Regnu

Mine is a few inches above my waistline and slightly off to the right. I told my surgeon the area I needed it to be because I am very shortwaisted and did not want my pant waist to rub against the port. I also had a previous scar there from gallbladder surgery so he ran the port scar along the same scar which I appreciated because it was one less scar showing.

I was just banded on the 3rd of Feb, have Tricare south. Tricare required me to stay overnight in the hospital one night.

My doctor seemed to lean more towards bypass because weight loss was faster. He said you have to work harder and exercise with band. After going back and forth for several months I opted for the band. Just didn't want my insides rearranged. I know you hear a lot of problems with the band, but I have also heard of a lot of problems down the line with bypass. I guess nothing is perfect.

Haven't had a fill yet, get first fill end of March. The doctor said he puts in 3 cc on the first fill. I thought that might be a lot, but reading the posts, I guess not.

Took two weeks off and I have a desk job. Can't imagine doing that kind of work one week post op, but then again, I'm probably a lot older than you.

All doctors seem to be different with the pre op diet. I was allowed two protein shake meals only using water to make the shakes and then one meal of fish or chicken and veggie. I could have salad with the spray dressings. Any sugar free beverages. About the 4th day my body started adjusting to the hunger and it wasn't so bad. Lost 15lbs on the pre op.

I've heard of the Paleo diet, some people I work with are trying to follow that diet. I'll have to look at the website.

I am almost two weeks out and feeling really good. After the first week I felt a little better every day. Meeting a friend of mine for lunch today and plan on having soup. Looked at the menu online and decided a head of time what I can have there. About the flab, I try to avoid the mirror and just take one day at a time.

I am also on the mushy stage. Getting hungry, but not really starving hungry. Four weeks until first fill. Have lost almost 20 lbs since pre op diet. As long as I don't gain I am fine right now. Won't worry so much about losing until I start getting fills and I've heard it even takes a few fills before any weightloss starts to happen. I'll see what happens.

I just had band surgery Feb 3rd and did not have to do a six month diet. I am in Tricare South. From what I have heard depending on which Tricare region you are in depends on if they require the diet or not. I had to pay out of pocket 50.00 for a nutrition class at the surgeons office.

I've heard with the band you metabolize alcohol faster with the band, in other words you get drunk faster with less alcohol.

I was banded nine days ago and still on liquids. I have been getting hungry, but trying to fill myself up with low cal selections. Different soups that I put in the blender, protein shakes, watery cream of wheat, yogurt, decaf coffee, water etc. Can hardly wait for the mushy stage!

Can't believe your pre op diet is so restrictive. Clear liquid pre op is insane. I was able to have two protein shakes made with water and protein powder and for dinner chicken or fish and veggie or salad. I lost 15 lbs on this diet. The diet your on I had post up for four days. I feel for you.

I've just started this journey, had surgery on Feb 3rd. Have been thinking about the sagging skin issue. I love to swim too and was hoping that swimming four days a week might help tone and reduce some of the sagging.

I had my surgery on Feb 3rd, doctor said follow up was two to three weeks and first fill 6 weeks.

Just got banded on the 3rd of this month. About three or four days into the pre op diet my body seemed to start getting used to the hunger. It was not as bad as I thought it would be. Tried to keep looking at the bigger picture.

I am 3 days post op also. I have been drinking the ZERO Vitamin water. Several different flavors and all really good. I was lucky, my husband made a pot of chicken broth from left over rotisserie chicken. Way better than can stuff.

I think you have no choice but to get used to it. It is going to be a big adjustment for me also. I would drink constantly through my meal. It's not for just a couple of months, it's forever. You don't want the liquids to flush the food through your upper pouch too fast because then you will get hungry sooner.

Just banded on Feb 3rd. Doctor does not do any fills until six weeks post op. I can't even start mushy food until four weeks out.

Started this whole journey in July, banded this past February 3rd. Pain was not as bad as I thought it would be. I think the worst part of the whole procedure was drinking that awful thick fluid to make sure everything was passing through ok. Justing thinking about it makes me gag. Also had a very large hiatal hernia repair done at the same time. On third day of clear liquids, one more day to go. Have not been really hungry, just feeling really dry most of the time. Trying to keep liquids coming in as fast as I can without any discomfort.

Good luck. It's nice to hear from people that have had their bands for such a long time.

Great weightloss! Hope I can do the same. Having surgery on Feb 3rd.

Agree with the above post. The first four weeks is about healing anyway from the surgery.

I have a Breville also. Great juicer, clean up is not that bad.

Goodl luck, I'm scheduled Feb 3rd!