HeatherinCA

Well I don't think you have a choice where it goes, mine is right in the center maybe 2" below my breast bone.

Are you having protein shakes? Make sure you are having 60+ grams of protein drink those first, then the soups and jello

Are u just on liquid? Just take as many protein shakes as you need you should be fine. I felt SLIGHTLY weaker than normal, but overall I probably could of done more (I'm not working so I just stayed home most of the time)

It's different for everyone. For me, I wasn't interested in something so serious as cutting off my stomach! I'm 25 years old. I personally don't have any problems with my band, and I never puke or PB and I can eat all types of food. But yes, some people do have issues. I also like that it's adjustable. Regardless its a lifestyle change! Good luck to you!

There isn't really a full signal. It feels different, usually when i stand up I can feel the food. Just eat slowly, and try eating a little less and see if that helps. I noticed if I eat too much I just feel crappy, it's not a puke feeling, I just don't feel good and I have a lot of gas.

I felt some sort of pains for 3 or 4 weeks, I wouldn't worry unless it's so excruciatingly bad you can't move.

Yep!! Intense exercise or walking up hill for an hour burns like 600 calories

No pain for me and he didn't offer to numb it. I mean it was uncomfortable and awkward but no real pain.

Well you said you are eating whatever you want, and testing your band with way to much food. It's not going to stop you from eating. No, I don't feel like I have something in my stomach. II don't physically feel any different... i don't think you are supposed to, it just makes me feel not hungry.

I have had 1 fill with 5.5ccs in a 11cc band so it's different for everyone... I could probably use a tad more, but I'm never hungry!

You only take Fluid out if you get pregnant, which you can't do for like a year after you get the band. The band is your new LIFE! It's not a diet. You can certainly cheat. If I wanted a cupcake now I could eat it. Or if I wanted nachos or something fatty I could eat it. I don't because I'm losing weight. Actually that is why a lot of people don't lose weight. Realistically the band doesn't stop you from eating anything. It just keeps you satisfied longer. For me, nothing get stuck, and I can eat any type of food. I can eat rice, bread and potatos. Some people have trouble with things, and some people get their bands adjusted so tightly it causes problems. Besides, even with my band empty I can't eat everything I want (I couldn't go back to eating 5 slices of pizza), I would get sick.. the band still restricts you some what. It wouldn't be worth it to me to do it.

It's normal when you start eating to gain a little don't worry. As long as it's not a ton of weight! The liquid diet wasn't intended necessarily to make you lose weight, it's Water weight, and your body is healing. Just make sure you are watching your diet. Fill up on things that are low in calories if you can, eat protein! and drink all your water. What are you eating?

Congratulations! I can only hope to follow in your foot steps!

I mean sure, a lot of things are different than I thought they would be. Recovery was more painful that I thought it would be (but come on it was for like a week), but nothing TOO bad. FWIW I'm not hungry now, I wasn't before my fill. I honestly can't believe that people are seriously starving hungry all day on a 1200 calorie diet. I can see a little hunger between meals, but so ravenous that it's torture? I don't believe it. For me this was SO serious. I thought long and hard about it, did lots of research and this was really a last effort for me. The thought that me, or my insurance company is forking over $15,000 is serious! This isn't a joke, or something I can screw up by not following the rules. I wish this all was more regulated, they had a diet plan, and healing plan for ALL doctors to follow. I feel like maybe some people aren't getting proper care. Or their doctor didn't explain things well enough or give them a book full of information.

Well, if you have 4 protein shakes with at least 20g protein each that should be about 800 calories right? I would say have the shake, then if you want other things supplement with soup or yogurt or whatever. The protein shakes are what keep you full and have nutrition. For me I'd have my shakes, then maybe some soup once or twice a day.

Right, It's not the same as pre op though. I still have to stop myself, but I'm never physically hungry, and my stomach isn't growling unless I wait too long to eat. But, I don't usually get really full. I still WANT food and I have make the decision to eat or not. I'm working on the mental battle.

My book from my doc says keep it to less than 12g per serving. Some foods that have low fat, have much more sugar for some reason. Make sure it's greek yogurt, or low fat plain.. not the kind with fruit, same for the cottage cheese, lowfat w/o fruit. Also I've been told in the past berries have the least amount of sugar so have strawberries or raspberries with that. Something like watermelon can have as much sugar as a candy bar. I don't really keep track of calories, but pretty sure I land around 1200 a day. Breakfast Typically egg beaters with a little chopped chicken breast, low fat cheese and salsa and 1 small piece of whole grain toast or oatmeal w/ a little brown sugar lunch Prepared chicken salad or tuna salad 5 Water crackers dinner Ground lean turkey or chicken or chicken breast with salsa or marinara and lowfat cheese (then i melt it together) Snack I usually have a small bowl of oatmeal as a snack (haha i'm obsessed with it)

Well, fruit has a lot of sugar! Overall though it's not that bad... I mean I wouldn't do it everyday, but 420 for a whole meal isn't too bad

Depends how personal and how long of a service you want. A private trainer, at a private gym or will come to you will be much more than one at LA Fitness

Mines about 1-2 lbs, depending how good I am on my diet.

Name, real or screen~ Heather Age~ 25 Weight on January 31st~ 266 Goal Weight for February 28th~ 256 Exercise Goal for February~ get up to 5 days a week Dietary Goal for February~ less snacking Personal Goal for February~ start weight training Date Banded~ 12/12/10 Total Weight Loss Since Banding~ 32lbs

After healing, I've had pizza, chips, and nuts... not problem. I haven't tried steak, but I'm guessing I could get it down. I've eaten some pretty dry chicken and it went down fine. Beer has carbonation right? So that would probalby be a no... and you aren't really supposed to drink because of liquid calories (but I have drank, just not beer). I can eat some Pasta, toast, rice. I try to be good, but 1 slice of pizza is 200-300 calories, you can eat that if you want or need to. Just not the whole box like I would eat pre surgery. For me I find myself reading all the labels, and some stuff is so bad I just have physically no desire to eat it, it's not worth the calories anymore... One Red Velvet Cupcake has 500 calories, I'd rather eat 2 meals haha. It doesn't stop you from eating, it just keeps you from being hungry all the time. BUT everyones body is different, some people can't eat certain things.

Still gotta follow the rules...obviously if you are eating what you want you won't lose weight.

Not quite sure what it is supposed to feel like? I have 5.5ccs I can eat a pretty good amount, but I am full after I eat, and I'm full for a long time, I am losing weight. But it won't ever stop me from eating, i have to do that. I'm guessing there isn't such a thing as a sweet spot either... just the spot where you start PBing all the time because you physically can't get food down... then obviously you will lose weight, but for me I was never hungry after surgery, guess I'm lucky! Yea my doctor was eager to fill me too.