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Hi AnneB, I too was banded on 11/29/10. I was given the go ahead to eat solids 3 weeks post op and though I still had no hunger I ate freely the week of Christmas. I had lost about 25 lbs, but gained back about 7 during that week. Luckily I had my 1st fill of 3 ccs on 12/27/10, though I still didn't notice much change in restriction. I recomitted to myself to get back on track and am doing much better. I still don't have any hunger pains which is awesome! My surgeon keeps stressing, don't eat if you aren't hungry, so I eat very little as I am not hungry....ever. I get head hungry and think I want food, but I know it's not my stomach that is hungry so I stay away from the kitchen at those times. I do eat lean meat every few days to get some protein and I noticed that I now have some restriction when I eat it. It took about a week for me to notice any change from the fill. I start Spring classes Tuesday and am looking forward to keeping my mind more on my studies than on food I also will be getting my 2nd fill on Wednesday, so I am curious to see the difference in restriction. I have not weighed myself again since I recieved my 1st fill and am waiting until I go in again Wednesday to see if I am doing better. It's great to talk to someone who had surgery the same day as I did Feel free to message me with any comments or questions. Good luck to you!!!

I agree with everyone. I have been very frustrated by some of the negative, know it all posts that some people have posted. I agree that this is a support sight and if people post the same questions, and you don't like it, don't respond to it. The same thing happens if you go to a support group, the same questions get asked and the people that have more experience answer them over and over agian to SUPPORT the new people. Some people's generic response is always, "ask your doctor" then go on to give their judgemental opinion and personal experience as an answer. If there is one thing I have learned on this sight, it is that everyones experiences and surgeons instructions are very different. When people are asking a question, it is usually followed by a statement of them just wanting to get an idea of everyone elses experience, not neccesarily because they are taking the information they get on this sight over what their doctors have told them. I personally have learned many things from everyones different experiences, but still rely on my doctors instructions. I am personally a lucky one, I am almost 6 weeks post-op and still have not had any hunger pains, so my experience is different than a lot of other peoples. We are all in the same race, it's just that we are all at different legs of the race and it's great to hear everyones different experiences. Good luck to everyone, I wish everyone success and happiness

When I started the process with my surgeon my BMI was 35, he recommended I not lose anymore weight to get the surgery. I had lower back pain and high blood pressure. Neither of these required me to take any medications. I followed everything I was asked to do and was approved about 8 months later. It went by really fast and I'm glad I hung in there. Good luck with your process

The more water you drink, the more water you will want. It becomes almost addictive. I was a serious Dr. Pepper addict so I gave it up about 3 weeks before I had surgery and drank only water until 5 days post-op when I added in crystal light. I found that by only drinking water, I wanted it more. Good luck

Hi Maddy, how old are you? I just got the lapband 5 weeks ago, I'm 34 but my daughter is 17 and we are looking into it for her. Our insurance won't let her until she is 18 so she will start her 6 month supervised diet in about 5 months so she is ready as soon as she turns 18. My only worry for her is that she won't follow the rules when she goes to college as she is going to go 800 miles from home. I wish you the best and hope it works out for you. Good luck!

Just out of curiosity.....why is it bad for a doctor to put a 14cc band in someone?

I have the same problem. I think it's due to not getting enough protein. I use Vaseline intensive care lotion and it helps a ton.

I was banded 11/29/10 and have been axiously awaiting my first fill that was scheduled for this morning. I was extremely nervous because of some of the horror stories I have read about the port flipping and how many pokes it took to get the fill. I shared my nervousness with my surgeon (who is awesome!) and he reassured me that port flipping is pretty rare. I am 4 weeks post-op and still have no hunger yet, which is also awesome, but also had no feeling of fullness when I did eat, which is not awesome When I saw the very long needle, I asked my surgeon if he was going to numb me and he said no, but not to worry, it shouldn't hurt. The best part is that he was right! It took one quick poke, and I didn't feel a thing! He put in 3cc's and I was able to drink about 4 oz. of water with absolutely no problems. He said I can eat and drink as I have been. No liquid and mushy diet, but I think I will do so just to be safe and jump start my losing again as I have lost about 25 lbs but nothing in about a week. I just wanted to share my experience to help anyone else that may be as nervous as I was, I hope it helps

JennaRae, I have the same problem. I was a little worried about the greenish tint at times, but have attributed it to my vitamins. I was takeing an offbrand childrens chewables, but recently changed, and so did my urine. I drink at least 64oz. of water a day, so I know it's not due to that.

I am 4 1/2 weeks post-op and still have not regained any hunger, not complaining My surgeon stresses everytime I see him "Don't eat if you are not hungry." He does say to make sure to get enough protein and take suppliments so I do that. I eat a small portion of meat every couple days to help get the protein.

Thank you Dave_NW for that info. I have had the same experience as FayFayE and wondered if that was going to be how I felt for fullness from now on. It's good to know that I'm not the only one

I had my surgery on a Monday and went back to school on the following Monday. I was very glad I didn't have any classes on the following Tuesday, because Monday wore me out and sitting was difficult. I also had a hiatal hernia repair and I think that effected me also. In all I had 17 staples and my port incision is about 3 inches long so I had some healing to do. I agree with Linnielady though, I think it is different for everyone. Good luck, and plan for the worst in taking time off, you can always go back early

I've also been told that the neck and shoulder pain could be that you have taken too much in, I've felt this also.

Egg drop soup. I had some about one week post-op and it was wonderful, also it has protein from the eggs

I know how you feel, I felt the same way when I went to solids. The first time I ate a bite of solid food, I ate it over the garbage ready for it to come back up. Fortunately everything went down just fine My doctor and nutritionist allow you to go to mushies 3-5 days post-op and I had no problems with them. I would recommend measuring your food, just to make sure you don't eat too much. I started with a couple tablespoons at a time, then worked my way up to 1/4 cup at a time. Good luck!!!

I had my gallbladder taken out about 5 years ago and it is pain like I've never felt before. The only thing I could relate it to was contractions from childbirth. It includes sharp pain between the shoulder blades, extreme heartburn, and sometimes chest pain. It comes on suddenly for a couple hours, then goes away until the next attack. I feel pain under my left ribcage sometimes, but that is where my port is, and at times I can feel the portline which is located on the left side also. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon

One week post-op I was able to do doggie style with no pain. I'm now 4 weeks post-op and have also tried missionary which is fine as long as my husband doesn't rest on me. I've also been on top a couple times which is ok as long as you don't tighten your stomach. Overall the doggie style has been the most comfortable.

I too have a 14cc band that was empty until this morning. I recieved 3cc's and the surgeon had no special eating instructions. He said to eat and drink as I have been, just to make sure to eat very slowly and chew very well. I think I will do the liquids for a couple days and then mushies also just to be safe. I had a very easy time with the fill, and have an appointment for my 2nd fill in 2 weeks

I didn't have an incision in my belly button either. Mine were higher also, and I had a hernia repair also. I have had 2 previous surgeries that involved incisions in my belly button and both healed really well. I didn't even notice they were there.

I know what you mean mandyb about being bored. I am a college student and full time mother and wife and we are on break. I feel like I am bored out of my mind , I also like to cook more now, I have always enjoyed cooking, but was too lazy to do it. I now have more energy and cooking and walking give me something to do

I am now 3 weeks 3 days post op, and I totally know how you are feeling. I was anxious to step on the scale. I wanted to know how much I had lost, but scared I hadn't lost much. I made myself wait until my post op appointment, which was about 10 days post op, to be weighed and I had lost 15 pounds. I could feel that I had lost by the way my clothes fit, but was eccstatic that I had lost that much I now weigh myself once a week on my surgery day and as of Monday have lost 24 pounds. I have clothes of all sizes because I have been anywhere from a low of 175 to a high of 244 in the last 2 years and finally had the courage to try on a pair of jeans that I haven't worn in over a year hoping that I could at least get them over my knees, and they fit!!! A little loosely even!!! I don't have any hunger also still and am enjoying it very much. My doctor said that it should last a few weeks, so I am sadly waiting for it to end. I know I am not getting the required nutrition because my doctor said do not eat if you are not hungry, so I don't eat. I spoke with the nurse at my post op appointment about this and she said that it is ok, but I need to get more protien. I do take 2 kids chewable vitamins a day and 3 tums with extra calcium, and since I am now able to eat solids, I eat a couple ounces of meat every other day and that has helped a ton. Good luck with your journey

I'm jealous!!! I had 17 staples. I wonder why different surgeons use different methods?

I also have that card. The nurse that runs our local support group made sure to point it out to me. She told me that resturaunts shouldn't give you any problems with the card.

The YMCA is a great idea. My local Y has personal trainers and I'm sure they are less expensive than a private one. I also had a hernia repiared while getting my band. I've only noticed a couple of times that I had pain from it except when I've pushed it and lifted too much. The most annoying thing with the hernia repair is the 5-10 lb. weight limit. Good luck with all of your requirements

I noticed you had surgery the same day as me. My nutritionist and doctor both said I could try solids after 2-3 weeks and although I still have no appetite yet, I have been trying little bites of meat such as turkey, pork chop, and roast beef. They seem to go down ok as I have no problem or pain with them. My doctor said don't eat if your not hungry so I feel guilty for eating them, but I know I need protien and eat nothing else. What is your post op diet, and have you tried any solids yet? Do you have any hunger pains yet? I'd appreciate any information you could give me on your experience if you don't mind sharing. Thanks