Meowmom

I am going to have gastric weight loss surgery in the next couple months. I have been doing the classes with Kaiser, who I have my ins. with. I am hearing rumors from class members and nurses, that there are quite a few problems with the band. I have heard that there is a 25 percent failure rate, and they are undoing almost as many as they are doing. I have only 60-70 lbs. to loose, and I really don't want to have a bypass ( my only other option ) as I fear loosing too much weight and looking older, as I am in my 60's now. I am also concerned about the malabsorption issues and the 'dumping syndrome' that comes with the bypass. I would be very grateful to hear some feedback about this. Thanks a bunch Rita

I was banded on July 19th. So far loosing about 1 lb a week. I had one fill and didn't notice much difference after. I go Tues for next fill. Sure hope it will make a big difference. I am very hungry and can eat about 2 cups at this time Way too much. How are the rest of you doing with this? Would love the feedback. Dose anyone know how many Cc's are the best for good restriction? I beliee my band is 12 CC's. Thanks for the input. Rita

My God! 51 lbs in one month. That is incredible. I don't think us gals can loose that fast. Men seen to have the upper hand when it comes to weight loss. You must have been working out a lot. I hope it keeps going so well.

I had my 2 week post op Wednesday. My Dr. said I could go to regular food. Interesting how they all differ a bit on that issue. I did get 2 CC's added and was happy about that, but don't really feel much difference. I have been pretty hungry and can eat about 1 cup or a bit more. I have been trying to stay under that, but I get hungry after a couple hours. How are you all doing with that part? I lost 20 lbs. in the first month and don't want to gain any of that back.

Very well said. You will do great as you have a great attitude. I m one week out today and am feeling great. I actually have more energy already. The food thing hasn't been hard. I don't feel hungry, and it is actually kinda nice to not have to plan and decide what I want to eat all the time. Now that I can see the weight loss and am feeling better, I want to stay on the eating plan even more. Best of luck to you.

It is mostly sore, but when I walk very much, if I turn a certain way it does feel sharp and hot and pulls. But not all the time. I am really feeling very good.

How far out are you from surgery? I am one week and feeling hungry. Worried about gaining back what I lost last week.

And all the best to you, too. Hope you do as well as I have been doing. 1 Week tomorrow and going to a movie with friend today. Just burning and pain near port site. Otherwise feeling good.

I can relate. I am 5 days post op and so far have been OK with the full liquid diet. But today I have been doing more activity wise, and am feeling very hungry. I can't do the Protein for over a week yet. I guess it is Water to help. I sure don't want to gain back the 10 lbs. I lost on the liquid diet. It really is a bummer to feel so hungry and crave other foods that I'm not suppose to have, so soon out. Rita

I wish you the best of luck. Keep us posted on how you are feeling. Didn't have trouble sleeping except the night I spent in the hospital. They wake you up about every hour for one thing or another. I haven't been sleeping as well since I got home. Perhaps it is the pain meds.

Surgery 719...Yea, I was very surprised that we don't get any restriction till after post op appt. and swelling goes down. I do feel like I can eat more than the 1/2 cup, but try to stop at that point. So afraid I will gain weight. My post surgery full liquids diet says to eat 5 small meals a day. So I would have some lite yogurt or lite yogurt smoothies around to help thru the hunger. Or maybe some sugar free jello so you aren't' getting to many calories. Good luck Rita

How long after surgery do I have to wait to get first fill? I feel like I could eat way more than I am suppose to. Surgery 7/19

How far out are you from surgery? I was expecting to have restriction right away, but the Dr said the swelling has to go down before I can have my first fill. I do feel as if I could eat way more that 1/2 cup, but am trying to stay to the diet. How long do I have to wait?

Banded Thursday 7/20. I am feeling very well. Just a lot of soreness on the left side. Good luck. Think positive and remember this is the start of your new life. I just keep telling myself that. And be patient with yourself. I lost 10 in 3 days on liquid diet but am up 3lbs. as of yesterday. I believe it is the IV fluids they give us in the hospital. I am sure it will start coming off quicker now.

Hi everyone. Surgery Thursday. I had to stay one night as well, but didn't mind. They kept the pain meds coming and I had great care. I live alone and thought that best as am still a bit weak and lightheaded. I feel pretty good. Incisions are pretty sore, and I am having quite a burning sensation in my stomach, sort of like bad indigestion. The Gas X strips do help quite a bit, so I recommend them. Otherwise feeling quite well. For those of you that have surgeries coming up, it isn't bad at all. And good luck to you all. The new live starts now!!! I was down 10 lbs on the liquid diet, and 15 from the beginning of the process. So I have a pretty good start on this. Someone even commented that it shows already. Wow... Rita

Four hours to lift off. Can't wait. Just want some water. Nothing after midnight and surgery isn't till 1:30. I had bad low blood sugar reactions on no sugar liquid 3 day diet. Tell your Dr. if you are hypoglycemic. Had to load up on Snapple. Lost 10lbs though in 3 days. That's a big motivation. Will let you know how it goes.

Me too! Boy, I'll drink to that. Chicken broth at least for now.

Can someone tell me what Plication means. I don't know if I am having that or not. Am getting banded on Thursday 19th. Rita

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

I'm here, I'm here...July 17th. Good luck to us.... Rita

Hey Dawn...Where do you get the flavored protein power?

Your surgeon should have given you a diet to follow. I have been sipping on chicken broth and eating sugar free Jello. I got some clear protein drinks from dietdirect.com but it takes several days to get it. GNC has some sugar free protein drinks that are clear. Sugar free Popsicles work too. Good luck... Rita

Hey, that is great. I hope we do extremely well. I am planning on it. Not too keen on this liquid diet How are you doing with it? Mine is just 3 days. I can't believe some have to do 2 weeks. That would be really hard.