gowalking

I was banded on January 14th by Dr. Ren. So far I am very happy with the practice, and with the surgery itself. I had some pain obviously, but nothing like some of the experiences I read on this site. I stayed overnight and that was the right decision for me. The NYU staff were very good and I was taken care of right after surgery by a nurse who never left my side. I email with Despina (the nutritionist) when I have a question or concern and she always gets back to me.

I feel very fortunate. I was banded on January 14th and since I started the pre-op diet on Dec. 31st, I'm down 32 1/2 lbs....17 prior to the surgery. I did not have a fill on my last appointment and I have another appointment on the 15th of this month. So far, I'm staying around 1.000 calories daily without much of a struggle. I'm hungry before meals, but satisfied after. The doctor says as long as I'm not hungry otherwise, and not snacking/overeating, I should not bother with fills. I find that if I eat slow.....really slow....I'm good till the next meal or the next day if I've just had dinner. I can take an hour or more sometimes to eat. I'm hoping to lose around 100 lbs. so I know this is not a race and it will take a couple of years at least to reach my goal.

I do the scale once a week. I weigh my food and put whatever I eat into the fitness pal ap to keep track. Then I don't stress even if the scale doesn't move or even might go up. I know the ship will right itself. A few weeks ago, just when I was starting on mushies and real food, the scale didn't really move for two weeks. Then the weight started to drop again. I was 17 lbs. down when I was banded after two weeks on the pre-op diet and since then, I've lost another 12 lbs. Nearly 30 since January 1st. I'm very pleased with that.

I do the scale once a week. I weigh my food and put whatever I eat into the fitness pal ap to keep track. Then I don't stress even if the scale doesn't move or even might go up. I know the ship will right itself. A few weeks ago, just when I was starting on mushies and real food, the scale didn't really move for two weeks. Then the weight started to drop again. I was 17 lbs. down when I was banded after two weeks on the pre-op diet and since then, I've lost another 12 lbs. Nearly 30 since January 1st. I'm very pleased with that.

don't you worry one bit about how your are feeling. It is so normal. I too, did not understand how and what to eat, even with a handout from the doctor's office, and I met with the nutritionist at my first follow up after surgery (I'm a month post-op) and I cried because I was so afraid to put anything in my mouth. Get info from the NUT, read the posts and threads on this site...it has been a godsend for me...and I promise, you will start to eat, find out you can eat just fine as long as you take it slow...and the fear will subside. Congrats on your decision to get your life back and wishing you all the best on this journey.

was scheduled for my first fill today but am down another 7 lbs. and not having hunger between meals. Staying around 1,000 calories a day so dr. said to leave well enough alone and come back in a month to reassess. I'm actually fine with that plan.

was scheduled for my first fill today but am down another 7 lbs. and not having hunger between meals. Staying around 1,000 calories a day so dr. said to leave well enough alone and come back in a month to reassess. I'm actually fine with that plan.

Big milestone today. I went out to dinner for the first time since being banded about a month ago. I did good. Ate about 3 oz grilled scallops and about 1/4 cup sauteed spinach. I took a roll when offered and never touched it. Did not feel hungry or unsatisfied...and I don't think any of my dinner companions noticed my cutting the scallops into small pieces or that I was waiting between bites. They didn't know I had the lapband, and I didn't want to talk about it either. oh...and after dinner, we went to see Barry Manilow in concert. He was terrific, sang all his hits, and had the audience singing along with him. Mostly though, it was really nice for me to have enjoyed the show more than focusing on the meal beforehand.

Big milestone today. I went out to dinner for the first time since being banded about a month ago. I did good. Ate about 3 oz grilled scallops and about 1/4 cup sauteed spinach. I took a roll when offered and never touched it. Did not feel hungry or unsatisfied...and I don't think any of my dinner companions noticed my cutting the scallops into small pieces or that I was waiting between bites. They didn't know I had the lapband, and I didn't want to talk about it either. oh...and after dinner, we went to see Barry Manilow in concert. He was terrific, sang all his hits, and had the audience singing along with him. Mostly though, it was really nice for me to have enjoyed the show more than focusing on the meal beforehand.

Big milestone today. I went out to dinner for the first time since being banded about a month ago. I did good. Ate about 3 oz grilled scallops and about 1/4 cup sauteed spinach. I took a roll when offered and never touched it. Did not feel hungry or unsatisfied...and I don't think any of my dinner companions noticed my cutting the scallops into small pieces or that I was waiting between bites. They didn't know I had the lapband, and I didn't want to talk about it either. oh...and after dinner, we went to see Barry Manilow in concert. He was terrific, sang all his hits, and had the audience singing along with him. Mostly though, it was really nice for me to have enjoyed the show more than focusing on the meal beforehand.

I also suffer from bad arthritis in the knees and I was off NSAIDS for two weeks prior to surgery. Was in so much pain that I worked from home because walking was torture. Talk to your doctor again about going back on NSAIDS. As soon as I got home the day after the surgery, I was back on the NSAIDS and got relief within a couple of days. Also...as other posters have said, use a pool if you have one available. I've joined the local 'Y' so I can use their pool. It's the only way at the moment for me to exercise without pain.

Hi Steelerfan. I'm in a similar situation. Lost 23 lbs from pre-op diet to eating mushies...which was 10 days after surgery. Since starting all foods...about 10 days ago, a loss of only 1 lb. I've been following a food plan...around 1,000 calories a day so I know it's not because I'm eating too much, or the wrong foods. I've seen other posts where folks say they have stopped losing, or have even gained. I wouldn't worry about it if you are following a sensible diet. Look for those NSVs instead..are your clothes looser? Can you move easier? I had a great NSV at work last week. Before the holidays, I got a lamp for the desk in my office. I couldn't get under the desk to plug it in...till last week when I could finally bend enough to reach the power strip. Those are the kind of little or big things you look at when the scale isn't moving.

Preop diet started on December 31st. Most of my 24 lb. weight loss was prior to surgery and while on liquids post op. Since the mushie stage, and real food, only another 2 lbs. down. But remember...none of us should be hooked on the numbers...I am following a sensible food plan and eating 1,000 calories or less a day. I know the weight will start to come off as long as I stick to the plan. Most of the time, this amount of food satisfies me...I'm due for a fill on Friday but not sure I will do it. I'm not in lapband hell like so many others are. I'd rather put the fills off till I truly feel I need them. Will see what the Dr. says on Friday and make the decision with her input. I think we panic when hunger returns but I don't think hunger is abnormal as long as satisfaction comes when the meal is over. I'm never full...I don't think I will ever be full again....but I also think that thin people are never full either. I'm trying to think like a thin person...and am hoping one day that I won't have to weigh my food and will be able to eyeball portions. I'm so used to eating so much food that my initial reaction is that the amount of food I put on my plate now will never satisfy me....and yet for the most part, it does every time. This journey is truly a life change, not just a food change....and I'm understanding how much the band really is just a tool. Every piece of food I put in my mouth...and every piece of food I do not put in my mouth is a decision I make at every meal. I expect that I will be doing this the rest of my life...like most people who are not overweight or obese do. I think that's the key to this....learning that food is just food..and not letting it rule our lives anymore..

that's wonderful. Can't wait until I am able to walk like that. I've made progress as well. I walked two avenue's yesterday from Sixth to Eighth. I know for most people that's no big deal, but for me with my arthritis, that's a huge milestone. I couldn't have done that a month ago.

that's wonderful. Can't wait until I am able to walk like that. I've made progress as well. I walked two avenue's yesterday from Sixth to Eighth. I know for most people that's no big deal, but for me with my arthritis, that's a huge milestone. I couldn't have done that a month ago.

interesting carolinagirl. that's why I weighed out the food because I have to know when to stop...I don't have that 'I feel full' feeling right now...no fills yet. So I portioned out one pouch of tuna which is 2 1/2 oz. and ate it all. the nutritionist told me to eat until I was not hungry and I told the skinny b***h (LOL) that if I could stop when I was satisfied, I wouldn't have a weight problem to begin with. I know from reading alot of posts that some folks calorie count, others weigh portions and others can just know when enough is enough. this journey and process seems to be so individualized that I think it comes down to doing what feels right and is working for you. thanks so much for your input and everyone else's. I'm so glad I found this site. The info and personal stories have been an enormous help.

good for you kelsey!! welcome to the other side. my surgery went well, the recuperation better than i had hoped for and have been through the liquid and mushie stages. have been on regular food since Thursday. using all the tips I got on this site.....baby fork/spoon, timer for between bites, nutrutionist said small bites, and chew well. it takes me more than a half hour to eat, but who cares....so far no problems. heading back to the office on the 15th for my first fill....maybe. I'm doing well so far, and once I eat my portioned amount, I'm OK so I may wait on the fill if the doctor agrees. every scale seems to be different but since the pre-op diet I've dropped somewhere around 20-23 lbs. Very pleased with my progress so far. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

glad you are doing so well moses. I'm a week behind you so I'm almost three weeks out. Went back to work last week and so far so good. Even took the Path and walked up/down the stairs instead of going to Penn just so I could take the escalator/elevator. Took it slow, but made it. I'm weighing my meals...no fills yet so I need to make sure not to overeat. Most of the time, I'm satisfied after eating and am good with that. Just started 'regular' foods on Thursday and have had no issues. Not sure of the weight loss...every scale is different but am somewhere between 20-23 lbs. down. My first fill is scheduled for the 15th. What about you?

I read this and am so sorry that the person who should support you is not doing so. I have a similar issue with a family member. I get support on the surface but sabotage is lurking nearby. I'm no therapist but I bet your hubby is scared that things will change and you will change. Just try to focus on your success and I'm sure once he sees the changes are good ones, I bet he backs you 100%.

I read this and am so sorry that the person who should support you is not doing so. I have a similar issue with a family member. I get support on the surface but sabotage is lurking nearby. I'm no therapist but I bet your hubby is scared that things will change and you will change. Just try to focus on your success and I'm sure once he sees the changes are good ones, I bet he backs you 100%.

same here.

same here.

I just had my first post-off appt. I have lost 21.5 lbs. since my pre op appt. I am down 1 pants size already too. I am so happy I made this decision. Yeah me!

I was banded on Jan 14th and all I can say is that it's hard to get through this part of it. My preop diet included a small salad and some veggies in my Soup for dinner. Can you eat anything or is it a full liquid diet? Regardless, you just have to slog through it and know that if you don't cheat, you may have an easier time of it post op if your liver has shrunk as it's supposed to. Don't be surprised if you go a little crazy...I had a full blown meltdown about halfway through my two weeks. Thank goodness my sister and son haven't held it against me...LOL. Good luck and know that you have alot of support on this site.

not all doctors do this but most want you to do 1-3 weeks on the pre-op diet. also...the diets can be different. some folks could eat Protein, some only liquids. depends on your doctor's protocol. just know that you must follow whatever directive they give you..