ShelleyB

Hi everyone! I was banded on 2/25/09 and had pretty good restriction in the beginning (like most) and have slowly started losing restriction. Which I hear is normal. I still have some restriction, but I am able to eat most anything. My first fill is coming up on 4/6/09. I am both excited about this and scared. Excited for the obvious reasons, to lose weight! Scared, because I guess it's the unknown. To date I have been able to eat what I want and I know this will change with some restriction. I knew this from the beginning, but this time before restriction has given me some freedom :ohmy:. Are these fears unfounded? I am still losing about 1/2 lb. a week currently and definitely eating less than I used to. Any advice??:tongue_smilie:

I had regular coffee on about the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery with no problems! Now I drink 1 cup every morning! I have heard of some doctors not wanting their patient's to have it, but I am not sure why this would be. I am thinking it is just the doctor's opinion about coffee in that situation! One thing is for sure, my doctor is definitely against any carbonated beverages, unless they have gone flat, but still he says - just don't do it! Good to luck you!

That is fantastic news!! I wish you the best!!! My surgery went great and I am 1 month postop now and doing great!!

That was sooo funny! You had me in stitches! :mad2: If you are not a writer, you should be! Very good stuff. Okay, on to the lapband...I hear you! I am right there too! Yes, this is Bandster Hell and Beezlebub is definitely lurking around the corners! I am curious why your doctor wants to wait so long for a fill? My doctor is a 6 weeks filler, no matter what, kind of guy! Some people have every 4 weeks fillers! I guess that's just how it goes. But I would rather go slow, than too fast and have too much fill anyday! I am about 1 month postop lapband surgery and feeling a small amount of restriction myself, but yes, the hungry monster has come back to my home too! I am trying to keep my portions down, do some walking and hoping to maintain my weight loss until my fill. Since I am no good at dieting (obviously), I will have to be patient!! :thumbup: Good luck to you!! :ohmy:

I think it's his own insecurity talking! He may think if you get thin, you will leave him. I know, it sounds crazy, but some people think that way. Also, if you focus on yourself and take care of your health, he may feel like it shines the spotlight on his own health issues and he may have to deal with that. My husband was very supportive of me getting the band because he knew how long and hard I have struggled with weight. However, he was worried that I would not be able to adhere to the lifestyles changes and did voice his opinion about that. I assured him that if I needed some more counseling after my surgery to deal with food issues, I would gladly go, because I want to be successful with this band. In the end, he was my biggest supporter and comments daily on the changes he sees already (only 3 weeks out). I agree with the other posts, you have to do it for YOU and hopefully he follow and be supportive. The very best of luck to you!!!!

That is so awesome!!! Good for you girl!! Isn't it great shopping in the "regular size" clothes again!! Keep up the good work!! ; ))))

So, it's been 3 weeks since my surgery. There have been a few bumps along the way. I pulled and possibly tore a stitch by my port site. It was very painful for about a week :thumbup:. But after getting an ultrasound, it was determined to be in good condition and only slightly tilted, but still accessible. I have been taking it easy and moving slowly and it's healing fine now. It's amazing how you go from being able to only have liquids, to soft foods to regular food. I progressed fairly quickly and tolerated regular foods after only 2 weeks of surgery. I was eating only small amounts of course, but still eating normal. As the days pass, the hunger gets more and more and the restriction that I once felt is really diminishing. I guess after the swelling goes down, you start to be near "normal" with your appetite. I have tried to stick to a high protein diet, so that the change won't be drastic once I do get my first fill. My first fill is 2 1/2 weeks from now on 4/6/09. I will be thankful for some restriction, because it's starting to feel just like it was before...and that's scary:ohmy:. I hear people talk about "bandster hell" and now I know what it is! It's this in between time, where you are not quite feeling the restriction and are able to eat normally. I am trying to keep my portion sizes down. I am doing pretty well, but haven't lost much since the introduction of real food again. I have lost 17 lbs. since 2 weeks before my surgery. I am also noticing that my clothes fit me so much better now and my "donut" or "spare tire" in the front is getting smaller! :thumbup: So, it is good news and I am happy to just "Keep on Truckin"!!! :ohmy:

So, it's been 3 weeks since my surgery. There have been a few bumps along the way. I pulled and possibly tore a stitch by my port site. It was very painful for about a week . But after getting an ultrasound, it was determined to be in good condition and only slightly tilted, but still accessible. I have been taking it easy and moving slowly and it's healing fine now. It's amazing how you go from being able to only have liquids, to soft foods to regular food. I progressed fairly quickly and tolerated regular foods after only 2 weeks of surgery. I was eating only small amounts of course, but still eating normal. As the days pass, the hunger gets more and more and the restriction that I once felt is really diminishing. I guess after the swelling goes down, you start to be near "normal" with your appetite. I have tried to stick to a high protein diet, so that the change won't be drastic once I do get my first fill. My first fill is 2 1/2 weeks from now on 4/6/09. I will be thankful for some restriction, because it's starting to feel just like it was before...and that's scary:ohmy:. I hear people talk about "bandster hell" and now I know what it is! It's this in between time, where you are not quite feeling the restriction and are able to eat normally. I am trying to keep my portion sizes down. I am doing pretty well, but haven't lost much since the introduction of real food again. I have lost 17 lbs. since 2 weeks before my surgery. I am also noticing that my clothes fit me so much better now and my "donut" or "spare tire" in the front is getting smaller! :thumbup: So, it is good news and I am happy to just "Keep on Truckin"!!! :ohmy:

Hi, I have never heard of these "don'ts". I think each doctor has their own list of do's and don'ts. I have read several threads on here where people say they still eat hamburgers...even with restriction. They usually eat them with only the bottom bun though. You just have to see what works for you and what doesn't!

It gets easier and this site has sooo much information on it! I did alot of research on my own and sometimes felt like I was going it alone too, but you aren't! Just reach out!

Have patience! I was banded on 2/25/09, so I know what you mean! This time before the first, second and third fill (before good restriction) is so hard! But hang in there and be patient! It will pay off. Keep up everything you are doing...you are doing it all right. Give your body a chance to start doing it's thing. It's also not fair to compare ourselves to others, because each and every body is different! Give yourself a big hug and keep on going!!!! : )))))))))

So, I went to the doctor and it seems I have torn an internal stitch! The doctor did an ultrasound and said that my port was slightly tilted, but still useable and did not need to be surgically fixed. I am supposed to rest for the next 3 weeks to let it heal. Otherwise, I feel great and can't wait for my first fill!

Hi all. Tomorrow makes 2 weeks since my surgery. I have been eating mushies and some real food for about 4 days now. I am doing really well on real food and finally feel human again. I have some restriction, but as the days go by, it seems less and less. The liquid diet is so hard on your system and really runs you down. It's true though that as soon as you start eating food and stop the liquid, the weight loss will slow way down. I am having a some real bad pains in the port area. I was on the couch a few days ago and suddenly jumped up, when I did, I got the worst pain in my port area (under the incision). Now every time I get up or down, I get a shooting pain and feels like my incision is ripping from the inside. I sneezed this morning and it brought tears to my eyes. I hope its nothing, but I am going for a check up tomorrow with my doctor. Otherwise, all is good. The next few weeks before we get our fills, it will be hard and the hunger will come back. We have to be strong and log on to LBT anytime we need support!! I know it has sure helped me through alot!

I have an appointment to see my doctor tomorrow. He says we will probably do an ultrasound to make sure the port is in place. I will let you know how it goes.

I am 2 weeks postop surgery and I feel like something is wrong. When I get up or move in certain directions, the area just below the port becomes very painful with a sharp/shooting pain that stops me in my tracks. :laugh: I know that alot of people say the port area is sore and painful, but this is different than it was before. It feels like something is pulling and I can't palpate (feel) the port anymore, the area around it feels warm. Has anyone experienced this? I do have a call in to my doctor and hope they can see me soon. I am a bit scared, but trying not to worry. :tt2:

I believe this is what they call "banster hell"!! The hungries before you get any restriction. I was banded on 2/25/09, so 2 weeks ago. I lost 6 lbs. the first week post op, but only lost 1 lb. the 2nd week post op. When you first start introducing food back into your diet, the weight loss slows down or comes to a halt. Think of it as your body adjusting to all the new things that have happened. Also, during "bandster hell" you might not lose any weight, but keep in mind, that most people drop a large amount of weight preop and postop. So, remember how fast that weight came off, but also remember that is not "normal" weight loss and that is not how it is going to be from now on! 1-3 lbs. a week (after restriction) is normal and what you want. When I was going to Weight Watchers, they said 2 lbs. a week was the maximum you should lose for a healthy, steady and sustainable weight loss! Hang in there and remember the big picture!!!

I had the same question and decided I would just wait and see how it goes. I am starting to eat pureed foods and handling them very well. I feel so much better eating real foods now. I haven't weighed yet this week (tomorrow), but it does seem like I have slowed down the weight loss after surgery. I do feel some restriction already and can't eat very much. I don't get my fill until almost 4 weeks from now. I am alot like Restless Monkey, I have dieting issues (therefore the band) and so my plan is to just watch what I eat, eat for health, exercise and go on about my life until I get the restriction that is good. Best of luck to you!!!

I am about 10 days post surgery. I have been on full liquids since surgery. I have been having a hard time with the protein drinks. They make me feel bloated and nauseous. I am lactose intolerant and most of the protein drinks are milk based. I am currently using Optifast (dry milk base) and Atkins Advantage. Does anyone have a good protein drink that is not milk based? I have only been able to take about 2 protein drinks a day, plus broth, soup, yogurt (surprisingly doesn't bother me) and jello. I haven't felt well and am weak. My doctor told me that I needed more calories and to up my protein drinks!! He also told me that I could start transitioning to mushy foods this weekend. Does anyone have advice on protein drinks, mushy food (how to be creative) and transitioning! I would love to hear your suggestions!:crying:

I am almost 10 days post op surgery. I have been on the full liquid diet since surgery. I am so tired and weak and my stomach is not liking the protein shakes I drink. I try to drink at least 2 of them a day, then have broth, soup, yogurt or something like that. My doctor said I am not getting enough nutrients and to boost my diet with more protein drinks. I am lactose intolerance though and I think that is why I don't tolerate the protein drinks. Most of them are milk based. Anyone know of a good protein drink that is not milk based? My doctor told me I can start on mushy food this weekend, any suggestions on what to have? This transition period is hard. I know we are healing the body right now, so we have to be careful and not rush the food intake. Any suggestions? Love to hear them! Thanks!

I was banded on 2/25/09. I am still sore, but like the others said before, I am starting to feel like myself again. I still have some pressure around the port area and some occasional gas pains, but feeling better everyday! I had problems with deep breathing and pain in the beginning too, but it has passed. My doctor explained to me that your port is attached to your diaphram wall and that's why it is sore in your shoulder area, as well as in deep breathing. The gas also tends to settle in the shoulders too. In a few weeks, it will all be a faded memory! I am full liquids still, but transitioning to mushy food. I can tolerate mashed potatoes very well. I am ready to start some other foods because my body doesn't react well to the protein drinks. I go through spells of being hungry, but get full very easy and then other times of foods smells turning me off and making me not want to eat! I hear that eventually your hunger pains will come back...so watch out! In the weeks before your first fill, be careful, as it will be tempting to chow down on some of those foods you missed out on. I agree that is such a mental thing! Good luck to you all!

Hi all! It's been a week postop for most of us on this posting, how is everyone? Myself, I am feeling WAY better. The pain is mostly gone, still sore around the port site and also having the gas pains that are in the shoulder and under my rib cage area, but it is getting better each day. I think the breathing deep and having pain is caused by the gas. I read above that people were having trouble with the protein drinks, my body doesn't like them much either! And they do dehydrate you, as stated before. When I went in for surgery my temperature was 99.5, not high, but not normal either and the nurse asked me had I been on a liquid diet. I said yes, for 2 weeks. She said that's what the deal is, your temperature is up because you are becoming dehydrated! Nice, huh? So, I am looking forward to moving on to real food. I have been slowly tasting and trying things. I had mashed pototes yesterday and did fine, just small amounts though. I am hoping to go to mushies. I have a check up today, so we will see. I am down 15 lbs. now! yeah! Good luck to everyone and keep up the smiles...it will all get better soon! : ))

It is my understanding as well that carbonated drinks and juices are not on the list of things we can have. Although my doctor said that apple juice would be okay during the first week postop, since it's not really about weight loss in the postop stage, but rather healing the body. The first week for me (my surgery was 2/25/09) is just whatever I can tolerate! I say use moderation and your own good judgement!

Nice bonus, getting your period in the midst of all this pain! I can relate, I got mine too!! : ))) At least we are getting all that out of the way and in a week or so, we should be feeling great! Good luck to you!

My surgery was 2/25/09 at 7:30 am. I have a 10 cc Lap-band. My starting weight was 203, I was 193 at surgery and goal is 130. During surgery, the doctor found and repaired a hiatal hernia. I have had acid reflux for many years and have been on medicaiton for this...having the hernia fixed should remedy the acid reflux!:cursing: So, I am now 3 days post-op. I am still in pain and have alot of gas discomfort with pain in my left shoulder and left side. I am not hungry at all! I am on a full liquid diet for the next 1-2 weeks. When I do have a protein shake, I feel so full for many hours and just feel icky. I hope that passes. I am so excited to begin this journey of losing weight and using the lapband as my tool. I love to motivate other people and really feel that LBT is a very good place for support. It also lets me know that there are still some really nice people in this world! Thank you to all my new LBT friends!:cursing:

My surgery was 2/25/09 at 7:30 am. I have a 10 cc Lap-band. My starting weight was 203, I was 193 at surgery and goal is 130. During surgery, the doctor found and repaired a hiatal hernia. I have had acid reflux for many years and have been on medicaiton for this...having the hernia fixed should remedy the acid reflux!:cool2: So, I am now 3 days post-op. I am still in pain and have alot of gas discomfort with pain in my left shoulder and left side. I am not hungry at all! I am on a full liquid diet for the next 1-2 weeks. When I do have a protein shake, I feel so full for many hours and just feel icky. I hope that passes. I am so excited to begin this journey of losing weight and using the lapband as my tool. I love to motivate other people and really feel that LBT is a very good place for support. It also lets me know that there are still some really nice people in this world! Thank you to all my new LBT friends!:wink2: