jay150

Hi Everyone, I was just hoping to get some advice/opinions. I am a little over 3 months out of surgery and have had three fills to date (presently at 6cc). There are times when I still feel hungry after I eat, but I try my best to stick with the right portions. I am keeping my calories at about 1200 per day and my dr. said to stay at this level since I am consistently losing. The dr. also said that after the next couple of fills, I should really feel restriction and the hunger should subside. I am just wondering when others finally felt as though they were full after a small portion? Also, can you please share how many calories you take in per day? Just wondering if maybe I should attempt to decrease to 1000 calories per day. Thanks!!!

im crazy too

It is basically a very uncomfortable feeling of tightness in my chest. I also experience foamy saliva in the form of throw-up...I try to walk around, remain calm and it passes after a few minutes. I tried to drink something the first time it happened and that only irritated it more. It is uncomfortable and scary the first time, but it made me aware to chew food well.

Fortunately, I have not had a problem with it. It is pretty moist --- so far so good

I am female and initially had about 90 pounds to lose. I am down 45 pounds since my surgery on February 11, 2011. My first fill was on 3/10 (3cc) and my second fill was on 4/15 (5cc). There have been weeks in between where I have lost nothing or one pound and there are other weeks where I have lost 4 or more pounds. Here is my journey so far: Post Surgery: 2/11 - 2/18: I lost 16 pounds 2/19 - 3/10: I lost 11 pounds 3/10 - 4/15: I lost 14 pounds 4/15 - 4/20: I lost 4 pounds I am sure the weight loss will probably slow down a bit and I am usually the rush-rush type, but as long as that scale keeps going in one direction, I am happy. Good luck to you!

I think what you are feeling is completely normal and you are not alone. I am a little more than 2 months out and there are a lot of things that I have been able to enjoy that I thought would be out of the question. I have had pizza (but instead of eating 3 or 4 slices, I have had one small slice), a small portion of pasta, a chicken wrap, and I've even been able to eat a subway sandwich. If I eat a tougher type of meat, i.e. steak or a pork chop, I just make sure I cut it small and chew well. I've managed to eat out quite a bit and just force myself to make smart decisions. Believe me...you will not be deprived once you become more comfortable with it. There are times when I think about what I used to eat and feel like I just want to take a huge bite of something and indulge myself (i.e. a bacon cheeseburger and mozz fried with gravy...lol), but then I reason with myself by saying that I can sample things in small amounts --- I just don't need to devour things like I used to in order to enjoy them....a small taste can be satisfactory without overdoing it. Eating for me has been a lot different than how I thought it would be....I was under the impression pre-surgery that I wouldn't be able to eat certain foods ever again, i.e. bread, pasta, etc. and this truly scared me, but fortunately I have been able to tolerate just about everything in small doses (while watching calories/fat, etc. of course). I think the payoff will be worth it! Food will still be enjoyable --- just in a normal way! Good luck to you

I am a little more than 2 months out and there are times I could definitely go for a bacon cheeseburger and mozz fries...lol, but I try to think of the long term --- and to be honest, there are a lot of things that I have been able to enjoy that I thought would be out of the question. I have had pizza (but instead of eating 3 or 4 slices, I have had one small slice). I've been able to eat a subway sandwich (slowly). I've even managed to eat out quite a bit and just force myself to make smart decisions. There are times when I think about what I used to eat and feel like I just want to take a huge bite of something and indulge myself, but then I reason with myself by saying that I can sample things in small amounts --- I just don't need to devour things like I used to in order to enjoy them....a small taste can be satisfactory without overdoing it. Eating for me has been a lot different than how I thought it would be....I was under the impression pre-surgery that I wouldn't be able to eat certain foods ever again and this actually scared me, but fortunately I have been able to tolerate just about everything in small doses (while watching calories/fat, etc. of course). I think the payoff will be worth it! Food will still be enjoyable --- just in a normal way

I just had my second fill this past Friday (5cc) and I am still feeling hungry after eating. I eat 5 times a day, 3 meals (1/2 cup) and 2 snacks (1/4 cup)...is it typical that I would still be hungry?

I had my surgery in February and was petrified that I wasn't going to wake up --- to the point that I was actually crying on the way to the hospital and tearing on the operating table. My husband said the doctor came to see him and was done with the surgery in about a half hour! Before I knew it, I was in recovery and have been doing well ever since....I can honestly say no regrets! Good luck to you

I too came out of surgery weighing more than when I went in....it will come off...don't worry

This recipe makes1 serving 1 small mission flour tortilla 1/4 cup perdue short cuts grilled chicken 2 tbsp. fat free shredded cheddar cheese 1 tbsp. reduced fat sour cream Just add the chicken, cheese and sour cream in the tortilla, roll and microwave for 30 seconds. This is a little high in carbs, but low calories/fat/sugar and good Protein for a meal. Nutritional Info: 187.5 calories; 5g of fat; 18.5 carbs; 2 sugars; 16g of protein Enjoy!!!

I was banded on February 11th and I was just wondering how many meals others have per day and how much at each meal. I am currently having 3 meals (4-6 oz. each - volume measurement) and 2 snacks (2-3 ounces each - volume measurement). I have to admit, I am still finding myself very hungry at times after I eat and I have to use extreme will power. Do these portions seem typical? Just wondering if I am having too much or too little. Maybe its just time for my second fill Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated!

I was banded on a Friday and by Sunday night I was starving...lol. I had to wait until the following Friday before I was allowed to start mushy foods. The doctor said I was probably a quick healer and thus experienced hunger sooner than others. That week felt like torture, but I made it through. At any rate, just stick with the plan. There is a reason why you are only supposed to eat soft mushy foods and that is because you are still healing. meats, etc. may not be such a great idea right now because you do not want to disrupt the healing process....not trying to sound preachy, just dont want you to disturb anything. I found that eating a scrambled egg kept me feeling full longer as well as mashed potatoes because of how dense they are. Although eating yogurt and applesauce was good, I did find myself more hungry than when I ate the other things. good luck!

thanks for the feedback! good point about seperating head hunger from actual hunger...i guess old habits die hard.

I think you can get a fill every 3-6 weeks...not 100% sure. My first fill was 3.10 and my next is 4.21 so that is under 6 weeks...hope this helps

I had my first fill on March 10th and I also feel very hungry at times. I have been trying to stay on a routine - so I eat 3 (4 oz meals) and 2 (2 oz. snacks) throughout my day. If I still feel hungry during one of my meals, I eat an extra ounce or so of protein. I also wait a half hour before and after meals to drink anything. I also try to eat slow and my put my fork/spoon down between bites. I was so used to shoveling everything down, I never even realized if I was full. From what I was told by many friends who have also had this surgery, it may take a few fills before you get restriction. For all of those people who think the band is an easy way out, it is definitely not. As my doctor described, it is a tool but you need to do your part. And it definitely takes work and will power! I keep reminding myself of the payoff. Good Luck and keep your eye on the prize

Hi, I guess there are different programs, but for my 2nd week which was soft mushy food (including cream soup), i was told to have 3 meals a day - no more than 4 oz. at each meal (measuring by volume). hope this helps

I was banded on 2.11.2011. The first week while on liquids only, I lost 18 lbs. Week 2 (mushy phase), I have only lost 1 lb. Overall, I am very pleased so I do not want to come off as unhappy. I am just curious if anyone experienced a large weight loss at first and then hardly anything. I just dont understand why I have not lost more this week considering the small amount of food I am intaking and the fact that I am following the program exactly. Any insight would be appreciated.

thanks again everyone! i am definitely going to pay more attention to my protein intake.

Thanks everyone ...Its good to hear others' experiences

Sorry you are struggling to get approved. Did you try calling your insurance directly and asking them specifically what they require. Maybe they can send you something in writing and you can check things off rather quickly. I have BCBS and they needed me to go to a pre-op seminar, get a nutritionist evaluation, psychiatric evaluation, document all the diet plans i have tried over the past 12 months, plus get a letter from my primary dr. as well as a letter from my surgeon. Good Luck to you and be aggressive in your follow-up with the doctors....sometimes being a bit pushy will pay off.

I just got my approval and am getting banded on 2/11....I have the option between the Lap Band and Realize Band. I have been doing some research and it seems as though many say the Realize Band is the way to go because more textures can be tolerated, however I have also heard that the Lap Band allows you to lose weight faster. Any insight would be appreciated!!! Thanks!

Hi...I was just wondering if anyone has any insight on the procedure and time frame for Empire BCBS in NJ. Thanks.

Thanks so much! Hoping my insurance approval is just as fast!

Hi...I have to have a psych eval and the dr referred by my surgeon is not in my network....does anyone have any suggestions of psychologist in the NJ area? Thanks!