Hello Everyone!

I was banded on 6/30/2008. I really need some support or some help or maybe just some words of wisdom! First I was having some serious second thoughts right after I had my surgery, I was in a lot of pain and discomfort, even just a few sips of water would have me feeling so full that I thought I was going to explode. I was taking in about 200-300 calories per day and I lost 14 lbs. within the first 7 days after my surgery. I went to my post op appointment and they really only told me to keep up the good work, try to take in more protein and see you in about 5 weeks. Fast forward to the last 2-3 weeks. I feel like I dont even have the band in. When I get hungry I can pretty much eat a normal amount which is really making me nervous. I do my best to cut out all the bad foods and things that caused me to get obese in the first place. I have gained back about 3 lbs since I started eating food again, this really makes me nervous. I realized that before I had the surgery I was so used to overeating that I never actually felt the feeling of being hungry for years. When it came upon me after the surgery I didnt even really recognize the feeling and it scared me. Did this happen to anyone else? Now that I have the band in, it has not been filled yet, sometimes I wait until I feel hungry and other times I catch myself slipping back into my old ways and eating something just because...I feel really lost and confused right now? I started out at 339 lbs and I am now at 320, I walk at least 1 mile, 5 or more times per week but its like I'm stuck. Did I make the wrong decision to have this lap band or am I just destined to be obese?

So dazed and confused.

I have just recently been banded but from everyone that I have talked to and everything that I have read on this website it sounds like you are ready for your first fill. I know most people get their first fill at around 6 to 8 weeks and you are past that point. If you have gained 3 lbs and are having no restriction you are ready for a fill. Check in with your doctor, and I hope you get back on track. Only you can decide if you made the right decision, but stay positive and do all the right things and I don't think you will regret it. Take Care!!!

My surgeon reccommends we eat every 3 hours. This prevents you from getting to a point where you are starving, therefore make bad choices. Eat small snacks (called midmorning meal, afternoon and evening mini meals) such as a string cheese, or i/4 cup lowfat cottage cheese and a no sugar added applesauce, a few slices of shaved deli meat wrapped in a pc. of lowfat cheese, etc. (high protein being the key). Honestly this will stop you from being hungry if you try to eat every 3 hours on schedule! Hope this helps!

I too had some doubts right after being banded. I think alot of folks do. It's a big change of lifestyle. Your stomach was really swollen after the surgery so you had tons of restriction. Now since you haven't had a fill you are working on willpower. Granted the band is in place and if you tried to eat a huge meal you would feel discomfort. Believe me on this and don't try to "test" the band.

Your body can not sustain the kind of loss you had in the first week. Some weeks there will be a loss some not. You are looking for the average over a long period of time. It took time to get obese it will take time to get slim.

Did your Dr give you a food plan? Are you keeping a food journal?

There are a quite a few calorie counting websites. Thedailyplate.com is just one. In this new period of your life you will need to do some things differently them you have been doing them. Keeping a food journal or making a food plan(setting up your meals for the week ahead of time) and exercise are the keys to your new lifestyle. If you are not willing to do these you will probably not succeed with the band. I know that is harsh but none the less true.

What made you want to get the band? Write those reasons down and go back and read them when you need motivation.

Set some realistic goals, both for weight and personal.

For me one was to complete a Triathlon. Well I did it.

Your mind is a powerful thing. Keep telling yourself you can become a healthier person. You can keep a food journal. You will increase your exercise.

OK, sermon over.

Good luck with your journey!! Keep blogging. Keep in touch.

Amanda