MDix30

I have been noticing a tingling sensation on the skin covering my left shoulder blade. It doesn't hurt but it is getting to be a bit distracting. I mentioned it to my surgeon and he smiled and said, "Yes, that is related to the band... a 'referred' sensation." I left it at that but now I'm wondering if it is going to go away. I'm 11 months out from surgery, and the sensation is new. Anyone else experience this?

It took about 11 months. Keep in mind that the band is not supposed to tell you when you are full. As my doctor says, "that is your job." The band merely helps you feel satisfied with less. I don't drink any calories other than light juice (40 cals) or G2 (25 cals). And I try to walk 45 mins a day. That's about it. Well, that and eating small portions. :thumbdown:

CPA here. My choice of professions sure didn't help my predicament. Now that I've lost over 120 pounds with the band I actually enjoy getting out and being active.

Jack is right. I drank soda every day of my life, and not just a can a day. We're talking more like a 6-pack of Coke per day. That's almost 1,000 calories just in liquids. After surgery I tried soda a couple of times and the carbonation was difficult to burp up. Now I never drink anything carbonated and the strangest part is that I don't even crave it. I still desire sweet drinks like OJ, lemonade or Gatorade, but at least I can substitute these for healthier choices like Crystal Light. They even have OJ with Splenda now, so it's 1/2 the calories. Trust us, your habits and desires will change.

Oops, that reply belongs in page 2.

Wow, snowbird. You lost 72 lbs. That's great! I don't know if you're male or female, but 183 is my near my final goal of 180.

Hi guys, Not sure if this belongs in the SV/NSV post, but I wanted to let the newbies know that the band offers a real solution. As of yesterday, I'm down 80 pounds! It takes a certain level of commitment to achieve results, but the band certainly makes it a LOT easier. Matt

BB, On boards such as these you will find a lot of people who sing the band's praises and talk about how much they love their band. In fact, I am one of these people. However, I have found a side effect to having the band that not many people have mentioned; namely, a small sense of loss that comes with no longer being able to use food as an emotional crutch. In some respects, I really miss being able to eat large portions of bread, Pasta, pizza, candy, etc. These are delicious foods! However, the good news is that this feeling of disappointment is usually short lived. I am very happy the next morning when I wake up and realize I DIDN'T eat that huge dinner. I guess what I'm trying to say is, the band is a wonderful tool, but it won't fix the underlying "issues" which caused some of us to chronically and compulsively overeat prior to being banded. If you are often hungry (and don't drink with meals), then you need a fill. If you eat merely for the reasons I mention above, then try imagining what you'll look and feel like when you reach a healthy weight. It is a lot easier to go down this road once you are willing to embrace satiety. Does this help? Matt

It's from one of my doc's podcasts (successful habits): Southwest Weight Loss :: About Our Program :: Listen to Dr. Simpson He mentions it as an aside, as if everyone knew this already. I had to back up and repeat it twice to make sure I heard him correctly. Matt

Question on portion sizes. I've been told 2-4 ounces of protein (plus 1/2 cup veggies). I always thought that meant 2-4 ounces by weight. Turns out it's by volume??? I have a hard time picturing chicken breast in a measuring cup, and a ditigal food scale is a lot easier. Am I the only one who's been weighing my protein instead of measuring it?

Good for you, Hunter. It was the best $15k I ever spent. -Matt

Bruce, Do you resume drinking 30 minutes after eating? My doc says to wait a minimum of 2 hours so as to keep you feeling full and not push food through the band too quickly. I'm wondering if there are differing medical opinions on this matter.

Suggestions for after surgery: eat what your doctor recommends, typically 2-4 ounces of protein and 1/2 cup of vegetables for dinner. Supplement your diet with 1-2 pieces of fruit. Eat refined carbohydrates in moderation or as a special treat. For example, I have meat and veggies for dinner and no rice or potato. I just don't need it to feel satisfied. Eat 2-3 meals per day (although somewhat controversial, my doc says skipping breakfast is fine, as the band is tight in the morning). Wait at least 2 hours after a meal before drinking liquids. Eliminate or greatly reduce drinks with calories. I used to drink a ton of soda, but now don't even crave it since the carbonation gets stuck under the band. I have a Gatorade once or twice per week. Have fun and enjoy the journey! You will find that the band will definitely change your life for the better if you work with it and follow the simple "rules."

Isvadala, I was banded 6/28/07 and have lost 44 pounds, so it definitely works. When it comes to sandwiches, I usually take off one piece of bread and eat it open faced. Only now, I eat 1/2 the sandwich and am satisfied without chips and a cookie. I know it sounds strange, but if you choose to get banded it really will change your eating, and desire to do so. I used to eat ENORMOUS portions (large pizza or 2-3 restaurant meals at dinner), and now I can have a few tastes of everything and feel full. Pasta seems to slip right through the band no problem, so I don't have it very often. One thing I'm still learning is the habit of chewing thoroughly. This is essential to avoid blockage, pain, and/or PBs. As others have said, the band goes around your stomach and not your brain. There are times I feel like eating even though I'm not hungry, but I'm learning to distinguish the two. Interestingly, I sometimes feel sad that I can no longer use food as an emotional tool to "feel better." Happily, this is short lived. The next morning I'm very glad that I didn't binge the night before and that I'm on my way to a healthy weight. Hope this helps! -Matt

Ok thanks. I'll try to get a hold of someone this weekend for an unfill.

Hi guys, I had a fill earlier in the week and it seems pretty tight. I'm reluctant to have an un-fill because (1) I like the weight loss associated with restriction, and (2) I know it is going to loosen up on its own pretty soon. Right now, it's pretty difficult for me to get down lunch (but I do it anyway). Breakfast is impossible, and my doc says that most of his patient skip this meal because the band is tighter in the morning. Dinner is more managable; I'm able to get down 3 oz of meat and a small side. I can get liquids down if I drink very slowly. So, is all of this normal for a bandster after a fill?

Hi, I'm new here. I was banded late June and have lost 31 pounds so far. Couple of questions for you guys... what was your experience the first month after surgery? All of the middle aged women who had the band placed have indicated they couldn't eat very much, but I had NO restriction until my first fill. Also, the restriction seems to last about 1-2 weeks, and then loosens up. Will I get to a point where I stay satisfied with 3 oz meat and 1/2 cup veg? I just had my second fill today, so hopefully it will last longer.

Hello. I'm 30, male, and had the Band installed late June. Just wondering if there are any other guys out there. All of the people in my doctor's support group are women.