hopee

I was banded 11/19/10. And I'm down 32 pounds

I too had a slow start...I didn't have any restriction till my 3rd fill...So my weight didn't start to drop till after New Years.

Do you notice that some foods go down with no problem (ex. popcorn, sheppards pie)...I can eat them in larger portions then other foods.

I haven't exercised yet...I know I should...And I will...One day...

WOW - You must feel SOOOO amazing...What a way to start the New Year.

I officially hit the 100 lb mark today. It is hard to wrap my brain around that number. If anyone had told me that I would be able to lose 100 pounds, I would never have believed them. Thank you, my lap band. You saved my live.

Hey, I was banded on Nov 19th...I lost for a few days post op - due to being on clear fluids...Once I started eating again - pounds came back on...I will get my first fill Dec 22 at that point the pounds should start to drop again...For now I'm doing my best at making the right choices & controlling my portions. Good luck on your journey.

I'm so glad you asked this question...I hope you/we get a lot of responses.

=-)

Are you able to eat till you feel full??? My surgeon said up to a cup of food 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner ONLY)...Are you drinking with your meal? or maybe too soon after??? I was told to hold off as long as possible to drink after eating so I will stay full longer...Just a few tips I was told...Hope that helps.

I have to wait till Dec 22 for my first fill...I need one bad...Zero restriction right now.

I had the same diet - Only I had 4 shakes a day (Optifast) & clear sugar free fluids...By day 3 I thought I was going to eat my own leg off...It was VERY hard...To be honest I did cheat...I called my clinic and told them of my cheats (I craved cheese & crackers)...By day 8 I was ok - and didn't cheat for the last 6 days...My liver was fine for surgery and all is good. Try to keep busy so you're not thinking about it so much.

Please help me, I need advice. as I type this my eyes are filled with tears. I have been living on Protein Shakes, Water, broth, jello... I feel as though I was hit by a bus. Im dizzy, I've slept all weekend (which isn't like me). I'm getting banded on the 14th. I don't know if I can do this without eating something. Please help.

Yes I did...After about a week I could eat (I think the swelling goes down for most people by then) and I have NO restriction till I get a fill (6 weeks post op)...Basically I'm on my own so I'm following Weight Watchers till I get my fill...I can eat anything and have a normal portion no problem...I could over eat if I don't be careful.

Hello...was banded on 11/24...feel great and have gone back to work. Yesterday, while blending some chicken, I cheated and took a bite before blending. Today I just ate some grilled chicken and apples without blending. I feel like this is not supposed to happen. I expected to get sick but to my surprise...NOTHING!...

Has anyone had similar experiences?

I hear your pain...I was banded on Nov 19 and prior did the Optifast for 14 days...4 shakes a day and ONLY sugar free fluids - That was awful...I have to say I did cheat...A few cheese & crackers each day - I did fess up on surgery day and it wasn't a problem, it all ran smooth. So don't beat yourself up if you slip off here and there.

Hi All, I too was banded on Nov 19th and feel the same...I feel like I'm 6mths pregnant - My tummy is still bloated out and I can't seem to get the gas out. I too do the heating pad, Gas-X, lying on my side etc and I'm struggling to fall asleep at night - often being up till 3am. This is the worst part of this whole procedure - I'll take another 14 day liquid diet over this gas.

I did see my surgeon for my post op and he assured me things will get back to normal in 2-3 weeks post op. He said there's a lot of swelling still inside and that contributes to the over bloated tummy...And too, I wondered if I was eating too fast & drinking too fast because right after I seem to burp a lot which is also painful.

It's nice to see we're not alone and there is a light at the end of this tunnel.

Since the 2 week pre op diet till now 1 week post op I've dropped 21 pounds - so I guess looking at any positive at this point will help.

Good luck guys, looking forward to getting back to normal again.

Hey MrsButler

I didn't end up going with Dr.C or even going to the office...I ended up going with Dr. Woolfson at the Credit Valley Clinic in Mississauga.

If you're getting the Lapband done it is $16,000 + they charge $200 for the Optifast shakes and after 5 yrs. you may apox. $100 for any fills or defills you may need.

The Credit Valley Clinic does not have these extra charges and they include a meeting with a personal trainer, Dietition, and a Phycologist. They also have a support group every 6 weeks at the clinic where all new/old banders meet.

So far I have been very impressed with the CVC and I'm glad I ended up going with them...They also have you meet with the Nurse (who also got banded there) and she goes over EVERYTHING with you and you then go and get your blood work - x-ray - ecg done...Sounds like a lot but they are very thorough...Good luck in your decision - CVC also had a payment plan through Medicare or like me I did a line of credit through my bank.

Good luck.

I'm day 4 as well...I'm not allowed anything other then the 4 shakes...I've asked for veggies and had the ok for green leafy veg's...I'm down 4 so far - But, I cheated a bit here and there...Today is my freash start and will have NO more cheating - It is SO hard...AHHHHHH!

My surgery is the 19th

Hi Amybethy & Mel,

OMG- The liquid only is hard...Day 1 I didn't eat - Only had my 4 shakes - With that came a wicked headache, I was starving...And I just felt like you know what. All I could think about was food...By 10:00pm I could not sleep...I also cheated - Ate 2 slices of pizza (could have eaten 6, but I didn't)...Day 2 I started fresh...This time I went and bought some sugar free Jello & a few veggies & chicken/beef broth (not sure if I'm really allowed to have these, but it's better then binging at 10pm)...Now day 3 - I only had a few crackers & 2 oz of cheese - But, I cut out 2 shakes to make up for the calories...I know, I'm starting to sneak & cheat...So, tomorrow being day 4 of 14 I'm getting on track & having 4 shakes and my jello/broth/veggies...They really seem to get me over the hump.

I'm also going to contact my clinic to let them know my changes and hope it's approved.

I'm on day 3 of the pre op diet (Optifast shakes - few veggies, and sugar free drinks & jello)...I had the worst first day...2nd day got a wee bit better and today I'm getting the hang of it, but I've had a headache for all 3 days so far...Just finished a plate of broccoli & cauliflower...I actually feel full. 11 more days of this - And it will all be worth it.

Hi, I'm just starting the process for a Nov 19th surgery date with Dr. Woolfson...

I see you did it back in 2008?

Office has moved and I'm sure their is new staff on board...If you're still around to chat I would love to know your experience with Credit Valley Clinic.

Thanks!

Hi Ape087,

I received a package from one of the surgeons and it said to keep the full feeling longer not to drink for 2 hrs after eating...As well as a hour before so the food stays solid in your stomach longer.

Hey Tonkabelle,

I'm in the same vote...I just told my mom and her reaction was "Have you REALLY tried to lose the weight?" And my reply was "I have tried for 8 years...Still up and down and now I'm at my all time high...So, I feel this is my last resort.

I'm worried about eating too much that will cause the blockage, not being able to drink for 2 hours after a meal - really trying to time all my meals in with drinking. And making sure I chew well enough...And what to eat and what will pass ok and what will cause pain...All these stories from other Lap Banders with all the vomiting and band slipping...FREAKS me out.

As well as the procedure itself...I've never been put out before so that scares me...Any complications after scares me...And will I beable to do the liquid diet pre/post op??? Lets get real we all LOVE food so to go from eating to ONLY liquid is going to be hard. I just don't want to fail...

We have ours done a day apart...Will be nice to see how we're doing together.

Are you in the USA? I'm in Canada.

Hey Girls...

I'm in for Nov 19th...

I'm a mom of 2 (ages 4 & 7), married 8 years and have been over weight since my first pregnancy.

I live in Canada (Toronto)...And we have to pay in full for the procedure ALL $16,000.00 NO coverage.

We get 5 years of fillers and 24/7 support. The liquid shakes are extra ($200) & post op meds are extra too.

I worry I'll mess up...Anyone scared it won't work???

How did you get that TickerFactory??? I clicked the link but it asks for a PIN?

Hi, I'm Nov 19...I'm also SOOO unsure...My biggest fear is it not working...Or having issues with food - The lack of it...I'm so used to over eating and eating all the wrong stuff...I wonder CAN I do this???

Hey you two...I'm seeing Dr Coburn for the first time this Friday...I went to the Credit Valley Clinic last week and met Dr Woolfson...Wasn't very impressed...So I'm looking around.

Nice to hear your positive experiences...I have a Nov 19th date set if I go with Dr C.

I'm not telling work - so I get it done on a Friday and return to work that Monday following...YIKES!