catlover602

Thank you. Yes, it does exist for some of us. On the way to it, lots and lots of things and habits are examined, changed, discarded, new behaviors and thoughts to replace them. I hope you are one who gets to the green zone, it may take a few more fills, I've seen as high as six on this site before, some providers do more at a quicker pace than others. Try to really focus on what you are learning along the way, I'm directing that right back to myself as well. :-)

Yeah!! Thank you.

Including the 2 weeks pre-op diet I've lost 50 pounds. My tickers are current. I update the weight after every doctor visit/fill. My next dr/fill appointment is on the 25th of this month. I also walk 5-6 days a week. I'm happy with my weight loss, it's just the hunger I have been experiencing between meals. thanks.

I had a 4cc fill during surgery. Then a 1cc fill 4 weeks later. Then I had to have an unfill of .6cc 4 days after my first fill. On my second fill, last week I had a .3cc fill with a total of 4.7cc in my 10cc band. I go back to doctor at the end of the month to see how I am doing. Until I reach "the green zone," I measure and count calories and walk 5-6 days a week. I'm feeling good. Good luck.

I found out my port was tilted on the first fill. The NP was able to give me a fill both times I've been in. I have no idea how it tilted. I do not know what it means to have a tilted port, since I am still new to this. It doesn't seem to be a problem though. The tilted port was discovered during an x-ray when the NP couldn't locate it on my first fill.

Hi. I understand what you are going through. I have had one fill of 1cc and then had to return and have .6cc removed because I was having a hard time drinking fluids. Yes I am hungry, but I could never have lost this weight without the band. I have questioned the surgery myself with could I have done this on my own? And the answer is no. The band has helped me eat smaller portions. I do get hungry between meals, but I try not to give in to eating. WLS is not an easy way out like so many people think. I hope to reach the "green zone" soon, but until then, as I have read on this site many times, it is just another diet. Hang in there, you are doing great.

Hi. I'm in Phoenix too! Welcome. I'm a newbie also. You will receive so much information on this site. No question is a silly question. Ask away. I have. Good luck on your journey.

Be happy! You're doing great.

I chose the lap band because my insurance would not cover WLS and the band was the only thing I could afford/finance. I would have liked the sleeve, but the cost was too high for self-pay. I am doing well. I feel great. I work out 6 days a week and the band has helped me with portion control. I am not in the "green zone" yet, but I watch what I eat and average 1-2 pounds loss per week. If you follow the rules, the band does work. Weight loss is slower than the sleeve, but my goal is to become healthier and get off high blood pressure medication. Good luck on your decision and on becoming healthier.

Best wishes on your recovery.

I had a 1cc fill last Thursday. Four days after fill, I still was having problems with being able to eat solids and drink fluids. I went back in Monday and they removed .6cc. I felt so much better immediately. At first I thought it was just swelling and I had to let it go down, but after not getting liquids down I knew I had to call dr office. Listen to your body, follow your after fill instructions. it is a little uncomfortable after a fill, but only for a day or so. Good luck.

thank you for bringing this to our attention.

The pre-op diet was the hardest two weeks of my life! I have never stuck to a diet for that long but I did it and I am glad I did. My family and co-workers were telling me, "you don't need surgery, you're doing it on your own." What I told them was the reason I am sticking to it is because of MY surgery. And to top things off, my co-workers on the last day of work, the day before my surgery, they ordered me two trays of Mexican food!! Mexican food! I told them "I can't have any of that. I'm on liquids today." They thought I could have my last hurrah. I know they meant well but I told them next time get me flowers. lol. You'll get hungry after surgery too, so this will help you. I lost 20 pounds from the pre-op diet so look forward to that. Hang in there. You can do it.

Sandymom, thank you. I feel better. 2mf thanks, I'll see if I come across the forum.

I am 5 days post-op of having the Lap-Band and I have a question. Can we drink out of a straw? I've read mixed information. I really like drinking out of a straw and have been avoiding them since surgery. Do they really cause gas? Once I heal and more time passes will it be ok then to drink from a straw? Thank you. Any information will be appreciated.

Thanks guys. I will wait/ or not even attempt to use a straw. I've gotten use to not using one, so I'll be ok. thanks for responding.

Congratulations on your accomplishment without any fills! That is amazing. Did you have any Fluid put into your band during surgery? Best wishes to you on reaching your goal. Take care.

Hi congratulations on your weight loss. Do you have a shopping mall near by you can walk through? It is so hot here in AZ, I do not even attempt to walk outside. The mall I live near by opens at 7am for walkers. It works out great. There are no shoppers only walkers. I love it. Once I go back to work though I will have to start going in the evening or join a gym. I'm not sure about fills, but I measure my food. I do get hungry. But until I get to the so called "green zone" I'm on a diet and counting calories. But I'm sticking to it. Did you find the green zone the first time you were banded? Thanks.

HI. We are both in AZ and I had surgery through TR also. We should talk sometime.

I'm happy you are feeling better.

Yeah!! Congratulations. I'm so happy for you.

Hi. Look up the "The eight golden rules" by Dr. Paul O'brien on youtube. Then watch "Rule # 4." Hope that helps some. I'm new to this also. Good luck.

Congratulations! That's great. It's the little things that mean so much.

I didn't know we couldn't chew gum? I knew about the straws and sodas... Thanks, I'll have to look that up.