jhawkchick75

I know it is tough, but stick to the basics and follow the rules. The hardest thing for me was the eating and drinking at the same time and although it's been tough, it isn't as bad as I thought. I used to drink probably 5 drinks while I ate so I completely understand but you CAN DO IT! If you are really hurting, folks have said it's OK to suck on a piece of ice. I've done that a couple times when I ate something too hot, but i'm trying to not get in the habit of that. Absolutely true what others have said - even though you can't feel the restriction doesn't mean it's not there. I know this part is tough - I am between my first and second fill and I can eat anything I want, but am not letting myself. And let me tell ya it is HARD!! It took everything I had not to pull into McDonalds today, but damn it felt so good when I didn't! This band is a tool, but there is a lot of work we must do on our end as well. Best of luck!!!

GREAT post Miss Dana! I completely agree! I know that Dr. O and his staff do a ton of these, but hopefully they know what a difference they have made for me. This is the first time in my life I feel I have control over my eating and my weight! I'm so excited to watch where this journey takes me. I was just like you - whether it was because I was sad or excited I would turn to food. Now my mindset is so different. What a great feeling! Here's to a successful 2009!!!

Don't worry you are not alone. I am jealous when people say they had little to no pain and how easy it was. Now mind you I wasn't miserable, but was very sore and in a good amount of pain for the first 2-3 weeks. Probably after 3 weeks I was feeling about 90-95 percent. When I work out I get a bit of soreness, but that is about it and my gas pain has gone. So I promise the end is near! Now gas is still there and always will be, but the pain is gone. I agree about working out - I didn't start back up until recently so i'd be careful doing anything but walking. And even though I waited a while my port still got sore the first couple times I worked out. I say take it easy and listen to your body! Also, ditto to what Dana said about protein - it makes such a HUGE difference!

Congrats to all of you on your new journey! It's so funny I feel like it was just yesterday I was there!

I'm not sure about the lifting, but I agree with Lisa i'd do everything you can to not lift! I had to go to the grocery store one time and just lifting too heavy of bags really made me sore. My 3 year old niece lives with me part time and her and I had a talk about how Aunt Shelby had ouchies on her tummy and couldn't lift her up. She still asks me if I have them. Kids don't seem to forget anything! But as far as the bending over and side to side, I had that too. I still feel it when I bend forward, but it's not pain it's just more pressure now.

Thanks so much!!! I can tell you have the right attitude and are going to completely ROCK at this as well! As weird as this may sound - this process has been the easiest and the hardest thing i've ever done. And I hear you on the saving money on fast food! I do spend more on more expensive food, but just eating at home is so much cheaper than eating out all the time. You have done a great job! Stick exactly to the plan Dr. O has given you and there is no way you will not succeed at this. What a great way to start off the new year huh! Can you imagine what hotties we will be by spring!?

I still can't lay flat on my stomach which is hard for me b/c that is how I always slept. Not a major pain, but some pressure and discomfort.

Another thing to keep in mind is that is empty calories. Once you are banded, you should be eating around 1200 calories a day and I know for me I make the MOST of those calories - I like my food wayyy too much! Not being able to eat bread is gonna stink, but I guarantee you the first time it gets stuck i'll be done. I hear it hurts like hell! That will knock out any cravings I have!

Congrats! That is really great I love the comedy tour with he and Ron White and the crew. Good job you lucky lady!!!

You said it girl! I paid way too much for this band out of pocket to be one of the 2 percent of patients that has their band slip. A consistent that everyone seems to agree on here is to follow the rules your doctor gave you at that time. Dr. Ortiz knows what he's doing and I encourage everyone to follow whatever directions your doctor gives you to the T. Kristy, you have done such a great job researching and preparing you are going to be a rock star at this! Can't wait to follow your success!

Ditto to what Jude said. It stinks because rarely does anyone have restriction after their first fill. Some do those lucky ducks but most don't so portion control is the key! It's time to practice what it will be like when you are tighter - eat very small bites and chew like crazy. One thing that is really nice for me is that I chew so much and it takes me so long to eat that by the time i'm halfway through my food it's cold and doesn't really taste that good. Also, it makes eating a heck of a lot more work and not as fun! In the past, I would inhale my food so fast and I would feel sick afterwards. That is because by the time I felt the fullness it was way too late. Now, I eat so slow I recognize when i'm full and it hits so much earlier because the 21 days shrunk my stomach. Unfortunately everyone's bodies are different - I hear some say no chicken, some do fine. I hear some say no bread - some do fine. As long as you are eating slow, small bites, and doing your portions right you will be fine. Good luck and let us know what you have! Mine was ravioli.

I do the chewable Centrum as well and like them. I bought the liquid Centrum and I almost threw it up every time I took it - I only lasted about a week on that. Also do fiber choice weight management. I was worried about swallowing pills during post-op, so after the 21 days I started taking some pills I got at a health foods store that are to help your colon and flush you out a bit and get your "rotto rooter" working as Jude says! I've always had a problem with that.

Another thing to keep in mind is pop is empty calories. When you only get so many calories a day I know i'd rather have food than drink. Also, I know one time when I was doing WW I went about 6 mos with no pop and when I had one it tasted terrible! Everyone's body is different, but I know for me I remember all the headaches I had when I first went off pop and I really don't want to go back to that. Also the whole empty calories thing. Now don't get me wrong, i'll be having a glass of wine now and again, but even with drinking alcohol it just doesn't seem worth it to me.

That is great that you followed what the doctor said at the time you were banded to the T - I think we all should do that. As we all know medicine is an ever evolving process and so we should follow best practices and trust the experts and the physicians that we trust to do the surgery. I have a Masters degree as well, but i'm following current best practices to do everything in my power to ensure my success. Best of luck!

Thanks Jude...I learn from the best!!! If it wasn't for you as well as Denise, Jann, Kat, and on and on and on I wouldn't be where I am!!

Me too!!!! At first I was scared I was shrinking - hell i'm only 5'2! But of course it is my pants riding lower. Good thing I have big ole hips that way they don't fall down!

I bought the DanActive drinkable yogurt and that did help with the hunger. I'm one of those freaks of nature that doesn't like sweets, so they weren't the best but they were much better than broth by that time. But like I said I am a freak and most everyone really liked the drinkable yogurt. I know everyone is different, but all I can encourage you to do is stick to the rules given to us by OCC. I know that some people are able to stray and get by - that is not guaranteed! So I trusted the experts and stuck to the 21 day diet. After spending all this money (mine is all out of pocket) I can't imagine my band slipping or something else happening and ruining this for me. I'm telling you - I am the biggest wuss and don't have a lot of willpower and I was able to get through the 21 days and you can too!!! The first 7 were terrible for me, but when I got on creamy soups it was totally doable. Sucked a bit when I was around yummie food I couldn't have, but otherwise really isn't that bad as long as you mix it up.

Oh and forgot to mention I REALLY wish I would have measured too. There are so many times where you are are not losing weight, but are losing inches and mentally that can be a real boost! I can tell i've lost a lot of inches by the way my pants fit, but it would have been nice to say how many inches i've lost too.

I think each person is different. For some, weighing every day might be tough b/c you might get really frustrated if you are up a bit one day. I used to be that way, but i've come to grips that i'm a lady and that it's gonna go up and down a bit. I do get on the scale each day, but it only counts on Wednesdays. Also, from day to day if it is fluctuating I don't let it impact how much I eat or what - I stick to the plan! But if from each Wed to Wed it's going up or not down enough then i'll evaluate my diet. Be very aware of yourself and if mentally it is really impacting you to weight too much then don't do it. But if it works for you then by all means go for it!

I'm very lucky I have not slimed or PB'ed yet, but what I can tell you is that it is very hard to explain well because for every person it is different. From what I know the reasons it happens are across the board, but other than that everyone is so different. For those that are newer, one thing that really helped me was the search option. If you look at the top right hand side of the page, you will see a search link. You can put in terms like "slime" "PB" "Stuck" and things like that. I know that has helped me a lot. HOpefully these things will be something that are few and far between, but are an unfortunate part of our bands. Take care-

Welcome! Like has been said before, take time to read through old posts - go back several months and you will find a lot of great advice. Utilize this forum for any questions, concerns or anything else you need. You will not regret this decision at all - I know I don't!!!

I'm so glad I wasn't the only one that really didn't enjoy Revolution Ave!! I was sore and crabby and they were sooo pushy! This guy kept trying to get me to buy sunglasses and I finally just had to look at him and tell him all his sunglasses were ugly! I felt bad, but he finally left me alone. We didn't stay long and ended up headed back to the hotel. The other mall sounds like it might have been OK, but it sounds like I was in more pain than most people.

Insurance wouldn't cover me either and that is how I ended up finding out about Dr. Ortiz after some research. I encourage you to read through all the threads in here and gather as much info as you can. I spent hours in here and by the time I went to TJ I was completely content and not nervous at all. I do not for one minute regret my decision and have so far had success. Their place is very clean and everything is done top notch. Actually, probably better than most hospitals in the US! Do make sure and arrange your aftercare though before you go. I was lucky and found a great place near me. At OCC they gave me a list of doctors in my area that would see me. If you ask them they will do the same for you. Travel isn't too bad. Your price of your surgery includes 2 nights at a hotel down there so that helps on the travel costs. Good luck and again I encourage you to look through here and get info. It will help a lot!!!

Will you get your fill at OCC? Most doctors differ on diet after a fill. Mine was just softer foods for a couple days, but I know at OCC they say back on liquids for a bit. You will need to check with the place you get filled to know for sure.

I used both Atkins and EAS shakes and enjoyed both. I was not a fan of the vanilla, but loved the chocolate and strawberry. Plus, i'm so busy I don't have time to mix my own so those are really convenient.