GoneFishin

After a two year fight with my insurance company, I was banded in December, 2010 by Dr. Jeffery Hunter in Seattle WA. My pre-band weight was 305 lbs and 24 months post-op I was at 185 lbs. After a couple years, I became complacent about my food choices and ultimately gained about 20 Lbs, but I was still exercising and felt good. In December, 2013, I was diagnosed with low grade prostate cancer, and I decided on sugery as treatment. Because of scar tissue from prior abdominal surgeries, my Dr. ordered a CT scan to determine if robotic surgery was possible.A couple days later, Dr. told me that my first priority was to remove my left kidney because of the large cancer mass on it. Long story short, my band was deflated in January, 2014, left kidney was removed in March and my prostate removed in November. During that time, I have exercised as much as possible between surgeries, but still have gained over 40 lbs. Now, I am cancer free and cleared to start the refill process, for which I am thankful, but I have forgotten all I knew about neutrition, portioning, liquids and etc. I really feel like I'm starting new and I would certainly welcome your input and advice. Thanks...Dan.

I think you are doing well for where you are. It is difficult until you get some restriction, which probably won't happen with your first fill. It took me three fills before my appetite started to get under control. Exercise is crucial, even simply walking, and the more you see good result, the more committed you will be to it. As you already know, drink LOTS....Best of luck.

The problem with having a pity party is that very few join in. Time to cowboy up and make it happen. I'm not trying to pick on you. Been there myself.

I think it's pretty natural to wonder if you're doing the right thing. You read one thing and it makes you feel positive. Then you talk to someone and it takes the wind out of your sails. I remember clear as day, being wheeled into the OR and wanting to sit up and say "STOP....STOP...I CHANGED MY MIND!" Sure happy I didn't. You will be fine.

Walk as much as you can. Gas-X strips for the gas. Regrettably, our heads can't be banded but that's where most of the problems are. Cheer up! "Bandster Hell" is yet to come!

The burning could be reflux...a sign of prolapse. Have you vomited or regurgitate much? Might want to have the Dr check it out for slippage.

I wish I had done it when I was your age. Dan.

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Hi John, I know exactly where you're coming from with the diet thing. I bet I have gained and lost my body weight 2 or 3 time. That's what caused my to go with the band. I too, studied and prepared for over 2 years, but I'm now surprised at what little I knew then I had surgery on 12/15/2009. Every day is a new adventure and learning experience. "Am I tight today, or loose today?" "Should I try this or that food even if others can't tolerate it?" Always something new, but very well worth it. I don't post a ticker, but....... before 286 lbs. now 214 lbs. before 48-50 pants now 38 before 3X-4X shirt now XL is loose before EEE shoe width now D You get the picture. Good luck to. Keep us posted. Dan.

Hey Allie, Everyone is different, mostly depending on how well you tollerate pain. Not saying there will be a lot of pain, but there is some. If your mom is handy, you might ask her to spend the day with you, just to see how you do. Actually, the third day post-op was the worst for me, but it was still not that bad. Walk as much as you can, as it relly does help with the pain. make sure you have Gas-X strips as you will probably have gas pains. Dr will give you a RX for pain meds, but most only use them a day or two. I think you'll be ok.:smile:

I have also heard that pineapple juice works.

A few have eluded to increased self-esteem and confidence since weight loss, which, I think, is a key factor. Personally, I find myself in more casual conversations with women since losing 63 lbs. I deeply love my wife of 44 years and am not searching for adventure, but I am more comfortable in the presence of ladies than before.

Just remember that you are still healing and the growling has nothing to do with hunger, rather, the adjustment to he major surgery you have just had and also the gas. Try gas-x strips.

It's important to remember that we are all different. Additionally, I have heard that some Dr's put a little at the time of surgery. I was banded 12/15/09 and just had my 4th fill on 5/19 and am either at sweet spot or a little too full. My fills were 3-2-1-.5 for 6.5 in a 11 cc band. I lost 40# before my first fill, but only 5# with my first 3 fills and could eat anything in any quantity. Since 5/19, I have lost 9# and can only eat 1/2 to 3/4 cup of food. I am also finding many foods I can't tolerate now, but could with my first 3 fills. Like my Dr says, it's a slow process for most until the right adjustment is found. Hope that helps....Dan.