Walking helps a lot and I have used a heating pad behind my back as well. I just want to start feeling like my old self again and that is what has been tough. I am usually a real go getter and not having the strength to do the simplist things has me freaked out. I hope you start feeling better soon. I will keep you in my thoughts!

No offense taken whatsoever! I am from the south and we call everyone honey down here.

Dr. Ortiz wasn't my surgeon. I had mine done at the Mayo Clinic. I just like this site so much and love to hang with you guys My surgeon let's us go to full liquids after 1-2 days on clear liquids. Then after 2-3 days on full liquids I can start mushies. I started slowly this morning with the cream of wheat (only 2 ounces with skim milk). I am doing clear again for 'lunch'. The 2 ounces from breakfast really stayed with me though which is good. I sent my husband to the GNC to get more Isopure clear drinks as that has helped a lot too. I think a lot of surgeons have different post op eating progression, so hopefully this will be ok. I think I will hold off on the applesauce for now, that is for sure. >

Hi everyone! I was banded on 07/01. I am feeling really good, just a little pain (like doing hundreds of situps) and the gas of course. All in all, it was a pretty easy surgery. I started my 'full' liquid diet today. What did you guys eat / drink? This morning I had 2 ounces of cream of wheat made with skim milk and for a snack I had a cup of isopure protein drink. I know creamy soups are on the list and pudding too, but how about applesauce? Any ideas are welcome. Also, what did you all do for this gas? My neck is hurting from it. So far, the only thing that helps is walking and a heating pad. Any other ideas? At this point, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I am really up and ready for this new start in my life. I haven't weighed myself because I don't actually own a scale. I have had issues in the past with getting on it too often throughout the day. I know people tend to gain a little right after the surgery and I didn't want to let that get me down, so I decided to not buy a scale or weigh until my first follow up, that way I would be surprised by the change. Thanks for being such a supportive group. I come to this site daily and it has truly been so helpful this last month leading up to my surgery. I was a wreck prior to the surgery. I am just glad that I did it at this point.

I was wondering how Trina was doing? I know she had her surgery last week but I haven't seen anything posted by her in several days. I have kept you in my prayers, Trina. I can't wait to hear your story!

Thanks! I am excited for Tuesday to be here. I have been a wreck all weekend though worrying. I guess that is normal. I love the Brook's Y - it has made a world of difference for me. My name is not Dianne, so you are good to go! Although that would be odd and a little creepy wouldn't it - EEK? Mmmm Barbara Jeans. I haven't been there in a while, but the she crab soup is pretty awesome. So is the chicken fried steak (gone forever from my plate that is for sure)! I am not even going to start thinking about the chocolate stuff. Yikes. Take care!

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I can only imagine the tremendous pain you must be in. I want to personally thank you for your son's service to our country. I am a proud daughter of a retired Naval diver and I truly understand the sacrifice military families make. I will keep your family in my prayers. God Bless!

Hey Paula, I see you are from Orange Park. I live on the Intracoastal, in Jacksonville. Are you going to the Brooks Y? I go there too. I go every morning from 6:00 - 7:00 (I know I am nuts , but it gets it out of the way for the day, plus I work full time). I joined in January, when I started my 6 month pre-approval diet (having my surgery at Mayo Clinic). Let me know how you like the water aerobics classes at the Y. I have thought about taking one, but have focused on elliptical, treadmill, weight training and lap swimming. I heard the water aerobics class was really good though. Glad to hear you are doing it and making the committment to exercise. It has made a world of difference for me. My weight loss was only 6 pounds from November through January, but then I started really going to the Y every day and now I am up to 34 pounds gone forever. My surgery is Tuesday and I am excited!

Good luck, Trina! You will do great, I am sure. I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery. I can't wait to hear your story.

This is just what I needed to hear Julie. You are so kind to say such encouraging words. I am going to believe it this time.. It is going to work!

I am a gum swallower too. I decided I won't chew it for a while till I get used to the band. I am having my surgery on 07/01 too. Is it normal to be this nervous? I am starting to really get scared.. I made my mind up about this whole thing last October and have been working hard at it ever since (down 34 pounds as of today - YEAH!!). Now the old thoughts are starting to come back, 1. Is it worth it? 2. I have lost 34 pounds in 8 months maybe I can do this on my own? 3. Am I worth it? I have been fat my whole life, people like me this way? 4. Will I be able to succeed? 5. Why am I afraid to be healthy and a normal weight? Thanks for listening to me... I am just being a nervous nelly, I am sure.. It helps having this forum, that is for sure! T minus 6 days and counting......

I know many of you on this site were self pay, but for those who had insurance cover the cost of surgery, does anyone know if insurance covers fills to? I just thought about this, this afternoon. My surgery is on July 1st. It won't make difference to my decision, but it will be good to know ahead of time. My insurance company is Cigna. Any feedback is welcome!

Hang in there Cathy! Remember the reasons why you chose to make this change. You can do it; you are a strong woman and can get through this part. From what I hear it is the hardest thing to get through. Maybe go for a walk, or take a bath or do something for yourself to get your mind off of food. Remember, we are here for you! >

Hi Barb, It is because you swallow a lot of air when you use a straw which adds extra gas. We want to keep that to a minimum because it stretches the pouch. The straw always helped me keep from gulping too, and I really am struggling without it. I tend to take a huge drink and then hold it in my mouth and slowly swallow a little at a time. Then I feel like I am going to choke. It is crazy...