jewelsMA

Great job!!! Isn't it funny how the little things, like the off the rack shirt, can really make you feel good!!! We have a lot in common, I was banded on August 21 as well... In addition, I believe I have lost some where around 10 pounds, but am afraid to keep stepping on the scale, in case it goes the wrong way. Especially now that we can have actual food. I'm so glad to hear you're not having any pain or discomfort. For some reason I still have the shoulder pain (which gets bad at times). Good luck on your journey with the band! I look forward to more updates from you. Juli

HI! Based on what I was told and what I have read, the vitamins during the first month need to be liquid or dissolvable. During the soft food stage they can be chewable. I also take the Centrum multi vitamin. After the 30 days pills can be tolerated as long as they are no larger than a pencil eraser and are washed down with a full glass of water or milk. I hope others can confirm that is what they were told too! I'm still looking for a way to get my fish oil... all the pills I have seen for it are pretty larger and can't be cut. Hope this helps.

Thanks for asking all the right questions... I enjoy reading everyones responses. Regarding the liquid diet, yes, I'm still on it... a few more days (I keep telling myself that). I try to keep myself busy with work so i don't notice until dinner time/ after work. Liquids can be so boring but then again I'm not all that creative. I know there are different types one could make, if they have a food processor and willing to use a blender. I just don't seem to have enough free time, so I stick with store bought juices and soups. Special K protein water is great, the drinkable yogurts are good. And yes, I have started exercising again. I have an elipitcal at home and I enjoy going for walks. I was able to start those right away but found that I get tired quicker than I expected. I think this is due to the low calorie and lower protein during this phase. I try for about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. As far as my port goes, I actually wondered myself if mine is "normal". As funny as that may sound. I have mild soreness around it, I can definitely feel it through my skin, especially after finishing a bottle of water or other liquid. Its like I'm a little bloated from the drink and the port is right there. Mine is in the center, not off to any side and I think I may have some swelling left and it may go down. I can bend over, and touch my toe's now with out any discomfort so I know I'm healing. And I assume the stitches are melting away or are already gone. I'm down 10 pounds so far, and thats encouraging. If you have any other questions, please let me know! Have a great day.

In another forum some one wrote "every one heals differently" and that is very true, but I do think it helps to hear others experiences, so at least if you have them... you'll know it's normal. Of all the research I did on the lap band I have not heard of stories like the one's you referenced. Being 9 days post-band, I would like to think I have not felt or gone through any of the negative items you mentioned either. I had/ have the gas pains, they are not so bad (the first 2 days were bothersome). I have soreness in the stomach area, nothing major. In the first few days you realize just how much you need your stomach area... it hurt to laugh, sneeze, cough! But not extreme pain by any means. I returned to work 5 days later, and have had no complaints of memory/ sharpness issues. I'm an computer engineer, and depend quite a bit on my wits. I have never gotten lost (post surgery). In fact I have had to drive myself to New Hampshire and Connecticut for several work meetings this past week (I live in MA). No hazyness or feelings of being spacey and my friends still laugh at my jokes, so I think my personality has remained intact. The liquid phase is tough... I never realized how much I would miss the food, not just because I love food but for nutritional value as well. You have to make sure your intake is good, and full of the nurtients your body needs to heal. Keeping a journal may help with this. There is great info and great people here, from recipies to questions you might not have wanted to ask, to reading about other peoples struggles and knowing you're not alone. I understand what you're going through, I think we all went through questions and doubt, especially if you have heard such negative things about other types of bariatric surgeries. I am sure others will share their stories and I know it will help you! Welcome to the forum! And best of luck in your decision. I know I made the right one!

Being new here, I don't know any of you, but I agree with your comments on ignoring the negativity and I have to say I wish you wouldn't go, Soccer Mom. I'm so glad to have a site like this one to turn to, its given me SO much information. Just reading your stories and checking out your profiles has helped me a lot. I'm being banded in 10 days, and I've counted on your experiences, blogs and comments to know I'm not crazy for how I feel right now, to know what to expect right after and to realize we are all human and not perfect. I'm a quiet person, and hate drama as much as you all, so I understand if you go. But if you do, it's a big loss to people like me who listen (or read) more than they speak out. Thanks for all you've given me, it's more than you know!