Long story short. Had surgery about 4 years ago, lost almost 100 pounds in the first year. Then I broke my leg and had emergency surgery, 10 screws and a 6 inch steel plate later I sat around for 4 months and put on half the weight. I was laid off, and then my surgeon moved his practice away from Dallas. A year ago I moved back to Omaha when my dad had a stroke. Finally got my medical records, insurance and can get a fill, which is supposed to be next week.

I feel like I am starting over, I am not even sure how many days to have fluids and then transition. I am not sure how many CC's are evn in my band. I dont have much restriction unless its a chunk of bread. Where do I start?

Thanks in advance.

Good for you. You're on the right track getting back to your doctor and reclaiming your health. I just had a fill today and now I have 48 hours on liquids. Just remember Protein, Water, movement. Don't drink with meals or for half an hour after. Practice chewing your food to mush. Practice slowing down your meal. Don't eat between meals at all. When I snack my appetite is awake all day.

You have taken the first step back to success. Never ever give up on yourself. We are here for support. Stay connected here and ask your doc for nutritional guidelines. And follow them !! Walk every day. Drink water. You got this!!!!!!

It is normal practice after a gap for the fill doctor or nurse to withdraw all saline before putting new saline in, so not knowing how much you have doesn't matter.

Then it is back to Protein first, crunchy (I.e. not over-cooked) veggies, carbs if room. If you were banded four years ago, it may be you just came into the time when doctors were still saying don't drink with meals. Research at various hospitals and universities has shown that well-chewed food passes through a well-adjusted band in around a minute. Do you can drink with meals as long as you leave long enough after swallowing.

If you feel you may be out of touch, check out the website of Dr Terry Simpson. I know nothing whatsoever about him! He may be a first class surgeon, he may be a quack! I have no idea! But his website has an article on what restriction is and is not which reflects very well the Information now being taught to doctors doing bands. Understanding as to how the band works changed about 2010 but these things take time to filter through to all hospitals! I actually came across a newly banded person the other day who still thought foid needed to stay above the band for 20 minutes! Oh dear! Recipe for disaster!

I love the Simpson articles, too, and have a link below in my signature as well as one for the Eight Golden Rules. Both of these sources helped me understand how the band works and how to work the band.

Sorry about your leg (ouch!) and your father's stroke. Life can sure deal it out sometimes. Just know that this is the right time, that you are choosing yourself and your healthy future. Way to go dealing with all the medical records and finding a new doc. You are on your way. Keep us posted!

I'm in the same boat....was banded in 2010 but had to have band emptied 18 months ago.....since having it emptied I'm now 56 pounds heavier than I was before I started......going to get my first fill on Tuesday, really excited but nervous.