7thangel

Don't beat yourself up, however if you are already eating foods you know you shouldn't this early into your band you are going to have to get out of that cycle quickly. I was banded last August 11, so it has been about one year. I have lost about 65 pounds, but over the past few months I have gotten into the very bad habit of eating sweets in place of "good" food. It is a hard cycle to get out of because I don't gain, but yet still have my sweet foods, just not as much. That makes me say "hey, this is great. I am losing/staying the same while eating ice cream". But its not good. All I am saying is, keep telling yourself "I have a small stomach and can't eat a lot, so I need to eat my proteins, veggies, etc." Sure, have the cookie dough if you have to......a small spoonful once per month. Hang in there, the band was the best decision you could have made!

I was banded 08/16/07. I have had four fills since. I am trying to determine if I have optimum restriction or not. I would like to hear from people who are at their "sweet spot". How much food do you eat? Do you feel satisfied after only a little food, but hungry less than 3 hours later? Do you feel "full" after food? I have been losing weight, but feel like I am depriving myself. I feel like I'm back on Weight Watchers! How can I identify if I am at optimum restriction? Thanks!

Okay, you August Bandsters.... this might seem like a weird symptom, but I am getting it out here. I was banded on 08/16/07. I have had one fill so far of 1 cc in a 4 cc band. I don't really feel that much restriction so far. After I eat, I wait my 1-1.5 hours before I drink any fluids again (I am a good girl when it comes to this), the problem is, is that sometimes after I drink for the first time after eating, I get this horrid pain on top of my left shoulder up the left side of my neck and it stops at the back of my ear. No problems with my right shoulder. Is that funky or what? It kind of feels like those gas pains after surgery, but I am over two months out from surgery. Am I alone on this one? Am I eating too much? Drinking to much or too fast? Sometimes it hurts so bad, I contemplate taking a pain med. I go for my next fill tomorrow, I will ask the fill nurse as well. Thanks!!

Just wanted to wish the best to all of you getting banded later this week (me included 08/16). I know there are at least three of us on the 16th! Keep in touch and I will be checking over the next couple of days to see your progress! You are all in my thoughts and prayers...

I had my surgery 08/16. I did a lot of research, talked to people who have had the surgery and prayed about it. I feel I made the right decision, but what bothers me is that I had to make my decision (partly) based on information from people who were banded no earlier than 2005. I think I found one person who was banded in 2004. Other than that, when I look at the banding dates of most people in this forum or other forums it is around 2004/05. I know all the statistics and such, but where are all the people banded in 2001/2002? Either: A. they are doing fine with their band and don't need to read these forums, or B. They have had the band removed for some reason and don't want to fool with ever doing this again. I don't know.....it just bothers me that I can't pick the brains of Bandsters any earlier than 2004...Honestly, what are the REAL implications of what I have done ten years down the road? Again, I know I have stats, but I want to talk to people who have "been there, done that". The poll about "are you glad you got the band". Everyone seems to be happy about their band two weeks, one month, one year postop, but what about 5 years out?

In essence, those older bandsters have assimilated the behavior modifications needed for success into their lives, and they no longer feel the need to be on weight loss message boards. Yeah, that is kind of what I figured. and actually i should have put in a year of 2003. I know it was only approved in 2001 so I am sure the people banded in 2001 are few and far between.

I posted a similar question right before my surgery on 08/16. The fear of the unknown......that is really what is bothering you. What if, what if, what if.... Try this: What if you DON'T have the surgery? Will you be able to lose all the weight you want on your own? Will you be able to maybe come off your asthma meds someday? Will you be able to ride a roller coaster with your kids as you are now? Will you be on diabetes meds in 10 years? Look, I was super scared the day of surgery. Just tell your nurses and docs that you are. I actually cried all the way to the OR even after they had given me meds to calm me down, I was that nervous. But you know what, the next thing I knew I was in recovery with a morphine button at my fingertips...Ahhhh.... It's easy for me to say this because my surgery is done, but you will look back at this and realize you worried yourself more than you should. You definitely need to be informed and know this is the right decision for you, but statistics show you will do wonderfully! Congratulations and think positive!!

I was banded on the 16th of Aug. I would call your doc, but maybe you are eating too fast. (I know..... how fast can you possibly eat Jell-o). I would try to drink more fluids as well. I did eat some Malt-O-Meal which is on my okay list and it wasn't as soupy as I have had, but it went down okay. I ate some tomato soup last night and it was kind of painful, but my gas pains were also coming back. Sorry I couldn't be of more help..

I have never felt such pain like I did with the gas in my left shoulder. It actually went up my neck behind my ear. I walked and it helped short-term, but finally I took my pain medication. I didn't think it would help for gas, but pain is pain. I was in tears the pain was so bad. It would go to my chest, then to my stomach then back in my shoulder. Lortab...I love you.

I was banded 8/16. sorry, I don't have any of your symptoms. my port site just hurts. Have you not been getting out of the house or sleeping on and off during the day? that might be causing the blurry vision. I still feel pretty terrible.

Congrats azqueen! Banded 8/16 as well. I don't remember hearing anything special about hot or cold beverages. I seem to do fine with both. How about pain? When do you think I will start to feel at least a little back to normal. the only thing that still really hurts is the port site. I swear it feels like i have a 5 pound ball hanging inside my stomach!

Hi All! August 16 band date for me. I went in at 12 noon and was home by 9:30 pm same day. Everything went very well. A little sore, but overall it was much easier than I thought. I put myself through way too much anxiety before hand I think! just trying to drink my liquids and walk!

sorry, I meant "for POSTOP I am just sticking to"

Hi azqueen! I'm in AZ too. Dr. Hilario Juarez at Bridges at St. Lukes is doing my surgery. I don't have a preop diet, so you must have a different doc. I guess for preop I am just sticking to the protein shakes, liquids and the like. I am on only liquids for three weeks, then mushies for two or three after that. I get my first fill 6 weeks out. Yeah, I guess "emotions" is the right word. I think I have run the gamut. I told my DH not to let me back out! I know I'll regret it if I do. keep in touch az queen and stonersmom.

Thank you all for posting your results. I am scheduled for 08/16 and I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I feel like this site has prepared me even more than what I had already researched. I just keep thinking if something goes wrong, I could never forgive myself for leaving behind a husband and three small kids. Am I being selfish by wanting to do this surgery? Boy, how I would love a guarantee right now....

7thAngel surgery date Aug. 16!

Hi. Just here to introduce myself as instructed. I am to be banded on July 6 by Dr. Juarez in AZ. I started the process in February. I am nervous, but excited at the same time. I really appreciate all of the information on the site, especially what to have in the house postop. Best wishes to all!

All programs differ in a few aspects, but I think this is one that does not. My insurance required a letter from my PCP only, not a specialist. Insurance companies want to see a weight history and general health history (lab results, if you have any problems with sleep apnea, diabetes, high cholesterol). These are things your OB/GYN usually does not follow. I would check with your insurance company. Good Luck!

Thanks for letting me know about the support groups SElaine! I really want this to work for me and I think I would really benefit from those meetings. The Dr's office called today and my "actual" date is August 15. Boy, this sure did take a long time from the intial seminar to surgery date. If I don't learn anything else from this experience, I can't say I did not learn PATIENCE!

Thanks! I am in Mesa. However, I have to amend my surgery date. My insurance called and wanted to talk to me about my "upcoming surgery on the 6th". well, I called Dr. Juarez's office today and that was just a bogus date the nurse had to put on my forms, soooo I am to call their office back on Wednesday to get on the schedule. probably a month or so out I am thinking. I was bummed. Who is doing your surgery if you don't mind telling me?