ClaireinCO

I totally agree with the others. You really do have to watch the "easy" foods. Things that are processed, like chips, cookies, chocolate, snack foods --- you know, stuff that is totally addictive as it is? Well, turns out that stuff goes down easy. I can fill up so fast on chicken and veggies. But then I feel like a bottomless pit with junk food. Ok, well, maybe not a bottomless pit. But once you're banded, eating a pre-band amount feels like a lot. And I do mean FEELS like a lot! Overall though, I love the band! I find I can eat pretty much like a 'normal' person outside of needing to keep an eye on my sweet tooth and the processed junk. I think I did know this was an issue before I was banded. But I swore I would not fall into that and I would be so dedicated to losing weight that I would never cheat or break the rules. But reality does set in. You learn you can, indeed, overdo it and not PB or have some terrible consequence. So you have to turn to will-power. It is still easier with the band!

For me it is a tightness in the chest, right under my breastbone. To keep my fullness in check, I take a deep breath. If I feel a bit of a catch on the full deep breath, that is also a sign of the retsriction and getting full. Fullness is much higher than it used to feel, much more in the chest. Don't worry, you will know! But do try to really slow down and pay attention to the little cues of pre-fullness. Like a sigh or a little hiccup. The thing I have learned with the band is that you don't ever want to GET full by eating continuously. You want to stop just before full and then wait a few minutes --- the fullness WILL come. Then, if it doesn't, you can go ahead and have a bit more. It is SO much better to undereat and maybe nee dto go back for more than to overeat and be in pain or risk stretching your pouch. Ok, that said, it is really hard to sctually DO. I find myself time and time again just trying ot get in a few more bites. After a lifetime of pushing myself I have to totally re-learn my limits.

I changed into some loose PJ pants and a shirt after surgery. I was more comfy in my own clothes, personally. But you can keep the gown on if you want. Definitely bring loose fitting stuff with you for the trip back. Sports bra is great for a woman, or better yet, go without a bra entirely! Fellas, loose elastic shorts -- OH and slip-on shoes, bending over to tie your shoes is pretty tough the first few days!

I have the same question about cereal. Since it is only half cup of milk, I go ahead and drink it. It doesn't seem to matter how long the cereal keeps me full and I've tried not drinking the milk, too. I just don't think drinking the milk and washing some cereal down is really what got me fat in the first place! But I know the liquids with meals is a prettyy strict rule...so... Can anyone advise us on the cereal question?

Miriam I'm so happy for you! Aren't they wonderful! I wanted to hug Carmelita like 20 times - she was so sweet and attentive. Everyone at OCC makes the process so comfortable.

CalKev, post-op has been fine - np problems. Those first few days you feel so many gurgles and air bubbles in your belly. It can be really noisy. Don't let that scare you, it is normal. I was fine on liquids for about 10 days but then I got really hungry so I started doing chunky soups blended to liquid. Then I added some thinned out mashed potatoes and things like that. Sort of watery mushies. I know that is NOT the way they like us to progress. They want 3 weeks of liquids, period. But I cheated a little -- I was so weak and hungry! Since I've moved to solids I've found I have quite a bit of restriction with solids, which is great. I hope it lasts for awhile beofre I need the first fill. Physically, I was definitely sleepy several days after surgery. I had taken a few days off and I loved just resting. My port was sore for about 19 days. You'd be surprised how much you use your ab muscles so avoiding that can be tricky. I took liquid Tylenol a few times and that was fine. Oh yeah, and they give you some pain killers for a few days. Take them. Don't wait until you feel pain. Take them on schedule, every 12 hours. But overall it has been really easy. Hardly anyone knows I had surgery. The first week back at work I wore a baggy sweater so I could let my belly hang out. Sucking it in is pretty impossible! Ask any other questions you like!

Don't worry for one second! I wasted SO much energy wringing my hands and sweating the day of surgery. But it was for nothing. You will meet the other people getting surgery which is really cool and comforting. All of the staff are really warm and friendly. I flat out said "i'm so nervous and scared" to every person there and they all just smiled and said "we will take good care of you!". They are pros. They are so good at what they do. You will be totally at ease! The overnight stay is really nice and relaxing. I was really apprehensive about being "alone". But you are never alone. There are other patients to chat with and do some walking. And the nurse is there all night with you if you need anything. Give us an update when you're up to it!

trizzy and tombourn -- so far on solids I'm feeling decent restriction and eating about 1/2-1/3 of what I was eating pre-band. I'm gonna try to live without a fill as long as I can...but I want to here all about how it goes for you guys!

Jessica, you can buy this fiber powder that dissolves fully in water. Go to the fiber supplement section of your drug store and you should see FiberSure and another brand or two. You can mix those into tea or soup or whatever. I used it to 'get things moving'. Once you get back on solids you can add more natural fiber sources and you won't need to rely on the supplement unless you want to.

So glad to help Kevin. You'll do great. Don't worry about a thing! Keep us posted on your progress.

It sounds like maybe the heartburn is actually food stuck in the narrow path to the stomach...maybe? Because if you threw up a bit and then it passed, that sounds like the classic stuck/golfball in chest feeling followed by the PB (Productive Burp)/barfing. Anyone else wanna chime in here? I haven't had the PB yet but it sounds lke what you're describing could be that. Maybe you are too tight and perhaps a very slight unfill would help? That would explain why the heartburn meds aren't helping the pain. I would consider satying on liquids until you can get a little unfill. Even small increments, like .5cc can relieve that pain but keep your restriction. If I'm way off base here and you're saying "no dummy, it's heartburn!", then I apologize. But what you're describing sounds like too much restriction causing pain.

I know just how you feel! I had to tell a million stories to friends and family and work. It was an intricate web and I felt horrible. In retrospect, I am totally entitled to my privacy and it is none of anyones business! I didn't even use savings, I put it on a credit card! So good for you for using what you've got. I think it is a good investment. I think of all the stupid things I've tried -- gym memberships, supplements, Weight Watchers...it surely is into thousands of dollars I've spent. This is realtively small amount of money to spend for health. I told my work I was taking personal days. I told my family I was driving to New Mexico for a 'romantic getaway'. (If they knew I was flying to San Diego, for so few days, they would've been ALL up in my business). Then I told the people watching my dog that I was in fact, going to San Diego, for work, in case anything happened. When I was sitting on the plane, about to take off and embark on this surgery IN TIJUANA, I was just so overwhlemed by wanting to tell people. Luckily my husband was there to remind me how obnoxious my family can be and I held off. I know it is a big step. But you (and all of us) DESERVE to feel comfortable in our own bodies again! Yes, it may take some 'creative storytelling' and some money, and some courage...but we are worth it! YOU are worth it! If you know in your heart that this is the right thing, as I did, then go for it. Yes, there will always be roadblocks and risks. But we have to try and do what we think is best. We are here for you!

tom and trizz - I may join you on the 21st but I want to see how my restriction is as I move into solids. Tom, are you going on Frontier from DIA? We might even be on the same flights. I'm waiting another week or 2 and hopefully the tickets stay cheap. Tom, the massage is a great idea. I'm trying to come up with more 'rewards" not attached to food!

I'm 14 days out and I totally know what you mean! I told my husband, it's not that I'm hungry, I'm texture starved! I just want to chew something. Today I has some thinned out mashed potatoes and soup with some veggies bits. It's all very soft, and borderline drinkable so I don't think I'm putting myself at risk. The chunks didn't even require chewing, just a smooshing around with your tongue. Even that helped me so much. I know it isn't an approved method at this stage. But I needed something thicker to feel more full and satisfied.

I found most of my, uh, activity, came to a screaching halt. Although, when I upped the veggies, it was unpredictable. I took the fiber pills to help give my digestion something to work with so I wasn't having the 'liquids in - liquids out" issue. I know the fiber sounds like a bad idea. But actually my doctor told me the fiber pills are a great equalizer -- she even had me take them the last time I had bad diarreah. They can help when things things are moving too fast OR too slow.

LoriBecky - just a suggestion... maybe that would be something you could have the office put together? Just one sheet that comes with your confirmation that says "You will be picked up by the escalator...You may wait for other patients to arrive...YOu will checki in to the hotel....Mrs. Ortiz will get you in the morning...etc." Because now I'm thinking about it - I did get off the plane with my fingers crossed. I had no info at all from OCC. Just reports from this board telling me not to worry - so I tried not to. I know probably schedules change daily. But even if it was just a vague run-down of how, and with whom, you'd be getting around, that might put a lot of people at ease. Just a suggestion! I think you do a great job managing this board and answering all these questions!

Shayne, check out the post "What to expect in TJ" and there is another newer one - I can't remember the name of the post. But another guy wrote about his whole experience. Don't be afraid! They take wonderful care of you. As for long-term risks.... The risk is far greater to remain morbidly obese. The band DOES work and complications are actually much lower than with bypass. The complications are rare in general! You have to remember that people come to forums to post when they are having problems or they are newbies. Think of the thousands of bandsters out there having total success. They don't show up as much on the boards. But I understand, it is a big step. Read more and do some more research, you could always postpone. Best of luck Shayne ! Shayne, one more thing. The liquid diet isn't forever. Ideally, you are back on food in 3 weeks. You'll be surprised at how much easier the liquids are when you are post-op and have a little restriction!

That is great they have been available for you! Thanks so mcuh for sharing your experience. It is so helpful to read this stuff when you are considering a surgeon.

Miriam, I'm sorry you feel that way. I know what you mean. I have been there - with many doctors' offices. I'm sad to report I felt that way with OCC, too. I had sent an email to Dr. Miranda about going crazy on the pre-op diet. I asked about adding several specific foods. I asked if what I was going through was normal. I was looking for some reassurance and some guidelines. I felt like I was very succinct and direct. She wrote back "Add some steamed greens". That was it! I found much more support here and on LapBandTalk.com. But then, when I met Dr. Miranda in person, I found her to be very warm and communicative. She explained that she is brief in email for fear too much sympathy leads patients to drop the pre-op diet. I guess there is a standard amount of delay and brevity in the responses from OCC that I found with my own doctor's office. I think it is a balancing act, to be a busy and successful clinic, but still attend to the needs of all the patients - past, present and future. Ultimately, I spoke with about 5 surgeons' offices. I thought OCC was somewhere in the middle/higher range of "Customer Service". But the quality and professionalism once I got there was amazing! I have no regrets. Another woman who was banded the same day as me has had a few post-op issues and she said the doctors have been totally available for her. Regardless of what you read here, go with your heart and make the decision that is best for you. Choosing a surgeon is very personal.

I know, it IS hard! But fill up on veggies as much as you can. Spinach, steamed with garlic and salt, Broccoli, brussel sprouts, green beans, edamame, collard green...I think pretty much any green in a pan with garlic and salt and butter spray tasted pretty darn good. The tough part does pass. I think the hardest were days 1 and 2. It takes some time to sort of detox off of caffiene and carbs. And when you're post-op you'll have a much easier time, especially mentally. But really my hunger level is so barely there compared to pre-op. Hang in there!

Littleroo, I'm so glad you had a good trip. I was so pleased with everything, too. You'll be in the best of hands in March!

Welcome to Bandland James! Your experience was much like mine -- which I also wrote about. I think it really helps people pre-op to know what to expect. I know I was so nervous and the uncertainty of the deatils was making me crazy! Thanks for sharing your experience.

In my totally non-professional, non-approved opinion...yes.

Hey 31sters! I'm glad you guys are feeling good. I'm doing the broth and juice. Dr. Miranda said I could transition to full liquids as soon as Day 4 - which sounds great. But as I sit here I'm full on juice, so maybe I'm not ready yet. Broth is starting to gross me out some. I'm still on the fence with going back for fills. A fill here is 350$. A ticket to San Diego is about $275 plus all the extras. I'd rather go back for my first fill just to make sure everything is ok. I know to get the cheap ticket I'll need to decide at least 3 weeks before. I'll keep you guys posted. I'm hoping tp milk this initial restriction as long as possible. Mferra, I was so spooked about the awful shoulder pains. People talk about how excrutiating it is - and everything I read said to walkwalkwalk as soon as you could. My first walk I was totally an incoherent vegetable! I've been pretty sleepy but still able to do stuff. But after like 5 hours awake, I want a nap. Tombourn, you should join the Co. Bandsters group http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/coloradobandsters/ The most recc. fill doc is Dr. Allen in Denver, but his rates just went up to 350$ Check those boards for more names. And good luck to you!!