elm65

If you can gulp water (and drink 8 oz in one go) is this an indication that you don't have an optimal fill?

Thanks everyone. I've had one fill (2cc in a 9cc band). I'm scheduled for another fill on June 14th so I guess I'll see if there is any difference then. I do find that if I eat my Protein first and eat slowly I do get full much quicker than before surgery. I'm also still trying to adjust to being "not hungry" rather than "full". Sometimes I think that I am "overthinking" everything and worrying too much about the restriction and forgetting that the band is a tool and I still have to work hard to achieve the weight loss I desire.

Hi All, I've read several posts that say that sometimes it takes a couple of days to feel the full effect of a fill. Does anyone know why? I really appreciate all the information on this board. Thanks!

Hi All, I've read several posts that say that sometimes it takes a couple of days to feel the full effect of a fill. Does anyone know why? I really appreciate all the information on this board. Thanks!

Thanks everyone

Hi Angela, Congratulations on your weight loss so far. You may feel that you are a slow loser but 25 lbs is still impressive. Think of 25 1lb pkgs of butter lined up. It's quite a bit! I can't really comment on your fill level, but I notice from your sample menu that you didn't have a lot of Protein on that particular day. You should be aiming for at least 60 grams per day. I find the protein fills me up so I try to eat all my protein first, then my vegetables and then my starch if I'm still hungry. Good Luck

I was really lucky--no preop diet required. I went on clear liquids the day before surgery and had to do bowel prep but that was it. On the plus side for all you preop dieters, think of the extra weight you lost or will lose before going into surgery!

Hi Doddie, I had my 2cc fill today under floroscopy. When I drank the barium, my doc said that it sat in my upper pouch for about 10 seconds before starting to drain through. He said this indicated that I had good restriction and would definitely notice a difference. He showed me the xray of what my stomach looked like now with the band. It was really interesting to actually see how small the upper portion is now. I was prepared for a bit of pain when he inserted the needle but it didn't hurt at all! The whole think took about 10 minutes and from now on I'll have my fills in his office vs. the hospital. I had a cottage cheese pancake for dinner with no problems and I just had some yogurt. Good Luck with your fill. Let me know how it goes.

I did a stupid thing tonight and paid the price. I ate my dinner too fast and I also ate too much. About 40 minutes later I began to get bad stomach cramps that had me running to the bathroom. :omg: I was sweating, dizzy and felt horrible. I felt like I was going to vomit, but it came out the other end instead. This is the first time this has happened and you can bet I got the message! I guess it's good that I learned this lesson before my first fill because if it can happen now I'm guessing it could happen that much easier once I'm more restricted. I know that pbing & vomiting are hazards if you aren't diligent, but I hadn't heard about sweating/dizziness and feeling like you might die (or wish you would). Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks everyone. I hope that was the first and last time I experience it.

I didn't tell anyone (except my family) until right before my surgery date. I decided to be more open about it after my surgery because it has been my experience that a secret is only a secret until you tell somebody. I didn't want to give the impression that I was ashamed of having the courage to take control of a problem that has plagued me for years. I am also a terrible liar. One positive thing about telling others is that it puts more responsibility on me to be wise in my food choices because others are watching. One negative thing is that I sometimes feel pressure to be losing weight faster (even though I'm right on target with an average of 2.5 lbs per week). I think the pressure is more an internal thing with me than actually from others. I haven't had any negative reactions yet, but I'm sure there has been some talk behind my back about how expensive the surgery is and couldn't I have done it on my own? If anyone gets brave enough to say something to my face I will tell them that once they have educated themselves on the subject I would be happy to discuss it but until then Shutty! Good Luck:)

Would have done it sooner.

I have the French MidBand too. Apparently it is a 9cc band. I'm going for my first fill on April 13th and my doc said he would be putting in 2 ccs. I'll let you know how it goes.

Karlee, you're doing great! I was starting to feel down because others were losing weight faster than me despite my daily exercise and keeping to a daily intake of between 800 and 1000 calories. I took my measurements and discovered that there was 6 inches less of me. I then reminded myself that the average weight loss with a band is 1 to 2 lbs per week. That said, I am still envious of all those losing weight so much quicker than me. BUT, I'm trying to stay positive and hope you will too.

I know how you're feeling. I am getting impatient for my first fill. I have noticed that my hunger is not as bad if I've consumed enough water and protein throughout the day. I started logging my food intake on fitday.com and it has really helped. In the beginning I was definitely not eating enough protein.

Dr. Amson in Victoria does bands. The total cost is $15443.00. I was very happy with my care. Once he puts you on the surgery list the wait is approximately 2 months right now. However, the wait to get in to see him for an initial consultation is anywhere from 6 months to a year.

Congratulations!:clap2: Erin

Hi Susan, I was banded on Feb 23/07. I've lost 10 lbs. My incisions are healed. I can feel my port if I press on it with my fingers, but otherwise it doesn't bother me. I'm in my last week of liquids/mushies. It hasn't been easy but at the same time I'm surprised that I've adjusted to it as well as I have. I see my doc next week and I'm hoping that I can schedule my first fill soon. I'm looking forward to eating regular food and seeing more weight loss! Where are you having your surgery?

Hi Everyone, I'm so glad I found this thread. I was banded on Feb 23/07 by Dr. Amson in Victoria, BC. My surgery was fairly uneventful. I stayed in the hospital for one night. I am not having any pain to speak of. I do have a bit of bruising around my port but my incisions are pretty much healed now. I'm in my third week of liquids and mushies and am doing not too badly. I still get hungry but it doesn't bother me as much now. I am looking forward to regular food though! I am seeing Dr. A. next week and hoping that we can discuss when I can get my first fill. I lost 10 lbs in the first two weeks, but nothing since. I know they say that this is a time for healing but I'm getting impatient! I am logging my food intake on fitday.com. Thanks to all those who post their experiences. I'm learning lots. Erin

Hello Fellow Canadians! I was banded (midband) on Feb 23/07 by Dr. Brad Amson in Victoria, BC. Cost was $15443.00 which includes all fills/follow up. My total waiting time was 1 year: 7 month wait for initial consult. 3 month wait because Dr. Amson wanted me to try diet and exercise again. 2 month wait on surgery wait list. Erin

I paid $15443.00 for my band. In British Columbia, Canada gastric bypass is covered by the medical system but lap bands are all self pay. My extended medical policy did not cover it either.:cry

I was banded on February 23rd. My BMI is 37. I've lost 10 lbs. Erin

Hello All, I was banded on 02/23/2007 by Dr. Amson in Victoria, BC. I have very little pain, but I like to sleep on my side which is not too comfortable yet. I'm starting to feel hungry and this is frustrating. I know that this is only a short phase but it seems like forever right now. Any advice is much appreciated! Erin sw:230 cw:220 gw:140

What a relief to see others are feeling the same way as me! I was banded on 02/23 and have had no real discomfort, just hunger for the last few days. I've been eating a lot of tomato soup and yogurt. I was feeling light headed and tired so I've added some Carnation Instant Breakfast to get some more protein. I now know why this period is called Bandster Hell. Just reading your posts has made me feel better though. Thanks! Erin

Thanks for the encouragement. It means a lot right now! Erin