MairinNYC

I was banded on July 9th and have lost only 9 pounds so far. I guess I expected to lose more weight in weeks 2 & 3 and am feeling a little disappointed. For those of you who have been banded for a longer period of time, what were your weight loss experiences? I know that everyone is different and so are their weight loss experiences. I was just curious as to what to expect over the next 3 weeks until I go to my 6 week follow up. Thanks!

I hear ya candtwalker ... I was weighed at my 1 week post op visit, I have another apointment in 3 weeks. I have only weighed myself once since then. I didn't want to drive myself insame with constant weighing in at home. I may end up doing that though since I am so afraid of gaining weight. It took a year to go through this whole process and I don't want to screw it up.

Thanks possum & Sandra! You are right ... I did forget about the healing in the first 6 weeks. I guess I'm a little impatient & expected to lose a little more weight (a pound or so) each week since my diet is so different. Thank you both for the support and helping to refocus me!

During the liquid stage my surgeon wanted me to have clear broths (chicken & beef), crystal light, sugar free ice pops and jello as well as protein shakes. My husband & I noth use a protein shake put out by Myoplex (26 grams of protein adn 3 grams of carbs). I am on the pureed stage and have added creamy peanut butter to the blender when I make my shakes to vary the flavor a bit.

There are positives and negatives to every surgery. I think that the most important decision you make if you decide to get the surgery is where/ which doctor is going to perform the surgery. Living in NYC I have many options. I know of 3 people that went throught NYU a very reputable hospital. I decided to go through Staten Island University Hospital instead. One of the reasons is that they run a more comprehensive and stict program. I was banded on 7/9, I have an appointment on Monday for an upper g.i. to make sure the band is still in place after the post op swelling has gone down. I have an appointment with my surgeon on Wednesday as well for a post op check up. On the anniversary of my surgery I will be sent for another upper g.i. to make sure the band is not slipping. They try to catch thngs ahead of time. Also, check into a support group. My surgeon's office runs several and I was mandated to attend 2 support group sessions (with other requirments) in order to receive surgery,

I also had a concern with keeping the weight off after being banded long term. I recently read an article that stated that the reason that many "older bands (7-10 years old) had to be removed was slippage or a lack of a perfected technique. Over the last 5 years or so many surgeons have perfected the techniques for banding a patient and the procedure is now done lapriscopically as opposed to open surgery (which is how it started). They are stillc ompiling data, but band slippage and weight gain seems to have subsided a bit in the last 5 years.

Are you taking in enough protein? Every doctor is different, my doctor requires a liquid diet (clear meat broths, protein shakes, sugar free jello & sugar free ice pops) and then 2 weeks of soft/ pureed foods. You were banded 6 days before me, so you are a bit ahead of me. SInce you were banded a week earlier, the swelling from surgery as well as the bloating have probably subsided. You are probably feeling hungry from all of the healing. You may want to try a protein shake (even slim fast 2 times a day) can be helpful. Besides Slim Fast, there are other brands that my doctor put on a pre approved list: Isopure, Ultra Pure Protein & Worldwide extreme protein: 1 shake a day. Nutrimelt, Myoplex Carb Sense, Slim Fast Lo Carb or Unjury: 2 shakes a day. The key is to have less than 10 or 11 grams of carbs per serving. Hope this helps.

I was banded on Momday 7/9. I am very bloated but up & moving around. My doctor runs a very strict program and requires 2 weeks of liquids & 2 weeks of soft/ pureed foods. I just started to feel hungry today and I am trying to get all of my protein shakes and other clear liquids in. I am able to cook for my husband and daughter without getting tempted which feels good. =0)