bandedrn

As a banded patient as well as a Bariatric Nurse Coordinator. It sounds like you are ready, you are going to do great. Yes it is a tool, but it is the BEST tool that I can imagine. I was 250 lbs in june of 2006 and used my TOOL to the fullest, listened to my body and made WISE choices and lost 112 lbs in 8 months. The band is used to help hold the food in the upper stomach longer resulting in feeling full longer, it also help you get full faster resulting in less food intake. But, if you fill it with icees, snowballs, icecream etc. the band is not going to stop you at all. The important thing is PROTEIN first and good quality foods. I am sure you are going to do great, best of luck.

There is a certain diet that you should be following post-op not necessarily a "weightloss" diet but to focus more on consistency. After the band is placed there is inflammation that occurs the diet should advance you through stages of consistency eventually to a regular diet. This tells the surgeon how the inflammaton is and also can help him determine when you are ready for your first fill. Be careful, choose good quality foods and listen to your body. I think the back pain is gas or if it associated with meals it may be related to over eating, try a "gasx" thin strip it dissolves on your tongue, if this does not help cut down on portions

What you are experiencing to TOTALLY normal. The reason that clear liquids are filling you is because when the band is placed around the stomach there is an inflamatory response from the restriction. This will subside over the next few days and you will soon realize that you are tolerating more liquids at a time. Don't push it, take advantage of the full feeling this will aid in weight loss. Also remember vomiting at this early stage can contribute to band slippage. You are doing fine!!! The good thing is that you are listening to your body.

I TOTALLY agree with you. Keeping up with your fills is VERY important. I would go to my surgeons office every 2 weeks just for a weigh in and see him monthly. I think that helped me out greatly, it was the accountability thing I knew that I had to get on a scale in front of them and account for my food choices and I truely feel THAT played a big part in the rate of my weight loss. Since my surgery I have been offered a position as a bariatric nurse coordinator and I counsel people everyday and strongly encourage frequent visits and frequent assessment to determine if you need a fill. Looking overall the patients that follow this schedule have a much greater and faster weight loss. However, it's not all about the pace or amount, it's about PERSONAL goals. It is what YOU are happy with. Some people are ok at a slower pace and that is GREAT, personally I told myself, I finally have the tool and help that I need and I am going to use it to it's maxium potential. Again, don't every get discouraged once you get your band "tweeked" to the right restriction you will know and you will see the weight loss increase.

I have reached my goal in as little as 8 months. June 2006- 250 lbs, Feb 2007 138 lbs. When I reached my goal in 2-07 I have 1/2 of cc removed from my band so that I would be able to maintain my weight. I love my band the only regret is why didn't I do it sooner.

Yes, it is very possible to lose 100 lbs or greater with the band. I was banded on 06-05-06 and reached my goal at 138 lbs in 2-07. Everyone must remember the band is a TOOL to assist you with weight loss, however the quality of the foods we eat plays a great factor in the rate and amount of weight loss. For anyone considering it, DO IT, it will change your life.