lizb88

Good Morning! checking back in after a few months....had a fill yesterday after no fill since August. Not losing very well but maintaining...not exercising as I should. That's my biggest hurdle. I too am losing tone so must be time for curves or a gym? tigerlilyhair, I agree with shamrock girl...I was specifically told 'no soda'...so check on that.

Hey everybody! I posted this on the April 2008 thread, and am asking for advice here too.... Help! If you read this and can advise me, I'd appreciate it. I have a LG VG Allergan band (doc told me 12 cc) and so far I'm filled to 6.5 cc. Last fill was 8/1/2008. I am not hungry between meals, and I'm losing (but not quickly) and wonder if I need the fill that's scheduled for next week. Some days, my band is tight and I can feel full fast. Other days, I can eat whatever I want and more than I should. I'm trying to avoid the yogurts, puddings, Soups (even though they are easy and quick to eat) and limiting the 'junk food' to very small servings/amounts and trust me, this is not often and seriously changed since last summer (pre band). How do you know that you're feeling restriction and if you were me, would you get another fill? Help me, please and all advice appreciated. thanks in advance ~ Liz P.S. I haven't attended the lahey clinic support groups since early July but need to get back there in September for sure. It does help.

Help! If you read this and can advise me, I'd appreciate it. I have a LG VG Allergan band (doc told me 12 cc) and so far I'm filled to 6.5 cc. I am not hungry between meals, and I'm losing (but not quickly) and wonder if I need the fill that's scheduled for next week. Some days, my band is tight and I can feel full fast. Other days, I can eat whatever I want and more than I should. I'm trying to avoid the yogurts, puddings, Soups (even though they are easy and quick to eat) and limiting the 'junk food' to very small servings/amounts. How do you know that you're feeling restriction and if you were me, would you get another fill? Help me, please and all advice appreciated. ~ Liz

GiGiRN, It's been awhile since I've posted. I looked at the spreadsheet and couldn't figure out how to edit in my current weight, etc. so here it is: 6.5 cc in my lapband current weight - 276 I think I'm a slow loser but am not as devoted to exercise as I should be. Most of my weight loss was in the first 6 - 8 weeks post surgery. I'm still happy because my non scale victory is wearing clothes that are 2 sizes smaller! It's such a good feeling. I don't get a lot of comments about my weight loss so I'm guessing that it's so slow that people don't notice or comment and that's OK with me!!! Best wishes to all ~ Liz

Good Morning! Just checking back in to say hi. I've been away on business. I was so pleasantly surprised to discover that I've lost another 7 pounds since my last NP visit, weighed in yesterday. Think I may have found my 'sweet spot'. not entirely sure. But anyway, Kathleen, sorry I did not return your call. I've been away. Hope all is well with everyone......Liz P.S. Oops...just noticed that my ticker is incorrect.

you are welcome and best wishes on your weight loss journey! I have spent lots of time reading threads on this forum both prior to surgery and since banding. When I find individual replies that are practical and contain good information (like Wendell Edwards or the Frequently Asked Questions forum), I copy and paste it to a private blog (that I'm using sort of as my own diary to keep me focused and on track) so that I can re-read it again, rather than have to search from scratch. Many times, I simply type in the topic that I'm wondering about in the search box and I soon see many threads so then I know that I am far from the only one asking about a particular question. You are not alone here and that's great support. I learn and benefit from those who have gone before me in their journey and it's valuable. Of course, each person's band and weight loss is unique to you (someone compared it to each wrist wearing a bracelet - we all have different fits). Your band may need several adjustments or few or none. It's wait and see, pay attention to your body signals and communicate with your doctor's office as needed. I'm very much like you - I like to know why and how this all works. Take good care ~ Liz

Cherko12, This thread is found under lapband fills, and is one of the most helpful things I have found on this forum. Take care during this first 6 weeks to follow your doctor's instructions on what to eat, etc. My own experience was that my food hunger did not diminish until after my fills began. My first fill was not anything to worry about - again, there's good info on this forum under lapband fills or be sure to check out frequently asked questions. Here's the info that was originally posted by Wendell Edwards: "This may help you in understanding the restrictive mechanism of a Lap Band. The ALLERGAN protocol for Lap Band fills calls for a six-week delay after surgery, prior to any fills. The purpose for the six-week delay is for the patient’s stomach to heal from the surgery, as well as allowing time for the Lap Band to “Seat” or “Nestle” into the fat pad between the stomach wall and the interior wall of the Lap Band. Prior to receiving an EFFECTIVE fill, it is VERY uncommon to have any restriction from a Lap Band. Some patients will NOT lose weight, or may even GAIN weight until they have received an effective fill in their Lap Band. Normal weight loss with a properly restricted Lap Band is between 1 and 2 pounds per week. The normal cycle of fills, restriction and weight loss is as follows: 1. The patient's Lap Band constricts when the patient receives a fill. Swelling for a few days after receiving a fill is very common. Many doctors require a patient to go on a liquid diet for a day or two after receiving a fill. A fill may have a “Delayed Action” of up to 4 weeks. A “Delayed-Action” means that the fill may not become effective for up to 4 weeks after the fill. That is why the ALLERGAN protocol states that fills should not be performed on patients who will not have access to medical care for at least two weeks after a fill. 2. The patient's stomach capacity is lessened as a result of the restriction caused by the Lap Band. 3. The patient loses weight because they cannot eat as much food. 4. The residual fat-pad between the inside of the Lap Band and the outside of the patient's stomach reduces in size because of the overall weight loss in the patient. 5. The reduction of the residual fat-pad causes the Lap Band to become loose again. 6. At that point, the patient needs another fill, because the Lap Band is loose, and the patient has a loss of restriction, which allows the patient to eat larger amounts of food. 7. The patient receives another fill and the process starts all over again. Most Lap Band patients receive several fills to adjust the Lap Band as their weight loss progresses, and there is less and less residual fat-pad between the inside of the Lap Band and the exterior of the stomach wall. Once a patient has lost all of their residual fat-pad, fills become less common. As the Lap Band patient progresses in their weight loss, the effect of very tiny fills (Less than .2ccs) becomes greater and greater. It is not uncommon for a late-stage Lap Band patient to experience a significant difference in restriction with as little as .05cc of fill." Hope this is helpful.

Pati, so encouraged by your post! Thanks!! I saw Dr. Hoggingdot (sp??? - she's the other psychologist in the bariatric surgery program) yesterday and decided to continue to see her for a while. I'm not sure for how long or even what I need except to talk through how this whole process is affecting how I feel about myself. It's all good in the big picture. I made a commitment to myself and I've decided that there's no looking back...only ahead to better health and more. Stay in touch with your pre op progress...start preparing yourself for post op eating lifestyle...practice the stop drinking 30 min prior to meals, slowing down your eating pace and taking smaller bites, chewing....and, I don't know if you're exercising now, but it's also a good idea to start walking. I'm not one to talk there, because I have had a hard time...motivating to begin walking and now to walk consistently. Every day is a new day. Take good care.

Cheri52 - hang in there! I just had my 3rd fill yesterday...losing weight but struggling with emotions. Specifically, heightened anxiety...didn't expect this...so I did some reading on this forum and found some threads that connect hormonal change during weight loss to anxiety and depression. Yesterday, I asked for a referral to talk with one of the psychologists at Lahey...I need more support than I realized. I had to smile over something else in your recent post: I went to the lapband support group this week (Tues night) and sat next to a post op bander whose port incision is on the left and my port incision is on the right...so we were wondering why all incisions 'are not created equal'? LOL! Her surgeon is Dr. Brahms and mine is Dr. Nepomnayshy...then I read your post and the light bulb went on... Shamrockgirl60 - August 7 will be here before you know it....and you're doing a good thing for your health. I've found many good folks here and know that I (and many others) are behind you all the way. Take care to follow whatever pre-op instructions you receive. I'm here if you have questions. Hug!!

Hi Shamrockgirl60! Totally agree on the goldens rule..we have one and he is just the best friend anyone could have... ok so about your question...I too am a Lahey patient and had band surgery on April 7th with Dr. Nepomnayshy...who is/was simply the greatest. I liked him a lot because he is very supportive and listens to you....and..I've had two fills (one with Pam and one with Corinne) so didn't think the NP's were assigned to a specific surgeon. Best wishes on your decision and new journey...Cheri52 so good to hear from you again. Hope all is well with you.

Hi Kim! I don't know the answer to the insurance coverage on fills. We have network blue and they cover the follow up appts for both dietician and NP's (which include fills), minus our co-pay. Yes, I'm planning to attend tonight! So...see you there! :behindsofa: Liz

Hi again....well, 2nd fill on June 4th (1cc added; now a total of 5 cc in a 12cc VG Inamed band) does not seem to be 'working'...I'm reading lots of threads and trying to figure out how to do my part so that this band can do it's part...somewhat frustrated and, interestingly, anxiety increasing. So...wondering what your experience has been? Words of wisdom? Thanks! Stay Cool Everybody! :thumbup:

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Hi there! This thread caught my attention so I'm checking in...banded on April 7, 2008 and I've just had my second fill (yesterday). I felt some tightness/restriction for a day or 2 after my first fill, then nothing. So..I saw the dietician yesterday and asked if it was too soon to have more and was given another 1cc. They like to wait at least 14 days between fills and my next fill won't be for another 3 weeks (if needed). Since my dr requires full liquids for 24 hours then mushies for 24 hours, I don't really know if there's a difference yet. I have, unfortunately, experienced PB'ing (prior to second fill) and this episode taught me not to wait too long between 'meals' and, of course, emphasized the 'chew chew chew' as well as slow down eating behaviors. It's hard to imagine the PB/frothing until you've experienced it yourself is all I can say. Best to all ~ Liz:thumbup:

It was great meeting you last night, Kim and I think...tchilambe? :sad: This was my first lapband support group (post op anyway) and I was surprised by the number of pre op group attendees...there must be A LOT more people having lapband than I thought. The best thing about last night was that I could weigh myself on their scale (I purposely do not keep a scale at home) and I've already dropped another 4 pounds since my fill on May 19th! I can tell by the fit of my clothing but although I am trying not to get 'hung up' on what the scale says, this is the lowest I've weighed in over 3 years. :frown: Next week I see the dietician again..and wonder if they'll do fill #2 while I'm there? or will this require another appointment? anyone know?

Hi Kim - Hope all is going well with you at 3 weeks post op...this is the information on the lapband support groups that I have: Post Surgical Lifestyle Mgt Support Group - 2nd Tuesday each month from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., meet at 6 Central Waiting area; Lapband Support Group - Last Tuesday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 6 Central Waiting area; There's also a "Summer Series" session on Tuesday, June 10th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at 6 Central Waiting area, called, "I Can Eat That" presented by Karen Palmer [description from flyer: discuss fresh ideas for summer. find out about farmer's markets and what to look for. food demonstration for some easy to prepare foods.] Since my surgery on April 7th, I've only attended the post surgery group that was held last week (May 13th) and found it helpful. Maybe I'll meet you there! :blushing: Liz

Janet - I'm going to share a website that I read about on another thread on this forum. This was offered to another lapbander who was describing similar frustrations - www.5daypouchtest.com I offer it just as another resource... tchilambe - it sounds to me like you're doing A LOT both in exercise and diet to help your band...you inspire me so keep up the good work! I wondered what the NP's are recommending when they hear about your minimal restriction...although i'm very new to this (only had my first fill this week), maybe you need a little more fill? also...watch the sodium intake on prepared foods...that affects my weight loss! Sue & Cheri52 - thanks for the support and ideas! I'm so glad to have found you here. My own journey is...I'm currently working at making exercise a more consistent part of the solution to weight loss as well as paying attention to the mental side of when and why I'm eating. I started an online blog to journal out some of the thoughts and feelings and this is helping me to understand myself as well as keep track of food intake. I copy and paste inspirational sayings and website addresses to remind myself of good input. I think adding the calorie count to my food journaling might be a good idea too. I know that this is just the beginning so I'm trying not to look too far ahead.

Name: Liz Date you were banded: 4/7/2008 Weight loss to date: 36 total/14 since surgery How are you feeling? more energy than have felt in some time..working now on making a commitment to self and exercise as there are definately 2 sides to lapband land: physical and mental. First fill on 5/19/2008. Let the fun begin!

Hi all, I just tried to add my stats to the spreadsheet...so far doing well...working on my commitment to self and exercise. There definately are 2 sides to lapband: physical and mental.

Well, today's the day...I'm officially 6 weeks post op and off to have my first fill at 1 p.m. So, I think I've been reading too many threads on the forum because I'm quite anxious about not being poked and prodded...and if my port is in a good spot for easy access. I've also read that it's possible that no fill will be added...some people don't receive fills. I just won't know until I get there will I? I'm not sure what my weight is today because I purposefully don't keep a scale in my house..prefer to use the one at the bariatric clinic as 'the one' that keeps the number....

manatee, after reading your post here, I spent some time last night reading through your blog journey for the first time and...I think you have a story to tell. You're right..you can authentically speak into the physical side of making a choice for health and the role that exercise has played (is playing) in your journey to a healthier self. IMO, you have also written about another whole aspect of weight loss ~ that there IS an emotional and mental side to this journey that simply cannot be ignored. I'd be bold enough to say that most of us have something to deal with here...and you're working through it. I am inspired by your story...even hearing about the complications. You have ultimately made a commitment to yourself and followed through in so many ways. I agree with what you wrote early on that blogging/journaling helps. This could be a big help to a newly banded person. Also, another purpose of a support group is sometimes just to hear that what we're experiencing is *normal*, meaning that someone else 'gets it', understands, is willing to talk about it so I can learn from YOU. You don't need to share personal details but generally speaking that getting support (medical, psychological) when you need it is part of this and not to shy away from it or neglect it. So, I'd enourage you, manatee, to GO FOR IT.

There are 2 support group nights at Lahey Clinic in Burlington (that I am aware of anyway): Second Tuesday evening of every month for post op lifestyle management and Last Tuesday evening of every month. The difference between the groups is that the second Tuesday night is for post op patients ONLY.

Hi all...checking back in...going in for first fill on Monday, May 19th..I'm such a wuss that I hope it won't hurt...sorry...is it ok to whine a little here? went to lahey clinic's post op support group last night. there were 2 of us until a third guy arrived and OMG, i didn't recognize him from the behavior group in jan... he's lost 60 pounds since his gastric bypass in late march...almost made me wish I'd had gbs instead... then we found out that there was a nutrition and exercise group being held last night too but who knew??? did the north shore support group ever materialize?

Banded 4/7/2008 and first fill on Monday, May 19th! It's so weird to me that no one can predict which fill hits the "sweet spot". It's more about stages, wait and see and everyone is different...