highland

I don't know where they came up with 1900 calories to LOSE!!!! I thi k that is WAY too high. My nutritionist has wanted me to be at 800 - 900 daily and that's what I've done over the past year to lose just under two pounds per week. I weigh, measure, and log every bite I eat. Lately I've been getting between 600- 800 calories, all protein, veggies, and a little dairy. The term "starvation mode" is soooo over used on this site. Banders don't, in general, eat anywhere close to 1900 calories and expect to lose. There is a great article on the web written by Dr. Simpson called "It's all about Restriction". Talks about how little banders need to consume and explains how our brains are tricked into thinking we've consumed a whole stomach full of food because of our pouch, hence no starvation mode.

I had my breast reduction and tummy tuck six weeks ago and could not be happier!!!! You will NOT regret the br!!!! So wish I would have done it years ago!!

Congratulations and speedy recovery to all of you who are beginning your amazing journey!!!!

Congratlations and speedy recovery!!

I totally agree with the previous two posters. If I eat 1200, I gain! I am 54 and eat between 600 and 800 calories. I am losing very, very slowly right now. Age is a HUGE factor!

37 pounds in 8 weeks!!! OMG that is over 4lbs a week!!!! I didn't lose that much in my liquid pre op diet!

Ditto!!!!!

Congratulations! I'm very excited for you!!!

I only told ONE friend and all on my side of the family ( family members ALL live in another state). I did not want to hear naysayers points of view. This was my very well thought out decision, and I didn 't need anyones approval. I am so happy for my decision. It was really fun recently to visit family one year after being banded, AND having lost one hundred pounds!! If anyone had any questions about my decision a year ago, they certainly didn't after seeing me!!!!

I've never heard of a stomach belt. What is it and what is it suppose to do?

It really is nice. It seems like many who are not successful with the band also do not follow the protocol for monthly office visits during that all important first year. I assume this is because of the i flated costs many of these surgeons charge for office visits that include fills.

As a self pay patient my first year of monthly visits and fills were covered by the fee I paid up front for surgery. My insurance will not pay for any fills or anything related to the band. I have the clause which states they will not pay for any "obesity related services" on my policy.

Hopefully you do have a little restriction after the first fill, but more than likely what you're experiencing is swelling from the irritation of the needle going into the port. Don't be surprised if you don't feel anything tomorrow. Hang in there though! This process takes time as Cazzy explained.

I never used gas x, but found walking to give the most relief.

I'm curious.......Do they know what causes band erosion?

Hair loss after being banded is associated with not getting your protein requirements in over a period of time. Four days would not be long enough to cause this. Maybe you should contact your primary care giver. Good luck.

What you are feeling is completely normal! This stage, known as bandster hell, will last until you reach a good amount of restriction. Usually around fill 3 or 4 you will be able to go 4 or 5 hours without feeling hungry! Once in the "green zone" everything becomes so much easier, trust me it does! Unfortunately until you reach that level of restriction you will be hungry and have to operate on sheer will power alone. It is all totally worth it in the end!! PS. I gulped lots and lots of water during that hunger period to hold off eating!!

Mine lasted about 5 days.

11lbs.

2weeks

Congratulations! A year ago today I was 3 days post op and wondering if this was really going to work for ME!!! I sit here today in amazement that it DID work!! Woo Hoo!!!

I drink one every single day for breakfast/lunch. It's what I like, what I want, and it works for me!!

I can't see mine at all, however many people on this forum co plain that theirs is visible.

I here ya! I had those growling and gurgling noises for about 6 months then they completely went away. Now at a year out my throat gurgles!

I reached my goal weight today, Yipee! With that said, I worried every single day that I wouldn't be successful! Now since two months ago I am scared to death of gaining my weight back!