juliegeraci

I love my band. You sound like you are really motivated which is good. I hope you enjoyed the seminar.

Donna, the surgery is a very easy surgery to go through. I was off work for just a few days. The hardest part was the sore throat from the tube. The port and incision sites were pretty sore for a few weeks. The post op diet is really important. Liquids then mushies then solids. It takes about 4 weeks to get to solids. Good luck with your decision. I love my band.

Jeannie, I can't believe you have to wait 6 months for a fill. That is crazy. Naturally you are not going to lose unless you get a fill. Is there another surgeon you can go to for your fills? Mine started filling me 6 weeks after surgery.

No bowel prep for me. You will be fine.

You are doing great. Keep up the good work.

I would change doctors especially if you are self pay. That being said it took me months to get to the right fill level. It took me 5 fills as well. My doctor definitely is more agressive though. I think .3 would be the minimum but more like.5 to .7 sometimes even 1.0. I'm at 3ccs in a 10cc band (which holds 4ccs)

If you can eat around 1/3 of a cup you are at good restriction level.

Mikesmom, you probably haven't stretched your pouch. You have only had 1 fill. It took me 5 to get to the optimal fill level. Hang in there. I drink beer all the time without an issue.

I don't know what it is made of but it is exactly like saline just a little thicker. It has worked for me for a long time.

I couldn't be a stay at home mom at all. I am not patient enough. That being said, my 6 year ols is thriving. He has been in daycare since day 1. He is very bright and has learned a lot in the daycare environment. He started preschool at 4 and is doing great in school. I used private daycare initially then moved him to more of a school setting later. Either way, you sound like your life is balanced which is really important.

I get that too. It really works for small leaks.

You need a fill when a)you are hungry more often b)you can eat a reasonable amount of food c)you are not losing. If you are losing and eating 1.5 cups of food then you may want to hold off. If you don't like the rate you are losing you definitely need a fill. 1.5 cups is a ton of food being banded. I eat 1/4 cup of food and I'm at my sweet spot. Good luck.

I averaged fills every 6 to 8 weeks. I think I had a out 6 my first year. Now I am at my sweet spot so it will probably be a while before I get another fill. Good luck.

YOu cn have water as it passes through the band. My doctor doesn't say anything about eating after. Its his recommendation to stay on liquids for 24 hours then mushies for 24 hours onto solids after that. He said I can't eat 2 hours before a fill. Good luck.

Lauren, great to hear from you! Congrats on your weight loss to date. Post some NSVs and how you are doing from time to time.

Yes, I was. That was the worse part of the surgery. I had a horrible sore throat afterwards.

I can take all size of pills no problem. I initially cut my pills in 1/2. But after I discovered they would go down, I take them whole.

That is fabulous news. It makes it so much easier when your spouse is supportive. Good luck!

It will not hurt you if you don't mind what the scale says. I wish I had eaten a double cheeseburger from In N Out! I also miss Subway sandwiches. I don't think it would hurt you.

I lose 1-2 lbs per week and nothing more. Given the fact that you lost 5 lbs quickly your body is evening out right now. Just stay focused and the weight will come off. It may only be 1-2 lbs a week which is considered average.

Sometimes you will feel it in your chest. Sometimes you will feel that your stomach just can't take anymore food. Sometimes you even hiccup. If you overeat you will PB after you start to get fills. As far as eating just to eat, you can certainly eat around the band so you'll have to be careful. Eating several meals a day is not a good idea. You should be able to go hours without eating if you have the right fill level. I can only eat 1/4 cup of food at a time. Sometimes just 1oz of protein. The key too is to eat solid protein first. It keeps you fullest the longest. Once you get on solids that will be important. Soft proteins like cottage cheese go through the band faster and will not keep you satisfied as long. Good luck.

Lynn, I was a nervous wreck. I couldn't stop crying I was so worried and concerned. Looking back on it now I wouldn't trade my band for anything. The surgery was a breeze. Having my gallbladder out was 2x more difficult. So if you are worried about pain management consult with your surgeon. If not, go for it. Its an easy procedure.

Best to stay on the recommended liquids and move to mushies slowly. If you have trouble going to the bathroom I would recommend a laxative or a stool softner. Your doctor can prescribe the stool softner. Sometimes when we change our diets these things happen. Good luck.

She was banded a few weeks ago and she has dropped off the boards. Has anyone heard from her? How is she doing?

Kaelin's gma - Love your NSV. You are doing great. Keep up the good work. You'll be in a 20 in no time.