Jo Skinnie

Yes, it is true that you will have to work harder with a band that some other WLS, however, the benefits from the band will be so much greater in the long run! Not everyone takes a long time to get to restriction. I'm on my second fill and have lost 4.5 lbs in the past week. Will I always have restriction from this fill? Probably not since as you lose weight you also lose the fat pad from around your stomach. The nice thing about the band is that you can have it adjusted as needed - like a belt getting loose as you lose weight, then you get it tightened. I'm also very excited about the prospects of maintaining my weight loss with the band. Remember that the band general sees a 1-2 lbs loss per week, which is a healthy, normal loss. If you go into this believing that it is a lifelong tool, you'll do much better than if you expect a huge loss overnight like with other WLS. The band works with restrict while other WLS also have malabsorbtion as a key to their quick losses, which can lead to other problems later on. Not always, but it is a risk those folks face. During the first 6 wks after your band surgery, concentrate on healing. There will be plenty of time to lose the weight after that. Good luck with your surgery!

My surgeon told me that on average, it takes 4-6 fills to reach your sweet spot. I know bandsters that have actually had more than that. It's frustrating, but remember we're in this for the long haul. It's also what's known as Bandster Hell - the time between surgery and getting restriction. Be patient. In time your band will do its part. In the meantime, keep following the rules. Good luck!

Oh wow that's fantastic news! I'm so happy for you!

Wow, what a pic! Thanks for sharing with us. Sounds like you are doing great!

No I haven't had what you described. I do know that as we lose weight, the port moves. Maybe your abdominal muscles are reacting? Could you give your dr a call? Maybe he has some advice for you.

I know that when I was doing research pre-op I read that the average number of fills before hitting the sweet spot is 6-7. Everyone is different. Try not to compare yourself. Keep following the program your doctor gave you and give yourself time. Remember that the band should have a loss of 1-2 lbs/week. It does go slower, but it's still worth it in my eyes. Good luck!

I guess I missed my one month anniversary post! Things are going well so far. I'm down 30 lbs total. My first fill is next week! Congrats to everyone for doing so well!

I'm so sorry to hear about your wife. My prayers are with you and your family. Thank you so much for taking time to share her story with us. Hopefully, you have helped someone else from the same tragedy. That is a wonderful thing for you to do.

Wow, that's just crazy! I'm sorry you had to go through all the fill just because he didn't do his job properly. Sounds like the 2nd time around is going much better for you. Keep us posted! I get my first fill on the 28th. Thanks for the reminder on what to expect.

I was told by my pharmacist that it could take up to a year for the scars to really fade away. Keep that in mind so you don't get to discouraged when you look at them! I also use Vit E oil. I like it better than Mederma because it's a moisterizer that I can use anywhere on my skin, not just on scars!

Wow, I'm so sorry you went through that! I'm glad to hear you are doing better now. Hopefully this will be the most drama you have for a very long time!

I agree that you might not be eating enough or not enough of the right stuff. Remember to get your protein in! Could you call your nut or dr and talk to them about it?

It took forever to wake up. I don't remember the recovery room at all. I guess my husband and the surgeon were talking to me! I do remember trying to keep my eyes open and not being able to. That was about 3-4 hrs after surgery. Other than that, I actually felt pretty good. I guess the pain meds were working very well on me! Good luck on the 15th!

Way to go! Keep doing whatever it is that you are doing!

I can't feel my port yet. Although, my surgeon did tell me it's about an inch or two below the incision. The incision does feel like a lump. I hope it doesn't develop that much scar tissue!