Rachel412

huh?

Yes yes, all normal! Your stomach will be swollen for a while post-surgery so you'll be feeling some really weird pangs & twitches.

I LOVE that link Heather gave you. Love it. Another option is a book called Bandwagon- I haven't read it, but I've heard it's very good and I'm hoping to get it soon. http://www.amazon.com/Bandwagon-Strategies-Success-Adjustable-Gastric/dp/0578061236/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1304627394&sr=1-1

If people aren't correctly educated before and after surgery and expect the band to do all the work, they fail. Also some people do work the band correctly but still fail. For the most part though I'd say those failures don't just happen- most of the time it's user error ETA: OR the band has a mechanical failure, a leak, a slip... but I mean for those who don't have any mechanical problem and just don't lose "much" weight.

I agree that offices have a financial stake in your decision, but there is a HUGE difference in surgical practices. I was involved with one practice 4 years ago and I always felt a little uncomfortable... I didn't feel like they knew me at all, it just seemed like they were making me jump through the hoops but didn't really care about my success. At that time my workplace's insurance covered the band, and I had a lot of co-workers who go it. They all decided after a year that "it doesn't work", I think because they weren't properly prepared for how much THEY were going to have to do. They seemed to eat anything they wanted and then complain that the surgery was a failure and a scam and nobody should ever get it. My practice now... it felt different from the first info meeting. The actual surgeons and nutritionists were there. The office does all different sorts of surgeries- bypass, LapBand, Realize Band, so they gave their ups & downs of each surgery. I got a big binder chock full of info about the pre-surgery process, and my post-surgery directions. They have free monthly support groups. I can call or email my nutritionist any time if I have questions. I feel like they KNOW me, and I am so comfortable there. My nutritionist came to the hospital to check on me on the day after surgery. I fully feel that they have my best interests at heart. So my advice is, if you begin to go down this road, trust your gut! If you go to a seminar and start to feel like something isn't clicking, or isn't right with the practice you're in, don't stay!

You had your first fill already? LUCKY! I'm having mine May 19th, 5 weeks out from surgery- and a week before DH and I head out on a cruise

I made this a couple of days ago. All veggies, so healthy (yes avocados are high in calories but they have lots of GOOD fat in them). I broiled chicken breasts and shredded them, then mixed the meat in with mine- my kids and husband ate it with tortilla chips, I just used a fork http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/pico_de_gallo_a/ Also when making tacos for my family, I'll make myself a bowl with 4 oz. of taco meat and a little refried Beans, with cheese, all mixed together. Looks disgusting but it's yummy.

What a good question! I remember weighing 200 pounds in 8th grade, so I've always felt this way too.

Mine's on my right side, about halfway between my belly button and bra line... maybe a bit higher.

oh no, that's heartbreaking

The size of the fill will (should) depend on how the patient is feeling, how much they're eating, and how long they're satisfied after a meal. My first fill is scheduled for 5 weeks from surgery, but they're usually at 6 weeks. I've heard of them at 4 weeks, but not often.

I didn't have to do the liquid pre-op diet, but I can tell you that post-op, I wasn't hungry for the first 6 days. Day 7, clear liquids, was hard. Once I hit full liquids I was pretty satisfied, again until the end of that week, when it wasn't enough. Now I'm on mushy food and it's OK. I do get hungry, for sure. But I try as hard as I can to stay on my "diet" (4 oz, protein, then up to a cup of mushy veg, then up to a half cup of grain if I still want it). Truly I've never gotten to the point where I want grains. I get full way more quickly than I used to- it just doesn't stay that long.

Wow, that must have been SO frustrating for you. I'm glad you got your revision and you're on the right path now!

If you're looking for a diet to follow, I'd try South Beach. It's a similar set-up that is restrictive at first. It's low carb, high protein. I did very well on it a couple of years ago. Though obviously I didn't stick with it or I wouldn't be here now

My nutritionist doesn't like to talk about calories She says it's more important to focus on having 4 oz. of Protein, then up to a cup of veggies, THEN some grain if you want it and are still hungry. I can't really pin her down on a target for calories because she says it's different for everyone and she doesn't want us to get hung up on counting calories, to the detriment of our protein needs. But. You do have to watch other foods besides protein. Heck, I could eat 60g of protein a day and then after that only eat garlic bread until I was satisfied. I'd be getting the right amount of protein but I highly doubt I'd lose weight! Although it does sound delicious...

Also normal- since you're not eating anything, nothing's moving down the pipes. Usually people are stuck for a few days, then VERY VERY NOT STUCK for a week or two. It passes though!

I think you're on the right track with that idea. Call and get your surgery moved until you get back. Another week of wait won't matter in the grand scheme of things!

I'm confused. So the surgery is local, then you'll drive 5 hours, stay a weekend in a different city and come back? How many days after surgery are you planning on leaving for this weekend away? Are you having surgery Tuesday and travelling Friday? You can't drive while you're still on pain meds. 5 hours in the car might be painful if you're still dealing with gas pains, which you likely will be. I just don't think you'll have a very good time that weekend.

I had a trainer for a while and I loved her, but she was also very much against me having surgery. Like others have said, if these trainers have been "normal" size all their life, they just don't understand. Keep your chin up!

Just keep eating like you've already been filled and wait! I wouldn't trust a "new" doctor either.

I agree, get the junk that you're grazing on out of the house! It'll just continue to tempt you. I hope you're able to get back on track. I know if I was unbanded I'd probably stuff myself silly, and I've only had this thing for three weeks

Congratulations!!

Liquids in, liquids out. Totally normal, as is the growling stomach. It'll go back to normal when you start eating solid food again.

I'm glad you're feeling more up-beat! It's amazing how much everyone's diets vary. Mine's 4 oz of protein, then up to a cup of mushy veggies, then no more than 1/2 c of grains if I want them.

We're having a small sleepover for my 7 year old's birthday tonight. I baked her cupcakes, and I won't lie, I did lick a couple of spoons in the process. dinner is gonna be pizza, but I'm still in the mushy stage, so it looks like I'll be feasting on leftover taco meat and refried Beans. LOL! So classy! If anyone has any tips for getting through situations like this, I'd like to hear them. I'm post-surgery and pre-fill so I'm definitely dealing with hunger in-between my mandated meals.