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My surgeon and dietitian are very anti soup, unless it is a thick soup like chili. They said it goes through the band too fast and doesn't keep you full very long like more solid foods do. Fortunately, I wasn't much of a soup eater, so it hasn't been much of a problem. We were banded pretty close to the same date (mine was Oct 29). Looks like you are doing great!! I am down about 30 pounds right now, all post surgery as my surgeon didn't require any pre-op diet. Isn't restriction great!! Robin

Wow, you could be describing my experience this week. It sure hurts but it's so great to feel the restriction. Believe me, I won't be eating any more of my mother-in-laws cinnamon swirl bread anytime soon :eek: The little bite I took tasted great but I have no further desire to try another bite. Robin

I have nothing but positive things to say about my surgeon- Dr. Bradley Thaemert in Sioux Falls SD. He was so great about explaining every aspect of the band to me (although I already knew a lot about it from the experts on this board) but he is so personable and puts patients at ease. His nurse Melanie is awesome also and is so helpful. They helped me fight the battle with the insurance company and once I was finally approved, it was less than 2 weeks and they were able to do my surgery on October 29. I went in for my first fill (3 cc's)on December 7 and after noticing no difference at all with restriction, I called them and they said I could come back on December 18 and I got another 2 cc's. WOW what a difference that made and I really appreciated them listening to my concerns. He said, why wait, I didn't get the band to still be hungry. He really seems up on the latest band research. He even remembered from my first fill that I have a needle phobia. My only negative experience was with the hospital staff when I had my surgery. They really had no clue about the post-op lap band diet that Dr. T recommends. I think I educated them more than they educated me!! Thanks for being on board Dr. Watkins - it's great to have you here!! Robin

It is so important to remember that each person is so very different. I had my surgery on a Monday and was back at work on Thursday (could have gone back on Wednesday but had a lot of sick leave). Good luck with your band!! Robin

Walmart has the best selection. Some of my favorites are Cranberry Apple, regular apple (tastes just like apple juice, cherry limeade) There are too many to choose. It has worked well for me as I was a huge juice addict pre-band and the cranberry apple and apple have filled that void as my surgeon does not allow any calorie containing beverages. I drank a lot of Walmarts version of crystal lite but now I have gone to mostly Water which is weird for me as I wasn't much of a water drinker pre-band. Robin

That is AWESOME Debbie - I had my second fill yesterday and I now have 5 cc's in my band. This second fill has really made a difference. I finally felt restriction. I could barely eat all of my Breakfast this morning. Great job on the weight loss - I always enjoy reading your posts!! Robin

I am also very similar to you. 5' 7" and started this journey on the day of surgery at 315. I had my surgery on 10/29 and I am down to 292. Hope everything comes together for you quickly in January - believe me, you won't regret it at all!! Robin

I just had my first fill last Friday. My surgeon gave me a small shot to numb the area, found the spot and it was over. The numbing shot felt like a very mild bee sting but only for a second. Otherwise, I didn't feel a thing. I am scared of needles so I requested not to see the needles he was using which really helped me out. I then drank water, which went down fine, and was able to leave. I am going back next Tuesday for a little more "tweeking" of my band. Good luck tomorrow!!! Robin

Oh I hope my second fill will be the answer for me too. I had my first on Friday, Dec 7 and I feel absolutely NOTHING different. I had 3 CC's and I believe my band is 10 cc. I called my surgeon yesterday and I can come back next Tuesday the 18th for more (horray). I know what you mean about wanting to feel that restriction - I can't wait!! Robin

NP 1978: Me too -I was banded on 10/29 and had my first fill on Friday. I have a call into my surgeons office to see if anything can be done. I got 3 cc's and he said the band holds 10-15. Have to see what happens Robin

Holy cr*p - 40 pounds - that is SOOOO AWESOME!! Great job!! I have lost almost 25 and was banded on 10/29. I go see the surgeon tomorrow and hope to get a fill as I am still hungry but trying very hard to control the hunger. Are you exercising along with the small amounts of food - please share if you would. Looks like we have similar goals for # of pounds to lose. Robin

I have lost 22 and got my band on 10/29. All of it was post op as my surgeon did not require a pre-op diet. Get to go in for a fill on Friday (YIPPEEE!)

Isn't it funny how great it is possible to feel? I just hit the 20 pound mark this morning and I had surgery on Oct 29th. I just started walking over the weekend am up to two miles (I do in-home walking to Leslie Sansone DVD's as I have 2 small kiddos and outdoor walking is non-productive with them along). It's so weird to see how much better your body can look and we are just getting started. And people are starting to notice the weight loss, which just adds a little more spring in your step. Great job on your weight loss and I loved reading your post!! Robin

Thanks for asking - I lost 12 pounds the first week and 4 during the second week. Then my scale went on the fritz so I have no idea anymore (which is OK cuz I think I was weighing too often). I am pretty much on a regular diet, just eating A LOT less than I used to. Do notice that I am getting more hungry so trying to maintain until my first fill which is on Nov 6. How's it going for you??

You have the same date as me - hope things are going well for you!! Robin

Same band date as me!!! Glad to hear you are doing well Robin

He and Kelley helped me with my insurance denial and we won!! Had my surgery on Oct 29. They were awesome to work with. I would definitely give them a try Robin

I too had them help me and they were totally awesome!! I was scheduled to have a telephone hearing with them, my insurance company, and myself on October 16 and he called me shortly before the scheduled time and said the phone hearing had been cancelled because I was approved!!!! They were so helpful throughout the whole process and even went over what the phone hearing would consist of. I totally recommend them!! Robin

My next visit with the surgeon is on Dec 6. He said we will see how I am doing to deterimine if I get a fill or not. His nurse said he usually does the first fill then. Robin

I didn't have steristrips or staples, my surgeon uses some new type of super glue. I was so amazed when I looked at my stomach when it was done. Now, one week later, things are almost totally healed up. He said it is one of the newest ways to close incisions after laparoscopic surgeries. Weird to me, but hey, it worked!! Robin

Things are going GREAT - other than not being hungry (which is such a STRANGE feeling) things are going really well. I went for my followup appt yesterday and have lost 12 pounds which I was totally excited about. They gave me the go-ahead to progress slowly to regular foods (had been on full liquid with some mushie foods) so I had a very small piece of pizza for supper last night and it was wonderful!! Tiny amount of pain in my port site but otherwise healing up well. It's so strange because my stomach growls, but I am not hungry - I suppose it is the larger part of my stomach making the noise but my brain tells me I'm not hungry. I jokingly asked the doctor if he had put the band on my brain because I am just in awe. He was so happy with my progress. I went back to work the Thursday after my surgery which was on Monday. Got a little tired toward afternoon but I only work a 6 hour day so it was bearable. I am back full steam now. Anyway, better get back to work!! Robin

This is an awesome thread!! I just got banded on Monday the 29th and am doing just fine. Childrens Tylenol for the pain which keeps it pretty well controlled and was back sleeping in my bed instead of the recliner last night. I truly believe it was God's will that I was able to have this surgery. I am a mommy to a 5 1/2 year old and an almost 2 year old and feel this will make such a diffference in me being able to be a superb mom to my kids for many, many more years to come and a good wife to my husband, who has been so supportive of me. For those who like to read, I just got the Leslie Sansone book called "Get Fit with Faith" (or something similar - I don't have it right here). It is very inspirational and it comes with a walking DVD set to familiar Christian inspirational songs. Looking forward to getting to know many of you!! Robin

I had the same problem with BCBS of MN. I had thought about arguing with them about it because it really is ridiculous to me but I didn't want to make them mad so that they would deny me. I also had to pay $300.00 to the dietitian at my surgeons office for pre and post op consults which also was not covered but yet it was required in the policy. Does not make ANY sense!!! Robin

Anne: Thanks for the well wishes. I have two children (age 5 and almost 2) so at least they were at school and daycare today. Still feeling pretty good - it's just such a mental thing not going to the kitchen to get a bite to eat. Oh well, just less than a week and I will be on to the mushie stage - who could guess that I would be craving mashed potatoes??? I have spent the last two nights in the recliner which has worked much better for sleep. Last night I spent part of the night on our couch which surprisingly worked quite well. My only real pain is where I believe the port is at but not enough to take anything for it. I had a bad reaction to pain meds a year ago when I had my gallbladder out so I am very hesitant to take anything if I don't absolutely need it. Even childrens Tylenol tastes so awful in the amount I need to take I almost feel worse if I take it. This is such an exciting adventure - best of luck to you and we'll have to keep in touch!!!! Happy recovery Robin

I was finally able to get my band on 10/29. Went into surgery at 9:00 and was out by 9:30. In recovery for a couple hours and was on my way back to the hotel by 2:00 (we live 3 hours from the hospital so decided to stay overnight just in case). Went to WalMart about 5:30 to do a little shopping and walking. Slept great that night (10:00-7:00, then from 7:00-9:00 after a potty run). Did a little more shopping before the long drive home. Only took the prescription pain meds once and have been getting by on liquid tylenol. Haven't had any of the gas pains in the shoulders yet but my tummy is making a lot of noise. On full liquids (creamy soups, pudding, etc) and haven't been hungry yet. I go back to the surgeon next Tuesday to start advancing the diet. So far, so good. Will keep you posted!! Robin