healthyagain

I had a starting BMI of just over 40 I am a 33 year old woman. I lost 11 pounds on a 12 day pre-op liquid diet. It was full liquids, protien drinks, and sugar free pudding/jello. I think it matters what age, starting weight and gender you are...as well as the type of pre-op diet they put you on...Everyone differs

I am unfilled still (12 weeks post-op) If you asked me this question 4 weeks ago I would have said I felt SOME (little) restriction as food was getting stuck fairly regularly and I'd have to stop eating...But not really full. Now, I haven't been stuck in weeks and I'm always hungry. I could eat as before if I wanted to. I have been pretty good though. I don't want to gain before my 1st fill. I'm curious about the responses...Good question.

Brez...How long since your banding??

Banded 1/14/08 and still waiting for my first fill. April 8th. 12 full weeks post-op...I'm getting very impatient

I'm glad to hear from you. I was wondering about you and have sent you a private email since I didn't see you around. I was banded one day before you and was used to seeing your posts and then you weren't around. I had no idea you had a stroke. It sounds like your doing well and I wish you all the best. Keep up the good work and my thoughts are with you for a speedy recovery.

I was banded 1/14. My first fill isn't till 4/8/08..I have zero restriction but I have been doing pretty good with willpower and have been excersizing 4 times per week since Feb 1st. I'm losing slowly. I was on a 3 week plateau but seem to be losing again this past week.

I don't have any real advice as I'm still without a fill. But I was banded 3 days before you and I don't get my 1st fill untill 12 weeks out (April 8th) And you've already had 5 fills. It's funny how things differ between doctors. I sure hope I don't have to wait another 12 weeks for my 2nd fill. Hang in there and keep up the good work and exercise...And I know this doesn't help much, But alot of people on this board would be happy with your current BMI as a goal. I bet you are tightening up and looking better even though the scale isn't showing it.

I don't think you would have to worry about anything but the scars. I was wondering the same thing. Are you covering your incision scars or sunblocking them or anything. I was planning to tan soon as well...

Curious, I can only speak for myself...I'm 9 weeks out still no fill. I can eat almost anything. I don't (most of the time), not for fear of being sick, but because I want to be successful. I have not been sick at all, and all foods taste just as good as they did before. I can feel my port if I press my hand deeply into my abdomin, but otherwise I feel nothing...You should aske people in different stages of post-op...It seems people have a hard time at first because they still have an appetite and weight loss is slow (this is how I feel at the moment) but people who have had a few more fills and have been doing this a bit longer have had great success and seemed to really make a lifestyle change for the better...You will read about good and bad experiences...I believe this tool does work...So do some extensive research, and if it seems like something you think you are ready for, It certainly is worth the consideration. Good Luck whatever you decide.

Janet, I think you mean well, But you are coming off as aggresive and argumentative. The original poster simply asked a question. She wanted to know how everyone's appetite was before their first fill. Not asking for a lecture or a negative response as to what she should and should not be doing. Being 2 days out, I applaud your motivation and good intentions...But trust me, as the time goes on and your body heals and you still have no restriction, it gets harder and harder to follow the plan. I have been 9 weeks since surgery and my 1st fill isn't until April 8th (12 weeks out) I have a very large appetite and per my Dr's plan I'm on solid foods and I can eat anything I can tolerate. He "RECCOMENDS" staying under 1200 calories. It gets very hard to avoid temptation. Same as always...That's why we are all here...Poor self control. So while I can appreciate your complete devotion to staying 100% within the guidelines of the post-op diet, I think you may be dissapointed when the realization sets in and temptation takes over.

I can only say this...I was confused at first as to which surgery I wanted...My decision was the right one for me...but probably for the wrong reasons...I still want to be able to go out to eat...I want to have a variety of foods...I want to be able to have a few beverages on the weekends...(just in moderation) I have seen a few of my friends go through the bypass and not be able to eat or drink anything without feeling sick or running to the bathroom...These same friends are now gaining back 3-5 years post-op...I am still without a fill and only 8 weeks post-op...But so far, so good...The weight loss is a bit slower than I expected...but I'm happy, feeling great, and still able to enjoy being out including food and drink.

I Completely agree...Excersize is vital...As Is a healthy diet...But isn't the band supposed to make it a whole lot easier to follow through with that healthy diet??? I'm just feeling like the band should make it almost impossible to over-eat...(except for the fluid calories like mentioned above).And if we eat a whole lot less and add exercise, we should be almost guaranteed significant weight loss... Certainly this is the expectation of most people going into this surgery...No??? Again, I'm not being critical of anyone's posts...Just trying to get a grasp on this thing for myself...as I am 8 weeks out and still without a fill.

again, I am confused by responses...I am newly banded and working my ass off to ensure I didn't make the wrong choice...The 1200 calorie thing is great advice...But it isn't because we couldn't do it on our own through will power and determination that we got this band??? Shouldn't it be that the band should make it almost impossible to go over that each day...(assuming we do not sabotage ourselves by eating 3 cups of ice cream or melted cheese each day) . I'm not being pessimistic or negetive here...Just trying to get a feel for the way the band works...I need help...That's why I choose this...If I had enough strength to limit my calorie intake and exercise on a regular basis I would never have been here in the first place.

Hello, I'm from MA...Banded at Winchester Hospital 1/14/08...You should look under Local groups...USA...MA...There are others from Glasgow there...But feel free to contact me with any questions...or just to chat...I'm newly banded and from Woburn MA.

I Posted this once before under a different topic but got no response...I'll try again... I know everyone hates to compare banding and bypass. But why is it that people say that we (the banded) are not consuming enough calories and that is why we are stalling. And most bypass people can't physically get in more than 700 at first and they seem to drop like crazy? I'm happy about my choice, just confused about peoples comparisons or reasons for slow weight loss

Marci, Like you and Lynne I'm not able to have a fill for 3 months (still 4 weeks away for 1st fill. I was banded 1/14/08). I too am having a hard time understanding how It's physically possible for me to not be melting away considering how I eat now compared with what I was eating before. Add to that I now exercise 1 hour 4 times a week...Still the weight loss is very slow...I lost 12 pounds on Liquids pre-op and have lost another 18 lbs in the past 8 weeks since being banded. I am happy with my weight loss...But still it seems slow considering th complete effort I've been giving. And for 3 weeks now my weight has fluctuated up and down 3 pounds. No real loss in 3 weeks. And I feel very little restriction...Very Frustrating...and I can't wait for my 1st fill.

I was banded on Jan 14th and don't get my first fill until April 8th..12 whole weeks...I'm going crazy and I'm eating way too much...I need a fill NOW!!! My Dr won't do it any sooner.

does anyone else find it strange that an elephant penis is bigger than a 2 year old child??? 2 year olds are pretty big!!!!

Try light bread (the thin slices) toasted. I can have them no problem.

I'm jealous. I can't get my first fill until April 8th. 12 full weeks from my surgery date 1/14/08. I even asked my Dr. if I could possibly have one a bit sooner. He said that it would be too soon...Too soon??? Everyone else seems to get theirs in 1/2 the time. It's a good thing I like my Dr so much or I'd be looking elsewhere!!!

I had a sliming episode today too. I think!!! I was eating tuna with a bit of mayo and I must have swallowed too much too quick. Anyway, the hic-ups started and the food felt lodged in my chest (not stomach) and I went to get a small sip of water as I felt I needed something to force it down. That made things worse. I felt like I was choking, but my lungs were clear. Then I had to run to the bathroom. I thought I was going to throw up, but instead was projectile clear slime. It was gross...And was the strangest thing ever. It was clear and heavy. Not the consistency of water and no food in it. What is it??? Sorry for the gross description, but I really can't imagine what it was coming up...Anyone know???

I was banded 1/14 (just over 3 weeks ago) I was on full liquids for 2 weeks faithfully. I saw my Dr at 2 weeks and he said I could move on to puree/mushies. I have been on them for 1 week now. I am supposed to stay on them for the next 2-3 weeks and gradually introduce soft solids. I feel completely fine...And hungry. But mostly I'm finding it hard to get in enough calories eating healthy mushies. I do not want to eat crap just because it is soft. Long story short...I have eaten a meal tonight of a lean ground beef patty (5oz) and about 1/2 cup mashed cauliflower. It was wonderful and felt fine. No pain or even mild discomfort. Not full but satisfied. To be honest I feel better about what I've eaten today than the 3 weeks I've been choking down chocolate flavored drinks and such. Anyway, you think it's ok to continue on with solid foods as long as I chew well and they don't bother me??? Please say yes!!!

I know everyone hates to compare banding and bypass. But why is it that people say that we (the banded) are not consuming enough calories and that is why we are stalling. And most bypass people can't physically get in more than 700 at first and they seem to drop like crazy? I'm happy about my choice, just confused about peoples comparisons or reasons for slow weight loss

I told my co-workers. I'm a pretty open person and have a friendly relationship with most of the people at work. The people who want to pass judgement are welcome to. I've decided I really don't care. Everyone was really nice and supportive. there were plenty of questions, But I felt they were mostly due to curiosity not being nosy. The office sent me flowers while I was home recovering..And when I came back to work after my leave, The co-workers had decorated my cubicle with welcome back signs and there was a beautiful card with a $100. gift card to Kohls because they said I will be needing some new work clothes eventually. I thought it was really nice and I feel great that I have the support of the people around me. Also, I wouldn't dare fail now that everyone knows...So it's keeping me motivated. I understand everyone's workplace is different and that others would prefer to keep their private lives just that. But being open worked out really great for me.

I'll put it on my list...I like the Twins...I was a big Kirby Puckett fan in my younger years...