Jenn1214

Losing weight isn't hard for me, keeping it off is the problem. I've lost and gained several hundred pounds in my life, and I got tired of it. I was banded last March and I know I would have started to gain back the weight I lost if it wasn't for the band.

I hear about them all the time and I can never find them! I bet they might have them at Whole Foods or Fairway or something.

I just had some tonight as a matter of fact...went down with no problems!

I had an enormous bruise on my lower abdomen after surgery, where my port was placed (I had SILS). I asked for it because I didn't want to have five incisions...now I have a big gigantic scar. My fiance has five little ones and you can barely see them. Go figure!

It was definitely hard for me at first too. Just stick with it and eventually it will be second nature to you. Good luck!

I was filled at about 10 am on Monday. I'm still on soft foods until tomorrow so I'll have to see how my portions are once I start solids.

I found that I had to "detox" from sugar after surgery because I was so addicted. Eating several candy bars a day, or a few bowls of sugary cereal was nothing for me. I stuck to my post op diet religiously and once the sugar worked its way out of my system, the cravings were much better. I still eat sweets, but nowhere near the volume and frequency I used to. I find that if I tell myself I can't have something, the desire for it becomes much stronger. So if I really want something sweet, I'll have a small piece and that's usually good enough. Although when I'm PMSing, all bets are off, so keep the chocolate away from me!

I had my most recent fill on Monday. I felt very tight for a couple of days afterwards, which has never happened before. Last night, everything started to loosen up and I'm not feeling the restriction that I was. Very weird. I know this has happened to others but I've never personally experienced it. Anyone else get the restriction back after starting back on solids?

I would stay away from fruits and veggies at this point. Although they are good to eat once you are on solids, they aren't part of the soft diet and may give you trouble. Stick with the soup and whatever fish you can comfortable eat. Good luck!

My full signal is usually a hiccup. If I eat too much past this point, or eat too fast, I'll get shoulder pain or pressure in my chest. That's my band telling me "Enough already!" This usually happens several days after a fill when I'm getting used to things.

A little over a year after surgery, I've lost 82 pounds and 4 dress sizes. I have no more acid reflux, back pain, or high cholesterol. My PCOS is practically nonexistent. I feel more comfortable in my own skin and I'm gaining self esteem that I've never had before. I've lost count of how many compliments I've received from family and friends. Would I do it again? Without question. Tomorrow, if I had to.

Most of the time I become a ravenous monster, but during a few cycles I've become tight instead. Not sure what causes the difference, but man is it annoying sometimes!

Is that all you're eating all day? If so, you're definitely undereating and your metabolism is slowing as a result.

I had my first fill since November this morning, and I'm not sure if it's because it's been so long or what, but I felt kinda tight afterwards too. Almost like I had a lump in my throat, and I had some pressure in the middle of my chest too. It's better now, and since this morning I've had two cups of water, tomato soup and plain greek yogurt with no pain or anything. I'll see how I feel tomorrow, but so far so good!

My fiance was banded on February 15th. From the start I feel like he's pushed the guidelines a little too far. He eats too fast, his portions are too big, doesn't read food labels, drinks his calories, and eats a lot of soft foods that. He definitely needs a fill but his surgeon won't do it unless he's not losing weight. I try to set the best example I possibly can and tell him tips and tricks that have helped me along my journey, but it seems like he's always challenging the band and doesn't listen. I am afraid once he starts getting fills, all these bad habits will lead to problems down the line. How can I help him get on track without being a pain in the rear end? I feel like no one responds well to nagging, and I know I can't MAKE him follow the rules, I'm just concerned for his well being.

Be careful with eating solid foods this soon after banding...most surgeons don't allow a normal diet until a month after surgery to allow the stomach to heal. Please be sure to follow your doctor's orders.

You will never be able to eat the same volume as before without risking damage to the band or your body. There will probably be foods you can never eat again because you simply can't tolerate them. I haven't had any carbonation since surgery and I was a crazy soda fiend. Bacon is not my friend anymore, and I can't eat breadsticks or very doughy breads. It's different for everyone, and the only to find out is trial and error. Honestly, not being able to eat certain foods any more is a small price to pay for getting my health and self-esteem back, so don't let that deter you from getting the lap band.

Alcohol is a big time trigger for me to eat crappy food. Wine usually doesn't give me the munchies, but after a whiskey sour or two, I become a human vacuum cleaner! Needless to say I seldom drink them anymore.

I went out shopping today to find a cute dress to wear for Easter. As I hunted through the racks I saw one I liked but was disappointed that it was only a size 10. Still I figured, I'll try it anyway...the worst thing that could happen is that it doesn't fit. I slipped it on, zipped it up, and almost started crying with joy! I literally have not worn a size 10 dress in well over ten years. Single digits, here I come!

My fiance was just banded on February 15th and at his post op visit 2 weeks after, his surgeon said he could start exercising...just no crazy-heavy weights or abdominal exercises for 6 months. I seem to remember my surgeon saying the same thing to me. Just go easy and listen to your body. If something hurts, stop and talk to your doctor about it.

Honestly, I don't think anyone enjoys exercise. Sometimes you have to literally force yourself out the door and just do it. After a while, when you start seeing results, you'll have all the motivation you need! This happened to me when I first joined my gym. I was so afraid I would lose motivation and stop going, but I made myself go at least 4 days a week and signed up with a trainer. When I started toning up and losing weight and inches, that was the kick in the butt I needed. Now I go six days a week and am officially a gym rat!

I lost 10 pounds in 7 days.

I avoid carbonation like the plague. Not only is my surgeon really against it, but carbonation hurts my pouch and gives me shoulder pain. No thanks!

The way I figure it, you have to be out of shape before you can get in shape, right? Start small and work your way up, and before you know it you'll be doing things you never thought you could!

I would ask your surgeon, but your band is stitched to your stomach so I don't think it will be a problem.