Bensmum1109

Congratulations!! Please keep us posted on your progress. Hubby and I would like to try again next summer so I want all the info I can get on how pregnancies with the band progress.

Thanks, Kay! Your post (as well as many other on this thread) was very informative. I am following all of the bandster rules MOST of the time (that's me being honest). There is room for improvement of course, but I am losing weight at a reasonable rate and I don't seem to be suffering from any adverse health issues other than a little hair loss. I am trying to combat that by adhering to a high protein intake and flaxseed oil capsules. I am so very grateful for the support of the people on this board. I have learned so much about my band and all of the highs and lows related to it. I am glad to be going through this with such an amazing group of people!!

Such good news!! Congrats! It's good to know that it is possible to fix a slipped band without surgery- I'm guessing this doesn't happen often, but it happens!

Yes, Pepsi, I did not feel any restriction for two weeks. I don't really understand why this happens but it seems pretty common for it to take a while.

SLOW DOWN, KIDS!!!!! I had my first fill on 10/31. I felt NOTHING until November 14, and I mean nothing. Then when it hit me it was like a MACK truck. I have 1cc in a 4cc band, and 7 or 8 bites of food and I am done. We went to a Thanksgiving buffet in Lake Tahoe last Thursday, and I had 3 bites of prime rib, two bites of mashed potato, two bites of sweet potato, one bite of stuffing, and 2 green Beans. I almost pb'd on that amount of food. On the way home my husband wanted In-and-Out burger so I got a Protein style cheeseburger (wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of a bun- is that cool or what!), and that turned out to be THREE MEALS for me!!! I know everyone is different, but I implore you all to wait at least two weeks before getting another fill. Especially if you have to pay for it. If I had any more saline in my band right now I would be choked off. And I remember those first two weeks thinking I didn't have enough! And Laura, my period was due the day after my surgery. I just got it November 22th, after spotting for 13 days. Apparently that is not abnormal after surgery like this.

Because bands do have metal parts and could set off a metal detector. At least that is what my surgeon told me. My mother broke her leg in April and they had to put a metal rod in her leg. She also has a card that she has to show in airports, because she always sets off the metal detectors now :-) I have flown several times since my surgery and have NOT beeped yet :-)

Nykee, I felt a little funny about it at first, but I got over it. Like I'm ever going to see those people again :-). And if I did try to use it and got an attitude from a restaurant manager or server, I would not be quiet about it :-). I also enjoy leftovers, but when you are staying in a hotel leftovers are pretty worthless unless you have a refrigerator and a microwave in your room!! And my card does have medical information on it as well, but it also says "this person has a very limited food intake". I never thought I would have the nerve to use it in a restaurant and originally kept it in my wallet because I didn't know if the band might set off the metal detectors in airports (I travel a lot!!). But I am glad I have it and will continue to use it often!!

Awesome, Candy!! Thanks! I have ordered a copy and I am going to try it.

After my surgery, my doctors gave me a wallet card that explains that I have a Lap-Band and my food intake is restricted. Being a closet bandster, I really didn't think I would ever use the card. But while in Lake Tahoe on Thanksgiving Day, my husband really wanted turkey and the works, and there was a Thanksgiving buffet at our hotel. I am really restricted right now and I don't have much interest in food these days, so I was not concerned about being in a buffet style restaurant. But there was no way I was going to pay $17 to eat when I am lucky to get 1/2 a cup of food down!! So I asked for the manager, and showed him my card. TO MY SHOCK AND SURPRISE, he said he sees these cards all the time and agreed to charge me $6.00 (childrens price)! They still made money off me :-), but how cool is that!! So my question is, how many of you have card like this?? And if not, WHY AREN'T YOU ASKING FOR ONE???

I'm back :-) I spent a wonderful holiday in Lake Tahoe with my husband and son. It snowed all day on Friday and it was beautiful!! After reading these posts and speaking with my Primary Care Provider, I have decided that 800 calories a day is way too restrictive. Problem is, it took awhile for my restriction to kick in (had my first fill 10/31), but now it has kicked in HARD (I have only 1CC in my band). So while it is a struggle to maintain a 1000-1200 calorie intake, I am doing so with lots of Protein and I have lost 5 more pounds. I'm happy with my weight loss so far. 26 pounds in 2 months works for me, and I am not going to push it!

Michelle, what a bummer!! I just know, though, that you are going to keep the weight off and then you will be an inspiration to others that have lost their bands. Just as you have been an inspiration to the rest of us. HUGS!!

Decaf green tea for your nausea and Isopure water. One bottle has 5 grams of protein and it just tastes like flavored water.

Hi Ladies- I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. I have been through it myself. I promise it does get better!! Five years after I got out of a horrible, depressing relationship I am married to a wonderful man and have a beautiful 1 year old son. Allow yourselves to grieve, take care of your children, and don't step off of the path you have been put on with this wonderful band. In fact, be motivated by the fact that the door to a whole new, WONDERFUL LIFE IS ABOUT TO OPEN!! Much love-

Just an update for you girls- On 11/9 (my baby's first birthday!!) I started bleeding- well more like spotting. I would go a day with nothing, and then suddenly a spot. Yesterday (the 22nd), I started bleeding HEAVILY. I am in all kinds of pain!! Anyone else experience anything like this? I have left a message for my PC and my surgeon. I suppose any period that is two months late is going to be bad!

Way to go, ladies!! Just an FYI, I only got 1CC for my first fill and really did not feel very restricted at all (had it done 10/31). Last weekend I flew to Vegas for a conference and BOOM- I felt it. I could barely eat more than 3 or 4 bites of food at a time without being in pain. I originally thought it was because of my flight-I hear airplanes can squeeze you up a bit-but I have been home for 3 days and I still feel it. So give yourselves some time. It may take several days or even a week or two before the restriction kicks in!

Shari Lou, only had to do a liquid diet for 1 day before my surgery, and my doctor made me take Milk Of Magnesia the day before my surgery. Afterwards, it took me 11 days to go. Try some Milk Of Magnesia if you are concerned.

I have a sweet tooth,but I don't believe it sabotages the band. I eat less, period. And to be honest, I don't really have food cravings of any kind any more!! I think that means my brain is starting to work with this band :-)

Here is how I am handling Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving to me is about family, not food. I am taking my family to Lake Tahoe for four days of gambling, snowboarding, swimming (Caesar's has a beautiful pool), and relaxation. Not one person cares about the fact that we are not having a big feast. The important thing is that we are all hanging out together and having fun!! Maybe it will even be a new tradition for us, instead of sitting around all day stuffing our faces :-)

Go for it. I waited about 10 days and I have had no problem.

Oh, Karen, that's hilarious because Dr. Feng says it was HIS patient that had the popcorn slippage. Wonder if she really exists :-)

I STRONGLY recommend the EMLA patch that La Madam turned me on to if you are a chicken like I am. If you use it you will not feel the Lidocaine shot, or the needle for the fill (in fact you may not even need the lidocaine shot) These can be purchased here: http://www.westcoastskin.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.search&product_namefilter=Emla

Hey Karen!! I had Dr. Cirangle do my fill because my surgeon (Feng) rescheduled on me several times. I talked Dr. Cirangle into the Lidocaine shot, AND had put an Emla patch on earlier so I didnt even feel the Lido! I got 1CC and I am just starting to feel the restriction. I am no longer worried about my fills- I'll save the worry for the days I jump on the scale :-)

Hi Kat- My doctor only made me go on liquids the day before my surgery. I am not sure why I only had to do that, but I understand my doctors have the same instructions for all of their WLS patients. Do the best you can, and try to stick to liquids even if you can't stay on Clear Liquids. The best things I found post-op to stave off my hunger were split pea Soup and Carb Solutions Protein shakes. Good luck!

I had my first fill yesterday. 1 CC. I am already feeling it. I am in the challenge. I want to: Lose 15 pounds by New Years Stop drinking while eating Increase my exercise form 30 min 3 x a week to 45 minutes.

Completely normal. I am almost 7 weeks out and I still have port pain from time to time. Especially when I have been carrying around my son for a while.