BandedBrunette481

I'm about 6 weeks post op so all my weight loss right now is all on me because my band is still unfilled. I attribute all of my success to my willpower, to be honest. I stay away from sweets and I eat very little carbs from bread/grain products. I exercise 5 days a week, even if it's just 30 minutes of walking. I stop at my 1 cup limit even if I feel like I can eat more. I eat mostly Protein and drink plenty of Water. I also stick to about 1200 calories a day. It's incredibly hard and it takes a lot of work to be able to do things like this, but I was prepared for that going into surgery. I also know it takes a while to get the right amount of restriction from the band. Perhaps you need to try another fill?
You might be 2 years out but it is never too late to get back on track! I wish you the best of luck

I'm about 6 weeks post op so all my weight loss right now is all on me because my band is still unfilled. I attribute all of my success to my willpower, to be honest. I stay away from sweets and I eat very little carbs from bread/grain products. I exercise 5 days a week, even if it's just 30 minutes of walking. I stop at my 1 cup limit even if I feel like I can eat more. I eat mostly Protein and drink plenty of Water. I also stick to about 1200 calories a day. It's incredibly hard and it takes a lot of work to be able to do things like this, but I was prepared for that going into surgery. I also know it takes a while to get the right amount of restriction from the band. Perhaps you need to try another fill?
You might be 2 years out but it is never too late to get back on track! I wish you the best of luck

Bandista is right, it's basically like being on a diet at first! I go to a support group and the nutritionist said that this is the part people seem to forget when they get surgery, that after it can take a while to get the proper amount of restriction in the band and until then, it's up to you! When I was on mushies I couldn't ever tell if I was really full. I just stopped when I finished my 2-4oz of food because that's what my nutritionist's guidelines were for each meal. It's REALLY important to follow the guidelines they give you though! If you overeat too often after surgery, it can lead to complications like band slippage. I'm about 6 weeks post-op and I still only eat my 3/4 - 1 cup of food per meal, even if I'm starving after it's gone. It's hard, but I know it'll be worth it in the end best of luck to you!

My surgeon's office listed these reasons in the paperwork they gave me for my pre-op diet:
- It reduces liver size and intra-abdominal fat
- Improves visual field for surgery
- Reduces co-morbidities
- Increases patient understanding of post-op requirements
- Reduces operating time
- Reduces post-operative risks
Basically, it shrinks your lives, makes for less complications during surgery, and gets you ready for the new way of eating after surgery lol I don't know why some people don't have to do it though. Maybe some surgeons just don't see the need if the patient has already been on a steady diet before surgery (a lot of people have to be for insurance). Anyways, best of luck to you

I didn't lose any weight for weeks after surgery and I was soooo upset because I was basically eating nothing and everyone always talked about how fast the weight comes off at first. For me, the weight didn't start to come off until I started eating more calories! My body was just saving them all instead. I know it sounds silly, but maybe that's what is happening to you? Are you getting in at least 1,000 calories a day? When I eat about 1,200 calories a day, I lose weight the best. You can also try upping your workouts just a tad. Like if you usually exercise for 30 minutes, try for 45. Or if you exercise a certain number of days per week, try adding one more day of light exercise or weights, just for a boost. My doctor told me lifting weights is an important part of a workout regimen because your muscles work to take the place of fat even after you've finished the workout.
Try not to get discouraged!! This is a long journey and it will take time, but it will be worth it in the end. Keep your eyes on the prize

When I was doing my pre-op diet I thought the same thing - "When does this get easier!?" A lot of people say they felt better after the first few days, but for me it took more like 5. And then around day 10 I got back into a funk because I didn't even WANT to drink the Protein shakes anymore. I think each day is different because obviously we have different emotions every day, but I will say I had more good days than bad ones! What helped me was 1) chewing gum 2) drinking a ton of Water so I wasn't dehydrated 3) sipping broth or tea when I felt like I was starving 4) Eating Jello to feel like I had something other than liquid in my stomach.
It takes a lot of practice and discipline to make it through the pre-op diet and the 6 weeks post op before you get your band filled. It's a complete lifestyle change. Don't get down on yourself because you're struggling. We all struggled and still have struggles after surgery. My motto was and still is "keep your eye on the prize!" Just think how great it's going to feel to be strong and healthy! You're taking control of your life and your health and that is something to always be proud of! I wish you the best of luck in your journey

My surgeon's office listed these reasons in the paperwork they gave me for my pre-op diet:
- It reduces liver size and intra-abdominal fat
- Improves visual field for surgery
- Reduces co-morbidities
- Increases patient understanding of post-op requirements
- Reduces operating time
- Reduces post-operative risks
Basically, it shrinks your lives, makes for less complications during surgery, and gets you ready for the new way of eating after surgery lol I don't know why some people don't have to do it though. Maybe some surgeons just don't see the need if the patient has already been on a steady diet before surgery (a lot of people have to be for insurance). Anyways, best of luck to you

I didn't lose any weight for weeks after surgery and I was soooo upset because I was basically eating nothing and everyone always talked about how fast the weight comes off at first. For me, the weight didn't start to come off until I started eating more calories! My body was just saving them all instead. I know it sounds silly, but maybe that's what is happening to you? Are you getting in at least 1,000 calories a day? When I eat about 1,200 calories a day, I lose weight the best. You can also try upping your workouts just a tad. Like if you usually exercise for 30 minutes, try for 45. Or if you exercise a certain number of days per week, try adding one more day of light exercise or weights, just for a boost. My doctor told me lifting weights is an important part of a workout regimen because your muscles work to take the place of fat even after you've finished the workout.
Try not to get discouraged!! This is a long journey and it will take time, but it will be worth it in the end. Keep your eyes on the prize

When I was doing my pre-op diet I thought the same thing - "When does this get easier!?" A lot of people say they felt better after the first few days, but for me it took more like 5. And then around day 10 I got back into a funk because I didn't even WANT to drink the Protein shakes anymore. I think each day is different because obviously we have different emotions every day, but I will say I had more good days than bad ones! What helped me was 1) chewing gum 2) drinking a ton of Water so I wasn't dehydrated 3) sipping broth or tea when I felt like I was starving 4) Eating Jello to feel like I had something other than liquid in my stomach.
It takes a lot of practice and discipline to make it through the pre-op diet and the 6 weeks post op before you get your band filled. It's a complete lifestyle change. Don't get down on yourself because you're struggling. We all struggled and still have struggles after surgery. My motto was and still is "keep your eye on the prize!" Just think how great it's going to feel to be strong and healthy! You're taking control of your life and your health and that is something to always be proud of! I wish you the best of luck in your journey

I followed the portion guidelines given to me when I was in my liquid stage. I don't know that I ever really felt full after eating my small meals, but I stopped anyways. I drank a lot of Water, tea, and gatorade in between meals to help with the "empty stomach" feeling. I'm not sure it matters too much, too be honest. I think they just want you to go slow and take it easy with how much you take in because you are still healing and dealing with swelling. Plus they want you to get used to eating only a little bit at once. My doctor's guidelines only had me on liquids for 7 days post-op and then I was able to move on to pureed foods, which kept me much fuller and feeling satisfied. Hang in there

When I was doing my pre-op diet I thought the same thing - "When does this get easier!?" A lot of people say they felt better after the first few days, but for me it took more like 5. And then around day 10 I got back into a funk because I didn't even WANT to drink the Protein shakes anymore. I think each day is different because obviously we have different emotions every day, but I will say I had more good days than bad ones! What helped me was 1) chewing gum 2) drinking a ton of Water so I wasn't dehydrated 3) sipping broth or tea when I felt like I was starving 4) Eating Jello to feel like I had something other than liquid in my stomach.
It takes a lot of practice and discipline to make it through the pre-op diet and the 6 weeks post op before you get your band filled. It's a complete lifestyle change. Don't get down on yourself because you're struggling. We all struggled and still have struggles after surgery. My motto was and still is "keep your eye on the prize!" Just think how great it's going to feel to be strong and healthy! You're taking control of your life and your health and that is something to always be proud of! I wish you the best of luck in your journey

When I was doing my pre-op diet I thought the same thing - "When does this get easier!?" A lot of people say they felt better after the first few days, but for me it took more like 5. And then around day 10 I got back into a funk because I didn't even WANT to drink the Protein shakes anymore. I think each day is different because obviously we have different emotions every day, but I will say I had more good days than bad ones! What helped me was 1) chewing gum 2) drinking a ton of Water so I wasn't dehydrated 3) sipping broth or tea when I felt like I was starving 4) Eating Jello to feel like I had something other than liquid in my stomach.
It takes a lot of practice and discipline to make it through the pre-op diet and the 6 weeks post op before you get your band filled. It's a complete lifestyle change. Don't get down on yourself because you're struggling. We all struggled and still have struggles after surgery. My motto was and still is "keep your eye on the prize!" Just think how great it's going to feel to be strong and healthy! You're taking control of your life and your health and that is something to always be proud of! I wish you the best of luck in your journey

When I was doing my pre-op diet I thought the same thing - "When does this get easier!?" A lot of people say they felt better after the first few days, but for me it took more like 5. And then around day 10 I got back into a funk because I didn't even WANT to drink the Protein shakes anymore. I think each day is different because obviously we have different emotions every day, but I will say I had more good days than bad ones! What helped me was 1) chewing gum 2) drinking a ton of Water so I wasn't dehydrated 3) sipping broth or tea when I felt like I was starving 4) Eating Jello to feel like I had something other than liquid in my stomach.
It takes a lot of practice and discipline to make it through the pre-op diet and the 6 weeks post op before you get your band filled. It's a complete lifestyle change. Don't get down on yourself because you're struggling. We all struggled and still have struggles after surgery. My motto was and still is "keep your eye on the prize!" Just think how great it's going to feel to be strong and healthy! You're taking control of your life and your health and that is something to always be proud of! I wish you the best of luck in your journey

Oddly enough, I only feel disappointed that I can't eat very much when I see other people overindulging in food and having a good time! For example, if I'm out to eat with friends and everyone is enjoying all the good food, I'll eat my small portion, watch them continue to eat, and then I'll get bummed that I can't join them. It's such a weird feeling! Especially because I know that my association with food equaling a good time is so horribly wrong. I just try to focus on spending time with everyone and enjoying their company instead of the food!

Oddly enough, I only feel disappointed that I can't eat very much when I see other people overindulging in food and having a good time! For example, if I'm out to eat with friends and everyone is enjoying all the good food, I'll eat my small portion, watch them continue to eat, and then I'll get bummed that I can't join them. It's such a weird feeling! Especially because I know that my association with food equaling a good time is so horribly wrong. I just try to focus on spending time with everyone and enjoying their company instead of the food!

Oddly enough, I only feel disappointed that I can't eat very much when I see other people overindulging in food and having a good time! For example, if I'm out to eat with friends and everyone is enjoying all the good food, I'll eat my small portion, watch them continue to eat, and then I'll get bummed that I can't join them. It's such a weird feeling! Especially because I know that my association with food equaling a good time is so horribly wrong. I just try to focus on spending time with everyone and enjoying their company instead of the food!

I agree with the water bottle and the food scale! Although what really was a lifesaver for me was my Magic Bullet blender. I don't know how I would have made it through the pureed food stage without it! It's also great for blending up Protein Shakes

Good questions! I asked the doc many of the same ones about band size and such. I asked a few other things too:
- Is my band completely empty? (some doctors "prime" it with a tiny bit of fluid)
- Where exactly is my port?
- Am I good to move onto the next food stage? (blended foods)
- Why can't I burp? (I couldn't for weeks post op! haha)
- Will my insurance cover the cost of fills?
- Can I schedule my first fill appointment today in the office?
- What can I take for acid reflux?
If any of those questions are relevant to you, you can ask
Best of luck to you!

I agree with the water bottle and the food scale! Although what really was a lifesaver for me was my Magic Bullet blender. I don't know how I would have made it through the pureed food stage without it! It's also great for blending up Protein Shakes

Congrats!! I think what helped me prepare the most was using this site to search for answers to my questions and checking out blogs from other people who have gone through it. I have a blog, the link is in my signature below, but you should also check out these awesome ladies! They are 1+ years out on their journey
LapBand Gal
BandedWendy
Amy
Chicago Rose

My daughter is active in the music and theater departments, which also means that my bride and I are also busy as volunteers. The show started this past Thursday (Shrek, the Musical if you are curious). As the president of the Booster Club, I have been at the school every night the last two weeks doing everything from repairing puppets, shoring up sets and delivering Water bottles to the actors backstage. I run into many parents that I don't see too often.

If you want to have a happy day, meet up with a lot of people that haven't seen you in a year after you had WLS.....it is great. Many people comment, but the ones that really don't know you are the best.
Not once, but five separate times (Yes, I have been counting) I have had this type of conversation.

After a few moments of talking to one parent or another, the person gets "that" look in their eye....you know it. The one where they are trying to figure out who you are. They pause a bit, they look at you a bit more intently than normal, all the while carrying on the conversation. At first, I was puzzled, I know these people. I have known they and their kids for years. Some, I coached their kids in softball. Some go to the same church. Finally, they ask the question.....You sound familliar, do I know you?
When I explain that i am Sara's dad, they are relieved.....but confused. One asked me if I got a haircut, another asked me if I shaved my beard (Never had one). I think they are too polite to ask if I lost some weight.

I explain I am a little smaller than I was last year. I explain how I had the surgery and how it has worked for me. The best thing was when one woman asked a lot of questions about thesurgery; insurance, recovery times, etc....up to the point of asking for my doc's number, she was considering doing it herself and had never met someone willing to talk about it.

A good week overall......

I write a blog about my LapBand journey and I was thinking one day that it would be helpful to know all the weight loss surgery "lingo" everyone was using. I posted a glossary of terms on my blog and I just wanted to post the link to it in the hopes that it helps new people feel more informed! I know it would have been useful to me when I first started, so I just want to help out my fellow weight loss surgery peeps
Even if you aren't a "newbie," go ahead and read it and let me know if you think I should add any words or terms to the list! Thanks!!
http://blissfullybanded.wordpress.com/2014/01/29/weight-loss-surgery-glossary/

My pain started to subside right around day 4/5 so I'm sure you'll be feeling better soon! It's different for everyone so don't fret too much about it. I only had to be on the liquid diet for a week post op and it was the worst! I was either starving or not even remotely interested in food. Once I started drinking more Protein shakes, I started feeling better. I would just sip on one slowly for a while. You'll get more energy back once you get on to the pureed food stage. I didn't cheat but it's not like I didn't think about it!
The fast food addiction is hard! I live in a place where I am literally 2 minutes from 5 different fast food joints so I have the visual reminder allllll the time. What helped me get over it was thinking about my future and staying busy. When I feel that craving for fast food hit, I just think about how far I've come, how hard I worked to get to this point, and how badly I do NOT want to go back to how things were before the band. I think of all the things I want to be able to do like buy normal sized clothes, or enjoy swimsuit shopping, and usually that's enough to talk my self out of it. If it's not, I go do something else and keep myself busy until the craving goes away! It does go away and it does get easier to deal with it the farther along you get. Just focus on your goals! Best of luck to you

I haven't had my first fill yet and haven't felt any serious restriction from my band since surgery a month ago. I find what helps the most is just sticking to my eating plan. I measure/weigh out my food for each meal and even if I still feel hungry after, I just stop. And then I go do something else to take my mind off of it. In two hours if I'm still hungry, I'll eat a small snack like a low fat string cheese. Usually though, I'll find that I'm not hungry anymore. While you're trying to get to the green zone, this is just something you have to do. It's hard to beat the head hunger, I know, but it will be worth it in the end!
Have you talked to your surgeon about your lack of restriction? Perhaps he/she will give you a bigger fill the next time you go in if you explain what is going on.
And what are you doing for exercise? If you up your exercise routine a little bit, you might also see more of a loss on the scale.
Best of luck to you

I would make sure that your fills are going in correctly. I had that issue too at the beginning. I was suppose to have 8 cc in an 11cc band, and I felt no restriction at all. They kept telling me it takes time to settle and give it time. I finally got tired of that, and seen a different doctor. Come to find out there was only 2 cc in from the very first ever fill I had. It had turned and was almost flipped over, so the fills werent going in. I didnt know whether to be mad they didn't know that, or grateful that I knew I wasn't crazy and finally found out what was wrong!! Im already down almost 32 pounds. So, make sure !!!! Good Luck! Hope things get better for you!