stuigi

I was banded on January 30th. After 5 days I started eating some mushy food for sbout 3 days and then started eating solids. I know it is against the rules, but thats me. I am now 36 days post op and have lost 21 pounds. I had my first fill today (4cc in an 11 cc band) and was told to have only liquids for today and then mushies for the next 2 days. As I said earlier, I break the rules and tonight I made a lean cuisine swedish meatball entre and ate it all. I was tired after the gym and did not feel like cooking. I feel as though I can probably eat more, but I am using pure will power not to. On the most part all that I eat is home made and pretty healthy stuff. I have never barfed or had heart burn, though twice I have gotten stuck. That was not pleasant. I guess I was hoping that I would feel more full after a meal. My next doctors appt is scheduled for 5 weeks away. Am I on track with 21 lbs in 36 days? Is it normal not to feel full? PS, my doc said to stop drinking protein shakes. She said I will get enough protein by eating the foods I already eat without the added calories of the drink. I am beginning to feel as though my path is very differnt than most here. Anyone else feeling this way?

I thank all for the wisdom, encouragement and good will. I am determined to succeed this time. I have been on a roller coaster most of my adult life with my weight and I am just tired of it. Last April, I had both of my knees replaced and the surgeon said that with each pound of excess weight I lost, I would gain extra years of usage out of them. That was one hell of a painful ordeal and one I do not want to repeat. I am happy to hear the comments about the protein shakes because my pre-op classes nutritionist swore by them. Personally I dislike them. Seems like empty calories and I cannot stand the artificial sweeteners in them. I was 320 pounds and pre-diabetic before my knee replacement surgery and it was then that I decided to do something about my weight. I sought out a nutritionist and with their guidance and my own willpower I lost 40 pounds. I was stuck at 380 pounds fora few months and was getting frustrated, dis-illusioned and depressed. My big body mind was not letting me forget my old lousy eating habits and my weight was starting to creep upwards That is when I made the decision to be banded. I finally releazide that will power was not enough. I needed another tool and now I have it. I just recently hit 250 pounds, I am in the gym at least 3 times a week and I am liking the new me. With my new tool, sheer will power, dedication and discipline, I plan on being a lap band success story. The support on this forum is awesome and it really helps me get through the rough patches. The seeds that I plant in my mind from here will definately help me reap success. Thanks all Stu

his brings up a good point. How do you know if your band slipped? My first fill today was done without an xray and by a doctors assistant. I was told that on my next visit in 5 weeks I would be seeing the surgeon.

I don't find it harsh at all. I am not trying to get away with anything either. I am taking this very seriously though you may feel I am not. Its just that after reading the posts here, it seems as though the doctors rules are very broad. I have been taking bits and pieces that feel right to me. I know from previous injuries and surgerys that for the most part doctors can be very conservative due to malpractice lawsuits. As I said in my post, I have gotten stuck twice and that was an eye opener. I guess time and my body will tell me what is right.

I am 20 days out of surgery and I noticed a bulge on my port area too. The doctors assistant said it most likely is swelling and that it SHOULD go down. I have my first port fill appointment in two weeks and I am looking for more than a should

Had my band put in on 1/30/12 at 3:30 PM. All seemed to go well until the following morning when they brought me to xray and drink the Fluid to make sure I had no leaks. The technician said I had a problem; The liquid was entering my stomach but not leaving it and that there also appeared to be something pushing up on my stomach. He sent me back to my room saying that they would have me take addtl xrays in an hour. OK, so now I am freaking out a bit and no one at all would talk to me about the problem. After 3 hours passed, I called the nurse in again and basically said that I was being treated unfairly. I am in recovery and do not need this addtl stress. I said if a doctor does not see me in 30 minutes I am leaving this hospital and will go straight to another hospitals emergency room. She said I could not do that and blah blah blah. Within 15 miutes a portable xray machine was sent to my room and 30 minutes later my doctors asst came in the room and said that all was ok, and that thexray technician should not have said anything to me and that I was being served my first meal in a few moments. I was later released that evening. I am now home with absolutely no pain nor nausea. I am getting tired of this liquid only diet though. I am on its 6th day now and I sort of cheated a bit. I opened a can of chicken Soup with noodles and just made sure I mushed the few noodles very well in my mouth. I am not getting cocky, just needed my teeth to sink ino something. I am feeling fine after that little indescretion. Amazingly I entered the hospital at 271 lbs and exited at 278. I figure Water weight was probably the culprit. Today I am 265 lbs. I have my first follow up visit on the 8th of February with my surgeon. I was supposed to goto a Super bowl party but decided against it. Too much temptation. I will go it alone. Go Giants

I asked the tech, why would there be leaks and he said 'ya never know when something can get poked'. That part make sense to me. What was nerve wracking was that no one would explain anything to me or see me. They did nothing to rectify 'it'. The second xray said all was fine. Nothing should have been said to me, the tech may have been a newbie for all I know.

Hi everyone. I am glad I found this site. I am one week away from surgery and though in my mind I know this is probably the best thing to do, I am starting to have doubts. I was on a three month program and attended the required seminars and was actually losing 4 lbs a month. I tried real hard sticking to the program, Then came Thanksgiving and I lost my control. I eventually got it back but OI have not been as strict as I was before the holidays. My mind is saying that this operation is a tool. One that will prevent me from going off track and I am hoping I am right. I am an emotional eater and hopefully I will not lose my mind over the next few months.