JazzyJude

Hi Sabrina ~ I am 10 weeks post op and I still have a tad soreness around my port area when I do other activities beyond my normal daily tasks. I've lifted my goddaughter when she was ill or just needed my full attention and she is just a month shy of 2 yrs old. Like Cara, I scoop down and wrap my arms her and hold her firmly on my left side to help the musles around my stomach from pushing outwards. This helped me and like Shelby says, right now it's just a pressure I am feeling now. Like Dana says, serve yourself a 1/2 cup (4 oz) of soup at a time and drink from that. Relax and drink your protein water. If you are still hunger, grab another clup of soup and so forth. Lisa says it right about the minimum weight lifting at least 30 days. But everyone person's body is different and for me it was a bit longer. Don't forget, we just had major surgery and like Lisa says, we need the time for our body and band to heal. The soreness you are feeling is the port healing from the stitiching (sewn on) to the stomach wall/muscles and like Dawns, when I went for my first fill with Dr. So, he also told me the port area maybe a little sore from time to time up to 6 months...so give it some time and use common sense to do things. Listen to your body so you can act upon it. Wishing you well ~ Jude

GREAT posts Kristy and Vangirl ~ you've got it. Yes, the Metamucil capsules saved my butt too! Also, I drank the protein water (Special K2O) and that helped me as well. Like Kirsty says, focus on your goal and the reason why you are doing this surgery. You did good by turning down parties and get togethers and staying away. I applaud you for doing this and it shows you really want to do this new healthier lifestyle. You just have to muster up and decide which is important ~ eat and gain or live a healthier, THINNER you? You are paying good, hard earning money for your band...do yourself a favor a think positive and motivate yourself. Keep staying focus. Get a good book, do some crafts. something to keep you occupy until the surgery. YOU CAN DO THIS Rhonda...we are all here to help you. Also, during the winter time, drink a cup of WARM water and drink it while it's warm. Your tummy will feel it's warmth and thinks it's soup. Continue with the protein shakes breakfast and lunch. For dinner, I don't do lean cuisine at all. I do salads and lunch deli meats (protein helps curbs hunger pangs). I added other proteins in my salads too like hard boiled eggs (no yolk) and cheese and a few nuts ~ all good source of proteins. Hope this helps and we are cheering you on ~ only ONE more week! WTG! Woo Hoo!!

Anne that is just great! I am so happy for you too. It is not too late to post a new post for just you so everyone can congrats to you! Welcome to Bandland!!

Ah yes, nothing better than homemade chicken soup/broth! I do the same as you do Jan. I make a big batch and freeze it with some chicken and the spices for the flavoring and I have it ready for these 'flu/cold' spells. Thanks for the reminder tip on the warm liquids to calm the stomach and easing of the swelling around the band. I actually warmed up my protein water this morning and it felt good. I agree with Lisa on going on liquids when you are sick and choose wisely what you drink to get in the most protein in you. ((HUGS!))...hope you feel better real soon!

Hi Chris ~ CONGRATS and WELCOME to Bandland! Oh I wish I could say I was there but I wasn't...in spirit yes. This is so awesome for the two of you to be banded together. Like Lisa says, the support you have for one another will balance things. Take this wonderful journey in stride because it's going to be an amazing ride of your life! My hubby is my support 100% and he does his 'check and balance' to make sure I get my proteins in, etc. It's so awesome when he cheers me on. This is what the two of you will have for one another! FANTASTIC! Chris, keep us posted on how you are doing! Any questions or concerns you many have, jumlp on it ~ we are all here for you! What a wonderful Christmas gift and way to start the new year for you and the Mrs.! ((HUGS!))

Hi Slim ~ AWESOME post and so glad you made your decision to steer away from that 'mess'. You are young and you and your hubby will make a new life between the two of you. YOU made the decision to turnabout and focus on you and your health and you are doing just great. You are on the right track. You've got LOTS of new friends here for a start for sure! It's a pleasure to meet you and hopefully we will meet up. I live in San Diego, so who knows? April of 2009, we are planning a get together in San Diego (see future posts on this) for all of us bandsters on this forum and it may be an opportunity for meet several people from this forum. Glad you post this...wish you the BEST success and please, do come here for any questions and concerns you many have. Good Luck and keep us posted on how you are doing...

Hi Dawn ~ it was explained to me during the first 21 days post op to not use the blender because of the air 'fluffing' the products and then you are drinking this 'fluff air'. You do not want any more air in you as it is. You may still have the gas (C2O) from surgery and while you are healing and relaxing right now, you are also trying to get rid of the gas bubbles by walking it out. Hope this helps you.

LOL...Oh, I totally understand what you are saying girl! I was all smiles and just dancing around...looking like an idiot too! You are not alone on this! But it sure is nice to hear someone post this...I don't feel alone! You are really going to have a ride for your life on this new band adventure. Keep us posted on how you are doing on your journey and come on here for any questions or concerns! We are all here to help you. Erica - WELCOME to Bandland! WTG!! Congrats on your decision and welcome to the forum!

SheRee...like we all say, nothing but FIRST CLASS at OCC! They ROCK! The staff are so amazing and I can only speak for myself here, but I never once had ANY issues in signing me up (with George), preparing my paperwork (with Lori), preop diet (with Dr. Miranda), traveling to and fro to the clinic (with Francisco the driver), welcoming and prepping for surgery (Mama Ortiz, Dr. Miranda, the Dr. EKG - sorry, name escapes me a the moment), the surgery (sigh!...with Dr O and his team, which includes Dr. Feel Good!), the recovery (with Carmelita and Jose), making inquiries and appts (with Gloria), doling my fill (Dr. So). I know I am missing someone...but I think you get the picture. EVERYONE is great there and you have no worries. EXCELLENT surgical team!

Hi labella ~ Congrats on your surgery and WELCOME to bandland! I, too, am a little over 8 weeks post op. It is totally normal for your port area to be sore because your port is sewn on and it needs some time to heal and adjust to your body. It will go away for sure like Evette says and Dana is right on for sitting too long. Since you're still new from surgery, you may also experience some gas bubbles as well. Don't prolong sitting for a great length of time and if you plan to, stretch up your arms towards the ceiling a bit and move. Do several mini walks a day go jiggle the bubbles around to help get rid of them. When sleeping, you will need to find your comfort zone on how to lay. Most people like to lay flat but I have an extra vertabrae and can't do that naturally. I need to raise or bend my knees. Or I can roll on my side and have a pillow to support my tummy area. Also, if I have a coughing fit or know a sneeze is coming up, grab a pillow and hold it up against your stomach firming to aid in keeping the pain to a minimum. Your other question avout why do peole have difficult swallowing when they eat their first first solid foods? It's because they took large bite size, didn't chew well, and/or ate too fast. True, there is no restriction, but you now have a newly upper pouch that can only hold so much food and be mindful on choosing wisely on what you eat. Hope this helps you...

YOU GIRLS ROCK! Isn't the band AWESOME!!

Yep, I am over 2 months post op and I can still take all of my pills and the largest gel capsule is my fish oil, which is 1" long. I've had a fill last month and so far, I still have no problems. Please check with your doctor on this, this doesn't sound like the norm right after surgery. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Christy sweetheart, you have some major talking to yourself because you can't have both. I just read lisal's response to Misty's post regarding soda pop and it's a good one. Check out the thread "Why no drinking when eating" by SheRee, the originator poster. Take it from me who drank a minimum of (2) 6 packs of regular Pepsi DAILY and I started drinking at 5am and drank until midnight or so. Before I started preop, I drank down to 1 liter a day. I am a little over 2 months after surgery and I have not had a single craving for any soda pop. I've don't have the desire to drink it either. I thought like you did ~ willpower to give it up? ~ there is NO way I will give up my soda I thought. I am my own witness on this and I'm flabbergasted about it! I know I will try to sip Pepsi after my 6 months postop because that is MY reward. I will tell you then, if it is worth it or not. By listening to others, they say it's not. Now, if I can do it you can too. I drink my water and also, since I've upped my protein intake, I have more energy and my focus is totally different than before the surgery. My outlook on food and drinks have changed so drastically, I am amazed. But it's a GOOD thing! I am on the road to lead a healthier lifestyle I thought I never would have the opportunity to have. I am NOT going to let this pass me by! You will have the willpower Christy, it's all part of the relearning we do to make this weight loss a success. You just have to believe it will otherwise, you are wasting your hard earned money. To make this band a success, you have to throw away your negatives and focus on the positive. YOU CAN DO THIS! Do whatever it takes to be motivated to go forward with the bandlife. Oh, you love bread too? So do I...I make my breads all the time ~ sourdough, wheat, white, rye, you name it. Currently I am eating bread, not much but I am. I am going for my 2nd fill this coming Saturday and we shall see how I am with bread after that. Breads tends to 'gum' up and it's like a big ball of hard gooey mess after chewed and trying to go thru a tightened stoma is not going to be fun eating I'm sure. It's all a trial in error and every person's body is different. Maybe bread won't work for me but it may for you ~ who knows? Hope this helps a bit...

Kim...my husband gave me the band gift himself. He paid for it! He supports me 150% and he is very much involve of what I can eat, etc. He also encourages and cheers me on. When he does that, I jump 2 steps forward! I beam up so brightly! During my first 21 stages, he also cooked and helped measured out my food/drinks. He is very dedicated along with me with this band. I've a band buddy for life, in my own home who wants to see me be happy and I can't tell you how it really feels and what it means to me for him to be by my side.

Hi Jenn ~ Congrats again on your decision and you will be just fine. Keep the focus and believe in your success yet to come. Vitamins - Everyone has their favorites and some can't chew or don't care for the liquids. I am continuing with what Dr. Miranda from OCC had suggested to use the chewable Centrium Multivitamin. But what I had just started doing is alternating every week is using the Little Critters gummy bites you get from WalMart. I like the Centrium Multivitamin but thought a variety is good and the flavor. Both have the same ingredients. Biotin ~ yes it is good for hair loss. I take 2 in the morning. Me personally, these are my vitamins and supplements I take daily: Morning ~ B12, B6 with Folic Acid dissolvable tablets from TriVita (I order online and used for several years) ~ Vitamin E gel table (for extra strength in hair and nails and healthier skin) ~ Vitamin A gel tablet (for my eyes) ~ Fish Oil gel tablet (I use Iceland Health Omega 3 ~ Cuts your risk of heart attack, strokes, arthritis, improve memory and energy levels, reduces stress and fatigue, and just feels good! ~ (2) Biotin tablets (for hair loss) At 10:00 am ~ (1) chewable Fiber Choice Afternoon At 3:00 pm ~ (1) chewable Fiber Choice Fiber Choice - I get the one for Weight Management (Strawberry) with Chromium Picolinate (200mg per tablet) to aid in weight loss AND helps curbs hunger pangs Benefiber - I use both the chewables (Orange Creme) and/or the unflavored powder throughout. The powder I mixed in my drinks, cooking or baking. There is NO taste and it dissolve to nothing in seconds. The same with the nutrients...I try to make my daily 60 - 90 grams of proteins a day and make sure my iron is up, etc. I will do whatever it takes to get MY body as healthy as possible... Hope this helps...stay well!

Because I was paying cash, I deposited $500 into OCC's bank account at Wells Fargo. Made the first payment of $500 by cashier check, faxed it to Lori and mailed the check. Then one week prior to my surgery date, I paid the remaining balance the same way, including faxing the cashier check to Lori, BUT brought the final cashier check with me on my surgery day at OCC. This is what was instructed for me to do, from my paperwork from OCC (Lori).

YAY! You graduated from "Bandster Hell!! YOU did it...LOL! Glad to kept us posted on how you are doing...job well done! OK, we ALL say the same thing about 'being cautious', 'what to eat first' and just plain scared to think your upper pouch is boing to bust or something. This is all normal and once you start to 'eat food', you will know what to do. The most important thing to remember is PORTION CONTROL. You have NO restriction whatsoever. BUT, you've been 'drinking' your meals, so your stomach have shrunk a bit. The KEY is to make sure you MEASURE your food, 2-3 oz (1/2 to 1/3 cup) protein (meat/fish/poultry/cheese/eggs), 1/4 cup veggie/fruit, and 1/4 cup grain/starch/carbs (rice/potatoes/pasta/bread) per meal, 3 times a day, and between 1000 and 1200 calories a day. If you do regular, darily exercises, then up your calories to 1500. I use my measuring cups and food scale EVERY DAY, so I wouldn't take any 'extras'. Everyone is going to suggest what kind of foods to eat...but personally, I prefer the gradual effect. I started off with soft foods and then progress up. I experiment with MY body...and at the same time to make sure I get my protein intake between 60 - 90 grams daily. I had an one egg omelet with real bacon pieces and grated cheddar cheese and salsa. For lunch I couldn't wait for Taco Bell's pinto beans and cheese and for dinner I finished off the Cream of Potato and Cheddar Cheese soup WITH the potato chuncks! Yeah!...It was worth the wait believe me! So use your judgement. Remember, EAT your food, don't continue with the liquid stages on a daily basis and eventually you will succumb to hunger and will eat anything you can get your hands on, without thinking of the consequences. Be prepared and make your weekly menus ahead of time, which I do every Sunday like clockwork... Do yourself a favor. This is your new life we are talking about and make it fun and enjoyable as much as possible. Get yourself a GOOD set of child's plate setting ~ plate, bowl, and cup. To make sure I am starting healthier eating habits with taking small bites, chewing real good and eating slowly, I started off using my daughter's baby fork and spoon, then graduated to the adult's salad fork and teaspoon and now I am using a regular adult fork but still using a teaspoon for the soups, chili, and stew. I also have a real nice tea cup and saucer and a 'comfy' mug that holds ONE cup of hot cocoa, warm water or milk, and hot tea. I use my nice tea cup and saucer for the evenings and use the saucer for my fruit and cheese as my 'treat'. These things are MY rewards and I AM WORTH IT! I can still have some elegance in my own company and feel special. ((HUGS!)) to you babe!

Hi Holly... Click on this link from the White Pages...there's (3) names listed as W Hall...could one of them be it? http://www.whitepages.com/search/FindPerso...ocaltime=survey Good luck!

Well said CindyLou!!!

I actually open open a separate window for this site only for that reason...

Yes, that is right...that is the only exception to the rule...the drinkable yogurts you can have earlier. Check your paperwork from OCC and really, if in doubt, contacnt Dr. Miranda. Everyone is different and I've heard some say they had creamy soups earlier. But the normal guideline is what I've said.

Shelby! You are catching on girl!!! EXCELLENT! Yes, I don't get the hunger pangs at all...just know that until you get your 2nd or 3rd fill is when you REALLY would get some good restrictions. REMEMBER, we are doing progressive steps in this new weight loss journey of ours. First the surgery, then relearning HOW to eat properly during the first 3 weeks of healing and mental adjustments, then we starting eating real food with PORTION CONTROL. This is the key...portion control. NEVER go more than 3/4 cup of food per meal. If you don't have between 60 to 90 grams of proteins on a daily basis, then you will get hunger pangs. Take the chewable Fiber Choice to help curb them. Then when it's time for "tightening our belts" per se, you will be getting fills and also, each time you progress in it's tightness to prevent body rejection. Your body doesn't do well with a huge jump from eating anything to just a few bites. So, the band gets tightened more each visit and base on your own body to how much of a fill you will get.

Hi Dawn...I am hoping I can assist you. PB stands for "Productive Burping". PBing is when food gets stuck in your esophagus or chest and your body creates a 'slime' to move it up or out. It is your body's way of trying to move the food up or down, which is "sliming". If it moves up. you have PBed and are spitting out slime and food...otherwise, you swallow it all down to your stomach. To prevent this from happening, take small bites, chew real good, and eat slowly. Don't just take a big bite, chew a few times and swallow whole, which you will risk feeling pain and your body will reject it this movement. The term gumming up means certain foods, such as bread or pasta, after chewing and chewing, becomes 'gummy' and it forms together to become a mass of food. So to prevent this is to take small bites of food, chew it, and swallow it before taking another bite. If you swallowed food or drink and feel this tightness in your chest, this is your clue, that something is stuck because you: > are not taking smaller bites. Cut your food to the size of a dime to prevent food lodging > are not properly chewing the food down before swallowing. Chew at least 30 times to small, small particles > are not eating slowly. Put your fork down between bites and don't rush > after you had your fill and you ate solid food when you should be doing full liquids first. You don't know how your fill is going to be and should't risk expanding your pouch or even slip your band. Progress your food intake, start off with liquids and then gradually go up to solids I am sure there are some other issues that can contribute to food being stuck, etc, and hoping the older bandsters will assist as well. Hope this helps a bit...

Hey Kristy - double check your paperwork. I just checked mine, it says to stock up on "gelatin", which is Jell-O, Jell-O, not pudding. What does your paperwork say? I am curious.

Congrats mansaw!! Welcome to the forum and good luck on your surgery. Oh what perfect timing for you and a wonderful Xmas gift to yourself. While they are away, you will be healing nicely and gathering your thoughts together for your new life with your band! READ through the posts in the forum sections to gather LOTS of suggestions. Remember, every person's body is different, so there will be a lot of trial in errors on your part to see what's best for you. Good Luck!