grandmax19

Thanks, Jodi. It's really good to know that I'm no different than others who have gone on to be successful. I'm going for my 3rd fill on Saturday. Hopefully, that will do the trick for a while. Anne

This is either a brick wall or "bandster hell", as some would say. I've lost and regained the same 3 pounds over and over again and can't seem to get past it. I feel no restriction most of the time and stay hungry. I've scheduled another fill, as I must not be at that "sweet spot" everyone raves about. I'll sure be glad to finally reach that point, the very reason we had surgery to begin with. If I could have done it without the band, I would have, because God knows I tried. We've just got to keep the faith, and keep going for those fills.

Man, do I understand discouragement! I was banded 12/2/08 and immediately lost 15 pounds. At 4 weeks post op, the weight loss came to a screeching halt. I have had 2 fills for a total of 1 cc, but have not had any consistent restriction. I've lost 5 more pounds since the 1st fill, but I've been hungry and struggled with what to eat since then. I exercise at least 1 hour every day, so I'm not sedentary. I'm really scared that the band is not going to work for me or that I'm going to screw up this opportunity. Should I eat only Protein? I've seen where some people return to liquids like they did immediately post op. Thanks for your help. Anne

LoveforLonnie, Thank you so much for remembering to ask about my progress. Today is exactly 6 weeks and I'm having my first fill tomorrow. I've lost 18 pounds since the surgery; however, it all came off in the 1st 4 weeks. At week 4, my hunger returned and I have been able to eat solid, soft foods. The only foods I can't eat are meats without gravy and crackers. From what I've read this seems to be normal, as the surgeon didn't put any Fluid in my band. Once I'e had the fill, will I notice an immediate relief from the hunger? Have a great day! Anne

My BMI pre lap band was 34. I was banded 12/2/08 and have lost 13 pounds to date. I did not have to do the diet before I was banded. I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to rev my weight loss some. My caloric intake is probably 800-1000 cal/day. I have difficulty getting enough water as I get full even on liquids. I was afraid I might be getting too many calories and not enough protein with just soups and other liquids. I looked up several websites that recommended starting pureed foods. So, I did start pureeing salmon and mashed potatoes yesterday. But, I'm not sure what the best approach is. I do not want to waste my efforts. I'm also feeling very tired and weak. Lois - we started at about the same BMI. You lost your weight. What do you recommend?

I was banded by Dr. Zapata on 12/2/08. All I can say is Ditto! I had a great experience. The nursing care afterward was excellent, much better than I had gotten in the states last year when I went in locally for another type of surgery. I do wish I had more diet support. It would be helpful to have someone to talk to who has been through what I have.

Banded 12/2/08 in Monterey, Mexico. Didn't have to do a preop diet, and I still have lost 11 pounds at 1 week post op. Those of you who are awaiting surgery - you are going to be so happy and relieved! The surgery is pretty easy with minimal discomfort. The diet is basic and simple, all you have to do is follow it. Right at first you may have some hunger issues - drink lots of water and it will go away. After one week, I am not experiencing any hunger. I tried to go back to work on 12/7, but I became too tired and my abdomen started swelling. Went home to bed and the next day I was able to go to church. Decided to take it a little slower and I feel much better. Good luck!

Hi, Vickie! You are fortunate having the diet and grocery lists! I was banded in Mexico and that doctor will not be doing my fills because of the distance; so, he has not been as involveed in my post op diet. He and his staff are fantastic, don't take me the wrong way. I did go to a question and answer session after my surgery, but it is difficult to know what to ask when you just have been banded. Each day as I'm recovering, I have more and more questions.Do you know if the diet you are following is published on the internet so I can access it? Take care. Do't over to things. Anne

Thanks for responding. I am kind of confused about the diets and what's allowed at this point. Seems like everybody has been told conflicting things. I was told not to drink coffee; yet, here you are enjoying a small cup in the mornings. That would have been so nice. I was also told Clear Liquids for 1 week; and, others who had surgery on the 2nd like me have already been advanced to soft foods. Anybody got the "skinny":laugh: on what is the best diet. I know I'm not getting much Protein in broth. I've lost 8 pounds since 12/2, so that's great. I just want to do this right. There's too much at stake! Anne

Day 4 and I've been up all day. Was sore as the day started but now I feel more swollen (but not tight) and feel extremely tired and my port site is hurting. Any body else experience this?

To unsure 15: Where in Mexico are you going? I was banded 12/2 in Monterey and had a great experience. I have nothing but rave reviews for the hospital and staff there. As a self pay, I couldn't afford the physician fees locally, so I had to opt for Mexico. If money wasn't an issue, knowing what I know now, I would have still opted for Mexico. Best wishes for a great trip and successful surgery.

Was banded 12/2/08 in Monterey, Mexico. Flew back home to Texas on 12/4. Had absolutely no problems, in fact walking through the airports helped relieve the gas issues. Good luck!

I was banded 12/2/08 as well. Have walked a lot, so my gas pains have been minimal. I am hungry though and having trouble with migraine like headaches due to not being able to have Diet Coke or Diet Dr. Pepper. How do you other caffeine addicts handle this? When do you start full liquids?

Hi, LoisInstA, thanks for your response. the closer I get to the 2nd, the more nervous I become, but your post really eased my anxiety. Where was your incision? What kind of clothes and how many should I take? Glad to hear your BS are improving. I'm a nurse and take care of several elderly clients who are diabetics. I usually get them after they have failed at managing their diabetes, and have lose vision, legs, etc. Congratulations for taking charge of your life and making healthy choices that will keep your diabetes at bay. Anne

Hola! I am brand new to this forum, so I don't know the ropes yet. I am scheduled with Dr. Zapata in Mexico on 12/2. I'm thrilled to be finally getting this done. However, I am going to Mexico alone and everyone keeps telling me I'm crazy. Anyone else go there by yourself?

Finally took the plunge today and scheduled everything - surgery, flight, etc. Going to Monterey, Mexico on 12/1 for banding on 12/2. Going by myself. Yikes, that's scary! Anyone else do this alone?