2muchfun

So, why is he not giving you a fill? tmf

I'm sorry to keep quoting B-52 but here I go again: Until their's restriction, it's just another diet. Sorry, but it's true. I've never been where you are and don't want to go there. I would hope that I've learned much from the last 7 months of losing weight but I know it's hard to let go of past bad habits. You're on your own as they say! tmf

If you click on his name in your profile, you can see that he has 9 patients who are members here. Click on their screen names and send them a personal message. Otherwise they may never see your topic? tmf

The complication forums are under forums someplace? Yes, many have had complications. More have not. Just be aware that most bandsters never come here to post on this forum. Some bandsters have legitimate reasons to complain about their band but mostly I've seen that the majority of complaints come from people who could not follow the guidelines. And the guidelines are fairly easy. But remember, we're all fat or X-fat for a reason. We like to eat don't we? "Does it help u not over eat like it says it does" I believe you're asking if the band will stop you from eating toomuch? Actually no. That will still be up to you. If you follow the rules, the band helps you to feel satiated(full, satisfied) much sooner. There are some who eat around the band. That means that there are some foods that pass through the band just as they did in your stomach prior to banding. Ice cream, Soups, chips, quacamole, shakes, hamburger helper type meals, many italian dishes and anything loaded with sauce. You can ramp up the band so that very little food can pass through the band. This is toomuch restriction for most and is not advised. Don't expect instant results. It may take several months to get to the point where you are losing weight. And with the band it's slower. Maybe 3-6 lbs a month avg. My BMI was around 37 and I too was an overeater. I always wanted to feel like I've eaten a Thanksgiving dinner. I ate the wrong foods but I never really binged. I wasn't hung up on cola's, candy, cake. I just always ate toomuch. I love my band. But I went into this with rose colored glasses and I see so many others do the same. They post here every day. Keep reading and asking questions. tmf

Welcome aboard bandette. Look forward to hearing more from you. Remember to obey your doctor! tmf

Welcome aboard. I'm sure we'll be hearing more from you. Remember to obey your doctor! tmf

Many bandsters stress over how many CCs are in their band. It's a moot point. Every doctor is different, every patient is different. Your stomach shape and the thickness of your stomach wall is special to only you. Where the band is placed can have an effect on how many CCs it takes to get to restriction. The shape and thickness of your upper stomach effects the same. So, two people can be the same height and weight but their stomachs will differ. The band size will differ. Where the band is placed will differ. I have no idea how many CCs are in my band and neither does my doctor. All I care about is do I have enough restriction to help me reach satiety before I eat toomuch food? tmf

Coco is right. It sounds like you're not making good food choices. You should be eating normal foods by now and not relying on shakes. Shakes are slider foods. Are you eating other slider foods? Now is when you should be educating yourself to what band friendly foods you can eat. As far as exercising goes, no one but you can get your butt up off the couch to workout. How bad do you want to be thin? tmf

Do you watch Big Bang Theory? Here's a song from the BBT that Sheldon's mom would sing to him and rub his tummy when he was sick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKLlb3Yc-Us tmf

This is why I avoid public restrooms for #2 duty. tmf

LOL...My doc had an old family doctor in with me on my 4th fill. My doc was training him to do fill-in fills for him while he was away. Made me nervous but when I went back for fill #5 and #6 the family doctor was no where to be found. I was relieved. I know I'd be a little more than nervous had I been you. tmf

That yogurt stuff Jamie Lee Jones pushes is high in fiber. There are also other altenatives such as metamucil and some other natural fiber additives. But if it's food you seek, you should be close to eating any type of steamed/nuked vegetable available? Broccoli, carrots, aparagus, celery. Mix some bran flakes or grape nuts with some yogurt and let it soak for a few minutes. Cooked spinach might be acceptable too? You're going to experiment with foods anyway. I know there are many here who cannot eat salads of any kind, or carrots, or lettuce. I started off about 3-4 months into my band journey trying a bite here or there to see if my band would reject or accept a food. I found out my and liked salads but others haven't been as lucky. Your doctor is only looking out for your well being when they suggest you stay away from these foods till you know your band better. You can't afford a big vomitting session at this stage. We've seen some newbies post here that they are stuck big time, or they are vomitting profusely because they broke the rules so soon. You need to be patient. One or three months of no fruit or salads won't kill you. But once you are 6 weeks out maybe try a bite here and there. Don't make a meal out of pineapple, oranges, apples carrots and leafy vegetables till you understand how to eat with the band. tmf

ZeeBee, it really helps if you can fill out your profile so we know where you are in the process? Are you pre-op, post-op, veteran bander? tmf

I did try Sensa. I found that Sensa removes the flavor of food but never really satisfied me. I would begin eating a meal and wonder why I like this food? I would still be hungry and would seek out other food. I forgot to use Sensa at least 50% of the time. I would try it if I were you. We're all different and who knows, this may be your miracle prescription and avoid an expensive surgery. Try as many plans as you can and make the band or bariatric surgery your very last option. tmf

#1. I agree, around 6 weeks. #2. Regarding the fruit. Fruit is high in carbs and most diet plans want you to keep your carb intake fairly low. Also, many fruits are very fibrous and can cause a blockage(stuck episode) and that's not something you want so early in your recovery. #3. Jean's right again. Worthless calories. I've allowed myself one beer or one glass of wine per week. Sometimes none and sometimes two. I've found I really don't miss alcohol as well as many other foods. #4. Most doctors and nutritionists do recommend no fluids up to 15 minutes before and 60 minutes after a meal. I have to say I don't follow this rule and I'll tell you why below. I drink right up to a meal. Sometimes, if I'm excessively tight, I need the liquid to help my meal pass through my stoma(not often). I will also drink right after a meal but only if I have satiated my appetite. But, you should follow your doctors advice. Now my caveat. As we all travel down our own paths with our bands, we all find ways to make it work(or not) with our bodies. In the beginning I followed the rules as closely as anyone. But as we became familiar with each other(me and my she-band) I've made some adjustments that work for my band and also aid my weight loss journey. Such as drinking during or after a meal. I found that sometimes I had to drink just so I could consume enough of my food to keep up my nutrition levels. I've never drank fluids just so I could eat more food. I'm the one in control over this element of my weight loss plan. You are not here yet. And it takes time to get to the green zone and understand how your body communicates with your band. For some, it's 3 months and others, years. So be patient and follow the rules till you have some experience under your belt. tmf

Maybe 2 weeks?

Anyone who can only consume 4-5 bites per meal is experiencing a temporary phase of being overly tight. Most bandsters will outgrow this phase or return to their doctor for an unfill. I've also seen where some people only consume 500 calories a day. Let me say that although we can survive on such a small amount of food it's not recommended and I doubt those folks keep that slow pace up for months on end. Also, I think some people underestimate how much they consume and are simply unaware of how many calories they are actually consuming. And even though we sometimes can only eat 4-5 bites of food, we almost always can drink or eat slider foods well in excess of 4-5 bites. tmf

Mis73, OK, thanks. I may do that occasionally. I think before the band I did that often. Only I would make a large quesadilla with a couple of tortillas and a bunch of cheese. Or, a large bowl of popcorn. Now, maybe a pear, peach or dill pickle. Hmm? Seems like that head hunger thing doesn't happen anymore? Gee, I wonder why that is? I must have found some super power the allows me to not feel hungry anymore? I should find a way to market this new power I have and make a bazillion dollars? NAAAAAA! tmf

I weigh myself 2 times a day. Doesn't discourage me one bit. You gotta know where you are to get to where you're going. tmf

I keep seeing this head hunger comment? I'm not sure what that is? Can't I just love the taste of a chicken fried steak and eat it because it tastes good? I mean, I don't, but I had a glass of chocolate milk today just because I love the flavor. I wasn't hungry, just wanted what I want. tmf

LOL...Aint bandster hell great? I like the way B-52 puts it: It's all about restriction, otherwise it's just another diet. I was in BH for 3.5 months and didn't gain any weight. It's a good time to work on your food choices and eating skills. tmf

How long have you been in the green zone? Or, how long since you have had enough restriction to make you eat less? tmf

Well, you're not alone here. Wish I could help you but I had no problems with my post op pain. Took a few ibuprofens and that was about it. If you don't see a lot of responses try again during the week a little earlier might be a good idea? tmf

They say that self payers have a higher % of success. Good for you. tmf

What kind of protein are you consuming? Have you tried slider foods and do they pass through? tmf