denisem

I did the same thing...gained 6 lbs after surgery and by the next week, had lost that 6 plus 12 more pounds. I'm kind of stuck at the moment until I get my first fill....not gaining, but not losing either.

Thanks for posting the pics, Alana! I think you look AWESOME! Keep up the swimming, it seems to be working in your favor. Denise

Name and Location: Denise from Spring, TX Age: 41 Gender: Female Band Date: June 12th, 2008 Height: 5'5 Highest weight: 252 Pre Surgery Weight: 250 Surgery weight 06/12/08: 243 Current Weight 07/07/08: 231 Goal Weight: 150

Way to go Alana! I bet that was such a great feeling to get those jeans on not even realizing which jeans they were until they were zipped up! I agree with Cathy...who cares what the scale says when scenarios like this occur??!! Congrats! Denise

You sure have a great looking family! Your kids are adorable, and you are looking pretty hot too! Thanks for sharing the pics! Denise

I'm so proud of the progress you've made, Michelle. You look stunning! You are one of the main reasons I decided to have the surgery done because of your progress and uplifting and helpful posts. I can't wait to see progress like this on myself in a few months! Keep it up girl...you're looking GREAT! Denise

I just tried it this week, and it's REALLY good for "fast food chili". It is very cheap and filling....much better than I could make at home and oh, so filling! It's a tad bid spicy, but not so much you can't eat it. I'm from Texas though, so I'm used to spicy stuff. At only $1, it's worth a try at least. Denise

I've had psoriasis for almost 30 years and was just curious if anyone on the forum has it and if so, have you noticed any improvements in your skin once you started dropping lbs??? It would be too good to be true if I lost weight AND had clearer skin once I get to my goal. Hoping for a miracle! Denise

We are all very anxious to hear what your doctor says about this. Please call him/her asap and I'm sure it will help to ease your mind....I've never heard of someone fainting from eating too much or too fast, so I'm sure it's something your doctor needs to hear about. Take care, and keep us updated once you make the call. Denise

I just hop on the computer and login to the lapbandforum, and that seems to do the trick!

Hi Trina, Welcome back and I'm glad to hear your surgery went well. I had the same pain you are describing (I was banded on 6/12) and the shoulder/neck pain finally is gone as of around 4-5 days ago. I can finally sleep on my left side where the port is located and I've been doing that for about a week. When you are getting up from a chair, bed, couch from a lying down position, try pressing a pillow on your port site as you rise up. That helped me a ton. I also used my pillow every time I turned over or moved in the bed. As for the gas pains, walking seemed to help mine subside. Also, the first week at home you are only allowed sugar free popsicles, jello and broth, plus your clear liquids. Good luck with that... it was tough! Hang in there and it will go by really fast. You'll be eating creamy soups before you know it. Rest, rest, rest, Denise

I was banded June 12th, and had the port pain for the first week and a half. It subsides gradually. In fact, I can still feel it now when I'm sleeping on my left side or when I bend over towards the left. It's not really painful any longer, but I do still know it is there and can still feel it. Good luck, and hang in there. Once I was able to sleep on my side again and the neck and shoulder pain went away, I felt wonderful!

Congrats, and welcome to the other side! I too had diarreah, just like you. It ended when I started on creamy soups (day 8 after surgery). I had my surgery on June 12th, so we are close together on our dates. It will be fun to see your progress. Good luck and I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Denise

Dear Jim, I'm terribly sorry to hear of your loss. May God bring you and your family comfort during this difficult time. I will be praying for you all. God Bless, Denise Mathews

Danielle, You are really stunning! I know it must be hard on you to attend school and have people say mean things. Wouldn't it be great to have the surgery and go back for your senior year and graduation with so much confidence in yourself...those people wouldn't know what hit them! Not everyone on this forum had their surgery done in Mexico, but the majority did. I had my surgery done 12 days ago in Houston, Texas. I just happened to find this forum a few months ago and found it very imformative and very active. I've managed to get several of my questions answered here without having to consult my doctor! The people on this forum are very friendly and upbeat and always willing to help with whatever issue you are dealing with at the moment. I pray that you will find peace in your decision and if that is to have the surgery, go full steam ahead! We will all be here supporting you the entire time. God Bless, Denise

I never knew about the straw thing, but I'm so glad I read this post! I've been eating my soups with a spoon and really didn't think of eating it any other way. However, I still have the shoulder and neck pain on occasion, but it's not constant. I would like to see what others think about this question too. Once again, this forum has proven to be so helpful to me! Denise

I'm right there with you on the neck and shoulder pain and the port site pain. I really only notice the port pain while bending to the left or sleeping on my left side. I too, use the pillow to help prop up the port site. I started walking 30 min on the treadmill, and that does make the shoulder pain subside for awhile, but it does return, for me at night. I just keep telling myself this won't last forever, and it will be worth it in about a month when the pain is gone and I'm feeling like myself again. All in all, it' hasn't been too bad. Hang in there, and things will begin to look up. Denise

I prefer Las Vegas too, but would consider San Diego as well. It may be cheaper to get to Las Vegas, but once you're there....it's really not cheap (for me anyway). You can always find me at the blackjack table!

Cathy, I'm right there with you, girl! I was banded 6/12 and today I get to start creamy soups and protein shakes. I can't wait! Chewing gum seems to help me somewhat when I'm tempted to snack. Also, I agree with the other posters...find something to clean, read, straighten, anything to get your mind off eating for that moment. I need to work on the very same thing, so just the act of typing this message is reinforcement to me to take my own advice! HA! Good luck.....remember you are NOT alone....we are all in it together! Denise

Thanks for the tips, ladies! I definitely use my pillow as if it's attached to my tummy at night! I guess I need to be a little more patient, as it's only been a week today. I've been using the heating pad at night on my neck and shoulder and that seems to help too. My goal is not to use the pain meds any longer. I've also been cleared to start walking on the treadmill for 30 min/day beginning today. Maybe that will help loosen up some of the trapped gas and it will disappear! Fingers crossed! Denise

Hello everyone. I had my surgery last Thursday, June 12th in Houston. All is going well so far in my recovery, but I do have a couple of questions. On average, how long before the shoulder/neck pain goes away? Also, I'm a side sleeper, and I'm just wondering how long I'll be able to feel the port and will it always bother me to sleep on it? I've managed to sleep on my right side mostly, but can't really get completely comfortable yet. Just want to know about how long it takes to sleep normally again? I've enjoyed reading posts on this forum for awhile, and I'm glad to finally be a part of the team! Denise

Hi Charlotte, I hope you are doing well since you had your surgery almost 1 month ago. I had my pre-op appt. yesterday and am just waiting for next Thursday! My personal email is pmat2112@entouch.net. I would love to keep in touch so we can compare notes. Thanks for contacting me. Denise

Name and Location: Denise from Houston Age: 41 Gender: F Band Date: June 12th Height: 5'5" Highest weight: 250 Current Weight: 248 Goal Weight: 135

I was just approved by insurance to have the surgery June 12th. I live in Houston, TX, and will be having the surgery here. I've been waiting since March to have this done and I'm so excited!