RSwann

I had my first fill today. 22 pounds down since May 15, 2014. I am curious to read some people's perspective on how things changed for them after their first fill? Or, did nothing change? Please share your experience.

You know, during dinner last night, I ate about 2 cups of chicken chili and I got full/satisfied with that amount. Is 2 cups way too much? It's still less then ate before the band. Maybe the fill is working, I am just not in the zone yet.

Junebug, that you for asking about me. I am well. I do not however feel that much restriction with this first fill. The surgeon said I can do 1 CC in 4-6 weeks. I will just keep plugging away at it until I reach the green zone! Thanks everyone for sharing!

That is awesome! Good to hear! Keep it up!

My personal trainer developed this plan for me. 15 minute warm up on the stationary bike, level of difficulty 6 (to get heart rate 120+) Then 3 arm machines (weights) Then 3 leg machines Also, two stomach/back machines and then a cool down on the stationary bike for 15 minutes. I think my workout would have been more aggressive if I wasn't in a wheelchair. He did a plan for my mother-in-law and she has to do time on the treadmill, the stair climber & the elliptical. Before my accident, when I could walk, the elliptical was my favorite machine. It was easy on my joints which helped a lot. Whatever you end up doing, just try to keep your heart rate above 120 bpm so you know that your exercise routine has a good cardiac component.

My surgeon told me to take my weight and divide it by 2.5. He said that gives you a suggested guideline. It does run high though if you are seriously obese like me. Example: My current weight is 288. Dividing that by 2.5 gives me 115g Protein daily Now, it can be really difficult to reach that goal but my surgeon said get as close to it as you can. Mostly, I push to get in 75-80 a day. That seems more realistic. During my immediate pre and post-op phase I pushed consumption all the way up to 115. I like the first response on this post. It seemed helpful.

How do you know that your band is where it's supposed to be? How would you know that your band has slipped? How would you know if your pouch was still intact (and not stretched)? Hernias? I'm just curious. I have had a few instances where I felt too full. It was nearly painful. So, I think to myself, if something ever went wrong with my band, how would I know? Thanks.

Ok. So, I am 3 weeks post op. I know this is a healing period and the focus is not necessarily weight loss. I also know that it took years to gain the weight and it will take time to lose it. With that said, the scale at my first post-op dr. visit showed me losing 20lbs since pre-op appt. I was psyched! I am a week and a half past that post-op appt. and the scale is showing that I have gained 6 pounds. I'm not happy. I am so tempted to go back on clear liquids. I never thought I would say that but here I am. Anyone experienced this?

You all are AWESOME! Almost immediately I asked my husband if he would store the scale where I cannot access it. (I am in a wheelchair). He did and I am happy about it. I committed myself to not go crazy over the numbers and that is what I need to do. Thank you for sharing your experiences about weight fluctuations with me. I think when a lot of us get this surgery, we are so ready...past ready really, to begin this process and any perceivable "setback" is enough to make you mad. Mostly, what the weight loss does is motivate me to do the right things. It's hard to discipline yourself to this new way of eating if you cannot actually envision this change making a difference. I can't remember not being fat. So, there is some doubt still about how well this will work and what will happen. I just can't see it yet. Losing that 20 pounds made me realize that losing weight is possible. Put in the hard work, follow the rules and eat right and you will be rewarded. Gaining weight makes me want to eat something I am not supposed to. LOL However, I am not going to allow food to control me and guide my emotions and happiness. That is my biggest change and that is what is striving me to follow the rules. I just needed to get my mind straight. Continuing onward........................

Alright everyone! I am cruising right on into Stage 2 which is the full liquid diet. I actually had some cream of chicken Soup today with skim milk and it was heaven! I have a family to cook for and while they are supportive and willing to change things up around here, I also don't want my 11 year old and my 4 year old to not enjoy dinner. I am thinking about some Soups to make this week! If anyone has any recipes for this phase I would really appreciate you forwarding them my way. I have to get back in the kitchen! Lastly, How do I get that ticker thing to show up on my posts and stuff? I like it. THANKS!

Thank you all for helping me through my first official FREAK OUT! I had a moment last night, as you can tell, and I just needed to walk away (metaphorically). I went to my first post-op today. My port and band are just where they should be and I'm coming right along. The people on this forum and intelligent, warm people and your words are just what I needed to hear last night. I may read them again a few dozen times. :-) How do I do a ticker thing?

Most people get lit up about this on bari-boards and I understand it doesn't make much sense but I feel like a lot of us struggle with this. I had my lap band put in last Wednesday, May 28th. I did sugerbusters/liver shrinking/ every other diet possible prior to surgery and of course I have been on Clear liquids post-op. I'm only 5 days in and I am constantly thinking, "I bet just one bite of that wouldn't be that big of a deal". I ate some pizza toppings the other night off of my son's leftovers (desperate enough) and tonight I ate a little piece of bbq pork that was hanging on to the side of the container. I am so new to this and I am already getting off the path. Drinking chicken/veggie broth, G2, Isopure, no sugar added grape juice, etc...is more difficult then I imagined. Mainly because I think having this surgery brings up some emotional stuff and I am an emotional eater so I am without respite! Also, I keep reading tons of stuff online about how HORRIBLE the lap band is and how many complication and blah blah..bunch of negative stuff and it stays in the back of my mind like maybe I will be one of those who the band doesn't help. I cannot screw this up for myself. I am in a wheelchair because of a horrible car accident and if I have any chance of walking again, I must lose weight. Why do some of us do this? It doesn't feel like sabotage in the moment, it feels like a treat, a taste of normal. In the end we have to call it like we see it, sabotage.

Guess who lost 20 lbs at her first post-op appointment? THIS GIRL!!!! Those of you like me who are new to this (surgery 5/28/14) and have had a few freak outs! Keep Calm and Lose Weight!