i week post op!

Hi all, Well it is one week today that I was banded. I am still struggling with emotions, and thoughts. The pain is much better. I am going into work for a half day tomorrow just to answer phones (not my regular job), hoping that will keep my mind busy. I see the doctor on Tuesday for my first follow up and then there's a support meeting that night and think I really need that right now. Just a question if anyone knows, are you allowed to suck on sugar free/fat free hard candy?? I am trying to follow every rule, but I really need someting to put in my mouth. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks Sue

Hi Susan, It'll get better...You had sugery...and any surgery will alter your emotions and moods. Expect that to happen. Especially when it's changing your lifestyle. I'm not banded, but had RNY and sf/ff hard candies are ok, bu****ch how much sugar alcohol is in them because they cause some to get diarrahea. I got it once when I had way too many one day and was in the bathroom all night long! Hang in there... paula

I am just one year out from being banded, and let me welcome you to the bandster club. Sugar free hard candy saved me during the 4 weeks of all liquids that were required post op, before purees and mushees could be had.I felt no ill effects at all from them,and they were in my mouth almost constantly. Just to let you know that Dollar Tree has a large selection of bagged sugar free hard candy.Good luck on your weight loss journey. Marcia K. 85 lbs down in a year out from Lap Band Surgery!!

Sue- congrats on being one week out! It's a difficult journey, and surprising in so many ways! You'll learn a lot about yourself in these first few weeks. You just hang in there and you'll be all right. A support group meeting is a great idea! please do go and talk to others in the same position. There's nothing better than that! This is a thought for you- to do with what you wish- My instantaneous reaction to your question about hard candy was- Well- THAT's not a habit you want to start yourself right off with, now is it?!? A little harsh for a reaction but let me explain... I have found that the people who are THE MOST SUCCESSFUL at this journey in the long run are the ones that BREAK their old, destructive relationship with food and find ways to form new ones that are healthy and productive. You have an EXCELLENT opportunity to do that RIGHT NOW! Especially in the beginning of WLS- your diet is restricted so excessively (and necessarily) that it becomes easier to make full changes in your thinking and habits. Break your old cycles, think about things in a new way and re-form your relationship with food. Food is for energy only. Food is not your firend. Food is not comfort. Food is not a distraction or a passtime. Food is not the focus of life. So, when your old instincts tell you- "I need to put something in my mouth!!!", think again. And, think about it differently. Think- "That's the OLD way trying to sneak up on me!" and choose to do something different. Maybe do something with your hands, or go for a walk, or have a beverage or make a phone call, or, if you MUST- then suck on some ice. This way, you show the old ways to the door, and introduce new behavior into your life. Think about it...WHY do you need to have something in your mouth? Is your mouth dry? Then drink something. Bad breath? Use breath spray OR Is it to feel like your're eating? That's psychological and not based on a REAL need of your body, and so, must be overcome. Anyway- that's my thought. Take it or leave it. Hope it helps. Keep your chin up! Lisa C

Congratulations Sue! I didn't have any sf candy but listerine breath spray was my savoir - I used that constantly and brushed my teeth a lot - it was like I had this thirst that couldn't be quenched no matter how much water I drank - I don't know if that's what you're feeling - the sf pops were extremely helpful as well to keep the mouth wet....... By the way I just had my first fill on 4/27 of 1.5cc and don't feel much different - my second fill will be 6/1 and I'm hoping that will start me on my journey... I do plan on going to the support group meeting next Tuesday so if you recognize my face from my picture please say "hi" Best Regards, Tammy