Srock

Banded in jan 2014. Last fill 1 week ago and I'm feeling real restriction for first time. I can eat about 1/4 - 1/2 cup at a a time. I'm trying out different foods with different consistencies to figure out what works best for me. But I'd like to hear from other bandsters on what you eat, what amounts, how long u take to eat, when do u know to stop? I've heard that some people have signals that tells them to stop but I don't. So, sometimes I eat too fast and get that painful sensation mid-sternum - till it slips thru the band. But I'd like to have some pointers that I can use to not have that feeling. I know that everybody is different but everyone with a band has some secret tips - so spill people! Lol.

First fill today - 6 weeks post op. My body shape is changing and I've gone down a pant size but only lost 1lb from surgery date of 1/21 (according to doc scales). Exercising, completely changed the way I eat (no soda, no junk food, Protein first, etc.). Doc said he was gonna put in fill, then have me drink til I felt restriction. He put in 3 ccs and I inhaled 2 glasses of Water with no problem. I told him I could keep drinking and he said that 3ccs is his max fill. He said "I'll see u in 4 weeks and I'm sure u will need a fill". Anybody else had similar experience with (1) not feeling restriction with first fill and (2) dropping a size with virtually no loss in lbs?

Had my second fill 2 weeks ago. Finally my hunger is curbed and I'm consuming much less - and the scale is moving! But, I'm finding that I cannot eat tolerate certain foods - particularly anything dry. And I know to avoid sliders. My question is - where is that delicate balance between food that is so dry it sticks and food that is so moist it slides? Or should I even worry about foods being too moist as long as I'm satiated, eating healthy, and losing weight? Any feedback is welcome.

I totally understand. No weight loss until after 2nd fill but able to fit in smaller clothes. Crazy but true! Thought it was just me.

Thanks for feedback all! The part that perplexes me most is that I've virtually stayed the same weight but dropping pant sizes. Pants that didn't fit at all 6 weeks ago are now the right size (and loose!). Just weird but I am happy with it. I know the scale will eventually move because of the basic science (cals in/ out). Just curious if this is happening to anyone else. Again thanks for responses - it always helps to hear from other bandsters

Lapband placed on 1/21/14. Swelling must be resolved because I feel no restriction. Stuck to pre-op diet exactly so I have some cravings that are hitting me strong now. Any words of wisdom to help me through this very difficult time? Are there any newbies experiencing the same thing? If so, how are u coping?

I'm right there with you! Banded on 1/21/14. Starting weight on 12/21/13 was 262; day of surgery 244; today 241. The scale has been as low as 238 - but I started exercising so I think I'm beginning to build muscle so I'm not totally discouraged (a little aggravated maybe cause I'd like to see more weight loss right away). I'm eating between 700-1000 calories per day plus doing cardio workouts - not adjusted yet. I can tell I'm losing inches and my body is changing shape, but I'd still like to lose more on the scale to prove I'm working hard. I just want you to know that you are not alone! Although most of the cliches are true (journey not marathon), it doesn't change the way you feel right now - discouraged. And if you are like me, I can attribute most of my weight issues to emotional eating. Bottom line is that food/eating has brought me comfort over the years, but I've finally chosen to conquer that weakness.....and step 1 was lapband placement. I'm going to be patient as step 2 is just ahead of me - adjustments. Please hang in there and know that you are not alone. Much of my post is a personal pep talk too but I hope it helps you in some way.

Hi there Princess! I was banded on 1/21/14. Like u, I can eat 2 cups at a time (solids, no sliders and no liquids 30 min pre/post meals). I thought it would be much less too. But I don't have my first fill until 6 weeks post op. I'm eating super healthy and keeping calories between 700-1100 per day. Also exercising daily and losing at a slow/steady pace-23lbs since 12/21/13. I expect that my intake capacity will shrink as I get fills, but right now, I'm sticking to 4 oz Protein with approx 1 & 1/2 cups low carb veggies at lunch and dinner. Breakfast is usually Protein Bar or toast/peanut butter. My doc has never mentioned food portions in terms of cups but maybe he will as I'm adjusted. Congrats on your success so far!!

srrock Would love for y'all to add me too!!

Excellent post! Well said and very true. Thanks for your words of wisdom - I truly appreciate this site and the fact that I can learn from others who have traveled the path.

Update: Had first post-op appointment today. Doc says I'm healing well and first fill will be in 4 weeks. He asked if I felt any restriction and I no -- because I've been super hungry and can eat a significant amount before feeling full. My doc and his nurse seemed surprised when I answered "no" to the restriction question. Their response was "you don't feel any restriction?" and really seemed to discount my answer/perspective (in a nice way, lol). So, I've been thinking about the whole thing.......their perspective as clinicians and my perspective as the patient. I started with the verbiage - in particular the term restriction. So my definition of restriction is being able to eat approx 1 cup of food and feeling like I can't take another bite.......not sure exactly where I came up with that definition, but there it is. I'm guessing here - but I'd say my docs definition of restriction is that you feel full after eating less food than you did before the band.......especially prior to getting any adjustments. So I'm gonna stop thinking about feeling restriction and focus on feeling full. I do feel full faster post lapband even without adjustment........but the term restriction doesn't really articulate that. The term restriction sends the wrong message (to me anyway). Does this resonate with anyone else at all?

Abbie and Wendy, So glad to hear that I'm not alone on the hunger issue. I think my surgeon performs the first fill at 6 weeks postoperative so I'm basically on a diet til then. But I'm down around 20 lbs since the beginning of this journey and I must be patient. It really helps to know that others are going thru some of the same things as me. First post op appt tomorrow.

Not sure. 1st post op appt next week. Thanks for advice.

This is post op day #5. Left shoulder gas pain gets way worse after eating anything. Better between meals, but take a bite of something and BAM! Has anyone else had this experience with left shoulder gas pain worsening after eating?

I just figured it out- the gas is making me so bloated that I can't get down more than a couple sips. So relieved cause I was beginning to think it was my band. Even with walking and gas x, the bloating is so bad that I'm miserable. I have my husband and daughter on "back chop" duty and that's helping a lot.

Day 3 post op. I'm hungry but can only drink a bit of soup before I feel like I'm filled to the top but I'm still hungry. Advise please.

Getting prepped now too! Just started my and drew blood. I'm 1st case this morning with 0730 start time.

According to the manufacturer, the port has been tested and will withstand over 200 accesses before losing any integrity. My question is this: if the port is difficult to access and the MD is not using guided fluro, he may miss the port and puncture the tubing. How many people have docs that do not routinely use fluro for fills and just accesses blindly? My surgery is 1/21 but I know my doc does blind access. Should I be concerned?

My surgery date is 1/21/14. I've started telling a few people at work and I've heard "You qualify for WLS? You may be a bit over weight but not enough for WLS." I truly don't think those people mean it in a negative way, I just think they don't know what to say. I find that staying positive is the only effective response. Step 1 for me is to stay positive.

YAY!!! I finally figured out how to start a new thread thanks to Amy C and 2muchfun My lapband surgery is scheduled for 1/21/14. I was hoping to hear from others who have paved the way before me to see if you have any advice for preventing or reducing the amount of sagging skin that often happens with rapid weight loss. I'm a planner and its never too early to start thinking ahead to my future weight loss that WILL happen with a little help from the band. (P.S. another user named her band - any suggestions for me as I plan to name my band too!! hehehe)

May I ask how much you've lost?

How much protein is your daily requirement? And how can I determine my daily protein requirement? I use fitness pal app and it has me at 42 grams daily but should I try to exceed that?

Thanks for the reply. I'm working on trying to stay hydrated. I need to be more regimented with body lotion. And as far as exercise, it's just walking for now. I need to research some good toning exercises and try to incorporate that as well. Your post was quite helpful!

I'll take the loose skin for weight loss anyday! Looking so forward to my band placement - thx for your support!

how do I start a new thread?