woodkd

Hi All, I just had my second fill last Thursday. Since Saturday I have been getting nauseous after eating. Is this common to other people? I haven't decided if the nauseous is due to my fill or if perhaps I have a slight stomach virus. Thanks, Debbie

I try and eat according to the rules, this does not happen all the time however. I just came out of a few weeks of eating poorly, so now I'm back on track. I don't know if the "sweet spot" is the same for everyone. I know I should not be any tighter because I can feel that I have good restriction. However, I am hungry, the "sweet spot" to me is the place where I know I couldn't go any tighter, food goes down and if I eat the correct foods I will get full. The key to success when you are at your "sweet spot" is knowing that this tool has done it's job, now it's time to do yours. Exercise 4-5 times a week and eat correctly. If you suffer from acid reflux like me, when you eat right the symptoms go down dramatically. When I eat poorly, I have the worse acid reflux. I find if I eat my Proteins, veggies and then a whole wheat carb item, I can eat about a cup of food. For some reason I have a very difficult time with fruit, I get really stuck with it so for the most part I avoid it. A typical day is: Bkst- Bowl of Fiber one with Soy Silk milk. Snack- Fat free, low fat yogurt Lunch- Dark chicken meat (it goes down easier) whole wheat couscous and broccoli. Snack- 8 almonds Dinner- Salmon, salad w/ veggies and brown rice. I don't eat after dinner. Debbie

I was able to get banded with a BMI of 35. I did pay out of pocket $15,000, but that does include all fills and follow up that I need.

Every time I hit a plateau I get discouraged and start that negative self talk. I think I'll never break through it, that the band just isn't going to work that well for me. Then I break through my plateau, and my plateaus are usually b/c of not following the rules, and I am so happy with my band again. That's why everyone says it's a journey, you have to take the good with the bad and keep challenging yourself to step up and do what you must. I've never been a bigger loser, I typically lose about 4 pounds a month, not a lot but consistent. I've lost about 55 lbs in 10 months, I went from a size 18/20 to a 14, and I'm close to a 12. I hoped it would go faster but it hasn't so that's okay too. As long as we keep trying to stick to the rules the weight will come off, even if it's slow, that's better than gaining!

I wish I had known how hard it is to eat the bandster way vs. eating crap. Eating protein and all of the food we are supposed to eat, are very difficult at times. I mean they get stuck and it can be very uncomfortable to get the protein in. On the other hand eating total crap is a cinch, chips, choclate and icecream are a breeze. I wish it was the other way around. So that's when you have struggles with your brain, eat the good stuff even though at times it is damn uncomfortable!

I have heard of this elusive sweet spot but have never had the pleasure of reaching it since I was banded 8 months ago. I have restriction, it hurts to eat, but I do feel hungry. I never have had the situation where a 1/2 cup is enough and I don't even think of food for another 4-5 hours, I'm hungry again in about 2-3 hours!! How about others, is there really a sweet spot?? Or is this a myth??? I'm goin with the myth! Debbie

I had Dr. Helmuth Billy do mine and he charged $15,000, self pay. That does include free fills for life though.

We actually got tickets to go to last nights taping of Idol and it was awesome. They sound so much better live. Bo and Nadia were amazing! I couldn't believe Bo and Nadia were voted before Anthony. I was so ready for Scott to go home and then when they said his name and he went up there, you really feel all of the emotion and the pressure these kids are under. I felt bad for him. After the show my kids were waiting to get autographs and Bo's sister was there so she was talking with us. Just imagine a smaller female version of Bo, without the hair under the lip, and that was her. Simon actually was very nice, and was very sweet to my kids, so he just went up in my book!! It was an amazing experience, my kids had a blast!

I'm about 7 months out and I am struggling too. I joined Weight Watchers again, not for the program but for a support system. I find myself going back to poor food choices. It's nice for me to go to a meeting, talk about strategies for how to handle food situations and to be accountable to get weighed. I won't stand up and talk about my weight loss, like other members, because I know I'm different with my band, but it's nice to be in a supportive atmosphere where I get re-energized. Good luck!

Another great place is Travelzoo.com They usually have great package deals you can get.

You look amazing! What a difference a year makes. You look very happy, keep up the good work.

Welcome to the banding world!! Congratulations on a successful surgery. I hope you have a quick and speed recovery!

Hi, I was banded August 31st, weighing 228. At the end of September I got my first fill of 1.5 cc, weighing 222. I'm due to see Dr. Billy tomorrow for my 2nd fill, and I've lost about 4.5 pounds, I'm at 217.4. I feel like I don't have any restriction and can eat anything. I'm supposed to go for another fill tomorrow and am hoping this helps. It seems like others are really benefiting from this band, so far I'm less than impressed. I lost more weight on weight watchers! I am really watching what I eat, I exercise about 4-5 times a week, so I'm not sure what is going on. I'm actually eating less than I did on weight watchers and I'm losing less! Can some of you please share your fill stats. I know we are all different, but I want to know what is a realistic fill before I really start to benefit from this band. Thanks, Debbie

In la la land I'd like to weigh 150-160 lbs. I haven't weighed that since I was 18, so I'm not sure how realistic that is.

I have the 9.75 cm that holds only 4cc. I keep telling myself that I'm in starvation mode that's why I won't lose any weight, but I'm sure that's wishful thinking! LOL I'm eating about 1200 cal a day. I know I could eat more protein, good idea. The way I lose weight is so weird. Right after surgery within the first week I lost 6 lbs, then nothing for 3 more weeks. I go in for my first fill, and within a week I lose 4.5 lbs, then nothing for another 3 weeks. Maybe I'm being impatient, time will tell.

I'm giantess matierial too, I'm 5'9. I have a 9.75 lapband. When you had your fill how much did they put in?

This thread is stressin me out!!!!! I am already hair challenged, I can't afford to lose anymore. I'm seriously stressed about losing my hair, 9 months, I won't have any hair left!!! Does this happen to everyone? I've been banded for 2 months, so I need to figure out what I can do to lessen the hair loss effect. Debbie

Debbie, Don't worry, once you get your first fill it will be remarkable. I felt the same way, I was so frustrated b/c after my surgery I lost about 10 lbs. then nothing for 3 weeks. I worked out, changed my eating etc.... and no weight loss. Within a week of my fill I lost 7 lbs, so it evens itself out. The band will work for you, you just need a fill. Debbie

I've seen Penni's posts regarding how cute Dr. Billy is and I must say I agree!!! I am getting surgery done by him on 8/31. I'm nervous but I think he is really good and being cute does not hurt either!!!!!! So soon I shall to have the pleasure of being stuck by Dr. Billy, I'll let you know how he is!!! Hopefully as good as Penni says! Debbie

Hi, How exciting, I can relate I'm getting banded tomorrow!! I can't believe it's actually here. I hope you have great success!!!! Debbie

Wow how did you get your husband to agree to the vasectomey, vasectomey reversal and the band??? He's a definate keeper. I got my husband to agree to the vasectomy and the band, he wouldn't go for the reversal. I guess 2 out of 3 isn't too bad! Good luck. Debbie

I can relate!! I have just gone through the month of hell with all of the testing I had to get done. I second the fact that the upper GI is nooooooo fun. I'm glad it's done. I was nervous for some of the tests but they came out fine, you have nothing to worry about. Hopefully they'll give you your date within a couple of weeks. I get banded on Tuesday, the date arrives before you know it. Best of luck. Debbie

I live in Montrose, it's north of Glendale against the Foothills. I'm so glad to have found another bandster in my area!! I am gone next week at a conference, I get back and a couple of days later I get my band. I feel like someone has hit fast forward!!! I am so glad it is finally here! I have had to jump through some hoops but am so glad I did. Dr. Billy is great as his support staff. I'll post again when I'm on the other side. Debbie

Hi, I will be at Community Memorial Hospital, across the street from his office. Since I'm self pay they have a package rate I'm doing. The upside is I get free fills for life.

Hi, I was wondering if those of you out there who are married felt that your spouse was less than supportive of your decision to get banded. My husband states he is supportive but his actions don't necessairly show that. I know he wants the best for my health but his comments are more geared towards that I will fail, or will want to give up if it gets too hard. This is discouraging for me, I really don't think he even knows he's doing it. He hasn't done any research with me and has asked few questions. Also, my mom is less than supportive and thinks I'm crazy. I feel the people closest to me aren't being supportive. My friends have been supportive, those I've told, but my family has not been. I feel kind of alone and realize that changes in families sometimes threatens other members of the family but this sucks!!! Has anyone gone through this.