FLORIDAYS

Two months.... I thought I would get one at one month post op but the dr said I was losing too well....

I think it's completely about healing. I was on a week each of clear then creamy liquids and 1 week of mushies. On the start of my fourth week post op I started regular foods.

Don't be stressed with your hubby. He no doubt was being insensitive but what is done is done. Who cares what anyone thinks ? If I were you I would pick the right time and thank him for his support and tell him how much you love him. He is most likely feeling like your focus is all about the band and he may be feeling a little lost....find your calm and relax.... Words don't matter. Results do.

I had a big ol butt too. My measurements were 46 / 42 / 77. I was a big ol pear. Since most people lose weight from the top down I still had a big ol butt even after I lost the first 100 lbs. fast forward to today and I have no butt to speak of and I am still unevenly proportioned. My measurements are 34 / 28 / 37. I am still a pear but you can't have dinner on my butt shelf any more... It's gone!!!!

I didn't and I will tell you why. I knew I could follow a diet...I had done it numerous times before. What I couldn't do was stick with it very well or if I did I would gain it all back only to get back on the dieting merry go round. I was banded so I would have a permanant tool to keep the weight off. So far it's working like I thought it would. I am it saying that's what you should do.... I just wanted to give you my story... Best of luck in your decision.

I am self pay and my fills we're $50. I would call your dr and make an appointment. You are ready for a fill it sounds like. I cannot imagine they will turn you away if you can say pay half at the time of visit and half on your next payday.

I usually get 1 or 2 hiccups ..it is as if my body is saying stop.... slow down... do not take the next bite

now that was just plain funny ....so my responses avoid the bang for a few weeks ...lol

it's actually kind of amusing.. the same people who said oh you're withering away... 43 lbs ago...are now saying.... oh my gosh you look so great... look at you ...blah blah blah blah blah ....so it kind of makes me think hmmm.... did they really think I didn't need to lose anymore? but then I realized no one knows what is best for you except yourself ...

My deciding factor was very simple. There is no way I was going To rearrange my anatomy so I chose the band. I was willing to follow every rule I was given to get the weight off and keep it off. So far so good!

I was allowed to shower the next day but I didn't have drains.... So I don't know the rule for that

Nikki.... I think I asked the same questions so you are smart to get your ducks in a row. I will try to give you my experiences which may help but of course could be different for you... The dr conferred with my bariatric dr and anesthologist with regard to the pre op unfill and they decided it wasn't necessary. As for my port my PS said he didn't move it he just worked around it and it wasn't a problem, I didn't feel the need to sleep in a recliner. I was comfortable in bed with several pillows to keep me on my back. I didn't have drains or a binder (mesh thing). After the 2nd week The dr did have me get a highwaisted panty girdle to help with the swelling. I got a couple at walmart for $10 each so i washed them out frequently, I wore it for about 2 weeks in lieu of underwear. After that I found it was mor comfortable to wear underwear that didn't sit on top of my belly button since that was revised. My dr said I could do as much moving as I could tolerate but no cardio for 2 months. Also no crunches, lunges or any of that type of sweating exercise until he clears me. I can walk and have been but it's certainly not at the pace yet that is was before surgery. I hope this info helps. Again please remember your drs suggestions may be different.

Ahhhh. I get it now.... And FYI Maddy.....LOL.......i was 50 when I was banded and they gave me a pregnancy test the morning of surgery!!! And again in December for my tummy tuck same thing even tho I haven't had a period since I was banded and am post menopausal!! I guess they don't want any surprises. Ha...me either!!!

ahh then I misunderstood....maybe a fill is in order. 2 cups is a lot of food for a bandster in the green zone to eat at one time considering the pouch only holds 4-6 oz... That means food is getting through faster than it should. Personally I never altered my fill schedule to accommodate my life however others have brought up good points so I think a discussion with your dr is in order. Best wishes!!

During the liquid stages my dr had me use Benefiber 2x a day. After that he prefers I get my calories, fiber and nutrition from solid foods.

It is too bad you had all these complications but what sticks out if is that you say you didn't know not to drink with your meals. That is one of the first things I learned when doing the research for my band and certainly one of the first things my dr told me. It's too bad you missed that in your Quest for information pre banding. Thank you for sharing your story. As with anything the band isnt for everyone. I hope you find the help you need.

I keep them on hand to bring to work for a lunch when i want a change if pace or times where I don't have time to prepare something. Because I don't use them often I don't worry too much about the nutritional values regarding carbs or sodium ... I just make sure they are under 300 calories. And I always drink more water than usual to offset the sodium. The portions are normally too much as I usually can't finish them. I like lean cusine and the healthy choice brands.

Welcome to the forum. I was banded in dec 2010 and have lost 220 lbs. I am currently maintaining my weight. I wish you all the best in your journey!

I just had my tt on tuesday December 18. The first night I was still on pain meds but by the next morning I was up out of bed walking every hour and didn't take a pain med until that night. Granted I wasn't cooking or cleaning as hubby and adult daughter pitched in. I couldn't lift my 19 month old granddaughter of course but she climbed up in bed next to me. By Friday I went to dinner with hubby but was very tired after a few hours. Drove myself to the store for some bras as I had a breast lift too... Was gone a few hours and again was just tired after that excursion. On Sunday I went to the store for some groceries for Christmas dinner and last minute shopping. No pain...just tired. On Christmas eve I wrapped all the presents, cooked for the holiday and other than being worn out I was fine. So I really never felt I was down. I didn't take but 2 paid pills and just took it slow but was able to do everything I wanted. I was back working the day after Christmas. I chose to work from home instead of the office. I went back to the office the day after new years. I am now a month post op and I don't feel 100% of my energy has returned but it's pretty close. Good luck to you! I love my results!!

Thanks Lee... started at 377... My personal goal was originally 160. I am at 157 so I hit that.... My dr suggested 150 originally but my BMI is 23 so he is happy...and so am I. But the 150 is my stretch goal. But I have no timetable....

I sure hope its not the norm. Sure it's hard... But what worth having isn't? I didn't cheat on my 2 wk pre op liquid diet. Nor did I cheat on my post op diet of 1 wk of Clear liquids, 1 wk of creamy liquids, 1 week of mushies. I dnt look down on anyone who does but i do question their commitment. My feeling was If I couldnt sacrifice 5 weeks of following the drs orders how did I expect to survive a life time of living with the band?

No sorry.... I only lost 220 lbs

Just live.... The journey is one meal at a time...exactly the way the weight went on. The best thing I could tell you is to go about your daily life as normal.... Do the same things you used to do but omit the overeating part of life as you knew it. The weight will come off...I promise.