thesuse

Hi all, I've been struggling a lot since I started on solids. I think part of the problem was just a rebound following the pre-op and post-op diets where I felt like I'd been deprived and needed to make up for it. And since I didn't have restriction to hold me back I just couldn't seem to get back on track. I didn't gain at all, but only lost a couple pounds between liquids and first fill. I got my first fill a week ago - 1.8 CC in a 4 CC band - and what a difference! What a relief, I finally feel banded. I don't feel as hungry most of the time and get full quicker - and feel satisfied with less. I feel like the weight will start coming off now. Phew! (I'm premenstrual right now so I know I'm retaining water). Even though so many people here seem to have the same experience I couldn't help but focus on all those who were successfully losing right from surgery and think that this wouldn't work for me. Also - I bought a book that someone on this forum suggested: "You can be thin" by Marisa Peer (I bought it on amazon.com.uk). I've only just started reading but I think it's already had an impact on my thinking. She's a hypnotherapist and she just provides some great advice on how to rethink your attitudes toward food, weight, dieting. It's very empowering. Just wanted to share my story thus far for the sake of others who may be struggling before their first (or first good) fill. There is hope! Cheers, Susan

I saw my doc before my surgery and I was nervous that she'd tell me I was crazy to go to Mexico for surgery, but she was totally supportive. She was genuinely excited for me and the start of my new life. She gave me a few warnings about life with the band, like PBing and such which of course I already knew, but I appreciated the attention. When I left she said "Osta lo wego"! That just made my day, I felt like I totally had her blessing and that was a huge relief.

Hi there, I'm not sure where you heard that Dr. Ortiz doesn't stitch the band in place anymore, but I'm pretty sure that's not true. Here's a link to a youtube video he just uploaded last week - in which he does indeed stitch the band in place and talks about how that is a necessary step. So don't worry too much about a band slip - and drink all you need.

Yep, your mom's right - you look great! definitely a big difference!

Wow - what a big difference already! I agree with Lisa that it's clear you're feeling really good about the new you. Great to see - congrats!

Wow Bobbi - you look SO different - younger too! I'm sure your brain will eventually catch up and you'll be able to really absorb how much progress you've made. Mona - you're a sweetie for being so supportive and making sure we all had a chance to react to Bobbi's amazing pics.

I'm getting my first fill at the OCC on 8/15. Yay!

I can definitely see the difference - congratulations!! You're doing great - nice to see your success! :lb10:

So sorry for your loss. It's a totally personal thing when the right time is to get a new pet after losing one. Everyone is different. Two of my close friends lost pets recently and both got new ones soon and the decision was great for them both. Of course they have new relationships with the new pets that don't at all replace the previous ones, but the love of a new pet can really help ease the pain of losing another. Unfortunately I'm allergic to anything warm and fuzzy (other than the boyfriend) so no pets for me. Unless I can someday afford one of those hypoallergenic cats...

That's great that you have so much time off work! I went back after a week, and it wasn't terrible, but I definitely felt a bit slower than usual - mentally and physically. This is my second week back at work and I'm feeling a lot better - up to about 90% now. Which is great because things have gotten busy! I hope the liquids help. If not, definitely call your doc and see if he/she has advice.

Sorry to hear you're feeling so lousy! The only thing that made me feel a little nauseous in the first week was liquids that were too sweet or too thick. My first thought, and this is a completely uneducated guess, is that it seems early to be on mushies. I know every doc has different recommendations, but the OCC has us on liquids for 3 weeks - clear the first week and full the other 2 weeks. I just wonder if the mushies are too much for you right now. Are you allowed to have liquids - or no? It's also just always good to make sure you're drinking enough water. I hope this passes soon.

Thanks so much for the tips Michelle! I just ordered the unflavored unjury - that's a great tip, I didn't know unflavored was available. You are indeed an inspiration to me. I'm so glad that posting your progress is good for you - because it's so good for us too!

Hi Shy, I didn't have that problem exactly, but the glue cracked off right along my biggest incision after about a week and the incision did look a little red and slightly inflamed (maybe this was what pushed the glue off). I was worried about it being exposed before it should be and didn't want it to get infected. So I bought some big bandaid bandages and put neosporin on it each day and covered it with the bandage. I just did this for 3-4 days and it looked much better, and it's been fine since - healing very nicely at 2 weeks out. Of course I'm not a doctor, but I wouldn't get yourself too worried about it. That said, I think it's great that you called the OCC. If it doesn't get better soon definitely call them again. If there is a serious problem I'm confident that they'll be able to direct you to the help you need. Good luck!!

Good for you! Glad you had fun and felt good about it all. Love the new pic! And nice to see your cute hubby too!

Sorry to hear you're not feeling restriction. My only advice, what has worked well for me before the band, and is also advised for the band, is to make sure you're having protein with every meal. It really helps to make you feel full sooner - and longer. I find that carbs (including fruit and some veggies) kind of go right through me leaving me hungrier. Good luck!

Hi Sylvia, I had severe diarrhea that started a few days after surgery. On the 3rd day that it continued despite taking the max dosage of Imodium I called Dr. Ortiz's cell and left a message. Dr. Martinez called me back within about 15-20 minutes and talked with me for quite a while giving a variety of advice - and he asked me to call back in 2 days to give him my progress. With his advice I started improving the next day. By the way it was a Sunday when I called - I was so impressed with, and appreciative of, the great care I received, and it made me feel reassured that if a more severe problem occurred I would get the immediate attention needed. You'll be in the best of hands at the OCC - let your hubby know he can rest easy.

Yep, the minimum BMI at the OCC is 30 (obese). Here's a link to a BMI calculator: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

Just want to say thanks Dawnie for this recipe!! I've made it twice now. The first time I only added a teeny bit (about 1/4 cup) of the enchilada sauce because my tummy was still kinda sensitive, but the second time I added twice that. So yummy and satisfying - and that little kick just makes all the difference. Thanks!! :i-m_so_happy:

Love it! Happy Independence Day to all!

Wowza!!! It is SO great to see your progress each month. Thanks so much for the great pics - truly so inspiring. You look amazing. :lb10:

Thanks for the tip! I missed it today, but I've tivo'd the show. Love discovery health - looks like a good one!

Hmmm that doesn't sound good. Even with eating less you should still be pooping daily - just little poops! I'd ask the OCC or your regular doc for some advice. Maybe you need a liver detox or more water or fiber, but I definitely think you should check that out. Going up to a week or more is waaaaaaaay too long.

I have no idea - but I just have to thank you for adding a post with this title. With everything else, I'm SO happy to be reading about burping and farting right now!! And I look forward to the responses too! My belly has been a-gurgling away all day. I was just in a meeting and worried that others could hear it.

Sorry to hear about your injury - that stinks! I don't know if that would affect whether you could do surgery - the first thing that crosses my mind is how important walking a lot has been for helping to move the gas along. But maybe if you can walk with crutches that would still work... If your mom is already looking into local doctors, I'm sure they can answer that for you. My guess is that if you do this in the states it will take a while to go through all the steps and get the surgery - long after your foot is healed. Obviously we're biased here and big fans of the OCC and Drs. Ortiz and Martinez - I would definitely recommend contacting someone there to find out what they can do for you. In case you don't know, you can click the OCC logo on the upper left to get to a contacts page. Whatever you decide to do I wish you good luck! Susan

Whoo hoo! That's awesome! I have a closet full of clothes in various sizes that I'm looking forward to getting back into on my way back down. I'm sure you're looking adorable today!