emptyNest

I got my band in 2011. Initially lost about 35 lbs, then got busy with life and let it go. I'm now back to my starting weight. I can feel my band when I eat too fast, or 'dry' protein, so I'm wondering if I should go in for a checkup and fill, or just try to eat right for awhile first. I haven't seen my bariatric dr for 6 years.

I have only lost 16 pounds since surgery, but I don't have much restriction at all. I like losing the weight slowly. I think it will help with the loose skin thing, which could be an issue since I'm over 50..

I had my first fill yesterday. 10 weeks post-surgery. I was losing about 1 pound / week, and that was enough for me, so I put off the fills, but about 2 weeks ago I started to be able to eat bagels, so I knew it was the beginning of the end. I guess I have a small band because the Doc said the surgeon would have put in 1.5 cc during surgery and he said another 4 cc would 'over fill it'. Anyway, he just put in 1.5 cc, so I guess I have about 3 cc in a 5cc band. Anyway, I'm on liquids for 2 days, then mushies for the rest of the week. Good news is I lost 2.5 pounds yesterday.

That sounds really interesting. I find that switching things up tends to help me lose faster, but I haven't tried anything like this. I will be really interested to see how it works for you. Good luck!

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forum/2480-april-2011-bandsters/ or -- go to the main page, scroll down (a lot) and you will see monthly support with years listed. Go to 2011, and its listed within that forum.

If you don't mind going to Carle in Champaign my Dr is Uretz Oliphant and he is a dear. He also has an associate helping him now. I think they will do fills for folks they didn't band. Wouldn't hurt to call, anyway. (217) 383-3240 I've not lost much weight since the surgery.. healing is my excuse... but I'm back to counting calories, so I updated the spreadsheet hoping it will keep me on track! Good luck all!

My husband had cardiac surgery last summer and there were several foods (including coffee) which after the surgery no longer tasted good to him. He is getting his taste for them back gradually, but it did take time. I think it was just his body reacting to the surgery. Personally, I don't notice a change in what I like since my surgery, but I'm not eating much yet, either.

Thanks guys. Its nice having people I can vent to who understand. I think its just thoughtlessness, and he has been very supportive in other ways. I'm probably just super-sensitive about his family knowing because they are all thin, so they have no idea what I have been through. Anyway, I'm skipping Easter with the in-laws, so at least I get 24 hours to myself out of the deal.

Great Idea! I just love this post and I've gotten some super ideas, too! Here's my list: The biggies: 1. Ride my horse more, and be able to get on without a mounting block. 2. Zip lining with my sister in Costa Rica. 3. Scuba diving - or at least snorkeling 4. Tropical vacation or cruise with DH. Every day pleasures: 5. Shopping at the mall - and finding clothes that fit. 6. Fitting in a theater/plane seat 7. Being able to squat - and get back up

I told my husband I was having the surgery about a couple of months before the surgery date. I had kept it to myself for over 8 months, while I got the insurance approval, etc., but decided to tell him so he could get used to the idea before it happened. When I told him I was getting the surgery I told him that I didn't want other people to know. I did tell my parents and our kids, but I didn't think it was anyone else's business. First he told his secretary, the biggest gossip in the county. His excuse there was that he had to explain why he would be out for the day. I let it go, even though I think he could have just said surgery and left it at that. Last night I heard him on the phone telling his mother that I wouldn't be over for Easter because I had a 'procedure' that put a band around my stomach to keep me from eating too much. WTF!!! When I confronted him he had the nerve to deny it! He said he told her 'procedure' not 'surgery'... like that made it all right... I'm really furious... Now, if I'm successful with the band it will be because I had this 'band around my stomach that stopped me from eating too much' and if not, they'll think I'm such a pig I ate too much even with a band around my stomach... He asked me what I wanted him to say when people asked him why I'm not eating much... Huh??? I just asked him: Who would do that? The truth is that it was easier, for him, to tell people I had the surgery than to have them think I just didn't want to go. What does that say about him, and especially about our relationship? I'm starting to understand the high divorce rates among WLS patients.

I did have problems with Jello and anything cold early on, but I had my follow-up today with the dr. All is fine. My port site is a bit pink, and the nurse was concerned, so they put me on keflex. The dr said it was for the nurse's sake, so she wouldn't worry. Honestly, I'm feeling really 'normal'. Not like I had surgery at all, except for a little pull in my belly when I turn a certain way. I'm supposed to gradually switch from full liquids to mushies over the next 2 weeks then very slowly to real food by first fill time (June 7). I'm a very bad patient... I'm already eating soft foods (refried beans) and even had some fish yesterday. I am eating VERY small portions of that sort of thing, though. Just testing the waters a bit. Hope all my friends on here are doing wonderfully as well!

Hi Rachel! I'm 2 days behind you. Banded on the 14th. I'm feeling great. My port site is a bit sore still, but the other incisions are mostly healed, I guess, because I don't even feel them. I'm on liquids until next week, so its Protein shakes, Soup (no chunks) and jello/pudding for me, but I'm not hungry. I've been drinking a slim-fast or carnation instant Breakfast for breakfast, some soup around mid-day and have needed to remind myself to eat something for dinner. Now that's different! Welcome!!

Maybe my issue is the aveoli thing--Anyway its getting better day by day. My husband had one of those toys from a surgery he had last winter, but after he came home and stopped using it I threw it away... oops Today I achieved several firsts. 1. First shower -- really needed it 2. First time I dressed in real clothes -- jeans. 3. First shopping trip - just to the grocery store to get some more carnation instant breakfasts, but I drove myself, so that's a biggie for me, and a definate advantage of being off the pain meds. So, since you are 24 hours behind me (my surgery was 7:30 am on Thurs) you have a good day to look forward to tomorrow!

Welcome. I hope everything went well. What sort of diet are you on? I'm full liquids for the next 2 weeks.. Yummy

I'm on day 3 and feeling much better each day, but did any of you have trouble taking a deep breath after? Dr fixed a hiatal hernia while placing the band, so I assume its from the stitches in my diaphram. Its getting better each day, but that was something I didn't expect. All in all though, a very easy surgery. Much easier than my hysterectomy.

Spot, Thanks for checking in. Sorry about your trouble. We'll be here when you feel up to chatting. In the meantime take care of yourself.

The time is really short now!! Pre op with the doc on Monday, and surgery Thursday. Anyone else this week?

It is very strange that Spot hasn't checked in. She was on here with us pretty regularly before. Sure hope to hear from her soon.

I don't know what pain meds you are on, but Vicodin constipates me something horrible. I'm going to ask the Doc for Darvocet instead. That's what I did for my hysterectomy and it worked great.

I was told steamed green vegetables and one piece of fruit a day and the nurse said raw carrots was OK. Every doc is different tho.

I'm glad to see you all back after your surgeries. Now the journey begins for you. Take care!

I used a mirror and took them myself. I'm sure DH would have done it, but it just makes my fatness too real for me. I could just use one I have of me and my horse, but then I would have to explain which was which.

Well, I'm between you two. The 14th. I get the shakes and 2 steamed veggies a day. I cheated a bit today and ate a slice of turkey breast. At least it was lean protein... I do this until the day before, then Clear liquids until 5 hours before then nothing. Pre-op exam is tomorrow. Woo Hoo.

Spot -- Good luck with the surgery! I'm dying that you get Joe's! My Fave! Somehow my Protein shake doesn't sound too good right now. Let us know when you get home.

EastEndMTBr, This is awsome! Another horse person getting banded the same month as me! I have a Quarter horse Paint (Double registered) gelding and a Quarter Horse mare. She's my fave. My DH has a Tenessee Walker that he rides when I go on the trails. I mostly trail ride now, and I hope to hit them hard this summer when I can get on Katie without the saddle slipping. She's always been a trooper, but she's small, and I'm sure she'd be grateful if I'd lose 100 pounds! I've always ridden western. I used to barrel race back in the day, and I've done some team penning. I'd be happy if all I can do is get on by myself, but in the back of my mind I'm thinking that I'd like to get thin enough to do some of the speed stuff again. Lets keep in touch!