TheProfessor

Hi switter10 - You are among a good bunch here, so welcome! I love how honest and self-effacing you are in your first post. I'm a strong believer in this community, having followed it quietly for 2 years before making the decision to be banded this past December. I'm 4 months into my weight loss journey and am learning more every day from my body, from this forum, from the band itself teaching me what I need to learn. Aw, so what about your yo-yo-ing and poor choices. Forgive yourself. You're human. From the sounds of that first post you seem to be a positive, upbeat person who is ready to take charge. A new bariatric surgeon and nursing team is a great place to start! Hanging out on this forum is good, too. Welcome, welcome, welcome!

I am self-pay as well. That $16K is not chump change, and took a bite out of my personal savings. I was always fearful that my marvellously supportive husband would use the WLS expense as a weapon against me if we ever had a fight about money. "Well it must be nice for you to go about spending thousands on getting skinny, when all I want is a new couch/to pay the mortgage/a new pair of shoes!" Thankfully we've never had that fight and the Hubster has been marvellous the whole time. It's my own paranoia (and perhaps a wee bit of guilt) having invested that kind of money in myself that was feeding that fear). My point: I could easily see how a fight or quarrel with your husband could potentially lead to the 'bubbling up' of some honest feelings of resentment about the financial cost. My hope for you is that this resolves and he gets back to the warm fuzzy supportive person for you he has been up until this point!

Before I was banded 4 months ago, I used to have ferocious reflux and heartburn. I was diagnosed with a para-esophogael hiatus hernia, which my surgeon repaired for me laparoscopically at the time of my lap band surgery. WHAT A RELIEF! I mention this as hiatus hernias are very common in obese people. My surgeon said that a high percentage of patients come into bariatric surgery not even aware they have one (but have been living with the reflex for weeks or even years). So my question - did you have reflux before? Each time I get a band adjustment ("fill") I am asked by the nurse whether I have reflux or heartburn. This is, apparently, an indicator that the band may be too tight. (Thankfully my answer is a consistent "no" - I have been feeling terrific since my surgery, lucky me). I tell you this because this is how YOU should be feeling, too!. So perhaps this is what has happened for you - that your band was placed and filled with too much Fluid at the get-go? Here's what I've learned - that when the band is placed, there is only a small amount of fluid put in it. This is so a) Your swollen oesophagus which is traumatized from the surgery can recover, and so you WON'T get reflux. At this stage you are on liquids, which should pass through the band quite easily. If even liquids are causing you to vomit, I think that band is just too tight, you poor thing! On the day of my surgery, my band was filled to 4.1 ccs. I have gradual fills of .3ccs over the past few months that have brought me up to where I am now - 5.2ccs. It might be a good idea to ask your surgeon what your band is filled at currently. I agree with JustWatchMe" - your reflux and vomiting is not normal. I strongly recommend you address this immediately with your surgeon. *Note - I am a newbie here with no medical background, so I'm just speaking from my own experience and what I've learned over the 2 years I spent researching prior to being banded 4 months ago! You have invested this money in yourself, and have gone through so much to get you to the surgery and into the phase you are in. Congratulations! You deserve to ENJOY it, though, not be suffering. Hopefully this is just a hiccup for you, and that with a band adjustment (de-fill) perhaps you will feel relief, and get on the road - the PROPER road, to recovery. Rooting for you and wishing you the best! Do keep us all posted.

I've learned sometimes just a teeny fill, .01ccs, can make a world of difference (thanks @@JustWatchMe!) . I've had 3 fills since my surgery on Dec.18th, 2014: one at .5ccs, and the last two .3ccs. Wouldn't want any more than that as "creeping towards the green' seems to be the way to go... slow and easy does it, rather than getting a whopper 1.0cc (or more) fill, then finding there is so much restriction you are forced to eat soft foods or liquids only, and are sliming or vomiting constantly, leading to a de-fill. So one or two tiny steps forward at a time so you don't have to get de-filled and slide backwards, undoing all the good you've done over the past few weeks/months!

2ccs I've learned is a really, REALL big adjustment. My clinic only does .2-.3 ccs at a time. They call this "creeping towards the green" and I think it's a great way to go. Better to have 5-6 small adjustments to get you to the Green Zone slow and steady and easy - no vomiting, no sliming, no discomfort - rather than filling your band with a large amount of Fluid that is so restrictive it makes you feel unwell and unable to get down/keep down solid Protein or 'real food'. So you'll gain weight despite the band if you have it too tight, as too much restriction will necessitate soft foods and fluids and DECREASE the sense of satiety between meals. You'll be eating every 2 hours and probably the wrong types of foods (liquids and mushies can be high in fat and carbs...) and BLAM. The next thing you know you've taken 3 steps backwards and GAINED weight. I have been anxious since being banded almost 4 months ago to get into the green zone. I'm not there yet, but man, gh man, do I ever want to be. I started out on surgery day with 4.1 ccs in the band. Fill #1 was .5ccs. Fill #2 was .3 ccs. Fill #3 was .3ccs. I'm getting there, losing slowly and steadily, and feeling TERRIFIC. (So far, so good!) I have to trust my surgeon and the awesome nurses who tell me to CHILL OUT and be patient. "Creeping towards the green" - sign me up!

Hi everyone, As a resident of Ontario, and despite having the majority of our Health Care covered by the federal government, (yaay, Canada!) I paid for my lap-band procedure out of pocket. Now that tax time is rolling around, I'm trying to figure out how to claim my WLS expenses. I didn't pay the full whack up front - I was financed through a 3rd party (CreLogix). So my questions: Should I (or can I?) claim the full amount ($16K) up front on my taxes, even though I have not paid anywhere near that due to paying a down payment and monthly instalments? OR should I claim only what I had paid to date once the 2014 calendar year ended? My surgeon was paid the full fee up front through my finance company (CreLogix). Who should I hit up for a receipt - my surgeon, or my financer, Crelogix? Any Canadian who has experience with this OR expert advice want to "weigh in"?

Hey @mom2001 - lovely to hear from you! April 6th - oh my goodness, so close!!! Yes, the headache is just you detoxing. I think many (if not all?) of us really had a couple of YUCK first two or three days, and yes, headache was part of it. For me the headache went away around day 3-4, and I started feeling AMAZING. I was NOT hungry and felt great on the Protein shakes I was having. I will admit that I burst into tears day 10 of 14 from the frustration of craving something SALTY or CHEWY or ANYTHING other than Fluid. It passes. Just like everything with the lap-band, the WHATEVER passes. It's a wonderful thing that you are doing this for yourself - appearance, health, whatever. :-) No matter what, you will benefit from (and LOVE!) the band! I did it for my health, but I have to tell you - the benefits in my appearance, how I feel (No more pain!) and my overall well-being have been tremendous!

@messagetosiobha You look WOW fantastic! Congratulations on your success. You are an INSPIRATION to those of us who have just started out! Woo hoo!

I feel as though I am living (happily, though I am...) fill to fill. I have a much needed adjustment coming up this Tuesday, and as I've been in a stall for a couple of weeks, I'm looking forward to the fill like it's Christmas day! Haven't had a fill since my first and only back in January, when I was 5 weeks post-op. The lovely nurse who travels to London to do adjustments for the Toronto-based Surgical Weight Loss Centre patients residing in London (my home) was in a severe car collision and was unable to travel. And so I have been waiting for my fill... CAN'T WAIT TO KICK START THE WEIGHT LOSS AGAIN! I'm down 38 pounds - I'm ready for the next 38! I've learned from this board in the past couple of weeks that even a fill as small as .1cc (yes, that's POINT ONE of a cc) can make a difference. Interesting how everyone's body is so different. Fascinating, actually.

Sometimes fills can take up to 2 weeks (!) to "settle in". I learned this after my first (and so far, only) fill back in late January. I was able to eat a 'normal' bandster-sized meal afterwards. Part of me was a little relieved, another part of me a wee bit disappointed because, like you, I had expected to feel a more profound sense of satiety after just a few bites. After I posted on this board about that, someone pointed out that fills can take a couple of weeks to settle in. Interesting! That's why the general rule is to space them out over time. We have to give them time to 'take'. In terms of judging the success of the adjustment through the lens of perceived 'restriction', take note of your satiety level. How are you feeling between meals? Can you easily go 3-4 hours between meals with a complete absence of hunger? If you are noticing a lack of interest in food and long periods of satiety after a small meal, that sounds like a successful fill! Last week someone on the board taught me the concept of "Creeping Toward the Green" - getting small fills (like .5 ccs at a time) until we're in the green zone. You don't want to get a whopper adjustment/ fill that causes you to swing into the Red Zone (sliming, vomiting, only able to get down fluids...) as this will undermine the weight loss and cause your little body distress! So give your band time to let this fill settle in and ask yourself how you're feeling between meals! Hope this helps. :-)

Yes we do, Bandista - I noticed that, too! Congratulations on being in the 180's (almost in the 170's!) ... I've been over 200 pounds since 2004. Though I know we are always discouraged against comparing ourselves to others on the board, It is kind of neat to track the progress (in a curious and non-competitive way) of someone who is roughly the same height and start weight as myself. Good to hear the scars fade a little bit. I just this moment finished a visit with a girlfriend (one of the two who know about my WLS) and showed her my scars - her eyes popped out of her head. I kinda like 'em. "Physical history" - they remind me of my commitment to myself.

Debbie Downer (love it...) - Fear not, got this thing in perspective. Got my reality goggles on and firmly adjusted. I am indeed a motivated, 'big-picture' person. The years (yes, years) I spent researching the realities, stats, potential complications etc. of the band to see whether it would be a good choice for me have mentally, emotionally and physically prepared me for setbacks and stalls. I'm actually in a stall at this very moment! Yep, I see it all as part of the bigger plan. I'm a person who is upbeat, buoyant and positive in the face of adversity - and the decision to be banded was not taken lightly. The deep research, reading and realities all weighed heavily in my decision, and so I go on into this next 'settling in' phase armed with knowledge and PREPARED for the long haul. (Ain't the first few months fun, though?!) Especially nice was yesterday - easily slipping into a pair of black dress trousers I haven't been able to wear in 4 years. Comfortable, dressy, gorgeous. Felt like a million bucks at my lecture yesterday. This is a nice honeymoon thus far!

I'm with you all... I am absolutely counting the minutes until my 2nd band adjustment (March 18!) as I have hit a stall 11 weeks post-op. Trying to be Zen about it, trying to stick to my diet and not get discouraged. Haven't weighed myself in a week but I can feel that I'm just 'sitting there' at 37 pounds lost. Maybe even 1 or 2 gained? I will NOT get discouraged - it's all part of the process.

Hooray ivona0909! March 20th is just a heartbeat away. You must be getting so excited! I know in my 2-week fluids diet the time dragged so slowly, and drinking just fluids got a little tired at the end ... but it was just SO worth it. You will find this board a wonderful place to have questions answered, good discussions and supportive chat! Do keep us posted with your progress and journey - you will find so much support here!

It is absolutely possible for the band to work with little to no Fluid in it. I watched a Youtube video that was posted by 2 banded women (friends) who both had wonderful results with the band. One of the women has lost 120+ lbs and has never yet had a fill...! Just the pressure from the band being placed itself was enough to trigger satiety and weight loss. I believe this is the exception, rather than the rule. When you go for a consult, the nurse or whoever is doing your adjustment) will weigh you and then before touching the needle should ask you a lot of questions including: What is your satiety like between meals (can you go 3-4 hours or more between meals easily, or are you hungry and looking for food at the 2 hour mark)? What are you eating? (Adequate Protein, fibre, complex carbs?) Are you losing weight? How do you feel?? Depending on what your answers are, the nurse will decide whether a fill is required. If you are making progress and feel great, you and the nurse together may decide that a band adjustment is simply necessary at this point!

Hello blbaltazar! Welcome to your new life! It's so exciting and we are all cheering for you! I was newly banded on December 18th, and I shared some of the fears you mention in your post. I can speak to your concern. Relax. The recovery period is a breeze, and you will NOT be hungry or get dehydrated as long as you follow your surgeon's guidelines. Water: After your surgery is done, you will be encouraged to sip sip sip sip sip Water CONSTANTLY in your recovery period. (Don't use a straw as this could put necessary air into your tummy). I had a big glass of water with me wherever I went - living room, kitchen, by my bed... I found I had no desire to 'chug' water (as I normally do, and now can again!) but I had NO PROBLEM sipping water and staying hydrated immediately following my surgery. Other fluids will be ok as well - just follow your surgeon's recovery plan. As for food, you will be on the graduated diet post-op, right? And this you will likely find totally satisfying. Fluids will be perfect for you, at least at first, as you will likely not be very hungry, (if at all), as the post-op swelling at the band site will diminish your hunger. Welcome to your new life in which the "hunger monster" will be silenced. It's wonderful. As you heal you will slooooowly move to full fluids, mushy foods, soft foods and, eventually, 'regular' foods. The wonder of it all - you will feel better each day and will notice a pronounced diminishment in your hunger. Hooray! You got this!

Lolo-T - in my research I've learned that a fill can take up to 2 weeks to settle in and "take". Just thought I'd throw that into the conversation!

You look stunning in all three photos, and definitely healthiest in your 3rd (the one furthest along in your progress). You are an inspiration! I'm 2 months post op, down 35 pounds... I look forward to posting my "after" photos, too! You look absolutely FANTASTIC!

Well done! You are rocking the band! I agree with you completely - there are bandsters our there who are desperate to lose the weight, yet they haven't modified their eating habits, the quality of food consumed or the speed at which they consume it. No wonder they progress is slow, or stalled. I've found myself stalling here and there (damn you, cabernet sauvignon addiction!), and when I do, I remind myself of the 8 golden rules by watching the videos again. Never fails to kick start my weight loss again by reminding me of the importance of keeping up MY end of the "banding bargain". Congrats on your loss! AMAZING!

I'm a Reiki Master Teacher and have been practicing since 1998. [For those of you who are interested, my lineages are Usui-Do, Usui Shiki Ryoho, Traditional Japanese Reiki and Non-Traditional Reiki (Stein)]. I was made a Master by Diane Stein. Reiki is a gorgeous complement to anything you are doing to nourish your health and wellness. It has its own intelligence; cannot get in the way of allopathic medicine, surgery, or any other therapy or treatment you are currently receiving. It will only help and heal.

Welcome to the site, and congratulations! We are here to support you (and each other) through thick and thin.... I was banded 2 months ago, I'm down 34 pounds and feeling wonderful! You are on the other side now, and it's a great side to be on... Stay in touch and keep posting!

I was banded on Dec 18th (so I'm week 7 post-op) and have had a fantastic experience thus far, having had an easy recovery, a .5cc fill on January 22nd and dropping 30 pounds almost effortlessly. I appear to have stalled/ hit my first plateau. After having a fill (bringing me up to 4.6 ccs in the band) on January 22, I have been finding an increase in my hunger and a decrease in my periods of satiety. I'm following the protein/fibre rules, eating small portions (about 1/2 - 3/4 cup max), chewing my food slowly, not snacking in the evenings, etc. Up until now, everything has worked beautifully and I was losing at a good rate. I figure I am not in the green zone, and should probably arrange for another fill in a couple of weeks. In the meantime though, has anyone experienced a stall out there, and if so, any advice on how to kickstart the weight loss again? Would love to hear from you!

I am 5 weeks post-surgery, (I was banded on Dec 18, 2014) and today I went for my first fill. I was not overly nervous, but I will admit to dreaming a couple of nights ago that I climbed up on the table and a one-eyed Doctor took out a massive amniocentesis needle, squinted at my tummy, then said, lifting up the needle to plunge it in, "Let's hope we hit it!" (referring to my port) and plunged the 18 inch needle in. I woke up in a cold sweat! So...ok. Maybe a 'wee' bit worried about my first fill. Today was a breeze. I lay down on the examination table while the nurse filled the syringe with saline. Up went my top, she palpated my upper abdomen for a split second, found my port right away, disinfected the site, told me to take a deep breath, and boom, the needle was in. I didn't even feel it. NOT KIDDING. There was not so much as that awful "pinchy" feeling you get with a shot in the arm. There was no [ain, no discomfort, no sensation whatsoever. She may as well have brushed a feather over my tummy. Weird. The nurse drew back the Fluid from the port to see what I had been banded with - ends up it was 4.1 ccs. Based on my answers to the 'length of satiety?' between meals questions asked prior to my hopping up on the table, she added another .5cc to my band. A bandaid, a few sips of Water, a goodbye. Easy!

I learned yesterday through an excellent webinar through my weight loss clinic that fills can take up to 2 weeks to "settle in". Like you, frios2014, I had my first fill recently (6 days ago) and immediately after, was ravenous and inhaled a small omelette! (I was told soft foods were fine). The next day, the day after, I felt nothing... more hungry than normal, actually! I began to wonder whether the nurse had actually taken Fluid out??! (Even though she showed me my fill, was very professional, etc.) Anyway. Here I am 6 days later, and I noticed something amazing. I had a single serving yoghurt with a Tbsp of bran buds mixed in (yay, Protein and fibre... following the lap band rules here...) at 10:00 am before I started teaching. The next time eating even crossed my mind was 5 hours later - !!! (I know, I know, 3-4 hours is the max we should go between meals but honestly - it didn't even occur to me to eat). Anyway. The webinar info helped clarify this for me - fills take time to settle in. (Who knew?) Many of us get a fill and expect immediate restriction or fast weight loss (guilty as charged) but we need to CALM DOWN and just let things settle in. Not sure if I'm in the green zone, but since my fill I'm down another 2.6 pounds, Seems to be working!

Hi - congratulations on your surgery! Woo woo! Only a few days until you will be feeling like your old self again. Apply gentle pressure on your incision sites with your hand(s) anytime you are getting up or down from a chair/couch/bed. Maybe this is psychological, but I found it helped 'stabilize' the sore area and reduced that awful "pulling" feeling. I also found PILLOWS were a huge help in bed. So at night before bed, make sure your head is a little elevated (or you can do what I did - practically sit upright to alleviate the pressure in my chest and shoulder from the gas pains)... then make sure you have a pillow on each side of you for when you lie on your side to support your tender tummy. I found a pillow under my tum helped take the pressure off the wounds. Use the pain meds - that's what they are there for, and know that in a couple of days you will likely realize you've forgotten to take them... you won't need them anymore. Again, congratulations on your band! In no time you will be feeling yourself again.