Bandista

Hi Sandy, so glad you found this forum -- glad to have you here! I have learned so much from the people here -- far more than any information I've gotten through my surgeon and the materials I was given. One thing stands out -- all are protocols are different and so are our bodies. It's hard to know how long it may take to reach the green zone. I was banded in November (and on mushies day 8 by the way), then first fill about a month out. Some people have a partial fill at the time of surgery -- also called a primed band. A few people have band and Plication. I just had a regular Lapband procedure with no fill but I think my followup schedule is fairly aggressive -- 11 scheduled visits with the surgeon in the first year following surgery. This is when I realize how important that relationship is. My surgeon is great but the follow up appointments are a little wham bam thank you, ma'am. I've really followed other people's journeys to the green zone here on the forum so I'd know for myself when I am there. My surgeon describes the goal as being satisfied on a tennis ball sized portion of food for 4-5 hours. I'm so glad 2muchfun posted those you tube videos -- those were so helpful for me. I have had five fills and may be in the green zone. I won't know for a few weeks. But what I do know is my appetite has dimmed considerably and I feel able to distinguish between real hunger and old habits (evening grazing in my case). You will get there bit by bit. Follow up for fills is very, very important so make sure that is all set. And keep in touch here -- read, ask questions, ignore the occasional BS and keep thanking yourself for deciding to turn your life around. Best wishes to you!

We all have differing protocols. I was on one day clear, one week full liquids, one week mushies then on to real foods. I wasn't really hungry post-op and for me it was a great time to get used to small portions, small utensils, tiny bites chewed really well and most of all stopping prior to a feeling of fullness. I got stuck early on with steamed beets of all things. Was gobbling. Taught me a lesson, that's for sure! Good luck to you and enjoy this new time in your life when food is not ruling your life.

There is a brand called Imagine that makes a line of organic soups sold in the health section of our regular grocery store. I loved the potato leek and still use that for various recipes -- makes everything creamy.

Hi there, hope you're feeling better now and everything is calming down. Congratulations on your surgery and this big choice for a healthy future! To me what you're experiencing is very normal as far as initial soreness. The other issues may have to do with your body shrugging off the anesthesia. Good luck and happy weekend! You won't remember all this a few weeks from now. Try to find some one to take your measurements and a photo or two so you have those later. Welcome to the party!

Best wishes with whatever you decide. The great thing is you are choosing yourself and your health -- turning your life around. These posts, however, are what make me wish Bariatric Pal had not merged all the weight loss surgeries into one site. It's disheartening -- like arguing over politics. We were so happy with our bands and now I feel like have to defend myself. Statistics are interesting, the way they can be interpreted. I think we are lucky to have choices -- I'm sure you will make a good choice for yourself, just like I did.

Probiotics are an excellent idea in case the gut balance is off. You may also want to look at food triggers, such as a possible wheat allergy. An increasing number of people are diagnosed with gluten intolerance after undergoing so much pain and suffering -- because the tests are sometimes inaccurate it can be hard to pin down. Even just a small amount of wheat for these people can cause the reflux to start -- a cycle. My husband can't even tolerate barley now. For some it's a certain kind of cereal, the wrong oatmeal, etc. This may not be you at all but I just thought I'd mention it. So many good suggestions in this thread. I'm glad you are really on this and working with your doctor because it is a such a serious issue. Take good care and don't stop until you're reflux-free!

My insurance company had only one requirement, that blasted 4O BMI. No co-morbidity appeals (I have high BP and have been on a sleep machine for years). I was in a panic because I had decided on this surgery. I needed to be over, not borderline. Couldn't risk it. I wore my heaviest clothes and jammed hand weights into my pockets. I even purchased ankle weights but did not use those. After weigh in I'd excuse myself to go to the bathroom and there I removed everything. Later the surgeon told me they would have let me weigh in with a purse on my shoulder, my coat -- whatever it took. I'm not sure the people doing the weighing in would be up for all that -- how far they will go -- but the point is they have to be truthful in recording the weight accurately and submitting that but if you are clothed (and of course you are) there is a lot of wiggle room. They can't guide you in a deceitful direction but may not stand in your way. Ultimately I "passed" at 257 and I only needed 250 at my height (only!) but I weighed in at 248 in my Johnny. They would have denied me for that.

I just had another fill this afternoon. There's a little pinch and it's all over -- very easy. For me, it's really nothing and I can barely tolerate getting my teeth cleaned. Every one is different as far as what the procedure is like; my surgeon has no particular protocol for post-fill.

Good luck to you, my surgery is on monday You, too, Shondel -- four more sleeps until the big day. Very exciting!

Congratulations -- big day is here! You'll be so glad for that picture to compare later. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Walking really helped me so much -- I put some serious mileage in at the hospital, not out of pain but it's like my body knew that's what it needed. So happy for you to have made this decision for a healthy future!

So glad to have stumbled on this thread tonight! You are reminding me how powerful it is to choose ourselves first, to make this decision for a happy, healthy future. I feel like I am showing up for my life in a new way now. It's not just this initial weight loss (I am almost three months out) but the increase in self esteem I feel as a result of having the band. I think I was very worn down by the nemesis of an unrelenting appetite and the negative feelings of no self control. Shame and despair. All those failed attempts were weighing me down and I felt a hopelessness that has lifted. I am still sorting out the nuances of banded life. It can take a little while post-surgery before getting to the green zone, but having done this I have the confidence that it is all working. I am changing my lifestyle and that is going to take a bit of time and retraining. Having the band makes that possible. Sending you very best wishes!

Congratulations on your success -- you look very fit. Way to go! Great pictures -- so pretty in both but you have the body of an athlete now.

This is definitely a difficult time -- I feel like I need to find the right mode and my body will start shedding again. Going for an appointment with the nutritionist tomorrow and seeing the surgeon -- will get another fill as I am quite hungry lately. This weather doesn't help. Very cold, hard to motivate. Look forward to saying goodbye to January!

Wonderful post. Thank you, thank you. Need the encouragement just now!

Yippee! So happy for you. Now, don't go near the scale for a few days; just it keep doing what you're doing!

Hilarious thread. Good grief, what is the matter with people?! And on the hunger thing, every one is different. Some people don't have hunger post-surgery due to swelling, etc. I loved that feeling (glimpse of green zone). Today? I am so hungry, but I'm almost three months out and still getting fills to get that appetite dimmed. It's a process but I love, love, love my band. Good luck to you next few days -- thinking of you and hoping you don't have to dope slap any one!

Yippee! Way to go. I think I need to hide my scale, too, and up my game in the exercise department. January is kind of a tough month anyway, but add in the natural dips and plateaus and it's time for some rolling up of the sleeves!

Hi there and welcome to this forum. I joined last June when I started researching the band and have learned so much. There are some very compassionate people here willing to share their experiences and offer support. It's been so helpful for me over the process of getting banded and now as I get used to banded life. There are plenty of people starting over. We are all in it together, turning our lives around and getting healthy. Glad you are going for a fill next week. Keep us posted. Are you following any kind of food and exercise plan? I am trying to work all of that out for myself now -- the timing of my little meals, the not grazing, getting the exercise in even if I don't feel like it. Once I'm really on track there's no stopping me but we all get a little derailed from time to time. Here's to a happy healthy year ahead!

Sending healing thoughts your way, Donna. I hope you are able to get a clear diagnosis and treatment that doesn't keep you in that world of narcotics. It's terrible to live in pain. I was surprised that my doctors are fine with NSAIDS as needed for arthritis.

Hi Terry, I have no idea about whether they will keep your band filled for the GB removal but I do know how much better I felt once mine was removed. Had a lot of issues for a long time including the back pain, referred chest pain, etc., and was so glad to have it out. Mass near port site will be good to identify. When is your surgery? Of course you can request the fluid be left in your band if at all possible. We are thinking of you -- sending healing thoughts your way.

You are SO ready for your new life! Very happy for you....

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! You will do beautifully.

Hi there, sounds like you may have found your soft stop. I am fascinated by this -- some people burp, yawn or sigh -- or shoulder pain, etc.

You may want to pay attention to the artificial sweeteners as they tell the brain food is on the way. Maybe fill up on those thick Soups. I loved potato leek Soup which comes in a carton -- brand name Imagine. And I had spicy soups as needed -- garlic and ginger, chili, miso in broth. That satisfied me. And I was allowed egg drop soup so I learned how to make that (but if your surgeon gives the thumbs up you can just get it take-out). Do you like smoothies? Yogurt, fruit, blender and enough liquid to make it a full liquid for this phase. My surgeon described full liquids as those which would slide off a plate if it is turned on it's side. Also I think it is good that you are hungry as this is all about hunger and the dimming of the appetite once the band is adjusted. Maybe take the time to really feel what that is. Sometimes it might be other things besides real hunger and it's good to identify those triggers. We are all emotional eaters here and it is good to take a minute to ask your body what is going on. What does it want, what is it missing? Are you bored, stressed, etc. Take an inventory of those feelings and don't forget to thank yourself for this big step toward better health.

I am a November bander also, and down about thirty pounds. I went into this knowing that the weight loss might be slow at times, especially once closer to goal. I long for Onederland and I know I will get there but it does feel a bit slow just now. The January blahs don't make it easier. It's so cold! I remind myself that losing slowly and steadily is just the kind of healthy weight loss I want. That's why I got the band. Now let another thirty drop off, pronto! As for hunger, I am still sorting that out. I didn't go to my last fill appointment because it felt too soon, but I will probably get a small fill at my next appointment because I don't have the duration we are looking for (4-5 hours). I do fill up after a cup or so but think I could eat more. I have to be careful of grazing, and I need to mastermind some strategies for socializing so I don't have empty calories like alcohol, cheese, etc. I'm discovering what my slider foods are and cheese may be one of them. I need to up my exercise again -- I've been a bit of a slacker there. But all in all I feel good. My self esteem is so much better and I'm loving my size 14 jeans. Yes I could be dropping faster but for me this is not a diet; it is a lifestyle change and I know that's going to take me more than two or three months. My hair is thick and lustrous. Glad for that and if my body needs a plateau to balance out after an initial loss then so be it. We are in this for the long game. Yes it can always be nuanced -- but I need to thank myself for how well I've done and not beat myself up for not doing better. That was then, pre-band, the hard hard work with small result then setbacks and plummeting self worth. This is now. Thirty pounds down and happy! Way to go, me!