Yes, sometimes we bandsters need to expect things to come up, quite literally. I did my homework though and I am pretty careful about chewing so this has not been too much of a problem for me. Yesterday we went for Japanese. I ordered a seaweed salad and, let me tell you, this did NOT AGREE with the band at all. It made my esophagus contract, it hurt me a lot, It really HURTS. I was sliming and paining and sliming some more, doubled over and out to dinner with other people so I felt very awkward. Three trips to the bathroom in a tiny little restaurant, was very embarrassing, and did not go unnoticed by other guests nor the staff! The fat anorexic chick???? I don’t know what they thought!
I had eaten about two or three tablespoons of the salad in total and due to the esophageal reflex and reflux, I could not eat the sushi, the wonderful grilled fish or meats – nothing at all. It was a buffet too – so the thing is that $20 for dinner when you eat only a few bites was an expensive lesson.
The literature that I had did let me know that most bandsters cannot eat asparagus and even some people have a hard time with celery, but seaweed salad, this was not mentioned. I guess, I should have guessed, since it is rather tough and rubbery. Silly me!
I suggest to all you bandsters out there reading this, if you want to try it, don’t do it at a buffet and for sure not when others are around!
Have you had this happen and how did you handle it?
Hi there. I am new to this site and have been researching both the by-pass and the Band. I have a surgery date set for Aug.11th and was all set to get the Band. Now I am thinking because first of all, I didn’t know that the length of time for goal weight was so much slower then the By-Pass. I have to say that I am kind of bummed by that. I mean here I am taking this drastic step and having to wait still. lol I have no patience. =) I am also seeing all of these restrictions. I mean I know that I will have to change my habits. And I have been working on it. I am still struggling with the chewing…it seems that the bite just makes its way down my throat before I get to 30. lol and then also portion size. Now my surgeon says that the surgery which ever one I decide on will control my portions. because I will either be writhing in pain or vomitting! One or the other I will learn to control portions. He wasn’t that harsh..but basically. lol
Would any of you mind filling me in on your experiences with the surgery itself…was it painful? How long did you stay in the hospital? How long before you were back to work? How long before you were driving again? They say no excessive sitting…why? I do a lot of driving with my work. about an hour one way then a break but sometimes that requires sitting as well. meetings and what not.
I learned here that there is nothing in the band at first. This is news to me and is there a feeling of control or not much?
I have a friend whose boyfriend went to Mexico for this surgery and since Feb. of this year has lost like 80 pounds. Is this a fluke or what?
I also read here that one of you ladies is not dieting with the band….Nice to know thats an option, but I have already started following the diet that they provided at the nutrition class. So far I have lost 28 pounds give or take a period cycle or two. lol I was originally 354 and am now 326. I still have to lose 10 more pounds before my surgery or they will cancel it. Have either of you had to lose weight prior to the band?
I don’t know…my questions are flooding my mind right now.
I guess I would like to know if either of you would do it again with what you know now. or would you have prefered the By-Pass? Also why did you chose the Band? I hope these are ok. I am just curious and confused and I have to make a decision soon.
Thank you all for your time.
Molly