Hello all.

My name is Fatima and I live in NJ. Last month on July 19th I got the lap band done by a doctor in Jordan.

Prior to surgery I was 235 lbs. I am now down to 220 lbs.

I have a few questions:

I came home to NJ last Monday and since then I have not lost any weight. Is that alright?

Also, I'm wondering what exercises are most effective.

When I wake up I don't feel like eating at all. When I do eat my Breakfast (and I really don't even eat much) I feel full after a few bites. Is that normal?

I've also been watching what I eat, however this week I started crunching on some bad chips. It's a snack size bag and prior to my surgery I used to eat the big bags without feeling guilty. Is there an alternative to chips? What crunchy foods are tasty and yummy to snack on?

I still feel some pain from time to time on the port site. Is that alright?

I'm also unsure of when I need to schedule an appointment for a fill.

I know I have so many questions and I hope someone can answer at least one. :-P

Thanks so much!!!

Hi! I have not been Banded yet, so I'm not sure of a lot of things. But one thing I find to be a great alternative to chips is rice crackers, also instead of dipping tortilla chips in stuff I like to dip snap peas and carrots in fat free Greek yogurt and low sodium salsa. I find fat free Greek yogurt to be a great alternative to sour cream and it's so yummy! I like the Costco brand. Hope this helps

Usu surgeons like you to wait 4-6 weeks to get an adjustment, sounds like you are normal except( don't eat chips if you wanna lose weight)...

It is normal to have days where you don't lose. I have had the past week like that even though I am not exceeding about 800 calories per day. It sounds like you weren't really given instructions post-op. My surgeon had me on liquids for 2 weeks post op and then pureed/mush foods (which would also include scrambled eggs and cottage cheese) for 4 weeks. Definitely no chips and meals not to exceed about 3/4 of a cup each. No liquids with meals from now till infinity (must be 1/2-1 hour before of after).

They told me the port site is what may bother you more than the other incisions because it is the largest one. When you can get to regular foods, I found at costco by me, a jalapeno greek yogurt dip that is lo cal and delicious (reminds me of the dips they make with salsa and sour cream mixed). It also has Protein. I cut up veggies for my kids to have with the dip. They also have a low fat tzatski (sorry spelling) dip like the sauce they put on gyros that is great with veggies. If you must have a salty snack, there is "skinny pop" popcorn (pre-popped in a bag) that is 39 calories for a cup and tastes good.

As mentioned above, most surgeons wait until 4-6 weeks post-op to get a fill. Have you coordinated with a local surgeon that will do this for you? If not, you should start getting that set up.

As for exercise, I was told to do what I could tolerate (walking, biking, etc) - nothing too strenuous right away but to get you moving at least.

Good luck to you!

Also, if you don't know this, make sure your meals consist of high protein (between 50-60 grams per day). The most important aspect is getting in your protein. When you do have a dinner, eat the protein first - that is what will keep you full too for several hours.

When you find a local doctor to do your band maintenance, see if they can recommend a support group.

It sounds like you got banded without a lot of information that is very necessary to be successful with a band. This site is a great source of info, but it doesn't replace doctor's orders. It sounds like pretty much everything you're experiencing is pretty normal, but you really need a medical professional you can call upon.

I do have a doctor here in NJ to speak to but I have not made the effort to call. I was given a guide and a DVD by the doctor in Jordan. I just had some questions only because I'm wondering what's going on.

I appreciate everyone's responses. I was feeling really overwhelmed - I'm more at ease right now.