bandedandbashful

Congratulations on being down 45 pounds. That is fantastic, and even though you aren't at perfect fill level yet, something is working for you!
IMHO, small fills are more prudent than large ones. The experience of being overfilled and then having to return to get some fill taken out is not productive and I think makes things harder as once you are de-filled, it is really hard to get back (or feel for the first time) optimal fill level. Ask anyone whose been defilled and they will tell you how difficult it is to regain the sweet spot. I'd rather have a fill-person who allows me to "creep up" to perfect fill level, even if the process is costly/inconvenient/bothersome for those who don't like needles. So no, having 12 fills doesn't seem odd to me, just prudent (and I wish I had your fill-person!).
It would be good to reframe expectations. You will be doing most of this weight loss "on your own." You've probably already realized this. WLS is, at best, 10% of the process. Your band will allow you to eat less and feel full on less volume, so the 90% of the process which is you doing the work will be easier than doing this without WLS. The fact that many surgeons aren't upfront about this doesn't surprise me--WLS is an incredibly profit-bearing industry so they aren't going to try and dissade you.
That said, with your band you've still got the edge over someone who hasn't got a tool, so remember it's there and let it help you.

It's not how many fills, but how much you get to have the band properly adjusted.....I know someone who has had 12 fills, but the Dr. only gives 1/2 cc per fill bringing her to 6cc's...and she remained unhappy after a full year.
Then there are people here who report complete success and never had a fill...go figure.
My first fill, one month after surgery, was 4cc's......after that I started to gain weight, 4cc's did nothing for me....
It took 3 good fills to get me there....
But then...having good restriction, things got crazy! I was not full prepared for what was happening...I had to learn how to co-exist with the band in ways I was not prepared for....it was then then the "Rules" began to take on real meaning.
This was the most difficult thing for me, took a ot of hard work, determination....but I was not going to give up, not going to retreat....
So even though it only took me 3 good fills one month apart from surgery, 4 months...it took me 10 - 12 moinths before everything started to click and I got into a "Groove"
It has all been easy as it can be since then, and gets easier everyday almost 5 year later.
But that first year...WOW...I can certainly understaand why so many newly banded people come here to voice complaints, and it's sad they get frustrated, call themselves a failure and want to give up..Agreed, it is not easy!!! At least in the early stages......I can also understand why so many Dr.;s will suggest other surgeries over the band....

ah this is the page I need to be on! Been looking for a place for other people with lap band to chat about the various foods. last night I had "Zucchini Lasagna" : I loved this dish. The trick is that you have to dry out the zucchini and you have to have them sliced very thin. I also used turkey meat (chopped up good) and all the regular items that involves Lasagna. "A must Try" Few other italian dishes : Stuff peppers , Zucchini enchiladas. Anyone welcome to message me. Love my chilly when it is cold outside, but having the lap band at a success for over 6 years , oh boy did I get tired of eating the same foods. :-)

Chili is such a versatile food -- I love turkey chili with black Beans, lots of fresh garlic, etc. There is "white" chili with cannellini and chicken, some people put cheese in that, cilantro if you like it, regular chili with kidney Beans and beef or turkey, or veggie chili. Etc., etc.
Beans are great. The other day I opened a can of garbanzo beans, put some spices and a little olive oil on them and ate them with a tiny spoon. Had a small bowl then later I had the rest.
Lentils, too -- yum. Those I do on the stovetop with chicken stock. First I saute onions then add in spices -- we like turmeric and other curry-type spices in lentils -- let the onions pick up the flavor of the spices and then add the lentils (rinsed), cover with chicken or any other kind of stock and let simmer. Maybe 20 minutes? At the end I add some raisins. The sweetness of those with the curry and onion flavor is quite delicious. Every one raves about this when I serve it at a party.

Deleted the deets - let me know if you need again. Private message me!

This is the first I have heard about a secret Facebook page. Tell me more!

For me,very easy. They weigh you, check vitals. Doc or PA comes in and discusses your progress. Then fill. Whole visit for me is ten minutes. Pleasant and you feel nothing!!

My fill did not hurt. I am down 20ish lbs since my pre surgery diet. I go back next week for another possible fill. My doctor is very careful about only giving small fills in order to avoid being over full. I hope this helps.

My names Laura, I was banded yesterday 8/17/15. Looking for others who have been recently banded or soon to be banded. It would be great to share stories and track results. Hope everyone is having a great day!

I am 6 weeks after my banding. I do feel a twinge here and there in my port area when I move a certain way. This has not stopped me in exercising or any other activity. I hope in time that you experience less issues. I do however think it will be something that I am conscience of forever. Meaning I now that the port it present.

This is the EASIEST recipe for chili EVER, make sure you make this in a 5 or 6 qt crock pot, it makes a LOT, or you can halve it, and it would fit in a 3.5 qt crock pot.
Crock Pot Chili
2 cans red kidney Beans undrained
2 cans chili Beans undrained (use your own heat preference)
2 cans diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes or Tomato sauce (again, your preference)
2-3 lbs ground beef or ground turkey, browned and drained
1 or 2 LG chopped onions (added to recipe uncooked)
1 envelope of your favorite chili seasoning mix (I like McCormick)
Dump all ingredients in crock pot, cook on low 8 hours (It's ready to eat after a couple of hours, but the longer it simmers, the more tender the meat, and the better the flavors meld together)
Serve with your favorite chili fixin's!

I made this 2 weeks ago and it was really good. I think it's a WW recipe.
Buffalo chicken Soup
6 cups milk (I used 1%)
3 cans 98% fat free Cream of chicken Soup
3 cups cooked, shredded Chicken (thigh meat might work best if you have good restriction)
1 cup Sour Cream (I used fat free)
1/4-1/2 cup hot sauce (I like Frank's Red Hot)
Everything in the crock pot on LOW, for about 4 hours

Did you guys get access to the Lindora site when you got banded? I did and after reading through their website I found that if I do low fat that I can have 40-50 carbs a day and still lose weight. If I do high fat like Atkins I have to do 20 carbs a day. I base my meals on 3-4 oz of Protein and usually only a 1/2 cup of veggies. Breakfast is a poached egg and 2 turkey sausage links. lunch today was a taco salad made with lean ground beef, reduced fat cheese and a homemade low fat/ low cal/ low carb Salad Dressing. I used a 1/2 cup of lettuce for the salad. My treat at night is unsweetened almon milk with Hershey's cocoa and Splenda.
As for convenience: I buy lean meat in family packs. Then I repackage them. I freeze 1 piece/ portion of meat per bag. Then it's super quick to thaw and cook. I precook a pound of taco meat and then freeze it in 4 oz portions. It defrosts in just a few minutes and you can have a small Protein rich meal in under 10 minutes.

Great decision. I know that low carbing is the only thing that keeps my weight loss going. Plus it's an easier way of life than low fat. I'm currently eating 20 g of carbs per day. I'm following the Atkins way somewhat. I have to adjust my veggies intake according to what I can take in 5 ounces with my Protein. However, my body fat is definately decreasing. My waist is getting smaller and the cravings go away after a good week of staying on it.
I'm about to be bumped off of ketosis though because I'm getting a fill on Wednesday which means the 3 days of liquids, mushies, solids again. Good luck and let us know how it goes for you. I definately recommend getting "The New Atkins" book. It's really taught me about how my body works.

I don't actually count the carbs, but I AVOID them except what is naturally in my whole foods ie meat, vegetables, fruits.
I will eat a high quality Protein bar for a snack (expensive!!!) or oatmeal for Breakfast and those have 'carbs', but my meals throughout the day (except on CHEAT days!) consist of no unnatural carbs, all adkins approved foods.
It makes all the difference in the world for me. I was on vacation and did not watch what I ate, and gained 3 pounds last week.
Been back on track the past couple days and lost those 3 plus another pound already, just by eliminating carbs.

you may still be expelling the gas used to expand your abdominal area. try a heating pad. but your question is definitely one for the doctor if the pain becomes worse.

I'm unsure of the nuances of all this, yet it seems like a genuine effort to promote a healthy respect for one's self-image
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/08/17/woman-removes-clothes-piccadilly-circus-body-image_n_7997302.html?icid=maing-grid7|uk|dl7|sec3_lnk5%26pLid%3D373605

Chunky is back again, what can I say besides I clearly don't have the same experience you do. I have worked my butt literally off for the last year and a half.
WLS is harder work than losing weight the old fashioned way. You have to plan everything you put in your mouth for every meal, you must focus on nutrients to ensure you don't end up malnourished, you must ensure you take your Vitamins, get in enough Water and in many cases my decision impacts those around me. From the restaurants we choose to eat at to the groceries we buy.
WLS is the best thing I ever did for myself and my family but it certainly does not come easy at all.
I would hate to see someone new read this post and assume everything is easy.
And yes, I too am terrified of gaining it all back, so I focus every single day to make sure that never happens. It is the price I will pay to have my health back. I am 100% comfortable with my role in this journey.

It was my best investment ever as well. I even calculated my ROI (return on investment) and figured out that the money I saved on food costs would pay for my surgery expenses in about 3 1/2 years. After that, it's pure profit! There goes the BOOM! :-)

I had my surgery 5 days ago and it's the first time I've weighed myself since a week before the surgery and I've lost 13 pounds.
This was achieved in 3 weeks, is it a normal weight lose? How much did you loose?

Just curious if there is anyone in Montana that would like to start a group?

I've never been coaxed into bashing...but I will say, being on the other side there is definitely prejudice towards over weight people.
Even the more sympathetic critics will say something as, "Don't they know what they're doing to themselves??? Why don't they do something?"
Or..."Oh My God...did you see that?"
The more critical comments will be that they are lazy, weak, and have no self respect.
Myself, I do feel sad, knowing what they may be going through...(or not)

1-2lbs a week is normal. I know. I read all the stuff my doc sent and I went to all the meetings but tell that to my head who's screaming, " you just spent $9k on this surgery and you've barely lost 10lbs!" Lol.

Thanks for understanding! I just hate that I spent this money and as of right now I feel like I regret doing so because it really hasn't changed anything yet. I'm not swollen anymore so I'm starving and without a fill for another 2 weeks in worried I'll just stay the same or worse... Gain weight. I def can't eat as much as before but I feel like I'm starving a lot.