Jim1967

Congratulations!! I've trying to get through the Summer with same 3 pairs of shorts that I have. Not looking good. Starting to look like I am wearing canvas bags. Love losing weight but I have never been one for clothes shopping.

I would tell myself to start learning to chew slow and not drink while I eat.

I actually love the new 'normal'. spot on about the eggs Guy. Usually just plain scrambled go down fine but as soon as I start mixing it will other stuff I have issues. I actually love the fact I am learning more about foods thanks to my band it also helped brighten my horizons on the various choices available rather then eating the old junk food I used to woof down. Funny thing the band. I would have thought an English Muffin would be hard to eat but no I have no issue with that but I try and eat a pita wrap....nothing but troubles toasted or not. Only thing I miss now and again is a nice Guinness from the tap.

I asked myself right up until they wheeled me into OR and said "OK, we're going to put you under now". My Surgeon looked down at me and said "Are you ready?" I said "let's both have a great day today" and asleep I went. Perfectly normal to be nervous. I would do this over in a heartbeat. Good luck!!

I told just about everyone and because of my weight everyone I told was very supportive at least to my face. 488lbs at 45 yearsold I was a walking time bomb and this was for me and life longevity. I was and am beyond the point in my life where I could care less what anyone thinks about me with exception to my wife and parents. I at time do wish I never told certain people. My old Boss who has since left the company actually asked me straight out while I was preop "what are you going to do about the loose skin when you lose all the weight". He asked me that in front of a lot of other people in the Office. I also had a co-worker come back from a two week vacation look at me again in a wide open office and say "what, you didn't lose all the weight yet?". I would think long and hard about who and when you want to tell because once it's out there it cannot be taken back. Also, get used to people asking you for constant updates on your progress cause it will happen. Best wishes,,

Ah OK I understand. I consider it a life long journey with no final destination but in the end I guess it is how one perceives their personal experience. Thanks!

Not sure I understand what you're referring to.

I had Cigna Carelink and was approved in 3 days. They denied me the first day due to clerical error on some of the paper work but 2 days later I was appoved. Good Luck!!

I watched this yesterday and it really opened my eyes.

I last posted in this thread Dec 2011 and I was pre-op at 480lbs. I've lost 205lbs since that time. I promise you if you want it bad enough and work with your band it can happen.

One thing to keep in mind is we are all different as far as whether or not we need fills and if so how many. I had a few false positives after fills. I would go for a fill and then would feel like I was in a good place with satiety and how I could eat and how I felt just to have it dissipate 3 days to a week later. That part was frustrating for me. I felt like I was never going to have long term satiety and at one point I even thought I was just simply too fat for a band. Well it took about 6 months and 5 fills and I am in a good place. I have not had a fill since January and the band is doing it's thing. I can easily go 5 to 6 hours before I actually get hungry but I have set up a reminder on my IPhone to ensure I get my food in during the work day. Time and Patience and it will come... You just need to find that spot that works for you. Until then it is like a diet. Edit: I removed the word 'restriction' and replaced it with 'satiety'. Restriction is a poor word and how it ever got associated with banding is beyond me. Band is not about restriction...OK stepping off my soapbox

I guess the real question is are you genuinely hungry or is your mind playing games on you? Only you know the honest answer there. Try this: When you start to feel that hunger urge stop what you are doing and have an internal talk with yourself. What are you feeling? Is it hunger or is it my brain just wanting it? If you cannot go 4 waking hours without feeling real hunger and the need to snack then I would say yes you probably need a fill. By the way you are doing fantastic for 8 weeks out!! Congratulations.

I also had a ton of weight to lose so it didn't matter what the scale did in that respect. I will say however I was told that when you start the 6 month supervised diet they go by your starting weight not the weight you end up at in the end of 6 months. At least that is how my center explained it to me. Insurance companies don't care if you lose weight or not on the 6 month diet. They just want you to do it to show you are being supervised and are making the effort of a life change. I really think it's all in the way your Doctor documents your history...

I will add this,,,I along with most who are banded have been in your position before. There will be frustrating times now and perhaps later. Patience was not my strong suit but I had to learn it and learn it fast. I promise it is worth it but it will take work and time. Hang in there and do whatever you must to keep focused on your dreams.

Stall?? You've barely even started. You're not even 3 weeks post op yet. This is a time for healing. Don't focus on the calories. Focus on healing. Weight loss will come but it will take time. Remember this is not rapid weight loss. Just follow Doctor's orders and you should be good.

Food should not be getting stuck. You are either eating too quickly or not chewing enough or a combination of the two. Do you know whether or not they put in a fill at the time of surgery? Perhaps you are to tight. I would call the Doc and get some advice on that.

That is one of the main reasons why most of us get banded. Many failed diet attempts. Sure they are successful short term but long term they are not realistic. I don't want to hijack Lacey's thread so if you want to read my profile - My Story you will see where I am coming from. Feel free to PM any questions you may have.

Congratulations on your loss and anniversary. Just keep going and don't focus on the past miss-direction and look toward your future. Always keep your goals and desires on your front burner and the rest will work itself out. You have the tool. You just need to want it. You're doing awesome though!!

Also, I found walking as often as I could helped clear up those gas pains...

Lack of energy and some pain is completely normal. I napped off and on for two days after surgery and the gas pain was unbearable at times but within 5 days I was good. If you are concerned definitely do not hesitate you check in with your Doctor.

Rapid burping for me is exactly that. I am either eating too quickly or not chewing slowly enough..slow burps and a slight runny nose means stop now or pay the price of a stuck episode.

Another great article Jean!! Yesterday I had a conversation with my mother in law about the band. I told her how much I could care less about food these days. She could not understand it. I find myself throwing food away which is something I have never done before in my life. I am no longer a member of the clean plate club and I am proud of it. :-)

I was taking chewable for a short time post op. My Doc told me whatever I found easiest but to be cautious. What is your Doctor saying?