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:(