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.

Eat some yogurt with probiotics or drink Keifer so you don't get yeast infections with antibiotics. I drink about 4 oz of Keifer every day just for the probiotics. Works great!

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?