cmp2007

Hello. I have been off line and busy with life. It is so good to see all the progress everyone is making. I am feeling a little bummed because I am holding steady lately. Up two pounds, down two,etc. I think I am at the right restriction, because I will get food stuck, etc. I feel like the cravings are coming back as well. My weight loss now is 38 pounds, but none in the last few weeks. Any suggestions?

Stephanie- Let us know how your fill goes. I feel the food stuck thing now, and I have some restriction, but amazingly the scale hasn't moved in a week! I am pretty bummed about it and surprised, because I definately have not been eating near as much as I used to!

When I was in class and telling them that I can and do eat everything they said just to get rid of all the junk food in the house, but sometimes it is not that easy. I have two kids and a DH that doesn't have a weight problem. ( from prior post) I have the same problem...with 3 kids and their friends over all the time, I have to have some snack food around. CHHS- Did you have insurance to cover this?

Terry-Is that a new picture you have? You look awesome!

Wow...how can you lose your fill? Where does it go? And what is omnipac? I'm calling in the morning to schedule a third fill, so this omnipac thing might be something I should know about! Stef- I don't know what happened to the saline. I think it is absorbed. The omnipac is a thicker/stickier solution from what I can tell. I am having much better restriction now. I was getting worried that I had a leak when the saline didn't stay! I was cash pay and I really can't afford to go in and fix a problem! I feel so terrible for those of you who are still in bandster hell. It will be come to an end soon...keep the faith!

I feel your pain! It is so hard to have the band this long and not feel that it is working for you yet. I was able to get to my third fill and that has made a huge difference. I say, keep calling and letting them know you don't have restriction yet. My first fill was saline, and when I went in for my second she said I had lost most of my first. She wasn't too concerned because it was my first fill, and I guess that can happen. I had my second fill and it was great for a day, and then I didn't feel much restriction. Usually they make you wait two weeks between fills, but I explained that I thought I had lost my fill. I was able to come in the next day and this third fill they did with omnipac and it is staying with me so far. What a difference! It will happen, keep communicating with your doctor's office. I know many people have to wait longer for fills than I did and I know that must be so frustrating, but it will work out. Keep us posted. Stephanie- I am so impressed with your weight loss!

Stephanie- Have you lost 36 pounds since surgery? That is amazing! I got a good fill this past week and I think I am finally feeling restriction. Food does feel like it gets stuck and it can be hard to get food down.

Terry, Thanks for your advice. I spoke to Brenda today and hopefully I will get in for a fill tomorrow. I think I just loose the fill, or a good portion of it. I have been excercising, but probably not like I should be. I am getting ready to go back to work (teaching) and I have been really busy with end of summer fun! Thanks for your response...I was getting all worked up. I agree with mommi-hammi, I would love to forget to eat!

Hello fellow Spivak patients. I went in for my second fill last week, and the procedure was fine. At the office they told me that most of my original fill was gone. She filled me up and I was on my way.; My issue is that I for that night I felt restriction and by the next day nothing. I am so bummed. I am gaining back weight that I lost! I made an appointment to see Dr. Spivak next week for a fill...is he the only one that can switch you over to the omnipac? I just think I am losing my fill, and after eating pretty good for the last six weeks, I am craving some junk food, and with no restriction I am sliding down hill fast. Any advice? Anyone going to the support meeting tomorrow? I need it!

Welcome to the lap world. I am one month post op and I will tell you the first week was tough. I had heard how people went back to work after two days, but I really thought I would have needed a full week to 10 days off. I am a teacher, so I didn't need to worry about that. I agree with everything Faith said. Walking really does help with the pain. I thought for sure the pains could not be gas, but after about 5 days I was much better. Also, flapping your arms like wings helped me. It seemed to move some of the shoulder pains. I have never taken anything for constipation, and I don't really notice a problem. Best of luck! You will feel so much better in a week!

jsrico- that is awesome! Terry- What is the spot you are referring to? This may be a dumb question...besides the surgery, Tuesday meetings, and fills, are there other services they offer? Not that the list is not enough.

I had my first fill today. I don't know the gals name, but she did a fine job. First try and no problems. She had short brown hair.

I live out of state from my family and I have not told them. I am going to see them on Saturday, but will not tell them. I have told a few friends of mine and actually I wish I hadn't told some of them. I don't want to talk about my eating/not eating all the time. I have three children ages 8-15 and I told them all what I was doing. They have been very supportive, even more so than my adult friends. My one child is chubby and I did worry about him, but so far I don't see any problems. When my brother came to town (13 days post op) I explained to my kids that I had choosen not to tell my brother and they thought it was strange, but I said it is a private issue for me and they were good. Now that I am recovered it is really a non issue and I don't think the topic will come up when I am visiting next week. I try not to draw attention to what I am eating.

Hello June Bandsters. I had my first fill today and it went fine. (3cc) The nurse performed it and I have to eat mushies today and start slowly tomorrow on regular food. I will be four weeks on Friday, but I called and let them know I needed to come in...I had gained back 2 pounds because I could eat all I wanted to. I am going to give this 2 weeks and go in if I am not restricted enough. I am flying on Saturday and I have heard it can feel more restricting. Does anyone have any experience with flying and the band? Faith- I really hope your hair grows back. From what I have read they say it does return to normal.

I am going in for my fill on Thursday and am leaving for vacation on Saturday...I hope that isn't a mistake. I really need a fill. This past weekend I have been eating like before the band and I have gained back 3 pounds...how depressing! I am eager for restriction as well!

Thank you for posting the article. Very good information. I can't wait to see which band I was given when I go on Thursday!

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for posting. I really enjoy reading these posts. It is my new relaxation tool also. Suzzie- Your commitment to working out is inspiring! I also feel like food tastes different. I have really noticed that sugar free items are sooo sweet. I will have my first fill next Thursday and have mixed feelings about it. I really am excited to go to full foods, and am nervous I won't be able to enjoy the food after the fill. I am also concerned about my ability to make wise choices once the choices are open. How is it going for the rest of you with making choices?

Two days of liquids Four weeks of mushies I am thinking I have it easy!

I just had lap band 1 week ago and am feeling really good now. The surgery was no problem...anesthsia was fine. Recovery was 2 days of feeling a bit out of with (pain meds) and moving slow. Next I had 2 days of gas/shoulder pains, 2 days of feeling like I was recovering and now I am doing well. I have lost 11 pounds already! The recovery first couple days is the worst part, not really painful as in bad pain, just uncomfortable. Plan to lay low for a week and she will be fine.

I would like the diet plan also, please. Thanks!

Tachlime- How long did it take for your swelling to go down?

Hello out there. Doing better everyday. I appologize about my question guys...here goes. Gals, what did you do about a bra when you were recovering? It feels so tight to put it on (maybe still swollen), and sports bras are worse. Any advice that has worked, or did you not have this problem? Thanks for any help.

Donna- Congrats! You sound like you are doing so well. I was banded on Friday and today- day 5, I am really feeling pretty good, yeah !

I am a Spivak person also, looks like we are one week apart. Best of luck, you will do great!

I was very worried about being able to do it also. You will be amazed at how this helps. I say this at only 5 days out...but I can see it is habit changing. Best of luck! You will do great!