LadyMaggie

I had lap band surgery on April 9th (2012) and I have lost 31 pounds.

my itch was wicked bad . . . my doctor told me to put liquid benadryl on it and it worked like a charm ~ good luck~

I am the BIGGEST wimp in the land when it comes to ANY needle; honestly, the fill took 2 minutes and NO PAIN; I agree with the above posts that an IV or blood work is more painful than a fill. I couldn't sleep 2 days before my June 6th fill and then I felt really silly because it was so easy. Good Luck~

I was VERY worried about my first fill too (I had lap band surgery on April 9th) and just had my first fill on June 6th. I was literally with my doctor for five minutes, and NO pain and he did NOT numb my stomach. I have a pathological fear of needles but this was the easiest thing I have experienced thus far in this new journey. Good Luck~!

I had lap band surgery on April 9th and my first fill *3 ccs* on June 6th. I have some restriction now. My doctor said it takes at least 2 and usually 3 fills before you are in the zone. However, my doctor is fairly conservatve . . . I had to wait 8 weeks for my first fill and he will not do my second fill until 8 more weeks. He will only put 3 ccs in at a time. I know some doctors start with 4 or 5. It took me many years to gain this weight so I am trying to have some patience on losing . . . down 31 pounds since April 1st (includes pre-surgery diet). Good Luck ~

I use the whole wheat pita bread and make my own homemade pizza; I add pizza sauce, lots of cheese and topings. I cook them for about 12 minutes so the crust is very crisp. Good Luck

I think I had a few "Ah Ha" moments that helped me decide . . . health issues (high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol -- didn't want to develop diabetes and face knee and/or hip replacement surgery like other close family members have. My husband and I went to Disney World for an anniversary vacation trip and I could not keep up with him. I looked at the pictures and couldn't believe how much my weight had gotten out of control. I was tipping the scales at 250.

When I had my lap band surgery on April 9th (this year), I also had hiatal hernia repair. I did experience some shoulder (chest type) pain. I stayed one night in the hospital and it took one full week before I had any relief. Good Luck!

I have some of the same thoughts posted in this topic. I had lap band surgery on April 9th and my first fill on June 6th. With my pre-surgery diet, I have lost 31 pounds. I have not been very good about exercise. But, I am going to join a gym this week. I think I must also prescribe to the 80 / 20 rule. If I could do all of these things perfect, journal food, weigh food, will power, and exercise, I would be a person who did not need surgery. I do think I am eating healthier and eating less.. . but I am no where near perfect~

my doctor said no soda ever; causes band erosion

I use my wls card and order from the kid's menu

I had lap band surgery on April 9th; I have lost 25 pounds; I am scheduled for my first fill appointment next week, June 6th.

I can somewhat relate to this. My family did a BIG camping trip to the lake and there was so much "BAD" food. Then, I got lots of questions on what I ate (salmon patties) and why . . . very frustrating.

I started with a doctor who "demanded" that I buy ONLY Bariatric Advantage products . . . had other issues and switched to a different doctor for my lap band surgery. Their office was very flexible about protein products as long as they were NOT high in carbs.

I agree; I have recently ended my 20-year love affair with bread products; I can eat whole wheat toast . . . that's about it.

My doctor said he did not care how much I drank BEFORE I ate and I can have a few sips during a meal; he really downplayed this issue. . . not sure why ?

I like this forum because it has been interesting for me to see how doctor's orders and opinions vary so much. My doctor said absolutely NO soda and NO caffeine. I presumed this might cause band erosion so I have avoided both since April 1st. I had my lap band surgery on April 9th.

I told my doctor I did not feel comfortable chosing; so I let him do that for me. He picked the LabBand.

I had a difficult time with the protein shakes too (thickness) but I can tolerate the protein shots. I bought mine at GNC -- high on protein; low on sugar ~ Good Luck ~

I specifically called my nutritionist to ask about fruit and she said I could have canned pears (which are my favorite); I had lap band surgery on April 9th ~ good luck

I had lap band surgery on April 9th; my doctor also repaired my hiatal hernia. I have NOT had a soda since April 1st and honestly, I have not burped since my surgery date . . . very odd indeed~

I agree; I had lap band surgery on April 9th and I am down 25 pounds. I have a summer beach trip planned and hope to lose another 25 pounds. It will be the first summer in 20 years that I won't dread being in a bathing suit ~ Good Luck in your journey ~

I agree with your post. It is very helpful and useful information. The only thing I would add is to make sure you are drinking 64 ounces of water each day ~ Good Luck~

I am also starting to introduce solid foods. I had my lap band surgery on April 9th. I started with baked fish. I am still nervous about trying other foods. I have my first fill on June 6th.

I started on the road to lap band about one year ago. My insurance company required the 6-month diet/weigh ins. I had all of the pre-op testing completed. I had my lap band surgery on April 9th and have NO regrets. I have lost 25 pounds (already down 2 pant sizes). I had the typical gas pains for a couple of days. I have no idea where my port is (I think I failed human anatomy) HA~ I cannot see it or feel it. I am scheduled for my first fill on June 6th. I have nothing but good things to say about the process. I have spent 20 years struggling with weight and health issues and I intend to spend the next 20 years being healthier. I have been very strict about following doctor's orders on the liquid and mushie diet. Good Luck~!