Motocrossgirly

Hi, I was banded by Dr. Johnson with Atlanta Bariatrics (same office as Dr. Hart) and I have been really happy with everything there.. I think typically they present all the info at the seminar and if you make an appt to see the Doc, they figure you have researched and weighed all the options and are wanting the surgery. Of course the only hold up would be medical clearance at that point. I think this forum is a great place to get real info about what to expect with a band. Good luck on your decision, I am very happy with my decision to be banded.

Hey everyone, I owe you all an update...:huh2: I have been definitely feeling restricted even with the 2.75 cc's in my 10 cc band. I am down approx 8 lbs this month... I have a fill appt scheduled next Wednesday 3-19-08 which I will keep; but, I think I am going to tell them I feel restricted most of the time, but still get hunger pains sometimes.. My guess is I will get a very small adjustment. My doc is definitely conservative from what I can see at this point. But, since I do have restriction I don't have to make an issue of it yet... Thank you everyone who contributed to this thread, your info sharing is invaulable.

Wanted to say thank you to everyone who posted replies... It will definitely help me when/if I question my MD for more in my band. Thanks!

Hi, I was hoping all of you could shout out & tell me what your fill level is in your 10 cc AP Band? I have 2.75 and I think my Doc is on the conservative side with fills. I am not feeling any restriction. I know it takes a while, but when I discussed it with my doc he mentioned that he never goes more than 4 cc's and only adds approximately .5 cc each time... Just looking for some info. Thanks!

Hi Sick N Tired, I was banded by Dr. Johnson with Atlanta Bariatrics. He practices out of Emory Johns Creek. The hospital & office are excellent. I really like the whole staff. Good luck, and take the 1st step - check it out (go to a seminar). Thanks!

Thank you Alyson for the advice, I think it is great advice! I will make an excel graph to check the trendline... I lost 2.5lbs this week, so I guess it was my week to lose. Next week should stall again... Also, I get my 2nd fill tomorrow, so I am looking forward to that. Thanks for the support everyone!

Hi Fellow Merry Losers! I am doing well, but frustrated because the scale is not moving as quickly as I would like... I stall for a couple of weeks and then lose 3-4 lbs the 3rd week, it would be nice if I could count on losing something every week, that would keep my motivation tops...:mad: Anyone else feel frustrated and trying hard not to obsess about the scale moving or not??:confused2:

Hi, I just want to tell you that you are a work in progress, be patient with yourself! Also, we were banded on the same day :-) 12/13/07... You have lost much more then me though! Good Job!

Hi, What does papaya enzyme do???

HI, my Merry friends. Haven't logged in a while. I got promoted at the 1st of the year, so I have been super diligent at work. The home internet was down; but, we got it fixed last weekend. Not to mention I set up a wireless network this morning and am loving using my company laptop from anywhere in my house!!! I have had 1 fill and am not really restricted. I have been struggling with the weight loss. 12 lbs to date, which I feel should be more. I have been journaling my food and watching everything that goes into my mouth. Have had 0 alcohol since New Years Eve and just can't believe the scale only says 12lbs... I am waiting for that sweet spot and until then I will keep making good food choices and going to the gym, but wish I saw a bit more results wise on the scale... Hope everyone is well, I am sure I will be able to check in more now that I have the internet stuff worked out...

I am so happy to have found this thread. Gretchen's comments were so helpful! I have had 1fill and feel no restiction. I have been eating well and journaling everything I eat, but I am definitely still a volume eater of the right foods for now. I can eat a large volume at one time and that bothered me, until I read this thread. All said and done I have lost 12 lbs since my surgery on 12/13/07. I was upset and thought it should be more, but I am going to be patient now until I am at the right restriction level. Also, I should be happy I am not gaining, because that has been the trend for the last 2 years..... Tiffany is happy with the 12lbs and waiting for that right restriction level!

Welcome RonKat! Keep us posted on how your surgery went.

Man, I love this board!! I too cheated (ate) holiday dinner Xmas Eve & Xmas Day.. I felt awful & really freaked out thinking maybe I ruined everything.. I am back to eating healthy, but can eat more than 1/2 cup... I too get shoulder pain if I eat too much or too thick at one time... Thanks to everyone who had the courage to post this before me.. I was too ashamed to, as I thought I probably ruined the band for life and was destined to fail! I know now it is part of the journey.. I am very dedicated to making good food choices. Especially with the New Year coming.. Thanks everyone!!!! I needed this thread!

Hi Tweety, NO pre-op diet for me. Only 1 day Clear liquids before surgery. I then have 7 days of a full liquid diet (Protein shakes & 1 liquid snack each day like Jello pudding, yogurt, etc). Then I have 21 days of mushy foods, then progress to regular diet as tolerated....

YEAH!! Congratulations on the beginning of a new year & a new you!!

Hi! Let me introduce myself. I am Tiffany, 36, married (hubby #2),2 daughters. 1 - 16 years old & 1- 4 years old & YES THEY FIGHT all the time! I work full time as sales operatios & logistics specialist for Philips Consumer Electronics in Atlanta, GA. I am from Southern California (Riverside County) (relocated to GA, 3 years ago because of my husband). Have struggled with my weight most of my life. Was thin in High School gained 100+lbs after high school & then lost 110 lbs on weight watchers 10 years ago. Kept the weight off for 5 years & then let it creep out of control again when I met & fell in my love with my current hubby. Thats it for me. Enjoying this journey since being banded on 12/13/2007. Thanks for sharing everyone!

Hang in there!! Take your pain meds & knock yourself out.. I promise everyday gets better & better.. I really started felling good on day 4 post op. Just kept myself medicated through the carppy days until then..... By day 7 I almost feel like I didn't have anything done, besides the modified diet & gas! :-) So keep on keeping on. I promise it gets better.

Hi, I was in the hospital by 6:30 surgery at 9:00 and out by 2:30 pm... I felt great! I am really glad I went home to rest comfortably... They managed my vitals, took the xray to make sure the band was in the right spot, gave me some liquid roxicet & sent me packing. I wouldn't have had it any other way!

HI, Yes, I walk, use a heating pad & rub shoulder... I do see some improvement (slight) every day...but seriously wonder if I will stop having this type of gas forever. I am still on liquids until tomorrow (progress to mushys then). I do know the

Hi, I find little to no relief with the Gas X strips & yes I am taking them religiously... I haven't been banded long enough to answer about the long term.

Holy CARP! C-Diff is a problem that is becoming more prevalent in hospitals. I am so glad you called the doc and are going to be treated for just in case! Good move... Hope your tummy feels better soon.

Thank you everyone who is replying! Kacee your stats are amazing!! :-)

Hi, Here is what Atlanta Bariatrics has you do... 1 day pre-op - clear liquid day of surgery - clear liquid next 7 days - liquid diet which consists of 3 unjury Protein shakes a day & 1 liquid snack such as Jello pudding, yogurt, popsicle, broth. Also you are to consume 24 oz of other liquids in the day - Water, juice, etc. next 21 days - mushy food diet. 3 meals a day, no snacking. oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat, eggs, moist chicken or turkey, well cooked vegetables & cream Soups, cottage cheese, yogurt, tuna, etc. After this you resume a full diet as toletated.. My first fill is scheduled for January 14, 2008... I am telling you I can't wait for mushy food. I am so sick of Protein Shakes I could vomit! They taste good & all, I am just sick of them.. I like a little variety.

HI Everyone, I was banded 12/13/07 and was wondering how many days before the gas stops? I find it strange that I have not expelled all of the surgery air by now. Is the post op liquid shakes causing this condition now?? Can all of you who have gone through this reply & let me know how long did it take before you stopped getting shoulder pain & passing gas after surgery? Thanks in advance!

Hey! I was banded 12/13/07 also and have had the same symptoms.. I attribute the diarrhea to all of the anesthesia & liquid pre-op diet... The gurgliing I think is gas & Fluid for diarrhea... Everyday I get better.. Except for the GAS I am doing great!