LadyMaggie

Yes, I am glad I kept it on the "low down" people don't understand . . . they think you wake up from surgery magically THIN

My surgeon was grumpy today ~ urgh ~; his Nurse Assistant told me I have 9 cc in my AP Large Lap Band that will hold 14 cc's; I asked her this question because he never tells me what he is doing, etc. Then, my doctor took the saline out because I am having issues; he said I only have 8 cc; not sure if someone's math was off. (? ? ) Anyway, he said he was taking out one full cc (presume I have 7 now?) because I was having issues with reflux and not be able to drink Water (being the worst early morning and late night) So, I forgot to ask him if an UN-fill has the same "rules" as a FILL; since this is my first UN-fill, I am not sure. . . of course, his office is closed for the night. Can I eat foods or is it still liquids only for a few days Thank You. ---signed CONFUSED

Thanks for the prompt replies; I am going to stick with clear liquids tonight (I am not hungry anyway). I will call in the morning. I am guessing he might say mushies for 2 days. It is very interesting how we all have the SAME surgery but the doctors all have DIFFERENT "rules" . . .

something very similiar happened to me just like this today; I cannot eat or drink the morning (too tight); tried to eat lunch; could only get a small yogurt down; then, began sweating heavily; heart rate dropped to 80/60; thought for sure I was going down; I am going in Wednesday for an UNFILL . . . hope that helps

I also had lap band surgery in April 2012; I have an AP Large band that will hold 14 cc's; my doctor is also vague about how much he puts in at each fill if I don't point blank ask me. . . a tad frustrating; I think I am also too tight. I go in Wednesday for a "check up" and I am going to ask him to take 1/2 cc OUT; I can always add it back at my next 6 week check up. I am having a hard time getting liquid to pass from the time I wake up (6:00 a.m.) until 10 am; I feel like I am back in the mushie stage because that is the only type of food I can tolerate; I cannot eat after 6:00 p.m. and even water become a challenge ~ definitely frustrating ~ good luck.

I also have the same issue; I started writing down the week of PMS in my calendar for two reasons (1) so I would be aware if I was eating "slider" foods and needed to be in more control and, (2) I don't weigh myself that week because I also have at least a 4 pound weight gain ~ the cravings are pretty rough ~ good luck

Most all surgeons put some in your band to "prime" it. . . you should ask your surgeon; but for me it has taken several fills and 6 months to get near the green zone. ~ good luck ~

Not sure about that if you are in the liquid phase; might want to check out the recipe data base in LabBand.com (LINK: http://www.lapband.com/en/mylapband/recipe_box/browse/)

spending time with my family really stresses me out (*ugh*); so, I am thinking my band will be too tight due to stress and I will be drinking instead ~ HA

I hit some road blocks along the way with positive test results which then lead to additional testing; so, it took me a full year to get my surgery date; just a lot of hoops to go through. . . but definitely worth it.

I have an AP Large Lap Band that will hold 14 cc's; I had surgery in April 2012; a fill in May, July, August and October; I have a total of 7 1/2 cc's and just hit the "green zone" with the last fill in October. So, it took me SIX (6) months to get there. . . slow and steady.

My advice is to make three (YES, 3) appointments with your doctor; space them out to every 4 to 6 weeks; then you make a committment to go to the appointment; make it a pattern / habit to check in; I don't do well with "lectures" either but it will be a one time, five minute situation; I had to have SIX fills before I got "near" the green zone; my doctor / surgeon told me that I will need to constantly tweak my band. . . add 1/2 cc; take 1/2 cc out as I continue to lose weight. ~ good luck ~

Can you please email me the pdf document on the "egg timer distraction"? My email address is: SoccerBlueJ@yahoo.com

Every doctor (surgeon) is so different; however, my surgeon said "ALL" bands have to have something added during surgery to "prime" the band; he put in 1 1/2 ccs @ surgery; then 2 ccs at my first fill

I agree with the above posts, the lap band is definitely NOT the "easy way out" . . . you still have to work at portion control and NO slider foods ~ because it is possible to eat around the band. This process is slower than some of the other weight loss surgeries, but it was the best choice for me. . . no regrets

I teach 4th grade and there is NO way I was up to anything for two full days after my lap band surgery. I was glad I had the full week of Spring Break to recover. . . didn't want to have any unnecessary set backs.

my physician's office says to keep pineapple juice on hand for these issues; it will move a "stuck" issue . . . one way or the other

All lapband doctors have different policies. My surgeon says a big NO to laxatives; but I can take Colace (stool softener). Also, the gummies fiber (vitafusion brand) help me. I also find that I have to eat one Activa Yogurt each day, I don't have any issues with those products. ~ good luck on your journey~

I always go alone; it takes about 5 minutes and I'm in and out; I have a HUGE fear of needles; but the fills do not bother me. ~ good luck ~

I can also relate to your story . . . thanks for sharing it. I was estranged from my daughter for 12 years and my drug of choice was F-O-O-D. I also ate, and ate, and ate! I was so disappointed at how fast I spiraled out of control. I made a decision to be "fit by 50" and put myself and my health first. ~ good luck on your journey ~

I also teach elementary school; I scheduled my surgery for Spring Break so I would have an entire to recover. I wanted to make sure I rested and felt okay before I returned to work. ~ good luck ~

I also agree with UP your protein intake; I add one scoop of UNJURY *unflavored* protetin to each of my 3 main meals . . . it helps

I am struggling a little bit with possibly being too tight as well. I cannot eat ANYTHING from the time I wake up (6 am) until 10 am; I have started to have some late night coughing. I think I am going to ask my doctor to take a small amount out and see if it helps. I think when you get close to the green zone, you have to constantly tweak the band 1/2 cc out; then 1/2 cc in . . . just my 2 cents.

me either . . . I am about 6 pounds away and I am very anxious about it!

I did sort of have the "Ah Ha" moment; I had several fills (took 6 months) to get to green zone; I don't have hunger as often and I can eat 1 cup at meal time and fill satisified