jbentleyrn

I was banded Jan. 15th and while I don't think I'm long term, I definitely feel like I finally have a clue. I had hardly noticed I had a band up till the past 2 months probably. I have had 4 fills now and just notice restriction. So for a while after I was still seeking out food and wanting to eat often. Although I could not eat nearly as much as one time, I could still eat frequently. I'm happy to say with my latest fill, I cannot eat frequently, nor do I feel the need to. I am satisfied after eating my one cup of food. I can easily go 4 hours without worrying about what I will eat next and when. This has been a HUGE relief for me. I have had several "sticks" the past couple days because of increased restriction related to "female" issues ") This has been a first. Finally I cannot tolerate breads, which is a blessing for me. I have been very open about having surgery. At first I planned on telling no one besides my husband. Everyone knows now. I tell strangers at the grocery store. Because, looking around the world, obesity is an epidemic. I feel lap band is a great tool and am not afraid to share my experience. It is humbling to admit this weakness, but helps keep me honest. I still enjoy wine and even soda on occasion. Certainly not as much or as often. I eat out and share meals with my husband, or just take some home. My life has changed for sure, for sure, for sure. But I can't say that any of it is bad. I would rather be a little embarrased that I can't finish a meal, than feel the remorse and shame of sneaking massive amounts of food. Be content with the decision you make and the rest will work out. Good luck! Jenni 216/188/150 Banded 1/15/08 Dr. Felts, Dallas TX

So I guess when they say nurses care for everyone else first, then ourselves it's pretty much true! At least now we are caring for ourselves. I have been an RN since 1990. Worked mostly pediatric ICU. Traveled a bunch. Saudi for 4 years. South Korea for 2. Now in Dallas. Went to law school, passed the bar exam and now I work for a hospital doing Root Cause Analysis. Trying to improve patient safety which is very dear to my heart. Great job! I was banded Jan 2008 and am struggling to get good restriction. I have lost about 25 lbs. Am happy with my progress, just wish it was not so slow! Jenni

When I was on my liquid I would actually add a little mild and puree my cottage cheese, it changes the texture and makes it really creamy. Then I would add some sugar free jello powder and cool whip lite. Yummo!

I just had my second fill today, for a total of 7.8cc's already. Started with 7cc during surgery (although the operative report said only 5 was put in). First fill added .4 and today another .4cc. Did not feel any different after first fill and am unsure so far after this fill since taking in liquids! Good luck everyone! Jennifer Banded 1/15/08 - Dr. Felts

I use sparkpeople.com, It is free and you can track your food and choose what you want to track (protein, fat, carbs, etc). You can also set goals and put in your exercise. It's great! Jenni

I was banded 1/15 and have a small AP. I went for my first fill last week. The PA thought I would have 5cc in my band from the OR report. Ends up there was actually 7 cc's? How did that happen. Had not felt any restriction up to that point. She put 0.4 in for a total of 7.4cc. I still don't really feel any restriction. I get full faster, but still get hungry in between meals. I think a bit more will be good and am pretty thankful I've bypassed 3-4 fills to get to this level! Good Luck Jenni Banded 1/15 - Dr. Felts Starting/Now/Goal - 216/199/150

I also did not lose any weight for about 5 days post op. I was so bloated and gassy it was just not happening. Even now, almost 4 weeks post op (banded 2/15) I have only lost about 9 pounds. But I'm not gaining and I'm starting to feel like food has less of a control over my life, which is really nice! Good luck Jenni

I was banded on the 15th. It still happens to me if I take too big of a drink. I can't burp at all:) I keep telling myself, small sips... Hope your doing well.

I was banded Jan 15. Can you add my name to the list? Thanks. Feeling good one week post op. Jenni

I was just banded yesterday 2/15 and am so surprised my port site is so sore. Glad to hear there is not something terribly wrong with me! I was planning on going back to work on Thurs. but I suppose that is out of the question.