kkarryall

I think it is because there is no way that a Dr. is going to know how much is going to be too much for any one person because everyone tolerates fills differently. It is best to go gradually, sometimes it may not seem like it, but it helps get you physically and mentally adjusted to your new eating habits, etc. But beleive me, I know it can be frustrating. I didn't feel restriction till my 5th fill!!!

Everyone looks fantabulous!! Here are some new before/after pics of me....well it's the same old befores, but new afters! About 115 lbs down

I am super tight right now and I can eat 1/2 cup maximum of food at a time...

I think a lot of people struggle with that. I have lost 117 lbs and I still struggle with it!! I am getting better--I just think I am an all or nothing type of person....it's like I am thin or fat...nothing in between. Very weird....I did buy this book that has been helping me a lot --it's called Body Esteem and it is a workbook that comes with a CD. I wish I had started using it earlier, but it is a great book!

I drank slim fast optima...I wasn't a fan at all..to this day I cannot stomach one!! Gross. It was all liquid, although I think they said I could have one cup of veggies per day with no oil or fat--just like salt/pepper. It was not fun...but you'll get through it. You could ask if you can switch to carnation instant breakfast...but not sure if they'll let you, I think it's higher in carbs and less Protein. GOOD LUCK

It is very normal to be depressed for awhile after you have been banded--you have made a huge lifestyle change!! Keep reading these forums. IN my experience, the more you know what to expect; the better off you'll be. ONce you get off liquids and mushies it will be easier, because they'll be yummy things that you can eat too...it might not be what your family is eating, but you'll be ok!! Good luck!!

I also hate it when people tell me I am so pretty now! It's kind of like a back-handed-compliment! Anyway, I think that it is very tough losing all this weight. I have lost 116 lbs, so you can imagine and hanging and loose skin on me! I have already resigned myself that I will have the surgery and that is that. I am only 32 years old and I didn't do all this work to have a body that I am NOT happy with!! Good luck and think of how much healthier you are now!!!

I was able to eat bread, pasta, etc for about the first 5-6 months or so...but after I achieved my sweet spot, I cannot eat those things at all anymore! Youshould be ok to try them...just chew really well and take small bites.

Definitely give it a try! It has been done (the behavioral way) and worked. Not very often, but you never know....Good luck!

I think it tooke me about 5-6 months to get to my sweet spot. I def. lost weight before I got to my sweet spot, but I really had to work hard to get that weight off. After that , it came off much more easily....however, it was now harder in other ways...bc I can't always eat what I want, etc.

At 5ccs I doubt you are too tight...although it is possible. It could be that you are eating too fast, not chewing enough, are eating too much, or are eating things that are just not agreeing with you (which is what happens to me!) There are just certian foods that my band will not tolerate. I definitely cannot eat any pretzels, or bready products at all. However, I am super tight--I have about 6.3 ccs in my band and most people cannot beleive I am this tight with that small amount of a fill. But you might want to try a small unfill and see what happens. What is your weight loss like?

Unfortunately, for me, what I can and can't eat varies often from day to day! One day I may be able to eat chips, the next day...not a chance!! I am very tight right now, and quite honestly at social functions I am super careful...sometimes not eating at all--I'll eat before instead. Good luck!!

I felt compelled to reply to your post because our stories are quite similar. I am 32 years old, live in the Bronx in a one bedroom apt. I am a single working professional. I am 5'2 and when I began my lapband journey I was 280 lbs. I also got banded at NYU--but by Dr. Fielding---although I have heard wonderful things about Dr. Kurian. 15 months out and I have lost 115 lbs. I can't say it's been easy; but I don't have a single regret. Good luck!

I originally picked a goal weight of 160 just because it seemed like that would be good---now I am very very close to that goal and I realize that because I am 5'2---that just isn't going to work!! So I asked my Dr. and he said 130 would be great and 110 (GASP!!!) would be ideal. So I am aiming for 130 right now and then will have a tummy tuck which should bring me down a bit more....

Greek yogurt is also a great source of protein.

Honestly, I don't eat breakfast at all...I just get an iced coffee with milk. I am also very tight but am losing at a great pace. You might want to try Carnatioin Instant Breakfast.

I have had the band for 15 months, so I will try to answer those questions that I can... 1. I sleep great at night....some people have some port sensitivity; but I can sleep on my stomach. 2. I can eat gummies just fine and I am super tight! 3. I do exercise, but I go through phases....I do think it's really important!! But I do not exercise for hours each day..and my current weight is about 165; started at 280. 4. OK so the fullness thing...the band does help me feel fuller much, much quicker. But it is a different feeling of full than before. Right now I am quite tight and very motivated to get to my goal; I honestly eat very little. 5. Unfortunatly, we have no control over where the weight comes off. I will def. have to have some plastic surgery. A tummy tuck for sure!! hope this helps

I was so so so scared before my surgery!! I had never had surgery before, and also was relatively healthy...except that I weighed 280 lbs!! But it went very smoothly and honestly was a very easy recovery. I am sure you will do great!! Good luck!

Hi all--I am planning on having plastic surgery with Dr. Schulman. I know he's the best, leved the before/after pics he showed me, etc. I am so excited about this! Just wondering if anyone on this forum had PS with him and how your overall experience was and how your results are. Thanks so much!!!

Can I ask you how much of a fill you have? Right now I am pretty tight--and I have to be honest...although I can eat SOME things in large quantities (like ice cream)--I really can only eat a small amount of most foods!! This helps so much for me, because if I am having a bad day and want to eat candy, I can have some....but one reeces Peanut Butter cup and that's it for me!! Good luck!

Your only 44 yrs old...I say try the lapband; do your research so you know what kinds of things to expect. Everyone's story is different...I have lost 111 lbs in 14 1/2 months... Good luck to you!!!

well how much weight did you lose? ANd what was your starting weight and height? Good luck!

That pain you are describing sounds like gsa pain During the surgery they pump CO2 into your abdominal cavity to make it easier to work in that area. The gas has to make its way out of your body. Try taking gas X strips. I had that same pain and I know many others who have too....but if your are super concerned--call your surgeon good luck!

Just remember you get out of the band what you put into it...e.g., fllowing band rules of Protein first etc, adding exercise, not drinking while eating, etc. But based upon your weight I would say 80 lbs in a year is a very reasonable goal. You can prob. lose more...In 14 months I am down 106. GOOD LUCK!:biggrin:

Personally I did not even consider gastric bypass...but i do know it is the best choice for some people. There is also the gastric sleeve which is worth researching as well. But I personally love my lapband, it was the right choice for me. I have had it almost 14 months and down 106 lbs. good luck in your decision!