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Nancy, Babs, Megan - Thanks for the hugs and encouragement. It is so helpful to get a fresh perspective from others. It seems the majority of us have to wait - and wait - and wait some more just to hear something, or to be able to progress to the next step. It's that instant gratification that has been such a factor for us in the past that makes this waiting period so unbearable. WE WANT IT NOW!!! NOT TOMORROW or NEXT WEEK!!! NOW!! (Do I sound like a spoiled brat?) Hopefully I can tame this tiger and use the waiting period constructively. Thank you again!

Okay, long story short... Have had 2 fills that have just disappeared (where they went I have no idea!). On 8/3 went in under floro to see if i had a leak. The doc put in omniplaque and said i did not have a leak. Felt a little bit of restriction for about 2 day and "poof" i feel like it has disappeared again. Called and made an appointment for Monday. They will check for any omniplaque left in the band and if there is none, she said I have a leak in the tubing. What was the purpose of floro if they could not tell if the band had a leak? Anyway, she said with a "quick surgery" they could replace the tubing. Has anyone else had to have the tubing replaced? I know some of you responded to my last email about leaks, but I was curious about specifics. I just want to get this right and get the show on the road. It has been 2.5 months and I have lost about 15 pounds. I know that is great but only five of those have been since the 2nd week after surgery. The rest vanished the first week after the band was put on. I am so ready to start my "new life" but am tired of the problems. Thanks for listening ~ Sharon

I just had my first fill Friday and I have the 4cc band. She put in 2.75cc's first, had me wait about 5 minutes and then drink some Water and it came right back up. She went back in and took out .5cc's and left me with 1.75. She would not let me leave until she made sure that the water stayed down this time. I know that every doc is different, but in my opinion I think that every doc should at least make sure you can tolerate water before they let you leave their office!! It's been 4 days since my fill and I basically have no restriction at this point, so I'm thinking that maybe she took too much out the second time around. I'm going to wait a couple of weeks before I have more put in. I think we really just have to take it one day at a time! Good luck!!

here's a link to a similar post made around 6-7 weeks ago... http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f263/how-did-you-come-up-your-user-name-99393/

I had my band on Apr 23rd. I had problems because the I-V came out when I was moved from recovery to my room, and 4 nurses poking 12 holes in my hands and arms couldn't get the I-V started for 12 hours after surgery. I have sleep apnea also and stayed in the Hosp for 2 nights. Had trouble froathing and could not keep down liquids for most of the first week. Lost 26 lbs the first week. See the Dr. this Wed and expect that I have lost another 15 lbs or so. Finally feeling real well, able to eat mashed potatos, tuna salad and other soft foods as long as I take small bites, chew well and eat S-L-O-W. Thank goodness for Orange koolaid and Ozarka Water. Kept me going for the first 10-12 days.

Hey all- new here. Looking for some advice. I have been having stomach issues off and on for about 6 weeks I would say. My band has been randomly getting tight, but will loosen up with extra fluids and taking it easy on eating. Around noon yesterday I started having some really bad tightness and started pushing fluids and didn't eat any solids the rest of the day. I still had reflux until about 4am. If I dozed off at all I would wake up gagging on reflux. I've been on clear liquids all day today, but have had waves of nausea and thought I was going to vomit twice. My band still feels much tighter than normal. I'm able to drink fine, but something just feels off. I still feel like my throat is burning from acid. I'm going to get in with my surgeon on Monday, but this is miserable and I'm not sure what triggered it! Any thoughts?

I saw the dietitian today and I thought I might share the type of diet she is putting me on before and after. For those of you who like natural, not processed foods this is a good one. Before Breakfast 1.5dl of milk (2% is fine but 1% or skim is better) or 1 light yogurt 1 piece of bread about 25g (any type of wheat, or grains type as long as it isn't a cake type of bread) may have light cheese, fresh cheese, butter(1/2 tb), or a slice of ham/turkey/chicken to put on the bread (may toast if you like) (don't mix meat and cheese, choose either meat OR cheese) Mid morning snack 1 piece of fruit (medium sized apple, 8 strawberries, slice of melon etc.) 1/2 piece of bread or 4 crackers (saltine) (you must always eat a piece of bread or crackers after eating fruit. It helps absorb the fructose in the fruit before your body does.) lunch 2.5dl of vegetable Soup (see my thread on Portuguese vegetable Soups eggs 2 small potatoes or 3 soup spoons of rice or 3 soup spoons of Pasta (cooked) salad (as much as you like, olive oil and vinegar dressing or light low fat dressing) Mid afternoon snack 1 light yogurt 1 piece of fruit 1/2 piece of bread or 4 crackers dinner You can do a repeat of lunch here, or 1 bowl of soup (vegetable not chicken noodle or something) 1 bread or 4 crackers 1 slice of cheese, or fresh cheese, or ham or butter. Just before bed 2dl of milk or 1 light yogurt Conversions: 1 cup = 2.37dl 1 oz = 28.35g 1 fl oz = 29.6ml Drink Water, or tea, or fresh squeezed fruit juice. She said you can put sugar substitutes in the drinks. *no more then 2 eggs per week After 1º phase +-15/30 days liquids between 50 to 100ml for each meal Eat at least once every 2 hours Only eat things that go through a straw May eat any of the following: liquid yogurts (full fat), milk (2%), soups that contain no fibrous vegetables and that have been completely liquefied, natural fruit juices with no pulp, and 2 nutritional supplements called Fantomalk and Protifar (one is for carbs the other is protein) May NOT eat:sugar, any thing fibrous, anything solid 2º phase +-15 days Mushies +-100 ml for each meal Eat at least once ever 2 hours 3º phase +- 1 month solid food Chew VERY well Select food that you can tolerate well and don't force those foods that you cant. Pay attention to the quantity you can eat at each meal. Eat at least once every 2 hours 4º phase 2 to 3 months after surgery Solid foods Chew VERY well Eat at least once every 2 hours Introduce almost all of your normal foods (the types of food on the pre diet) Try not to at thing very fibrous or of a fibrous consistency Enjoy and message me if you have any questions or if something isn't clear.

My band holds 4cc's, and I think 1.3 will prove to be about right for the first fill. It's really tight at this point, but by the end of the month, when she told me I'd likely need my next fill, it will surely loosen up a bit. As luck would have it, after writing this yesterday, I got up this morning and discovered I've lost another 2 pounds. So, if this continues I will be thrilled. I am not really able to eat much of anything, but I keep trying. Yesterday all I was able to get down was 4 oz of cottage cheese. Today, I was determined to eat some solid food, and I found these little 4 oz. tuna steaks at the grocery with 34 g's of Protein. It took me over an hour to eat it, and I had to drink hot tea with it, just to get it down (I know I'm not supposed to be drinking with meals, but that's literally the only way I can get anything to go down right now), so now I have in half my protein for the day, and even if I have to drink a muscle milk tonight, I feel comfortable that I'll be able to get in 60 g's of protein today. My goal for this week is to be able to eat all my protein and to get to the point where I can also eat some vegetables with it. I never imagined it would be this hard just to eat such a tiny amount. My fill doc told me I ought to be aiming for 1200 calories a day, but right now I'm doing well to get down 600 a day, including the protein Water and muscle milk. Funny thing is, I don't really feel that hungry, because I'm constantly drinking tea or water or something, just to manage getting in all the liquids for the day. This is a lot of work! You must have gotten your first fill really early. I tried to talk my fill doc into it, but she wouldn't budge. I guess it's for the best, though. It's the long run that counts now, isn't it? Kristine Texas

Hey Mitch, my name is Steve. Sounds like you have everything pretty much in hand. I have some of the protein powder mix, and have tried mixing it in smoothies, which aren't too bad, and with oatmeal and pudding, but after couple weeks, its pretty hard to take any more. Maybe the pre-mixed shakes would be better. I did buy some Special K protein water, that has 6g per bottle. So that's good to drink, just a little pricey. I'm on soft foods until next Tuesday, but soft foods are no big deal, I haven't had any problems eating, and no vomiting or nausea. I just haven't had much energy since the surgery. I was going to try to go to the ping pong club tonight and see how I would do, but I came down with a cold, so I will shoot for next week. I'd like to hear more about the youtube blog you talked about.

Oh, about three months I think. I started with 3kms on the treadmill and gradually built it up over time as I trained for various fun runs - I got to about 10kms within 9 months and now I like to keep it between 7 and 10 depending on the route, with maybe one short 5km one in there per week. However, I was banded at a BMI of 35 and was quite fit for a heavier person, obviously if you're more overweight and have been less active, take it at your own pace!

hi there I am a vocal music teacher and performer. I had my surgery last Aug. I found absolutley no change in my voice after recovering (about 2 weeks)

I have to stress that everyone is different. But my bypass was the first operation I've ever had, and I'm 54. And it ended up being so much easier than I ever imagined. My only real pain, and it was very minimal, was from my drain. And that was well taken care of by my pain pump. I was up and walking within hours of my surgery. The drain was removed the day of discharge. I had arranged to stay with family for a week, as I live alone. I stayed there one night, slept in a bed, didn't need a recliner, and drove myself home the next morning. I honestly felt that good. Had arranged for my dogs to be cared for out of house as I was concerned they would jump on me. Got them back the very next day. Didn't need the at home pain meds. The only downside for me was I was very tired, and I did take a lot of naps. I took a full six weeks off, to heal and adjust. But if I'd been forced to, I could have gone back in a week. Sometimes I wondered if they really operated on me, I felt so good. But at 11 weeks the weight is definitely coming off, so now I'm sure! ???? Hope you both have as easy a time. Good luck!

Yasmina, I have experienced quite alot of hairloss. I was starting to panic about 2-3 weeks ago, it is still falling out alot but I noticed some baby hairs starting to come back. You hear alot about hairloss, I don't think you can prevent it, if it happens to you. Many say eat protein, but I don't think that helps, personally. I do know though, if you are one who experiences it, it always comes back eventually. (within the year).

It really isn't a "feeling". It takes a few days to a couple weeks to know for sure. But the green zone (or sweet spot) is when you reach restriction that allows you to: Be full on a small amount of food (around a cup for me) Stay satisfied several hours until your next meal (5+ hours for me) Are consistently losing weight (when I was in weightloss phase, at least 2 lbs per week

I'm at goal and had to go have 1/2 cc removed from my band today. Not because I keep losing weight, but because I can't eat solids......started about 6 weeks ago. It reached a point where I could only eat oatmeal, yogurt, and Soup........Asked my doc about it and he said that after removing the 1/2 cc, if it continues, I might have to have an x-ray because my band may have slipped!!! I asked how that was possible......I don't throw up......did I do something? The answer is NO! As you lose weight, your stomach gets smaller and smaller. The band is only stitched on the front of the stomach - can't get to the back of it to stitch. So the band can fall or slip at an angle - high in the front and low in the back, as you stomach gets smaller and smaller, which doesn't allow for a proper opening. So - if you do have a band slippage - it most likely isn't your fault.......well - it is because you've lost so much weight!! LOL One other thing - I'm self paid, but if I'm having stomach problems - he can go in to "look" around and fix the problem - and insurance pays!

I was exactly like you. As a matter of fact toward the end, I would only last a week, sometimes a few days on a diet because I already knew before I started how far I would make it before I failed.....again. Even now I'm struggling. I get my second fill this Friday and it can't come soon enough for me. I just overate at lunch and am mentally berating myself for letting it happen. Having said that, the band is working, when its working. Meaning after surgery, after my first fill, and soon it will work again for me after my second fill. So I'm at the stage of finding my sweet spot, but since I enjoy success during restriction, I know that I will get there. I'm certain you will get there too. Hell, we've all had trouble with not being able to lose, or else we wouldn't be here. Before my band, it seemed like I could just walk past a donut and gain weight. It was awful, but that's all behind me now. I know you'll do well. You'll have a few bumps like bandster hell, but once you get good restriction, you'll be an old pro like so many others on here. Best of luck to you.

GOOD LUCK! How exciting. You do not need to be nervous, everything will go fine and you will be feeling really good about yourself in just a few short weeks. You'll be amazing at the weight loss you get right after surgery. The only irritant I had after surgery was the gas used during the surgery. That was a little painful but it went away within a few days. I'm so excited for you, Monday will start a wonderful journey for you and I know you will be successful. Don't be scared and GOOD LUCK!!

You are able to have a normal day. Fills are practically child's play. However, I will say, my first fill left me with a bruise that was painful and lasted more than 2 weeks to FULLY disappear. Even then, I was able to live a normal life (just had trouble getting outta bed-because I was sore). Other than that, my life was normal. Keep your plans and enjoy your day!

Today is officially my four week post op day, I am down to 252 pounds and I can fit pants that I haven't worn in years. I haven't had the time to really focus on myself, a friend was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor so I've been focused on his well being and not on my own. I am so happy that I have the sleeve and not trying to do all of this on my own. Honestly, I would have cheated and gained 5-10 pounds with the stress of the situation. Honestly having the sleeve has been the best decision ever!!!

Hi, i'm on day 14 of optifast, one week to go and I've only lost 10 lbs. and i think it should be more. but then again if is was easy for me to loose weight i woundn;t be having the surgery.

I have probably averaged about 10lbs a month. It was more like 14-16 pounds a month in the beginning and 5 pounds a month today. But average, probably 10lbs a month. It really depends on you and your willingness to maintain the fills, get to your sweet spot, follow the caloric intake your doc suggests, and exercise. Fat MELTS away with exercise. If you honestly want to speed up the process, exercise is the #1 thing that worked for me. food choices are #2. Cutting out white carbs makes a huge difference. If you are exercising 2 miles every morning then every week add another block to that. Always increase but do it slowly. Then eventually walk 3 blocks and run 1/3 block, walk another 3 blocks and run 1/3 block, etc. Slowly increase that too. The more you exercise the more you can do tomorrow. Keep in mind, lets say you burn 200 calories walking those 2 miles today. As you lose weight doing the same exact exercise with a smaller body means you'll only burn 100 calories. (I pulled those numbers out of the air, they are not literal examples)

I am losing around 2lbs a week after fills. I wish it were more but hey I am thrilled that it is something.

Jill, I was on a two week 2 shake a day diet with one small meal of Protein and vegies. In those two weeks I only lost 14 pounds. So you are doing better than me by far. If you think about one pound of body fat is equal to 3500 calories, you have to diminish your intake by that amount (and 3500 calories is HUGE). You are averaging more than a pound a day so that must mean you are doing great things! And like Danna said, the idea is to get your body ready for the surgery, not lose a ton of weight. You can do this. I know it seems very hard. It killed me everytime I made my kids a pbj or something great for dinner to not at least lick the spoon or knife. Just keep in mind the end goal. The more faithful you are to the pre-op diet, the easier surgery and recovery will be. Deep breaths and one glass of Water at a time. I tried not to think of the two weeks at one shot and it helped. Also, when I got hungry I made myself drink a bottle of water then wait 30 minutes. If I was still thinking about food after that, I knew it was actually time to eat. A lot of what we feel, they tell me, is head hunger...and that's a hard fight. You can do this and you're going to have a great outcome. I'm 4 days post-band and feeling better all the time. Vent here when you need the encouragement or pm me. I'll be around if I can help. Steph

Really? You have your first fill less than half a month after surgery? Doesn't that seem a bit.. soon? Seems a bit soon to me. I don't get to go to see my doc for my first fill until like 5 weeks after my surgery date.... Jim, glad you are feeling better and that your band is doing okay! Welcome back we missed ya!

I got my band in feb. and was doing OK until about three weeks ago. I twisted the wrong way and felt a stabbing pain like I pulled the port out of place. It was very sore for a week, then got better and I pulled it again yesterday. It hurts to bend over or sleep on my side. I sure hope this gets better.