Magikelly

I was banded March 28th with a 10cc band which is now half full. I've lost 64 pounds thus far and my doctor wouldn't give me another fill as per scheduled last month. He said I was doing too well. But now it's been near 4 weeks and I don't feel much restriction nor have I lost any weight despite upping my work out routine (prolly gaining muscle) So I begged for my third fill and have an appt in 6 days for it. YAY!!! My scars are fading, my back doesn't hurt anymore, my blood sugar is almost always normal, I am sleeping much better and have twice as much energy. All of that is just making me want to get the rest of the weight off (still have 160 more to go) Every day I am happier that I got this procedure done. It get's easier and easier everyday as old habits fall by the wayside replaced by new found patience, good new habits and success. Never give up.

Hi Erik, Our situation seems to be almost identical!! I was banded March 28th after months and months of waiting and testing etc. I was stuck in ICU afterwards due to low oxygen levels but was release after 3 days and off pain killers by day 5. At first I followed all the rules very strictly for fear of getting sick or reoperation. But by the time I got to "pureed" foods I realized I was able to eat a bit more than the 1/4 to 1/2 cup they suggested without a problem. I had lost 23 pounds by then so I stuck to the food choices but my portion size was once again an issue. It's now end of week 4 and somehow I've lost 29 pounds despite all of this but I am struggling to not run out an get my much craved Applebees cheesburger. I laughed with tears in my eyes when I read Now with no real restriction and all the swelling down it's like a 10 lane freeway saying "hey food - come on down!". It's EXACTLY how it is!! I did investigate though and found out that my band is not tight *duh* I should have known but I was never told this upon leaving the hospital. For awhile I thought the band had slipped or failed, I even thought maybe the band was never placed in there (in my more desperate paranoid moments) Like you I cannot wait for my first fill and I pray that the first one will be perfectly tight enough. I hope the same for you. I bet in a month we will laugh about this as we are losing all the weight we are supposed to lose with help from our new friend!! Much luck. Write me anytime. Denise

Hello all! Denise from Millville, NJ here and this is my story. I decided to have the surgery August of last year while sitting in a hospital bed. I was admitted for an SVT attack (so scary) and it was discovered that I was also dangerously anemic. Add that to my Type II diabetes, cellulitis and horrible back pain it was obvious I was in need of a huge change or face certain disability or death in a few years. I started the ball rolling once I was discharged and after 4 months of my surgeon's office working to get me approved I was ready to go (Yay for Dr.Iqbal's office in Bridgeton!!) Next came 2 months of pre-op testing, a reschedule (to get clearance from my cardiologist) and many emotional ups and downs. My surgeon suggested I get the gastric bypass instead of the band because of the high amount of weight I needed to lose but I saw what my sister in law went through and knew it was too drastic for me. Finally, after forever I was cleared for a March 28th surgery. I can say now it was well worth the wait. And I know that all of the testing and the delay was only to keep me safe and healthy. I can't say enough great things about Dr. Attia. His care and attention has been wonderful. My surgery went well outside of my oxygen levels. I was kept for observation in the ICU for 2 days but I felt pretty good. I was up and walking the day after. I wasn't hungry. And I was only in a small bit of pain at the incisions site. At home I didn't need much help at all and was off all pain meds by the Tuesday following. In the next 10 days I lost 23 pounds and at Day 11 my doctor gave me the all clear to advance to stage 2, to drive and to exercise. Stage 1 (clear liquids) was not easy but the 3-4 pound weight loss a day made it VERY tolerable. I have stuck to "the plan" to the letter and feel quite in control of my body at last. The weight loss has slowed down considerably but I haven't had my first fill yet. My biggest tip to date is to be sure to get your Water (crystal light white grape makes it that much more fun to drink). Just when I think that all of my questions have been asked and answered I come up with another one. That is what has led me here and I am beyond thrilled to have found a place outside my surgeon's office to meet and chat with others in the same boat. Anyone please feel free to respond, email or IM me!! Together we can achieve our mutual goal!!!:biggrin::thumbup::biggrin: