Rachel412

Mine's on my right side, about halfway between my belly button and bra line... maybe a bit higher.

oh no, that's heartbreaking

The size of the fill will (should) depend on how the patient is feeling, how much they're eating, and how long they're satisfied after a meal. My first fill is scheduled for 5 weeks from surgery, but they're usually at 6 weeks. I've heard of them at 4 weeks, but not often.

I didn't have to do the liquid pre-op diet, but I can tell you that post-op, I wasn't hungry for the first 6 days. Day 7, clear liquids, was hard. Once I hit full liquids I was pretty satisfied, again until the end of that week, when it wasn't enough. Now I'm on mushy food and it's OK. I do get hungry, for sure. But I try as hard as I can to stay on my "diet" (4 oz, protein, then up to a cup of mushy veg, then up to a half cup of grain if I still want it). Truly I've never gotten to the point where I want grains. I get full way more quickly than I used to- it just doesn't stay that long.

I really am only using sweeteners in my Hot drinks at this point, but I'm curious what other people do. When I was doing South Beach a couple of years ago, the big fad was using agave nectar (which is yummy and I really liked). I fell pretty hard off that wagon and now that my WOE is low carb, high Protein, I'm curious what others are doing. I bought Sun Crystals- I don't like them. I've learned that anything with Stevia tastes too chemical to me, like Sweet 'n' Low. I tried Splenda this morning and that was better. What do you use?

Wow, that must have been SO frustrating for you. I'm glad you got your revision and you're on the right path now!

If you're looking for a diet to follow, I'd try South Beach. It's a similar set-up that is restrictive at first. It's low carb, high protein. I did very well on it a couple of years ago. Though obviously I didn't stick with it or I wouldn't be here now

My nutritionist doesn't like to talk about calories She says it's more important to focus on having 4 oz. of Protein, then up to a cup of veggies, THEN some grain if you want it and are still hungry. I can't really pin her down on a target for calories because she says it's different for everyone and she doesn't want us to get hung up on counting calories, to the detriment of our protein needs. But. You do have to watch other foods besides protein. Heck, I could eat 60g of protein a day and then after that only eat garlic bread until I was satisfied. I'd be getting the right amount of protein but I highly doubt I'd lose weight! Although it does sound delicious...

Also normal- since you're not eating anything, nothing's moving down the pipes. Usually people are stuck for a few days, then VERY VERY NOT STUCK for a week or two. It passes though!

I think you're on the right track with that idea. Call and get your surgery moved until you get back. Another week of wait won't matter in the grand scheme of things!

I'm confused. So the surgery is local, then you'll drive 5 hours, stay a weekend in a different city and come back? How many days after surgery are you planning on leaving for this weekend away? Are you having surgery Tuesday and travelling Friday? You can't drive while you're still on pain meds. 5 hours in the car might be painful if you're still dealing with gas pains, which you likely will be. I just don't think you'll have a very good time that weekend.

I had a trainer for a while and I loved her, but she was also very much against me having surgery. Like others have said, if these trainers have been "normal" size all their life, they just don't understand. Keep your chin up!

Just keep eating like you've already been filled and wait! I wouldn't trust a "new" doctor either.

I agree, get the junk that you're grazing on out of the house! It'll just continue to tempt you. I hope you're able to get back on track. I know if I was unbanded I'd probably stuff myself silly, and I've only had this thing for three weeks

Congratulations!!

Liquids in, liquids out. Totally normal, as is the growling stomach. It'll go back to normal when you start eating solid food again.

I'm glad you're feeling more up-beat! It's amazing how much everyone's diets vary. Mine's 4 oz of protein, then up to a cup of mushy veggies, then no more than 1/2 c of grains if I want them.

Yeah, around day 7 my hunger came back. Once I hit mushy food I felt like it was better under control, but what you're feeling is called bandster hell. Hang in there!

i'm glad you're feeling good! my understanding is popcorn is a problem food once you have a fill, the little kernel shells can get lodged and cause damage...

It is very very common to not lose weight in the space between surgery and getting a good fill. This time is for healing, not necessarily losing weight, though some people do lose. Instead of deciding the surgery didn't work after almost 3 weeks, I think you should be upset with your surgeon for not properly preparing you for what might happen after surgery. I know you were having issues with your diet- what are you eating now in a day? How much Protein are you taking in?

that doesn't sound normal. call your surgeon's office!

that's great, congrats!

LOL- that's why we're here! Hope you're feeling better soon

Well... that pretty much says it all, doesn't it? I think people only lose weight before they get a good fill if they eat like they ALREADY have a good fill. I keep telling myself that xyz item will get stuck or make me sick and that keeps me from eating it- even though really, I do know that I would be just fine if I had it. Have you tried eating only your recommended amount of Protein per meal (mine is 4 oz.) and then eating only veggies from then on? But it does seem rare to lose weight after surgery (besides the initial loss from the liquid diet) so you're not alone. Just try to eat like you've already hit a sweet spot. Good luck!

You have to take off all jewelry, earrings & piercings too- fyi!