3 weeks post op. Banding date 2/28...I lost 15 lbs pre op and have gained 3 lbs back. I'm currently tolerating most foods, though I can definately feel the change in my ability to consume food. It is completely different and can be uncomfortable, may be uncomfortable is the wrong word. I guess I should say that it is impossible to not feel food enter my body and notice that I have to take my time and breathe. I was concerned, not knowing what this was going to feel like, that it would be either painful, and I wouldn't want to eat at all, or that I wouldn't feel any different and I would be able to eat normally. I am so very happy that my body is already signally me and even more to the point I am able to catch that signal and stop or slow down or take a second to figure out that I had enough. When I feel I have to take a deep breath after I swallow, I know I'm eating to fast or that it time to check in with my mind and stomach to decide if its time to stop. I can honestly say I have never had to do that before. I'm sure I'm not alone, but prior to sugery if I was eating something that was good I just wanted more b/c it tasted good and I really never took the time to listen to my body. It was like I didn't want to listen or couldn't listen to my body's signals. Is it any surprise I've been over weight for most of my life. I am so excited that banding has giving me this new ability and I am very hopeful about long term weight loss and maintanence.

I explained my story in here in LBT when I was a newbie. Sustained weight loss has always been elusive. I would be very successful only to gain all my wt back. I had no complications with the surgery. I had very little gas pain, which was so hard to believe. Just a little neck stiffness and daily head aches ( which I contribute to caffeine w/drawl). My incisions are completely healed. I am scheduled for my 1st fill 4/4 and I am ready to feel a little more restriction. I am kinda bummed that I am not loosing more, but I think I have to be more realistic about my expectations. I am walking but really want to kick up the excercising routines. I really think that's the hardest thing, getting started. But if I was willing to going through with cutting my self open I better damn well get my butt up and move.

Signing off....Starting weight 277..preop weight 262...today 265