Linda D

hello, I was banded on 11-09-09 and until March 17th, I could eat a whole lot. I ifnally got to that point where the band really restricts me. Wow. Honestly, I was feeling like the band was a waste. Now, I am so careful about what I eat: protein first, then a veggie, cheese, etc and I feel full. I am very tight in the morning so I drink a protein shake (30 g) and don't have a desire to eat until around 11:30-12:00. Chocolate and chips are my weakness and I can still cheat a bit, but I still get that restriction with those now. Please don't give up and I agree w the others about getting your records. At my last appt, the nurse kept the needle in my port while I drank water to make sure I wasn't over tight. So, I had quite a bit put in at once. Maybe you can be a really squeaky wheel on the 6th and tell them to fill it very generously and then do the drink test. You'll be so happy when you get to that perfect restriction. Good luck to you :frown:)

Hello, I was banded three months ago. On Feb. 5th I got my 3rd fill. I now understand the "sweet spot" term everyone talks about. For the first 3 months, I could still eat whatever I wanted, and felt that the band was going to be just as hard to deal with as any other diet I've tried. Now that I have real restriction, I have a different relationship with food. I went camping this weekend, and everyone was snacking and eating all around me. I was very cautious about what I ate, because if I eat too fast or big bites, the band reminds me that I've reached my limit. If I eat too much, the pain is really uncomfortable. So, I don't want food as much as I don't want that painful feeling in my chest. Honeslty, even though I've eaten such a small amount (protein first), I feel full for hours after. I love the band now and so glad that I didn't give up and went back for those fills. Good luck on your weight loss. I used to have a huge appetite. Not any longer )

I'm so sorry to hear you're in so much pain right now. I had bad lower abdominal pain, took 2 chewable Gas X and dranks some hot herbal tea, went to bed and felt fine in the morning. I hope that you feel much better after your appt. Take care.

Congratulations on getting banded!!! I was banded on Nov 9th. I had been on liquids for two weeks before surgery, to a full week after surgery. Lost all kinds of weight. As soon as I went to mushies, then solids, I gained a total of two pounds when I went in on Dec 15th for my first fill. I was so frustrated, felt no restriction, etc... Since my fill, I feel lots of restriction. I'm not dieting, just eating small portions and I was shocked that I'm losing weight now without effort. The band is really working, woo hooo!!! Please don't be discouraged with your weight right now. I was in tears at one point before the fill. Let the band work for you after a fill. Congratulations again!!

Thank you so much for your responses. I feel much more motivated ) I'm on liquids now that I got the fill. I agree. I eat way less than I used to. Take care everyone!

Hi everyone, i will be getting my first fill this morning and I know I will have a weight gain when I weigh in. I did great on liquids, mushies, etc. When I started solids, the scale didn't move then went up a little. I already feel like I'm failing with the lap band. I'm down 21 pounds including pre-op diet. Surgery was Nov 9th. I would really appreciate some feedback. Did anyone else have a gain before first fill?? I weighed 205 post op visit on 11/17. Am now 207. Ugh:bored: Thanks everyone.

I was banded three weeks ago today. I had a c-section in 2003 and remember that pain a lot. The pain from the lap band is nothing compared to it. It was mainly uncomfortable gas feelings (take gas-x strips, they help). I was back to work full time on day 7. I was tired at the end of the day, that's all. I travel throughout the day for my job. From day 7-10, I logged 14 hours of driving and felt great. I hope that your surgery goes smoothly and as pain free as many of ours. :confused:

Around day 10 or 11 I felt no energy. I added a protein drink (EAS advantedge) form Wal Mart to my daily intake. Upping the protein helped a lot. Hope you get your energy back real soon. I'm 16 days post op now and feel good. I'm also in the mushy stage. Doctor said I can try skinless chicken as long as I chew it really good.

i had my surgery on Nov 9th and I felt a lot of the same feelings you all do. I fel miserable on day 9 and 10. Now that I'm 15 days out, I feel great!!! No more gas pains, woo hoo!!! Hang in there. I feel so much better now :thumbup:)

Hello, Nine days post op my doctor said I could add a few mushies. i was totally surprised. I've barely had anything but really mashed potatoes and cottage cheese. It's great. but i jumped on the scale and was two pounds heavier. How could that be?? I'm 13 days post op now and still have gas. Congratulations on your success!

I'm 8 days post op and I was feeling much better this morning. I went to work today and now I am soooo exhausted and sore at the port site. Nice to read that it's all a part of recovery.

I was banded on 11-9-09 and woke up this evening feeling kind of yucky. I haven't been hungry and wonder if I'm not getting enough nutrients. Maybe I'm afraid of the stuck feeling.....Hope everyone starts feeling better soon.

Hi everyone, I got banded on Nov 9th at 8 am. I came home yesterday morning and I feel pretty good. I'm not close to being hungry and was on a liquid diet seven days before surgery. Thought I'd be starving. But, not even close. We've had nonstop visitors here at home and lots of sweets, etc. No temptation. The only complaint I have is the GAS pains. I know I have to walk walk walk but they are stubborn!! Haven't needed pain meds today. I'm so grateful I went through with it. Congratulations November bandsters and those to be banded!! :biggrin:

My Surgery date is Nov 9th. I'm so excited and ready to do this. Good luck everyone on your endeavors!!

Hang in there with the insurance. It's good that you're right on top of it. With the primary care Dr and OB, my surgeons office has a letter that they fax to the other doctors, they sign and fax back. I didn't have to contact the Dr myself nor make an appt. I hope that helps. Hang in there!!! )

Am praying for you and your surgeon. Congratulations. Mine is Nov 9th

My date is Nov. 10th! I'm so happy it's right around the corner!!!

Hi everyone, I recently got preapproved for the lap band surgery. If I hadn't checked into this, I wouldn't have known I have severe sleep apnea. I have my first appt with the surgeon on Tuesday and I'm so nervous. I have to lose 11 lbs beofre the final approval from the insurance co. And, I'm having a hard time. Did anyone else have to lose some weight first and have a hard time? I really appreciate your thoughts. And, best wishes to everyone with the lap band surgery.