grizzlyrider

We visited Ramstein once while we were stationed in Italy. I was always jealous of the people stationed in Germany because I liked it a lot more than Italy. Do you have to do through the whole liquid diet and get the psychological test over there? Even though I still have TriCare, I used my insurance at work so I don't know what requirements TriCare has or, I guess, you would just be using the military hospital. It's all worth it in the end anyway!

Hi, did you find a buddy? I'm not in Germany but I am the spouse of a retired Air Force Major. I was banded on August 31, 2009 and have lost 95 lbs, most of that in the first year. It's coming off much slower now but still coming off and I think it' the best thing I have ever done! You must have been banded already. If you want write back and let me know how you are doing. I know there are always lots of questions at first. Good Luck!

whoops, I see this site is playing tricks on me. Well, two replies with the same info - good grief! I give up!

Ok, I'll try this again. I seem to type and then delete! Anyway, I was saying it usually takes about 4 fills to really feel the full effect and restriction. I did lose more in the first couple months but I had more to lose than you do. Bandster Hell is between surgery and restriction and is rightly named. From the very beginning my band helped me by keeping me from eating between meals and that has been the most valuable part of it for me. Stick with the protein, dont drink any calories if you can help it and cut back on the fruits and veg - they just slide through. Ask to get fills sooner if possible, some docs will some won't. It's the fills that will get you going. Don't give up - it will happen!

It took me about 4 fills before I really felt restriction. I did lose but I had more to lose than you and from the very beginning my band helped me by keeping me from eating between meals. Hang in there, the bandster hell period between surgery and restriction is usually at least 4 fills and is rightly named. Eat mostly protein, cut back on the fruit and veg and try to not drink any calories. It really works best with hard protein and fruits and veg, just slide through.

Sad to say, my pants falling off is one of my goals! I've wanted it ever since I saw the WW commercial years ago! I keep my BIG pants to wear around the house just hoping they fall off! Sick or what!!!!!!!

800 doesn't sound like enough, when I was first banded I was eating 900 and that only worked for a little while and I had to increase it. I also have to avoid sugar like the plague! And hey, let's all try to be a little more supportive when people come here for help. I've notice a lot of negativity on the whole site lately and that doesn't help anyone.

This may sound harsh but maybe you are not ready for the surgery. It's not like after you have it you don't have to rely on self restraint. I am not saying this to be mean but maybe you would do with a little more time to think about this and see if you are really committed to making the changes that will be necessary after the surgery. Please don't take this the wrong way.

Bandster hell is that period of time inbetween surgery and when you have restriction. You've had the surgery but still have to work harder to limit your eating. Fortunately you will still not be able to eat the volume you did before surgery but it is a tough time.

I don't quite see how not being able to find your port for a fill has anything to do with your band coming off or being embedded in your stomach. If this did happen, why can they not see it on the xray? Have you thought of getting a second opinion?

On my last blog, which was in July, I said I was hoping for a 100 lb loss by my bandiversary which was August 31. Well I didn't get there but I am at -95 and still happy as I can be about this band. Just recently I had occasion to ponder about this. I flew to Las Vegas for a business trip - the seat belts fit easily AND I was able to put the tray table down with 6 inches to spare between my belly and the table! Woo whooo!!! The other thing that has really hit home to me is that 3 of my friends have decided to get banded (one of them did just last Friday) and this was with no prompting from me at all. This has all made me feel very grateful and proud of all I have accomplished this past year. So, I want to tell all newly banded people - hang in there, the pain of surgery will go away, "bandster hell" will end and you will change your life forever! :smile2:

Wow, you are lucky because I think the liquid diet the week after the surgery is actually harder than the 2 weeks before! Enjoy your soup!

Just got home. I don't suppose you see this before you go for your surgery but I'm thinking of you, wishing you all the best. I'm so excited for you and will talk to you soon!

Hi Dawn - it's me, Patty! Don't you worry about bothering me. I love talking about this stuff and there are very few people who are as interested as I am interested in talking about it! You're doing great and will never regret this!