juliegeraci

It took me several fills to feel the difference. Hang in there and go get another fill as soon as you can.

Heather, I am sorry this is happening to you. I know some slips are can be repaired so I hope it goes well for you. Feel better soon.

Sherilynn, congrats on finally getting your first fill. I can't imagine waiting that long. My doctor does the first fill at 6 weeks. Good luck with it. Julie

Good for you! Keep up the good work.

I am trying to quit too. I've been on Chantix for about 5 weeks now. I'm still smoking a couple a day. What a nasty habit. Its just a habit. I just need to not pick one up. They taste horrible now that I'm on that drug too. Go figure.

Congrats on hitting the 1 year mark. You are doing great. Keep up the good work.

I am a slow loser at 1 lb per week. I eat everything just in smaller portions. I can also eat bread without a problem. Just work with your surgeon to make sure you don't lose too rapidly. He can adjust your band to meet those requirements. You should still be excited. Sorry they scared you. Julie

Thanks for the post. It is difficult for me to get in my protein. I wonder if that has something to do with recent tightness I experienced with the band. I wonder if My organs are swollen?

My dear, that is what your doctor is there for. Its quite common. I would simply make an appointment and do it. I just went for 3ccs to 1.5ccs because I couldn't hold down solids. They see this stuff all the time. Julie

I would ask for a little fill if I were you. That way its not too agressive and you can still enjoy your food and not PB. It will take away some of the hunger you are experiencing. Julie

I agree with elm, make sure you are eating solid protein first. That will keep you full longer. That being said, it is quite common for you to be hungry after a fill or even a few fills until you reach your sweet spot. I would just go with the flow and try not to overeat until that time. Julie

Lauren, I know how patient you have been. This is fantastic news. I am so happy for you. Welcome to bandland. Julie

Hi Laura, I don't know too much about it other than what my doctor told me. He said the membrane can thicken around the band giving you more restriction. It had to be the case because I feel great now having had 1.5cc taken out. I would ask your doctor why you are so tight. Julie

Just an update. My doctor handling it fantastic. He said that sometimes the stomach lining can thicken and give you more restriction. That being said, he took out 1.5 and boy can I tell the difference. It is so nice to be able to drink liquid and not have it stick in the band. He wants me back in 2 weeks for a checkup. Julie

I have UHC and they did not cover my fills. I have 1k out of pocket so far.

Good for you. I had UHC as well. They handled 100% of the surgery. Julie

Carlene, good luck to you. I know how things get when you PB a lot. I hope it all works out for you. Julie

How much protein and calories are you taking in? It takes me 800-1k a day to really feel the loss.

Thank you all for your responses. I'm staying on liquids until Thursday.

I called my surgeon and he is in surgery until Thursday. The only thing I can do is to go on liquids until then. Do you think he'll take out my entire fill? I'm at 3ccs in a 4.2cc band. I feel like crap. I have PB'd about 8 times already today. No more solids for me. Julie

We had a blast in Reno. We love the slots. We stayed at the Silver Legacy and I think it was 79, 129, 170 for Thurs-Sun. There are other places that are less expensive such as the Sands which is 1 block from the Strip. I think you can stay there under $100 a night. When you arrive make sure you get a Silver Legacy card or wherever you gamble. We were comped every meal while we were there. We only gamble at the Silver Legacy though. Hope you have fun when you go. Its a blast. We are going back in September for Street Vibrations which is the motorcycle show. Its fun. Julie

I love GNC's products. It has 25 grams of protein and takes great. You should try it. I wouldn't go under 25 grams if I were you. Get the most bang for your buck. Julie

Lobster went down fine with small bites, yummy. The butter coats it well. I also had nice shrimp salads while I was there and they went down fine. I did have a problem with the clam chouder though. It seemed that the potatoes were a little rough on the band. We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary and had a great time. We actually gambled one day from 7:30am to midnight. Thank God I won some money in between to cover the expense! We didn't want to come home! Julie

Protein is your friend. Start with a protein shake, have a few ounces of protein at lunch with maybe a vegie and repeat at dinner. You will lose the weight. Best of luck. Julie

Laureli, I'm sorry nobody else answered your post yet. I remember vividly how the experience was for me. I had to go through all the hoops too and it was so exciting when about 8 weeks later my insurance company finally approved. I am considered an average loser at 1 lb a week. I have been banded almost 11 months and I'm down around 50 lbs. Its been tough adding exercise into my routine but I know I can do this. Just remember to follow the lapband diet and drink your water, take your vitamins and exercise. You will do great! Congrats on the first step to becoming a healthier you! Julie