BigDennis

I've only been banded for approximately four months and had one fill. I used to never eat breakfast and every "formal" diet I've ever been on actually stressed the importance of eating breakfast within 20 - 30 minutes of waking. "According to research, skipping meals, especially breakfast, can actually make weight control more difficult" (WebMD). The research says that skipping breakfast has the tendency to make one eat more food at the next meal or possibly nibble on high calorie snacks to stave off hunger. I think the reality is skipping meals is a key factor in obesity and should be avoided at all costs. Many times we tend to go strictly on how our band "feels" and not so much on what our body actually needs.

I read a report that said our bands are naturally tighter in the morning, which had some banders questioning whether to have Breakfast or not. When you are experiencing nausea, is it before or after eating in the morning? Like CG said, when in doubt, definitely check back with your doctor just to be safe!
Dennis

The issues with alcohol and the lapband are that alcohol is empty calories, drinking alcohol can lower your resistance to making poor food choices, and you may be affected more quickly by a smaller amount of alcohol. I had a drink on Friday evening (16 months post-op) and felt the effects quite quickly.

That's no way to live! You need a slight unfill.

Even a small unfill can make a dramatic difference in how you feel...I'd discuss this with the medical staff who will do the procedure.

my dr said when i felt well enough too.....4 or 5 days..
try different positions (like standing up) if you are worried about your tummy.

I have to agree with the majority of the posters, I usually eat most of my proteins and supplement with shakes only when a boost is needed. Keeping track of all your nutrients, and not just protein, through myfitnesspal, mynetdiary, or any other software package will help you tremendously to see where you can make cuts and where to improve. I also agree that the EAS shakes are the best tasting! I picked up two cases of Premium Protein shakes from Sam's Wholesale this past weekend and they are not bad either and contain 30 grams of protein.

I only drink protein shakes when needed. For example if my protein intake for the day is low or if am hungry in between meals. My favorite protein shake is EAS strawberry cream its only 100 calories 3 carbs and its not thick at all. I love it !!!!

I went to my doctor yesterday for a band adjustment. My last fill was in Feburary, and I lost about 10 pounds after, but I have since gained most of it back. I had been experiencing lots of acid reflux, vomiting incidents, food getting stuck, etc in the last few weeks. All the symptoms of a too-tight band. My doctor took out about .5 cc and I felt immediate relief! I guess I just didn't realize how bad it had been, or maybe I was trying to justify that I was ok...I don't know? I feel back on track now and ready to take on the world!!
Moral of the story...too-tight band, definitely NOT a good thing!

Thanks for posting this, and I'm so glad you got some relief!
I hope others read this and realize how detrimental a too tight band can be.

So moral of the story: Don't try to outsmart your doctor or your band. Making it too tight will NOT help you lose weight quicker!
It will only make you feel miserable
THANKS for posting this! I needed to hear it

OMG, you had to feel horrible during that time period! I was banded in April and have been doing well without a fill. I've noticed my weight loss slowing a bit, so I feel sure my doctor will want to do a fill on my next visit. I will definitely pay close attention to the changes it brings to my body and hopefully avoid some of the issues you've been experiencing! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us Bella!
Dennis

Less experienced? I was banded April 26th and learning new things every single day. The issue here is not experience, but dedication. We all know and understand how we got in the shape we are or were, so part of the learning curve is to never go back there. The band is only a tool to help us reach our goals and not the solution. It is highly important to believe in ourselves and remain dedicated to our new diets and lifestyles, whether that is during pre-band diet or post sugery. Yes we can cheat, BUT we are only cheating ourselves and it simply is not worth it!

Why YES, it is cheating!! LOL
Don't you think it is funny when people are cheating themselves and don't even realize it?!? OMG, the whole reason for doing a lapband was to lose weight!! Helllloooo!

Why YES, it is cheating!! LOL
Don't you think it is funny when people are cheating themselves and don't even realize it?!? OMG, the whole reason for doing a lapband was to lose weight!! Helllloooo!

Now, that is funny coming from you Ms. CG! LOL
I'm just sayin......
What, I don't get any sympathy for being sheared like common sheep? LOL
I hate it when you are right CG, I am definitely a Drama King!!

Yep, we are pretty much a matched pair of drama kings and queens! I've only experienced yours though email, so I can only imagine what your hubs experienced! LOL Big hugs CG!!

You are so welcome Deborah!
If you are even a little bit insecure about how your incisions and resulting scars may look in the future, I would highly recommend using Mederma. Women tend to be a little more sensitive about these things, especially since certain outfits and bathing suits will not cover your surgical incisions. You've invested so much into becoming healthier and looking great, you should use the Mederma to maximize your progress!
Dennis

thats for damn sure.......ms southern drama sits right here in carolina

CG, one thing you can always say about BigD is that he is one truthful guy!
I looked a little weird, once they shaved my tummy and chest for the surgery, but Mother Nature is slowly putting things back the way they were! LOL
You know, I could actually be that "missing link" they've been looking for!

My doctor highly recommended Mederma, so I used it often in the first couple of months. I probably should be using it now, but I simply have not replaced the empty tube at this point. It seemed to soften the scar tissue and fade my scars quite a bit. I'm kind of a hairy guy, so between the Mederma and my ape-like appearance, my scars are not that noticable. LOL Like CG said, if your incisions are a little on the large side, I would highly recommend using Mederma, but if they are already not too noticable, you could probably do without it. The stuff is a little on the expensive side, so you may want to look at some of the generic products that do the exact same thing, at a greatly reduced price too! Yep, I'm a penny pincher!! LOL

ape like--------you are so funny

My doctor highly recommended Mederma, so I used it often in the first couple of months. I probably should be using it now, but I simply have not replaced the empty tube at this point. It seemed to soften the scar tissue and fade my scars quite a bit. I'm kind of a hairy guy, so between the Mederma and my ape-like appearance, my scars are not that noticable. LOL Like CG said, if your incisions are a little on the large side, I would highly recommend using Mederma, but if they are already not too noticable, you could probably do without it. The stuff is a little on the expensive side, so you may want to look at some of the generic products that do the exact same thing, at a greatly reduced price too! Yep, I'm a penny pincher!! LOL

My doctor highly recommended Mederma, so I used it often in the first couple of months. I probably should be using it now, but I simply have not replaced the empty tube at this point. It seemed to soften the scar tissue and fade my scars quite a bit. I'm kind of a hairy guy, so between the Mederma and my ape-like appearance, my scars are not that noticable. LOL Like CG said, if your incisions are a little on the large side, I would highly recommend using Mederma, but if they are already not too noticable, you could probably do without it. The stuff is a little on the expensive side, so you may want to look at some of the generic products that do the exact same thing, at a greatly reduced price too! Yep, I'm a penny pincher!! LOL