viking_girl

YES!!!:thumbup: I am diabetic, was on 2 meds prior to surgery and doc wanted me on a third. I was completely off meds TWO DAYS after surgery and my HA1C is now in the normal range. My blood pressure was high ..... now hovers between normal and slightly elevated.... I have been off all BP meds for several months. In terms of my health -- the lapband was the best thing I ever did!

I am sure every person is different, but in my case.... stress and hormones are usually my problem. I just had a slight unfill today. My nurse... who also has the band, said her band gets tight with air travel.

This post is pretty old... can you give us an update on what happened??

I had my surgery last year and I actually planned it for October..... after all the summer time goodness but early enough that I was healed and eating regular food by the holidays. I didn't want to be sipping a protein shake while everyone else got the good stuff.

You have been drinking diet coke?????????????? Well I am just envious because carbonated drinks are the one think my doctor has absolutely forbidden. :/ Otherwise, if your band is too tight that can cause acid, and a slight unfill will relieve it.

I would love an icy diet coke right now!!

I know just what you mean. I just got married to a man who LOVES to go out to eat. I just an so thankful that he is not judgmental and does care a fig if I only eat two bites of a meal, no matter what it cost him. In the meantime, I have learned that Chili at Wendy's is great, and on a good day, a junior burger. But usually, I cant handle too much bread. I also like the "chicken selects" at McDonalds. I have always been a McD's hater but this chicken is actually good... real chicken. And it is good cold too, so if I cant eat it all at once, its all good. Or a crisp burrito at Taco Time.... even if I can only eat half. But really, I have figured out that a little cafe where I can order a cup of soup is even better. If my husband really wants to go out to eat, Olive Garden has yummy soups! Or, we go to a little Mexican place near us that makes a fabulous pork tamale smothered in enchilada sauce. I usually cant eat the rice and beans, but really enjoy the tamales, and they are so tender they work well even on a bad day. You are awesome to brown bag it... my kids are still small so sometimes it is just crazy and I have a hard time thinking that far ahead and it gets me in trouble! And, I am with you.... time to get on the band wagon again!!! Ugh... the holidays.... still a challenge even with the band!

So, there are really two things today. First is just a basic update. I had an unfill, and I immediately put a few pounds back on. A week ago, we put a bit back in. Only this time, we took a look at the numbers. Each time I had an unfill, my band was at 2.25 and 2.5 CC. So, we filled it to two and we will see what happens. I have restriction in terms of how much I eat at one time. But I am still hungrier than I want to be throughout the day. I really need to journal what I am eating. But the BIG news.... with a drumroll please..... I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2002. Pre-surgery (2009) I was on two medications. I was able to maintain good numbers throughout the day but no matter what I did my fasting blood sugar each morning was always high. My doctor had just recommended a third medication. My mom and dad recommended the Lapband. Within two days of surgery, my blood sugar was under control and I was able to go off meds. I just had my HA1C drawn for the first time since surgery, and I have to say, I am thrilled. Pre-surgery, I was over 7.0..... just dont remember the exact number. As of today, my HA1C is 5.3 percent...... NORMAL!!!! Of course, I know enough about diabetes to know I am not "cured" ...... I have a strong family history of the disease. It will not go away. But the longer I can keep these numbers in check, the longer I can prevent some of the horrible pain my grandmother went through before she died. That makes it worth the rough days when I am too tight. And did I mention.... I really miss my grandma.

I am certain everyone is different, but I have noticed that if I eat just a little bit too much, or sometimes too fast I will get the hiccups. If I pay attention and stop there, I am fine. It is like my warning signal. And the times I dont stop there, that is when I will throw up.

I wont say my craving for carbs is gone.... but much much much lower. The reality is.... if I can no longer eat an entire single slice of cheesecake, there is no fulfillment. And if that is the case, why bother? If I eat a meal, and I am full to the brim, so there is no room for dessert, then there is just no room, so why bother? Of course, it took several months to get there, so be patient..... one day at a time.

on your first fill...... everyone is different but in my case, each time was slightly more restriction until we got it right. I would go into the office, they would do weight and blood pressure. Then, a little poke to numb the belly, then another poke to add fluid. My nurses usually give me just a bit of water to make sure it goes down with no issues, then you go home and see how you do. Sometimes it takes several tries, so your job now is to pay attention to what you eat, how often you eat, how long after a meal does it take to get hungry. Same thing as now.... eat til you feel satisfied (not full and uncomfortable, but satisfied.) Maybe it is more than 1/2 or 3/4 Cup, but the point is.... that is the long term objective and to try and accomplish that without the right restriction in your band will just make you crazy. Good luck!! Amy (lifeafterband) on Twitter

Take your time and do what feels good to you. If you need an extra day, don't sweat it. Right now the primary goal is to let your body heal, nothing more. If I remember (it has been a year) I was on Clear liquids for 5 days before I could add in things like cream soup. There is plenty of time later to worry about getting your Protein in. It is cold and rainy and gloomy here today, so what I will recommend to you: sugar free hot apple cider mix. Delicious and comforting..... fix a mug and sit back to rest and get well.

YES!!! It gets better. My doctor advised me that the weeks after surgery are for healing, not for weightloss.... to let the band tell you when you have had enough. Eat til you feel satisfied. I know for me, I was still eating less than pre-surgery, even if more than thought I "should." By doing this, I gradually decreased what I was eating with each fill, so it didn't seem as painful as trying to stick to tiny meals from day 1. I am just past the one year mark, and I have lost 95 pounds. Hang in there!!

You betcha... happy to. And I am glad you made an appointment. Your story makes me very pleased with my clinic...... My first year of care was included in the price of surgery. As much or as little as I need. That includes visits to the clinic, support groups and classes. I just entered into my second year, which costs me $300. Again, for as much or as little as I want. The nurses provide the care.... I havent seen the surgeon since my follow-up visit following surgery. And all of the nurses have had the band, so they know just what I am going through. I love it. I "only" have to drive an hour and a half. But I have to admit, I love to visit the city, so it is one of my guilty pleasures. :w00t: But....back to you..... if you dont have support at the clinic, you know you have it here. :thumbup:

Thank you.... I am trying. Inside my head, there is a lot of whining. I want the band to do the job for me. It is easier that way. But, the reality is, I can puke my guts up all the time or I can realize it just isnt going to happen the way I want it. Not a lot of choices in between. Unless you count sitting on the couch eating cheesecake. (Just kidding!) The thing is.... if I have to work harder at it, then I will need more support. My husband is fabulous, but also very wrapped up in renovating a house for us right now. So I kind of feel like I am on my own in this right now. But I am so close to the 100 pound mark, that I CANT STOP NOW.