Hello! I am trying to figure out this forum and how it all works so bear with me! I was banded Friday, Dec. 3rd and have about 85 lbs. to lose. Diabetes runs in my family and I felt like a time bomb and have never been able to keep the weight off. It just crept up and up. I am very active and want to be able to exercise without the aches and pains. I am 5' 10" and 55 years old. I would like to stay in touch with those of a similar situation.

I had a great experience so far and had my band done as an out pt. procedure. I was out at SAM's the very next morning and haven't had alot of pain. Today I did laundry and walked at the mall. I plan to return towork for awhile on Monday. I was fortunate to also have had it done laproscopically and had a great surgeon, Dr. David Provost. All I can say is so far so good!

Hello,

Vicky~ You are doing great!

Jess~ Yeah on the smaller jeans!

Heather~ Did I see you on TV the other night?! Access Hollywood, I think?

I had an absolutely horrible stuck episode yesterday! I was eating scrambled eggs on a tortilla, (breakfast burrito). I threw away the excess tortilla and had only a few bites of the Breakfast burrito. I vomited 8 times until it was unstuck! It was awful! It last over an hour. I was still able to work all day. I had eaten the exact same thing the day before without any problem. I need to eat a lot slower, sometimes I forget to.

I still get hungry but am satisfied with less food than I used to be satisfied with. I am trying to stop eating sweets.

TTYL, Joan

I

Joan,

I am with you! I had a fill yesterday and all had been going great till this morning. I think I hit my wall with fills. I am at 7.4 cc's and that 1/2 cc I got made a huge difference! I was chomping away at my desk on a 100 calorie pack of cheez-its and it hit me! I ran to the bathroom (thank goodness no one was in there!) and thought I was going to die! I finally threw up a little several times and the pain finally faded. I have now experienced the feeling of getting something stuck and I NEVER want to do that again! I was very careful the rest of the day and ate 4 small chicken nuggets and I am still full 6 hrs later.

So, you I hope everyone takes heed and is very careful when they get fills and they are close to thier max!

I had a fill yesterday so now I have 4.5 cc's in my band. I haven't bought any new clothes and have been rolling my jeans at the top and they are still falling off of me. I have been trying to hold out til spring to buy capris but my doctor yesterday said girl I think its time to buy some jeans.. LOL Made me feel good because I hadn't lost that much this much but she said I really need to measure myself but that she was happy with my loss. I joined a gym this week too so hopefully that will help in my weight loss.

Hi everyone. I was banded Dec 3, 2010. Yesterday I got my first fill - but only 1/2 cc. I now have 3.5 cc in a 10cc band. I am losing >2 pounds per week, which my doc says is great. But I am having problems with feeling really hungry every 2 hours. Does 1/2 a cc really make a difference? I am on a liquid diet today so I really can't tell if it's gonna help yet. I am down about 60 pounds since starting my six month supervised diet before surgery. Since surgery I have lost 28 pounds. Is anyone else feeling hungry often?

No 1/2cc doesn't do much at first, not sure why most doctors fill so slowly.. it takes a few weeks for the fills to kick in though. You should be able to go about 4 hours w/o eating.

Hello,

Heather~ Did I see you on TV the other night?! Access Hollywood, I think?

Haha yes I was on Extra! LOL. They film it at this shopping center in LA everyday so we decided to go watch the filming. (actually, we went to a taping of Ellen that day, but we had a few hours to kill so we went shopping and watched Extra film!)

I haven't been stuck yet! That sounds scary. Yea, sometimes I'm a little careless about my bites, need to watch it more. Also the fills start to become more effective after a few weeks, that could be why it made you sick?

No 1/2cc doesn't do much at first, not sure why most doctors fill so slowly.. it takes a few weeks for the fills to kick in though. You should be able to go about 4 hours w/o eating.

Haha yes I was on Extra! LOL. They film it at this shopping center in LA everyday so we decided to go watch the filming. (actually, we went to a taping of Ellen that day, but we had a few hours to kill so we went shopping and watched Extra film!)

I haven't been stuck yet! That sounds scary. Yea, sometimes I'm a little careless about my bites, need to watch it more. Also the fills start to become more effective after a few weeks, that could be why it made you sick?

Well, I think I was just feeling overconfident, since I have had 4 fills and no restriction or need to change my eating habits. I had a fill at 4 pm the day before and ate a chicken wrap (1/2) and chewed really well and no problem. The the next morning I was sitting at the computer at work and eating those cheezits and drinking at the same time and ----WHAM! I took it very easy the rest of the day. Today has been fine. BUT, I am following the regime of small biters, chewing it to a pulp and not drinking with meals. oatmeal went down fine this morning and chicken bites at lucn were fine. I think I am back on track and feeling very full with alot less food. So, my outcome looks good and I encourage all the Dec. 2010 Bandsters out there to give it time and take heed of the rules!

wow i am reading all of these and i am suprized.. i was banded dec 13th there was 1.5 cc's in my band after surgery. got my first fill feb 8th I had it done flouroscopy( something like that) in the hospitial drinking barium i could only handle 2 cc's we tried 2.5 but the barium wouldnt go down... I cant eat any bread ,crackers, noodles because the doc said it can ball up and get stuck then he has to pull it out with this scary looking fork thing...hummm no thanks. i have a stuck episoide everytime I eat.. nothing goes down but I am full for 6-8 hrs a shot.... its so weird how this same band is done wayyy diffrent .....

Amy

Today is my 2 months since surgery and I hadn't took my measurements since before surgery. I had entered them into lapband.com and I have lost 20.75 inches since surgery!! So exciting I lost 9 inches in my waist!! I am so happy that I am so much healthier and more energetic now. I love my band

Today is my 2 months since surgery and I hadn't took my measurements since before surgery. I had entered them into lapband.com and I have lost 20.75 inches since surgery!! So exciting I lost 9 inches in my waist!! I am so happy that I am so much healthier and more energetic now. I love my band

That was really smart of you!! I am now 7 weeks post op and wish I had taken my measurements before surgery! I have lost about 30-some pounds total since the pre-op diet, but I have gone down a shirt size and 2 pant sizes!! That tells me I have really lost the inches and wish I knew how many. Congrats to your great success!! I love my band too and love being healthier and more energetic! Had my first fill yesterday so am looking to lose more now.

wow i am reading all of these and i am suprized.. i was banded dec 13th there was 1.5 cc's in my band after surgery. got my first fill feb 8th I had it done flouroscopy( something like that) in the hospitial drinking barium i could only handle 2 cc's we tried 2.5 but the barium wouldnt go down... I cant eat any bread ,crackers, noodles because the doc said it can ball up and get stuck then he has to pull it out with this scary looking fork thing...hummm no thanks. i have a stuck episoide everytime I eat.. nothing goes down but I am full for 6-8 hrs a shot.... its so weird how this same band is done wayyy diffrent .....

Amy

Whoa...that is weird! I was banded the 3rd and just posted over the past few days my experience with finally getting to the GREEN ZONE, as my doc calls it. I was getting frustrated because after 4 fills.....nothing. After this last one, which took me to 7.4, I hit it! I had not been careful doing the small bites, lots of chewing, etc. and WHAM, it hit me! I threw up eating cheezits and drinking fruit flavored Water. So, I immediately begand to ease back into food that evening and followed the rules. NO PROBLEMS! I am eating about 1/4 cup of brown rice, fish and 1/4 cup of green Beans. It has been 8 hrs since I ate anything, but a small piece of low fat cheese about 3 hrs ago. I can eat crackers, bread, etc., as long as I chew it really well and have had no problems. I hope you are able to get adjusted and can eat without issues. I am happy with my doc and his goal is for you to forget you have the band and the new eating rules become natural. Take care and let us know how you are doing.

No 1/2cc doesn't do much at first, not sure why most doctors fill so slowly.. it takes a few weeks for the fills to kick in though. You should be able to go about 4 hours w/o eating.

Haha yes I was on Extra! LOL. They film it at this shopping center in LA everyday so we decided to go watch the filming. (actually, we went to a taping of Ellen that day, but we had a few hours to kill so we went shopping and watched Extra film!)

I haven't been stuck yet! That sounds scary. Yea, sometimes I'm a little careless about my bites, need to watch it more. Also the fills start to become more effective after a few weeks, that could be why it made you sick?

Heather, LOL, I can't believe I recognized you! I have a good memory for people in person but you are my first cyber person recognition! Too funny! I wondered about the band getting tighter a week or more AFTER a fill. That is what seems to happen with me. I have more restriction now than I did on Feb. 4th when I had a fill.

wow i am reading all of these and i am suprized.. i was banded dec 13th there was 1.5 cc's in my band after surgery. got my first fill feb 8th I had it done flouroscopy( something like that) in the hospitial drinking barium i could only handle 2 cc's we tried 2.5 but the barium wouldnt go down... I cant eat any bread ,crackers, noodles because the doc said it can ball up and get stuck then he has to pull it out with this scary looking fork thing...hummm no thanks. i have a stuck episoide everytime I eat.. nothing goes down but I am full for 6-8 hrs a shot.... its so weird how this same band is done wayyy diffrent .....

Amy

Amy~ You get stuck every time you eat?! That sounds terrible! I haven't seen that tool and I don't want to, lol.

Today is my 2 months since surgery and I hadn't took my measurements since before surgery. I had entered them into lapband.com and I have lost 20.75 inches since surgery!! So exciting I lost 9 inches in my waist!! I am so happy that I am so much healthier and more energetic now. I love my band

Congratulations!

I had a little stuck/spit up yesterday. The strange thing is I am still getting hungry between meals but am in danger of getting stuck if I eat too fast. I think my next fill will put me in the green zone.

TGIF, Joan

I've been in the bahamas since last Saturday and have not been eating well at all. Most days people have cooked for us, so I have not had options of eating the right things. I am scared to step on the scale when I get home. The only good thing I have done is most days I have taken an hour long walk on the beach. I am still worried though. I get home tomorrow at 11:50 pm and starting then it is going to be back to the diet, and gym hardcore. I think part of the problem is, I still have no fill, there is to much junk food around, and I am not doing well at controlling myself, and

I am PMSing. My next appointment is march 5th, so I have to do good by then, except this week completely screwed me.

Ah Jess don't worry, just restart when you get home, just eat small portions

LOL Joan! Yea, I hadn't posted about it here so pretty random!

Hmm I haven't gotten stuck yet, I'm doing ok, losing a pound or two a week, I wish it was faster, but I think I gotta do more work on my own. Not sure if I need another fill, I can go a really long time w/o eating.

Heather,

I'm losing about a pound a day as well. Just hit 5cc in my band and finally getting some of that restriction and extended full feeling. Every time I go for my fills, and they see I'm losing 1-2 lbs a week, it seems like they are disappointed. I thought the goal was to lose slowly. If I lose 1-2 lbs every week for a year thats 52-104lbs. I would not be unhappy with that at all.

Got 1.5 cc's the other day on top of my 3.5 first fill, only made it about 36 hours of liquids before making a regular meal.

Whoa...that is weird! I was banded the 3rd and just posted over the past few days my experience with finally getting to the GREEN ZONE, as my doc calls it. I was getting frustrated because after 4 fills.....nothing. After this last one, which took me to 7.4, I hit it! I had not been careful doing the small bites, lots of chewing, etc. and WHAM, it hit me! I threw up eating cheezits and drinking fruit flavored water. So, I immediately begand to ease back into food that evening and followed the rules. NO PROBLEMS! I am eating about 1/4 cup of brown rice, fish and 1/4 cup of green beans. It has been 8 hrs since I ate anything, but a small piece of low fat cheese about 3 hrs ago. I can eat crackers, bread, etc., as long as I chew it really well and have had no problems. I hope you are able to get adjusted and can eat without issues. I am happy with my doc and his goal is for you to forget you have the band and the new eating rules become natural. Take care and let us know how you are doing.

thanks I will let you posted. i see the Dr march 9th and I dont know if I want a nother fill... this stuck thing HURTS like hell and throwing up is getting played out... I dont go out to eat cause scared todeath.. i am going to talk to him to c .... i am happy my weight and iches are coming off.. went down a bra size and cup size !! people are noticing now.. it all good that way !

Heather,

I'm losing about a pound a day as well. Just hit 5cc in my band and finally getting some of that restriction and extended full feeling. Every time I go for my fills, and they see I'm losing 1-2 lbs a week, it seems like they are disappointed. I thought the goal was to lose slowly. If I lose 1-2 lbs every week for a year thats 52-104lbs. I would not be unhappy with that at all.

Got 1.5 cc's the other day on top of my 3.5 first fill, only made it about 36 hours of liquids before making a regular meal.

Yea, my doctor didn't say anything, but for me, I'd rather not deprive myself... I know people that have lost a ton but they eat like 1 egg for breakfast... a piece of turkey and a piece of cheese for lunch etc... I don't like that. I feel I wanna keep a more normal diet, I think that will be good in the long run so I don't binge. I do watch calories and stuff, and I exercise. Yes, I could probably cut back a little bit. But I don't know that it would give me another few pounds a week.

Well, I am officially initiated - I had my first stuck episode last week (2 days after my 2nd fill). It was not fun...and I will be so much more careful!

I had a deli tortilla roll up (bought at wal-mart) that I took to a basketball game to avoid eating crap - hot dog, nacho, etc. So I ate 2 bites and felt like someone was stepping on my chest, lightheaded and eyes watering. And it is true what 'they' say - when it wants to come up, it's coming up. I barely made it to a private area (aka little kids stall at the elementary school bathroom).

So, I am off to Las Vegas for a girls getaway in 2 days . I am looking forward to relaxing - and my two primary goals (other than have fun) are: not have another 'stuck' episode and not gain any weight. I don't think I will lose any, but if I maintain I will be happy. On the other hand, it will be a lot of walking, right?

I have a doctor's appointment the week after I get back - I would like to lose another 2 pounds before then - even though he knows I am going to Vegas, I still want to show some progress. I will have 7 days when I get back - wish me luck!

Also, does anyone else use Calorieking.com to track food/exercise? signed up a couple of weeks ago - it is awesome and easy to drag-and-drop my menu items during the day, and it is cool because it remembers my daily stuff even if I go back and forth from my ipad or laptop. I have really been watching calories adn it has the charts and graphs that I printed out and gave to the nutritionists instead of a written diary.

I am rambling tonight, aren't I???

Kristen