Mizzoupoodle

I'm very new so....I don't have any advice for you, but am sending good wishes for your fill!

Awesome, Kim!!! Going down in sizes is almost like winning the lottery!!! You can shop in the 'regular" stores and the non-big-girl sizes!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!

Hi Paula!!! It doesn't matter where you start, what matters is you started!!! I bet two months in you will be amazed at your endurance and energy!!

Hi Stacey, August 15th is my first day of solids too!!!! I was banded on July 25 at the OCC. I haven't decided what to eat for those first few meals. You'd think I'd have it all planned out, lol. Have you decided what you are going to eat yet? We went to one of those all you can eat italian places last night. We were celebrating my nephew's birthday, so I had no say in the manner. Everything looked fabulous. I had the broth off of the italian wedding soup and some ice cream. It was weird thinking that the all you can eat places are no longer going to be "events" for me, lol.

Hi Stacy, I was banded shortly before you and am on full liquids. No solid food you eat before your 21 days is up is going to make your stress load lighter. No bite of this or that is going to make any issues with your husband less tough. Staying on your liquids will build your confidence, help you feel good about yourself and set the stage for your success!!!! I've found having lots of variety in liquids really helps my mental state. You aren't depriving yourself by doing liquids...you are taking care of yourself. YOU DESERVE HAPPINESS!!! You can DO IT!!!

Yes, I had a bruise there. Right before surgery they stick you there and put either some kind of anathesia or muscle relaxant in. The bruise is from the shot. Mine has disappeared. I still have the lumps under my incisions, too. Hope that helps!

Thanks for your replies friends! . Since I am still on liquids, I might have a small one as a treat. I agree it won't be worth the calories when solids start. I never thought to make a slurpee with crystal light!!! Great IDEA!!! I have been having trouble getting very many calories on liquids. I never thought that would come out of my mouth, lol. I get full so fast and feel like all I do is drink, drink, drink. OK enough whining, if I could I'd have some cheese with my wine, lol:)

Welcome! You'll find lots of support here on this site. I am new too, but everyone is friendly and so helpful!

OK all this soda pop talk has me wondering....what about slurpees??? They have ice and there doesn't seem to be any carbonation? I haven't had one...but I miss the cola flavor...not the carbonation and wonder if these are cheating or not???

Hi David, Hang in there!!! You can do it!! I have found that by having TONS of liquid options I don't feel deprived. Popsicles, drinkable yogurt, protein shakes, cream soups, egg drop soup, gatorade, lemonade, special k protein water, jello, etc. I am FULL and honestly other than the smell of food don't think about it. I am busy deciding what liquid to have next. Sure, I will be glad 9 days from now when I can start solids, but it is such a short time out of our whole lives...I can do it!!! You can too!! I do admit to licking, chewing and spitting out 3 pretzels yesterday!! It was the smell when I opened the bag for my kids, lol

Thanks so much everyone!! I am going to try the ice pack like Julie suggested. I didn't think I'd be such a nervous freak, I've had a c-section and all, lol.

Hi guys, I was banded on 7/25 and have been feeling pretty good. Yesterday at the movies (in a very low chair) I reached over to get something out of my purse and felt a huge stabbing pain where my big incision is located. After I did it, it occured to me the movement because of the low chair and my having to bend so far forward was sort of like an exercise crunch which I know we are not supposed to do for 3 months. I had more pain last night and today if I lean forward at all to get toilet paper or whatever it hurts. I'm not in constant pain or anything. Do you think I could have messed my band up??? I have been trying to be so very careful, I don't want to goof myself up. Thanks!!!

Happy Birthday Suzanna!!!! I'm too new to have any words of wisdom, but just want to encourage you that none of us is perfect! Celebrate your special day...the essential part of you...what makes you special doesn't change with the scale. Hugs!!!

Mona-Camille, I can surely see a difference!!! Your legs look longer to me in the second picture and WOW your face is looking slimmer too!!!! Keep going!!! You will get there!!!

Hi Vix, It's your fellow Kansas Citier, Sylvia! I have you in my thoughts and prayers! Hope it all went well with your husband. We are here for you:)

Hi Shasha, I'm only 8 days out from surgery but in my short experience the band is a godsend!!!! This is truly the first time I haven't thought of food oractically 24 hours a day!! Yes, there are guidelines and rules...so you DO have to make the decision you will cooperate and follow thru on that decision. I lost about 67 pounds Before Banding and it was SO difficult!!! I was hungry ALL the time and had given up alcohol, bread, rice, potatoes, red meat, candy, snacks, etc.. I guess what I am saying is, no matter how you lose weight there will be changes to be made and rules to follow. From what I can tell, the band helps make your commitment to getting healthy more attainable LONG TERM. I saw somewhere that patients with gastric bands keep off their weight much better than average dieters. Hope this helps, you have to make the decision that is best for you.

Hi, sorry about how bad you have been feeling! I can answer that some pulling feeling on the inside is normal after abdominal surgery. I feel pulling now if I try to lay on my side or when I get up and down. I am 8 days out from the surgery. I also had ALOT of that pulling feeling for weeks after I had a c-section several years ago. The doctor told me at the time that is just part of the healing process. Do you still have any pain pills left? If not, you might ask the OCC if there is anything you can take to make you more comfortable. I have also heard that if you drink juices to water them down or they will give you the runs. Not sure if that helps, but thought I'd share. Hang in there!!

Awesome Paula!!! Stars and Smiles for YOU!!!

Great Job, Bragman!!! What an inspiration you are!!!

Michelle, GORGEOUS GIRL!! You have so much to be proud of. I don't own any 2 pieces but it gives me the courage to take a pic in my one piece so I can do some comparing later. Your skin looks so FIRM!!!! I think my thighs feel they should act like my batwings, lol:) thanks for sharing and inspiring me!!!

Hi Vix, I just got back last night from Tijuana! I am in Kansas City, too I traveled alone and was o.k. I would recommend you take your cell phone, a couple of credit cards, and some bullion cubes. I packed light and had no difficulties. I booked my airfare online with Soutwest and paid about 300 for a round trip ticket. I didn't get in last night until about 12:30 a.m. but it was a non stop flight. I am on day 5 of clear liquids so not too far ahead of you! You can definitely manage it!!!

You will surprised how easy it all is!!! At least I was! I got home last night at 12:30 a.m. Yes, I am tired and overwhelmed. I should be doing laundry, etc. but I'm not, lol. I am happy I went for the surgery and happy I had it with Dr. Ortiz. Tell yourself you have made up your mind and now you are proceeding:) Full speed ahead:)

Hi Kim, I'm in Tijuana right now!! I was just banded on Friday and I feel pretty dog gone good!!! I don't regret my decision one bit!! I did the second guessing alot but finally just told myself...I am resolved I am going forward!!! You won't regret it!

I have taken my pain pills. I haven't been in serious pain but I didn't want to wait and see if it would go up the pain scale. Today while shopping in Tijuana, I stopped at a pharmacy and bought more Imitrex (for my migraines) and another box of the sublingual pain medicine. I'm sure the OCC would have given me another box had I asked. I DO wish I had brought my inhalable imitrex as I was forced to crush and swallow (nasty) a pill today when I had a headache.

Hi Trudy, I am still at the Lucerne and would love to say HI to you. I am feeling great and you'll have no worries:) Hope to see you here:)