4x4 Moma

I am really struggling with my band. I am on my 4th fill and lost 7lbs since surgery. whoo whoo. I am not giving up. Going for another fill soon.

Are you getting in all of your Water? At least 64 oz a day? Not sugar-free sweetened drinks, but true Water? I found that Crystal Light was hindering my weight loss and switched to water only with an occasional (once a week) flavored sugar free drink, and when I did that I noted that I wasn't necessarily hungry, but I was always thirsty. Maybe this is part of the issue--not necessarily hunger, but thirst?

I thought Crystal Light was OK and sugarfree. I have had the band since 11/09/09 and I am still waiting on my first fill. (schedule issues) but I feel a complete failure at the band so far. I loose some and then gain it back - just like I did pre-band. I have been drinking Crystal light alot. Did this make a big difference for you?

Thanks for the info. I am willing to try anything.

I went for my fill on friday only to get a phone call half way there telling me I will need to reschedule because the office is going to be closed due to weather. I was/am very upset. I called to day to reschedule and they can not see me until 01/29/09. I will be banded almost 3 months before my first fill. Went back to liquid diet today trying to start over and try to loose some w/o fill. Ughhh!

My surgeon told me to not be surprised if I gained during the post-op/healing phase. He said that he has patients gain weight often.

Think back to all the times you did a crash diet such as the pre-op diet (well, I am making a leap here that you did crash diets in the past.) What happened when you went off them and returned to eating in a more normal fashion? You gained, right?

It happens, try not to stress over it. My weight came off at a snail's pace. 0.5 to 1 lb. per week average. Thus my choice of tracker!

Look at it in the big picture. I know most people say look at short-term goals. But this time look long-term. In 6 months, you will have a few fills and have some restriction and be losing. It's all good! You are eating less and exercising more. These are good habits to be forming. They will serve you well when you have that restriction to really help you have control over food! :smile2:

Cocoabean - Thanks for the info. and a different way to look at this. Your right, my pre-op was like a crash diet. It does make sense thinking of it that way.

I had my surgery Nov. 3rd and my first fill of 3cc at 4 weeks postop. Another fill of 3 cc 2 weeks later and at 8 weeks I was at my sweet spot. Now at 9 weeks postop I'm finally losing.

You'll most likely find that nothing is different after your first fill, depending on how little they put in. I'm fortunate because I have a doctor who lets me set the fill schedule based on my needs...not some silly set of printed guidelines. People do not have to go through bandster hell for endless weeks as if it's some sort of mandatory hazing ritual to be in the 'LAP-BAND®® club'.

If, after your first fill, you're still hungry and still able to eat in excess, call your doctor and tell them you want another fill. You should be able to get fills every 2 weeks until you have restriction. If they don't care and are only concerned with following their schedule, I'd look for a doctor who actually looks at their patients as individuals. Just my .02.

Elfiepoo - Wow - 9 weeks and 3 fills - I am jeolous. I am also having issues with my thyroids. That is another reason I have had to wait for my fills. I have 2 mass on my thyroids and the biospy came back showing a cell that could or could not be cancerous. So I still have more test to do. I think Dr. Duncan will adjust my band according to me, but I honestly am not sure. I will know Friday at 9am, because I will be asking when I can come back for another fill. Thanks for the 411. I will be more aggressive it needed. I am kinda a professional at that:angel_smile:. LOL.

Both of you keep up the great work.:thumbup:

Wow Mimi, Thanks for the input. That is encouraging coming from someone so close to goal. Congrats to you.

:smile2: Amanda

My surgery was November 9th and I will not get my first fill until January 8, 2010. I am really nervous about going. Not because of "fear of fill", but "fear of scales". I know I have gained about 6lbs. I also have only my scars to remind me I even have the band. Even though I have really tried to drink my Water, make good food choices, eat less and exercise I have still gained. Has anyone else gained before their first fill?

This was my first season to watch the show and I loved every bit of it. I was glad to see how well everyone looked. I agree I would like to see how they look in a few years and I would like to ask them how much their life has changed.

I guess I am interested in knowing what have been the biggest changes for some "goal meeting lapbanders" ???

Last night I was able to sleep on my stomach/side. Not really all the way on my stomach, just my left hip. It is our comfy spot and I was so glad to get back in it. YEAH!!!

Banded 11/09/09

Marnina If you are pissed about your weight lose, I can't image how I am suppose to feel. I was banded on 11/09 and I have only lost around 5lbs since surgery. I actually lost a few more than that, but I have gained a few back. However, I know that I am eating what I should and that I am being active. I am just gonna have to give this tool some time. I was unable to loose weight without the band and I did HONESTLY follow the diets and I exercise 6 days a week (Personal Trainer 2 and walk 1hr for 4 days).

So, my advise to you is to be proud of yourself for what you have already accomplished. Some of us, like me, would love to see the weight loss you have. Hang in there and anytime you think your not doing good send me a message and I will be there to encourage you from one struggler to another. Keep Smilin' :confused:

Great Idea Sadiegokate,

Thanks for the info. I love this fluffy stuff.

Hi all,

banded on 11/09/09 and I am ready for mushies. Everything is going great. My incision sites are so small and healing nicely. I am trying not to be a scale whore, but I really am not seeing alot of results. I don't think I am getting enough calories. I have maybe 200-300 a day. Hoping it will be better once I can have mushies. Never thought I would say I miss some low fat cottage cheese. LOL :bored:

Still looking on the positive side and I know in my heart this time it will work. 4x4 Moma

This may not sound very good, but it taste wonderful.

Here is a southbeach diet dessert that would be mushie.

one tub of SF/FF coolwhip, one sm. pack of orange SF Jello and a 16oz container of lowfat small curd cottage cheese. Just mix it all together and yummers.

After mushie stage you can add some manderian oranges to add a texture.

Hope this helps.

:w00t: 4x4 Moma

I just had the lap band with Dr.Duncan on 11/09/09 and my experience was amazing. Dr. Duncan is so "down-to-earth".

and willing to take time to answer all of my questions.

I never had a problem with his office staff, they were all very helpful.

I had my surgery at the Atlanta Ascetics Center, and that was a real treat. It was so much more "one on one" than I would have received in any hospital. I walked into the OR and when Dr. Duncan asked how I was I told him " I am worried about not being worried". I can honestly say that I never once got worried about having my lap band. His team made me feel comfortable with their confidence.

I will admit that I did have a long wait in his office. However, I am willing to wait for a doctor that will take his time with me. Because Dr. Duncan did take his time with me, and really looked at me, he was able to notice something wrong with my thyroid while I was talking. He ordered an ultrasound and found 2 large mass. I am currently waiting on the results of the biopsy now.

I love Dr. Duncan and his staff and would recommend them to anyone. I am sorry it someone had a bad experience with them, They are really good.

I am too lol. I have to be there at 9am for an 11am surgery I am second... My pre-op is the 3rd too lol. I dont have to do a pre-op diet at all. But I have been stressing

Lucky You! I sure hope I am early morning. I would love to be home before my boys get out of school. I'm not stressing yet. The only part I am worried about is the 2 weeks of liquid afterward. I know I will still have to cook for my family. I just keep reminding myself that I can do this. I CAN DO THIS! Try not to stress to much! It won't be long and we will be sharing success stories. Keep in touch :cursing: Amanda

:cursing:

I won't know my time until I go for pre-op on 11/03/09. What time is yours? I am glad to find someone having it on the same day :wink2:

November 9th is my big day. Started my pre-op today.

Protein Shake for Breakfast, then a lean meat and veggie for lunch and dinner.< /p>

Talk about waiting - I have completed all of my pre-op and spoken with my insurance company and they told me that I had been approved. Yeah. Now I have to wait for the letter from BCBS to get to my doctors office, before I can call and get my first appointment with the actual Doctor. You would think they could fax it or e-mail it. No I must wait on the good ole Postal Service. LOL

I totally agree. This waiting is very testy. I just hope this is not going to be like all of my other failed attempt. Maybe, by next week I will aleast have an appointment date.

In Georgia - going to Peachtree Bariatric with Dr. Duncan.