Hi All!

I was digging around today on CK hoping there were some other bariatric folks here and there you are! It's good to know there's a group just for us here. Thanks for starting it!

I just had my band placed on August 22nd, so I'm in the puree phase for just over a week. I had the newest model of band placed, which actually starts with some fluid, so it may be that I won't actually need a fill for awhile. The surgery was a LOT easier than I expected, and I had almost no pain (mostly some gas pain the first week), and I have yet to have any nausea or food sensitivities (I do hate jello now, but that's probably because I ate so much of it the first week).

So far, it's been amazingly easy, other than getting tired quicker than before. But, I keep it all in perspective - when calories drop to 600-800 a day, it only makes sense that there would be less energy!

My high weight was in the 280's (as of the day I started my pre-op liquid fast), and to date I'm down to 263, so it's right around 25 lbs off in the past 3-4 weeks. This last week was just a 2 lb loss, so it looks like I might be easing into the sweet spot for my weekly loss. I'm taking in about 4-6 ounces per meal, plus 3 cups of milk per day as snacks.

Activity-wise, I've been taking it easy, but I do get out to the dog park for a walk with my pooch almost every day. I was amazed that I was able to get walking again 2 days after surgery (even though it was a SLOOOOOW walk). I'll be resuming belly dance lessons a week from Weds and it will be fun to see my costume sizes get smaller over the coming year! Hopefully, my tummy will flatten enough to not be too "flappy" to show, and with any luck it will look nice enough for a belly button ring when I reach my goal!

I'm curious- how many bandsters are out here? Anyone in about the same phase as me?

Hi Donna,
Welcome to the world of the band. I have had mine since January of 2006.
I remember the mushie/puree stage. Actually, I have to go back to it whenever I get a fill. Thank goodness that I haven't needed one in about 5 months.

Take it easy on the belly dancing lessons though. Let the incisions heal thoroughly. Do the walking and such but just take it easy.

Enjoy the ride, Donna, it's going to be a wild one!!! Sandra

"Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try." ~Yoda
Giving up is never an option
"courage is not about starting something, but about completing it." thank you Miriam for this one.

316.5/256.4/160

Welcome Donna.... I do remember that phase!!!

Still seems like just yesterday but it was 7 years ago for me. So are you getting some fluids in? I know I had to buy a water bottle with a strap and take it with me everywhere and to this day it still goes with me everywhere.... of course I have bought new ones... LOL

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Tochatty
"Your hard work will pay off. It's not a matter of "if", but "when." .... Shane Idleman

Personal Challenge
Exercise 4 times per week 30 minutes each time

Yep - I'm getting my water in but I have to really push myself to do it. Monday is my 1 month post-op, so I'm hoping they'll advance me to mashed foods, right away instead of waiting until Weds (my official 1 month mark).

I pulled out some smaller jeans today (size 22 instead of 24) and they are snug, but they fit! Can't wait till these get too big!

Thanks for the welcomes!