GardenGal

Hello! I am trying to figure out this forum and how it all works so bear with me! I was banded Friday, Dec. 3rd and have about 85 lbs. to lose. Diabetes runs in my family and I felt like a time bomb and have never been able to keep the weight off. It just crept up and up. I am very active and want to be able to exercise without the aches and pains. I am 5' 10" and 55 years old. I would like to stay in touch with those of a similar situation. I had a great experience so far and had my band done as an out pt. procedure. I was out at SAM's the very next morning and haven't had alot of pain. Today I did laundry and walked at the mall. I plan to return towork for awhile on Monday. I was fortunate to also have had it done laproscopically and had a great surgeon, Dr. David Provost. All I can say is so far so good!

Whoa! If I understand correctly, your insurance company is the same, but they changed to policy on you? I would be getting in touch with your insurance board for the state you live in or an ombudsman program. Why on earth would an insurance company pay for something that benefits your health , then abandon you? I would be barking up every tree I could! Insurance companies take advantage of opportunities when their members don't push them! Don't give up! Garden Gal

Whoa...that is weird! I was banded the 3rd and just posted over the past few days my experience with finally getting to the GREEN ZONE, as my doc calls it. I was getting frustrated because after 4 fills.....nothing. After this last one, which took me to 7.4, I hit it! I had not been careful doing the small bites, lots of chewing, etc. and WHAM, it hit me! I threw up eating cheezits and drinking fruit flavored Water. So, I immediately begand to ease back into food that evening and followed the rules. NO PROBLEMS! I am eating about 1/4 cup of brown rice, fish and 1/4 cup of green Beans. It has been 8 hrs since I ate anything, but a small piece of low fat cheese about 3 hrs ago. I can eat crackers, bread, etc., as long as I chew it really well and have had no problems. I hope you are able to get adjusted and can eat without issues. I am happy with my doc and his goal is for you to forget you have the band and the new eating rules become natural. Take care and let us know how you are doing.

Well, I think I was just feeling overconfident, since I have had 4 fills and no restriction or need to change my eating habits. I had a fill at 4 pm the day before and ate a chicken wrap (1/2) and chewed really well and no problem. The the next morning I was sitting at the computer at work and eating those cheezits and drinking at the same time and ----WHAM! I took it very easy the rest of the day. Today has been fine. BUT, I am following the regime of small biters, chewing it to a pulp and not drinking with meals. oatmeal went down fine this morning and chicken bites at lucn were fine. I think I am back on track and feeling very full with alot less food. So, my outcome looks good and I encourage all the Dec. 2010 Bandsters out there to give it time and take heed of the rules!

Joan, I am with you! I had a fill yesterday and all had been going great till this morning. I think I hit my wall with fills. I am at 7.4 cc's and that 1/2 cc I got made a huge difference! I was chomping away at my desk on a 100 calorie pack of cheez-its and it hit me! I ran to the bathroom (thank goodness no one was in there!) and thought I was going to die! I finally threw up a little several times and the pain finally faded. I have now experienced the feeling of getting something stuck and I NEVER want to do that again! I was very careful the rest of the day and ate 4 small chicken nuggets and I am still full 6 hrs later. So, you I hope everyone takes heed and is very careful when they get fills and they are close to thier max!

Hey! We were banded the same day and you were one of the first answers to my original post! You are doing great! My doc does 1/2 cc at a time and it took about 4-5 fills for me to get some restricition. I am finally feeling full for for 4-5 hours now at 6.9 cc's. I was starving all the time until I got my last fill. I understand it is a delicate "dance" to get the right amount of fluid in the band to achieve "the green zone". My doc says he doesn't want me to even remember I have a band. I should not feel nauseous, throw up, have indigestion, etc. I should just feel a gentle, firm pressure when I am getting full and that is my signal to stop. He let me come in each week for a fill (.5 cc at a time) since I was tolerting things well and having no ill effects. I am self pay so he wanted me to get to the "green zone" within 3months if I was doing well since the first 90 days of follow-up is included in the cost of the procedure. I had come to a stand still the past 2-3 weeks since I was hungry all the time and eating more than I should have been. Don't get discouraged! I am now feeling better about the whole ordeal. I am schduled to go in next week and I am not sure I will have a fill or not. I am afraid of being "over inflated"!

Today I went for my 4th or 5th fill and I think I am finally getting some restriction. Yea! I am at 6.9 cc's and felt fuller after dinner this evening ( I was supposed to have liquids and I did most of the day). Everything went down fine and I hope I am now at the point where I can use the band as a guide and a cue to stop putting food in my mouth! I had been stuck at about 22-23 lbs. lost and had actually gained back a lb. My doctor's office only does a 1/2 cc at a time and I felt better going in smaller increments. I was afraid I would start having the effects of an over filled band. My doctor says I should NEVER throw up, have heartburn or any discomfort. I should just feel a gentle pressure below my sternum as I get full that signals it is time to stop eating. They said I should forget I even have the band. So far, I have and have been eating pretty much everything! But, it is good that I have been practicing chewing small bites thoroughly, not drinking with meals, and cutting things into small pieces, because I can tell I might have had some problems tonight if I hadn't! So, all that said, I started this thread a day or so after I was banded on Dec. 3rd and am just now getting to the point where I think I am getting the benefit of the band. It is a learning process and working with the 3 "b's"-your brain, your body and your band. It takes all three working together to reap the greatest success.It is coming together for me, I think! I "get it"! Keep up the efforts and thanks for everyone's comments and sharing their struggles.

Good for you! I have a couple of pairs of pants I can do that with as well. I do keep the sugar free pudding around and jello, too, because I am not a huge fan and I can trust myself with it! I also keep Greek yogurt since it is high in protein and there is NO chance I will go on a yogurt binge! Boredom is my biggest enemy and we have been snowed in here in North Texas alot, four days last week and we are about to get it again! Have you ever looked at hungrygirl.com? Lots of great lo-cal recipes for desserts that make just one!

Heather, Sounds like you're doing well! Here is my take on snacks....stay away from the sugary junk foods. I think you keep yourself addicted to the sugar and you just want more! ( I use "you" to mean everyone) Try an apple with a bit of peanut butter (VERY little), Laughiing Cow cheese wedge and a few whole grain crackers and a few grapes, etc. I found that if I kept a box of 100 calorie cakes and cookies in the house, they'd be gone in a few days! I have focused more on healthy eating habits and the weight has come off faster. I also enjoy a cup of hot chocolate (low cal), hot flavored tea, etc. I find I am more "head hungary" and so I bought a little teapot and brew a bit of tea and sip on it. It gives me something to do! I also drink some V-8, Campbell's "Soup on Hand", etc. Sugar just makes me go crazy and I crave it once I get alot of it back in my system! Keep up the good work!

Hi Lori, I have had the same fears....what if I STOP losing weight!!!!!???? So, far I have lost or remained steady. To me is is harder when you go to solids and so far I stillhave no restriction and eat how and what I want. It will be a slow process and I am anxious to get to my "green zone" to see how it feels and works. Hang in there! garden gal

Hello December 2010 Bandsters! I have been off the air for a few weeks as I had a daughter graduate from college (Texas Tech-Guns Up!), I changed jobs, Christmas came and went and now we are heading to OKC in the morning to help my daughter move in her house. So, it has been a whirlwind month! I was the instigator of this thread and it is amazing how many of us are on here now! I was banded on the 3rd and had my first fill today. Piece of cake! (No pun intended!) They used a small injection of Lidocaine and then a large needle to inject the saline. I am now at 4.7 cc's. My band had about 2.9 cc's in there already and I didn't know that. They said that everyone has some saline put in during surgery to make sure that the band is "primed" and it makes the first fill easier. You don't want to implant a band and have to struggle to fill it dry if it "sticks together" or collapses due to pressure. Made sense to me! The process was painless and I have felt fine. My Dr.'s goal is to have his patientslive with the band and forget they even have it. As long as you follow the tenents of life with a lap band, you should feel no different than before. I am a believer, as I have no problems whatsoever. Anyway, now on liquids for about 24 hours again, but can eat anything after that if I follow the "rules"....small bites, chew thoroughly, Protein first, etc. Weight is coming off slowly, but steadily. About 20 lbs. since starting the pre-op liquid diet on Nov. 18th. Down a jeans size and starting to feel and see a difference! Hope everyone is doing well at whatever stage you are and keep chatting! Garden Gal

Hey, don't get discouraged! You have so much fluid retention from surgery (tissue trauma and IV fluids) that some people GAIN several lbs. As you get more active and the swelling goes down, you will be back on track! Garden Gal

Phil, You will do great! Just go into it with a positive attitude and do what the doctor says! If you get over things quickly then you should do just as well this time. I had surgery on 12/3 and started this topic thread and am amazed by all the people on it now! I am one who doesn't let anything stop me and have a high pain tolerance. The first day was rough, but the next morning I was a t SAMS walking around shopping, which was great to get in walking and take my mind off things. I took pains meds for 2 days and slept like a baby. I can't say enough about talking to the surgeon about where they place your port. What side do you sleep on? Don't let them put it at the waist band level. Mine is about 4 inches tnd slightly to the left of my navel. Doesn't interefere with anything. Start working on the "head hunger" issues, as they don't go away! Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

Hi Nancy, That is wonderful on your weight loss! We are about the same on lbs. lost, except you have lsot them faster! Keep up the good work! My oldest is 23 and my "baby" is 16. I hopefully won't be a fat Grandma! I am 5'10" and have alot of surface area to spead the fat over! So, I think I am just now beginning to see a bit of results. I am 12 days out and I now have no shoulder pain! Yea! You should be seeing some relief soon. Did you try Gas-X? Take care and hope all continues to go well!

Hi Everybody, Sounds like there are various degrees of soreness, gas and pain that is unique to each individual. Just take comfort in that you are on the road to recovery and better health. I didn't have any sutures, just Derma-Bond which my Doc said would slough off. My port is the most bruised, but not sore really unless I push on it. It is about 4 inches and slightly to the left of my navel. None of my small incisions interfere with my clothes and I had no problem, even leaving the hospital. But, That is a good question to ask going into this as to where the doctor places the incisions and his reasoning. My band was done laproscopically and I had no hernias or other complications. My BIGGEST advise to those considering Lap-Band is the Dr.'s expertise and how many procedures he has done. What is his complication rate, revision rate and infection rate. My hubby is a veterinarian and does surgery and asked those questions flat out. Also, what type of support, education and follow-up is required. Be a smart consumer, whether you or your insurance is paying. IT'S YOUR BODY and FUTURE! Ok, gotta go and mix up a trout and brussle sprout Protein shake in my Magic Bullet!. Now doesn't the thought of that make your French vanilla creme or double chocolate Protein Shake sound wonderful! Cheers! Bottoms up!

Nancy, Glad to hear your doing well! I am a week and 1 day out and feel wonderful. I am down 17 lbs from the time I started pre-op liquids. I do get hungry at times, but I am working hard to control the "urges". I start a new job on Wednesday and travel across the state to my daughter's college graduation on Friday.I It will be a busy week! Then Christmas looms! I need to start walking more and hope to get a 30 min. walk in tomorrow. Are you walking or doing other exercising? How much do you have to lose? Best, Garden Gal

Thanks, PS! Sounds like Texas summers! What you described is what I fear most.....unsatiated hunger and not being able to eat any more! I am working on "head hunger" as that is the hardest battle I hear. I am now on "soft foods", which feels like a smorgasboard after 3 weeks of liquids. My Dr.'s philosophy is after surgery is to let the body heal and prevent stretching the pouch before the first fill. I think my swelling is starting to to return to normal and I am 1 week post-op. I did gain probably 5-6 lbs of Fluid and the walking helps resorb and flush the fluid, as well as dissipate the gas. I feel very fortunate after hearing from some of you that I had virtually little to no pain post-op. Hoping you all get relief quickly and heal fast. I don't have much to offer to alleviate pain. Nervous about my first fill which is scheduled for Dec. 30th. I have my 3rd nutrition class on the 27th with the P.A. and dietician. I have to say we get LOTS of support and instruction! We have a 24 hr. hotline as well, that one of the 3 medical staff, Dr. included, answers. This site is also a great distraction in the evening for me to read and post to! Hang in there everyone and my best to everyone and yes, we are all in this together! Garden Gal

Purpleshell and N8iveLoLo, You are SO RIGHT about this not being the "easy way out!" it is a lot more work and worry and the you can STILL fail! I paid for my surgery and I am HIGHLY motivated to succeed, both for my health and pocketbook! I do find it hard to drink enough liquids, as well. I tend to chug it down to get it out of the way. My only residual pain is in my shoulder joints and it is fading, but very slowly. I see the Doc today and am an interested to see what he has to say. I weighed this morning and hit the 15 lb. mark. (Sorry, have no idea how many kilos, purpleshell!) Really have had no other compalints since the surgery. But, I have yet to have a fill. N8iveLoLo, walk as much as you can and be as active as you can. That is what everyone seems to say to help reduce the swelling, gas and pains. Easier said than done, I know, but it isn't always the case! Purpleshell, how interesting that you are in UAE. Are you working there? What is it like living there and how long have you been there? I have watched several programs on the buiding of Dubai and the design and buildings. Very fascinating! I love this site more than just for the band support! Take care everyone and keep doing what it takes! garden gal

Hi Purpleshell, Thanks for sharing your experiences. Did you get banded in the states? it seems every dr. has his own protocols for nutrition and surgery. I won't get a fill for at least a month, but am scared of the consequesnces already! I have been encouraged to drinks at least 24-32 ozs. of clear fluids, Water being best to avoide dehydration. I was dehydrated yesterday and felt clammy and weak. Been better about intake since and felt fine. Yeah, the swollen belly belies the weight loss! I know I am going to be one of those "slow losers", but that's ok and I will just have to stay focused. I gained water weught after surgery and I still haven't lsot it all after 5 days. Most likely it takes 2 weeks, according to my veterinarian husband. Will see Dr. tomorrow and get some questions answered then, too. Stay in touch and good luck! Garden Gal

Hi sbarham, I am a 12/3 banded, too! I think your chest tightness is normal, but I am not a dr. I still have some soreness in my shoulder joints that has been fading each day, but very slowly. Nothing I need meds for anymore. I have really had very little pain or problems since the surgery. Great job with the walking! I need to get busy! I work on a college campus and do some walking during the day, but need to do some fast paced walks when I get off work. I have just been so darn busy! I have the same fears as you about not being able to lose the weight and being a "band failure"! I have about 95 lbs. to lose and am 5' 10", weighing in initially at 244. I need to be about 149-150. if that looks too thin, then I am fine with more. I am just trying to ward off the family history of diabetes. I see my surgeon tomorrow and he has been very good with dietary support. There is a dietician at my disposal, classes for pre-op and post-op, support groups and a dietary manual. You can check out his site by googling Dr. Provost in Denton, TX. Highly recommend him! He trains bariatric surgeons all over the US and performs alot of revisions. Feel very fortunate to have him in our area. I hopefully will move to Stage 1-post op that is the liquids with the addition of 'mushy" foods, such as scrambled eggs, pureed meats and veggies and yogurt, especially Greek, (which is an acquired taste to say the least!) But, again, things that are high in Protein. Don't be afraid to ask your doc for written info! That's what he is there for! I am happy to scan and send you some of my stuff, but I don't want to go against what your dr. has in mind for you. Take control! That's what it's allabout now, sista! : ) Where do you live and what do you do? Happy to say in touch and support each other. Oh, I have lost 13 lbs. so far since I started the liquid diet on 12/19. Drink lots of clear fluids! I got dehydrated yesterday. I was feeling clammy and very tired. My hubby is a veterinarian and "diagnosed" me. So, I started drinking Crystal Light hydrating drink mix and I feel better today. Later!

Samantha, I am keeping your email as an inspiration! I have the same fears and was just banded last Friday. Your message hit the target with me. I need to remember what you said!!! Thanks for the post and taking the time to lead us "newbies" through the key hole!