Hi everyone, I'm starting this because we are mid way through the month so I'm guessing about half of us have had the procedure done. The October Bandsters thread has been really great with all the positive comments, suggestions and support. It would be great to keep that community going.

I'm two days post surgery. My pain meds are working fine. The surgery was easier than I expected and I hope the recovery keeps going as well.

How is everyone?

Sorry, one more question. When someone says on this site that they can't eat certain things now is it because they physically can't get it down or does it make their stomachs upset?

I don't know if these answers will fully tell you what you want, but this is what I understand. On the mushies gaining weight thing - no you will not gain weight so long as you are continuing to stay under your calorie limit for the day. A female human burns about 1700-1800 calories per day just to be alive (for heavier people this is higher) - that's sitting there, doing nothing, just continuing on - so even if you go from say 500 calories per day on broth and Jello to 900 calories per day on mushies you will still be well under this requirement and your body will have to use its fat stores just to keep going and make up that difference. You obviously wont be losing as much as you might if you are only doing liquids and jello, but that kind of diet is not sustainable or healthy for long periods of time. You should also focus on protein and veggies rather than carb heavy foods like potatoes, etc. This will also help your body burn more of its fat stores.

on the GB vs band thing - I dont know exactly why they loose so much faster, but my understanding is that over a 5 year period, weightloss with both is virtually the exact same. In an incidental conversation where with my weightloss counsellor at my doctor's office about how I didnt understand why you would want to re-route your intestines he said that they would only recommend a bypass if a person literally had like 6 months to live unless they lost weight. It can lead to many issues with nutrient loss and something called dumping syndrome where the person's blood sugars go out of control because the stomach is what is supposed to absorb the sugars.

the band may take longer, but there are far less complications, and by losing the weight slower you reduce both heath problems and some things like extra, sagging skin, etc.

hope this helps!

Thank you! great information!!!

I had my surgery on october 30th..I have lost 16 lbs just since then..very excited but was wondering when we get the first fill? I thought it was at the 2 week visit..today more than ever I'm so hungry..not even my proteins and liquids seem to keep me full:-\

My dr does first fills at 6 weeks

Oh ok..thanks...I'm not sure..I go back next Tuesday for my 2 week so I guess I will find out then..just stay hungry and I hope he fills it soon so it will make me not eat as much..I'm still on liquids of course so maybe when I actually start eating solids it will get better...thanks for ur answer!

I was banded 10/26. I lost 15 lb the first post op week. This week I added 1 ensure daily and soup. (cream of chicken with no fat milk) I have gained 2. Lbs. What am I doing wrong?

If Im not mistaken you shouldnt be drinking Ensure for ur protein.

Example..if ur protein drink has 20gm of protein then ur calories shouldnt be more than 200.. The calories shouldnt be more than 10x ur protein.

Yay! My first fill an hour ago!

I was banded on 10/11/12. Turns out my surgeon put 6 ccs in my 10cc band when he places it! I really didn't start getting hungry until the last couple of days.

Today' date=' she added 0.2 cc. I am so afraid I'm still going to be hungry!

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I know there is some in mine too but I'm due a fill on saturday! Can I ask...did it hurt?

I know there is some in mine too but I'm due a fill on saturday! Can I ask...did it hurt?

Once they locate your port it doesn't hurt. I had my first fill on Monday and the only time it hurt was when they were trying to locate my port.

Once they locate your port it doesn't hurt. I had my first fill on Monday and the only time it hurt was when they were trying to locate my port.

Thanks!! Jut hope this fill keeps me from being so hungry all the time!

Thanks!! Jut hope this fill keeps me from being so hungry all the time!

It does help, I am surprised but so thankful.

Sorry, one more question. When someone says on this site that they can't eat certain things now is it because they physically can't get it down or does it make their stomachs upset?

well I suppose some people could be experience intolerance of a particular food, or are overeating and so are sick, but most people in this forum are saying they can't eat it yet because they are on restrictions from the diet we are required to follow from the surgery for a few weeks - liquids, purees and then mushies. My friend who has had her band for a year now though can't eat things like bread or steak because it just doesn't sit well in her tiny stomach and it makes her get sick.

My doc is making me wait 6 weeks before my 1 st fill!

Mine, too. I have no idea if anything was put in during surgery. I am actually gaining weight now (about 3 pounds after a 13 pound loss). Are you?

I had my 2 wk follow up today! Cleared for Puree Stage and all activities! Took my steri strips off and Mederma on! And I burped! So happy about that! Ive lost 32lbs since My first visit on Sept 7th! I go back Dec. 5th for a fill..but he said if I lose 8 to 10 more pounds by then he is not gonna fill me..the fill will be 4cc in my empty 10cc band if I get one!

I can't believe I have been banded for over a week! I feel great! With the presurgery diet I am down 22 pounds in just over 3 weeks. I have dropped one whole pants size and already went out and bought new workout pants. My one week post op went great and my doctor has moved me to mushy foods. She said I will do this for one week and then be on solid foods. I can't beleive how fast this part goes. I have to say for the most part I feel full but I do have a lot of head hunger. I am dealing with it pretty well but it is definitely taunting me:(

Here's to a grest week fellow October Bandsters!!!!

If Im not mistaken you shouldnt be drinking Ensure for ur protein.

Example..if ur protein drink has 20gm of protein then ur calories shouldnt be more than 200.. The calories shouldnt be more than 10x ur protein.

I think so too. Ensure can be fattening for people trying to lose weight. That is what they gave my mom to sustain her when she could no longer eat. They use it a lot in nursing homes too. Atkins shakes are good. Maybe you should switch to them