Sojourner

You most likely did not harm yourself with your big bite, and this is a learning process. I know I once forgot and took all of my medication (6 pills) in one swallow like I used to, and though I felt some discomfort, nothing long term happened. You most likely will not feel any significant restriction with your first fill. And neither fills or your band will keep you from drinking during meals. To keep myself from doing that I make certain to be properly hydrated prior to my meal, and not have anything available to drink within my reach during my meal. Psychology and behavior modification play major roles as you do change those old habits...and being in what is commonly referred to as "bandster hell", when you have little or no restriction in your band and are limiting your portion sizes is one of the more challenging phases of the weight loss journey. I found it was easier for me to manage my hunger by using distraction (projects around the house, exercise), and sipping Water on a fairly constant basis between meals. You need to learn effective ways to manage "head hunger", and the band does nothing to assist with that. Best wishes...

From my experience, hair loss is fairly common. My stylist estimated that by around 5 months post op I had lost about 10% of my hair. It began to grow back about a month ago. Through it all, I continued to have my highlights done without any adverse effects. I would never attempt to color my hair myself though. I'm not certain if that would make any difference.

I was advised to limit my meals to 5 oz by volume; 3 of lean Protein and 2 of a healthy Fiber carb choice. Until you have some restriction, you will likely have to be creative with identifying ways to manage your hunger between meals. For me sipping Water to reach my daily goal of 60 Fluid oz a day helped immensely...along with distracting myself with projects around the house or exercise. The band is only a tool; you have to learn how to use it properly and understand the unique relationship you will have with your band. Just because you can eat more than a cup of healthy foods does not mean you should. Until you have restriction you will be able to eat just about anything you want to...however again, just because you can doesn't mean that you should. Your weight loss success will be directly tied to how completely you embrace and follow the "bandster" way of life of strict adherence to portion control, healthy food choices and regular exercise. 1200 calories a day does seem to be high for weight loss. For those of you who feel that your weight loss has stalled, look at what and how much you are eating. Through my own experiences, I have identified 3 reasons why I won't loose weight; not enough calories, not enough exercise and not enough protein. The band, being the tool that it is provides for a slower rate of weight loss, which in my opinion is a healthier way to loose weight. I've had to learn to become patient. The reality is that you did not become obese quickly, nor will you loose weight rapidly. Take a day and a pound at a time...and stay focused on your goals. Everyday there are choices to make...make yours healthy ones to be successful. Best wishes for everyone's weight loss success...

I don't know what a "scopes sites" is, however if this means your incision sites, it means that your incisions are healing...

Everyone who has posted on this thread has shared some valid, important, and inspiring insights. In my journey, I have discovered how I have finally learned to use the life skill of patience. I did not become obese overnight, it will be a journey and not an event which will get me to my goal weight. I realize how far behind our sense of self is behind our body...it has taken me months to finally realize that my weight number no longer begins with a 2. I've had setbacks along the way, but it helps to stay focused on the person you will be when you reach your goal. So much of the success one experiences with weight loss is closely tied to psychology. Somewhere on this forum I wrote about the "Psychology of Size". It took months, and physical intervention from my sister for me to quit going to the plus size department, not to mention my tendency to want to purchase the same item in a plus size "just in case I gain weight again". Pay attention to the many small "aha" moments to help you gain a more accurate insight into how far you have come with your weight loss. For me a major one was to be able to get into my car and not to have to adjust the seat before driving. I knew that at my former weight, that would have been impossible. Another was when I was at a restaurant with my husband and realized how far the table was from me. The booth had not changed, but I certainly had. Small events like these help to validate your progress. Not many people have commented to me on my weight loss, however I am totally alright with this. What is important is that I am aware and feeling better about myself. I validate myself for my progress, and don't care what others notice or fail to notice. Remember this is a process and not an event! You have made some excellent progress to date...keep your eye on the prize of a healthier you. You're well on your way... Best wishes for your success...

Just as other aspects of embracing a healthier lifestyle, exercise is one of the core values which come with that health. I raised 3 sons, worked full time, and for 3.5 years was also in school full time at the graduate level, all at the same time. Yet I still scheduled daily exercise into my day/evening and made it a priority. Why??? Because it helped to keep me sane through it all...exercise tends to energize you as it creates the "feel good" neurotransmitters referred to as endorphins. I previously used a treadmill, then after a serious car accident changed to a recumbent stationary exercise bike. Now I have orthopedic issues which temporarily don't allow for me to pedal the bike, so I add extra steps in the house. I intentionally make extra trips from the laundry room to the bedrooms. If carrying groceries into the kitchen from the garage, I make additional trips by carrying only one bag at a time. I'm not happy with my current physical limitations, and I'm diligently working to have them resolved surgically. The point I'm trying to make is that if you choose to accept exercise is a high priority for you, then you will make the time for it...it's a wonderful way to keep both your body and mind healthy and happy. Scheduling 30 minutes a day for 4-5 days a week should not be difficult. Best wishes for your success...

I'm a strong advocate for each of us to be proactive to address our health concerns...that said, it is really your right to know the answers to legitimate questions you pose to your surgeon about your LB status. I may be different from others, but I have seen too many examples of how inexact a science medicine can be. My knowledge and understanding of my personal medical history has adverted more than one potentially serious medical error. Even doctors can make mistakes. If a patient asks a question, you deserve an honest and prompt response. IMHO...

Two weeks ago I experienced a stomach virus, and have not felt the same since vomiting twice. My band has been feeling more restricted, and even sipping liquids has been difficult at times. I went back onto liquids for 2 days post illness, and have been extra careful to choose foods which I know don't get stuck since then. I will definitely call my surgeon next week, as it does seem that I will need to have some Fluid removed. I hoped that given some time, the inflammation would calm. It seems that will not be the solution...

The brain needs carbs for energy to run on...so we need some carbs. We just need to make them healthy carbs. My surgeon allows some fruits and steamed vegetables, and low fat Protein choices. I do eat fruit and vegetables daily, though in only small amounts. The key is to stay away from processed foods with additives. Simple is better...

An excellent topic...and when I thought about my "last meal", I honestly cannot remember what it was. I only recall that we went out for dinner at the small restaurant we like located on the other side of the lake that we live on. I guess that's a confirmation for me of how your beliefs about food change when you make the choice to live a "bandster" lifestyle. As a self confessed "Chocoholic", I've discovered that chocolate no longer has the appeal for me that it once did. I'd have to say that both physically and emotionally, I'm in a much healthier place now!

I recently went through that too. It helped me to stay on a liquid diet for several days after I was feeling better. I'm still not totally back to "normal"...sipping Water has become more difficult that it was prior to my illness...I guess there is some residual swelling around the band. I hope you feel better fast...

I also had to have my gall bladder removed due to rapid weight loss 6 months after having my band placed. My gallbladder was discovered to no longer be working, which contributed to my first episode of pancreatitis...also no fun. I did find that recovery from the gallbladder removal to be more painful than the band surgery, mostly due to the placement of the incisions. I just took a day at a time (we all do!), and within a week felt much better. Best wishes for a fast and uncomplicated recovery!

Two days ago I experienced my first episode with vomiting. I have 5cc of Fluid in my band. Afterwards I gave my stomach a rest for about 6 hours. Not wanting to risk dehydration again, I began with sipping plain Water for a couple of hours, and then went back to a full liquid diet for the following day. It was difficult for me to take my prescriptions later that evening; I waited a couple of minutes between pills, and experienced no additional complications. Everything has felt normal since the day after...however I continue to be conservative with food choices. I'll let my surgeon know what has happened when I keep my next appointment in a couple of weeks. Based on my recent experiences, I don't believe I need to have my band unfilled. I'll continue to monitor the way I feel. Should anything change with that, I won't hesitate to contact my surgeon. It is not likely you did any harm with what happened to you. As with all medical related concerns, it will always be best for you to contact your surgeon with medical questions...peace of mind is a priceless commodity!

As getting banded is all about changing your lifestyle, in my perspective, that means looking for other Snacks to take the place of those in the last which likely were part of the reason you became obese. As others have mentioned, it is important to become an educated label reader, and understand the ingredients of everything you put in your mouth. I've left "snacking" behind in my other life, along with chocolate. I've had 1 piece of chocolate in 9 months. I don't graze or eat between meals. If i did, to me it would mean that I was engaging in the same behaviors which contributed to my obesity in the first place. I've come too far to turn back. Others mileage may vary...

I can't get down on myself for enjoying the sampling of a number of many of the choices of traditional Thanksgiving foods which were on the dinner table yesterday. I didn't eat extreme portions, and I did allow myself to have a very small portion of many of the different family tradition menu items which we have every Thanksgiving. I felt the key was to not have too much of anything...and I didn't. These recipes are only prepared once a year, so to miss everything would have left me feeling deprived of a great time and traditions. I know myself well enough to understand that I am able to return to my diet compliance the following day. I also know that celebrating a holiday was not the reason I became obese. Understanding my limits and getting back on track the following day were not a justification or a rationalization for me to stray from my daily routine. Joining in an annual family celebration is an event which I likely would have resented not participating in. I understand that none of us will have perfect daily compliance with what we understand we need to do for weight loss success. I also understand that resentments for not joining in will often sabotage diet compliance. Every day brings choices...yesterday I celebrated Thanksgiving. Today I am back to my compliance with my portions and few carbs. No harm done, and great memories of quality time with cherished family.

I don't believe you will need to take a laxative pre op, and your surgeon should give you a script for either a stool softener or a laxative for post op. Most of the problems, at least for me were due to a complete lack of Fiber post op. Things have gotten much better the further out from surgery I am. Best wishes for a successful journey!

As others have posted, a successful weight loss journey with the band requires significant lifestyle changes. Your original post indicates that you are currently working in an environment where your food triggers are constantly around you. Not an ideal situation unless you develop the willpower to say no to eating beyond what you should. Weight loss with the band requires you to make good menu choices and manage your portions carefully, along with regular exercise. I also had health issues and was facing an official diagnosis of Type II diabetes which pushed me to choose to have my band placed. I was pleased to read that you are carefully considering your options about the band surgery, for it is not without risks. Previous to the band surgery, I had only had 1 surgery and 1 hospitalization all my adult life, with the exception of the birth of my children. Since having my band surgery, I have required 2 hospitalizations and 1 surgery. These were not directly caused by my band, however they were related to weight loss and the band increased the circumstances to the level of needing to be in the hospital. Whatever your decision is, be certain that you approach it with an open mind and be certain that this choice is being made by your own motivation and not others. Best wishes for your weight loss success...

I remember from our most recent cruise that I had to change the patch every 72 hours. Post op, I was instructed to remove it after the 72 hours had passed. My prescription for my band surgery was only for 1 patch.

I agree with you...to me, Muscle Milk tastes horrible...like drinking the contents of a test tube in chemistry class! I was advised by my surgeon that the best Protein choice for bariatric patients is 100% whey isolate protein, and there are a number of different Protein shake products which are based on this complete protein. I use the GNC Wheybolic Extreme protein powder, and when I mix this with 1% milk, I get 37g of protein per shake. And it's true...all of the products GNC sells are covered through their return policy. It's important for you to try several types until you identify a couple that you can tolerate or even like. I actually do like the GNC product I use, but it did take several tries to find THE one for me. Best wishes...

Nausea is also a symptom of dehydration; I ended up in the hospital because I did not recognize this. Though I was nauseous, I had to force myself to continue to SIP Water frequently. Frequent sipping of water and IV infusion did make the nausea resolve. And your doctor should have given you medication for nausea in addition to the pain meds, which also could be a cause of your nausea. I had a motion sickness patch which was prescribed for me that I had to apply 12 hours prior to my surgery. It worked well, and immediately post op I did not experience any nausea. Best wishes...I hope you feel better fast!

I have an autoimmune spectrum disease which causes chronic inflammation in my joints; if I can't my meloxicam I can't move too well. I had to decrease my pre-band surgery dose of the NSAID by 50% which just gets me by, though barely. I have to take Prevacid daily to protect my stomach. On a few occasions, my surgeon has allowed me to take an Advil liquigel which did not have any negative effects. When I had my gall bladder surgery in August, my band did not need to be unfilled. I have heard of people needing their bands unfilled for surgery, however my surgeon said that for me it was not necessary. Good luck, feel better!

I stopped drinking my morning coffee while on the pre op and post op liquid diets. Coffee is a known stomach irritant, and I really wanted to avoid any possible complications with the band surgery and getting off to a positive start with my new life. My surgeon advises avoiding drinking all coffee except decaf, which to me tastes horrible. About 2 months post op, I did resume enjoying my daily glass of iced coffee in the morning. I use a dark chocolate Stevia for sweetener, and still add a splash of real half 'n half. The amount of calories it adds is minimal, and realistically we do need some fat in our diet. I limit myself to the one glass in the morning, and the rest of the day/evening the only liquids I have are Water.

Why, thanks CG!!

The band will not prevent you from overeating, that is a skill you must master. It is easier to avoid overeating because you will pay negative consequences if you do overeat. The "rules" include measuring portions to limit the amount of food you have for every meal. Every surgeon seems to vary slightly in their recommendations; my surgeon wants each meal to have 3 oz of lean Protein and 2 oz of a healthy Fiber carb (i.e. fresh fruit, sweet potato, steamed veggies). Following those rules and staying with the foods you know you are able to tolerate well will help you to not stretch your pouch over time and allow your weight loss to begin. I do still get hungry between meals, however not before 3.5-4 have elapsed. I've discovered that getting all of my fluids and limiting my meals to the right sized portions is easier if I structure my time to drink a minimum of 25-30 oz between every meal. There have been comprehensive discussions about diet approach on this forum. My surgeon has advised me that if I make good choices with meals and measure my portions there is no need for me to count calories. To this day, I have never counted calories, and this approach has worked for me. Others have been advised to track their calories. It depends on what you are advised to do by your surgeon. One universal rule however is that having enough protein and being certain to take all of your Vitamin and mineral supplements is a must. We have to learn to time meals (20 minutes is my limit), eat slowly, take only small bites, and chew every bite 20-30 times to be certain to minimize your risks to get food stuck. Another wide variation exists with surgeon instructions as to how long you need to abstain from drinking after meals, and if drinking during meals is allowed. As per my surgeon, I need to wait 1 hour after finishing my meal before I am supposed to have anything to drink, and never drink during my meals. I've found this is not difficult to follow providing I am properly hydrated prior to a meal. Over time, if you have additional fills, you will discover that you need to be more aware of your menu choices, as there will be likely foods which you can no longer tolerate eating, and many that you no longer want. Many posted stating that they cannot tolerate raw vegetables; I have a small salad every day. Everyone is an individual, and you will learn through trial and error what your limitations with diet are. Initially all of this did seem overwhelming to me, however over time it has become much easier to follow. I have never regretted my decision to have my band placed, and as others have written, I only wish I had been able to have this done sooner! Best wishes...

I believe that your mindset and determination to be successful before you are banded will be major determining factors for your level of success with your weight loss journey. Looking at the quote in my signature will give you my approach to my life with the band. Life with my band has not been difficult, however I was determined to be successful with my weight loss as I was pre-diabetic and knew I would never be a compliant diabetic. As so many others have shared, it was much more difficult to live with excess weight than it has been to make the lifestyle adjustments necessary for a successful weight loss journey. I have not experienced any cravings to date with the exception of understanding more about how the cycle of eating unhealthy carbs (i.e. white, over processed foods such as white bread, Cookies, any foods with added sugars) and the craving to continue to eat those unhealthy carbs. Eating a piece of crumb cake will be certain to make want me to have another piece. I understand that I was a carb addict, and you have to avoid those items that feed your addiction. For me, the pre and post op diets were the most difficult parts of this journey...and just being honest those weeks were a B***H. However there is an endpoint to that part of this journey, and for me it has become easier over time. One key point is to understand that just because you can eat something which is not on your "allowed" list of foods does not mean that you should eat it. You likely will be able to tolerate most all foods, the difference between your success and failure with your band for weight loss is that you should comply with your diet despite being able to eat whatever you want to. No one will be with you 24/7 to enforce your diet compliance; it must come from within you, and you should be motivated for this journey because you want to loose the weight. Don't expect that you will be 100% compliant every day; tomorrow does come with a "restart" button, just don't use it too often. When you "cheat" on your diet compliance, you are harming only yourself. Your band is highly self empowering, as you will determine your level of success with how effectively you make the life style adjustments for diet compliance and exercise. I have no regrets for choosing to have my surgery, and I have benefited from the results to date. I have experienced some medical complications, however these were caused by my weight loss and not the band. Whatever your choice is, just be certain to approach it with an open mind and a motivation for your own success. Best wishes...