Bandista

I'd say about four months for me. My surgeon did small frequent fills and we kept at it until I got there. Then once in the zone -- and it is a zone, not one perfect place -- I have had to go back again after a few months for an additional small fill. Altogether I've had seven or eight now. Some people have none! When I first had surgery I didn't have hunger for a few weeks. That was a taste of the green zone for me, that appetite monster off of my back. A disinterest in food. I thought maybe I'd never need a fill and now I'm probably at the most ever. Really, you will get there. My advice is to keep all of your appointments and have good dialogue with your surgeon to assess the need for a fill. Mine was looking for satiety after a tennis-ball sized portion (his lingo) for 4-5 hours. Also I have really worked on separating out habitual eating, stress eating and real hunger and I'm kind of a health food type so I eat very well already. I just ate way too much!

I was a half inch taller at a recent physical -- was 5'6 and now 5'6.5! It's funny because if I had known about BMI insurance requirements and had just slouched an inch at my initial weight loss surgery weigh-in I could have avoided a lot of stress (requirement was 40 and I was just under). My theory on being taller now is that I have lost enough weight to hold my body in a whole new way. I'm working out and stretching a lot -- neck is lengthening I that I'm not turtling forward as much. Better posture, holding our heads up high -- people not looking at the belly but up at a smiling face. It's great, isn't it? Cheers!

Wow, you guys are doing great! I recently went for another fill because I was getting "diet-y" -- feeling like I was obsessing over food in the old way. I was a restrictor (with the inevitable bounce-backs if course) so part of the band process for me has been to let go of that mentality. I am not on a diet. If I find myself looking for food and not able to last 4-5 hours on a small portion, I know something is up. But that's just me. I think most of us who have achieved the green zone look back and appreciate the time it took after all to get there because of the self-awareness that had to take place. Just know you're doing beautifully. It will take time but from another perspective it's the blink of an eye. I was gaining steadily at ten pounds a year so losing sixty or so in eight months -- oh my god. But some days it feels so slow. We are impatient creatures.

Hi Bruce, call your surgeon's office immediately; they need to get a look at that. If it's the largest incision it's probably your port site and they will want to make sure the port placement is correct, not over stitched by an ER doctor, etc. Know that your doctors are there for you -- you are not bothering them. You do not need a post-op infection or future complications. Catch it now while it's a small matter. And congratulations on all -- thirty pounds down is a great beginning. I love it that for once the weight off are pounds never to be seen again. Best wishes -- and make that call now!

@@Aliciafl2014 Hi there, so happy for you!

Hi there, the lapband is Adjustable, which means it needs to be adjusted -- it's great to have the surgery done but until you reach the green zone it's just another diet. Fills are required to get to the place where your appetite is dimmed.

Hi JLM, congratulations on your surgery. I think most of us here are very sensitive about people giving advice that could be counter to some one's physician's instructions -- we all try to be very mindful of that. It's definitely confusing that protocols can differ so greatly for pre-op as well as post-op and for fills, but just stick with your plan and you will do very well. Also know that this will all be behind you soon -- the early days are not easy. The big buildup of the surgery is over and now there's this healing period. Just keep telling yourself how proud you are of this significant step in your future. I am so happy and excited to have my band. Here's to a healthy future!

Hi there, good for you getting prepared in advance. I was really happy I upped my exercise prior to surgery. I walked a little more each day, each week. I didn't really want to (lazybones!) but I did it and this gave me something to step right into after surgery, kicked the body into healing mode and helped me shed. Any kind of body awareness you can practice now will also really help. Just paying attention to where and how you hold tension is a way of connecting to what's going on in the body. Taking that time to scan the body and notice what's going on. For me I find my thighs tighten up when I'm feeling stressed or maybe my shoulders, etc. Just noticing releases that. You will be learning how to pay attention to your chewing and swallowing, looking for signals and having an overall sense of how to listen is a great thing. I benefitted from some therapy while I was waiting for my surgery date. I wanted an objective third person to go through the process with me as a way of checking in with myself, any worries that were coming up, etc. "what if it doesn't work, what if I fail, what will I have to give up," -- all those feelings we all have. We broke down all my triggers. It was tedious at times but I'm glad to have gone so deeply into what made me want to eat. A broad label of something like Emotional Eater wasn't really enough for me. I needed to get really specific about the ways I used food to prep myself for things I didn't want to do -- like a conference call, I hate those -- hate the phone in general. So beforehand I'd fortify with food then treat myself after as a reward. That's just one example and of course we are all different with our own triggers and habits. Getting "real" about mine and knowing I was getting surgery which would help me conquer them was a good precursor for later. I found the surgery and recovery very easy and I am as excited today as I was then. It's like my whole life has shifted and I am so happy now. The weight loss is great but the empowerment is amazing. Best wishes to you!

Pre-op is tough but know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It's all worth it. I kept myself accountable by thinking about how the surgeon needed the least-fatty liver possible for good access for band placement. Also, those pounds dropped during pre-op? For the first time that was weight I knew I'd never be seeing again. Good luck -- persevere. You are worth it!

Hi there and congratulations on your surgery! Personally, the whole starvation mode thing is something I have decided is something I don't believe in anymore. But that's just me. I figure I've been saving up for the famine and now my body is burning all that fat, yippee! I also don't have protein goals but find I am just naturally hungry for..... protein!

I know. I've wanted to order something for eShakti -- a dress. They do all kinds of customization based on measurements. And it's not that expensive. But the size chart doesn't seem like it could be right -- or I'm nervous that I'll get a dress and will be so much thinner it won't have been worth all the trouble. Maybe I should just go for it. You can add sleeves to sleeveless dresses and change hemlines, etc.

Hi Cherie, I think it's common to mourn certain foods but it's amazing as you go through all the stages of recovering from surgery then finding the green zone how we don't necessarily want what we craved before. Or we are ambivalent about things we once obsessed over. Having the appetite properly dimmed means it's possible to make different choices or to have very small portions. The idea is you're in the driver's seat versus feeling like your appetite is in charge.

PS I do now wake up planning exercise (instead of planning eating, lol) but my goal is that feeling of craving exercise -- like I can't wait to do it. I think this will come in time. Hope so! Meanwhile, I do it and love it after I've done it. Need a toggle switch in my brain so next day I can't wait......

I wish I had your brain chemistry and maybe one day I will wake up craving exercise. For now I do it and am happy after but I definitely have to do it first thing or it's too convenient to not end up getting around to it. You are an inspiration!

Thinking of you sorting all of this out -- pat yourself on the back! You are showing up for YOU! And your girls. Way to go.

Congratulations on your surgery; I'm glad everything is going well. The only thing missing from your post is the importance of realizing we are all so different. Each individual has their own process to go through and it's really important that we each follow our own surgeon's plan. They differ. I had no protein shakes or protein goals post-surgery (I still don't). Some of us are on a clear liquid post-op for a week and others for a day. Protocols differ greatly -- just stick with your plan and contact your medical professionals if there is anything you're not sure about. They are there for you. Good luck with all -- I am so happy with my banded life! It can take a little time to get the right adjustment and there may be a little frustration in the first few months, but it will all come together. Be patient and persevere -- do all the walking you can before, during and after.

Twenty-five down, yippee! Now you are in the healing phase and return if hunger will come -- all normal. Then you will meet with your surgeon to assess for a fill. You are right on track. Getting exercise in will really help -- you are doing great!

Don't worry, just start now and don't compromise -- give your body a chance to detox and for your liver to shrink. I was glad to have that head start of a good chunk off prior to surgery. This was the first time I lost weight that I knew I'd never be gaining back.

I have only two "Rules" for my own process: eat when I'm hungry and don't eat if I'm not hungry. After so many years of dieting it is the first one that's most difficult -- "letting" myself eat, nourishing myself and not delaying to save up for later, etc. Then there's the stopping when I'm satisfied. The band helps with that and I feel like I am beating the all or nothing game at last. Sending you very best wishes for what you're doing now. It sounds to me like you're on a solid path.

Hey there, congratulations on your surgery date! I was banded in November and I am SO HAPPY. The walking post-surgery is so important -- I was glad I had flip-flops to slip on when I felt like I needed to pee (often, but that's me). Then I'd take the IV pole up and down the hallway and then back to bed for a nap. Repeat cycle but longer walk -- you get the idea! I brought stuff I didn't need. I liked having my own pillow not just in the car but in my room. I used the hospital robe, not the one I brought, I liked having my iPad but I didn't write in the journal I brought or read my book, etc. But nice to have all options! I am a tea drinker and brought my own teabags.

Boy do you have a gorgeous smile, Liz. The kind that lights up a room! I know of your compassion from reading so many of your posts over this last year, and there it is in your eyes -- then and now. And you have purposeful hands -- the kind a painter likes to depict so something more is understood about the person when you notice the way they hold their fingers. I see a lot of intention there but of course I'm biased because I know what you have accomplished, how you grabbed a hold of your life and employed all your courage to go through joint replacement surgery. How you fought for that and lost the weight to make it happen, to get your life back. Your mobility. Your success. So I think in the "now" photo I see that courage and the pride of your having done all this, and gratitude. Joy. Let's face it, you're adorable, but the beauty of you is evident in both photos. You are definitely you. Look in the mirror at those beautiful eyes and thank yourself for everything it took to reclaim your health. I think many of us struggle with being seen for who we are, with being loved and understood, and we're afraid of being judged. I try to tell myself "receive graciously" when I'm told nice things about myself because for whatever reason it is hard to hear those things -- and harder still to feel them. So many little girls were brought up to be seen and not heard and it was always about how pretty, not how smart or gifted. Plus the not getting carried away with one's self part -- as if there were ever any chance of that! Just know you are lovely and worthy in both pictures but in the recent picture you are healthy and able to enjoy your life in a whole new way. I'm so happy for you! And I'm grateful for your posts -- you always get me thinking...

Condolences and best wishes for this new chapter of your life. You sound well-prepared for this transition -- you have the desire and willingness. That positive attitude is a great thing. I found a sense of humor also really helped at the hospital. It is like another planet, so surreal. I had never been an overnight patient before and I was nervous and excited. It was all much better than I thought it would be. This is a great time to start listening to your body, to be really present and aware. If you're jittery, feel what that feels like. Thirst, fatigue, hunger, etc. Later you'll be listening to your band and the more in touch you are the better. You'll want to be able to separate out head hunger from true hunger and know what is coming from a place of old habits, etc. Don't pressure yourself but just notice what's going on and acknowledge it. One thing that cannot be overstated is the importance of walking. I was really glad I upped my exercise pre-surgery. I didn't want to but I did it anyway and that gave me something to step right into after surgery. Anytime I got up (to pee or whatever) I walked, a little further each time until I was tired. Napped then got up to pee, walked, walked, etc. This kicks the body into healing mode and releases any trapped gas. Things have been moved around inside and the walking "rights" the body. I had flip flops at the hospital -- was glad for those. I took a robe but used the one they had. Didn't use other things I brought, like my journal, book to read, etc. You'll want clothes that are easy to put on for going home and a pillow to hold on your tummy in the car. Good luck with the rest of the pre-op -- you've gone through a lot of hoops and it's all going to be worth it. Be patient with yourself those first couple of months as it can take a little while to get into the swing. Keep all your appointments and know that it's all working.

I'm down another pants size. It's hard for me to believe it -- same brand of Lee long jeans. I was tight in 18s at the time if surgery, thrilled to go dow to 16 then 14 then 12 and now.....wait for it....10! Ten? Who is this? Meanwhile, scale is not budging. Who cares -- I wear size ten jeans?!!!!

I'm not really a veteran but I'm 5'6" and down from 18 jeans in November to 12 now in the same brand and ready for new ones. I'm pretty sure exercise is key. You will be a beautiful bride no matter what size you are, and those seamstresses know what they are doing if you need quite a bit removed closer to the wedding. Congratulations on everything!

We are not turning into our mothersI I have friends that worry about various characteristics as we get older but of course there are so many factors. In your mom's case that nasty RA medication. I'm so sorry about that. I had the 3-4 months out hair loss as well and it has stopped now. Also not noticeable to any one else but of course worrisome. I do think it is about the anesthesia; that just makes so much sense. And I take Biotin which may just be a placebo for me but the fingernails, wow! Hope you have a great Friday and weekend. You're doing beautifully and you are beautiful. Just keep on keeping on and throw your shoulders back, hold your head up high and remember how amazing you are.