RobinLB

This thread is encouraging. I was banded 2/7/11 and lost 11 lbs in the first couple of weeks. I've plateaued but I've also been hungry and can eat pretty much as I did pre-banding. I just didn't have restriction. 4 days ago, I had my long waited for 1st fill 4.4 cc's, but still not enough restriction that's going to show much weight loss. I'm so bummed out about the 8 wk waiting period before fills. It's going to be at least the better part of a 1/2 year or more before I start having any kind of weight loss that will be noticable to others. I really didn't picture having to wait so long for results, but at least after reading this thread, I'm feeling less discouraged.

Well, I've never tested eating as much as I would want to. I'm used to feeling full when I'm done eating, and except for the first few days right after surgery when there was swelling to help give you the I-can't-eat-anymore- feeling. I stop when I'm comfortable, or the food runs out on my plate, LOL. I also count calories never letting it go above 1000, mostly in 800-900 cal range. If I get hungry, meaning my stomach feels very very empty, or there are hunger pains, in other words, no mistaking it for psychological hunger, I eat something, or do a Protein shake. I often add Protein powder to the Protein shake because 1) it gives me more protein, and 2) it adds a little more thickness to it that helps to stick to the ribs a little more. I have not suffered at all when it comes to eating since I've been banded. I'm hungry, I eat and there's ususally 2-4 hours between eating/meals. I don't think I'm going to be one of those real fast losers, but I am losing. 6 lbs in two weeks. I'l probably be even more comfortable after my first fill when I can actually feel 'full' again. Hope this helps. BTW, I may not have been listening very well, but I don't recall reading or hearing about stomach muscles really hurting after surgery, so know that will happen. Anything you use your stomach muscles for will cause pain, like getting up from a chair or couch, or rolling out of bed. It lasted about 4 days or so. Thank goodness I never had the gas pains that some people complain about. Good luck, you're on way to a new and better life.

Heather, I'm glad you cleared up a couple of things for me. I thought the reason to wait a period of time before and after eating to drink was so you wouldn't throw up, but I guess at least in part, its tohelp you fill full longer. I thought the same thing about taking small bites, waiting 5-10 minutes between bites,making eating very drawn out, was also so you wouldn't get stuck, but thats also help you stay fuller feeling. Ok, I can do that. uot

I have been using portion control, ie 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 3 oz chicken, etc, but I can easily drink with meals, even gulp down a beverage. Don't have to take smaller than normal bites, and although I'm chewing more than before, there have been many times I've been distracted and feel that particular swallow could have been a problem. Is this all normal? Will it be necessary to do all those things correctly after first fill?

I was banded on 2/7 and only today, the area directly under the big incision is hurting quite a bit. the area doesn't look inflammed but it feels that way. Normal?

About the Blender Bottle, besides great blending, does it help make it thicker, as a blender would? And here's my contribution to great products: Harmonized Protein, http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/progressive/harmonizedprotein.html Sweetened with Stevia, blends like a dream, tastes great, and doesn't change texture or clump when used in a hot beverage. The link above has the best prices.

Exactly!!! Perhaps its the quantity of mush that could get you trouble, or a renegade larger piece that escapes the molars.

Have you tried eating something a little larger and if yes, how did it work out? I generally eating that size when anything more than very soft food, like NSA pudding, jello, etc. I haven't had any fills yet, just banded 2/7.

I was just banded 2/7 at Orange Coast Memorial Hospital, Dr. LaPorte's practice, but Dr. Ali specifically. All ok so far but only have lost 3 or so lbs so far. How about you? Robin, Mission Viejo

Hi everyone. I live in Mission Viejo for the last 13 yrs, but lived right near La Brea Tar pits before that, in fact, worked at Cedars (non clinical area) for years. I was banded 2/7. I've only had 2 anxiety attacks in my life, both over 20 yrs. So I thought it would be a good time to have another one as I was being wheeled on the guerney from where they prep you before taking you to the OR. We passed an emergency exit door and I was fighting with myself whether to jump and escape, LOL. Wasn't funny at the time. And I wouldn't have had to be so dramatic, just simply say 'changed my mind'. I have a fear of vomiting and when I'm overly hungry, can feel nauseated, so what added to the problem is I was queasy before surgery due to hunger, and afraid of pain meds right after surgery would make me vomit, but they didn't. Maybe I wasn't listening carefully, but never heard there would be stomach muscle pain like that. It was much much better a few days later. So now, 10 days later, I feel like a veteran, don't know what my fuss was all about, no trouble eating and drinking appropriately, in fact no problem drinking a little faster than recommended and not waiting between swallows of soft foods, like nsa pudding, etc. Today, eating a scrambled egg for the first time with a little cottage cheese. No problem. I had the surgery at Orange Coast Medical Center, Dr. LaPorte in Fountain Valley. I've had a lot of energy from about day 4, how about you. I've been really productive. Alas, not more than 3 or so lbs lost so far. I'm 5' tall, 260 lbs starting weight, 59 yrs old.

Wow, thanks. Think I'll have to get this. Just the cheatsheet is very helpful, have downloaded it for easy reference. Does this book include quick and easy recipes?

You're not going to lose much when your body is trying to heal. Why?

...and this is the way any weight loss program works for me. Just today started on Stage 2 foods but if smooth, creamy or liquid, really easy to get down. I feel I might be eating too much, and I find I don't really have to wait between swallows or wait very long before I have a beverage. I assume that will change after 1st fill. First few days, not hungry I assume due to swelling, but that has changed, now hungry, stomach growling. Most of all, not losing much has been my big concern since I never ate huge quantities of food, and cutting way down on calories + exercise did not result in weight loss. Always grew an early tolerance to whatever program I was or meds (i.e. fen/phen). Discouraged,

Low cost Highly blendable Good flavor Stevia used for sweetner, not aspartame Suculose (Spenda) ok, prefer Stevia No to low sodium And if possible, not to have it change texture if using in a hot drink, Just banded one week ago, have only tried Biochem brand so far, I'm using the flavorless one, but it does blend well at all.

I know what you mean. I was just banded a week ago, and there are times when i know I need to stop but its more of a bloated feeling than a 'full' feeling. In fact, I can still feel a hunger pain when i 'feel' I shouldn't eat more. So I don't know if its swelling, gas, to much liquid or what. I can certainly 'eat' more now than a week ago, and I've only dropped a couple of lbs this week. I was hoping I wouldn't need a fill like the few lucky ones but I can already see that's not going to happen.