Talk teacher

I just watched Forks Over Knives recently and have been doing a lot of research about this and was glad to see this thread. I am ready to get started, but am just a little nervous about getting enough protein.

I had a fill on Monday of this week and have learned that lesson the hard way also. No more bread for me either!

I had both done (band with plication) on 2/21/12. I am very happy with my choice. I have only lost 23 lbs but this is my fault. I NEVER get hungry but can't seem to break the habit of just eating at mealtime whether or not I am hungry. Good luck with whatever you choose.

My doctor explained to me that it isn't necessarily restriction that you should feel but lack of hunger. He refers to the lap band as a tool. He says eat your measured amount and walk away. You should feel comfortable and not get hungry until time for your next meal. Do you get hungry between meals or is it that you just feel like you can eat so you do?

I had my first fill today also. I was so nervous, I was shaking, and my blood pressure was sky high. My dr was so calming. He just had me lay down, put, my arms above my head, close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths. I felt him feeling around for my port, then a little pressure, and it was over. EASY!!!

So much info to share but let me just say that I also am new. I had my band placed on 2/21,but I love it! I am down 20+ lbs and feel great. I was self pay because I did not meet my ins criteria and it cost me 10,000, but I would do it again...over and over again. Good luck to you.

Hello and welcome. Don't stress, you will do great. Everyone's recovery is a little different but the good news is that everyone makes it through. Follow doctors orders and you will not regret your decision. I am 4 weeks post op and am learning more and more about my new way of life everyday. No regrets here!

Today I am 4 weeks plus 1 day. I actually feel very good. I do get hungry but at 4-5 hours which is when we are supposed to I think. I eat only solid protein and something else small. I stay at about 3/4 cup per meal. I have not been exercising and I know I should but am just not motivated in the evenings. I am down about 19 lbs so far which I love but I do struggle with one thing....bm's. I can't seem to get anything "moving" regularly.

I see many people using their insurance have to wait 6 months and just know it will all be worth it. I was self pay so from my first consult to my surgery date was exactly 2 weeks but let me tell you that any hoops they present go ahead and jump because it is so worth it. I am not yet 4 weeks from surgery and am just short of 20 lbs. (I have not updated my ticker so it isn't accurate. I am 18.5 lbs down).

I also had both done on feb 21st. I have been very happy. I have had no issues other than adjusting to such small portions which is an issue with my head and not my procedure. I measure everything and think there is no way this will be enough, then when I can't finish I am amazed. I love the choice I have made and would recommend to anyone.

I can totally relate. I was just advanced from mushies to solids last fri and have struggled with overdoing it. I am amazed at how full I get even after such small portions. I have measured my food but solids are so much more filling than then mushies. I know I need to slow down and not eat the whole measured amount but I still find myself on auto pilot until it is too late.

I also see Dr. Simpson. I find that you really have to question him to get info, but once you do he will really engage and problem solve with you. I was banded 2/21/12 so I am early in the process but am down 14lbs so far. I would start emailing him regularly so he knows you are concerned and get as much input from him as possible. Good luck!

To otters, I agree with you and actually came to that conclusion after I made this post. Before surgery I was also consumed with thoughts of food and dieting so I guess it is no different. Maybe that is why I am in tune with these thoughts, because it is different from the usual diet, binge, etc routine some of us have been on.

I was just banded on 2/21 so I understand that it is very soon but I wanted to get some feedback from long time banders. I find that this whole process is totally consuming my thoughts. Before surgery it was with thoughts of how I would do things after and all kinds of "what if's". Now that I am banded I think constantly about my food/drink intake for the day, what I can put in my mouth and what I can't, am I getting enough protein, and on and on. I'm sure this is normal at my "stage in the game", but my question is: Does this continue or are you able to eventually move to a somewhat normal lifestyle where your band does not consume your thoughts?

I was banded on 2/21 and I also had this problem. It took a couple doses of MOM and I was fine with no further issues. I also had a hernia repair and was afraid to "push" so I think that made my problem worse too, but after a couple doses of MOM I was fine. Good luck!

I just had my surgery with dr. Terry Simpson. He is in Phoenix but a great guy and I consider my surgery a definite success. I had no pain at all and actually went back to work for a half day the day after my surgery because I felt so good. He does any post-op care and has a great website plus monthly support groups.

I am glad you asked this question too. I like to have a drink occasionally as well and was wondering how I would feel after my band. Got banded on 2/21 so I havent ventured there yet but maybe I will try a glass of wine soon and see how it goes.

I loved your story because like most others it gives me a guide on what to expect. I had surgery last tues and felt great almost from the beginning. No pain no hunger etc, but now I am beginning to feel hungry throughout the day. I am still on full liquids which I am having no trouble with so I wasn't quite sure if the hunger is actual hunger or just the need to eat because that is what i do. My dr did put some fluid in my band during surgery but I don't know how much. I now have some good questions to ask and will be sure to be frank about my hunger etc. Thanks for your info.

I am tomorrow morning also. Can't wait!

That is crazy! I had my first appointment on jan 31st and I have my surgery tomorrow. If you are in a larger area I might be looking for a new surgeon if I were you.

Do you have a surgery date yet?

Just rest and maybe you will have a speedy recovery.

Well said. I love it!

I am scheduled to be banded next Tuesday and would love it if you all could share what exactly you found you used/needed following your surgery. Please include things like gas x or anything else you can think of. I read bits and pieces here and there but would love a comprehensive list all in one place. Thanks.

I am so glad to hear that it is a forever thing. That puts my mind at ease.