Hi, Mary! My surgeon said to wear the binder for 6 weeks. It's kind of a nuisance, but for some reason, I did feel "safer" with it on. It gave my mid-section more stability. The worst is over for you, so enjoy the ride! Keep your eye on the prize and work hard!! Have a great day! Mary

Hi everyone, I was wondering how long I have to wear this binder. I am 3 weeks post op. I have been wearing it the whole time other to take a shower. When I went in for my 2 week Dr visit I forgot to ask him how much longer I would have to wear it. I want to thank everyone for their help and hopefully one day I will be as much help to someone esle! Thanks Mary

Hi Everyone, I went to the surgeon's office for my 6-8 week check up and I lost another 10 pounds bringing the total to -36 after surgery and -44 total. Not bad for 7 weeks post op!!! I couldn't be happier with everything. Eating is going well, walking is great...I just love it all Best news is I am cleared to exercise. I am joining a gym tomorrow or Wednesday and throwing myself into it full force. I can't wait! Thanks for the support! Hugs, Sara 356/320/175

NATALIE, THE DR. TOLD ME NOT TO DRINK ANY CARBONATED DRINKS. I HAVE NOT . I DO NOT WANT TO START. I STOP LONG BEFORE THE SURG. THE LAST SOFT DRINK I HAD WAS AUG. 3,2003. I STOP COLD TURKEY. I READ THAT THE CARBONATION STRETCH THE BELLY. SO I JUST STOP. PLEASE DO NOT DRINK THE CARBONATED DRINKS. GLORIA -93

Hi Mary, I am three years post op and yes, eating gets much, much better. As I have said in earlier posts, I used to throw up quite a bit when I would eat meat. I still can`t eat alot of it but I feel I can eat fairly normal now. I ate some roasted chicken about two weeks post op and was so nauseated for about 2 hours. I was foaming at the mouth and hurt so bad. I called my surgeon and he said not to throw up, so soon out might disrupt the staple line. I went for a brisk walk and that help some. I was in such pain that I started eating baby food chicken mixed with applesauce. Horrible, I know. But it gave me the strength I needed at the time. Softer foods just did`nt hurt as much. I probably did`nt chew well enough. Old habits are hard to break. Hang in there. Life does get back to normal. I promise.