Hi, I just met with my doctor today and I am hoping to have my surgery in Jan. I was a little worried when he said for the rest of my life I have to eat 4 oz at each meal and drink 2 hours later.... I totally know that this will change my life (my dad had gastric bypass 7 yrs ago)... but he isn't restricted to 4 oz, he can eat a little more then that.

I guess I am just getting a little anxious by thinking, "Am I doing the right thing" ... etc. etc. I am sure you all have felt like that at one time. I just want to be able to go out to eat once in awhile and feel somewhat normal around people when eating. Do you feel like this now? What do you eat?

Are there any good books out there about lapband? Are you glad you had this done? I have been overweight for the last 12 years and just want to get back to being healthy.

Thanks for letting me vent ,

Heidi

heidshosh@aol.com

I'm almost 4 weeks post-op and my nutritionist said 6 ozs/1/2 cup plus two snacks. From what I have read, you can adjust it to your individual needs. If you needs more your weight loss just slows down but it is a life style change and you need to be comfortable with the amounts in order for it to work.

Hi, I just met with my doctor today and I am hoping to have my surgery in Jan. I was a little worried when he said for the rest of my life I have to eat 4 oz at each meal and drink 2 hours later.... I totally know that this will change my life (my dad had gastric bypass 7 yrs ago)... but he isn't restricted to 4 oz, he can eat a little more then that.

I guess I am just getting a little anxious by thinking, "Am I doing the right thing" ... etc. etc. I am sure you all have felt like that at one time. I just want to be able to go out to eat once in awhile and feel somewhat normal around people when eating. Do you feel like this now? What do you eat?

Are there any good books out there about LAP-BAND®? Are you glad you had this done? I have been overweight for the last 12 years and just want to get back to being healthy.

Thanks for letting me vent ,

Heidi

heidshosh@aol.com

Hi there and welcome,

I was sure from the beginning that this is what I wanted for myself. I wasn't "afraid" nervous a little but that is it.

Yes I am very glad I had it done. I still eat with my family and I go out to eat. The only difference is I usually take some home with me now. I order whatever I want and eat until I don't want anymore.

This is a complete journey for me, its not a miracle and weight will not "fall off" like magic. I was disappointed the first year, while I was only looking at actual pounds I missed most of the point. For me personally I had to stay off the scale and get moving and start having some fun, this is when the journey began to become interesting and less of a struggle. THis was like a make over from the inside out for me...

Good luck on your journey and congrats on a new way of life.

Well, I need to preface this by saying that doctors have different rules, but the 1/2 cup meal is generally recommended during your weight loss phase. (Not all doctors follow the 1/2 cup meal routine either, although, it is what is recommended by Realize Band on their web site. I'm not sure about Lap Band.) On maintenance, your band should be a little looser, allowing you to eat larger meals. Although, not large by most standards. My doctor told me that once my weight stabilizes within my goal range, my band should be losened enough for me to eat approx. 3/4 cup meals. Of course, part of the picture is your particular metabolism and how much exercise you get. I would assume that some may be able to maintain with a loser band that allows for bigger meals.

liquids two hours after a meal sounds extreme. I would hazard to guess that the majority of doctors say no fluids 1/2 hour prior to eating and resume drinking 45 mins after meals. I've seen restrictions to as little as 15 mins prior to meals, and 1/2 hour after, as well as long as waiting until one hour after meals. I've never seen anyone restricted from fluids for two hours though.

As far as your question "am I glad I got this done". Absolutely YES! I love my band, it treats me well, and I treat it well. I follow my doctor's rules, and I've not had any problems with my band. I feel and look better than I have for years. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

I have never been restricted to half a cup only, I'd starve. I eat more like a cup at a sitting, but not more, its about as much as I can fit in.

I find my meals look normal for a small eater, if that makes sense. Nobody notices how little I eat, people just dont pay that much attention.

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it. I was just making myself feel a little anxious after all my consults today.

Take care,

Heidi

Hi Heidi,

I am going to be banded 1/05/10. I can't wait, I am a bit nervous about all the changes. I have started making some changes before so that it won't be as hard.

Heidsz,

I'm in maintenance mode too (sx was 16 months ago and I've maintained for about 6 months) and have to say that I eat much like Jachut now - like a 'normal' small eater.

No one even notices that I eat differently to them now.

So I don't necessarily think this will be the way you will live your life forever more.

Wow, you ladies at your goal brings tears to my eyes. Congrats!

One day I pray that's me.

Linda