Hey everyone! I know that October seems like forever away, but I was just seeing if there is anyone out there that wants some help and support through the long days leading up to the best thing that will every happen to us!? Can't wait to hear some support and excitement.

Does anyone feel like their band isn't there? I mean I'm full but feel like I can eat more, where I was only able to eat 1/2 cup of food thru the liquid phase (yogurt & soup). I just started the phase 3 today. I would say since Sunday, I feel a little hungry after the 1/2 cup and started eating 1 cup. Is this bad? My 1st feel isn't until 12/1. Does it mean all the swell inside is gone, or what? How do you know if your band has slipped? I know it's hard to do that.

When you go in for a fill do they do a ultrasound or x-ray to check it?

I have no idea about slipped bands, but I know where it used to take me a half hour to sip a half cup of liquids, I can practically drink it in 10 min now. That makes me nervous.... I start eating mushies tomorrow. I hope that slows me down some.

Does anyone feel like their band isn't there? I mean I'm full but feel like I can eat more, where I was only able to eat 1/2 cup of food thru the liquid phase (yogurt & soup). I just started the phase 3 today. I would say since Sunday, I feel a little hungry after the 1/2 cup and started eating 1 cup. Is this bad? My 1st feel isn't until 12/1. Does it mean all the swell inside is gone, or what? How do you know if your band has slipped? I know it's hard to do that.

When you go in for a fill do they do a ultrasound or x-ray to check it?

GottaBThin,

I was so happy to see your comments. Yes, I joke that my Doctor cut my stomach in three places for $17K because I don't notice my band lots of times. I was banded on October 3rd and I had restriction for the first two weeks after surgery. When I went for my two week check up, the doctor advanced my diet to solids (Chicken salad, Salmon etc). I did not have much hunger so I thought my band was doing its job. By week 3, I was HUNGRY and could eat more than a cup of food in a meal. I went for my first fill on November 3rd. They did not do an ultrasound but they took all the Fluid out (1cc) and added 4 cc's for a total of 5 cc's in a 10 cc band. The first week after the fill I went easy on eating (soup, liquids, mushies) but when I went back to food, same thing - I feel like I don't have a band. I am hungry, I can eat anything (haven't tempted fate with rice or bread) and I get really hungry about three hours after I eat. I was told that it takes a few fills before most people hit the "sweet spot" and my next one is December 4th (I can't wait). I started at 270 and I am at 241 as of this morning, but I feel like I am on a diet since I am ignoring the hunger and not using my new tool the band. Keep us posted on how you do.

I was banded on Oct. 27 and by that Friday (Halloween) I was eating mashed potatoes because I was so hungry. I have been on solids pretty much since Halloween. I have lost a total of 13 lbs, but I am eating low carb/low fat and high protein. I am like most of you all, I don't feel my band but when I hiccup, I know it's there! I go for my first fill on Dec. 9th and I can't wait! I am like you guys, about 2 1/2, 3 hours after eating lunch, I'm hungry again.

Well, this is frustrating. Did we all just misunderstand what they told us? I dont think so. We just have to try to stick with what they tell us and pray is all works out.

I do keep the faith by checking other blogs of long time bandsters. There are soooo many that have done well. I want to be one of them!!

I just know in the first 3 weeks, I could barely eat and now I think I feel full, but am not sure. Like you, can drink fluids pretty quickly. I get really thirsty.

Is anyone exercising? I haven't started yet. I plan to Monday, go to the gym and do some walking and light weights.

Any recommendations?

I just got my first fill today -- 4 weeks and 1 day out from surgery -- and thought I'd give an update. I wasn't sure if my doc would even do the fill today, but after I told him how ravenous I've been in the past week, he said he thought it was time for an adjustment.

Anyway, apparently there was already 3cc's in my band (who knew??). The doctor added another 1.5cc for a total of 4.5cc's. I'm back on liquids for today, mushies tomorrow, and then back to solids on Friday.

From reading a lot on here, I don't think that my first fill is going to magically do the trick, but I am hopeful that it will take some of the edge off of the hunger I've been feeling for the past week.

i cant wait till i lose 70 pds

Hi everyone!

Today was my first day back at the gym since my band!

I did a very leisurely ride on the recumbent bike for about 30 minutes.

My weight definately plateaud when I began eating more mushies, but it's finally decreased over the past few days...I can't wait to see how much exercise makes a difference with my scale!

I started eating some stuff 5 days after surgery, like a couple of crackers and a little cheese, cream soups with a cracker or two and today had some pintos and cheese. just a side order. dinner was some mushroom soup and a 2" slice of a sub. I ate very slowly and chewed well. no troubles. at least I got to chew something. down 23 lbs. since 10/15. i also had an omelet last night with egg beaters and some mushrooms. You might want to add little amountss and see how you do. I get my fiirst fill on 12/10. :-) How do you add a ticker to your stuff? Mona

Hey Cheryl,

I am 56 also. September 11 was my b-day. I was banded on 10/29. Doing well. Happy I can have "soft foods" now. I plan to spend the winter months on a new me! Exercising, watching my calories and focusing on bein 130 in a year. I live in NC. You?

I'm sorry you didn't make the surgery time but that happened to me because my TSH was really low, I had to wait another 6 weeks until it got under control. I was all pumped up and got let down. I keep good thoughts that you will have surgery Dec. 9. Take care

Mary

I was banded on Oct. 27 and by that Friday (Halloween) I was eating mashed potatoes because I was so hungry. I have been on solids pretty much since Halloween. I have lost a total of 13 lbs, but I am eating low carb/low fat and high Protein. I am like most of you all, I don't feel my band but when I hiccup, I know it's there! I go for my first fill on Dec. 9th and I can't wait! I am like you guys, about 2 1/2, 3 hours after eating lunch, I'm hungry again.

Wow girl you sure reassured me! I was banded on 10/30 and yesterday I had 2 bites of chicken and i was scared to death but i was sooo hungry i just wanted to chew something! I am afraid to eat, it went ok and i satisfied my desire to actually chew something. I have 1 more week of full liquids to go before I can resume regular meals!

Congrats on the weight loss let me know how your fill goes..I am scheduled to go around that time too!

MJ

Cottoy71 - We are really close, I'm in SJ.

My dr. told me weigh myself everyday. Is everyone else doing the same? It is a little discouraging. I stay the same, I go up 1/2 lb, then I go down 1 whole lb.

Susie

I am officially on mushies now!! Woohoo!!! I came home to enjoy some cottage cheese before going grocery shopping. I figured I'm safer that way, LOL.

I was banded on Oct 8 and am just checking in. A bad cold or flu hit me a couple of weeks after surgery--no vomiting just a horrible head cold that caused a lot of coughing and sneezing. I was worried that my band would slip. I was able to eat more (a cup or more of soup) and when I am sick, I feel sorry for myself and used to eat more anyway.

I weighed myself two weeks ago and stayed the same after having huge weight losses of 10 pounds each week. I also had the edema return to my feet and I am not sure what causes it-the type 2 borderline diabetes or what? I have not taken my diabetic pill since surgery but may have to do that again. My fasting sugar count was 109 this morning. I am scheduled with my first fill on November 20th and I plan to discuss a lot with that doctor since my primary care doctor is of very little help by saying just check with your surgeon when I have questions.

So I panicked and began keeping track of calories, Protein, fats and carbs trying to keep it between the 800-1200 calories diet that the dietician said I would need to do. I weigh myself weekly on Thursday and this week I lost the 3 pounds. I am walking more too. So far this is like being on a regular diet and I do feel hungry at night mostly even with Snacks. I hope the fill changes all that.