sunshine531

Hi everybody, It's been a few months since I last posted, but decided it was time to update. I've been reading all the posts ref portion size and I agree that quality out weighs quantity for sure. My Dr and nutritionist says, get that protein first, then your vegs, then the starches. I have had 3 fills now and feel that I am finally at my "sweet spot". I had my surgery May 21, 2008 and have now lost 44 lbs. It is coming off averaging 8-10 mth. Seems slow, but hey, I didn't put it on overnight either. All of you, keep up the good work. If this ole 64 year old can do this, I know ya'll can too.:wink2: Linda

As you will notice by the replys on here you will hear over and over how different the doctors are. I was put on clear liquids for 1 wk, then, creamed liquids for 2 wks, pureed for 2 wks then soft foods for the next 2. After that regular diet. The purpose of the liquid diet and soft diet is to give your stomach a chance to heal, and the swelling to go down. This gives the band the chance to bond or scar tissue to hold band in place. If you start eating normal diet or to large amts, the band may slip or you could stretch the small pouch which is now your "new" stomach. My dr never told me how much to eat after surgery. He said it was a time for healing, not losing, even tho you do lose some. You will be in what we call "Bandsters Hell" until you start getting your fills. But, be patient, drink that protein and try some creamed soups, cream of wheat with lots of milk, and you will be fine. I don't pretend to know it all, but I have asked the same questions as you and these folks on here are always willing to help. Good luck and keep us posted on how your doing. Linda

Hi Ladies, Welcome to Band Heaven. I was banded May 21st in Anniston, by Dr. Black. Really a good Dr. I have had two fills, and have lost 36 pounds at last count. I only weigh once a week now, because my weight varys on a daily basis. So, I weigh on Sundays and that is it. lol. I was on liquids for 2 wks, pureed for 2 wks then soft for 2 wks. Then on to reg diet. My nutiritionist and Dr both recommend eat protein first then your carbs. You are in what we call "Bandsters Hell" until u get your first fill. (Hungry all the time) But believe me, after you start getting the fills, you are great. Just have to fight the head hunger. I have a 14cc band and on my first fill I got 2.5cc. Four wks later got 2.cc. I go back to Dr on 3 Sep for next checkup. Dont know if I will get a fill then or not. I still have restriction from the last one. I am able to eat about 3-4 oz of hard protein, and 1/2to 1 cup veg and a small salad at a meal. Have cut out the carbonated drinks and most sugar. Just remember that this band is a tool and not a miracle and you all will do great. If you go to some of these other forums on this web site, you will get so much info, you'll feel like you get to know the people. Good luck to you all. And remember, if this ole 64 year old granny can do this thing, so can you. Linda

Timandi, havent seen you on here in sometime. Hope all is well and the weight is coming off. I go Aug 2 for my 2nd fill. Hope I get a good one. Have only lost 4 lbs since last fill. Linda

testing to see if my ticker is working also. lol sunshine

Thank you Doddie, this information really helps, and now I understand more. Again thank you

Hi Dodie, I was banded May 21, 2008. I take 7 pills in am (2 of them are large "avandmet and Hyzaar) others are aspirin, coreg, vitorin. The band size is 14 (AP Standard). I dont know what that means, but is what Dr told me when asked the size of band. He gave me a 2.5cc fill on Jun 2. Have had no problem swallowing, eating or digesting. Any suggestions?

Hi everyone, I was banded May 21, 2008 and have lost 27 lbs. Had one fill on Jul 2. (2.5cc) I feel very little restriction. In fact, I can take my and full of pills at one time with water, and I feel that my eating routine hasnt changed at all. For instance, last night for dinner, I consumed 1 cntry frid steak (about 4 oz), creamed potatoes, and veg were broccoli and cauliflower steamed and 1 slice of garlic toast. It is much less then I used to eat at a sitting, but is'nt it still alot for having the band. I quit eating when I started getting comfortable, but was wondering if this is normal, or do I need a fill? Help PLEASE!!!!!!!!! I am losing about 1/2 or 1 lb a week. Also last question, has anybody tried the Quacker Rice Snacks and are they okey on our meal plans? Thanks for listening and looking forward to replys.

Hi ladies. Dont give up. I was banded on May 21, 2008 and have lost 27 lbs.so far. It's slow, but steady. lol. It took me alot of years to put this weight on, so I know it's going to take awhile to get it off. Just keep the chin up and and know that there are many of us out here to cheer you on. Good luck to you both

Hi, glad to hear you lost somemore. Boy it is a small world isn't it. I moved to Hokes Bluff about 4 years ago. We will have to get together and give moral support to each other. I dont know how to send a private msg. Who knows, we may even know each other lol.

good luck with your DR appt. Also, I noticed your profile says you are from Hokes Bluff. Is that correct? Because, that's where I live also. Let me know how u make out at Dr. Lter

Hey, girl, dont feel depressed. Are u saying you have lost 7.5 lbs since your fill? If so, that is good. He doesnt want us to lose more than 2 lbs a week. At least thats what he told me. I am only losing a pound a week since my fill. I dont have any restriction either, but according to all the girls on the forums, that is normal, and will take 3-4 fills to start feeling it. So don't give up and keep me posted. Sounds like we need each other for moral support. lol. We will make it, but it is going to take some time. How much have u lost total? Just remember, eat your protein first, then your vegs and fruits, no water at meal time. Later!!!!!!

Hi timandi, just checking in to see how you are doing? I had my lapband done on May 21st and as of today had one fill (2.5cc) and have lost 25 lbs. losing a pound a week since my fill on the 2nd of July. I still have very little restriction but not giving up. Go back to Dr on 21st, hoping for another fill. Hope your doing well. I believe you and I both used Dr Black. I'm real happy with him.

Does anybody know if Tricare Prime Ins covers the fills that we need after initial surgery? It covered my surgery, but am wondering about my fills.

I'm getting ready for my first fill and am wondering what to expect after. At the present time, I feel I have no restriction and can eat anything and everything. Have lost 19 pounds in 4 weeks, but now am hungry most of the time. Not gaining but not losing either. Really using my will power to not gain. What should I expect after I get my fill?

Hi kamica, I believe everyones pain tolerence is different. But, I never took any pain medicine after the surgery. I did have to stay in hospital over nite because of insurance reasons, but I was up walking, talking etc the same day. Yes I was tired and used the time for some additional sleep, but not enough pain to even mentioning. The nurse would come in and ask pain level 1-10? I would have to tell her no more than a 2. Hope this helps. Good Luck

I was banded by Dr Black May 21st and doing well also. I will be going Jul 2 for myfirst fill. I have no restriction and can eat anything with no problem. I just really try to do as he said, and when I start feeling satisfied, I quit eating. I am eating solid food, no prob. swallowing etc. I know I need a fill because my quantity of intake is much more than it should be and I get hungry faster. I also am fr. Gadsden area. I had lost 14 lbs at my 1 week check up, but not losing now.

Hi everyone, boy do I feel better today. I got on the scales and lost 2 pounds. I guess the weight I was gaining was water weight. I hadn't been taking my water pills for 3-4 days as I didnt think I needed them. Guess I was wrong. I didn't realize flluid would put the weight on so fast. Anyway, I think I have learned my lesson, and thank ya'll for listening. Have a good day!

I used Dr Clifford Black for my LapBand on May 21, 2008. I love him. He is great. He tells u like it is, and expects u to follow thru. I believe u will be happy with him.

I am 3 weeks post op and I know just how you feel. I had lost 19 lbs the first 2 weeks, and this week have gained 4 lbs back. I know I am not eating as much as I was pre op, but I do believe I'm eating more than I should be. For breakfast I have no problem eating 2 slices of Pepperidge Farm extra thin whole wheat toast and a fried egg and black coffee. I'm really not satisfied but I don't allow myself anymore. For lunch I have been eating a Lean Cuisine, or Healthy Choice or South Beach Frozen Entree. Again, really not satisfied. Tonight, I ate 2 chicken thighs and 2 legs that were rotisserie. I hope this gets better after my fill. So I am down from 261 on May 21 to 246 today, Jun 12. I guess we just need to keep the faith and not give up.

I had my surgery on May 21st so have not had a fill as of yet. But I am hungry all the time. I am really trying to hang in there until my first fill, but boy is it hard. I found myself for dinner tonigh eating 2 chicken legs and thighs (rotissarie). I didnt eat any vegs or fruits, just felt I needed the protein. But i think I am eating to much to get satisfied. Is this normal because I havent had a fill yet? and will I want less after a fill? Help me please!!!!!!!:rolleyes2:

I forgot to say that I was banded by Dr Clifford Black in Anniston, AL. A great physician.

Hi, my name is Linda and have recently had the lapband surgery on May 21, 2008. I started out weighing in at 261 and my height is only 5/3". The surgery went well, with no complications. I did have to spend the night just because of insurance coverage. The first two weeks went really well, but now this past week, I'm struggling. I had lost down to 242lbs by the 1st of June, but am now gaining. This morning I am up to 246. Is this normal? I am watching what I eat, but I do feel that the quantity is more than I had expected I would be able to hold. I can handle a Lean Cuisine or Healty Choice entree with no problem. Is this normal? I hope someone out there can give me some insite, because right now I am really discouraged. Thanks for listening. Oh yes, my next appt with surgeon is not until July 2.