PrettyThick1

Your preop period is so long...this will likely not be your last time caving in. Many people don't have a preop diet at all - mine was 2 weeks and I have to be honest, I didn't get serious about it until the second week. So don't beat yourself up about it, you haven't done anything that will prevent your surgery...just don't over do it and try to stay as fat-free, sugar-free and low-carb whenever you do cheat. You'll be fine.

I'm 3 weeks and 1 day post-surgery, I had my first fill yesterday - I didn't know I got 3cc's during surgery and 1cc was added yesterday for a total of 4cc's in a 10cc band. I'm melting, for lack of a better word - averaging 1.5 lb loss a day. I'm getting in as much as I can, I manage at least 800 cals (should be 1,200), my hair isn't shedding, I'm not weak...in fact I feel stronger than I have in quite some time, I don't really exercise but I walk and take the stairs a lot at work. My coworkers are concerned that I am dropping the pounds too quickly but at my appointment yesterday my nurse said that I'm 9 weeks ahead of my goal, but she didn't seem concerned. Is this okay and has anyone else had this experience? Please say yes, because I'm happy with such rapid results.

Don't beat yourself up about it. Just approach it as if you were just starting out - read as much as you can and try to get motivated again. Make a goal for yourself - I'm going to lose 20lbs by ________ then I'm going to _________. When you reach that, set another 20lb goal for something else special. You can do this! Keep us posted, we are your Booster Club and we have faith in you!

I go for my first fill today and realize my doctor was spot-on with the timing - 3 weeks from my surgery date. Today is the first time my breakfast hasn't lasted 4-5 hours; it's only been 3 hours and now I'm hungry. One quick question: is it a good idea to be full when you get the fill? I'm starving and know I'm not going to make it until my appointment time.

I think we all felt that way. It gets better, hang in there.

All of your symptoms are normal, you'll be sore tomorrow...trust me. Welcome to the banded life, it's great here!

Heck no! You'll have an answer in a week or less. You'll find out faster if you call the insurance company yourself after a few days, don't wait for your doctor's office to call you - most of the time they don't know until they get the letter in the mail.

How on earth is the scale not being friendly to you? Looks like you're doing great to me!!! You should be extremely proud of your progress!!!!

What a great idea Jim! I'm going to do that today.

I did in my first week, but not since then.

I've slimed only once, but it's not pleasant. Eat the wrong thing and it will not go down, it's like vomiting but not as intense and it's full of "thick spit" - so it's the food you ate mixed with lots of spit and it's slimy.

I would start tomorrow, rather than today. One day will not make a difference, I cheated on my preop and did fine.

Good question, but as long as you are healed and there isn't any pressure on your stomach you should be fine. I went on water rides this past weekend and didn't have any issues.

Depends on the person...male or famale? My calories are set for 1,200 and I'm having a difficult time reaching that goal. I average around 8-900 cals a day now, but I haven't experienced any adverse affects of being so low.

I have my first fill tomorrow and just wondered what I should expect? Will I need to take the rest of the day off of work? Will it hurt? Any advice, please!!! Thanks, GG

Consult your doctor, I have no clue what could be going on. I'm sorry you aren't feeling well, but I think it passes. I had painful hunger paings for a few days, but I'm over that now - I know when I'm hungry, it just doesn't hurt anymore.

See you on the other side!

I'll be 3 weeks out tomorrow and I am just now getting to the point that I don't feel anything - port or band. I can ALMOST sleep on my stomach, but after a few minutes it begins to bother me. At first I could hardly sleep on my sides, so I'm healing well.

Please talk to your doctor or a counselor, what you are experiencing is not normal and I don't believe it's related to the band. Please keep us posted.

Well you won't be able to keep it a secret long, your weight is going to come off very quickly and people will think you are sick. Eventually they will figure it out. You might be surprised at how many people come to you for advice if you tell them about the band. At least that was my experience, now that I am losing (rapidly I might add) I have even more people inquiring about the band - folks asking because they have a relative or a friend who could benefit from it. At your age, it's easy to be self-conscious about things like this, but you will be surprised once you open up. Good luck and don't worry what other people say, think or do - you are about to be smokin' hot and feeling fabulous in no time!

I'm sorry you're going through all of this, but it will get better soon. Keep us posted.

You go girl!!!! You don't even look like the same person anymore although you still had a very pretty face before, you're a doll now. Keep up the good work!!!!

My surgeon had me schedule my first fill for three weeks to the day after my surgery, which will be tomorrow. I honestly don't need it, I'm hardly ever hungry as it is - struggling to get in 700 cals a day (I should have 1,200 - ugh, I don't see that happening) so I don't know how this is going to go.

I use to use Body Fortress, you should spend the extra $2.00 and get Muscle Milk, not as chalky and it tastes great!!! I have banana, blueberry, strawberry and chocolate so I'm able to be very creative with new "concoctions". To be honest, I have had better results with MM, too.

MUSCLE MILK, MUSCLE MILK AND MORE MUSCLE MILK!!! It works wonders! My sister has had trouble controlling her blood sugar for a couple of years, she started having 1 shake a day and it has brought her levels to almost a normal range. It did the same for me along with my preop diet, I haven't had to take my medication for more than 3 weeks now. The ready to drink version tastes unbelieveable, but for the sake of saving $$$ I use the powder, still better than anything else I've tried...and I've tried MANY!