bubbles098

Hi Heidib! I've had the band since January and the hardest part for me to explain to my friends and family is that it's not so much that i feel "full", it's just that I'm not hungry any more (which is probabily what "full" really feels like, but over eating is how I got into this mess). Eating slower and chewing well takes time and I often get tired of eating and just stop. I've never felt the "full" feeling like I used to when I ate as much in a meal as I do now in a day. I follow all of the rules (like chewing) and have never gotten anything stuck (thank goodness). I do notice that when I am very strict on the working out I lose more. Other than that, the only thing I wish I knew going in was that the pre-op and post-op liquid diet gets old fast, and losing weight with the band takes time. I actually gained weight right after the surgery and have FINALLY come to realize that the body has reasons for what it does and in my case, it loves to hold on to Water. Oh -and the other thing that helps me explain the band to friends/family is that I feel like it just helps keep me full longer. If I don't drink while I eat (and push the food down), I can go several hours without even thinking about food. New lifestyle completely. Wouldn't change it for the world. GOOD LUCK!

No regrets! It is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I feel great and am starting to look great. As for negative side effects, I've followed all of the rules and luckily have never gotten anything "stuck". Fills (which I was most worried about) are a breeze. Truthfully, the most negative thing I can say about my experience has been putting up with the insurance company. Everyone has different problems with it, but I can say that I've been very fortunate and am VERY happy with the results. GOOD LUCK!

Has anyone had their first fill without a floroscope? I'm a little nervous that they are essentially going to be "fishing" around to find my port. Am I just worried for nothing? Thanks!

And Congrats on the loss!! How did you lose so much so quickly!!

I don't think I can feel it. I'm not even sure where it is. My doctor said he wanted to put it right in front of my chest and not on the side because it had less excess skin. my largest scar is right in the front of m chest, do you think that's where it is? I hope they know!! :thumbdown:

I'm 7 days post-op (surgery on 1/23/08) and I'm still on the "full liquid" diet of apple sauce, protein shakes and soup. I've followed it to the T! If anything, I think I might be getting too few calories. Only in the past day or so have I tried to increase my diet to over 300 calories. The first week I lost 7 lbs but my scale now says that I have gained 2 pounds. Is this possible? Am I eating too few calories? Can I gain weight still eating 600-700 cals? It's a bit discouraging. Please help!

CONGRATS to you all!! I just had my band 3 weeks ago tomorrow. It is very exciting! Read around this sites. In my short 3 weeks I have learned so much about my expectations and reality. If I could offer any advice (what limited amount I have to offer) PLEASE do NOT get discouraged if something weird happens (like you gain weight eating only 300 calories a day). It happens and I guarantee there are 400 posts up here about people experiencing the same things you all might encounter. Just remember that after the swelling goes down your band is not filled and truly doens't "work" until it is about 6 weeks post-op. Don't give up or think you should be losing more. Everyone's body is different. The band is so worth it! It is hard work, but it will happen. Good Luck, and keep reading!

Hang in there Jeni! You know you can do this. We are all in the same boat when it comes to problems with food, so even though you had something you might not have wanted, its done and over. Focus on recovery and take care of yourself. Once we get through the hard time between our surgery and first fill it will all be worth it. I know this. My father had the band 4 years ago and lost 160 lbs. He is my inspiration. We can all be yours! You are not in this alone. Take care and good luck!

You are not alone my friend. I am almost 3 weeks post-op and everything all of the people on these message boards says is true. Any restriction you feel is because you are swollen inside. By now, I fell almost no restriction. I figured this out the first time I could down a protein shake at a normal pace. Really try to eat 60-80 grams of protein and you shouldn't feel too hungry. Unfortunately, I think this is just the process until you get your first fill...which can't come soon enough!! Hang in there. I posted a thread the other day because I actually gained weight eating 300 calories a day! It happens, read around, this site is amazing and really makes you feel like you are not alone. Good luck!

Thanks everyone! All of your comments really helped and made me feel much better. So I have to report, I've really increased the water and tried as hard as I could to increase the calories and I lost about half a pound yesterday. Must have been the salt. Thanks again!

WOW! You had your surgery 2 days before me and I haven't even started thinking about exercising. Your body must be holding on to every last thing you put into it with the extra activity. Do you ever watch the biggest loser? Last week one of the men gained 3lbs because he tried to eat less to lose more. With their crazy exercise routine, he retained everything. I spoke to my father and he told me just to think this time before you get your first fill like you were on any other diet. Water, good food, exercise, etc. and it will come off. I'm going to try to look big picture and regardless of what the scale says, I know I'm making healthier decisions (not really a choice with all liquids!). 6 months from now we will laugh at this discussion. :smile: Hang in there!!

Isn't that crazy?!?! I lost more on Weight Watchers too! I've been reading around the blogs and everyone says the band doesn't really work until it is filled, but it is insane to think that someone so overweight can take in 400 calories and GAIN weight? Don't get too discouraged. I still have hope (My father had the lap-band 4 years ago and has lost 160 lbs!) I know I probabily shouldn't weigh myself every day, but it's hard not to. Do you think our bodies are just in starvation mode and holding onto everyrhing?