2BME

Kassie-I will be working in IA CITY this week. Are there any support groups in town? Thanks.

Hi Central IA Bandsters! So, I was banded on 3/11/8. I had my first fill 6 weeks later on 4/22. They put 4cc in my 14cc band. They couldn't get it with the short needle but tried a longer one and it worked. I felt no restriction at all. After a week I called back. At first they said I should wait a month then they said two weeks so I made another apt. On 5/6 they put in 1cc bringing me to 5cc total. I asked when I would have the most restriction and they said about 24hrs after the fill. I did liquids the rest of the day and pureed/mushies the next. On the next day I went to regular foods and have felt no restriction. I am so discouraged! I called after a week of trying several different kinds of food including bread, chicken, steak, solid proteins, but they told me I need to wait four weeks from my last fill! If I am not having any restriction now, why wait three more weeks? What a waste of time. I am keeping a food log, eating solids not liquids, walking, and still nothing. In fact I gained a pound between my two fills. I just want to cry at this point. I go in tomorrow to talk to Dr. Eibes. I don't know how that's going to go but it's worth a visit. Anyone out there been banded in DSM and can tell me there is light at the end of the tunnel? Does it get better? I have read several posts where people aren't feeling any restriction in a 14cc band until they get to 9-10cc or more. At four weeks between fills that could take 4 more months and that is IF they kept giving me 1cc each time. I am so discouraged.

EAbadie-Do you like Mexican food? My local fave layered refried Beans, ground beef (you could leave that out), the melted white cheese sauce, and a little sour cream and a little guacamole on top. It was so yummy! Also, it didn't take much to feel full. It was nice to have the mexican flavors. That was satisfying. Also, I know you said you don't like spinach and I would normally agree with you as far as cooked spinach goes. But, Stouffers makes a "Spinach Soufle" which is awesome! It is spinach and skim milk and I think eggs. It's like a quiche or flan or something. So good. I know it sounds gross but it is really good. I'm going to have to get the recipe for the cheese grits someone was talking about earlier. Hope it gets better for you.

HI everyone! I am new here. I was banded on 3/11/08 in DSM, IA. I had my first apt to take out my staples yesterday. Now my incisions itch more than ever! Oh well. If that's the worst of it, I'm ecstatic! I have to try to get more protein in starting today. How come no one is hungry? Maybe I am not getting all my fluid in. Ok, today I start paying close attention to my fluids and protein. Did you all have your band tightened when it was put in? My doctor doesn't tighten it for 5 weeks and I have heard that is different than some but he says he has never had a band slip since he does it that way. I am jealous of your non appetites and big weight losses but I will be patient. I keep reminding myself this is a long term process not overnight. About the appetite. Most of the time I "feel hungry" and I think about it, I'm really not. It's more like something I can't have just sounds really good. I'm not actually hungry though. So I guess it is a big part mental like someone else said on the site. Well, I'm up way late so I will check back with you guys at the end of the day and let you know how my protein and liquids go once I pay closer attention. I'm so glad you're all here. It's nice to have someone who understands what is going on.

This is my first post. I am looking for Des Moines banders also. I had my surgery on 3/11/08 by Dr. Eibes. One week out! I am excited about next months support group because we are going to break into small groups. I enjoy the monthly meetings but wish there was more of the small groups. I am currently looking into setting up a weekly or every other week support group meeting for banders in DSM. If anyone is interested let me know. I usually throw on my bright pink corduroy jacket so look me up at the next meeting and say Hi!