Scott F

I was pretty much without hunger during the four months after banding. However, recently my hunger has returned. My nurse says hunger between meals is a sign of needing another fill, and that if I can go a month without PBing she'll give me that fill.

I got down to 165 # on phen/fen eight years ago and would love to get back to that weight. But I'd be pretty happy at 180-190 also.

Since reaching restriction three months ago I've not been hungry. Anyone know how/why this works? You long-time banders - how long does this last?

I've previously thought of myself as a quick learner, but not so with the band. I've been restricted for about ten weeks and still, once or twice a week I: Eat fast, then PB Eat rice, fries or bread, then PB Eat something, then drink, then PB Eat in the morning, then PB Drink something cold, then eat, then PB The band is a great teacher. I need to be a better learner.

On the day following surgery I was able to work half-day, and worked full days after that. I have an office job.

I agree 100% with Iulizbug. Forget about losing weight - just heal. When you get your 1st, 2nd or 3rd fill you will be restricted and the weight will start coming off again. I lost 15 pounds right after surgery, then nothing until my first fill. Now the weight is coming off steadily. Of course more exercise will probably be really good for you, but for me exercise doesn't lead directly to weight loss.

I have a little less to lose, but can certainly identify with how you're feeling. I wonder if you are still recovering from the disc and burn problems? It is amazing how long it takes to fully recover from serious injuries. I broke a femur 18 months ago and a tib/fib 30 months ago. I gained a lot of weight because of these. It is only in the last month that I have felt 100% recovered, and these injuries were much less severe than yours. Between the weight you will lose with LapBand and a few more months recovery you are going to be much improved. On the other hand, have you been tested for sleep apnea? Sleep apnea makes one feel tired all the time, and it is easily remedied.

Another reason not to drink following meals... When I am properly restricted my little pouch fills with food, then I drink, then I PB. There is no time to turn anything to slurry.

Saturday I bought a big, heavy tool chest at HomeDepot and was carrying it to my van. My pants began to slip over my hips, but I was pretty close, so I kept going. Pants were down to my knees by the time I got to the van.

I'll add myself to the group having frequent PBing. I seem to have the proper restriction. I just haven't learned to eat tiny bites, eat slowly, avoid certain foods. The PBing is a good teacher, though.

I look for a PCP who has at least as many health problems as I have.

Derbygirl, I'm a big believer in getting the fill right. I had my second fill three weeks ago and it seems just about right. My surgery package includes the fills for the first year. I expected to see a correlation between the number of fills a person gets and the amount of weight lost, but this did not show up with the people who responded to this survey. Maybe the people who just get a couple of fills during the first year do not get more because they are just right after two?

Scott F, Dr. Hansen, Sandy, UT -22 total, -0 pre-op, Feb 20, fills 4/5 1.5cc, 5/5 1.6cc

My sister had stomach bypass surgery 20 years ago. No doubt it saved her life. But recently she was diagnosed with a severe Iron deficiency and was told she has been having a series of mini-strokes that are somehow related to a vitamin/mineral deficiency. She says she was never told of potential problems from the malabsorbtion, but it occurs to me that as an RN she should have stayed better informed herself. This reminds me that over the next 20-40 years I need to keep up on what my lapband may be doing to me. Also, I have a venacava (spelling?) tulip filter that has not been tested long term and could cause problems. Perhaps a couple of Google searches every few years would be in order?

This seems to vary greatly. I was fortunate to be able to work a half day the day after surgery and full days after that. However, I work in an office.