vlp1968

I was told 15 minutes, every doctor is different. It's my understanding the no drinking rule is too keep the food in the pouch longer. In that vein, I wait about 1/2 hour before I drink anything. It takes a little getting used too.

Hang in there, restriction will come. When I first got the band I thought it was never going to work. After 3 fills, I had some restriction. As far as aches and pains, I would talk to your doctor about them. Doesn't sound like your band slipped. When that happens you can't keep even water down. Good luck!

I hope the 5th fill is it! Just know that it will happen. Hang in there!

If you swallow gum with the band it's bad. That is why some say no gum chewing. I do, but am careful.

Many people are frustrated at the beggining. It usually takes a few fills to get restriction- it took me 3. For the first 2-3 months I felt like I had nothing done. Hang it there! It will happen! Keep us posted.

I believe it is pretty difficult to stretch your pouch, the stomach has a lot of give to it. I am pretty sure the soup didn't do it. Good luck on your journey!

I think it is a diet in that there is an eating plan to be followed. At least I have a plan, sounds like most others do as well. My plan is high protien, low carb and low fat. I realize I will need to eat this way for the rest of my life. Some days I go through feeling deprived, but overall it's not that bad.

I would call the doc. office and tell them about what's going on. They should be able to tell you what the next step is.

HappyMe2009 Please don't give up. You made a decision to better your health. Now you just have to follow through. Restriction will come! Go to the doctor and get a fill, this one could be it. Don't beat yourself up about the past- just move forward. You can do it!

Good for you! Keep up the good work!

I did 40 minutes on the treadmill- walk/jog. I had to really make myself do it and am so glad I did. I also had a session with my trainer- 30 minutes of abs.

Sounds like you are doing great!

No- it doesn't sound like too much. As far as stretching your pouch, I think that's pretty hard to do. The stomach has lots and lots of give to it.

Go for it girl! Great attitude.

Good for you! I have watches and rings that will need to be resized once I reach my goal.

I was loosing some hair and went to the dermatologist. He said it was from the shock your body goes into after rapid weightloss. Much to my relief, he said I would not go bald. It should subside over time.

I too have found eating slowly and taking breaks helps a lot. Right after being banded I would eat right through the full stage and end up being sick. Sounds like you are doing well, keep up the good work.

I almost always have water with me. I am lucky, love to drink water. My advice is to try to have fluids with you almost all the time and sip sip sip. You should find you get your 64oz throughout the day.

I don't think you damaged your band, as you didn't even get sick. Try not to beat yourself up about your slip. All you can do is move on and do what's right. Look forward, not back. You can do it!

I haven't experienced it but I've read others saying a fill kicked in a week or 2 later. Sounds like you are doing well.

I think you did a great job advocating for yourself!

I did cardio for the first time in almost a week- was on vacation. I had to really make myself do it but felt great after. My goal is 5-6 days a week of cardio along with 3 days of weights with a trainer.

Glad things went so well.

Good for you! Keep it up!

Doesnt sound like you will loose your band. Is it an infection?