Hemidrone

I should have asked my doc this but, when they put the band in, do they fill it with anything? If not, am I supposed to feel any restriction with an unfilled band? Or is that what the first fill is for. Sorry for posing such a stupid question.

I was banded 2/7 and have lost about 30lbs so far. I am supposed to be on protein shakes, broth, non-cal drinks/jello etc. but occasionally I crave something salty. So once in a while I have a thin slice of cheddar that I chew to mush, or (you'll) laugh I go to the fridge with a teaspoon and have a spoonful of mustard or some condiment or sald dressing, just to get the taste. Has not been a problem and I don't think its impacting my weight loss.

Thanks Kat! I am really happy to be here. I am indeed being super-strict with the diet the MD gave me. No fooling around!!

Well I had my surgery on 2/7/08 and am back home. I'm feeling pretty good - pain is controlled and so far so good with the liquid intake. I have one question - how hard or easy is it to displace/slip the band? What if I belch or gulp down some air to force a belch (after feeling gas pressure) - can that do it? or does it really need to be some strenuous thing like a stomach crunch or a sudden heavy lift? I figure I'm just trying to get used to having the device. Any thoughts would be appreciated? Than:rolleyes2::rolleyes2:ks guys!

Hi everyone - I'm the new guy. 6'1" 340lbs, 39 years old, male. I've done enough research to know that I want and can commit to the bariatric surgery lifesyle changes. I am just now entering "the surgery pipeline" here in Danbury CT. I have still not made up my mind as to whether to opt for the band or the bypass, and I have a lot of questions. Does anyone regret not doing the bypass? Medical imperatives and comparitive risks aside, does anyone have any views as to which is more appropriate given a specific body-type? See, I have a 44-45 BMI, but my build is kind of like an overweight football player. I've been lifting weights since I was in my teens. I do cardio too. Most of my excess weight is on my hips, butt and mid-section. My arms and legs are pretty muscular. My point is that while I'm 340, and certainly dangerously overweight and carrying around too much fat, some of my "excess body weight" is muscle. So given all that, is the lap-band - which reportedly leads to less and slower weight loss than the bypass - a more plausible option for someone with my build? I think if I could drop to 240 I'd by overjoyed. If I am the type that will follow the diet plan strictly and will exercise frequently, is a 100 lb drop possible with the lap band? reason i ask is that I read some literature that suggested that the average was a 30-40% drop of excess weight, which does not seem like it would be enough. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Good luck everyone on your own journeys.

I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you who replied - I did not anticipate the level of help and support, and I think I'm going to like being a participant on these boards! Thank you! And if anyone has more to add, please do!