Rachel412

My understanding is that your surgeon will choose what size band to use based on the size of your actual stomach. As for fill levels, I know it's one of those things you hear a lot, but everyone's different. I have an 11cc Realize band. When I went for my first fill I got 4ccs, and I was told they usually put in 4-5ccs for the first fill. But I've seen people get less, or get more, and hitting a good fill level is a lot of trial and error. I don't think I'm at my sweet spot yet, but I do think I'm close, which is nice. Most people don't get to their "sweet spot" until they've had 3-5 fills.

Ha! You'll be just fine. it'll move on through your system by tomorrow.

I'm so sorry Do you belong to a church? If so I'd talk to your minister or pastor to find out what kind of help he can recommend. If not, I wonder if your area has a line you can call?

I was allowed to do cardio at 2 weeks and no weights until 6 weeks just to make sure everything was fully healed.

Yeah, I check that one out every now and again, but there are no posts so I just stay here

You'll also want to remember that alcohol might hit you harder/faster than before, so don't expect to have your normal amount. Just drink and pay attention to how you're feeling.

I third that-go see your doctor.

My nutritionist says I need to aim for 60-90g a day, and that sure isn't half my weight Is this the recommendation of your doctor?

Yep! One more reason why the adjustability of the band is a huge plus- as your stomach changes, it can also be changed. And why it's important to trust and like your doctor's practice, you will be seeing a lot of them!

Wow Dave, that's incredible! I'm sending you lots of good vibes for tomorrow- you'll do great I'm looking forward to welcoming you to the banded side!

Here it is! I don't know if you can find it in regular stores... http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/unjury-protein/protein-containers/unflavored-protein-container.html

Wow, I don't know why I didn't see this post sooner. I'm SO SORRY you had to go through that. It sounds like the first doctor you had was a total and utter quack. He sold you a miracle cure and you fell for it-- of course you did, HE'S the doctor! If I was you I'd be hurt, and furious, and of course I'd hate the band and think it was a total waste of time. If you'd been properly educated about the band in the first place, you might feel differently about it now- but gosh, I can't imagine how you'll get to that spot when you were sold a package full of lies and the truth just isn't the easy way out you were told about. I feel for all the other patients at that clinic

That's a big first fill, but sounds like it's working well for you!

If you can't handle the milky shakes, there are other ones that are more like a fruit drink. You can even get "unflavored"

There is a Gas-X called Gas-X prevention that you take right before you eat a meal you think will cause gas. It seems to work really well. If I were you I'd just take it before every meal for a few days and then see if it's getting any better. http://www.gas-x.com/products-prevention.shtml

What size ball? Is your skin red, swollen, or hot? Are you running a fever?

That's a part of the reason that I've only told a few people. I don't need anyone lecturing me when they have no idea what the band really does for you! I try to look at how well I'm doing, the changes I've made, and then I go read the blogs of people who are successful bandsters and now try to help others. And I post here a lot Being banded doesn't mean you can never have xyz food again. It means you'll need to make a conscious choice to eat that item, and it'll probably be a bite or two or a rare treat rather than a daily occurrence. It's different for everyone really. Some people still eat "junk" food and are able to burn it off, some people can't even walk past a french fry without hitting a stall Same with beer... some people can't handle the carbonation, some people are just fine with it, some people choose to only have a few sips.

There's not really any food you CAN'T have. There are foods you should avoid, but you can have occasionally... IF your band and body tolerate them. My nutritionist said to avoid coffee, even decaf, because it's acidic and shouldn't be sitting up in your pouch. She did say I could have one a day. Carbonation, some people's bands can't handle it and of course, it makes them super gassy. Lettuce, seems to me like most bandsters can handle it just fine. If you ask around you'll see everyone's got a different "problem" food.

The top is cute, but those shorts would ride up between my thighs within a minute of me putting it on

The Realize Band comes with a card but it doesn't say anything about ordering from the kids' menu. I've never tried doing it... I like to get a regular portion and stretch it out over 2 or 3 meals, makes me feel like I got my money's worth

Congrats and welcome to the other side!

This is my favorite one so far: http://www.amazon.com/100%25-Whey-Protein-Standard-Chocolate/dp/B00024D7ZO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1306101144&sr=8-2 24g Protein (when made with water), only 3g of carbs. My husband and I think it tastes like chocolate milk, no weird after taste.

What you're dealing with is really common as the swelling from surgery goes down. If you stick to measuring out your meals and finishing the food when your plate is empty, not when you feel full, you'll be doing yourself a favor. Most people don't have any restriction from just the band alone-- they need to get fills to start feeling restriction. Also, most people have no problems swallowing stuff before they've had fills. Continue taking small bites so you'll be used it it when your fills start!

The liquid diet and the post-op period when you're on liquids is really hard to do at a restaurant (though there's still always soup) but you'll be able to eat out just fine. Remember not to fill up on appetizers (unless that's your whole meal) and so far I've had no problems with heating up leftovers. At this point the only restaurant I'd have a really hard time eating at would be one where everything is fried... like my husband wanted to go to Popeyes when we were traveling yesterday, and we decided against it because I had no idea if they had anything there I was willing to eat.

I start sighing after every bite. If I notice that I sigh twice in a row, I'm done eating.