New to the site and have some questions

[ilvlucy607 0]

Good morning, everyone! I have been reading all of the threads with some temptation to respond to some, but since all of my questions fall into separate categories, I decided to post a new thread:)

I had my banding done on February 28th. Since then, I have only lost max 17 lbs., most days like 14 lbs. I am very frustrated. I can eat more than what the docs recommended, but never as much as in the past. I have not had Pasta, bread, or rice, though I have tried a bit of tortilla when in a situation where I can't find something more better suited.

Is 17 pounds reasonable for being 5 weeks out of surgery? I seem to be stuck right now gaining and losing 2-3 pounds on any given day. I have started exercising. I either walk my treadmill or walk my dogs. Both give me a relatively good work out to the point I am sore the next day. I have been watching Losing Jusme's blog and am astounded at the amount of time she works out. Is this what I should be doing or is 25 to 30 minutes a day okay?

Does anyone else have a problem feeling full? I never feel full until I get left shoulder pain. I would prefer to feel full first to avoid uneccessary discomfort.

I have not had my fill yet. Do you think the weight loss gets better after this? I am very frustrated with the docs office. He told me to come in two weeks after the surgery, but when I called they couldn't get me an appt. until the end of March. Then he had to see me anyway due to an allergic reaction to my tape. He told me to schedule a fill and I have to wait until the end of April for that. I am so frustrated. His office staff has completely changed except for the few incompetent people that were there. He has lost his bedside manner due to the resctructuring of his office and I really woulf like to go see someone else. Does anyone have United Health care? Do you know if they would let me change docs so that I can get my fills elsewhere?

Thanks!

[StarbuxQueen 0]

I was very frustrated with the lack of weight loss however, I am reminded by the kind people on this site that before my fill it is a healing time not weight loss time. My Dr just wanted me to shoot for 5 lbs more this month. THAT'S ALL. He said after my fill the weight loss will begin.

[HappyOne 0]

ilvlucy607

17 lbs in 5 weeks is nothing to sneeze at. I have had 2 fills, very small ones that totalled .9cc between the 2. I was banded 2/15/08 and have lost 15 lbs in about 7 weeks. My doctor said 1-2 lbs a week is a good way to lose - it is healthier and hopefully will allow the skin to shrink back vs leaving a lot of loose skin to deal with later on.

I would love to have lost the 30+ lbs some other banders have in the 7 weeks but I am content with what i've lost so far. I don't really feel like I have restriction and I can eat quite a bit if I want to. I make a conscious decision everytime I sit down to eat to eat less than I ever did before. If I eat out, I ask for a to go box when they bring my meal and I put 2/3 of the food away up front. That way I'm not tempted to eat more than I should.

Good luck on your new journey.

[Gibson 7]

So glad you posted! Yes, things will get MUCH better after your first fill. I had almost given up hope until I got mine. (See my "Vomit is my Friend" thread.)

The fact that you have lost anything is great because a lot of people (and I'm one of those lot!) regain back all of their weight after the post-op liquid stage before the first fill. Hang in there and keep hanging out here with us! =)

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,281]

Good morning, everyone! I have been reading all of the threads with some temptation to respond to some, but since all of my questions fall into separate categories, I decided to post a new thread:)

No problem! We love to talk here! :biggrin2:

I had my banding done on February 28th. Since then, I have only lost max 17 lbs., most days like 14 lbs. I am very frustrated. I can eat more than what the docs recommended, but never as much as in the past. I have not had Pasta, bread, or rice, though I have tried a bit of tortilla when in a situation where I can't find something more better suited.

Please don't be frustrated! That is what causes many to give up. You are doing great and 17 pounds is not something to feel upset about. It is 17 pounds that you did have clinging to your body before you went in for your surgery.

Is 17 pounds reasonable for being 5 weeks out of surgery? I seem to be stuck right now gaining and losing 2-3 pounds on any given day. I have started exercising. I either walk my treadmill or walk my dogs. Both give me a relatively good work out to the point I am sore the next day. I have been watching Losing Jusme's blog and am astounded at the amount of time she works out. Is this what I should be doing or is 25 to 30 minutes a day okay?

Yes, 17 pounds is very reasonable. Please keep in mind that no two people are alike. Some have lost a great amount of weight, some in between and some had a hard time losing any at all in the first stages. All are ok, and the weight loss will come in time. With the Lap-Band, we, and I'm sure you as well were brought to the knowledge that it is going to be a personal effort along with much patience. The weight is going to come off our bodies more slowly than we might expect.

As far as exercise goes, if you are just starting out I think you are doing a great job. I think anyone is doing a great job for a beginner who just simply gets up off the couch and does anything! Don't feel so compelled to measure yourself up to anyone else. You are an individual and as long as you are giving the cause your most, then you are on the right track.

Does anyone else have a problem feeling full? I never feel full until I get left shoulder pain. I would prefer to feel full first to avoid uneccessary discomfort.

Not sure I fully understand your second sentence, but for awhile prior to my first fill just a few days ago I did have this problem.

I have not had my fill yet. Do you think the weight loss gets better after this? I am very frustrated with the docs office. He told me to come in two weeks after the surgery, but when I called they couldn't get me an appt. until the end of March. Then he had to see me anyway due to an allergic reaction to my tape. He told me to schedule a fill and I have to wait until the end of April for that. I am so frustrated. His office staff has completely changed except for the few incompetent people that were there. He has lost his bedside manner due to the resctructuring of his office and I really woulf like to go see someone else. Does anyone have United Health care? Do you know if they would let me change docs so that I can get my fills elsewhere?

Thanks!

I am still new with my first fill, but I have already seen a big difference in my habits. My scale has been cooperative with me afterward also. This might be the case for you too. I do have to say though, it's not all the Lap-Band's job to lose that weight, so keep up your routine and it will all fall into place.

As far as the doctor's office goes, I can relate to you. I wasn't able to get my first fill for 9 weeks! I hung in there though and did the best I could. The reason is, the Lap-Band surgery is better suited for those who wish to make many changes in their health habits. So even though you are struggling, you just have to stay on course as best you can. We are here if you need a little uplifting!

Also, some of those questions regarding getting your fills at another location is something you'll need to contact your insurance or doctor's office about. Good luck! If you don't feel you are getting the service you require then it would be worth it to seek the answers you need.