Fatcat

Hi, It's really early and I think you and I are two of the only ones on the forum this am. I am happy for you that your surgery is over and you are up and about. I hope,though, that you remember to take it easy this week,no matter how boring. Find yourself a good book and just relax. You deserve it. Keep us posted on your progress. Helen >

I think we all are interested in how everyone is doing; it keeps us focused. To read about those who are doing a terrific job losing weight, is so motivating. And for those who are having a rougher time, we are all here to give them understanding and encouragement because we know the weight WILL come off eventually for all of us who continue to work on it. Helen >

BeBe, You are successful! 10 lbs in a month is excellent - anyway, I understand if we lose weight too fast we end up with gall bladder problems - who needs that! You are losing the perfect amount. Helen >

MM - it's interesting to read your comments about the soup. I have been eating (drinking) pureed soup for lunch and supper - 2 whole cans of progresso a day, plus my protein shake for breakfast. The calories aren't the problem =D> , but the soups (salt content) are keeping my weight from going anywhere, I believe. What else is there to eat? The soups are filling for me and the broth leaves me hungry. Any suggestions? Helen >

Nope it's not from gulping; I am actually sipping my drinks because of how lousy it feels. Tonight, although I am having shoulder pain really bad, I didn't feel the pain in my esophagus! Hey maybe complaining about it works - ha ha. Helen =D> >

Hi, I can feel mine very easily; it's interesting to note some of us can and some of us can't! Hele >

My uncomfortable feeling has been happening from the very beginning - In fact, a couple of times, I had to actually get up and walk around trying to alleviate the pain, but all that helps it is time. Dr. O said I had a HH and he would take care of it; but now I am wondering if this is causing the problem. Any thoughts? Helen >

Hi, Although most of us don't lose much weight post-op, pre-fill, please remember eating only 800 calories a day is a problem in itself. You are taking it too few calories. When you can start drinking creamy soups, buy some regular types and puree them - some of them are great. Only problem is, of course, the salt content - so don't look at the scales but once a week. I have lost a total of 7 lbs and now I' back to 5 so I know I am retaining water and not really "gaining weight" Good luck, Helen >

Hello All, I have a question. I notice whenever I drink anything - hot or cold - I get a pain almost like heartburn caused by the liquid. It feels almost like a brain freeze, but in the chest area. I am just two weeks post op - is that something that heals in time and should go away eventually? Helen :cheerleader: >

Hi Snowbird, Just woke up a bit ago and got on the computer. I was feeling a bit down (not band related) and read your responses and laughed aloud. The one about the bleeding was the best - however, you are so right - we all go through this period of fear, pain and weight gain and it is wonderful to have everyone to share it with and because of your responses be able to laugh! The great thing is that you are RIGHT ON! and you are not afraid to say it. 2 weeks post op Helen :cheerleader: >

Michelle, I can't wait to hear about your first fill. You are such a helpful poster. I am also thrilled that your weight bar changed - gives us all hope! Have a great and thinning experience. My best, Helen > :cheerleader:

Hi, Your band doesn't work until you have your first fill; that is when it gets smaller from the saline solution they insert through the needle. The reason you are on liquids is for healing purposes etc. I found that once I started drinking soups I was totally content. Where I live , I can buy Progresso soup - you add NO water. I puree these and eat two cans a day plus a protein shake in the am. I am never hungry. Sometimes, I eat no sugar added fudgicles also. By the way, make sure you put the lid on tightly when you puree. I then heat up 1 cup at a time. I do one minute, let it rest and then do another minute. This way it doesn't spill over. If you don't like these canned soups, there are many delicious home made creamy soups to make - some of which you will find on this web site. Good luck and happy diet. My best, Helen > :cheerleader:

Has anyone tried sending an email to the forum's administrator? Both times I have tried, they came back as undeliverable. Helen >

MM, You have been such a support to everyone! Just want to say how happy I am that your first fill is coming up. And to all of you having your first fill - enjoy the experience and of course, the shopping. Helen >

Shoulder pain can be OUCH! I experienced lots of it; I'm twelve days post-op. I still get it but it is much less. I find that laying on my left side at night helps tremendously. During the day when I get it, I pace back and forth. I do think it comes from things going down our digestive system to fast and maybe eating too much (:I'm not there yet). What I am experiencing now is terrible pain in my esophagus, the area from my mouth to before my chest. Sometimes it is so bad it is scary. Does anyone have that and if so, do you know what to do to ease it and what causes it? Good healing to you! Helen >

I just read that you had your first fill on 4/5. How did it go? How are you eating? Are you losing? More importantly, how do you feel now? Helen >

[Hi Michelle, What awesome progress - you have to thrilled. I can't wait to see the 8 week picture. Helen >

Hi Kimmie, That must be a great feeling! Way to GO..... Helen > =D>

Hi Clynn, Yes I have been feeling sluggish and decided to take in my protein. I added my shake powder (30 gms) to my soup that I pureed - can't say it tasted great, but I think it was a good idea. Today I went shopping with a friend and we walked on the beach and I felt pretty good. I don't though, as yet, have energy enough to want to exercise. My daughter pointed out that I was going to be depressed from lack of solid food as I use it as a big gratifier. I lost my husband two years ago, and food was the only thing I really enjoy since then - I guess I have to take it one day at a time. It's going ok, and I did drop the 2 1/2 lbs again - do think it was the salty soups and I decided not to pay attention to the scale as you all suggest. My shoulder ache is now on and off; just when I think it's gone, it comes back like a thunderbolt! Helen >

By the way Clynn, I just noticed how much weight you have lost! You must be so proud of yourself. Congratulations!!!!!. Do you find it easy to live with the band now that so much time has passed since you were first banded? Inquiring minds want to know - ha ha And can you eat a decent amount (enough to keep you healthy and happy) of real food now without gaining weight? Best, Helen >

Thanks Clynn, I did lose five lbs since I was banded and then for no reason?? gained back 2 1/2 this am; I was just wondering if I am drinking the wrong foods. More exactly if I am not having enough calories - I probably only have 500 or so a day. Should I be trying to drink more caloric liquids? Helen >

Hello, I been noticing that people are discussing two different size bands. I didn't know OCC offered us that; and if they do, how can we find out what size we received and why the difference? I will call OCC if nobody knows, but I thought maybe someone may have found out already. Helen >

PS - I just gained 2 1/2 lbs; could it be from not sipping enough food? Helen >