bbammom

Thank you! Whoever thinks this is the "easy way out" is crazy!! Sometimes it's just as challenging as any other diet I have tried. The biggest difference for me is that it gives me hope, keeps me focused, and keeps me in check. The feeling of my port under my skin keeps me grounded!!

Thanks! You're right!! He made such a huge deal out of accepting me as a pt b/c I had surgery in another state that during my first visit, I agreed with whatever he said! Now the ball needs to be in my court. Thanks for the reminder!!

I had my surgery 11 months ago. Everything went well until I had an overfill (10.5cc in a 10cc band) in February. I ended up in the E.R. and the doc on call didn't know what to do so he emptied my band. I gained several pounds during the 5 days it took me to get to see my surgeon. Again, everything was OK, even though I was at a full fill (10cc), until we moved from Hawaii to the Mainland. Almost immediately on the flight I felt my band tighten. We traveled across country for over 2 weeks and when we arrived to our new location, it took me a week to see a new doctor. In the mean time, I was throwing up or slimming every time I ate. At night when I went to bed, I would be up within 10-20 minutes throwing up and coughing for most of the night. I hardly slept the entire 3 weeks. My new doctor took out 3cc from my band to give my body time to heal. That was 3 weeks ago and I have since gained 10 pounds! I admit that my food choices haven't been the best but even when I eat salad all day, I eat way too much. I have absolutely no restriction and can eat anything and everything I want. I hate this feeling of no control!! Even worse is how I feel in my clothes. Every time a piece of clothing felt lose, I got rid of it. Now even a 5 pound gain makes my clothes feel uncomfortable!! I keep thinking that this is part of my journey and, in reality, it's not that bad. I was heavy for over 30 years so a month isn't really that long. At the same time, I have also learned that I liked the too tight feeling and depended on it too much. I know this is only one tool in my weight loss, not the only tool! My new doctor is out of town this week and I see him Tuesday morning. He only does fills at the hospital in x-ray on Thursdays (which I've never heard of!) and I gave his assistant a heads up that I'll need a fill. I'm worried that he'll want to take it slower than I'm wanting to take. At this point, I will be happy with 9cc. If anyone has any advice, I would appreciate it. Even though I have amazing family and friend support, in reality no one can really understand how I feel.

JanB23, I'm glad you're having a great vacation!! The walking and gym visits should help with not gaining weight. I actually lost a little on our mini-vacation and I think the hike was the key! The band meals sound great. Wish we had them here! Enjoy the rest of your trip!!

Aloha, again, everyone!! It's been eight weeks since surgery and one week since my second fill and I feel wonderful! Since last Tuesday, I've lost 7.2 pounds and have the awesome feeling of being in CONTROL! My family and I spent last weekend at a hotel on the beach and I was amazed how good I was with eating and exercising. With this last fill, it's so easy...well, at least the eating part is easy. One morning we went to a breakfast buffet and I was totally fine with scrambled eggs, a piece of de-greased bacon (I know, not the best choice), and a little fruit. I didn't even care that I didn't get my money's worth! :thumbup: During our mini vacation, we walked, walked, walked. The best was our hike up Diamond Head and then a 3 mile walk that evening! It was the most I've exercised since surgery!! Here's a hint...one thing that really helps when we go out to dinner is that I carry a little insulated bag in my car with one cup lidded containers, a mini scale, and a 1/4 measuring cup. When we go out, I pack the leftovers in the containers right away. It really makes eating out and packing lunch the next day much easier. I hope you are all well. I'm looking forward to your updates!! Aloha!

JanB23, I've been thinking about you and hoping that everything is OK. Hopefully, you're enjoying your vacation! During the time before my last fill, I wasn't making the best eating choices either. It's easy to slip back into bad habits but I am much better about getting back on track. What is a "band meal?" Read on for my fill news...

Aloha All! Today is 7 weeks and one day since my surgery. Two weeks ago I had my first fill of 1.5 ml. Nothing! I was so bummed!! Today I had another fill and he added another 1 ml. Unless it was my imagination (or wishful thinking), I felt a difference within 5 minutes. Actually, it was as soon as I stood up after drinking the cup of Water. I'm hoping that we've found my "sweet spot!" Best of all, it didn't hurt at all!! The second fill was much better than the first. It helps me if I lift my legs a bit when he's putting the needle in the port. Up until today, I could eat anything and everything! I was getting so discouraged but, with the help of this website and a book I'm reading (can't remember the name but I'll post it later), I've tried to stay positive. This morning I was UP 5 pounds from the week after surgery. I wasn't surprised...I've been eating way too much for this point of my journey...about 1200-1300 calories. My doctor was great today and didn't even mention it! I went back to the gym last week and attended a circuit training class twice. During the second class, my band area hurt a bit but not too bad. It felt sore when I did a plank exercise. So, I told the trainer and stopped. I've also increased my walking distance and I'm really happy about that! I hope you are all well and staying positive. I'll be sure to post the title of the book I'm reading. It's really good! I wish I had found it BEFORE surgery!!

jingleboob - You sound just like me!! Except, I actually gained 5 pounds from the first week after surgery to today, 7 weeks past surgery. Read on for my story...

JanB23, Oh, I am sorry you're having such a rough time!! I'm glad that the surgeon is not concerned but I imagine you'll be happy to have the next appointment. Read on for my experience today...

How's everyone doing?

Kaylee5682, Many thanks! I might try to make it to the Moanalua meeting next week. I'll check first to make sure anyone is welcome. I'll ask my doctor on Tuesday as well. We went to Ruby Tuesday's last night and I asked about ordering a kid's meal. She confirmed that they do need a card from the doctor so I could order from the kid's menu. My doctor said they would give me one so I'll try to do that Tuesday. Have you gotten one yet? Our server said it's pretty common. Have a good week!!

missjoany, Interesting that my surgeon says 3 meals a day and my nutritionist says 6 smaller means. I'm inclined to agree with the 6 smaller meals because it makes me feel better. I surgery was on 8/30 and my first fill is this week on 10/5. I am SO ready because I've been struggling with hunger for about a week and a half. Reading the posts here as really helped me get through "bandster hell!"

Aloha New Friends! I thought it might be fun to share some tips. I'll start... * I really like using SparkPeople.com to log my food. * I've been putting Vitamin E on my surgery scares and they seem to be fading nicely. I don't really expect to ever wear a bikini but just in case...:thumbup:

JanB23, I took that same advice! I'm up to about 1000-1200 calories, with the exception of yesterday. I'm PMSing and was starving all day. I was really worried about adding up my calories but I'm glad I did. I didn't do nearly as bad as I had thought with 1333 calories for the day. It seems high to me right now but 6 months ago that might have been my mid-day total!! I'm hoping to get out a lot this weekend. We've had lots of rain over the past two days but this afternoon looks nice. My husband and I are going to dinner while our youngest are at a friend's house. I think we'll be able to get in a walk before or after dinner! We're usually pretty active on weekends and I'm ready to do more now that I feel better. I can't wait to get the OK to go to the gym!!

Kaylee5682, I get that guilty feeling too! I just keep reminding myself that once the fill is in, things will rapidly change! In the mean time, my husband and I are going out for dinner tonight. My surgery was right before our anniversary last month as we never went out. I told him it's best to go now because once the saline goes in, I might not want to go out for a while! :thumbup: I'm central O'ahu, in Mililani. The TAMC program has walks on a different base every week. Maybe you'd like to join us one day. They also have a support group on Mondays but I teach so I can't make those. Does Kaiser have one? I was going to check them and Queens to see if either has an evening support group. As far as loose skin...it's not too bad, not too great either. I can see it a bit under my chin and stomach, a little in the upper legs. I'm hoping that once I can exercise at the gym to help all that along! Of course, I'm older than you so you might have it better than me! Let me know what you think about the lotion. I'm curious.

Aloha, Kaylee5682! We were banded just 5 days apart. I had mine done at TAMC. How about you? You don't have any restriction yet, most doctors leave the band empty until the first fill. I see my surgeon on Tuesday and I'm pretty confident he'll do my first fill. Like you, I have an appetite, sometimes more than before surgery. I walk almost every day, usually in the later part of the afternoon. Which side of the island do you live on?

I'm amazed and reassured how close our stories are!! It sounds like everyone is doing pretty well. JanB23 - I hope you're having an easier week then I am! I'm still so hungry and now nothing seems to bother me (lettuce and fruit did before). I just keep counting down the days until my fill on Tuesday. The good news is, is that I haven't gained weight. Actually I lost a pound, finally!! When do your children return to school? Awesome on the walking and the shirt. I've had the best time with clothes!! So far I've donated over 40 pounds of clothes and more are being picked up tomorrow!! jlw929 - Glad you joined us. We all seem to be in the same boat! When was your surgery date? When is your first fill? lml398 - Thanks for the fill info. I haven't heard of liquids for the first few days. I'll be interested if my doc says the same thing. It does make sense. Thanks for the pain gauge...I, for one, wondered if it would be painful. I'm not afraid of needles and I don't like watching, but I might this time out of curiosity! Keep us updated on how you're doing. It sounds all good!! ElfiePoo - Interesting on your eating b/c my surgeon says 3 meals a day and my nutritionist says 6 small meals. I feel better with the 6. Wishing everyone a great upcoming weekend!

Kim, I just noticed your stats again. Have you had only 2 fills? My doctor told me about one pt. who's just having her first one year after surgery! She's been losing this whole time!

JanB23, Awesome that you got out and walked today!! Sounds like fun! Are your children on holiday from school? I'm hoping to walk tonight but it looks like it's about to pour rain right now! Of course, weather is a rare excuse here! I'm a teacher so I try to get out and play with my students as much as possible. I even dress in P.E. clothes on P.E. days! They are a lot of fun. My husband and I have three sons and they have been so sweet and supportive. Some days I feel like I have to drag them out to hike but they love it as soon as we start. Wonderful weight loss for you too! That's about the time that I really had to go shopping for more clothes! My hospital has a support group but it's on Mondays during school time. They also have a pre- and post-op, or just healthy eating, group on Wednesdays but, again, during school! Just yesterday it dawned on me to check other local hospitals to see what time their groups meet. It's nice having the group here to "talk" to. Did you see there is another post from someone who has our same surgery date? Enjoy your evening! ~Aloha!

lml398, Glad you found us! I know I feel a lot better knowing that what I am going through is "normal." Now there are three of us here with the same surgery date. Our next appointments happen to be on the same day, 10/5. I tried to make it earlier but my doc isn't in this week. I've love to know how your first fill and nutrition appointment goes tomorrow! Post if you have the chance. Aloha!

Kim, Thank you for your encouraging words! It's so comforting to know I'm not alone!! I was getting down thinking of how well I lost pre-surgery and how little I've lost post-surgery! Now that I know it's "normal," I can be more patient!! Wonderful stats! You're an inspiration to those of us who are just starting this new lifestyle!! Aloha!

JanB23, I hope your weather improved! I walked twice yesterday, 2 miles each time. I'm a big walker so walking such little distances is a bit discouraging. I usually walk 3-5 miles a day but it's been slow building back up the mileage. I had signed up to walk the Honolulu Marathon in December but now I know that's just not realistic! Oh, well, it'll all come back in time! I started the week not weighing in every day but that slipped by Thursday! lol It's a bad habit, I know, but it could be a lot worse! I've broken so many habits, created new ones, so this one seems minor compared to others! Today is our 4 week surgery anniversary!! I haven't really lost any weight in several weeks but I'm staying positive and counting the days until my 10/5 appointment! I'm still at a total of 60 pounds lost and that absolutely thrills me!!!! Besides, maybe it will help in the lose skin department! That's awesome that your doctor has a post-op exercise program! That's a great idea to pass along to my place. I hope you're having a wonderful day!! :smile:

ElectricGypsy, Thanks for your input!! I increased my calories too, to about 900-1000 calories a day. I feel so much better! I've also started to walk more which helps too! But, my weight still hasn't changed in 3 weeks. I'll be so happy to have that first fill!!

I forgot to mention meat, I guess because I don't eat red meat or pork. If I did, I couldn't have those either. I can have "softer" meats, e.g., poultry, seafood. My doctor and nutritionist want me to puree my food with my teeth...chew, chew, chew. I do shakes for breakfast too, mostly because they're fast and easy to drink on the way to school. (I teach.) And, they make sure I start my day with 20g of Protein. I woke up this morning feeling more hopeful. I'm going to go back on my pre-op "one cup diet" today. I have Water next to me and right now, I'm heading out for a walk. Since I live in Hawaii, every day is a good day to get outside! But, I am ready to get the go ahead to swim and/or go to the gym. I was at 700-900 calories a day. It's been a lot harder to keep that up the last few days so I'm up a bit now. I try not to weigh every day and have decided to make Sunday my at home official weigh in day.

Wow, we have so many things in common! Even though I was told this would likely happen, it's comforting knowing that this is "normal." Before I decided to have the surgery, I lost 15 pounds. Once I decided to have it and had the medical/nutrition support, I lost another 35 pounds for a 50 pound pre-op lost. I've lost only 9 pounds since surgery. The other day my son asked me how much more I want to lose. I told him I hadn't set that number, I'm just taking it as it comes, but I'm thinking another 40 pounds. I'm almost positive I'll have a fill on the 5th. How about you? I've heard that it might take several fills to find the so-called "sweet spot." At this point, I will just be really happy to have some of a fill because this hunger has me concerned! What does your diet consist of at this point? My doctor wants me to get in 60-90 g of Protein, appx 800-1000 calories, and at least 64 oz of Water. I tried lettuce last week and that didn't sit well, nor did watermelon. The only thing he really restricted me from is bread, and of course, the unhealthy stuff. I hope your day continues to be a good one! I'm hoping for a better one tomorrow!