Cynsayshun

I was off caffeine for 2 mos after my sugery but went back to my one cup in the mornings. I made the change from extra cream and heavy sugar to cream and splenda!! It works for me and my nutrition said the one cup of day won't hurt just get my Water in.. coffee suppresses my appetite in the mornings. You will find many personal opinion here and many different medical opinions from each persons surgeon. So no one can tell you what the exact black/white rules are.. You will learn your band and your body. For example my surgeon has said it's ok to go back to regular foods after a fill (some will tell you their dr says liquids only) . I have only had one problem with a fill and that was an overfill that i requested, when I was probably at my green zone at the time. I have not stopped losing since my band surgery last Oct. Some months I lose 4-5 lbs some months only 1-3, but I'm totally happy with it. I will a couple of times a month when go to the movie, have popcorn and drink a small soda,(which some people say never do) it has not hurt me once. The one thing I do with persistance is I never eat and drink at the same time. I always wait 45 min to an hour to drink something..I am consisent about getting my exercise in weekly with a minimum of 3x, but try to shoot for 4 days of workouts. So listen to your surgeon, your team and your body when it comes to the Band. The golden rule is to allow the restriction to guide you in not stuffing yourself, I've learned you can enjoy treating yourself once in awhile, with just much smaller tastes of things will satisfy the urges, Just my humble opinions

I really need help I've been banded since Oct 4, 2011 and have been really happy with my weight loss, I'm down about 55 lbs, with 15 loss prior to surgery. Within the last 6 weeks, I have had one "unfill" from 6 cc's back to 5cc's. I'm wearing sizes 14/12 from size 18/20 so I'm happy about that.. This is my problem, I have developed a daily taste for "candy" Red Hots have been my extreme craving. I cannot figure what is taking me down this road? My morning routine is 1 medium cup of (Dunkin Donut) coffee on my way to work with cream and splenda.(I know some say no coffee, but I have to have my one cup a day, I gave up regular sugar to keep the coffee) About an hour later, some days I will have a Oikos greek yogurt and add raisins & about 1/3 cup of "Nothing But Bunches" (granola) my lunch is usually salad in the office cafeteria,which I add chopped hams, eggs & cheese (protein) with spinach, mixed greens & the usual, tomotatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, etc to get my eveggies in,( some days I dont have a desire for Breakfast after my coffee) I drink 36 ounces of Water during the afternoon hours (1 hr after my lunch) and drink another 12-24 ounces later at home..Sometimes during the hours of 4-5 I'm snacking on "red hots" or a couple of pieces of chocolate from the office candy jar. At home I get in more protien from fish, or chicken or milk with a Protein shake, by the time i'm ready for bed, I'm reaching for more "red hots" this has become like a drug for me. I haven't started gaining weight as I'm exercising 3-4 times a week,but my weight loss averages about 1.5 lbs a week. What could be triggering this addiction and how do I stop it???...I'm embarrassed but truly need some suggestions on how to get rid of this problem. This wasn't my problem before I was banded.. Could it be the " Splenda'?? thats causing the cravings, as that's the one thing I have changed.. I cannot do other ' artificial SWEETNERS' as they don't work well with my body chemistry..

Thank you both great advice!!

Good Afternoon My Bandster Buddies, I have had my band since Oct 2011 and as of this May 29th I have 5.5 ccs in my 10cc band and I believe I am in my green zone (but I don't have to "sip" Water as some say). Yesterday I had a Breakfast wrap for breakfast (I've had them before) and ended up in the bathroom at work slimming for 2 hours, co-workers that don't know I have the band kept coming in to check on me. I just told them my breakfast didn't agree with me.. Finally one came in and said Cynthia you may just need to make yourself throw up I did and was somewhat relieved.. But my body was exahausted from all the slimming, my heart racing, etc., all the things one goes through when they have to throw up. So my boss came to me later and told me I could go home. Well I did and later that evening (as I hadn't eaten since 8 a.m) I went out with some friends and ate, we were on the highway and I started slimming again, we had to pull over I went into a restaurant bathroom for 15 minutes nothing would come up again, finally I had to purge again.. We got back on the road and lo & behold I had to have my friend pull over & I had to throw up on the side of the highway (this was around 5 pm) So after all this around 8 I was feeling better and still hungry so I ate 1 chicken wing w/no problems, this morning I had coffee as I was a little hesitant about eating, well this afternoon I tried to eat 1/4 of cheese steak sandwich and then I had another slimming and stuck episode for 45 minutes and again had to purge for some relief.. This is the first time since my band that I have had this experience and now I'm a bit concerned? After "stuck" epsiode am I to go back to liquids? Does me making myself throw up the stuck food do any damage to my band? Should I follow-up with my surgeon before my next appt in July? What could cause this at this time? What other types of things can I do when "stuck" This is the worse feeling!!! Then being fearful about eating because you don''t want to experience this again.. I have lost 50 lbs and have not had a problem and maybe I've taken my band for granted? I'm a bit befuddled by these last two days? Can I get some suggestions or ideas to help me figure this all out? I hope it hasn't slipped, what would be the signs if it had? Thanks in advance for any input..

Thanks everyone for sharing such useful information. I will go back to my Protein Shake in the mornings if this is my experience of morning tightness I have acquired since my 4th fill! I'm going to have to pay attention to how I feel in the mornings.

You are so right Jean! That's funny I've never looked at it in that light. 1-2 lbs per week!! It was so stuck in my head about the You Tube folks that claimed to be down sometimes 4-7 lbs weekly. I'm on track!! That makes me smile. Thanks for pointing that out. In regards to the egg I'm leery about trying them again I have noticed since the fill last week I can really eat less and stop!! So I'm going to see how things go until my May appointment and maybe I won't need another fill then.

I've been banded since Oct 4, 2011. Didn't have my first fill until Jan 2012. (thought I was one of those that wouldn't need one) How quickly we learn :-) as I had no restriction and could eat everything. I was losing but realized I was eating more than I should be eating. Well last week I got a fill and I'm now at 5cc in my 10cc band. Yesterday I was eating a scrambled egg on 1 slice of bread and next thing I knew I had this discomfort in my chest my throat started making these guttural sounds? Then Hiccups came back to back. It hurt for about 45 minutes. I'm glad I've been reading things on this site so I didn't panick. Eventually my system settled so I thought I must have had my first stuck episode. Never got the symptom of the bile like stuff and I thought ok now that means I can no longer have soft bread. Well this morning I made myself a soft scrambled egg alone and started eating it while chewing cautiously and there was a repeat of yesterday's pain & sounds and awful feeling in my chest.!!! So now I suppose eggs are something I can't eat. I don't understand why a soft scrambled egg doesn't work I just know I never want that experience again. I love my Band but I have learned no ones journey is the same. I watched those people on You Tube that made it seem like weight was just dropping off in volumes in a matter of weeks. I was expecting those ryoe id results BUT That has not been my journey. I'm down 48 lbs but only about 30 of those pounds have been since the surgery. So to all those newly banded persons don't set yourself up for unrealistic goals work the band as it should be worked and learn that fills will eventually get you to where you want to be slowly but surely maybe the route. So I guess I will learn day to day what I can and cannot eat now!! It's truly a one day at a time experience with this Band. However I'm happy with it!!

Someone shared it with me after I was complaining about no restriction. I've gotten my 3rd fill and have been losing but was upset that it' the weight loss was slowing down. My surgeon is very conservative about fills so when this person shared thus article I understood a lot more about the band. I will take heed and not eat more because I can and be thankful I'm not dealing with being too tight or PB -ING Glad it helps you all as well.

http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

My surgery was in Oct 2011, didn't get my first fill until Jan 2012 and it was 3ccs in my Standard size Lap Band that is 10ccs. Received my second fill on Valentines Day 2/14/2012 of .5 cc's . My next appointment is March 20 and I'm going to ask for another fill. I can eat everything with no restriction and my weight loss has slowed down, even (however I'm still happy with the progress) But I'm a few pounds from "Onderland" and I'm exercising at least 4 days a week. If I wasn't exercising I'd probably weigh more. I especially went crazy these last couple of weeks with Girl Scout Cookies I bought from a co-worker to help her daughter's troop. Next year I'll just donate!!! I'm ready to find my "green zone"...

I've been banded since October 4, 2011 and I've lost 44 pounds which includes 20 lbs pre-op weight loss, and I'm really enjoying the weight loss, wearing heels again & feeling so much lighter & a little sexier :-). I'm getting my first fill tomorrow as I have found my appetite increasing. The one negative I have and I hope it is something that goes away is GAS, everything makes me gassy, which is a little inconvenience when around others.. I've become a "fart" machine LOL...However, I don't regret having the surgery, wish I had done it sooner!!

I have used Unjury since given my first sample by the Nutritionist in July 2011. I have a recurring shipment once a month. I love it !!the Vanilla is my favorite. Several mornings I mix it in the blender with 1 cup of skim milk & frozen strawberries with a dash of vanilla flavor and it is delicious. It also keeps me fuller longer than things like Slim Fast. I had tried the Muscle Milk & all flavors tasted awful to me. So I give Unjury 2 thumbs up!!!

Gizmo, I got the Lap Band to lose weight, as you read in my post, I am losing weight. If you review the other posts it appears the band itself gives some restriction and it for now is enough as I don't over eat. My hunger is satisfied on much smaller amounts than I was prior to getting the Lap Band. Did you see the comments of those that have been banded over a year without fills. It appears, some people don't require them, hopefully I will be one of those people for a long time, as you will see, fills can bring about other types of issues, that I would rather avoid. I asked the question because I wonder how it was working without me having a fill..As my surgeon stated the band along with my proper eating is working together..I am happy with a 24 lb loss in 2 months since the surgery and 14 lbs loss prior to during my 2 week liquids only pre-op diet..Best of luck on your journey..I'm learning everyone's journey is different..

Thanks to all my lady "Bandsters" that replied, that's why I love this site its so enlightening. The "Band" definitely affects each of our bodies differently. There was one reply that said I may have some fluid in my band already, however I know Dr Gibson doesn't put any fluid in the band he inserts it is the "Lap Band" brand name one. As I read responses that have shown people do lose without a "fill" I'm going to not continue to "over think" this. I am counting myself lucky that I'm continuing to lose without a fill and enjoy eating what I want in the smaller amounts, while at the same time ensuring I'm not going back to foods laden with fats & sugar. Through the responses and issues that can possibly arise from "fills" I will from this day forward "Respect the Band" as it is working for me without a fill for the past two months and hopefully that can continue for many many more months. I thoroughly appreciate you taking the time to respond, it truly helped me look at things in the right perspective. With many regards "Cynsayshun"

I have been banded since Oct 4, 2011. Yesterday I had my third surgeon follow-up appointment and I'm down each month around 6 - 8 pounds (since the surgery 20 lbs prior to surgery). I have not had a fill and I told him yesterday, shouldn't I need a fill? He said you are down almost 40 lbs since your initial visit so as long as you continue to lose, there is no reason for a fill. I may be over thinking this all but for all you that have been "banded" a while, please help me understand???? I can eat everything!! I have heard people say you can't eat bread, Pasta, rice, popcorn, shrimp, etc. etc., (I've tried all items with no problems) I even drunk 1 soda this weekend ( however it was flat from months of sitting ) because I gave them up in July. I don't know if it's because I don't have a "fill" that I don't have any issues. I've never had any "stuck" episodes. I can eat a 1 - 2 cups of food (an entire meal) and I just stop when I feel full. I don't have any "excessive hunger" I don't drink when I eat; at times I almost want to push the limit to see if this 'band" really works. I know this may sound "crazy" am I looking for "complications" this losing and not having any "side affects" seems to good to be true. Can this continue? Losing weight without a fill? Maybe I'm doing something right along with the band by watching what I take in and doing my exercise 4x weekly, maybe I should't question anything and just enjoy how my body is changing.. I just want to know from those that have been banded, Does just having the "band" alone seriously give you restriction without a "fill" how does this device really work? OR IS IT A COMBINATION OF THE PHYSICAL DEVICE & MY MENTAL DESIRE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? i COULD JUST BE OVER ANALYZING THIS AND IT'S OK TO SAY THAT IN YOUR REPLIES, Thanks Fellow Bandsters..

HDQT, I was banded on Oct 4, 2011 and for 3 weeks the scale didn't move but I could tell in my clothes I was losing inches. I started to question the people I watched on YouTube over the years, that were banded and every week, they were saying they were down 3 - 4 lbs. After my 5th week, the scale moved 4 pounds, in one week. I had my 2nd surgeon follow up last Tues and because I was down 10 pounds since the surgery and have no issues with hunger, (in between my 3x a day meals), so he said I didn't need a fill. We will take it month by month. Here is the shocker, I weighed 214 this Tuesday morning and on Saturday, I was down to 208!! The surgeon told me the first month our bodies are healing and don't worry about the scale, it proved to be true. I've been doing the treadmill and/or the Walk Away the Pounds 3 - times a week, I alternate between those two exercise routines, and I keep my caloric intake to 1200 or less, and include at least 20 grams of Protein and my Water. So far I can eat any types foods, I haven't had a stuck episode, this band is like some type of Miracle Worker I just love it!! Just be patient, it will start coming off. I'm soooo excited I'm 8 lbs away from Onederland!!! Stay encouraged!!!

Hey Arlene, glad to hear you are having the same success without a fill.. Congrats on a job well done, now we both must support each while we head to Onderland Sincerely,

Thanks for sharing that I will enjoy it for as long as it lasts...

I have BCBS of IL and after all my paperwork was submitted by my Surgeon it took only 2 weeks for them to contact the surgeon with my approval. My out of pocket was $1200 and it had already been covered, so for my surgery I didn't have to pay for anything, so far the hospital bill alone was $70,000. That doesn't include the surgeon.. So in my case BCBSIL rocks!!!

I was banded on October 4, 2011 and since then I've had periods of doubts in the stories I had watched over the year on YouTube where every single week,, some of the persons were down 4-5 pounds weekly. Since I was banded it took 3 weeks for the scale to change for me. However I could see changes in my clothes, and my body. I have read posts here of people starving while in the liquid phase after surgery and even during the mushies. I'm so thankful, those are problems I don't have. I tell you I'm actually full after each meal for hours! My 3 meals a day, consist of my eating no more than 1 o 1 and 1/2 cup of food. This band seems to have 'quieted down my hunger sensations. My breakfasts for about 4 days a week is the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powder, 1 cup of skim milk, I add a few frozen strawberries and 1/4 cup of yogurt and it's absolutely delicious! Sometimes I add a smidgen of Splenda, that drink keeps me full until lunch time. I will see my surgeon for my second visit since my surgery on Nov 15, but I see no reason to request a fill. (Sometimes I have to make myself eat because I know my body needs fuel) I have dropped at least 2lbs a week since week 3 and I'm really happy with that. At first I was discouraged because of the things I had seen on YouTube. Now I have 14 pounds to go before I move into Onderland. I haven't had an episode of being stuck, of feeling like I'm going to throw up,nothing of the sort. Sometimes I have to actually touch my stomach to make sure I have a lapband. It seems to have taken off the "edge" of that overwhelming hunger issue. Is this what it is suppose to do?? Each week, I can fit into some of my clothes that are 16, and before my surgery I was wearing size 18 & 20's depending on the style of clothing. Some of the stories of those "starving" here amazes me but I guess that wasn't really my issue before I had my surgery. I wasn't a really big big eater, it was just I was eating the wrong foods (fried, cheesy everything etc.) & drinking a lot of Pepsi, that I believe put the weight on me over the years. I don't know if it is the "protein" I'm taking in at least 60 grams a day ( that keeps me satiated) per the nutrionist orders (or the Band). I am now exercising (treadmill or Walk away the Pounds) 4x weekly. I am loving watching how my body is changing. So I see no reason to push for a "fill" when I see my surgeon, do any of you? I have seen posts of those that have the band and are not "filled" my surgeon said to me on my post op visit that we would wait and see, because some people don't need a fill. I'm hoping I'm one of those people. Well I just wanted to update, as I haven't been posting for awhile, but I also wanted some feedback. I hope this may help anyone who also was expecting to see weight dropping off like those posted on YouTube. If, I can lose 2 lbs a week, eating my 1200 or less calories, believe me.. I can accept that with a lot of Thankfulness as opposed to where I was before. I'm so glad I got the LapBand.. It's bringing me out of a "shell" I was hiding under for over 10 years. I'm in LapBand Heaven, even though I have 55 more pounds to lose, I heading in the right direction and that's what counts!!!

I truly appreciate anyone that takes the time to reply to my posts. My summation after reading all the replies is there is really no "hard & fast" rules for everyone, with the exception of getting in the protein. I will just take this time to focus on healing and getting the protein in. Now I know if I have a (healthy) snack in between my meal times, it will not hurt or harm my goals with the band I will also have to "tune" in and listen to my body. Y