Cynsayshun

I have been banded since Oct 4, 2011. Yesterday I had my third surgeon follow-up appointment and I'm down each month around 6 - 8 pounds (since the surgery 20 lbs prior to surgery). I have not had a fill and I told him yesterday, shouldn't I need a fill? He said you are down almost 40 lbs since your initial visit so as long as you continue to lose, there is no reason for a fill. I may be over thinking this all but for all you that have been "banded" a while, please help me understand???? I can eat everything!! I have heard people say you can't eat bread, Pasta, rice, popcorn, shrimp, etc. etc., (I've tried all items with no problems) I even drunk 1 soda this weekend ( however it was flat from months of sitting ) because I gave them up in July. I don't know if it's because I don't have a "fill" that I don't have any issues. I've never had any "stuck" episodes. I can eat a 1 - 2 cups of food (an entire meal) and I just stop when I feel full. I don't have any "excessive hunger" I don't drink when I eat; at times I almost want to push the limit to see if this 'band" really works. I know this may sound "crazy" am I looking for "complications" this losing and not having any "side affects" seems to good to be true. Can this continue? Losing weight without a fill? Maybe I'm doing something right along with the band by watching what I take in and doing my exercise 4x weekly, maybe I should't question anything and just enjoy how my body is changing.. I just want to know from those that have been banded, Does just having the "band" alone seriously give you restriction without a "fill" how does this device really work? OR IS IT A COMBINATION OF THE PHYSICAL DEVICE & MY MENTAL DESIRE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? i COULD JUST BE OVER ANALYZING THIS AND IT'S OK TO SAY THAT IN YOUR REPLIES, Thanks Fellow Bandsters..

Gizmo, I got the Lap Band to lose weight, as you read in my post, I am losing weight. If you review the other posts it appears the band itself gives some restriction and it for now is enough as I don't over eat. My hunger is satisfied on much smaller amounts than I was prior to getting the Lap Band. Did you see the comments of those that have been banded over a year without fills. It appears, some people don't require them, hopefully I will be one of those people for a long time, as you will see, fills can bring about other types of issues, that I would rather avoid. I asked the question because I wonder how it was working without me having a fill..As my surgeon stated the band along with my proper eating is working together..I am happy with a 24 lb loss in 2 months since the surgery and 14 lbs loss prior to during my 2 week liquids only pre-op diet..Best of luck on your journey..I'm learning everyone's journey is different..

Thanks to all my lady "Bandsters" that replied, that's why I love this site its so enlightening. The "Band" definitely affects each of our bodies differently. There was one reply that said I may have some fluid in my band already, however I know Dr Gibson doesn't put any fluid in the band he inserts it is the "Lap Band" brand name one. As I read responses that have shown people do lose without a "fill" I'm going to not continue to "over think" this. I am counting myself lucky that I'm continuing to lose without a fill and enjoy eating what I want in the smaller amounts, while at the same time ensuring I'm not going back to foods laden with fats & sugar. Through the responses and issues that can possibly arise from "fills" I will from this day forward "Respect the Band" as it is working for me without a fill for the past two months and hopefully that can continue for many many more months. I thoroughly appreciate you taking the time to respond, it truly helped me look at things in the right perspective. With many regards "Cynsayshun"

HDQT, I was banded on Oct 4, 2011 and for 3 weeks the scale didn't move but I could tell in my clothes I was losing inches. I started to question the people I watched on YouTube over the years, that were banded and every week, they were saying they were down 3 - 4 lbs. After my 5th week, the scale moved 4 pounds, in one week. I had my 2nd surgeon follow up last Tues and because I was down 10 pounds since the surgery and have no issues with hunger, (in between my 3x a day meals), so he said I didn't need a fill. We will take it month by month. Here is the shocker, I weighed 214 this Tuesday morning and on Saturday, I was down to 208!! The surgeon told me the first month our bodies are healing and don't worry about the scale, it proved to be true. I've been doing the treadmill and/or the Walk Away the Pounds 3 - times a week, I alternate between those two exercise routines, and I keep my caloric intake to 1200 or less, and include at least 20 grams of Protein and my Water. So far I can eat any types foods, I haven't had a stuck episode, this band is like some type of Miracle Worker I just love it!! Just be patient, it will start coming off. I'm soooo excited I'm 8 lbs away from Onederland!!! Stay encouraged!!!

I was banded on October 4, 2011 and since then I've had periods of doubts in the stories I had watched over the year on YouTube where every single week,, some of the persons were down 4-5 pounds weekly. Since I was banded it took 3 weeks for the scale to change for me. However I could see changes in my clothes, and my body. I have read posts here of people starving while in the liquid phase after surgery and even during the mushies. I'm so thankful, those are problems I don't have. I tell you I'm actually full after each meal for hours! My 3 meals a day, consist of my eating no more than 1 o 1 and 1/2 cup of food. This band seems to have 'quieted down my hunger sensations. My breakfasts for about 4 days a week is the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein powder, 1 cup of skim milk, I add a few frozen strawberries and 1/4 cup of yogurt and it's absolutely delicious! Sometimes I add a smidgen of Splenda, that drink keeps me full until lunch time. I will see my surgeon for my second visit since my surgery on Nov 15, but I see no reason to request a fill. (Sometimes I have to make myself eat because I know my body needs fuel) I have dropped at least 2lbs a week since week 3 and I'm really happy with that. At first I was discouraged because of the things I had seen on YouTube. Now I have 14 pounds to go before I move into Onderland. I haven't had an episode of being stuck, of feeling like I'm going to throw up,nothing of the sort. Sometimes I have to actually touch my stomach to make sure I have a lapband. It seems to have taken off the "edge" of that overwhelming hunger issue. Is this what it is suppose to do?? Each week, I can fit into some of my clothes that are 16, and before my surgery I was wearing size 18 & 20's depending on the style of clothing. Some of the stories of those "starving" here amazes me but I guess that wasn't really my issue before I had my surgery. I wasn't a really big big eater, it was just I was eating the wrong foods (fried, cheesy everything etc.) & drinking a lot of Pepsi, that I believe put the weight on me over the years. I don't know if it is the "protein" I'm taking in at least 60 grams a day ( that keeps me satiated) per the nutrionist orders (or the Band). I am now exercising (treadmill or Walk away the Pounds) 4x weekly. I am loving watching how my body is changing. So I see no reason to push for a "fill" when I see my surgeon, do any of you? I have seen posts of those that have the band and are not "filled" my surgeon said to me on my post op visit that we would wait and see, because some people don't need a fill. I'm hoping I'm one of those people. Well I just wanted to update, as I haven't been posting for awhile, but I also wanted some feedback. I hope this may help anyone who also was expecting to see weight dropping off like those posted on YouTube. If, I can lose 2 lbs a week, eating my 1200 or less calories, believe me.. I can accept that with a lot of Thankfulness as opposed to where I was before. I'm so glad I got the LapBand.. It's bringing me out of a "shell" I was hiding under for over 10 years. I'm in LapBand Heaven, even though I have 55 more pounds to lose, I heading in the right direction and that's what counts!!!

Hey Arlene, glad to hear you are having the same success without a fill.. Congrats on a job well done, now we both must support each while we head to Onderland Sincerely,

Thanks for sharing that I will enjoy it for as long as it lasts...

I have BCBS of IL and after all my paperwork was submitted by my Surgeon it took only 2 weeks for them to contact the surgeon with my approval. My out of pocket was $1200 and it had already been covered, so for my surgery I didn't have to pay for anything, so far the hospital bill alone was $70,000. That doesn't include the surgeon.. So in my case BCBSIL rocks!!!

It's almost 3 weeks since my surgery (October 4) and it doesn't take much food for me to feel full. (I'm still on mushies at this stage) Honestly I have to force myself to eat. I do not have any restriction (my surgeon prefers to wait & see if it is needed) However, I'm confused about the volume of food, when I was told by the nutritionist no more than 1 cup of food, does that mean if you are having a vegetable and a Protein, or if you have 3 items should the volume of all items total 1 cup? Or should I have 1 cup of each item three times a day. The other problem is trying to get in 6-8 glasses of Water during the day between my meals and Snacks especially having to wait 1 hour after each meal? Last but not least, if I drink a Protein shake for Breakfast, should I have to wait 1 hour after that to drink water as well? Does the Protein Drink count toward the water intake? Some clarity and/or suggestions would be appreciated.

I truly appreciate anyone that takes the time to reply to my posts. My summation after reading all the replies is there is really no "hard & fast" rules for everyone, with the exception of getting in the protein. I will just take this time to focus on healing and getting the protein in. Now I know if I have a (healthy) snack in between my meal times, it will not hurt or harm my goals with the band I will also have to "tune" in and listen to my body. Y

Thank you all for your responses.. I have been having a yogurt or sugar free Jello or applesauce in between my meals.. I was doing that to try to get in the 1000 calories I was told to try to shoot for by the nutritionist. I can't seem to get that amount of calories in. I can't see how it's possible when all we can eat is 1 cup of food 3 times a day. I'm still a teeny bit confused.. That would mean each 1 cup of food (meal) would have to consist of at least 350+ calories each. Hopefully I'll find something that works for me LBT, can you tell me what MIO in your Water bottles means??

Well said, Nurse Shay!!! You gave her all the steps to a "T".. Congrats on your journey..

]I have BCBSL and I work for a County government. Once the surgeon's office submitted all the required documentation that included my previous records from 2 weght mangement programs, and all my tests for sleep Apnea, psychological exam, exercise evaluation, prior medical conditions etc, my approval was completed and sent to the surgeons in 2weeks!! You can find all requirements on the BCBSIL webpage or they will send it to you that way you will know if you meet all criteria.. It also depends on the policy they established with your employer. Good luck with your results & upcoming surgery.

Hi, I was "Banded" on Oct 4, 2011. I admit it took a lot out of me energy wise & that gas pain was absolutely awful for approx 4 days. I started feeling stronger and back to my normal self by Sun Oct 9. Had my follow up with the surgeon this past Tues. I have this pain that comes and goes in my left shoulder. My surgeon says it will id how the body defers pain from one section to another.. He said its due to the repair of the "hiatal hernia" I had. The DR advised me to move on the next food intake I was happy about that.!!! Even though my scale weight is not accurate, today I put on a a pair of "scrubs" I use for just wearing around the home and they were so big & loose I laughed out lout !! I then proceeded to create a Video to sendt o my children to show them how weight I had lost. I hope this helps and remember i"Never accept 100% of others postings in this Forum, about pain, exercising..etc as each of our bodies will respond differently while healing Hoping your journey is a "successful one.. Cynthia

Butterfly Queen, you are on the money with your posting we have to not allow ourselves to not "freak out" when the weight doesn't instantly drop off. It didn't get there instantly and we sure can't expect it to go away instantly. I love your explanation, I had to stop mentally setting myself up for failure looking for immediate results and my weight is coming off slowly. I'm only 9 days out from my surgery date, and my surgeon said this period is for healing.. At least we know we will lose and if we do our part and utilize the band as it should be used.. We won't get back to where we were before..Six months to a year and being down to my goal of 75 lbs off, believe me I can wait!!! I have been overweight for 17 years 6 months of being a place on the chart that doesn't say "overweight or obese" is all I want...

OMG I've read about it over & over but until you experience you cannot believe it!! Th pain from GAS!!!. I banded Tuesday and I was discharged late Wednesday evening. I had do the barium swallow test in the morning and they kept me until I had the liquid lunch & dinner to see if things would stay down. I had to ask for another form of pain medicine because the first type they gave me was too strong, I hated the side effects. They sent me home after my meals & a couple of doses of Liquid Vicodin.. But the real issue is the bloating & my inablility to pass the GAS fast enough. I mean it hurts all up in my chest my shoulders etc. I have never wanted to expel gas as badly as I do now.. I've took some Gas-X around 1 a.m and walked around the inside of my condo, trying to MOVE this stuff out.. I got on the scale and I weigh more than when I went in!! It has to be the bloatedness and the gas. Gee I' want to just fire farts out in a machine gun like way to ease some of this discomfort.. I know this post op stuff is the toughest from what I've read, so I will just fight through it. I have no regrets, but I will definitely be glad when this stage is over. I see the doctor for a follow up on Oct 11 and hope he releases me to go by to work no later than Monday OCT 17TH.. That's almost 2 weeks off work, I can't do anymore than that. Well I got to keep moving, (walking around) just wanted to update all the October Bandsters and any others that are getting ready to be banded!!! I know everyone is differentso if you don't experience the GAS issue, Kudos to you LOL..

Great Advice, ( people should really stick to the phases as directed, for their own benefit..)

Thanks to you both. Yeah my partner said ask the doctor but I was too embarrassed to do so. @Screeden. No fluid in the band I asked that upfront. My surgeon placed a standard size LapBand but it his practice not to put any fluids in until 6 weeks after. But he clearly said some patients never need a fill the band itself will give enough restrictions for some. So time will tell. I'm hoping I can be one of those patients. Now I can tell my partner that six weeks isn't the norm. He will be happy. Me too Lol

Was anyone else told to wait 6 weeks before returning to sexual activity? The nutritionist told me that while I was in the hospital. I had my first follow-up appointment with the surgeon but I was reluctant/ embarrassed to ask him.. I don't see him again for one month but I'm still uncertain if there is a waiting period. It doesn't seem like sexual activity would affect the band, however I had to put this question to the Forum to see what time frame if any was given to some of you after your Lap Band was placed. I was also told by my surgeon (when I asked would my next visit be for a fill) "that everyone doesn't have to have a fill." The band being there alone works for some and we would see over time how it will work for me.. I was only down 1 pound on his scale (late afternoon weigh in) since my surgery last week, (my home scale has me down 4 lbs in the mornings). But I'm not complaining I'm down 26 pounds since I started my surgery process. He said he could see my weight loss in my face and for now I should just focus on healing and following the suggestion diet. I was able to move to the "mushies" Yeah!!! I am to return to work on Oct 17, so I will have been off work 8 business days and 4 weekend days. I originally thought I'd be back in a week, but no way, I didn't start feeling up to snuff until 5 days after my surgery. I still have this occasional left shoulder pain, he said that should go away in a couple of weeks, (some sort of body nerve transference of pain, from the Hiatal hernia repair) So in a nutshell, my two questions are "When were you able to return to sexual activity?" " Are people really successful if they never get a fill? On a funny note, I don't understand why regular sexual activity would hurt me, I'm definitely going to be protecting my stomach area with a pillow or something, so why would it cause a problem?? I'm glad this site is available for questions of this nature

I was given a Patient Information card while in the hospital by the Nutritionist it comes from lapband.com with my surgery date, dr & my name. I was told to carry it for medical reasons and for restaurants to allow this person to order smaller portions.. Is this a standard procedure, has anyone used them at a restaurant and what type of response did you get?