RoniB

Aren't smaller clothes great! I was banded April 23rd and wore 28/30. I am down 65 pounds (plus 20 prior to surgery) and this week I bought a pair of stretch jeans 18/20 I couldn't believe they fit!!!!! I tried the 22/24's and my daughter said "no mom, those are too big", what a super comment lol (she didn't know what sizes I brought in to try). I'm a 22/24 tops so far. But even that is a wonderful improvement. I met a lady in support group who gave me all her 22/24 tops now that she is an 18, what a blessing that was My son tells me I look great and that he is very proud of me. Music to my ears.

I actually sorta lied when I was asked HOW I was losing weight. I said "eating less and moving more", which is actually true but....... I've only told a very few about my band and have only had excellent support from them, my mom was worried, she knew someone who had bypass and still ate cupcakes & candy! i assured her that I didn't make this decision overnight (took me 2 years of research) and I wasn't about to mess up with junk food. I was banded April 23rd and have lost 60 pounds so far + 20 pounds required by Medicare prior to surgery. Would I do it again, you bet! the loss has slowed downed in the last 6 weeks but is still on par with the 1-2 pounds a week. I am thrilled. If you do choose to tell the world that's up to you, but be prepared to ignore the ignorant. Roni

Keep you chin up. with exercising you could actually be losing inches. but since muscle weighs more than fat you may not see the change on the scale. so get out the tape measure and measure your waist, neck, etc and watch those numbers change. I don't always get 8 glasses of Water, but when I started using sugar free kool aid type mixes it did make it easier to get at least 6 a day, some days even more. The Martguerita flavor in Walmart brand (great value) is my favorite, it's not as sweet as strawberry, grape, etc.

I had my 3rd fill and because of post nasal drip from life-long allergies they had to take all the fill out after 2 weeks. Seems the "drip" filled my pouch before I could even drink my Protein shake for Breakfast. Anyone else had this problem? They now have me taking Allegra, Mucinex & Flonase,Has been 3 days it doesn't seem to be working. Am I being too impatient? I'm suppose to go for a fill on Aug 2nd to put some (hopefully) back in.

My doctor said to ignore calories, count protein. I too use FitnessPal and I set the calories at 1000. in 10 weeks I went over that amount twice. Now with my 3rd fill, I am so restricted, I don't hit 800, but my protein is doing fine. Ask your doctor to be sure.

Had my 3rd fill and my restriction is amazing. I can eat very little and drink fine but I find myself, after a week, being very depressed that I cant eat much. I know I shouldn't and really can't but I WANT too. It's been rather stressful around me the past couple days, and that may have added to this, but today I am sooooo blue I just want to eat a pound of pasta!!! (my go to food in the past) No, I'm not even going to attempt it, but I want too I've tried taking a walk, & reading a book but couldn't stay focused. I've done so well up to this point, that this feeling has me very upset. Will it last or will I finally get past this. Up till my 3rd fill I didn't feel that restricted but was still losing weight just fine & eating 3/4 to 1 cup of food. Now I'm lucky if I can get 1/2c at a time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome! I'm in Arlington TX. I was banded April23rd (10 weeks yesterday) and as of today have shed 50 pounds. Mushies can be tuna salad - chew chew chew & small bites. eggs and egg salad. ( I make my salads with low fat mayo, cant taste a difference, but I HATE fat free lol) They both will give you Protein. Also, I use Skillet Talapia from Gortons (classic or italian) It's very soft and you can chew it to mushie easily. I have at least 1 Protein shake a day, usually Breakfast but that is up to you. Another option is getting Unflavored Protein powder and mix it in SF pudding. I found it a tad gritty, but convinced myself it was graham cracker crust in a choco pudding pie lol Hey whatever works Always focus on your protein and be sure you get it all in. I use FitnessPal to keep track for me, it also counts your calories, but you can ignore th The very best in your new life. hugssssssss Roni

Hey chin up!! I've been banded since April 23rd. I've lost nearly 50 pounds, but the doctor says the more you have to lose the faster it come off in the beginning, But I will say, I did go 1 week only losing 1 pounds and I too was very bummed. Have you tried using a journal for what you eat. You may find you're eating a lot of calories, or fats or carbs and not realizing it. everything I eat gets noted in Fitness Pal primarily so I can keep track of my Protein. But you may be surprised. Supposedly the average weight loss is 1 - 2 pounds per week. So 12 pounds in 10 days is SUPER!!! I didn't really feel much restriction until my 3rd fill (last week) now I can hardly eat 1/2c of anything. So be patient, restriction is coming like no tomorrow lol

mine had me take them every day except day of surgery & was back on them the day after

Sounds to me like you need a fill. Good luck & stop the soda, you could have stretched your small pouch. Call your doctor.

My 1st fill was exactly at 4 week after banded April 23rd. My 2nd fill is scheduled for 3 weeks after the 1st fill. I really didn't see much difference after the 1st fill, maybe I will after my 2nd fill on June 4th.

Stitches? I had no stitches to remove. Mine are inside and the outside was closed with Dermabond, a form of super glue lol Ignore the ignorant, they have no idea what you've been thru in life and it's none of the business. But to make assumptions you lived of KFC from a professional is soooooo wrong!!

I think every doctor must be different, I will have my 1st fill at 3 weeks. Had post op today at 1 week and my fill is in 2 weeks, all was set prior to surgery. Also, as of next Monday (2 weeks out) I can eat anything, and no one mentioned no liquids before or after eating. I ask about calories, and was told there is no limit to calories, I just MUST get my Protein and drink drink drink. Hang in there...............

I use the Premier shakes from costco as well, they're not bad. But you could try the Carnation Instant Breakfast with skim milk and ADD some Fat Free Milk powder to it for more Protein. That is a trick my nutritionist told me. Also, you could try adding food flavorings, like imitation maple, orange, pineapple etc. to a vanilla shake to change it up a bit. I would think orange added to vanilla would be similar to a creamcicle especially if you blended it with some ice. Hang in there, liquids aren't forever, I know I'm due to go on soft foods Monday.

Hi Dallas, I'm in Arlington. I was banded Monday the 23rd. Welcome to the forum

I am suppose to have 75-80g of Protein a day. Since I am on creamy liquids that's not a problem, Protein shakes w/milk. Protein powder in yogurt, etc. But..... starting Monday I am suppose to add some "real food". With a 1/2c stomach, how am I suppose to eat food and still get all the protein? The following Monday, all restrictions will be off, How do I get it all down, I'm not even hungry as it is??? Never dreamed I would be worried about not eating enough, what a new life, and I'm so excited!! lol PS I am down 14 pounds since I started the pre-op liquid diet to today (3 days post op). I am feeling really good except when my Corgi jumped on one of my incisions. Still having gas pain in my shoulders though, but I know that shouldn't last.

I was in at 6am and home by noon, I did fine, but I agree, STAY and enjoy the pampering. I would have loved it, I did it all myself, with a little help from my daughter in law. BTW I felt worse the next day, so enjoy your stay!!!

I was banded Monday the 23rd. This afternoon I got to start liquids that included milk, yogurt & applesauce. After a nap Monday, I felt like a million Monday nite, not so great yesterday, but definitely improved today. Coughing to clear my lungs is the biggest challenge, that & not having my Corgi's jump on my stomach ughhhh. So why depressed? For 2 nites now my daughter in law has fixed super dinners that I love and can't have. Since I live with my son & daughter in law, I have to get past this, and they have both been very supportive, but I just don't think she realizes that I got yogurt and they got taco salad! Yeah, I know they have to eat, but argggggg Generally she only cooks a couple nites a week, so 2 in a row is a bummer for me. So far NO nausea or vomiting. Yesterday I could not tell if I drank to fast or too much, today. I can feel when I am "topped off" To lift my spirits I keep thinking that I only weighed 303.6 this morning. That & only needed 1 diabetes med today! WOW!!!! A normal blood sugar! Now I have to check it before every meal instead of just in the AM. So much to remember all at once. I am using FitnessPal to keep track of my Protein and Water, which has been a BIG BIG help. My post op appt is the 30th when I expect to get more added to my "menu". How am I suppose to add when getting all my protein will be a big challenge, not sure, but I KNOW I can do this!! Roni

I have researched, studied & read everything I could find for over 2 years about Lap Band knowing I should qualify for it now. Now has come and Monday the 23rd I am scheduled at the crack of dawn to be banded. Note: I am NOT a morning person. Why now after having the knowledge and understanding of 2 years+ work am I scared and nervous. Yes, surgery is scarey, being "put to sleep" is unnatural, but I can't help wondering if the surgery is all that's bothering me. What if this doesn't work for me? What if it does and I don't like who I become or what I look like? Not that I'm too thrilled with how I look now, believe me. I'm not sleeping well for the last couple nights, and I'm short tempered. Heck, I'm just plain scared!

Weeeeeeee today the surgeons office called. United Health Care Medicare Complete insurance approved me. Took them 14 days. My surgery is scheduled for April 23rd!! Finally! I have been waiting 2 years for insurance to start and 4 2/3 months to get the ok from my first surgeon visit. Guess that's not too bad after 2 years lol I'm going to be an April Bandster!!!!!!!!!! Roni

I was told absolutely NO OATMEAL!! guess it gets stuck. Creme of Wheat or Cream of Rice

My doctor offers this but it is only for patients whose BMI is 35 or less according to them,

I'm first to admit I have very little patience but since my paperwork was submitted to the insurance company I've gone off the wall! I have chest tightening/pain. I'm smoking like a chimney (even I noticed this), I'm not hungry much but still getting heartburn & indigestion(not normal for me). Is this all anxiety???? I want to scream!!!! I did pass my cardio testing 100% so I know chest pain is not a heart attack but you sure could fool me. I'm all alone in this even though I live with my son & daughter in law, they have their life & I stay pretty much in my room (its large & comfy so its not a problem) but I feel so alone, no one to talk to about this. Insurance can take 2 weeks or more to decide, I'll be a basket case by then!!! Has anyone gone thru this? Roni

Anyone have the Medicare Advantage Ins thru UHC/Sec Hor AARP? Were you approved or denied quickly? My paperwork was submitted on March 28th, so now its sit & wait after working like crazy to jump thru hoops, ummm make appts & tests. I'm anxious, nervous, & antsy. I'm not much in the way of patience for things like this. I have a BMI of nearly 60 with 4 co-mor issues, so I cant think of a thing I can get turned down on, but knowing insurance companies as I do, they will probably find a reason............sigh.......... Could do with some good news Roni

You & I are in the same boat. My paperwork was submitted on the 28th. I am a nervous wreck. Anxious, antsy, trouble sleeping.... this is as bad as waiting for my son to be born 22 yrs ago!!! My insurance is United Health Care/Secure Horizons AARP Medicare Advantage. They say it could take them 2 weeks - arggggggggg Will be interesting to see which of us hears first. Hugs, Roni