BlueMoon~T

Hiya Mel! I was also banded in Sept. I'm doing great and after three fills I don't get hungry either. I'm jumping up and down with you! I feel your excitement and I can't wait to continue on my journey. I'm a much happier person b/c I finally did something for myself! Have a great day!

Hi Jen! Your problem is pretty common. It takes time for you stomach to acclimate to your band rather it's being filled or unfilled. That's why my DR will only do fills once a month. I'm glad your being proactive and going back to have a little taken out. Sometimes, we see people suffer with issues for awhile before talking to your doctor. Good luck today!

So, please pardon me and accept my apology if I happen to step on toes here. Sincerely! I almost gave up on this site with the reorg. I lost a lot of the old timers who had helped me along the way. These people were wonderful. They never talked down to me or told me to go dig through past forums to find the answer. They generously shared their personal experience, (which has turned out to be invaluable). Here's where the cranky part came in, finding out that some of the older bandsters were tired of answering all the questions for the newbies and they should start asking their doctor and not them, unless we wanted to pay this person. (I'm sure she was being snarky). I've read things like if you don't like it... don't read it... block me... I don't care. What in the world has happened to you that you could be so cruel to people who were not so long ago on the same path you were on? Just HATEFUL. I know this person doesn't need my respect, validation, or approval... so they definitely don't have it. If the people on this site bother some folks so much then I think its time to leave. It's kinda like when you get older and have to stop driving! You're running too many people over to have anybody listen to you. BTW. I can usually let things run off my back but after seeing post after post. I had to vent. Not usually a whiny ******! Best Wishes To Everyone!

Here it is in all its wondrous glory. Shut my trap right up! Thanks CG!

I'm still new but I remember being upset with losing 22lbs. in my first month. I got on here and complained... Guess what? CG kicked me in butt. She has a wonderful way of putting things into perspective. I'm sure with 60lbs gone your needing some new clothes or if you'd rather treat yourself to something else that's cool too! I have lots of health problems but I'm planning on doing my first 5k Run or Dye on May 31st in my case it should be Run or Die...probably be a lot of walking. I have sciatica...but darn it I'm going to get my exercise in! Ineed, you've got this! :)

Ok, Shelly! Here's your pep-talk. You researched this procedure. You know that you want to lose weight and... This is your chance!! You GOT THIS! I'm hoping your doctor gave you a list of things that you can eat post-op!? As far as mushies, watch your calories and work in your Protein first, then blend away. You can make just about anything mushie. Hmmm! Knowing what you can and cannot eat? First all, stay away from your triggers, rather its sweet or salty. Look for healthy alternatives. Most of the bandsters go through the dreaded "band Hell". That's when you have your band in place but with no saline so its like there's nothing there... but just remember this too shall pass. I struggle sometimes because I have 2 kids at home that I have to cook for and sometimes all I want is a little protein and a popsicle. I've found my way...I cook healthier food for my entire family but that just happened in the last month or so. Finally, when you do start eating regular food. Always remember protein first no more than a cup on your plate. Don't eyeball it until you've been doing it for awhile. Measure everything and watch your calories. As I'm sure you know, the more calories you eat and if you don't use those they turn into fat. All that being said, I'm not a Dr. some would still call me a newbie, but I'm speaking from my own personal experience. Nice small healthy portions, use smaller plates and forks, chew until you cant chew anymore and you will have a good experience. And Oh! I've been stuck on some homemade chicken noodles. I know I'm being dramatic here but Oh Lordy I thought I was dying! It was my fault ate too quickly Follow your doctors advice first and foremost... but girly I'll always be here to support you anyway I can. Best Wishes on your surgery!

This week has been very stressful! I would catch myself picking something up unhealthy to eat and stop right before I took a bite. I've come a long way baby! This is the type of munching I have always done. This brings me to my next point. I was not happy with the changes to the site originally; however, my viewpoint has changed. When I need to keep focused I get on here and read and respond to people and it gets my brain back on track. I don't even mind reading the negative stuff. I actually find it comical. NOT ALL - there are exception to every rule, but for the most part they are not working their band. So, today I put down that potato chip and grabbed a Greek yogurt. I didn't realize I had the WILL to WANT this so badly... but I do! Here's to letting go of the things I cannot control and focusing on what I CAN CONTROL.

Hi Susan- I was banded in September. My starting weight was around yours when I started the process of looking into WLS. I had a friend tell me to try to eat like I was banded already before surgery and I lost weight. I'm down to 240ish now and I couldn't be happier. It's true the band doesn't help you lose weight as fast as some of the other choices. Bottom line: You need to decide about how you feel about part of your stomach being removed. With me, that was what lead me to the lap band. Sure, there are complications--but that goes for every WLS. If you read some of the forums you will find tons of users who have lost over 100 lb with the band. So, it is very possible. I plan on being one of those! Check out some of the VLS forums and ask the same question and see what they have to say. It's such a personal decision. I don't think there is any wrong choice as long as you stick to the diet required by each procedure you can be a success. I'm laughing b/c this topic can cause the "ugly" to come out of people. No worries! They're just passionate about their decisions.

No offense-- and I hate when people start a sentence with that. Sorry! IMO I think your stepmom provided you with what not to do with the band. We're not meant to eat what we want and vomiting is definitely not good for a bandster...for so many reasons. Sounds like you've done your research and please remember there are a lot of good people on here who will help you as much as they can, of course with the caveat that they are not your DR. Keep us up to date with your journey! Blue

BillieG, Generally, surgeon's make you wait one month post op before giving you your first fill. I got my first fill one month after surgery and my surgeon will only do fills once a month. They believe it takes the stomach some time to heal. It's important to remember not all surgeons are the same. Have you have your follow-up visit with him yet?

I would get some gas-x and make sure you have a heating pad on hand. This will help with the gas pain that settles in your joints(usually) after your surgery. food wise- broth, SF Jell-O and pudding. SF popsicles. Make sure you have a yummy Protein shake picked out. You'll need mushies, which you can put just about anything in a blender and make it mushie. Drink lots of Water. I use Crystal Light to flavor my water, but some bandsters prefer other types of flavoring. Search the web for bariatric food recipes- there a ton of excellent Protein Shake ideas! . Everybody's pain threshold is different. I was in pain for about three days then I was fine. Just remember to walk as much as you have. AND be EXCITED you're starting a journey of commitment and triumphant!

I was in the same boat. Honestly, once you get the surgery and you get in the mind set that you HAVE to do it. You'll find a way. I bought healthy Snacks. Buy the little 100 calorie snack packs, SF Jello and pudding. Carrots- but chew them well. I also started journaling. When I found myself unable to control my battle to eat food that wasn't good for me I would go on a rant in my journal. Write about what's bothering you and write about what you want to eat and why you think eating will help you feel better. Sounds kinda stupid... but I swear by my journal. If anybody found it they would think I was stark raving mad. For me surgery was a last resort. You'll find once your banded and adjusted your band will help you. You'll either get stuck on something you shouldn't eat or it will help you know when you've had enough... or better yet you just wont feel hungry anymore. I'm on my third fill and I just don't get hungry anymore like I did. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck on your journey!

I had a 12 lb loss last month! I had a Dr appointment with my PCP due to my continued back problems this week. I wont bore you will All of those. Anyway- my blood pressure was 120/70. Unbelievable considering it was 160/111 the last time I went to my PCP. I've lost about 89 lbs. I watch very closely what I'm eating and the quantities. Having the LapBand has been the best decision of my life. OHHH. Plus. My mom bought me an outfit 4 sizes smaller than what I was wearing prior to surgery( as incentive) and guess what? IT FIT ME! My Mom and my two daughters where jumping up and down and screaming with me!! Best Christmas present ever! Hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of the New Year!

Thanks jfc193! Even if the scale isn't always moving my clothes continue to fit me differently. I have pants that are falling off me now. Wooo HOO! Thanks for the encouragement!

This is one of my favorite topics on here. Fluoroscopy....not because what someone told me, not because what I read, but because it happened to me. (this is from my surgeons notes on me...not sure why I can't make it larger but click on it to see) fluoro shows this2.jpg Now, you'll hear from folks telling you it's not necessary, too costly, etc....thats their opinion and I respect it. I have mine...for the above reason and others. Lots of Doctors still don't have the convienent access to a fluoro machine where they do the fills. So, they "blindly" do the fills by their experience ( or lack thereof ) and guess it'll be ok. Then have you drink some water after the fill to see if the water will pass through...."the water method" after the guessing method. By making adjustments to ones band while watching the restriction level, it provides for a more optimal result. Not saying folks can't get to the proper adjustment without it, but its' much easier to do something correctly when you can see what you're doing. Here's a link to my surgeons page describing fluoro: http://www.hoab.org/fluoroscopy-st-louis-missouri/ Heres a link to the page showing what MY fluoro adjustment looked like back in July13: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/168149-heres-what-my-restriction-level-looks-like/ Hope your doctor will at least check your band with fluoro on some interval. Best wishes! My Doctor uses fluoroscopy every time. I believe that's why it only took me three fills to get me in the 'green'. I, like you, feel fluoro is the best way to go and it's awesome to see the restriction with your own eyes. Thanks for sharing, Catfish!

Unfortunately, I was one of those people who thought I wont get stuck. I know the rules... I was wrong. I got stuck on some homemade chicken and noodles. It was HORRIBLE. Terrible pain in your chest, the sliming, then PB'ing and finally I threw up. I just didn't eat slowly enough and the egg noodles were kinda rubbery. I guess it happens to the best of us. Wont be eating that again anytime soon. when it happens its something you don't want to repeat!

I was banded in September and this month my hair has started to fall out. As in handfuls of hair. I have thick hair but I've clogged the bathroom sink and the shower drain. LOL! I've read different posts about this and I what I've gathered is there really isn't anything you can do about it. Just wondering how long this phase lasts? Not complaining cuz I'm losing weight and I'm super happy with my progress. Just curious!

I've always been a person who tries to focus on the positives in my life. Lately, that's been tough. I've had a lot of family issues then add the stress of Christmas to the mix and I've been feeling kinda down. So, a couple of weeks ago I decided to take the bull by the horns and make some changes in my life. I started seeing a therapist. Dont judge me. LOL! Honestly, I feel better just knowing that I'm taking action to change how my life has been going. After all, I had LB surgery this year and have been doing really good. So... what do I have to complain about? NOTHING! I'm pulling myself up by my bootstraps and I'm getting back to the old me. Sometimes, I think as women we dont take care of ourselves. We're too busy taking care of our children or extended family and we forget about our own needs. I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday and takes care of themselves!