trayrenee

Yup! I was banded with no fill. My surgeon says he likes to take it nice and slow in the beginning to make healing go smooth. I felt restriction for the first week or two after surgery but after that I was fairly hungry. My surgeon's advice, don't expect to loose, but try not to gain. Once you get a fill you'll slowly start to feel the difference. I'm 8 most post-surgery and just had my 4th fill yesterday -- as you can see I've steadly lost weight, but I'm finally feel true restriction. Don't worry. It will come.

My doctor was very clear about both my pro-op and post-op diet. He had handouts and dos and don'ts. But as you will see if you look around the board many different surgeons, many different eating plans. One of the things my surgeon said is he likes for people to go on preop diets so their system and mind is not in complete shock when they have to have only clear liquids after surgery. What does the nutritionist on staff w/your surgeon say? How about plans post-op?

Question here -- never had any problems w/acid reflux, ulcers, heartburn (are they the same) before my band. Had two fills. Still going strong. After my third fill about a month ago, I seem to be getting what I think is acid reflux about twice a week, maybe 3 times. I'm not vomiting. Things are not getting stuck (though occasionally they go down a little rough). No PBing. So what is this all about? I will admit I am under a huge amount of stress. My husband has been laid off for the 3rd time in 5 years. Could this cause it? I'm going to see my doc next week. I'm worried he'll unfill me a little -- but I still feel like I could use more restriction. Has anyone had any similar situations?

Wow! Denny-C. 101lbs in 5 months (we had surgery the same day). I'm amazed and offer you a super congrats. So help some of us out ... what are your secrets. You must feel great.

Well it's 5 months since most of us Nov 08 bandsters have had surgery. I decided to check in and see how everyone is doing. I've stalled out ... but it's my own fault not the band. I'm still trying to get my head around night time snacking and adhere to bandster size portions. But I've had some success and I'm not giving up. To jumpstart myself -- I just ordered the Beck Diet Solution Workbook. And I need to make sure if nothing else I write everything down -- on good days and especially on bad. But even when I feel out of control I feel way more in control then I ever have with food. And even when I wander off the path a little -- I feel like getting back on is so much easier. The comfort of sort of having it together is the best thing about the band. That and buying a tshirt from Target the other day that not only was in the non plus size department but didn't have an "X" in front of the "Large". I will say I do miss pizza though. Way more than I ever thought I would. So how is everyone doing? Good. Bad. And a little mix in between?

So I thought I found the perfect lunchtime meal. Delicious, cheap, low cal and easy: miso Soup with sauteed greens and tofu or grilled cod. However, I have now eaten this every day for over a month. I'm so tired of it. So what is everyone else eating? I'm not a vegetarian, but I'm not a huge meat loving person. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I too had a huge bruise by my left hip! I mean huge -- like the size of a baking potato. My husband and I spent lots of time laughing and wondering "What on earth did they do to me during surgery." It's gone now though.:shades_smile:

I drove 3 days after surgery. It really depends on how you feel. I was banded on a Wednesday and back to work on a Monday so I felt pretty good pretty soon.

I can relate, sort of. While I have not gained any weight back - I have come to a complete stop. In an attempt to get ready for my fill and not gain any back, I am sticking to the 3 meals, 3 small Snacks a day suggested by my dietician. And journaling every calorie on FitDay.com and working hard to stay under 1000 calories. I have found on the days where I'm being honest, writing everything down and staying high on the Protein I'm actually not hungry. And the one or two times I've felt like I could get out of control I go back to liquids. In my mind I'm taking it like I really can't eat. I'm doing all the small plate, 1/2 cup of food at a time stuff. My friend who was banded in April and has lost 65lbs -- says that this is the time to really kick up the exercise as that can really help. I am told once we are filled things will be different. Good Luck.

Does your surgeon work w/a nutritionist that you can call? My place has 2 on staff and I can call or email them w/these sorts of questions any time I want. Also there is a cookbook out "Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery" that has really wonderful realistic recipes. I think you need to start following some level of diet modification. Sit down, put some nice music on, and list what you are going to eat for the next week. I know that sounds a little over organized but doing that when your head is clear is great b/c it gives you a path for one week. And you can always change it if you don't want to eat something that night. I agree with the rest of the posters about fills etc. I'm am still in the beginning of all this - but I really think in my mind that this is the tool that will make the diet and exercise work and stick. I'm sorry you do not feel comfortable putting your weight down. As you can see there are people of all shapes and sizes on this board and we are a super friendly bunch. I don't think I've ever come across a mean nasty post once. We really do all try to stick together even if we will never meet one another. We are at different mile markers but we are all on the same path and we can all relate. Listing your weight and fills does help people help you. I hope you work this out. Keep the board posted and let us know how you are doing. There is a lot of help out there so don't give up.

Thanks everyone. I'm really trying to stay true to my 1000 calories and starting real exercise (beyond walking when it's not cold out ... and seeing I live in Missouri -- I'd say that's been twice since I got surgery.) My TOM was a little slow to get here this month (I'm told that's normal) so I'm thinking 1 extra week of Water weight could help that one up one down funny business.

Yup. I agree w/the above. I'm 24 days out of surgery and just this week I was able to start sleeping w/out a side pillow. And just last night I was able to lay on my stomach (though I did put a pillow under there) to read a magazine. You will be amazed at how quickly you feel better that first month.

I had surgery on Nov. 19th at St. Alexus in STL w/Dr. Richardson. So far, so good. Everyone has been super nice and helpful. They have 2 dieticians on staff that you can call or email during the week. The program has multiple support groups and educational classes. I picked this doctor more for the program, and the fact that he's a mile from my house and across the street from my work. But I feel completely secure in his abilities too. If you have any questions no matter how small - private message me on this site and I will be more than happy to go over stuff with you. Good luck!