Sugarbear

Hi Cindy. I am not sure what your doc has you do when you get a fill. But I have to go on liquids for 24 hours, then mushies for 24 hours. You really don't feel restriction with liquids. Some, they say, could take up to two weeks to feel some. Personally, I felt little to none. A lot depends on the size band you have, and of course how much was put in it. Everyones stomach isn't the same size, so the amount of restriction is different for everyone. I have seen some lose without a fill, some no more than two. Then again some take several to find their "sweet spot." Hang in there and give it a little more time. If you still have doubts call your doc and discuss it. They may have some pointers they didn't tell you on how to work with the band. My doc tries to be very careful about amounts that goes in the band as not to over do. I hear that is miserable. Hang in there. Josiebies, glad you are on the mend. That must have been horrible! Feeling that way only after surgery and not before, I would have thought it was something to do with the surgery too. Well, I guess it is related to the band if it is caused by the Pbing. Have you been doing that often? Glad things are better. Here if you "lose" your DL they have you to pay $5 and make you another one. Sue, you must be an angel to have to be cooking like that not so long after you surgery! Let Grandma do some cooking, whew! What about eating out? I know that is a big crew to have to take out. If I were there I'd bring you a few dishes, like cassaroles and such that I have in the freezer for emergencies and lazy days that I don't want to cook. Take care.

I had my first fill 4/5. Went smooth. I have to wait at least 6 weeks before another one. That is the way my doc does it.

Hello April. You are being way to hard on yourself. This journey is not an overnight one. We didn't get our weight, attitude about ourselves or food overnight. This will take time. I am at astalling period on my journey. I was banded 3/7. You are a busy person and you are going through a lot of emotions right now at home, let alone your stressful job. The band is not designed to restrict liquids for a length of time. You will probably see some difference in a week when you go to solids. Take it slow and easy. Also you mentioned having a 4cm band. That is the smaller one. I have read many post that say they have more restriction and sooner, than those of us that have larger bands, like myself. Just try and stick to the rules of the band, there is a pay day down the road if you do. As hard as you work and as devoted a mom as you are you certainly deserve one. I am impatient too. My support system here and on another thread is what keeps me going, especially now. Some take several fills to get to their "sweet spot." Some, hardly any. We are all different. It might help for you to prepare your dinner ahead of time or in the a.m. so when you come home so mentally and emotionally exhausted you won't have to make those decisions. Just heat and eat. Try to take care of your band and it will serve you better later. Give yourself some time. Take care.

Just get some long shorts, that are stretchy (that have some spandex included in the fabric) A tank top or long T-shirt, march right in that water and exercise away. It is less stressfull on joints etc. We are all embarrassed about our size or something. But you might be surprised at the encouragement and respect that might be shown to you because you have the courage to get in there and work to help yourself. We are all on a journey to better ourselves in one way or another. I know this is hard but if we don't take control and help ourself, no one else can do it for us. So treat yourself to the arobics, you deserve it. Take care.

Bandstar, do not give up now, you have been through too much. Making the decision to have the surgery, the pre-op, the post-op, the liquids, the mushies, and your weight loss. Don't throw that away, especially over one set back. I am sorry you had to go through that, you should not have had to. Eventually you will learn all the ins and outs of what has to be done. We are all still learning. I am having no weight loss at this time, and I'm pretty frustrated too, but I have a few that are encouraging me and it really helps, Just get back on track, today is a new day, just move forward, don't look back. You can do this, and you are worth it. Keep us posted. Get right back on the band-wagon and and keep on riding. I am trying to hang in for the 21st of May, that's when I get another (my second) fill. We have to MAKE this work, and we WILL!!!!

Hello Gail. I had my surgery the same day you did, 3/7. Haven't lost hardly anything since surgery, only 6 pounds. Had my first fill 4/5. Thought I could feel something at first but then nothing. I haven't lost a pound since my fill. I am hoping the 2nd fill will be better. I have talked with a couple in the same boat. I have lost about 24 pounds but a lot of that was pre op diet. Sorry about the fill experience you had. My surgeon did mine and other that the sting of the numbing shot I didn't feel a thing. I have a 10cm band. I am looking forward to the next fill. How much have you lost since your first fill? I got mine earlier than you did which was a surprise to me. It is usually 6 weeks, I got mine at 4 wks. (from surgery date) I am having trouble with portion control right now. Which has always been a problem. Glad to hear you are doing well.

Alma2bfree, just curious, did they have you eat and drink before you left the office? When was your surgery? I have only had one fill. I have no restriction at this time. I have a 10cm band. I have heard that sometimes they have to unfill a small amount. How has your weight loss been going otherwise? I am kinda new at this, hope you don't mind the questions.

Ravenheart. OMGosh!!!!! That is a huge weight loss. Hurray for you! I know you must be ecstatic!!! I haven't posted here in a long time. I am actually a March Bandster but lurked around her a lot before surgery. Just thought I would come back and see how everyone is doing. Sounds like you got it goin on!! Wish I could say the same. Good luck and congrats.

Josiebies, the first few weeks are touch and go sometimes. Even on mushies, if too thick they will hang up so to speak. I had to stay on liquids for the first two weeks, then thin, to creamy mushies for another two weeks. Doctors post op diets are different. Just like some take longer to heal and some can eat one thing that another can't tolerate. My doc want to take it light and easy on the pouch the first month. I have chatted with a few that say they always start out with something hot or very warm to warm up and relax the esophagus and the band. If that returns, try that and see if that helps. By the way did your doctor say anything about it?

Kyethra, sorry you have been so sick. I lost my gall bladder after a fast weight loss of about 60 lbs. one time several years back. But I developed stones in mine. Seems like if you started getting sick before you lost too much weight it may not be the weight loss that triggered it. But, maybe so. I am just glad you found out what was ailing you and you are getting it taken care of. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon. I don't want to be sick but I sure wish I had your weight loss! Take care and get well soon.

Josiebies, You have lost nearly 40 lbs in less than three weeks. I was loking at your weight and current weight. What size band and have you had any fill. I know some docs put some in at surgery. Sounds like you are really tight or maybe a lot of swelling. I would say call the doc, but I see you have already been to see him. You shouldn't have trouble getting sood down. Of course you are probably on mushies, right? I had to do liquids for two weeks and then mushies a couple of weeks.Week 5 before I could go to solids. I think I would go back, maybe they will take a look with the flouroscope. Most of us ar too loose at that point and wanting a fill.

Momlambert, just wondering how things are with your dad. I know that must be hard. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. Please don't forget to take care of yourself through all of this. You have to take care now for the long term success. I hope you dad is doing as well as he can for the situation he is in. You know we are all here for you. I have lost both of my parents, I think I know a little bit of what you are going through. Take care.

Usually my doc gives the first fill at about 6 weeks. I got mine at four for some reason. Small amount. She will not do another before another six weeks. Never heard of 90 days. Maybe it is your insurance.

Ihave to wait 6 weeks inbetween fills. Just the rules of my doc. I would really like to get one sooner too. I had one two weeks ago today. I have the medium size band, 10cm. I think I got 1.7cc's fill. I don't have any restriction at this time. I hope the next one works better. Congrats Tammy on your fill. I think you will be happy with the smaller band. I think you will be more successful achieving your "sweet spot" in a shorter period of time than those of us with a larger band. I love your look with the shorter hair. It looks so cute on you I don't think I would let it grow out. It is so "chic." Maybe I will do something drastic when I lose some serious weight. Tracy, it won't be long now. You don't look very heavy in your picture. My face shows every ounce of my weight. I just know you will do well. Sounds like the pre-op diet is going well. Hang in there!

TAMMY, YOU LOOK GRRRREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck tomorrow, and keep up the good work and attitude. It really helps those of us that success is slower in comming.

Purplemonkey, Momlambert, Hurrah!!!! for both of you!!!!!!! Those losses are fantantastic!! Purplemonkey, 43lbs after surgery, less than a month! Wow!! I think that is the greatest loss I have seen in that short of period of time. I have lost little since surgery, Mar. 7th. About 6 lbs since surgery, the rest about 18 was pre-op diet. I guess I am going to be a member of the slow losers club. I have even gotten a fill about 2 weeks ago. No restriction, and I too can eat anything. I am going to call and try to get another fill as soon as they will let me. I am really excited for both of you. I just have to hang in there till I get the proper restriction. I am going to try to get with an exercise program this week. Maybe that will help.

There is Benefiber, and a few other products like it. It is tasteless. So you can put it in food, or drink, without even tasting it. I sometimes mix it my hot cereal, or a bottled water with Crystal Light, that is a sugar free drink. You may have that there. You use it every day and it adds fiber to your diet, which helps without having to take a laxative. I haven't had problems with any pills yet, but at first I crushed them and put in applesauce. It was rather bitter but I managed. I decided it wad easier to cut it small and take them. Of course I don't have any restriction. Only had one fill and can't tell it. It may be a different story if I ever get restriction, which I am hoping for next fill.

Hello Dreamer. You are right about the 35 pounds, be proud of those that are gone forever. What I don't understand though if you are so tight it looks like you would have lost more. I am still relatively new at this. I have gotton my first fill but to my dismay I feel little to no restriction. I am hoping for better results with my next one. I have read that sometimes you have to go back and re-evaluate the rules of the band, and how we are supposed to be eating and of course "what we eat." I am finding myself having to do that already. I am about 6 weeks out from surgery with little weight loss. I am just hoping I haven't stretched my pouch. Do you worry about that? They say you can hold so much more when it is dialated. My greatest loss was on my pre-op diet. I am hoping things get better with another fill. How many have you had. I have a 10cm band, one fill, that I think was 1.7ccs.

Hello all. I got my first fill a week and a half ago. I thought I could feel some restriction at first but after a few days nothing. Several have told me their first fill was about the same experience. Then again some have gotten restriction and held on to it. I have a 10cm band. My dr. only puts in a small amount at a time. My next fill is was scheduled 6 weeks from the last, but I am going to call to see if I can get it any earlier. I think 4 weeks is the earliest I can get it. I am just hoping I haven't stretched my pouch. I am not gaining but I am not losing either. I am trying not to overeat but it is so hard. What little will power I have is helping me back off. Of course if I had a strong will power I wouldn't be in this baot in the first place would I? When I went for my fill, I had to lay back on the table with a pillow in the small of my back, she felt for the port, put she needle in and in went the saline. It was pretty quick. Oh, I did get a numbing shot first. I was kinda nervous about it but I won't be for the next one. Of course that is how my doctor did it. Some I have read, do it differently. I go to Precision Surgery in Texarkana. Good luck to all of you on your journey.

Good for you Neveragain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!

Hello March Bandsters. I am 5 weeks out today. I got my first fill last Wed. I thought at first I might feel a little restriction, but have decided now that I do not. I am scheduled for 2nd fill in 6 weeks, well 5 now. But I think I will call my dr. and talk to them about it. I know I am eating too much food, and I am hungry too often. We are going on vacation the first week of May and I think I would like to have restriction to help me from overeating. I certainly don't want to gain while I'm gone. I went to Texarkana for a support meeting Mon. night. There were two people that got pins for losing 100 lbs. That was encourageing. I think I am going to be a member of the "slow loser club." The best I lost was on the pre-op diet. I hope things pick up when I get another fill. How do you insert images as you are typing a message? Haven't figured that out.

I think you can set your computer to write for you in English. Someonr that is computer smart can tell you where to set the language, I believe incomming or out going.

I have never see any one in the chat room either, and I have checked so many times. I never go there anymore. It would be nice to chat with members in real time.

Let me know if you set a chat time I would join in.

After banding, I had to stay on liquids only for two weeks. If it was a cream soup it could not contain anything in it, if so it had to be strained, otherwise I could have broth, fat free or skim milk, 4 oz of juice per day, and of course protien drinks, like slimfast ect. That's it for two weeks. No weight in the pouch so it can heal in place, and stay stitched. My doctor doesn't put any fluid in the band to start with. The only restriction I might have had would have been from swelling and only for about two weeks. The next week hot thinned cereal, pudding applesauce and very soft moist scrambled eggs, yogurt, everything had to be like puree texture. Next, week 4 soft veggies ect, mushies. weeks 5 before I can slowly transition to solids. Oh, no more than 1/2 cup of food combined at any meal. If you think you have stretched your pouch, go back to liquids and it will usually go back to size. I have read other posts where they had to do that. Hope this helps. All docs are different.