Toast4U

I hear what you're saying!! I've wrestled around with what my expectations were, and currently are, of my band. What I thought would happen is getting "stuffed" after eating very moderate portions with the weight melting off of me. You know what I mean about stuffed...so full you don't want another bite. That hasn't happened. My reality is that I can eat very moderate portions and feel satiated, but not stuffed. That being said, satiated helps with not making poor choices, but I still have to use good old-fashioned willpower. Dang it - my willpower stinks! I think I've made my peace with my expectations and will continue to fight the battle!

I take MultiVites gummy multivitamin and Calcet Citrate and Vitamin D Chocolate Creamy Bites. The Calcet Citrate bites are the only ones that I've found that I can stand to take (but they are deelish ). They're 30 calories per piece. You have to take 2 per day, so that's 60 calories I wish I didn't have to "use" on vitamins. Would love to hear from others!

The Syntrax Nectar protein shakes are the only ones I use. There are many different flavors so you never get tired of them. You can order the sampler pack on BJ's Bariatrics.

My favorite protein shakes are the Syntrax Nectar powders. They're shakes are really good. You can order a sample pack at BJ's Bariatrics. You'll be pleasantly surprised! Don't forget to put the water in first, then add the powder. It mixes better that way.

I am so glad I came to this post. I am 2 years post-op, I lost 25 lbs., but no more. Today I went back for my first fill in over a year! Why did I stop getting fills? I really felt I had reached a point where my band wasn't working for me. I would get stuck if I didn't chew enough, yet never felt full eating smaller quantities. Of course, I would get discouraged and go back to old eating habits. But here I am, ready to begin again! I absolutely, positively will not give up! There must be a "sweet spot" and I will keep trying until I succeed! The bright side is I haven't gained in the last two years! Now that I finally crawled back to the doctor, received my scolding, and got my fill, I believe that by going through the fill stage of liquids, mushies, soft foods, etc., will kick-start my journey again. If I can do it, you can do it. Let's keep trying!

Hello St. Pete./Tampa/Bradenton Ladies! I've been hoping to find a support group in this area. I live in Clearwater. I was banded by Dr. Gonsalvo at Palms of Pasadena. I went to several of the support group sessions at Palms, but most of the people weren't close to my age. I hope to be a Senior Citizen one of these days, but it was hard for me to relate to their schedules. Has anyone found a support group in this area they enjoy?

I "borrowed" this info from another website. I hope the author doesn't mind! They list some great websites, Protein power samples, and Vitamin samples. Excellent links! I ordered some of the samples below and can't wait for them to arrive! My personal favorite is Syntrax nectar. They have quite a few different flavors and are dee-lish mixed with only Water. I use two scoops with 16 ounces of water and that provides me with 46 grams of protein. You can order 13 samples of the nectar from one of the links below. Some great websites: http://www.theworlda...e.blogspot.com/ http://pouchfriendly.com/index.php http://www.steviasma...sprotbarre.html About Time Protein Products - 2 servings Total cost $2.99 http://www.shopabouttime.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode= TrialPack unjury Starter Kit with Mixing bottle - 12 servings Cost $17.95+$6.00 shipping http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/unjury-protein/unjury-st arter-pack.html Click coffee Protein drinks - Email them first about a sample and they will email you a half price code for samples and the instructions on how to use it. You will then get 2 servings for about $3.00 total. http://www.drinkclick.com/shop.html Bariatric Advantage Sample kit - They aren't free anymore. it is $8.95. I dont remember shipping but is was some of everything they have for your surgery type. http://www.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog/itemHandler?id=192 0 Chike Nutrition - You pay $6.99 for shipping for 5 servings. http://www.chikenutr...ree-sample.html Celebrate Vitamins - Email form request and surgery type and they will send you a bunch for free.http://www.celebratevitamins.com/component/chronocontact/?ch ronoformname=sample Bell Plantation PB2 - Peanut Butter powder for shakes and cooking AWESOME! $3.99 shipping included.http://store.bellplantation.com/PB2-Chocolate-PB2-Sampler-p/ spb2-cpb2-1d.htm Building Blocks - Email them about samples, I think mine were free. http://www.bbvitamins.com/Contact.aspx Syntrax Nectar - 13 ct sample pack direct from the company is now $13.00 no shipping. Just call them at 866-333-7403</span></span> </span></span> </span></span></span>. There is an option on the phone tree for bariatric. http://www.si03.com/ BJ Bariatrics - Nectar sample pack $12.92+$5.00 shipping http://www.bjsbariatrics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&St ore_Code=bjb&Product_Code=synSamplePack&Category_Code=syn Kaffree Roma - For those needing to get off coffee for a while or forever. Caffeine free and taste awesome. There product locater helps a lot most Martins carry it in the organic section.http://www.morningstarfarms.com/product_detail.aspx?family=3 698&id=302 Designer whey - Email them why you want samples and they send them. http://www.designerwhey.com/ Set Point Health - Email them why you want samples and they will send you a list of what is available and send them.https://setpointheal...h/main/main.asp# 4Ever Fit - Email them that you would like to try the Fruit Blast Natural (truvia), the Fruit Blast the Isolate, and 4ever Whey Protein and why and they will send samples. http://4everfit.com/ Champion Nutrition - Email them that you would like to try the Champion Pure Whey and why and they will send samples.http://www.championnutrition.com/ Ultimate Nutrition - Email or call that you would like to try the Prostar Whey and they will send samples.http://ultimatenutrition.com/ Permalean - Email that you would like to try the shakes and bars and they will send you some. I like these.http://www.permalean.com/ Quest Protein - Fill out the form but they will take awhile to mail them to you. http://www.questprot.../free/index.asp Premier Nutrition - My FAVORITE Protein Bar. Email them and tell them you want to try the Titan, Twisted and Premier Bar. They will also send shake samples. http://www.premiernutrition.com/ Focus 28 - Email that you would like to try their products and they will send you many. https://store.focus28diet.com </span>

Amy - thanks for posting what you received. As for myself, I have a sack full of samples that I received that allows me pick out a flavor dependent on the mood that I'm in. It's awesome!

Definitely go through the appeal process!! When I was ready to submit my documentation for approval, the girl who I had been working with at the insurance company told me there was a reasonable chance that I would be denied in the beginning. She explained that the first time you submit your paperwork, an administrator goes through your paperwork with a checklist. If all requirements aren't met, you're denied. When you appeal, your paperwork is submitted to a board and they take a subjective look at your documentation and most of the time, you are approved. She said the six-month medically supervised diet isn't given as much weight as it used to. For example, if I would have been successful on my six-month diet, I wouldn't have met the required BMI threshold as I was only several pounds over a BMI of 40. In essence, I had to "fail" at the six-month diet to meet the criteria for approval. Many insurance companies recognize that the six-month diet criteria isn't practical, but the regulators are slow to change. Of course, I don't know how your insurance works, but it's definitely worth a try. Good luck!

I would move forward with the surgery as well. I had a large hiatal hernia repaired during my band surgery. I used to have GERD and had to take omazerapole daily, but no longer have to!

I'm so glad to read these posts! I'm four weeks post-op and don't feel like I have a band either. Fortunately, I read enough posts on what to expect so I've been trying to be patient. However, it's always a relief to read about others that are in the same phase that I am. Once I get my daily protein in, I eat healthy and try to eat in moderate portions. I don't get my first fill until June 25th. Ugh! What I find most frustrating right now is everyone who knows that I had the surgery seem to be looking at me like they expect the weight to be melting off of me like those who have had gastric bypass surgery. I also have a few coworkers who feel the need to ask me every day what I'm having for lunch. Sheesh! The angel within me says they are hoping to get healthy lunch ideas, but the devil within me keeps whispering that they are being nosy and trying to find out if I'm adhering to a diet plan. Ha Ha!!!

Misery loves company!!! I was just getting ready to start a new thread about "bandster hell" when I saw your post. I'm 28 days post-op and went from only being able to eat a very small amount to being extremely hungry and able to eat an almost normal portion of food. I've been careful as to what I eat (so far!), but feel like I'm losing a grip on it! I knew to expect it and know that I'm not supposed to worry about losing weight during this period, but it sure does bring back a lot of negative emotions! I don't go in for my first fill until June 25. Ugh! Sounds like the next four weeks will be long ones! It's close to TOM so maybe it will pass soon. In the meantime, I'm thrilled to death that I finally have my band, and can't wait until I get my first fill! We all need to hang in there together!

I was banded on May 3 so I'm in the mushie/soft food stage. I've noticed that if I adhere to the recommended Protein intake (at least 50-60 grams/day), it alleviates most of the hunger pains. I force myself to get my protein in first and find that afterwards, I often don't want more than a few bites of anything else. I found this website below and it has an extensive list of Protein shake recipes, soft food, and healthy "lap-band" friendly recipes. It really helps to keep a variety of options available to you even if you are only in the liquid phase. I ordered numerous samples of Protein shakes off the internet and really enjoy going to my cabinet to select a protein shake that I'm in the mood for. Sometimes I want a refreshing, clear nectar shake and will add two scoops of protein and extra Water to get my required protein in early in the day, or sometimes I want a protein shake that is milkier, thicker and more "dessert-like". But, having the options available to me has been a real plus! I've also included a link below that I posted last week that contains numerous links to samples that you can order. After I've tasted them, I order a large container every week of the flavor that I like the best so that my pantry is well stocked with many different flavors and options. Here's the link to the protein shake recipes and other bandster-friendly recipes: http://www.lap-band-surgery-site.com/lap-band-diet.html Here's the link to a post where I list numerous websites to order samples: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/130398-newly-banded-cant-drink-the-protien-shakes/page__p__1617779__fromsearch__1#entry1617779 Hope that helps!

I was banded May 3. I still have unfamiliar feelings in my stomach. I have progressed from the liquid phase, mushie stage, and now this week my doctor told me I should start eating soft foods. It's with trepidation that I progress to each phase since I don't know what to expect. For me, I make sure that when I try something new, I'm at home so if something were to get stuck, I wouldn't be embarrassed in public. So far, I have found that slow and steady is the way to go! It allows me get comfortable with the new feelings in my stomach. It also allows me to be vigilant to what my stomach is telling me (soft signs, not chewing enough, etc.). Eventually, the new feelings will become the new "normal".

I was banded on May 3. After surgery I had such a bad headache that I thought my head would explode. It continued through the second day. Finally, on the third day after surgery, the headache began to dissipate and was gone by the end of the day. Hooray!

I "borrowed" this info from another website. I hope the author doesn't mind! They list some great websites, Protein power samples, and Vitamin samples. Excellent links! I ordered some of the samples below and can't wait for them to arrive! My personal favorite is Syntrax nectar. They have quite a few different flavors and are dee-lish mixed with only Water. I use two scoops with 16 ounces of water and that provides me with 46 grams of protein. You can order 13 samples of the nectar from one of the links below. Some great websites: http://www.theworlda...e.blogspot.com/ http://pouchfriendly.com/index.php http://www.steviasma...sprotbarre.html About Time Protein Products - 2 servings Total cost $2.99 http://www.shopabouttime.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode= TrialPack unjury Starter Kit with Mixing bottle - 12 servings Cost $17.95+$6.00 shipping http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/unjury-protein/unjury-st arter-pack.html Click coffee Protein drinks - Email them first about a sample and they will email you a half price code for samples and the instructions on how to use it. You will then get 2 servings for about $3.00 total. http://www.drinkclick.com/shop.html Bariatric Advantage Sample kit - They aren't free anymore. it is $8.95. I dont remember shipping but is was some of everything they have for your surgery type. http://www.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog/itemHandler?id=192 0 Chike Nutrition - You pay $6.99 for shipping for 5 servings. http://www.chikenutr...ree-sample.html Celebrate Vitamins - Email form request and surgery type and they will send you a bunch for free. http://www.celebratevitamins.com/component/chronocontact/?ch ronoformname=sample Bell Plantation PB2 - Peanut Butter powder for shakes and cooking AWESOME! $3.99 shipping included. http://store.bellplantation.com/PB2-Chocolate-PB2-Sampler-p/ spb2-cpb2-1d.htm Building Blocks - Email them about samples, I think mine were free. http://www.bbvitamins.com/Contact.aspx Syntrax Nectar - 13 ct sample pack direct from the company is now $13.00 no shipping. Just call them at 866-333-7403. There is an option on the phone tree for bariatric. http://www.si03.com/ BJ Bariatrics - Nectar sample pack $12.92+$5.00 shipping http://www.bjsbariatrics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&St ore_Code=bjb&Product_Code=synSamplePack&Category_Code=syn Kaffree Roma - For those needing to get off coffee for a while or forever. Caffeine free and taste awesome. There product locater helps a lot most Martins carry it in the organic section. http://www.morningstarfarms.com/product_detail.aspx?family=3 698&id=302 Designer Whey - Email them why you want samples and they send them. http://www.designerwhey.com/ Set Point Health - Email them why you want samples and they will send you a list of what is available and send them. https://setpointheal...h/main/main.asp# 4Ever Fit - Email them that you would like to try the Fruit Blast Natural (truvia), the Fruit Blast the Isolate, and 4ever Whey Protein and why and they will send samples. http://4everfit.com/ Champion Nutrition - Email them that you would like to try the Champion Pure Whey and why and they will send samples. http://www.championnutrition.com/ Ultimate Nutrition - Email or call that you would like to try the Prostar Whey and they will send samples. http://ultimatenutrition.com/ Permalean - Email that you would like to try the shakes and bars and they will send you some. I like these. http://www.permalean.com/ Quest Protein - Fill out the form but they will take awhile to mail them to you. http://www.questprot.../free/index.asp Premier Nutrition - My FAVORITE Protein Bar. Email them and tell them you want to try the Titan, Twisted and Premier Bar. They will also send shake samples. http://www.premiernutrition.com/ Focus 28 - Email that you would like to try their products and they will send you many. https://store.focus28diet.com

I felt lousy the first two days!!! By the third day, I turned a corner and began to feel human again. It's a good thing I began to feel better on the third day because my husband went to an eye doctor appt., attempted to walk out to his car after having his eyes dilated, tripped over a curb, and fractured his right wrist and sprained his left elbow. Instead of me being the patient for the weekend, I became the nurse! Not a pleasant nurse, but a nurse who had to feed her husband when she couldn't eat anything but clear liquids! Yikes!

I live in Clearwater. Dr. Gonsalvo was my surgeon. He charges a $500 admin fee that isn't covered by insurance; $250 due at the first visit and $250 due the visit prior to surgery. I had a co-pay of $225 for the out-patient hospital. Other then the office visit co-pays, those were the only out-of-pocket expenses I incurred.

I just started mushies this week as well. I had two work luncheons this week and was concerned as to what I was going to order. Yesterday, I ordered a side of creamed spinach and garlic mashed potatoes. I didn't eat the spinach because it looked too stringy so I was afraid to try it. The mashed potatoes were sooooo deelish. I ate approximately half a cup. Even though mashed potatoes are allowed by my doc at this stage, it's not something I would choose often since it's a starch. However, my options were really limited at that restaurant. Today, the restaurant I was at had a wonderful red-pepper basil soup that consisted mostly of broth. I ordered a cup and was completely satisfied when I was finished. So far, so good!

I started off using Bariatric Advantage chewables. I thought they were disgusting and could hardly get them down! This weekend I bought the Vitafusion 200 ct. gummies at Target. The gummies are deelish! I bought mine at Target and paid approx. $12. I compared the labels between both of them and there wasn't a significant difference. I'll stick to the gummies!

I think it's a personal choice. What works for some won't work for others. As for me, I chose to tell everyone because I didn't want to lie (not necessarily a moral issue, I'm just lousy at it!) and I'm by nature an open person. If people judge me, I shrug them off because I believe those attitudes are born of ignorance or narrow-mindedness, and choose to ignore those opinions. It's been an interesting journey as I find that most people are supportive, interested in the process, or just plain envious that I've had it done! I agree that it's difficult if people scrutinize you if you make a bad food choice, but it also makes you more accountable when you know others are watching your progress. Each person has to decide for themselves if they're comfortable with sharing the information or if they would rather keep it to themselves. I completely understand people who decide not tell others, it's just not what I chose.

I wasn't. My worst experience was starting my period the morning of surgery (of course!). They required me to remove my tampon and shove a pad between my legs with nothing holding it there but my thighs. Ugh!!!!!!

Gotta confess....I drank coffee during my pre-op diet and I'm drinking coffee now (I'm two weeks post-op). The nurse gave me a cup of coffee while I was in recovery (I went home several hours after surgery). However, I went from drinking 6-8 cups per day down to 1-2 cups per day. My coffee is the only "cheat" I've allowed myself. I drink plenty of other fluids as well.

Having just been banded on 05/03/11, I don't have the perspective of being a successful bander (yet!), but I can relate to all the experiences and habits of an overeater. I have been a successful dieter my entire adult life but after maintaining my weight for several years, the old habits start creeping back and so do the pounds! I have been through this cycle approximately four times in my adult life and I'm tired of it! I'm so excited to read the above responses from the experienced and successful banders because their experiences are exactly what I expect from my band and from myself. I am hopeful that the band will keep me from being hungry while losing weight. In the past, I have either been thin and hungry or overweight and satiated (or stuffed). I'm only 5'1" tall so I can only consume approximately 1500 calories/day or I gain weight. Moderation is key for me! I also know that when I'm hungry, I'm more prone to make poor choices and overeat (we can all relate to spending too much money or buying food we don't need at the grocery store if we're hungry when we're shopping). I'm also completely aware that I have to conquer "head hunger" but I know from experience that the battle is easier when I'm satiated. I look forward to being satiated with moderate portions! I also know from experience that I'm more inclined to make healthy food choices when I see results from all the hard work and willpower. I'm so excited to have my band and looking forward to being an experienced and successful bander!

I have to agree with the other posts. I had my surgery on Tuesday, 05/03. I took the rest of the week off from work and went back to work on the following Monday. I have a desk job as well. The first two days I felt pretty lousy but on the third day I turned a corner and never looked back! I still have some soreness around my port site, but otherwise feeling great. I'm still on full liquids. I've eaten a few mushy food items, but I'm too nervous to try anything else until my doc gives me the OK. I am so happy to have my band! You will do great!