Kristen1969

Yes...and I love how if I go out to dinner I will have 3 extra meals!

I LOVE MY BAND! I honestly looked in the mirror this morning before work and thought...wow, I look SKINNY! It is even better than I imagined!

Yes I want chips! Are they in grocery stores? online?

I love the clothes getting too big too! I actually arranged my closet (before surgery) by size and have already had to go twice to donate the too big clothes...and honestly...now again my clothes are quite baggy. I love my band

I can eat it fine...but easier ground up vs a hamburger. But, I think the reason there is it is easier to take a small bite with a fork, versus a bite!

I just had my first fill this morning...and as I sit here sipping my broth I think I can feel it already?! It is probably in my head but that is a good thing to have in my head This is my 4th post-op appointment and my first fill. My surgeon told me that there was 4.5cc in my 10cc band from surgery...and she added 1.0cc today. I am hoping I go back to how I was NOT feeling hungry...instead of like these last 2 weeks where I felt hungry too much! Anything I should stay aware of? Can I go to the gym and lift weights tonight?

Not much at all! hahaha...definitely saving money! I buy lean ground beef, frozen chicken tender breast, 2% cheese, greek yougurt (I use for sour cream), light string cheese, vegetables (green/red peppers, tomatoes, broccoli), fruit (berries). I also make my own salsa and tomato sauce...yum!

I just put EVERY article of clothing from the washer into the dryer :-)

I love your story! Way to go!

Way to go! I love it

I too had struggled with being heavy my whole life...and my doctor was clearly aware of this too! I worked out, went to Weight Watchers...and always had some success but would always gain it back...eventually. I was so surprised when I mentioned to her last summer that I just wanted to lose the weight for good...and she (who is very straight forward about her ideas...eat less, move more) suggested the band! She was all for it as it was less invasive, reversible if needed, etc. I was in shock. I had preconceived ideas and held the stigma that it was an easy way out! Well, she then suggested a weight loss surgeon and the next thing I knew I was attending the seminar in September and on the track to get my surgery. I was banded Feb 15th...and absolutely love the band! The best thing I ever did. I am not hungry...I following the rules...and am down almost 50 pounds from my weigh in at the seminar! So...I would suggest you just bring it up to your doctor! I would also bring in any information you have found about it...so you can discuss it. Best of luck to you! Kristen

I didn't get a fill either at my one month post-op appt. My surgeon said, after talking with me and discussing my eating and that I wasn't hungry and that I was losing weight...that I didn't need one. She said I had Fluid in the band from the surgery...and that I may in fact already be in the green zone. She then said that normally she would schedule my next appt in another month, but if I wanted I could come in two weeks. I originally made the appt for 2 weeks, but called to cancel as at two weeks I was still losing weight and still not hungry! My next appt is April 10...so we will see then. At first I too WANTED a fill as that is so much of what you read on here...but, I totally understand that I don't need one yet! I feel good, and am losing and am not hungry so I LOVE THE BAND! Wishing all the best to you! Kristen

I lost 12 pounds...and glad I did. The diet consisted of 3 New Direction protein shakes a day. I was not hungry...and quite frankly it was easy as you didn't have to think about shopping or cooking for meals. It was a great jump start!

Hi Brian...I am also from Michigan. I love my band too, although I am newly banded, Feb 15, 2012. Welcome back!

I actually noticed that a couple of weeks ago...I didn't think of it at the time but now that you mention it I am! Keep up the great work!

I love reading posts like yours! Way to go! I too am dropping sizes, but I have a closet full of clothes...all sizes. So, I am just getting rid of a lot of things...I don't have to buy anything but the other day I was browsing through the store and realized I don't need those BIG clothes anymore

Your post made me smile Keep up the great work! I am also very happy I am banded!

I just went in for my second appointment and found out I didn't need a fill! I think that was good news...the doctor said I am doing fine...lost 4 pounds the last two weeks so I was on the right track Good luck!

Cogratulations! I love hearing these stories...gives me hope

I also am so happy I found this site for support!

I was banded on 2/15...and had a pretty good recovery although the first couple days I could hardly keep down water I was so tight from the swelling. I felt good though! I lost 6.5 pounds the two weeks after surgery on liquids, then I lost another 3.9 pounds the next two weeks on soft mushies (scrambled egg, protein shake, cup of soup, yogurt). I went for my first fill yesterday and my doctor said I didn't need one as I was doing so well :-) I am just now starting "regular" food and feel full chewing well after about 5 bites so my initial fill with surgery is working fine! I go back to the doctor in two weeks and see how I am doing then, and to determine if I need a fill or not. I am so glad I got this surgery!

I actually was "scheduled" to get my first fill today. The doctor told me last appointment on my 2 week post-op appointment I would get my first fill today (at my one month post-op appointment). The nurse even brought in the needle and the fill liquid, but then the surgeon came in and told me she didn't think I needed one

I just went to the doctor for my one month check up...and possible fill but she told me I was doing great as is! The good news...I can actually eat some food again! I mean...not just protein shakes and eggs and yogurt. She told me I could try meat and vegetables! I am glad I have this forum to know that NOT everyone gets a fill, or needs one. She said that there was some in the band from the surgery...so that apparently is working fine for now. Also...after this appointment you usually go back in a month, but since I didn't get a fill, I will go back in two weeks. I thought that was a good sign too, of a good surgeon

I am feeling great but I really expected to be getting something down by now! I am honestly having trouble with more than a couple sips of broth or water. I just feel tight or full and it wants to come up...foamy! Not really throwing up...I think it isn't getting through the band fast enough as I am still swollen?! But...like I said...I feel good. Just noticed deep breaths are helping. Any other suggestions? I am walking...been out and about quite a bit.

I started at 253 at the initial seminar, was 237 starting the pre-op diet, was 229 after one week of pre-op Protein shakes, weighed in at 225 the day before surgery and just went to my first appt since surgery and weighed in at 212! I go back in two weeks for my 1st fill! Have heard we might gain in this period...but that is ok...I know I am doing it right