B-52

I'm curious. Why the Dominican Republic? Are you from there. I have been there. That's why I'm nosey. Where and what hospital?

Well there is nothing anyone can do or say here to contradict you treatment plan with your Dr. But I will say, what you are experiencing is very normal. Some people can stick it out better than others. Your in a phase when your body is healing from surgery. There's nothing to work on your hunger but you. It's a process along with a time of learning that took me 3-4 months. But I did get my first fill exactly 4 weeks after surgery, then every 4 weeks after that for a total of 3 fills. Have not had a fill since last May.

Ah yes, you've hit upon a truism. After a good workout, your body is demanding you replenish it because of all the energy / calories you have expended. So logically, what will you do? Replace the calories you have just burned?? If you were skinny I'd say yes. This is why there is a large market now for "Recovery" drinks / shakes. But I read the labels on some of these, and I choose to stay away from them. But the best thing you can do is feed your body Protein right after a workout. At the gym I go to I see many people with the "Shakers". They put in the powder before coming, then add Water from the fountain after, and shake it up. There is also much discussion as to whether you should feed your body before a workout. I have done it both ways, and I am finding NOT to fuel up before. Oh, also I am not a calorie counter. But that's me. And I am not a believer in the "Starvation" mode. At least not in the way it is thrown around here.

Was there ever a time that you felt everything was totally working correctly? Comfortably in the Green Zone? If so, then you need to get it back. When I feel things are starting to get a little out of hand, I go full liquids for a few days. This is on my assumption I have stretched out my pouch a bit, and giving it a rest will let it contract. It does work for me, usually extremely tight afterwards. Also, and many people fail to mention this, that IF you are constantly eating small portions, over time, your primary stomach will shrink also, just as it stretched when we overate constantly.

I understand, but think about it. What has changed? You had surgery, you spent 4 weeks recovering from surgery,and now you are healed and back to NORMAL. As you were before the surgery. Now, it's time to put that band to work by activating it with a fill! Everyone looses weight post op. how can one not having nothing but liquids and them moosh. Start eating normally, start gaining again.

Between 1 st and 2nd fills, I GAINED! Why? First fill at 4 weeks did nothing! Also, at 4 weeks I was able to start eating normal food. So DUH! That meant pure will power for the next 4 weeks and if I had will power I wouldn't need surgery!

Many people do and have good results. My Dr and I never discussed it, other than him saying I did not have to loose that much weight and the band will work just fine for me. But I do trust him and i would have listened to whatever he advised.

This is how it was for me. One week after surgery, post op appt. to check incisions, etc. 4 weeks after surgery, first fill. 8 weeks after surgery, 2 nd fill 12 weeks after surgery 3rd and final fill (so far) My last fill was last May. Once I got into the "Green Zone" my Dr. only wants to see me every 3 months now. I see him again in Feb.

Not entirely, but this happened to me. I was not given a time for my surgery. I was told that the hospital will call me no later than 24 hrs with a time to report. I had surgery on a Monday. Friday I did not get a call. Ok, a little anxious, will wait till Sunday. Come sunday still no call. I called the hospital, was connected to the outpatient surgery scheduling office and got a recording with their hors and days of operation, and that they were closed till Monday morning. THEN I started climbing the walls. There was no one to call for answers. Then finally, around 5 pm, I got the call. It was a funky recording but nwas relieved just the same. I checked in a 7 am.

I'm surprised you have that much restriction with no fills yet. But hey, that's great you are feeling it, sliming and all. That's a sign you're right in the thick of it! Now you have to continue to work it to your advantage.

I hear what you're saying, but IMO it is not to you!! At least not in these early stages. You really should listen and learn from your Dr. in these early stages Most people, think they know what is going on, but they really don't. Not untill you have been living comfortably in that Green Zone for a while, and that should be your goal.

One thing you did not mention...are you an active person, go the gym? Do a lot of outside activities? Or are you a couch potatoe. It always comes down to calories in versus calories burned! The band is there to restict our calories in.

I make my own. smoothies. Use 100% whey as the basic starting componet for the protien only, than add whatever my imagination can come up with. Water or skim milk, mixed betrries, strawberries, mixed fruit, whatever. I have one every morning for Breakfast, along with my other supplements Vitamins, etc. Have been doing this every morning for over a year. Not to mention my band is very tight in the morning and I can not tolerate any more solid than that. I also invested in a GOOD QUALITY Blender.

Is this the Dr.? or the Nutritionist. I can tell you all about some Nutritionists!!!!!

I lnow, it was rude and inconsiderate, especially when someone like the op is still recovering from surgery. But the point I tried to make is that, in the futre, you have to learn to live in a world that is very food orientated. Watching TV there are spots after spots about some super duper (disgusting IMO) triple decker with melted cheese, bacon and God knows what else. I have gotten to the point, through my own journey, that at times when I look at foods/recipes and people are oh haing about, I find it repulsive. And when I go out to a resturaunt and observe other people eating, I am reminded of John Lennon: "Have you seen the little piggies with their piggy wives, clutching forks and kniives, to eat the bacon"

She may be a little gruff in her attitude, but I have to agree with her. The world is still there and rotates everyday the same way it did before you were banded. I know it's hard for you now because you are just starting out. But as time goes on your're going to have to deal with it. Wen everyone goes out for dinner and drinks after work, when you go to functions like weddings, thanksgiving, birthdays, it's not going away and you cannot become a social recluse. You're gonna have to learn to deal with it, with grace and style.

I'm not exactly sure what the message is. The more you progress, the more motivated you get, and the more you want to do!

Welcome, and congratulations!! Just remember that his is just the first phase......healing and getting you healthy, strong, and back to normal, BEFORE you start your weight loss journey.

They have a Boot Camp class at the place I go. I though about signing up but I'm afraid of those young ladies kicking my butt! Man they look determined!! (like the previous poster) If you can afford it, pay for a personal trainer. You only need a few sessions to get a good feel on what's good for you and the proper way to do it.

When my Diabetes was out of control, that was the true sign of Hyoglycemia - dangerously low blood sugar. Take something to raise it. Let it continue and you could drop into a Diabetic Coma.

Maybe me saying I don't think about it is not the right term. It becomes part of you and you learn to live with it. Almost take it for granted. And you're right. It has been discussed many times that this website can be very negative. But there are many, many people who have never had a problem, love thei band, feel it is the best decision they ever made.

Why yes....once upon a time there were 3 bears........ Sorry, only joking. First, only you can make wise food choices, starting now and for the rest of your life. The first 4 weeks are all about healing. I followed the Dr.s orders. I hated mashies and relayed on Soups, chili, mashed potatoes, etc. At 4 weeks, I got a 4 cc fill. Nothing changed, other Than I was allowed to eat regular food at the 4 week mark. So when I went back for my 2 nd fill 4 weeks after that, I had gained weight! My Dr laughed at me because he understood what was going on. After my 2 nd fill I began to feel some restriction, but it would come and go. It was easier to control what I ate and began to loose weight again, but I was still very frustrated. Went for my 3 rd fill 4 weeks after that, and after 2 days of liquids, WHAM! Scary tight! Could not keep anything down! Called my Dr and was told give it another day , may just be inflamation. Things did level out, but my band remained very tight. I do prefer it that way. I am now in the green zone and have been since last May. Have not had or needed a fill since then. I'm coming up on one year, and less than 10lbs from my goal.

Sounds to me you are all healed from the surgery and have returned to "Normal" as you were before the surgery. Prior to getting fills, you are exactly where you should be. A membr of the "White Knuckle Club". Keep hanging on!

No, but I lift weights very vigorously a few times a week since one week after being banded. Also include stomach crunches. Never had a problem. My port is very pronounced near the surface and I could never do anything on a ball due to contact pain. Would you say your abbs are hard ?

Go see a movie, and maybe get a new family