eko

I have been banded 9 weeks and have lost 30 pounds. Energy level is up. Down three medications including Blood Pressure and GERD! One more medication to go..... Feeling good!

I think it comes down to each doctor have their own preference for what they think is in the best interest for their patient, or at least that is what I would like to think it is. My doctor is a proctor for Lap Band and there is no doubt in my mind that he has, in his mind, determined what is the best way to help his patients work with the lap band. General overall process, yes, there is a consensus, but each doctor has his quirks about fills, just like they do about the pre-op and post-op diets.

1. Since I have knowledge and I exercise why should I think I will be able to control myself after the band. My bad habits are record speeds of eating and huge portions. I do pretty well with choices. As mentioned by a previous poster, the band will help control the speed of eating and portion size. The band will let you know when it has been pushed to much. 2. How do I break these bad habits? Again, the band will help. It also helps that you recognize it as a problem and is something you can start working on now, 3. Is Gerd/ acid reflux a lifestyle after banding? Actually I was on medication for GERD prior to surgery. My surgeon told me that none of his patients after surgery ever needed their medication again. He told me to take a half dosage for a week if I wanted. I stopped my meds the day of surgery, and have never had to go back in nearly nine weeks. 4. Is finding a doctor for fills difficult in Cleveland Ohio? Support Groups? This is something you will need to research. You need to have a follow-up doctor in place before surgery if you are having it in Mexico. My last comment is that in yeah, I was and still am scared of failure. There are always things we cannot predict, but if I was not banded, where would I be now? I would be heavier and even more out of shape, still on my GERD and blood pressure meds. Sometimes for change you have to take a leap of faith and take a chance. Best wishes.

I was band eight weeks ago and had my first fill two weeks ago, 3ccs in a 10cc band. I have lost 29 pounds since surgery and 30 pre-op. This morning I woke up starving and it has not let up all day so far. My band and I are at odds, it is a physical hunger and what I normally eat does not satisfy me. I am going to power through this today and see if it is just a "day" thing. I am thinking that maybe I need another fill already. Also the scale and I are at odds, it has not moved in two weeks. I guess I am really frustrated today. Thanks for listening.

Thanks everyone. I do use a food scale to weigh all of my portions. For those interested I am eating low carb, it was my pre-surgical diet and just have kept on it with smaller portions focusing on getting my Protein in. stateofzen: Yeah, I still have my menstral cycle, this has been out of synch for what typically happens. Thanks again all.

I have had only one fill and it did not hurt at all.

It's okay. You are still in the healing stage and have not had your first adjustment yet. Be sure to eat your protein always first and chew it, but do not over chew otherwise it will just slide thru. Make wise food choices and hang in there. Do you have an appointment for an adjustment yet, usually about week 6? Also you should be able to call and talk to a nurtritionis for support to help get you through. Best wishes!

I can also drink up to the first bite, but my Dr. would prefer me not to drink at least an hour after eating or longer. My NUT said the rule about not drinking a half hour before eating was a throwback to the bypass rules.

Happy Anniversary! Thanks so much for posting your story for those of us who are behind you. You give us hope and encouragement that slow is okay, even when we want something faster. You go girl! I am so glad you are happy!

How about Skim Milk, Low fat drinkable yogurt, cream soups (that have been strained), sugar free hot chocolate. Try Chicken and Beef Stock instead of Broth. For protein shakes, I prefer Myoplex Light and to change it up, I would add a little cinnamon to the vanilla or chocolate. Just a few more thoughts. Think positive, you can do this!

Oh, this might be tough, but you can do this. I am going to make an assumption that you will have moved to mushies by then. Things you should be able to find to eat in the morning would be scrambled eggs. As far of things to pack - take a cooler with ziplocks for ice to replenish daily. Pack cottage cheese, tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad, greek yogurt and don't hesitate to use protein shakes to get you through the weekend. Prepackage stuff into individual servings so you can grab and go. Have a primary cooler at the hotal and a small carry cooler with you during the day when you are out. And of course don't forget your water and liquids. You go Girl! It is all about planning ahead (been there and have to do it again).

Every doctor if different. Are you suppose to be on clear liquids or full liquids where anything that can go up a straw qualifies? Also, for how long are you in this phase? Depending on where you are at, you can drink some milk. Also you can add protein powder to your soups to boost it. Just a few quick thoughts. Good Luck.

What did the office assistant say? Someone in office should be able to provide you support. Is your surgeon perhaps out of town? I am really surprised you did not meet him prior to surgery. I hope you find the suuport you need from the office soon. Meanwhile, you have the board to ask for help and support from. Best wishes!

Most of my pills are small, but my capsules are too big and I have to open them and swallow the stuff inside. They suggested applesauce, but the one just made the apple so bitter, it was horrible. I found it easier just to pour them on my tongue and take a swig of water to get them down. I am not suppose to take any pill larger than an M&M.

For the rest of the day I was on full liquids, next day soft foods and then told to start working my way back to normal eating.

SLM2007- Deciding to undergo bariatric surgery is a very personal decision and only you can decide if you are ready for it, no matter what procedure you choose it is a committment that you have to make and no one can make that for you. I don't know how much weight you have to lose, but every WLS has it pros and cons and it took me over a year to make the decision and that was after researching all WLS options. It you are looking for a quick fix, the band is not it. It is a tool, the least invasive, and can be your friend. You work with it, not against it. You have heard from several people who would do it again and have given you some great advice. I would do it again. I have not regretted my decision. During the process I attended an informational session, had a meeting with the surgeon and nutritionist. Asked a lot of questions. I also discussed it with my primary care doctor and other specialist I see. Knowledge is power. I wish you the best with your decision. Maybe your are not ready yet. Be well.

Thanks for sharing your story. I have been banded for six weeks, so I am just starting my journey with my band. I want to wish you all the best. Stay well!

Hi, I have been banded for five weeks now and am expecting my first fill next week. I have yet to regret being banded and yes it has required some adoption, but nothing that I have not been able to handle. I like to keep things pretty simple and every sugeon does things a bit differently pre-surgery and post-surgery as far as diet goes. Follow whatever your doctor recommends because it is his proceedure. My pre-surgery diet was two weeks of a low-carb/no-carb diet. Post-op, the first week was liquids, but nothing thinker than what could go through a straw. Weeks two-four was working through "mushies" to solids while finishing healing and learning to live with the band. Yes, I have lost weight during this time, and should expect to lose 2-3 pounds per week. I am just starting to add exercise, I have some restrictions due to other issues that I am working around that losing weight will hopefully help. Wish you well!

I think that when we go through something emotional, or really personal to us, that we can develope a "crush" on the person who helps us through it, or to be successful, especially when you spend time with this person and even yourself emotionally. Weightloss journey's are like that, personal and emotional, or at least mine is. Be careful of wrapping yourself up emotionally with your doctor. Remember, your are his patient, one among many. Crushes can make us feel good and motivate us, but don't let it become anything more. You need to be successful for yourself, not your surgeon.

I am not familiar with IC, but make sure when eating chicken and beef, make sure it is moist, not dry. As mentioned above, try smaller bites and chew it well. Can you eat eggs (egg substitute), refried Beans, tofu, or any vegetarian Proteins with IC? Wish you well. eko

Nope, my port does not stick out, I cannot even feel mine right now. I am four weeks out and have not had my first adjustment yet, but yes, I have been for the most part feeling full quickly, although I am need of an adjustment and will get one at my next appointment in February. Remember the band is a tool to help you, there is still work you need to do and make sure you put the right food into your body. Good Luck! ~eko

Rowdee- The scale is moving down, that is what matters. I was banded 12/27 and right now I am focused on finishing healing and learning to live with this band. I have not had an adjustment yet. As far as protein goes, I have been told to target 60 grams per day. Water/Fluids, 64 ounces per day. I know what you are saying about the scale saying one thing and seeing something different in the mirror. But I have to keep in mind the the weight is spread all over my body, so the weightloss is just spreadout. Eventually we will see it, but we have looked at the same body for a long time. Be patient, do the right things and all will be well. ~eko

Barb5227- Welcome to the Board. I was banded 12/27, so you are ahead of me in the process. First off, congrats on finding a support group! I think it is really helpful to bounce things of off people who know what this "band" is all about in person as well as on this board. We all can use some help, we are human. Remember why you signed up for this surgery. The band is just a tool to get up to our goals, so it is time to refocus. Forget the "cheater foods", keep them out of the house except for special occasion. I am a mom of two teenage boys, believe me, they and my husband will not starve wthout ice cream and other assorted junk food. Also start keeping a food journal in you're not right now. Make sure you are eating enough Protein and drinking liquids. Substitute a bottle of Water for food when you want to put something in your mouth. Take care and you can do this! eko

Michelle- I was banded on 12/27 too! My next appointment is 2/7, right before yours. You are riight, you need to stop obsessing about the scale. Weigh yourself only once a week around the same time and record it. Also continue to keep your food journal, but make sure you are getting at least 60 grams of Protein per day. I am excited too and want to see the pounds come off, but I was told by my surgeon that until my next appointment and I have my first fll, not to worry about losing weight, but learn to live with the band and continue healing. He also told me to only to weigh myself once a week. Patience I guess is the key right now. It will happen!

I was banded 17 days ago on 12/27. I was feeling okay after one week, but it really took me two weeks to feel almost 100%. Remember you had major abdominal surgery, even though it sounds simple and there is a lot of healing and adjustments going on inside. Moving will help with the gas pain in the shoulder. Slow down on drinking your Protein shakes, they are your meal. Also make sure you are getting your liquids in during the day so you stay hydrated. Everyone recovers at a different rate, and it sounds like you might be a little slower like me. It sounds like you are going back to work soon, so be sure when not working get plenty of rest, drink your Water and be positive, take it one day at a time. You can do this!