LapBandit

Good, I needed to hear these things. It really seemed to me that restriction is often associated with those negative things (PB's, Sliming etc.) and since I haven't had a problem with these things I assumed "I wasn't doing it right." I like my band. I do feel like I am eating more normally than ever before. I think I may need a bit more just to help me feel satisfied longer so I'm going to see if my doc will give me a fill on Friday at my next appointment. Good info everyone!

I've got a VG as well. My doctor gave me a 4cc fill at the time of surgery. This "fill business" is confusing to me. I haven't had any PB problems or anything and I am embarassed to admit that I am still not sure if I have restriction. Some people describe restriction as almost a "punishment"...chest pains, PB's, sliming, etc. Is that a true picture of restriction? I eat less than before surgery and it seems to leave me satisfied for approximately two hours but I still feel hungry quite often. As well, I can eat more than I expected to be able to do. I am thinking I need to get a fill but I'm a little scared of going too far then experiencing the restriction issues that others talk about. I'm confused!!

Wow, I guess everyone is different! It took me almost three weeks before I felt hungry at all! But now...watch out! I could eat a house! :hungry:

:funnypost: OMG, I got such a chuckle out of this! I think similarly to you, Zoe. Especially since I love my puppy, Nipper! I guess I wouldn't mind wearing a dog bone! Very cute post!

Yep, it's real! I wish you a safe journey and surgery!

Welcome to Bandland! Happy Healing!

Yes, I too was excited to finally be allowed to CHEW some food again! I had tons of jello, soup, juice, broth etc. left-over from my healing stage and I knew I would never want it again! I donated it! I'm gonna CHEW when I can! Happy Healing!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU SHOULD BE VERY PROUD OF YOURSELF, THIS IS A HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT!!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Well, the first thing I'd say is that you need to discuss the eating with your doctor. It's important to do things the way they need you to. Each doctor seems to have a little different strategy so I don't want to tell you the wrong thing. I had TERRIBLE gas pain, mainly in my shoulder. I used chewable Gax X and a hot Water bottle. It took me a few days to figure this out and I wish I'd have figured it out sooner because it really helped. Walking also helps get that gas out of you, as well as the "other" way people relieve gas...you know...hey, it helps! Hang in there...it took me a week or two before I felt like I was getting the hang of things!

First of all...congrats on the band! I have never been able to hear my tummy growl until after surgery. It growls so loud now but I think it's funny. So far I haven't heard that this is a sign of anything wrong. I guess as long as you feel OK then I wouldn't worry. You're just another growler now!!

JulieNYC, I was so excited to hear this. I am in the same boat as you! I have 29 lbs until Twoterville!! I am so excited, I can't wait! Plus, everyone talks about Onederland but I was wondering if there was a cool name for the 200's! I like it! I can't wait to be a resident of Twoterville! I feel pleased that I'm losing but I need strength to give it time. Patience is not a virtue to me! Good luck everyone!

My doc told me if we choose to do Flintstones then we should take two because they're measured for children.

I'm sorry that you are struggling with this tough issue on top of dealing with all the other "band rules". My doctor makes his patients sign a "contract" that says we won't drink for atleast a year. He said that alcohol is liquid calories but more importantly causes stress to the body which releases cortisol and cortisol causes the body to store fat, particularly in the belly. I hope this helps.

Centrum Chewables for me too! I also take a "B Complex Blend" that includes Vitamin C and the B's plus chewable Caltrate. That better be enough to keep me healthy!!

Hi April Bandits! I was banded 4-18-06 and got the VG with a 4cc fill at surgery. I haven't had a post-op fill yet but I NEED ONE!! I can tell my tummy is healed because I am hungry all the time and I can eat way more than I could earlier. I hope I'm not wasting time by not already having a fill. I am hoping to get the most out of this summer. I'm not super-impressed with the weight loss so far but I think my perception of success need altered. I have to remember that slower is better but I want to get this ball rolling!! :girl_hug: I feel good so far and haven't PB'ed or Slimed yet although my doctor said it will happen to everyone at least once. Well, good luck with class reunions and I hope everyone is doing good too. I like having our own "Bandit Class of '06" to keep in touch with!

I experienced the same feelings as you are right now. I had a week where I felt extra-emotional and I would just cry for no big reason. I was getting pretty scared about it. Luckily it passed and now I feel great. I really think my body released the extra estrogen that gets stored in fat or something. Part of my brain knew I was being irrational but the other side just kept making me cry!! Someone else said that anethesia can cause this response in some people so I don't know what really caused the problem but I'm glad I feel better now. Someone mentioned above about liquid Protein. I use that too. My brand is called New Whey Liquid Protein and I get it from: http://www.wholesalesupplementstore.com/new-whey-liquidprotein.html It tastes fine to me and is easier to get down than Protein shakes. Hang in there and let us know if you need extra support!

Hi everyone! I'm really struggling with finding well-balanced nutrition ideas to fill my daily menus. I'm thinking my best strategy (at least until I get the hang of things) is to find a few days worth of menus and then rotate them! Would anyone like to share their daily menu for a day that they are really proud of? I would really appreciate hearing from you so that I can gain some ideas. Thank you very much for your help! Here's a day I'm happy with: Breakfast: One serving of Special K Protein Plus cereal w/ lactaid nonfat milk. First Mid Meal: Protein enriched sugar free pudding. Lunch: Whole wheat wrap with baby spinach, mustard, lean turkey and low fat swiss. Second Mid Meal: South Beach snack bar (peanut butter crisp flavored). Dinner: Vegetarian refried beans with a little salsa and low fat cheese. Third Mid Meal: Liquid Whey protein supplement (I am told to eat six small meals a day and no extra snacks.)

Great info! I appreciate your thoughts. There are so many rules to follow that I get worried that I'm not "doing it right" I guess the best "rule" is to find healthy foods that I enjoy. Today was a bad day though...I was working through lunch and had to eat with co-workers...I ate the cheese and pepperoni off of some pizza. YIKES! It is so stinking hard to avoid those situations!!! I did good the rest of the day though so I'm going to try not to stress about it! Thanks everyone!

Boy, I feel loved. I guess I thought others may enjoy sharing ideas. :cry

Oh boy, I agree with the others...400 calories are NOT enough for anyone. I have a lot of weight to lose and I started out thinking that 600-800 calories a day would do the trick. My doctor had an absolute fit with me and told me that I was going to start doing damage to my organs and muscles this way and that I was only training my body to save every ounce of food I ate to be stored as fat. He convinced me to eat more and I feel so much better and I'm losing more weight eating 1000-1200 calories a day than when this was cut in half. I know it's hard to fight those old misconceptions about calories but I trust my doctor and so far he hasn't led me wrong. Good luck and let us know how you're doing.

My doctor said the same thing so I asked him why I could eat more than two ounces and he said that some food starts to slip through the band the second it hits the pouch, especially if the consistency is thin. He said that eating more than 2 oz. is fine as long as I'm not stuffing myself. He said that it's OK if it takes 2-4 oz. of HEALTHY food before I feell satisfied. I asked him to promise me that this is true and he said "yes" as long as I'm following the rules of good nutrition. So many rules, so little time!! Don't worry, there are a lot of us struggling with these things too. I think you're doing great!

I don't know where you are in Maryland, but if you can travel to Salisbury, MD you may want to contact the Delmarva Bariatric Center. The office is wonderful and the docs are very good! http://www.delmarvabariatric.com

I have been eating Protein enriched sugar free pudding. I know it sounds silly but it's called Sylvester Stallone's High Protein Pudding. 20 grams of protein, low carb and sugar free. It tastes like regular chocolate pudding to me. (They also have vanilla and another flavor but I love my chocolate!) I buy mine from: http://www.wholesalesupplementstore.com/stallone-high-protein-pudding.html Just an idea for you. (I'm not a good cook so I need to buy a lot of pre-made food!)

I had, and still do if I bend over too quickly, slight dizziness. My doc said that it takes most people up to 6 weeks before the effects of anesthiesia (SP) completely leave the system. But, I'd agree with the others and have your sugar checked to be safe! Good luck!

I had a terrible time with the gas as well. I used chewable "Gas X" tablets and they helped. Walking also helped relieve pressure. My worst problem with the gas was in my left shoulder. My shoulder really hurt bad. Finally I got the idea to use a hot water bottle and it really helped. The good news is...it's temporary! So, hang in there and I hope these tips help!