HotMama

Alright, I had my band 5/14, and one fill 4 weeks afterwards. I have not lost any more weight than the weight from the first week (14 lbs) I am really starting to get frustrated. I'm walking, and eating less than I used to, but I have no restriction, so can still just eat when I want. Obviously, I wouldn't have needed this surgery if I could have controlled that, so I feel like I've wasted my time and money, and I'm getting very irritated, frustrated, just plain pissed off every time I step on the scale. I guess I could use some encouragement from some of you who have success stories with a similar start. I would really appreciate it. Thanks! Kris.

Thanks to all who responded. I've seen other posts with similar issues. We KNOW all the rules and catch phrases about the band not doing all the work and what we SHOULD eat. However, the fact remains we all did get the band to help us, so when it's not (yet), it's extremely frustrating. My guess is, if you're one week out, you're still managing fine, but by next week, you'll be wanting to eat your keyboard like the rest of us. At any rate, Hang in there folks............in another year we'll be so much better off than we are right now. I think I'm going to start going to my docs post-op support groups..............maybe you guys can do the same.

Rhonda, it WILL get better. Each and every patient is different. This is the down side to this site because everyone compares themselves, and it's not an accurate measure. Sure, a good compass, but that's it. I was nauseated for five days, but it was the liquid pain med. Then, of course, your eating far less. I was weak and tired for well over a week, not to mention sore. I have a physically demanding job (Operating Room nurse) so my doc told me to take 2 weeks off. After that, no heavy lifting for the following 4 weeks. You'll discover, once you start feeling a bit better, that you'll be HUNGRY, HUNGRY in the next couple of weeks. I've had one fill, and I am still hungry, but I'm not worried. My doc says to be patient, I will get there. I haven't lost anymore, but I haven't gained anything back, so for that I'm thrilled. I was in the same place, "What in the H--- have I done to myself, IDIOT!" You'll be ok, really, ok and better! Write to me privately, if you'd like, and we can support one another. Don't get wrapped up in comparing yourself to too many people, ok? Good luck, girl! You're gonna be a knock out!

Me, too. Apparently this is a common issue with everyone, and they have dubbed it "bandster hell", the time between surgery and when you start getting the band filled that you're HUNGRY! From what I have read, most successful patients have just rode this time out. Remember, the band is not a "quick fix". I lost 14 lbs during the first two weeks, and then gained 2 lbs during the following two weeks before the fill. I was ok with that considering I was on the road for 10 days of that. However, Now that I have had my first fill, I still don't feel restricted, but it has helped some. I'm seeing results again, slowly, surely. Hang in there, folks. Just try to make good food choices, and be patient with yourself. Slower loss is better for you anyway, so just think of the fact that you have already made the biggest step and you're on your way. Best of luck!

Alright, so I made my son's lunch this afternoon and ate something that is not exactly conducive for dieting..............that being said, I have no restriction yet, and can essentially eat and drink normally at this point. So, I have 4 chocolate chip Cookies dunked in a COLD glass of milk........no problem. Well, two hours later, I had SEVERE abdominal cramps, and it quickly became clear that my body was trying to evacuate anything and everything that was in it. I know you're not supposed to get Dumping Syndrome with the Lapband, but there is no doubt that it was the exact problem I was having. Anyone else ever have this issue?

Some surgeons want it to keep the bladder empty, creating more room in the abdomen to work. It is inserted after you're asleep, and there really is no reason why it couldn't be removed before you leave the OR since you are supposed to be up and about after surgery. However, don't forget even though you have been NPO from midnight the night before, as soon as you get to pre-op you are getting IV fluids, and keep getting them all through your stay. What goes in, must come out. My doc just asks his patients to use the restroom before going to the O.R. I've worked in the OR for 16 years, every doc is different, and every doc thinks their way is the best way, it's how they were trained.

Alright, I had my surgery 5/14/08, moved onto to the soft diet at day 7 post-op. With the exception of the morning, when I feel aware of the band, the rest of the day I'm hungry, and feel like I can just eat, eat, eat. I stick to my 1 cup of food per meal, but I'm still hungry. I'm noticing also, that there is no difference in the kind of food I eat, either. I can essentially eat normally. I had read someone's post, who appears to have been successful with an over 100lb loss, who told someone else not to worry about restriction or loss at this point, wait for the fills...... So, I guess I'd like to hear from all of you success stories out there and tell me how it went for you. I lost 14 lbs quickly, and now it is just standing still.......... Thanks, all! Kris

I'm two weeks post-op, and I have the same issue. I can eat like I never had the surgery, and I try to be mindful, but it is getting harder and harder each day. I have my first fill 6/6/08, and I'm hoping that it helps a lot. I know it takes a few fills, usually, to get it right, but I feel anxious to get this weight off!!!! I've lost 14 lbs the first week being on shakes, but have gained back 4 of it during this second week of soft food. Ugghh. Just know you are not alone in your struggle. I made a post a few days ago entitled "11 Days Post-Op and HUNGRY". You'll find it under the "Post-op forums". Keep in touch fellow "May Flower". Best wishes!

My doctor recommends us using the shakes from Unjury.com. They are medical quality protein shakes. I got a chocolate and a vanilla, and they are both good. Honestly, I have tried my husbands GNC Gold Standard whey isolate protein shakes, and they taste just as good, and would be cheaper in the long run. I just wanted to have what my doctor wanted me to have for immediately after surgery, and in the future, will just use The GNC brand. Be sure whatever you get that it has WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE, the purest form of dry protein you can buy. Good luck! :biggrin:

Definatly need to add Protein. It should be your first choice, as in egg, meat, quality oatmeal, lowfat cheese, yogurt............cereal will do nothing for you, and, as a diabetic, the milk is actually considered a carb and NOT a protein, therefore it, too, is spiking your sugar along with the cereal, and then you crash............ Good luck..........if you need extra help, follow an ADA diet.

Hey. I work in the OR. Yes, you have to take them out. If you are concerned about the wholes closing, ask them for an 18 angiocath.(write it down). You can put the silastic end of the tube on the end of your piercing, and pull it through the whole at the same time you're removing the ring.........make sense? We do it all the time. Just secure it in place with a piece of tape. You need to remove ALL metal because of potential burns caused by the electrosurgical equipment. Trust me, even though the risk is minimal with the latest technology, you do NOT want a burn!!!!! Also, they don't want you to lose, or have the jewelry ripped out being caught on sheets/drapes. Wedding rings are sometimes allowed as long as tape is applied over them, however, it truly is in your best interest to just leave them at home........ Good luck!

Hopefully, if it changes, it changes for the better. If not, you're not with a very secure person. I'm just in the beginning of loss. I was a Hot Chick back when I was a size 6 and "clubbing"...........and meeting all the wrong men. I met my husband after I was heavy, not as heavy as now, but still a far cry from my size 6. At any rate, he loves me, he supports me and my goals, and he trusts me completely, as I do him. I can only imagine things getting wild in the future:)...........oh dear....... I hope things go well for you. Remember, that seemingly cute possessiveness (protectiveness) your man shows, only leads to outright control and abuse. You're worth much more than that!!!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHA! I'm with the above, the fact that you even did a 5K is awesome! I don't run unless someone is chasing me! You're not crazy, completely........... I'm sure everything is just fine, relax. My husband and I got a good laugh at your post, thanks! You were just running, swinging your arms and breathing..........unless you downed a chocolate cake at the finish line, you're golden! I'm 6 days post-op, and had my first mushy meal tonight. I'm sure I'll be looking on this website to see what I'm dying of in another hour or so :cursing:. My husband wanted me to wait until tomorrow so I don't have any problems during the finals of "Dancing With The Stars" Don't worry, we'll be crazy together!!! Hey, do they have a friends list we can go on?

from what I understand it is really the same thing, just a different manufacturer. Everyone wants to get their fingers into this lucrative business. I work in surgery and see it all the time. Not sure your why your doc would choose a select few to use it on, if this was what he normally uses. Ask him if he is selecting a few to try it out on. If you're not comfortable with that, wait for another surgery date. If you're ok with it, and he/she is proficient with Lapband already, go for it. You are the patient. Get what you want. Good luck

hey. It really depends on your insurance company, and sometimes your employer, who can choose to exclude the benefit from the policy. Absolutely call your insurance company and ask them. You may want to have the procedure code (from surgeon) to give them. Many are seeing the light and realizing that this is curing much bigger and more expensive illnesses down the line. Mine did, BCBS, and they are paying 90%. I hope it all works out for you! Never give up. Best Wishes

I had my surgery 5/14/08. I'm home on liquids but feel so much nausea and have terrible diarrhea. I'm weak and just feel so sick, like I have the flu. Can anyone help? They made it sound like I would bounce right up and be taking long walks right away. I feel horrible. I don't think it's anesthesia at this point, this just started this afternoon, 48 hrs post op.

Hey all. New day and feeling a bit better. Diarrhea seems to have stopped, and the nausea is at a minimum. It may have been the pain meds because I started wretching after I took it last night, before bed. THAT was not fun. Will try to fly solo today and put up with the minor aches and occasional discomforts to see if in deed that is the problem. Will keep sipping on fluids, and drink my 3 protein shakes very slowly today. Thanks everyone!!!!!!

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the feedback. My husband just came home with some dramamine chew tabs and those button bracelets. It's nice to know I'm not just being whimpy, because it is usually very hard to keep me down..........not right now though. will keep sipping on my diet lemonade and try to figure out how to get that wt loss ticker on my post.