Angelant76

Oh great I'm going Ina. Short haul next week for the first time since surgery. I was told don't eat in plane and yes the altitude can tighten the band but it should return to normal after a few hours on the ground. Please keep us posted!

Yes you can, my surgeon tells me you can likely expect 4k back.

I have only been banded since mid January and do enjoy a small glass of wine with meals a few times a week. My weight continues to drop and overall I'm eating much less then I normally would have back before the surgery.

The alcohol also does not impact me, they are liquids and go right through.

At the end of the day it's about what goes in and how much you burn. In addition it's about satiety, so if you're eating less and can go the 4 (recommended) hours and loosing the 1-2lbs a week - you're golden (in my opinion)

Also to note I read a book my surgeon had given me based on the Dr who was instrumental in the band procedure; his studies actually show that patients who enjoyed a small amount of wine throughout the week with dinner had favourable results.

I just got banded in Jan of this year so I have to wait until next year. My accountant tells me you can submit it under medical expenses. I think you can claim a certain max amount, not sure of the specifics.

I was told that we can remit and your likely looking at about 4k back. This is what my Canadian surgeon advised!

Just so we are on the same page, the band will not suppress hunger it will allow you to feel satiety for a long period eating a much smaller portion. Once your swelling goes down you can better assess your band requirement.

I barely felt it, the nurse didn't even numb me!

So you got your first fill? How do You feel?

I met with my surgeon team today I am one month post surgery. At the beginning I felt restriction, clearly due to swelling. 2 weeks ago at my last appointment I was advised "the next 2 weeks will be hell" my appetite will return and it's the time I need to monitor how long I feel "satiety" until the next meal. The goal 4 hours. Basically I am able to go the 4 hrs but as suspected I was able to eat over a cups worth of food. I was very cognizant of what I ate. My portions have decreased tremendously and I'm the last to finish eating. Upon weigh in today I was down 3 more lbs since 2 weeks ago. We spoke of fills but I was unsure I needed one because clearly I was able to go the 4 hrs. As suspected I was eating perhaps too much. Clearly because I am able to get it down. I'm told now to stick to the one cup and see how long I can go In between meals. I'm okay with the plan to be honest. Is this normal? Can anyone recall after surgery they being able to consume more than a cup and having difficulty trying to understand if they needed a fill? I am committed to eating only the one cup or small dessert plate worth and seeing how far I can go, but I am ready for the weight loss to start or the journey to finding the "green zone". To date I've lost 28lbs but that includes pre cleanse and post for a month, so 1.5 months. I guess I should be glad I'm loosing and not gaining. Just trying to make sense of this limbo feeling.

This was a great discussion topic! Glad I got to read all the feedback. I am 3 weeks post and my swelling has gone down hence my hunger has returned. I am trying to manage and not gain the weight I lost since cleanse. I find myself being able to last the 4 hours in between but can clearly eat more than a cup worth. I have an appointment on the 20th this month. Thinking I need a fill personally. However the head hunger is what I'm beating now.

Okay so are we good for tomorrow at 7pm at second cup at the colossus theatre lot?

I think you should be asking yourself whether you mind that we are all Ladies...lol just joking

I guess before we go any further I should point out I'm male! LMAO!

Hopefully this isn't a concern for anyone; if so I completely understand. I'm fine with any site. Perhaps we could do an 8pm meeting to allow you time to arrive and then host a follow up session near Bathurst? Just a thought. Ultimately just looking for a support structure where we can all succeed.

Don't second guess! I felt the same way after my surgery. I still feel that way at times, you can't help but feel it once you read some of the crap on the site. I had to realize quickly those that don't follow the program are those who come across issues (sometimes). Stay positive I'm not even a month out of surgery and feeling great!

I'm game! Pick a night!

I'm game! Okay so when? Weeknight is likely best in my opinion?

Okay so let's decide do we like North of GTA (Vaughan) or central say Yorkdale? Let's vote. Then we can move onto timing and dates!

Okay Team! Honestly lets do it! Let's start by selecting a common place. Where is everyone from? I myself am in Kleinburg - Vaughan basically.

Had my 2 week check up yesterday, so far so good. Noticed hunger creeping back up but apparently this is normal before first possible fill. I have no prob waiting 4-5 hrs but don't feel full off 1 cup at a sitting.

http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/329286-Toronto-support-group

@@jessb

Hey everyone! I think this is a great idea. I a north GTA and very interested.

Lets do it!

Hey Bandsters - where you at?

Let's start sharing experiences!

Team,

I was hoping maybe we could get a support group going in person at some coffee shop centrally for everyone.

I think getting together from time time may help in our successes. We can leverage tips and experiences.

Anyone interested or perhaps have some thoughts around this?

OMG I'm feeling the same thing. I had the procedure on January 21st. I was doing fine up until 2 days ago. I was feeling pretty darn good being able to go 4-5 hrs without getting hungry. Then 2 days ago hit. My 1 cup became 1 and 1/4 cup and I found it more difficult to get to the next meal. I had a follow up this morning with the clinic, they told me it's normal because the swelling has come down. They coin it "lap band hell" for the next 2 weeks. Essentially I'm on soft foods then onto solid (normal) next week; it this time that I should be monitoring how long I can go feeling "satiety". This will determine my fill requirement when I return in 2 weeks. I was also told to expect an increase in weight because I am introducing real food back in the system. Hang in there!

Thanks @@Bandista

I'm sort of on the same tolerance. I'm able to have a cup of Soup or puréed food but that the max. I am then full for a good 4-5 hrs.

My concern was if I was eating too much. I read somewhere that some people only eat a few tablespoons, I almost dropped to the ground.

Depending on the food I can eat anywhere from 3/4 to a cup.