GoMamaGo

You are such a gem- I see you reply to so many things, and always in an encouraging way, thanks! What started my rant is that i was about to go join Weight Watchers AGAIN out of frustration, but I was hoping I'd be done with that...

My question is, what are you exactly expecting the band to 'help' you out with? A talk with your doctor/nutritionist may be helpful. That is a good question- I have been dieting since I was 8 years old, exercising 3 times a week since college, but slowly and steadily gaining. I thought the band would make it easier to stick to a diet or even not have to diet if I just ate healthy food 3 times a day. The only time I feel banded is if I eat potato- seems to stop immediately in my chest. I do have a fill and appointment scheduled Monday- just wondering if anybody else has rebounded from this. So frustrating when your "last resort" isn't working. What does the band do for you?

Forgive me, for I'm sure it's been posted a million times, but I had the surgery almost 4 months ago (and two fills), and I've lost a grand total of 1.6 pounds. I am deeply frustrated. I am trying to count calories, but I always go over- I thought the surgery would help me (not do it FOR me, but at least help somewhat!) Has anybody started like this and actually lost later? Do you count calories forever? Am I still in Bandster Hell? In the illustrious words of Ebeneezer Scrooge, "Speak comfort to me, friends!" Thanks for any help...

Quick background: I was banded Feb. 3rd, and I don't feel like I'm using my band to its potential. My main loss has really been from the liquid diet, however, I am down 16.6 pounds from the end of January. (I've had 2 fills and am just now getting restriction, but having a hard time not snacking as a SAHM.) Anyway, I wanted to see if any of you read any good books that have helped or inspired you on this journey. I just ordered one called "Bandwagon" on Amazon. TIA for your suggestions! -Laura

I have to agree on drinking before. My doc said not to for a half hour before and after, but then the nutritionist pointed out that before doesn't matter because liqud goes right through. Remembering how quickly the barium slid through during my swallow study and fills backed up his point giving me a "duh" moment. Hope that helps. Also interested in all the different recommendations- my doc says three meals and 2 or 3 glasses of milk period. -Laura

Wow- don't they have editors? The author compared "gastric banding" with a lap band at one point. Wouldn't their "research" reveal that Lap Band is just a brand of gastric band.? And, you're right, they never addressed anything after a year. Annoying.

Thanks for the replies. It gives me hope that I will feel "normal" again.

I am 8 days post-op, and I have many little pains and sensations in my upper abdomen and chest. Do you actually feel your band inside? I am creeping myself out. I'd appreciate your answers. Thanks for humoring the newbie.

I so wish I'd thought to ask this before surgery last week! I would have killed for a heating pad, and I'm wearing a baggy old nursing bra because I have an incision right where the bandssits- I've been wearing a clean baby sock between the band and my skin. Good luck!

Jealous! The gas pain was the worst of it here; I was just wondering today if they are able to suck it out!