MissBS

Hi New Girl. That is a hard time. You've been on the pre-op diet and the post-op diet and you are ready for this thing to start working. I know. I had no restriction after my surgery... none after the first fill (it was about 5 weeks after my surgery), none after the second fill, but after the third fill - things really turned around. I have plenty of restriction now. Hang in there. Keep busy and keep focused on why you got the band in the first place. Try to just eat what you are supposed to. I was on here a lot, did a lot of walking, and went for many rides - just to keep my mind off of food. Good luck to you!!!! It does get better. Becky

What a wonderful post!!! And so true. Before getting my band, I spent a LOT of time here - reading and asking. By the time I was wheeled into the operating room, I wasn't even nervous - just excited!!! Good luck to you - I'll be looking for more posts from you - keep sharing please! Becky

It is very annoying. Sometimes when they say, "Oh you can have bread?", I'll say, "Yes I can have a slice, but not the whole loaf anymore." Anyone else who has good answers to these questions - please share so we can all use them. Thanks for the post lacasst!!! Becky

The P is for productive and the B is for burp. Lovely isn't it?? Hopefully you will never do it.

Hi Becky. Beautiful name :thumbup: Welcome to LBT. How wonderful that you are doing this while you are still young. I wish I had done it years and years ago. It is the best decesion I have ever made. Keep coming here and reading and ask any question that you have. People here are very nice and the more you know, the less scared you will be. I have made some very good friends here. It is so nice to communicate with people who know what it's like. It won't be long until you are banded, feeling better, and wanting to go out of the house more. And about those airline seat belts - gotta hate em!! When I flew to Houston for my surgery, I purchased an airline seat belt extender online (I was too embarrassed to ask for one). Now I can get the real one buckled with a little room to spare. Just think how nice it will be when you love who you are on the inside AND the outside!! Good luck to you!!! Becky

I agree with everybody. There are some foods that I cannot eat, because it hurts and they don't go down well, if at all. After trying these foods a few times with the same awful ending - it kind of makes your cravings for them go away. I know if I eat white bread or plain chicken what will happen, and that right there makes me not crave them anymore. There are plenty of foods that I like that I can still eat. The good part is, I eat less of them, and now there is less of me. Good luck to you!! Becky

Hi. Congratulations on your surgery. I think the noises you are hearing is your stomach saying thank you for the band. That's what I tell myself. It's not used to not being stuffed, but I think it's enjoying the lighter job it has now. I wasn't thirsty after my surgery and I did have to make myself keep drinking/sipping. It is still not easy for me to get all the liquids in that I am supposed to have each day, but I try. The soreness just gets better every day. I felt pretty good one week after my surgery and good ten days out. About that girl at work.... I always say - never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity. Good luck to you and keep smiling!! Becky

Hi. I was banded on September 19, 2008. I am curious. I had my third fill on Dec. 18th, which has given me REAL restriction. I'm learning how to deal with it all. I was wanting to know what you think, or have experienced, in regards to band tightness. Why is it that my band is REALLY tight some days and looser other days? It is usually tight in the mornings, and I know this is kinda common - but why? I can eat something one day and have no problems. The next day I try the same exact food, and I have all kinds of problems. Of course I know that if I don't follow all of the eating rules, that can cause issues. And I also know that some foods just don't agree with some people. But.... what causes the day to day fluctuations with the band's tightness? Stress??.... hormones?? (I don't have periods, but I do still have ovaries), the moon??, the tide??, the rotation of the earth?? Any opinions, theories, or facts that anyone can share with me will be greatly appreciated. Becky:unsure:

It looks small. I went online and ordered a few really pretty salad plates. I use those when I eat - makes it look not so small. Good luck!! Becky

Yes it depends on insurance and your surgeon. If you've already been approved for the surgery, then I wouldn't think you would have to wait too long. I was self pay. My first appointment was August 13th, 08 and my surgery was scheduled for September 12th, 08. Good luck to you!!! Let us know when you find out. Becky

Hi. Just wanted to say good luck to you!! I had some questions when I met with my surgeon, but many had already been answered here. I had a few questions about the procedure itself, the pre and post op diets, and follow up care and fills. I'm sure they've heard them all so don't worry about saying anything wrong. If there is anything I can do to help you, just let me know. Take care. Becky

Some doctors say snacks are ok and some doctors say NO SNACKS. My doctor is one who says 3 meals a day and no snacks in between. I must admit, I do have a sugar free popsicle between meals every now and then.... ok.... every day. Good luck!! Becky

I felt no restriction after my surgery. None after the first or second fill either. It took three fills for me to feel any different... and boy that third fill has made a BIG difference!!! It is hard to keep eating what you are supposed to without restriction... but it will get better. "Eat what you should... not what you could" - that was my motto. Everyone is different and you will see that there really isn't any "normal". Good luck to you and hang in there!!! Becky

Hi EliseSara. Welcome. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. I was the same way during my pre-op diet. I was either grumpy or crying. I'm pretty much of a crybaby anyway... so it was bad. I too was/am an emotional eater. When I couldn't reach for food to help me through a rough time.... didn't know how to handle it. Just try to keep busy, stay focused on the reason you are having your surgery, and think about how good you will feel when it's over and you are on your way to a healthier, happier life. Keep reading and asking questions. If I can do anything to help you, let me know. I'm a good listener and I have lots of tissues. Becky

Oh I know this one. It is short for productive burp. It is when food comes back up. Never makes it through the band into the stomach, so it's not really like vomiting. After my third fill and restriction, if I don't take TINY bites, chew LOTS, and take break between bites, I PB. Lots of saliva and the food - have to spit it out. It can happen if you eat too much too. Some foods cause me to PB - dry meat (chicken, turkey), pasta, bread. Sorry for the gross answer, but..... just the facts. Good luck to you and keep asking questions. I asked LOTS when I first came on here - and still do. Becky

Hi. After my third fill, I finally have restriction. I can eat most foods, but do have some problems with bread, pasta, rice, and dry meat (chicken, turkey). I can eat meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables... but... I have to take TINY bites, chew LOTS, and wait between bites. If you are following these rules and still having problems getting food down, I think you might be too tight still. Let your doctor know the problems you are having. If you need to get a tiny bit more taken out of your band, that is better than not being able to eat.... and you don't want to eat soft/mushy foods forever. Good luck to you!!!!

Hello and welcome. You have come to the right place. No need to just lurk :thumbup: Read lots and ask lots of questions. I too think it is wonderful when a couple go through this journey together. The people here are so friendly and so helpful. I used this site quite a bit before my surgery and had many of my questions answered and concerns addressed. I felt very ready when it came time to get my band. Good luck to you both. Becky

I so agree with Restless. I want to know exactly what is going on inside my body. Not to compare with anyone else, just because that's the way I am. I asked my surgeon lots of questions at our first consultation, and continue to ask. I trust him wholeheartedly, but wanted to know EXACTLY what he was going to do during my surgery and also with each and every fill that has taken place since the procedure. I travel 750 miles for my band care, and if there was an emergency, I would have to see someone locally. For me not to know everything that they might ask about my band, could make a difference in the care that I get. I trust my primary care physician too, but when she does a procedure or sends me for lab work or testing, I want to know exactly what is going to be done and why. Becky

Hi Shane and welcome. You will just love this site. Keep reading and asking questions. I recently had my BP medication cut in half and my doctor said she thinks it won't be much longer until I am off of them completely. I feel so much better now!!! Lots more energy!!! Good luck to you!! Becky

I recently went to Las Vegas and I had a drink or two. I asked when I was in for my last fill and they said - NO beer or carbonated beverages. Wine or fruit juice drinks (OJ, cranberry, etc.) were ok - but of course - in moderation. I did notice that I felt them much faster. Guess that makes me a cheap date, right? I do agree that you probably should wait until the healing process is complete. And like always - you should check with your doctor. Focus on the fun, and the girls, and have fun!! Becky

Hi beccalynn and welcome. You will love this site. My advice would be to keep coming here, read lots, and ask any questions that you have. The people on here are very nice and helpful. I spent a lot of time here before my sugery and by the time I was wheeled into the operating room, I was not even nervous. I did my research and knew the facts about the band, but this is where I got the answers to many of my questions - from the people who had been there and done that. It is so nice to talk to people who know exactly what you have been through, what you are going through, and what's to come. I have made some very good friends here. Good luck to you!!! Becky

He won't tell you????? I have never heard of such a thing!!! You have the right to know what was put in your body and what is taking place each time you visit. I don't think I would settle for the answers he gave you. Wow. Good luck to you!! Becky

I have had 3 fills - now have 5.9 cc's in my 10 cc band. I did not have any restriction after surgery, none after the first fill, and none after the second fill. It was the third fill that made the difference - a BIG difference. Everyone is different. Some feel restriction right after surgery, and restriction after fills varies. I've read about people who only needed one or two fills and then I've read about people who have had nine or ten. Guess it all depends on your body, your band, your surgeon, your fills, etc. Hang in there. Bandster Hell is not a great place to be, but you can do it. Just try to keep eating like you are supposed to, exercising, and stay focused on why you had this done and what your goal is. Good luck!!! Becky

Hi. I've got the APS (small - 10cc's). My surgery was on September 19th, 2008. I have had success with my band, but know lots of others who have had success with other bands. I think that the kind/type/size/brand of band you have is not nearly as important as how committed you are to changing your lifestyle and eating habits. If your doctor uses the AP, it makes sense that he likes it and thinks it is the best. I love my band and wish you lots of luck!!! Becky

PB is productive burp. It is not vomiting. It is when the food you just ate, can't get down so it comes back up. It can be caused by not taking small enough bites, not chewing bites enough, eating too fast, eating too much, or a band that is too tight. It is not fun, but after it happens, you learn that you MUST follow the rules. Becky