Jitterbug

Same here! I have a gym in my house, and I still neglect exercise. I am down 37 lbs since my Dec 8 band. Wow, Pete 99lbs?! Incredible!! Congrats=)

I made an appointment for my second fill on Feb 21. I remember my Doctor said it would be time when you can eat two or more cups of food at one meal. That's meeee! I also watched the Biggest Loser and heard Bob tell the brown team that they were not eating enough calories. So I ate more calories throughout the day (was doing 1200) and all of the sudden a week later I am down another 4 lbs! I don't think I will ever understand the reasoning behind that...but it worked. I am still having a hard time with exercise. I know I need to kick it up a notch. Good Luck=)

I read that people are losing MAJOR weight in a few weeks...I thought there was something wrong with my band. I had HIGH expectations as well, with very little results:( I have not lost 1 pound in 5 weeks. I have only had 1 fill, but after reading this I have decided to call tomorrow and make an appointment for another. I wasn't sure how often you are "allowed" to get fills. Keep us updated!!

WOW! Trina you look amazing! Congratulations!

I had my first fill yesterday (1/7/08) It was completely painless!! First he numbed the port area. Then when he found where to place the needle in the port, I sat up. He then completely filled the band with saline. He asked that I drink a cup of water slowly until I fely like it was going to come up and I would feel heartburn symptoms. At that point he decreased the saline until I could feel the water go down and the discomfort had passed. He proceeded to do this a couple times. I had no idea it was going to be so involved. I had watched a couple videos on youtube that were about 8 second procedures. I am very pleased so far with Dr. Feiz. He says he doesn't want his patients to get hung up on the amount of "cc's" that he gives. Whatever it takes for food to go down safely is the way it should be. I am on liquids for 2 days, then soft foods for 2 days...that will be the hardest part for me. I will give an update when I can eat solid foods again and maybe by then some weight will have come off:)

Dr. Feiz used glue. I was sore for a couple weeks, but now I feel great!

I was banded by Dr. Feiz at his Encino office. My friend is also going to be banded by him when her insurance approves. I found him to be a very qualified, kind and confident doctor. He made me feel very at ease. The whole process for me from beginning to surgery day was only 1 month. I get my first fill Wednesday (jan 7). My friend will begin her lab work process the same day. Also a plus is that the port incision is in the belly button, so I only have 3 very small (1/2") scars that may show after they heal. His office has their own nutrition and help staff to make it more convienient for you. I will update you after my first fill. Good Luck on your decision.

I went to my first followup and told the Doctor that I was super hungry and this liquid diet is pissing me off. He said it's because I have NO restrictions yet with my band. The liquid is supposed to help your 'pouch' heal after surgery. I was relieved to learn this was normal. He assured me that I will notice a signifigant difference my first fill. In 2 weeks!! I have little will-power, so now I am clear to eat soft mushies. Hang in there!! :biggrin:

Thanks for the tutorial. Good luck to you socal!

Go to Costco. They are affordable. and have a lot of protien.

I'm 7 days out, and also feeling severe hunger. My first follow up appt is this afternoon.

Kelly, has any replied to help w/ your ticker? I'm also having trouble.

Big08, good luck. I was just banded a week ago.

Thank you for sharing your story. I found my PCP to be very unprofessional. He actually had the nerve to ask me how much I was paying because my insurance wouldn't cover it. I did have the Surgery on Friday. It went well. It was a couple days in bed for me (because I could:) My Surgeon asked for my PCP's number and was going to call and "educate" him. I will find out if he did on Saturday the 20th. for my follow up. The liquid diet is harder than I thought it would be. I seldom feel 'full'. I don't want to do anything to risk it, so I will abide by the rules:) Congrats on your weight loss. I can't wait until I have lost that much.

Liquid DOES suck!!! I want to CHEW on something!! I can't wait to have beans, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese! I CAN'T wait!! I'm only 3 days post-op. I better start getting used to it:(

My doctor told me no alcohol 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. He also said a little alcohol goes along way in your new 'pouch'. You will be a lightweight. I plan on having wine on New Years Eve:)

I am a bit confused as to what I should be looking/feeling for. There are only 3 small cuts; one where my bra band goes, the other 2 in the abdomen area. But the largest in inside my belly button. When I feel around I think my port is in/near my belly button. (surgery 3 days ago) I am still tender so I'm not sure. I thought they would all be the same type of surgeries. At least that's what I've heard and seen on youtube.

Don't worry....Just take all the pain meds you can! I have nothing to campare this to. I had never had a surgery before. It was all new and scary for me. It does feel better to walk around the house, it seems to relieve the gas. I am just going to take a sleep aid and crawl back in bed. Best of luck to you. Let us know how Monday goes:)

I had my surgery yesterday (12/12) I feel like I was hit by a truck! So far they are the symptoms that you would expect. I am hungy though. I just had some broth....that will suffice for now:) I forgot to bring a pillow and blanket for the ride home. It sure could have made the ride home better. My Doctor made the main incision in my belly button, so I doubt there will be a scar that will show. If I dare ever to show off my belly:) My dear friend set up a "theater" in my bedroom. So I plan to take advantage of the quiet time for now. Good Luck to all. I'll keep you posted!

I put a few "feelers" out there with my friends and family. I could tell that they would think it was too extreme. So I decided to tell only my husband and best friend. They are both supportive. They are the only people I plan on telling. You should make this decision for yourself and don't let anyone else discourage you. Once you get further into the process; I believe you will have no regrets. Your family is probably just concerned with the risks involved. Good Luck!

HI!! I am getting banded on Dec 12 too!!! (Dr. Feiz- Encino, CA.) I am really nervous, but I wouldn't change my decision for the world. I am ready!! My pre-op diet is going poorly. I started today with the plan they gave me. You would think knowing that I am having surgery I would try harder. What can I say....If I had any willpower I wouldn't be overweight.:wink_smile: I am anxious for all of us to come back to this site so we can share experiences. I'll be looking for you:) Good Luck to all!!! Take Care! TGIF!!!!

Thanks for the reply! You have lost weight...Congrats! I am married as well (8 yrs), no children, but 2 fun loving dogs:) Has your post-op gone like you thought it would? I am having a hard time with the pre-op diet... UGGH! I love junk food!!!! Are you having trouble keeping food down after these couple months? How long did it take you to get back to your daily life after surgery? Too many questions??:biggrin:

I have an appointment with Dr. Feiz on Friday 12/12/08 to get the lap band. I'm glad to hear all of the positive thing you had to say about him.

Thanks for all of your support. I am so excited to get the band in 5 days!! I am seriously considering a new Primary Doctor. Good Luck to all:)

Thanks, Babe! I had already met with the surgeon and got the ball rolling. I just needed to meet with my personal Doctor as a part of the process. I hope his opinion doesn't effect anything. I knew they were going to try to discourage me. Sometimes I wonder if they get paid extra for writing Rx for high blood pressure, high colesterol, etc. God forbid they lose a patient to healthiness! Everytime I go to the doctor, they tell me I need to lose weight...even if they are seeing me for a sprained toe. Now all of the sudden I'm not that overweight. FRUSTRATING!