1shauna1

I have just discovered the Premier Nutrition high protein shakes, they are 160 cals and 30 gms of protein (get them at Costco). I have one a day in the morning because I have a hard time with solids then. of course being a liquid, it doesn't really keep me full. You should try to get the rest of your protein from solids, like chicken, eggs, cheese (sorry, I didn't know if you were a vegetarian; in that case, legumes, tofu)....myfitnesspal is good for tracking, also available free on the blackberry.

Your doctor sounds a little sketchy but as suggested maybe there is a leak? I don't know....I don't think there is any set weight loss by a certain time, but only 7lb is really low. I can't think it would hurt to insist on a fill, but he may not want you coming back the next day (would insurance cover that visit or do you pay for them?)? Whatever you decide I wish you luck and hope you come to a solution soon!

I had 2.5 cc in during surgery. I believe at my first fill I got 1.5 cc taking me to 4cc. pretty much you will feel restriction, but whether it lasts is another thing. Your surgeon may have you make your next appointment right away (another 4 weeks maybe?) or you'll be like me, and just call when you need it. I would have preferred the set appointments to be honest. Don't worry, I'm sure it will be fine. I don't know what the water test is....I have to slowly drink water in the office before I can leave so they make sure I can swallow/drink.

Depends on many factors, if you'll have the loose skin. If you're exercising then your abs will be tight, and unfortunately this skin might just not snap back. Keep going, drink lots of water, and I always moisturize everything, including my stomach and butt (have been doing it for years! I'm crossing fingers....)

Your plan sounds reasonable, I am sure it will be fine! At this stage, usually it is just willpower keeping you from overeating, especially if your band is empty. Keep doing what you're doing but the first fill is usually pretty exciting!

Good luck, congratulations on your wedding!

Good luck! Hope all goes well!

There are many threads about him, look under the Lapband Surgeons for more info.

It is hard and different if you've been on diets before which usually focus on the calories. Hard to change your mindset!

It can be intimidating. I told my close girlfriends over lunch (ironic? haha!). They were all supportive. Of course, you don't have to tell everyone (or anyone, if you don't want to) but it's nice when they know so they can be understanding if you're having issues (which mine have been frequently - both friends and issues!).

Yep, I often feel residual effects after being really stuck. And I have a bad habit of too big bites/not chewing enough. It's hard because I often don't have the amount of time I would like to eat (especially during work; I work in the courts so I can't ever take any extra time because court is starting and I don't want to upset the judge!). Gotta remember to take the small, blueberry sized bites and chew really well!!!

I learn so much here! Never thought about the different doctors having different "waiting periods" because of different surgical techniques (guess I assumed they were all the same even though I do know there are different sizes/types of bands). Also my band was "primed" with 2.5 cc during surgery. After 4 fills and 2 defills I am now at 5cc (had the last fill last week). I've never been told most people have a certain amount; I know a lot who have different levels. I think you have to listen to your body & what you are feeling when you eat; that will tell you if your band is full enough/too full. Oh, and I just re-found some of my surgery stuff; it took 19 days from surgery for me to get to solids. Couldn't remember, it didn't seem that long (or I've just blocked it all out!).

Fills can be so frustrating. I often wonder where they "go" when it seems you have restriction but then it fades. I hope it gets easier for you!

I would quote your post but it's a little long for that.....believe me I understand how hard dieting is. I've been on almost every one you've mentioned and a few that you haven't. I'm not being "thoughtless and flippant". AT ALL. I had to pay for mine as well because it's not covered in Canada. I guess good for you that you are willing to do something now, but I doubt I would have opted for the surgery route when I had 40 lbs to lose. For whatever reason, it seems way more drastic at that weight, than it does with more to lose (IMO, as everything is). Sorry if I offended you, wasn't my intention.

I was only told about the protein, about 60-80 g a day. Also, to eat every 3 hours, with small snacks & one cup meals.

Don't be down on yourself; you had a big complication & it changed things. You still lost weight and that is something to be proud of! As for hunger between meals, drink lots of water, and maybe snack on some crunchy veggies; the fiber will help keep you full longer. And maybe you do need another fill.

Not sure I can really help but I do feel your pain. I haven't lost as much as I've wanted to either, and I've had a lot of bad days. All we can do is keep following the rules & working the plan; the band is only a tool as much as we use it that way. I just got a fill Thursday and so far I feel it is a good one; way less hunger and the main thing, feeling fuller longer. I just have to get my brain & my stomach to start communicating; my head always thinks I'm hungry even when I'm not.

Congrats on getting into the 100's! It is definitely something I'm looking forward to too!

He probably said only 4oz at a time because that's what your pouch will hold, and as you said you have no restriction. He doesn't want you to stretch your pouch. From reading your post, I think it's not that he's limiting your liquid intake but just what you could "chug" at a time. So maybe measure out 4oz so you can see how much that is, and when you drink it, wait a bit before drinkning more.

I agree, it's definitely not easy! I didn't think it would be, but I did think it would be a bit easier than it has been. I was banded August 2010 and am down 30....I had thought by now I would be at goal. I know the majority of my non-success is my own fault. I had found ways to eat around the band (and motivation has always been my downfall) and I ended up gaining some back...am down again now and am hopefully on my way. I had a fill Thursday and am noticing a big difference. I have 5 cc in a 10cc band (wow, if I was at 8 I wouldn't even be able to swallow!). Good luck! It is still mostly up to us!

Follow your doctor's advice and you should be fine! It's dangerous to compare yourself to others in this situation because everyone is different and has different results. I was on a low fat diet the week previous to my surgery (that's all my doctor recommended) and mine went great (and believe me, I know I was on a high fat diet before deciding to get this surgery!).

I find it funny the doctor can say it's at a perfect level; he's not inside your body and doesn't know how you will do with this level! I would say go with it for a while, but if you feel you need a bit more don't hesitate to ask. You now know the feeling of being too tight so hopefully that will help you get to the right levels.

To be honest, I didn't really notice much hair loss, and I have fine hair. As mentioned, get your protein in for sure; it's important for hair & nails as well as your health.