MrsCabes

Good restriction makes it so much easier! Once you hit that point, you won't feel like you're on a diet.

I've said it over and over again - I would not recommend this surgery to everyone. I think the screening process needs to be a little "tougher" too - those with food issues will have a harder time than those without (and yes, I am overweight WITHOUT food issues)

Why would anyone have a problem with anything he said?!?! He was 100% RIGHT.

Yes - I still have the occasional glass of wine or margarita! (however, my surgeon said no, until 6 months post op and I DID abide by that rule)

Yes, yes and yes!!!

The one thing I do miss is just being able to eat a normal sandwich (not toasted, not grilled) - just a sandwich. Other than that, not much.

Personally, I was never a compulsive eater, so it's easier for me, contending with the band. I haven't read any of the other responses yet but - I really do feel like lapband isn't for everyone. (as well as other WLS) They can help us physically, but they can't take away any mental issues that we have with food.

Yes, I knew - I, too, signed a "contract" that I wouldn't get pregnant for 2 years after surgery and that I would use TWO forms of BC. I already knew that fertility increases with weight loss so it was no surprise to me. The 2 major things (besides weight loss, of course) that occur after surgery is 1. pregnancy and 2. divorce.

I didn't think the pain was bad at all - the "worst" of it is the gas/air. <---which can be taken care of by Gas X and walking. Maybe a 2-3? I've given birth and broken my leg, nothing compares to those! LOL

BTW - you're not limited to saline by your band size. They can keep going past the size...it expands.

My surgeon doesn't have the "no straw" rule either - I use one whenever I go out!

My surgery was Feb. 8th and I've lost 65 pounds.

Congratulations - what a good "problem" to have! I just got back IN to my wedding ring and my husband plans on recreating a whole new ring for me when I hit my goal weight. <---maybe you can work out a deal with YOUR hubby? :thumbup:

The only thing I can't eat...right now (that can always change with the next fill!) is soft bread and dry meat. Anything else, I'm good with.

Yes! We're not being punished for the rest of our lives! Instead of ALL the cake, we're now eating a small piece. :biggrin:

I'm at good restriction and the only thing I can't eat is soft bread (I'm okay with toasted) and/or dry meat. I'm fine with rice and Pasta - it just all depends on the person and their band.

4 weeks after surgery is when I got my first fill. However, it took me 4 fills until I got restriction.

Hence, why I said, typically.

It took 4 fills until I achieved good restriction - typically, doesn't happen the first time. Be prepared for some flying (or finding a doctor closer)

Typically, until your first fill (sometimes your first 6), you're doing this by sheer will and motivation. When the band is working properly, you'll have no doubt in your mind what full is. That's why they want us to eat slow too - the difference between comfortable and overly full can be the matter of 2 bites. Hang in there - this is a slow process but a rewarding one!

I was just telling my NUT this, too! She said that we lose weigh in our extremities first. I've lost 64 pounds and I don't really notice it in my stomach area. In my face, my chin (I'm down to 1 now! LOL), my legs and I've lost 1/2 of a shoe size! But, I can still wear the same jeans I was wearing before surgery - ACK! They are a ton looser but I can still wear them.

So true! The other day, my daughter ordered a piece of pie and I said, "OMG, that pie is HUGE!" She said, "No, mom. That's a NORMAL piece of pie. Only you think it's huge." LOL

Also - I wanted to add that a good way to vent (and see your journey later) is to journal or blog. That helped me a TON. And, it's so awesome being able to see your emotional (as well as physical) journey.

It's very natural to feel this way! I went through the same thing - between a 3 weeks (horrible) pre-op diet and 4 weeks of limited foods, post-surgery...that's 7 weeks of no real food! It takes a strong person to get through this surgery - and you CAN do it! There is absolutely light at the end of the tunnel - I'm 6 months out and life is amazing. I eat...it's just a little bit of it versus the WHOLE thing. It takes some mental adjusting but, you will get there. And you WILL eat again. I promise. :thumbup:

Congratulations, that's awesome!