Candle

I had my first fill today. As I suspected - it wasn't an easy sell. He really didn't want to give me a fill because I lost 11 lbs this month. He finally gave in and gave me 2cc's. It was pretty painless. So far I don't feel any different. Brandottie01 - Any news on your port revision? I'm wishing you the best. All that insurance red tape is a pain in the ass.

The shoulder pain is probably gas. I was luckily and didn't really have bad gas pains but when I did get them, it was at about 4-5 days post-op. I took Gas X (I don't know if it worked but everyone said to use it - lol) and lots of walking. I think most people complain about pain in their left shoulder. Is that where yours is? I'm not familiar with the "feeling the band" sensation you reference but I have seen other people mention that. Sounds like you are completely normal and on track! Congrats!!! Sooverit - Good luck with the insurance approval. I was freaking out over that too! The 6 months really does go by faster than you think. It feels like just yesterday I was bumming about having to START the 6 month diet and now I'm already about 10 weeks post op.

Wow - I see a big difference in your face! I took before pics although they didn't come out that great - stupid camera phone but I now have my regular digi camera back. I haven't taken any in-progress pics yet but I plan to in the next day or two and I will share. I hit the 50lbs mark yesterday so I'm hoping to see a big difference.

I've felt the same way since day 1. My only proof is the scars on my stomach. I also burp a lot!! lol Hang in there - with restriction will come weight loss. It can take a few fills so don't get discouraged yet. You are completely normal and in what's called 'Bandster Hell'. Just because you CAN eat anything, doesn't mean you SHOULD. I go for my first fill on Monday - have you scheduled one yet?

Personally I would be satisfied with 50-60% so that statistic never bothered me. (my goal weight is already higher than what my doctor would like. Who knows, things may change as I lose but I don't have any dreams of being a size 2) Keep in mind, that statistic includes people who have lost their band due to complications and/or people who never even really gave their band a chance. Some people aren't prepared for all the work you have to put in to be successful. (ie. aftercare, fills, exercise, and dealing with the mental side of things)<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

20lbs by Christmas is mine too! (225lbs) We can do it together :clap2:

A lot of people have problems with COLD and can't eat ice cream or drink cold drinks. Try warm or room temp beverages for awhile and always drink something warm or hot before you eat to loosen things up. I hope you get things worked out

I doubt there's a big difference between the bands. They claim that the design of the new AP band is "better" and less likely to cause slips and/or erosion but who really knows at this early stage. I'd like to believe that's true because I have the APS :biggrin1: Do you have to pay for each fill? Either way I'd demand to know how much they are putting in but specially if you are paying out of pocket for each fill. What if each fill is only .5cc as opposed to 1-3cc? Could make a big difference in the amount of time it takes you to get to restriction.

Ilenev - To date, I have not been to any of the support group meeting. A lot of things like vacation and work hours, have gotten in the way but I haven't really made a big effort yet either. I've also been telling myself I want to go back and see the shrink Dr Geiss sent me to before surgery. I really liked her a lot and think I need to do some "head work". I guess I'm just not ready.

Ron C posts about a support group. I think they meet monthly in the Western Suffolk area. (there are threads in this section or you could send him a PM) How's everyone doing? I am doing really well and hit a big milestone today - 50lbs gone!!! Woo-Hoo!!! It's really time to join a gym. The weather has gotten so cold that I'm losing all motivation for my daily walks. Plus I know I need AT LEAST some weight training. I have my monthly appointment with Dr Geiss's office on Monday. I think I'm ready for my first fill.

Yes - my legs have slimmed down quite a bit and I'm losing my boobs at an alarming rate - lol! I think the legs have to do with all the walking I've been doing. I'm trying to ignore that fact that it's time to start a "real" workout. Specially with weights for my arms. My stomach doesn't seem like it's changing that much :cry Today is a big day for me!! I've lost 50lbs!!!!!!!! :whoo: (It's crazy how fast my emotions change lately. I was depressed at the beginning of the week to have gained weight on my vacation and now today, I am celebrating a new milestone!!)

I had a little Almond Joy last night while handing out candy. It wasn't nearly as good as I remember. I did feel a little guilty but am proud of myself for staying away from the Peanut Butter cups!! (Next year I'm buying candy I don't like - not sure why I didn't think of that this year. Old habits die hard I guess)<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

I love it. I eat it almost everyday. I recently bought "no salt added" by accident - G.R.O.S.S.

Great news!

Could it be reflux issues? I have to take Prilosec everyday or I get that type of feeling but it's more in my throat. It's been going on since before I was banded. I was surprised to be diagnosed with GERD during my pre-op testing.<O:p</O:p<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Wow - 4-7 days on liquids is a lot! (I think I only have to do 2 days) You will lose those extra pounds though

Are you feeling any restriction now? The problem with my vacation was that I learned I really can eat anything. Even though I have no restriction, I had been avoiding the "problem" foods. (bread, red meat, etc) Now it's like the flood gates are open :speechles

I like it plain but: Salt & pepper Yogurt Fruit Beets Cinnamon & Sugar Ricotta cheese & Red Sauce

I was sleeping on my stomach within the first week.

Are you logging your food and really being honest about what you are eating? Those calories really add up fast and from surprising sources. At your size, working out 4x a week, it does seem like you would have lost more by now but they do say an average safe amount to lose is 1-2lbs a week. You are on target and NOT gaining!! I feel your pain - I haven't had a fill yet and feel no restriction - it's all been willpower so far. It's a battle. Keep working at it - you'll get there. Have you seen a nutritionist recently?

I've never tried the Boca Burgers. I usually buy Garden Burgers but I notice the Boca's are cheaper and on sale more frequently. Have you had Garden Burgers? If so, how would you compare the two?

I wish I had your willpower! I just got back from a week of vacation and gained 3lbs. (Although the scale was back down this morning - :clap2: ) I was pretty good when we went out to eat - sharing a meal with my boyfriend but I snacked a lot. I had a piece of fudge, 1/2 ice cream bar, Doritos, 1/2 a bagel ... ugh! Now I am struggling to get my head back in the game. I am craving EVERYTHING! Before my trip, I had my cravings and hunger completely under control. I have an appointment on Monday and was questioning if I even wanted a (first) fill. Now I know I am getting one for sure! lol!

:whoo: I got on the scale this morning - the 3lbs are already gone!! Back on the BAND wagon! :whoo:

I was banded on 8/27/07 and just got back from Disney World and Universal Studios. I went on a ton of rides with no issue.

During my liquid phase it was 650, mushies 800, and solids 1,000 (with 70 grams of protein)