FDATrialGuineaPig

I have before and after pics here: http://www.geocities.com/robinh26/lapband.html

Nikki, welcome, outstanding weight loss!!!!

Good to see you here!

Hey Luz Elena, good to see you over here! How's it going??

I had a HORRIBLE first fill with many bent needles, a lot of pain and then ZERO restriction (he only put 1cc in). I was terribly disappointed. Then I had a different doc do it who numbed the area so at least it didn't hurt at all, still had a heck of a time getting my port (it's REALLY DEEP) but eventually hit it and filled me to 2.5 giving me excellent restriction and jumpstarting my weight loss. Sometimes it takes a few tries. Difficult fills are the pits but I've just grown to expect it, get lots of numbing and warn the doc to be prepared. One joked I should tattoo an "X" over my port. Maybe he wasn't joking...

Another bandster once coined gurgles "the sound of impending weight loss". They are a GOOD sign and they do go away with time. I agree with what everyone has stated about pbing...I try to avoid it at all costs because of potentially damaging my band or esophagus.

Your body is recovering from the trauma of surgery and from the anesthesia. I felt pretty "normal" after 2 weeks but my port area was sore for much longer. At six weeks postop I felt totally recovered. Hang in there!

I enjoy eating MORE than I did pre-band. I've learned to actually slow down and appreciate it. I'm very particular now. As for deprived it's VERY rare I've felt deprived. Usually it was because I was self-defeating feeling in the moment and wanting to do something self destructive but couldn't. Definitely not an overall sense of deprivation, more of a "wow, this must be how normal people eat and feel about food". You'll do great!

Breakfast: coffee Lunch: 1/2 sandwich sometimes with the bread picked off. Dinner: Piece of chicken, few bites of a side dish. Dessert: Optional I think I can eat more than 1/2 cup in one sitting but surprisingly I get so fill on so little it doesn't concern me. And you'd be surpised how many calories you can squeeze into 1/2 cup. You'd be very surprised!

My surgeon told me diet sodas were fine in moderation. Personally I just don't drink em like I used to. I've also found a DIRECT correlation between diet sodas and increased hunger and carb cravings. It's very noticeable and normally not work the soda (which never tastes as good as I think it's going to anyhow). coffee on the other hand...

Shannon, if you're losing weight that's all that matters. If you're not losing weight then you need another fill. There really is no magic number for cc's and no magic portion size (we all start out requiring different amounts of calories). I had zero restriction until I hit 2.5ccs. Some people have made it to goal with no fill. It's very individual. If you're losing--relax and enjoy!

leo~Not everyone needs one. It depends upon how your skin bounces back. normchelle~I don't know if I'd go that far--notice how stategically I cut out my saggy thighs! LOL But thank you . Tanna~Thank you so much! You're doing GREAT and will quickly be right where I am now . Keep up the good work!

Nicole, don't despair! November isn't bad at all!! Usually it takes at least that long to get in to see the surgeon anyhow! If the doc is Sacramento is where you want to go and takes an insurance you can switch to then schedule your appointment NOW for say December. Chances are that even you had the correct insurance right this second you wouldn't get in until then anyhow. It's time for a battle plan .

Welcome Cindy! Great weightloss!!!!

Alexandra, ALL of the surgeries have the potential to be outeaten. Using basic common sense usually nips most problems in the bud. Your plan sounds very sensible. I'm like you--I never eat Desserts just because they're easy. Your perspective on portions will change dramatically as well and what used to seem like a small amount seems like a feast and is very satisfying.

Don't be TOO pushy with them. I gave them a month then began calling to get updates. Usually if you've given them a reasonable amount of time to get stuff done they won't get snippy with you.

This was precisely one of the reasons I chose the band. Thanks for posting the link!!!!

Malcolm~I've read your website many times and referred it to many people! You so rock! Alex~I paid cash $6500. And you're very welcome. I really like this site.

Everytime I see your user name I keep thinking it says "Lortab" (the liquid vicodin we're given after surgery). I don't know why my eyes keep playing that trick!

I hereby dub you a Bandster... Let the ceremony commence!

Leo, I just saw this, how sweet are you? I used to moderate half the band boards out there but as time has gone on, I've gotten out of as many obligations as possible. In fact, I'm still trying to pawn off my Insurance Board on someone . I go thru spurts. Sometimes I'm on here all the time but then I'll go for days or weeks missing what's going on. I like it when I go for lengths of time offline. But alas, my addiction to the computer is a tough monkey! Thank you for your kinds words.

75 lbs since Feb...wow! All you newbies are making me feel like I was a really slow loser!! But just being a big ole loser in the end is all the counts, right? Welcome!

Hi Vicky, Congrats on a full life and great weight loss so far!

Julie Wow. In awe here.... Mouth hanging open... You have done amazing! And you're gorgeous to boot!

Prefill stage is the worst, I swear. But those weight losses are great! Think of this way....Inamed (the manufacturer of the band) stated to me that they expect it take 2 years to lose 100 lbs, that this was a reasonable and realistic expectation. You're already halfway there! In my mind you're months ahead of the game! And be careful about eating too LITTLE. You don't want to throw your metabolism out of whack. Sometimes upping calories (esp protien) will kick start the loss again. And sometimes...we just plateau no matter WHAT we do and patience is called for. I've had plateaus last 6 months. I remember them vividly...in the 230s and the 190s. Robin