SeaBreeze

Chelley, you have been AND STILL ARE such a help and inspiration to me. This is the right place to go when you're feeling frustrated, or successful or just plain pissed off. We will all go through experiences like that and it helps to know we're not the first,or only ones, to feel that way. So thanks for venting here!

I'm familiar with the hair loss issues, though it was pre-banding for me. I'm the same way...no matter what shape my body was in,I coulod always count on my thick blond hair to make me feel better...then I started losing it and that, combined with my inability to keep the weight down, sent into years of depression. I worked through it and learned, something just recently that really surprised me.

I was getting my hair trimmed and the styist (whom i see about once every 3 months for a trim) said 'wow, your hair sure is getting thicker." I was shocked...I told her about my hair loss and she said that, just like the chemical changes in your body that change what foods taste good and what you're allergic to, your hair growth changes too. I had no idea that it could change for the better?! You probably know this, with your medical background, but I sure was pleasantly surprised. i've also fed my hair a steady diet of Pantene and Biosilk, which seems to have helped over the years.

I know you already know about plateaus and pauses and all that, so just hang in there, try some different food combos....maybe a naturopath?? And know that we're out here rooting for you (but slowly and patiently and without pressure <grin>).

Talk about 'head hunger':

I'm lucky, I guess, because the diet has been...well, not easy, but I just do it. I can't say that I'm really struggling with it. I think I just don't know what real hunger feels like. I do think about eating of course, but try to force my thoughts in a different direction. Fact, after I realized that I was seeing 5 ads in a row that were food related, I stopped watching TV entirely!!

But last night (I'm day 8 pos-op BTW) I kept dreaming that I was eating...I mean really detailed dreams(?) of chewing (usually a tunafish sandwich ????) and then suddenly realizing I shouldn't be eating because of the surgery, and then spitting out the food!! Veeerrry weird.

And now day 8 dawns, it's yogurt day...and I couldn't care less! I am looking forward to full liquids, but not with any real longing. I thought I'd be ready to gnaw on the table by now.

I am at the Lucerna for one more night (bandday 3). You can get all basic toiletries here. There is also a 24-hour convenience store across the street from the hotel. I brought liquid tylenol with me, but have only used it once. I haven't resorted to the Supradol at all. Went to Seaworld today with DH...tons of walking. A bit tired now, but doing great. Not hungry...have taken 2 days to drink 2/3rds of a Gastorade! LOL! The Lucerna makes great chicken broth, too. BTW...Hot baths help with any discomfort too.

Chelley,

First, I really wanted to thank you. Your frank posts and discussions were a fantastic source of info in my decision-making process. I will be having the surgery 8/9 and am as excited and nervous as everyone else. I have been ghosting around looking for more info on that period between the end of the post-op diet and first fill stages. Can you tell us a bit about re-entry into the world of solid food? I will have 8 weeks between my suregery and first fill date, so am a little apprehensive about this time-period.

Again, many thanks!

I'm so excited now. I've officially got a surgery date of 8/7, and I feel as though I'm reclaiming my life. Thank all of you who post on this site. I've read every word I could to help me make my decision, and you've all been a huge part of helping me feel sure that the lap band will be my way to beating this once and for all.

If anyone has suggestions as to what to pack for my trip to Tijuana, would you please share them? Your experience and insight would really help those of us waiting for our turn to head that way.

Oh, if anyone else has the same surgery date, I'd love to hear from you.

Hi Pamela444,

My Band date is 8/9, so will be arriving 8/8 (just scheduled). Maybe I'll see you there?! I was also looking for packing tips, so thanks for posting this!