vlp1968

If your doc. is willing to do it I would go for it. I had my first fill 6 weeks after surgery, that was my doc.s policy. I would have loved to had one sooner as my appetite came back just a few days post op.

Sorry you are having a hard time. I sympathize with you. My experience has been I am hungry a lot and get a small fill. That small fill pushes me over the edge and I can't keep anything down. Now that I am maintaining I can eat more and have felt much more satisfied. I am afraid to get a fill. After the last 2 or 3 I have had to have unfills. It's an hour to the doctor and 146 dollars to boot. However, I am pleased with the success I have had. I think I expected the band to take away all hunger, and it just doesn't work like that. I disagree with the notion you shouldn't snack. I find they help me keep my hunger under control all day. I typically eat 6 times a day- 3 "meals" and 3 "snacks". My snacks tend to be just about as large as my meals. I eat lots of lean protien- sticking to a low fat low carb eating plan. I hope things get better for you! Good luck!

I find low carb protein bars are great when I'm on the go. I like Atkins. Also, cheese sticks are another thing I pack. They are good for a few hours out of the fridge. I agree with nuts as well (almonds are very healthy- I eat 1/4c at a time). Beef Jerky is another option, lots of protien and very low in fat. Enjoy your trip!

Hang in there, restriction will come. It took me 3 fills to get there.

I would talk to your doctor about wether you need a fill. You may want to keep track of how much you eat and how long you stay full. This will help you and the doctor determine if you need a fill. Believe me, you don't want to be to tight, its miserable.

I think you are doing good. There may be some swelling, so you may get a bit looser over the next few days. Are you able to get in enough calories and protien? If you can't, I would give it a few days and then call the doctor if it persists. You don't want to be so tight you can't eat enough.

Glad your fill did the trick. You may get looser in just a few days after swelling goes down- but you may not. The band will loosen with weight loss- so you will probably need more fills down the road. You should see that scale move!

I agree about calling your doc. However, I doubt your band slipped. My doc. said when that happens you suddently can't keep anything down- even water. Hope you feel better soon.

That's great! It is a great milestone for sure. Keep it up!

That is awsome. It's a milestone for sure. Keep up the good work!

Sorry you are having a hard time. It will get lots better once the swelling goes down. Try to get as much water and protien shake as possible. You may want to water down the shakes. That has helped me when I have had trouble after a fill. Keep in touch with your doc. and let them know what's going on. Hope you feel better soon.

I am glad your band is working. I have read on here of fills kicking in a week or so later. See how you feel, you may not need another fill for a bit. Believe me, being tight is no fun.

If your not satisfied with your meals, or getting hungry inbetween I would get a fill. You say you don't have restriction, a few fills should provide that. I think you were way smart to cancel your appt. because of going out of town. You don't want to have trouble while your on the road. Good luck!

You sound ready to get back on track. You can do it! Keep us posted on how it's going.

It took me 3 fills to feel restriction. I felt it right away but I have read on here of people feeling a fill a week later. Since you don't have restriction, I would call and see if you can get back in sooner rather than later. Good luck!

When I was loosing I weighed in once a week- although I cheated a few times. I felt like the daily flucuations would drive me crazy. Now that I am maintaining, I weigh myself every day. If I get to 112 (I am very short, 4'11'') I will cut back on carbs and calories until I get to 110. I have been maintaining for about a month and haven't seen 112 yet.

mom- Hang in there! It will get better. It is a frustrating process getting to your "sweet spot". Until your fill I would concentrate on eating the right things (low fat, low carb, high protien). Your portions may be bigger than they will be when you get restriction but it should keep your weight from spiraling out of control. Also, start working out if your not already. If you are, maybe you can bump it up to compensate for the food. Good luck! Keep us posted on how your doing.

You might want to try marinated meat. I buy perdue perfect portion chicken breast- marinated in an italian sauce. I also eat marinated pork loin. I like the honey mustard. The meat will be moister, and hopfully won't give you a problem. The carbs in both are very few.

It doesn't sound like you need a fill. If anything, seems like you are too tight. At this point you should be able to eat about 4oz of solid food. I would call your doc. and let them know what's going on. I wouldn't wait for your next appointment. Good luck and congrats on your surgery.

I have had no trouble swallowing pills post-op.

Pasta is tough for many bandsters. Personally, I can't tolerate it as much as I wish I could now that I'm maintaining (100% whole wheat anyway). I would watch the carbs (especially refined carbs- white flour, white sugar), pasta has a lot. Your cereal is also filled with carbs. I agree that greek yougurt would be a much better choice. Also, be sure you are taking small bites and chewing well. Best wishes!

It's very possible your first fill won't give you restriction. Only a lucky few have that happen. It took me 3 fills to get any kind of restriction. Hang in there, it gets better. I agree with eating fairly often, so you don't let yourself get famished. Good luck!

I didn't do a pre-op diet, infact I pigged out on many "last meals" (last mcdonalds, last mexican et...). I lost weight steadily in the first weeks post-op., even when I went to solid food. However, I have read on this forum of people gaining a few pounds when they move to solids. If you do gain a few back, I wouldn't worry about it. The first weeks post op. are for healing, any weight loss is a bonus. Congrats on your upcoming surgery, keep us posted on how your doing.

Glad you are having such great success with the band. Keep up the good work!

You don't say how much you ate. Do you think you need a fill? If you have restriction you shouldn't have been able to binge. All the other advice above is great! I hope it helps and your problems resolve quickly.