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I too have pain when I eat. It's been a month since my last fill and I think I am tighter now than I was 2 weeks ago. I try to eat very slow and chew well, but the pain will start and then I run for the bathroom, up it comes. I don't usually have a problem in the morning getting my coffee down, but certainly no food. Not until almost lunch time. Then I'm tight again and can't eat dinner. I called my doc this morning and they suggested I wait till monday and call back if this does not improve. The tightness in the am and pm is very normal. But I shouldn't have pain and pb all the time. So I was instructed to keep chewing very well and see if there is an improvement. But if it gets worse, then I have to call right away.

You have made a HUGE change in your life and that is always scary. The worst part is over and you just need to give yourself a break and some time to heal. I am 2 weeks out tomorrow and I feel great!

The good news is I think I'm getting back to a normal cycle. My last period started on July 15, and this one started today, August 19. Over the last year my cycles have ranged from 55-90 days (except for the 2 months after a myomectomy where I had two 34 day cycles in a row). Now for the not so good news. Since I was 11, I've always had really horrible cramps leading up to my periods. I have found a combination of otc pain relievers (sometimes prescribed stuff depending on my doc) to use throughout the days leading up to my periods and the beginnings. Since I am just 2 weeks out of surgery, I decided I would not take anything and see how it went. Well the last two days have not gone well at all. I usually also have really runny bowel movements during this time. Since going on mushy foods I have only been having a bowel movement every other day, so maybe I just had a lot built up, but yesterday as I was driving to meet friends, my stomach cramped so bad I was actually screaming in the car. I drove to one of their houses and ran straight into her bathroom. As I was going, I felt so chilled and began to perspire horribly on my face and arms. When I was through I sat on her couch with a heating pad and started to feel better. After about 30 minutes the cramps had subsided. Now similar things have happened to me in the past, but I think pain relievers have helped me from feeling all of this at once. I usually try and stay in front of the pain. The temperature change and sweating usually cannot be controlled, but happen so rarely. As for the other symptoms, on Monday I began to realize I was really getting annoyed by many people (that's how I guessed I was getting back to a normal cycle). I mean really annoyed and that's just not like me, I teach middle school! I'm doing pretty well not responding or being rude, but inside I feel just constantly annoyed by most people I come in contact. Intellectually I know they are not doing anything deliberate, but I just can't seem to help my feelings. All of these things have helped remind me what an emotional eater I was. With yesterday's pain, in the past I would have "rewarded" myself with some fattening, greasy, salty food for "making it through." But because of the sleeve and all I've worked towards, that thought didn't even cross my mind until I reflected this morning. Again, in the past I would have "treated" myself to some sweet treat to help my feelings of annoyance with others, but I have no interest now. I guess I just feel grateful for having this tool. Not only is it helping me get physically healthier (and more regular:-), it is also helping me slow down and take a good hard look at the causes of my emotional eating.

Hey there.............I'm almost 3 months out and have lost almost 50 lbs and have one fill also so were almost in the same boat,I too feel like I've hit a plateau.......I'm stuck between 207 & 209.I haven't been faithful about exercising so in that respect your one up on me.I have been evaluating my eating habits,I cant really make more than 2 or 3 hours without being hungry so I think I'm in need of a fill.But I also think I've been eating more carbs than protein so I'm trying to work on that. Hope any of this mumble-jumble helps,but at least were not alone......I see my Doc next week so I hoping a little filler-up will help with the hunger!Hang in there!

When you guys say "early days out", do you mean 2 weeks, 4 weeks or 6 months? Because I've been making "Cold-Brew" and it's supposed to be 65% less acidic. However, apparently even that's bad. (?) Since I've been going crazy over losing caffeine and the fear of developing GERDS I've been reading a lot too. Apparently 'caffeine' itself is the total jerk that causes production of even more stomach acid inside your stomach, no matter the source of the caffeine, and even small amounts will kick off an acidic production. This really bums me out, because I literally can't get moving some days. And yes I've lived w/o caffeine. If you can call it living. I have to ask my Dr. and Nutritionist is this is the case. I'm getting tired of too many conflicting 'research studies' and opinions from them and the science community. PS I literally limit myself to 4-5 oz of this cold brew in the mornings, mixed with Water and Protein shake sips. ADIO MIO. *sigh* I used to drink 2 thick, black, freshly ground Starbucks every morning.

Yes, you will be able to lay down. I had a lot of pain and burning and once I thought my port had moved(it hadn't) I was able to be more comfortable after about a week, but even after 2 weeks I still had some burning at times. I'm now 3 weeks postop and it is so much better. If it continues to bother you after a few more days, call your surgeon's office. I'm so glad I've had my band done. I've already lost 28 pounds (combo pre surgical diet and what I have lost post op) and feel so much better already. So will you!

Congratulations on your surgery! If it makes you feel better, I was SO sore (and groggy from all the medicine) the entire first week after the surgery I was wondering if I would ever feel normal again. Trust me. YOU WILL! I was told the surgery would make me feel like I had "done several sit-ups the day before and was sore." Ha ha! I can laugh at it now, but I felt it was a little bit more like a Mack truck had rolled over my stomach. LOL! (ok maybe I'm embellishing a little, but I do remember being very sore and having really bad gas pains.) As far as fearing that you may have ripped your port, I would suggest checking in with your Doctor just to ease your mind, but there have definitely been times when I have felt a burning in the port area. (esp. after I was healed enough to do a little bit of an ab workout...the next day the port area really had that sore/burning feeling, but I've been filled since then with no problems.) Anyway...I was SO anxious about absolutely everything right after my surgery, and everything has turned out so wonderfully! I'm sure you are going to have so much success with your band and feel SO much better even within the next few days! God bless and hang in there!

I just now realized that today is my three-month anniversary. I've lost 30 pounds so far. I'm in kind of a melancholy mood. I'm so happy that the band is working. I feel all kinds of restriction and think I am at my "sweet spot". I can't eat very much at meals (maybe 8-10 bites), and, while I feel hunger in between, it's not too bad. However, I'm SO impatient. I remember when I was on the Atkins diet (before it almost killed me) that I was losing weight almost daily. The pounds literally melted off of me. In the past two weeks (since my last fill), that's been happening to me, but, as of today, has stopped. I know I will continue to lose weight, but it disappoints me that it won't be as fast. I know that the gastric bypass has this happen, and that the band typically loses weight slower, but I'm SO ready for this to happen. I look at others who had their surgery around the same time as me. Many of them have lost so much more weight than me. I know I JUST got restriction two weeks ago, but I feel that I should be so much further along. I'm so afraid of eating too much and this not working. It really is the last resort and, I know it has worked for everyone else and that this is an irrational thought, but just "what if" I'm the only one it won't work for. I know I'll lose a little bit more weight, but what if I stop at 250 or 240? 240 is the lowest I've been in my adult life. And I was only there for a couple of weeks before gaining it all back and more. I'm so scared that I will only stop at 250/240 and that I'll never have what everyone else talks of on here. Jennie

I can't believe I only have 43 pounds left to get to my goal of 180. 43!!!!!! I know it seems like a lot to some, but after losing almost 70, forty-three seems like nothing! A walk in the park! I expect my weight loss to slow as I get closer to goal. I'm hoping it doesn't slow until I'm at least under 200. My BMI has gone down 10 points. This is too amazing. That time of the month is the only time my weight loss slows. It sucks, but I know it will continue after about a week or a week and a half. It just fun to see the scale consistently going down. I'll update at 7 months out!

The Lap Band Zone II: "Dealing with civilian response" By Aaron Grossman, Babyboomers.tv staff writer, "More Salt than Pepper" I had Lap-Band surgery six weeks ago. Since then, I’ve lost 45 pounds and my doctor has eliminated the massive dosage of blood pressure medication I was taking. For more information on what Lap-Band Surgery entails and my reasons for opting into it, click here . I’ve encountered mostly positive reactions to my decision of taking the somewhat drastic step of bariatric surgery in order to arrest my compulsive overeating. Actually, I’ve encountered only overwhelmingly positive feedback to my significant weight loss. That’s natural: I look better; I’m starting to resemble the person I used to be before I blew up into a medically obese creature; and, my sunny demeanor is returning in place of the cynical, clearly frustrated persona I had adopted during my long descent into “fattitude.” However, there are other reactions with which I find myself contending. Most commonly, there are many folks who just don’t know what Lap-Band surgery is. Or, others who mistake it for full-scale bariatric bypass surgery. My surgery was laparoscopic -- 5 small incisions used to insert the Lap-Band itself along with a “port.” Once explained, they silently nod their heads and I can hear them thinking … “Why would he choose this invasive technique just to lose weight?” Or, “What’s the matter, he can’t stick to a diet?” These observations belie the more extreme reaction which I have actually had said to me personally … “Surgery? That’s the easy way out of dieting.” In fact, there are just such reactions to news from Australia that the government is considering paying for Lap-Band surgery for morbidly obese patients who can’t afford the procedure. This, in an effort to forestall the exorbitant medical insurance costs of the consequences of obesity: high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac conditions, strokes, etc. Click here for more details. But, when you dig a little further or just Twitter reactions to the news from Australia, there is a range of vitriolic (anonymous) email responses: • “Why can’t these fatties just stop their whining and shut their mouths?” • “This is such a f_ _ _ ing easy way out and a waste of taxpayer money for those of who really should lose weight by shutting their traps.” • “Why are governments looking at lap band surgery for obese people? Why not start by censoring what they put in their mouth first???” The diet / fitness / healthful eating discourse has never been serene. Witness Oprah Winfrey berating herself for her recent weight gain in the January, 2009 issue of O: “I'm mad at myself. I'm embarrassed. I can't believe that after all these years, all the things I know how to do, I'm still talking about my weight. I look at my thinner self and think, "How did I let this happen again?" There are many of us who were born into the “lucky gene club” --- they eat as much as, if not more than, the rest of us but their metabolism burns white hot and they go through life without fat (or guilt.) There are others who successfully work hard at achieving the balance of sensible eating, a fitness plan and a moderate lifestyle. However, Reuters reported in January, 2009 that “the number of obese American adults outweighs the number of those who are merely overweight, according to the latest statistics from the federal government.” • Numbers posted by the National Center for Health Statistics show that more than 34 percent of Americans are obese, compared to 32.7 percent who are overweight. Speaking for myself, I had reached my personal point of ‘no return.’ I had been on too many diets only to gain the weight back. While I knew I was capable of great discipline and had spent thousands of hours in the gym, the lure of food as an anesthetic to life’s woes had proven too great for me. After much research, attending numerous support groups and speaking with many post-operative Lap-Band patients, I concluded that the surgery would be right for me. The notion of inserting a tool which could physically signal that I was too full to eat more food resonated with me. So, off I went. To those who say it’s the ‘easy way out,’ here’s my reply: I went through both abdominal surgery and the attendant recovery from its unpleasant discomfort; I no longer drink coffee, carbonated beverages or distilled spirits; I will probably never again eat hard, crusty bread, well-done meat or anything else that can’t pass through an opening the size of a toothpaste cap in my ‘new’ stomach; if I do overeat, I’ll get sick, nauseous or vomit; in the worst scenario, I’ll be hospitalized from eating the wrong food or the wrong amounts. This is the ‘easy way out?’ On the other hand, in 6 short weeks, I’ve lost 45 pounds and have eliminated virtually all of my blood pressure medication; I can walk 6 ½ miles without getting winded or having to stop from joint pain; and, I am happy to do chores around the house again. I achieved this, in no small fashion, with the love and support of my family and, yes, relying on good old fashioned discipline to consume the right foods in the correct proportions. At the end of the day, Lap-Band surgery has empowered me to take control of my food intake and regain my sense of self. It has not always been easy and it is definitely not for everyone. But it’s working for me right now. The very best part … and it didn’t happen as a result of the ‘easy way out’ … is hearing friends and loved ones tell me “Welcome, you’re back again.” F. Scott Fitzgerald famously said “There are no second acts in American lives.” He was wrong – I’m living it right now.

The Lap Band Zone II: "Dealing with civilian response" By Aaron Grossman, Babyboomers.tv staff writer, "More Salt than Pepper" I had Lap-Band surgery six weeks ago. Since then, I’ve lost 45 pounds and my doctor has eliminated the massive dosage of blood pressure medication I was taking. For more information on what Lap-Band Surgery entails and my reasons for opting into it, click here . I’ve encountered mostly positive reactions to my decision of taking the somewhat drastic step of bariatric surgery in order to arrest my compulsive overeating. Actually, I’ve encountered only overwhelmingly positive feedback to my significant weight loss. That’s natural: I look better; I’m starting to resemble the person I used to be before I blew up into a medically obese creature; and, my sunny demeanor is returning in place of the cynical, clearly frustrated persona I had adopted during my long descent into “fattitude.” However, there are other reactions with which I find myself contending. Most commonly, there are many folks who just don’t know what Lap-Band surgery is. Or, others who mistake it for full-scale bariatric bypass surgery. My surgery was laparoscopic -- 5 small incisions used to insert the Lap-Band itself along with a “port.” Once explained, they silently nod their heads and I can hear them thinking … “Why would he choose this invasive technique just to lose weight?” Or, “What’s the matter, he can’t stick to a diet?” These observations belie the more extreme reaction which I have actually had said to me personally … “Surgery? That’s the easy way out of dieting.” In fact, there are just such reactions to news from Australia that the government is considering paying for Lap-Band surgery for morbidly obese patients who can’t afford the procedure. This, in an effort to forestall the exorbitant medical insurance costs of the consequences of obesity: high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac conditions, strokes, etc. Click here for more details. But, when you dig a little further or just Twitter reactions to the news from Australia, there is a range of vitriolic (anonymous) email responses: • “Why can’t these fatties just stop their whining and shut their mouths?” • “This is such a f_ _ _ ing easy way out and a waste of taxpayer money for those of who really should lose weight by shutting their traps.” • “Why are governments looking at lap band surgery for obese people? Why not start by censoring what they put in their mouth first???” The diet / fitness / healthful eating discourse has never been serene. Witness Oprah Winfrey berating herself for her recent weight gain in the January, 2009 issue of O: “I'm mad at myself. I'm embarrassed. I can't believe that after all these years, all the things I know how to do, I'm still talking about my weight. I look at my thinner self and think, "How did I let this happen again?" There are many of us who were born into the “lucky gene club” --- they eat as much as, if not more than, the rest of us but their metabolism burns white hot and they go through life without fat (or guilt.) There are others who successfully work hard at achieving the balance of sensible eating, a fitness plan and a moderate lifestyle. However, Reuters reported in January, 2009 that “the number of obese American adults outweighs the number of those who are merely overweight, according to the latest statistics from the federal government.” • Numbers posted by the National Center for Health Statistics show that more than 34 percent of Americans are obese, compared to 32.7 percent who are overweight. Speaking for myself, I had reached my personal point of ‘no return.’ I had been on too many diets only to gain the weight back. While I knew I was capable of great discipline and had spent thousands of hours in the gym, the lure of food as an anesthetic to life’s woes had proven too great for me. After much research, attending numerous support groups and speaking with many post-operative Lap-Band patients, I concluded that the surgery would be right for me. The notion of inserting a tool which could physically signal that I was too full to eat more food resonated with me. So, off I went. To those who say it’s the ‘easy way out,’ here’s my reply: I went through both abdominal surgery and the attendant recovery from its unpleasant discomfort; I no longer drink coffee, carbonated beverages or distilled spirits; I will probably never again eat hard, crusty bread, well-done meat or anything else that can’t pass through an opening the size of a toothpaste cap in my ‘new’ stomach; if I do overeat, I’ll get sick, nauseous or vomit; in the worst scenario, I’ll be hospitalized from eating the wrong food or the wrong amounts. This is the ‘easy way out?’ On the other hand, in 6 short weeks, I’ve lost 45 pounds and have eliminated virtually all of my blood pressure medication; I can walk 6 ½ miles without getting winded or having to stop from joint pain; and, I am happy to do chores around the house again. I achieved this, in no small fashion, with the love and support of my family and, yes, relying on good old fashioned discipline to consume the right foods in the correct proportions. At the end of the day, Lap-Band surgery has empowered me to take control of my food intake and regain my sense of self. It has not always been easy and it is definitely not for everyone. But it’s working for me right now. The very best part … and it didn’t happen as a result of the ‘easy way out’ … is hearing friends and loved ones tell me “Welcome, you’re back again.” F. Scott Fitzgerald famously said “There are no second acts in American lives.” He was wrong – I’m living it right now.

I’m 62 pounds lighter since my May 28th LAP-BAND® surgery. In eighteen weeks, there has been such significant weight loss and, more relevantly, so much positive change in my health that I can hardly remember the time when I was medically obese and “lost.” First, let’s dispense with the formalities. Need to know exactly what LAP-BAND® surgery involves? Click on The LAP-BAND® I : "Entering the zone" | Babyboomers.tv. Want to know how civilians react to news that I’ve elected to have surgery? Click on http://babyboomers.tv/content/LAP-BAND®-zone-ii-dealing-civilian-response. Interested in hearing about my status and what happens next? Read on. In addition to monthly post-op visits with Dr. Gellman, my bariatric surgeon, -- click on www.northshoresurgical.net -- I’ve lived through 4 months now as a post-operative LAP-BAND® patient. It doesn’t feel that much different than following Weight Watchers, Atkins, and other weight loss programs. Except … I’ve had laparoscopic surgery to help cure my lifelong addiction to food; There is this device inside of me banding the upper portion of my stomach; The LAP-BAND® is a “tool” to help me cut down on food consumption; While my 62-pound weight loss has been sensational, the doctor reminded me this week that the band was inserted for a reason and it’s time to tighten it now. So, this is a different reality for me. The band will be tightened in a few days by injecting saline solution into a port which has been surgically inserted on the inside of my stomach epidermis. The net result is that the band will be tightened and my little stomach pouch (the “stoma”) will feel full with less food. I’ll have to go back on a liquid diet for a few days to allow the stoma to adjust to its new tighter reality. Aside from my regular visits with Dr. Gellman, I also attend a monthly support group with other post-op patients. These groups are enormously helpful for both the camaraderie of those who have been through my same experience as well as for the practical advice I get from participants. At the last group, the topic was “How have you changed for the better or worse following surgery?” I believe life is drastically different (and better) since surgery. However, I’m still a LAP-BAND® rookie so I asked the group “do you all tell people that you’ve had LAP-BAND® surgery?” Interesting responses: “it’s none of anybody’s business”; “nobody has to know”; “they don’t understand”; and, “I only tell my closest friends and relatives”. I understand. Even though I’ve gone public on this website for the entire world to know my story, there are specific people in my life who don’t know about my decision to go through with LAP-BAND® surgery --- most importantly, my mother and father-in-law. They are in their 80’s and they just wouldn’t understand the surgical procedure (or the need for it). Mind you, they are each thrilled to hear about and see my weight loss progress. The best advice to come from the support group, however, has been “If anyone asks how you lost the weight, tell them you’re on Weight Watchers.” This echoes a similar sentiment from Dr Gellman, who reports: “so many of the patients in our practice simply default to “Weight Watchers” when asked how they lost the weight. There is logic here … the final phase of post-operative eating adjustment encompasses a diet that is very much like the Weight Watchers protocol: Eat fruits and vegetables liberally; Follow portion control: 1 ounce of meat = size of a matchbox; 3 ounces of meat = size of a deck of cards; 3 ounces of fish = size of a checkbook; Medium apple = size of a tennis ball. [*]Use little, if any, sugar; [*]Choose lower fat foods; [*]Avoid fried foods; [*]Eat 3 meals a day; [*]Exercise regularly, preferably 3 or 5 or 7 times per week (I walk 4 miles every day;) Who, among us, has not seen this movie before? And yet it really is unlike the thousands of diets I’ve previously been on. I think it has a lot to do with my commitment to a new way of life once I agreed to the surgery. And, I strongly believe in my ability to do this. Also, there is the reality that the little stomach pouch won’t hold the huge quantities of food I had become accustomed to eating. But, if we’re honest, I believe it’s that I don’t want to betray the promise I made to myself: this time, it’s for good and will be different than before. At our tender age when death and illnesses are dodging us, who is gonna argue? I’ve learned from my support group that the post-op fellowship strongly resembles Alcoholics Anonymous: it’s critical to keep sharing your feelings and to report any incident(s) of falling off the wagon. Fine with me, so far. But then, I’ve never really had a problem losing weight --- it’s maintaining my goal weight that has always done me in. For now, I take it one day at a time. The weight loss has been thrilling and I’m extremely grateful for my newfound health and mobility. I’m off blood pressure medicine, I don’t need the sleep apnea machine and my knees have magically stopped hurting during my 3-4 mile daily walks. As for the outside world and how to respond to the queries about “how did you do it?” … I smile like a Cheshire cat and reply that my answer lies in a renewed commitment to exercise and a diet of fruits, vegetables and healthy proteins. I guess my real shorthand answer can be “I’m going to Weight Watchers.”

I am so sick of soup, protein shakes and especially Isopure! I am doing the Isopure because of the 40 grams of protein, but I can't get it down in one sitting. So I have been doing 1/2 and 1/2. My doctor will not let me have the mushy/pureed food until a week from today. My mouth is actually watering when I think of tuna or chicken salad and I never liked them before. But that is what food deprevation can do to a person. My question is, if you are eating regular food - once past the mushy or pureed stage, how are you getting your 70-80 grams of protein a day? I would love to not drink any more proteins until after a fill. Then my doctor wants 2 days of liquids and back to mushy and then regular food. I have been eating my 3 meals a day, and in between drinking the water. I stop when I start feeling full and then I get a hunger pang or two a few hours later but they go away very quickly. Normal?

So, I started myself on pureed food this past Wed night. Today is Sat and I am doing really well. I feel content - unlike with the soup thing my stomach is not always grumbling and I am not always hungry. I am sticking to 4 oz tuna or chicken salad, jello, string cheese, scrambled eggs, ice pops. I see my doctor on Tues and I'll see what he says. My only concern is that I am not sure if I am getting enough protein. The doctor's office told me not to worry at the beginning and I just had surgery 2 weeks ago this coming Monday. I am averaging about 45 grams, but I do feel really good. I guess I could add a protein shake or Isopure, but I haven't NEEDED to add anything. That may change once on regular food and after I have healed more. Anyone have any suggestions as to what you did at this point in your journey? I am at the gym 3 days a week, although next week I want to go to 4 days. I am happier than I have been in years. Have a wonderful 4th to all of you bandsters out there.

I hear ya... i went back to work on the 6 day post op.. and omg! maybe too soon. I am very frustrated about the all clear liquid diet right now.. but in a few weeks i will be normal.. well my new normal... very small meals.. and happy..

I actually do feel that I am glad I did this. I know its going to be a long, hard road, but it will be worth it. At my pre-op appointment where they did my labs, I found out I had type II diabetes. I also was already on blood pressure meds for high BP, and had no clue before that appointment that I had diabetes. After surgery, they had to give me insulin the first day, but after that my blood sugar returned to normal and has been ever since surgery. I also went off my blood pressure meds three days before surgery and haven't had to go back on them. After my pain was under control, my blood pressure levels were normal and have been since then as well. That alone was worth it! I've been trying for almost two years to get my blood pressure under control. I know other benefits are coming with this surgery and they will come along with yours first. I remember I finally slept in my bed after about 2.5 weeks and was so happy because I wasn't sore. I hope you get to feeling better soon. Just remember why you did this and know the discomfort is only temporary.

I echo JMarshall with all the reasons for chosing the sleeve over the lapband. The constant maintence of the lapband turned me off. I read where one person took three sticks to get the right spot to adjust the band. The thought of leaving that object in me for life, really turned me off. I will say.. yeah to those that lose a lot of weight fast. I'm two monts out and have only lost 25 pounds since surgery. But I've lost a lot of inches and am still really satisfied

I just got sleeved on the 31st of January and let me tell you how horrible the day before surgery liquid diet was for me. I literally wanted to beat people up for their food haha. And as Im laying on the OR about to be put under I think to myself '**** i didnt eat this, this, or this before this surgery.' Im glad I wasnt alone in my thoughts. I was worried a few months before the surgery but I slept like a baby the night before and honestly wanted to sleep while they were prepping me for the surgery. You will do amazing and when you wake up it will all be with a sigh of relief. The liquids phase for the first week has necessarily been a breeze because, like you, I see other people eating food while Im stuck with broth. However, it'll pay off and day by day and week by week it will get better. Be so completely proud of yourself and make sure to remind yourself how wonderful you are while laying on the OR table. The best wishes for a speedy recovery [:

I am glad you went and had that fill taken out, sounds like you were almost closed off entirely! Hopefully that is the only problem and it will heal up now that the fill is out. My thoughts and prayers are with you, as always. Please keep up posted. I am sure you will be fine for a couple of weeks. Your band will be waiting for you when you are ready again, good for us huh? I guess with all the problems everyone has had lately, I would go ahead and have the test if nothing else to make you feel better. Tell your sister-in-law we are thinking about her as well, and sending prayers to her too! Did your DB ever get approved for it? If I recall, he wanted to have it done too. Don't stay away for so long, some of us older bansters need our big sister bandsters help too! :) Good Luck!

Leatha, you are just fine and dandy. An unfill is not a tragedy and you will LOVE feeling better. Be very good to yourself and let everything heal up, and in a few weeks you may be able to get some fill put back. And then you'll find you don't need nearly as much as you did before to get the same restriction back. Good on you for getting things taken care of!! That IS being a model bandster, lady, and you're a terrific inspiration to everyone.

My fill took three weeks to kick in. Now it feels like it's dissapearing already. I only had good restriction for about a week. I go back in one week for my second fill and I can't wait!!!

I am about 8 1/2 months out and can eat a lot. I could actually eat more than I do. But I have a set plan and I really try to stick with it. I am getting from 1000-1200 calories per day, less than 50 carbs, and 80-100 grams of Protein. My weight loss has slowed way down, but I am about 10 pounds from goal. Still, I am losing, just a pound every week or so. I'm good with that. I do allow myself to partake naturally at luncheons, business meetings, family gatherings, special occassions. I have pizza once a week and eat all that I can - which is one piece! Rest of the time, I stick to the plan. I'm so grateful. Surgery went well. No complications. Lost lots of weight. Can tolerate most foods. How lucky is all that??

I've become a Goodwill JUNKIE! I go there every Sunday and spend about $20 on clothes. Some of them I can wear now and some are clothes I expect to wear sometime in the next 3 months. When I get back I sort them out. Every couple of weeks I try on the clothes that didn't quite fit me yet & it is so exciting when they suddenly fit & I can add them in to my regular clothes rotation.

I am almost 2 weeks post op and have gone 27 days without a bite of food. I am most proud to say I haven't cheated once in 27 days. The only way to survive this pre and post op period is to drink protein. Atkins, EAS Advantage, low carb high protein drinks. Even try www.pwlc.com and click on nutritional supplements. check out the drinks, orange and strawberry they are great. the hot chocolate is fabulous. low carbs and high protein and very filling. expensive but healthy and worth it. you will not be hungry!! Good luck and, again, don't cheat. This is the time to practice compliance. Get in the right mindset. If you can do this, you can certainly be complaint when you are living with the band. Start right and end right doing exactly what you are told to do. This is my big chance to finally accomplish a goal that has been a burden all my life. Stick with it and good luck