Pegsinthewoods

My doc RECOMMENDS 1000 cal/day. Of that, 65 grams should be protein and no more than 100 grams should be carbs. I sometimes creep up to near 1200 but I haven't gone over that yet. Truthfully, I haven't been able to. I have extreme restriction without any fill. :frown: While I was on liquids, I got hungry real easy. My doc told me to eat more frequently. He said a 200 cal protein liquid five times/day. I found that if I waited to drink my water until I was near my next "meal" I didn't get hungry as fast. :thumbup:

No one seems to mention the software that comes with the Realize Band. It was the main thing that made me choose Realize. My surgeon said both bands were the same but he was having better success lately with the Realize Band and he attributed to the software. I personally love the software and sign on EVERY day to use it. Check it out if you haven't yet. https://www.realizemysuccess.com/launch.htm Or look at their brochures. :thumbup:

:cry_smile: Boy, I don't know what is going on? I had my Realize Band installed Aug. 4 (seven weeks ago) and I have great restriction w/o ANY fill. I have no idea why it is working so well for me and others don't seem to get much restriction until 8 cc or so. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining I'm just confused. I have lost 18.4 pounds which doesn't sound like a lot but it took me seven months of strict dieting before my daughter's wedding to lose that much before. It kind of makes me scared that I have a sweet spot w/o any fill. :cool2:

When I first had my band installed, I too felt like I didn't have restriction, made an appointment for a fill, etc. Well, fill day came and I backed out. I can barely eat! My NP says I am just becoming more a tuned to my band and the good thing is I'm listening to it. That's half the battle, listening to your band. When it says stop, then stop, or chew better then chew better. I'd say keep your appointment for the reasons you listed but keep an open mind that you might not need a fill at this time. :thumbup:

Whew! Reality check for me! I was banded one day before you and like you, I like my band. I also have a lot of restriction. I saw my doc yesterday for my first fill and requested to put it off because I can barely eat! So far I can still get down little amounts but your situation concerns me. I will keep you in my prayers. Does warm tea help cut your slime? It seems to relax my stomach. Please keep me informed. Thanks :biggrin:

One of the benefits I liked about the Realize Band was the software that came with it. I know the Lapband is developing its own software but it isn't available yet. I track everything I eat, with complete nutritional break down, all of my exercise, my weight loss, my measurements, they supply recipes, advice, plus my surgeon's office can track my progress if I allow them access. The software was the selling point for me. Also, everyone is different. I had the Realize band installed w/o any Fluid and I am having excellent restriction. I am six weeks + out from surgery and I am very pleased. I am averaging 3 pounds/week loss but I expect that to change as my body gets used to the lower calorie input. Bottomline, talk with your surgeon. They "should" have the best advice as to what is the right band for you.

I am six weeks out of surgery (Aug 4) and I am going in for my first fill today. I am going to request that I do NOT get a fill. I can only eat small portions and certain things I cannot eat at all. I can't believe I have so much restriction w/o any thing in my band (as per my doctor) and most folks need 8 cc to feel restriction. I have lost 17.5 pounds, which isn't great but I am a slow loser. I was feeling lucky I have so much restriction but now I'm thinking there might be something wrong? Has anyone else had their "sweet spot" immediately?

Good job, Kaytiebug! It is important to be prepared. Just like a wedding or a new birth, you can never truly anticipate what "the after" will be like. I think you are right on by trying to get your ducks in a row. Even though it WILL be different than you expect, you'll still be ready. I did not feel well for a couple of weeks. Just take baby steps.

Thanks for starting this post. It made me stop and think about the progress downward and how lucky we are to have been given this opporunity. :tt2: Every once in awhile it's nice to have someone say "stop and think about this for a moment."

I am so happy for your great success. I was banded August 4 and the challenges are still there. Fortunately, my band helps me stay faithful. Keep up the good work.

I had breast cancer five, almost six years ago, and we used silicone for my reconstruction. I have been very happy with it. I am an active person and have had no problems. I would suggest using what the PS you choose prefers.

Well, it has been 24 days since surgery and I am down 14 pounds. I seem to get hungry quickly so the doc gave me permission to move on to "junior" baby food (I wanted a fill). Yesterday I "had" to attend a retirement dinner for one of my employees at a BBQ place so I tried the pulled pork. I had to get up during the meal and go to the women's room. I didn't "get sick" but I did not tolerate it very well. :biggrin: Now I'm thinking maybe I don't need a fill. If I can't handle pulled pork (fairly close to junior's food) I guess I'd do best to just hang for awhile. Otherwise, things are going great. I am so happy with my decision. You all are in my prayers. :biggrin:

My sister got word yesterday that she has been refused by insurance for the Lap Band. Please keep her in your prayers as she appeals this travesty. All in the Lord's time. . . :smile2:

Well, today is my first day back at work. My port site hurts a little but overall, I'm in good shape. I do find myself tired and hungry. I have been given the go ahead to move onto puree. I still struggle with being hungry. I have to wait another four weeks for my first fill. I wish it was sooner. :wink2:

I'm not sure if it was Dr. Prickett or my insurance but I had to have proof of weight-loss resistance and I had YEARS of failed diets on record. I also had blood tests, EKG, echocardiogram, psyc eval, and upper GI. There might have been more but I can't remember right now. :wink2: It took four months from my first appointment to surgery but they had a cancellation and I got in quickly otherwise it would have been at least another month.

I am two weeks post-op from Dr. Prickett. I have been very happy with him and his staff. We used Palmetto Baptist which again, had a great staff. :mad2:

I've been a member for a couple of weeks but just found this thread now. I was banded Aug. 4, 2008. Life is good, no GOD IS GOOD. :whatchutalkingabout I think we need a smiley face w/ a Christian symbol. I don't know how to do that kind of stuff but I think it would be nice. :biggrin2:

:crying: Finally had my turn. I was banded on Monday, August 4th, and all is good. Had some nausea but nothing too band. I did have a cold bug (sore throat, stuffy nose, etc) at the same time and it was worse than the surgery.

Whew! I just got off the phone with my doctor's office. They have had a cancellation and my surgery is now scheduled for Monday! I can barely think straight! So many things I need to get done. I'm excited but unsure I can pull this off so fast. :biggrin: EEK!

Hey, Luluc, my husband and I are planning on being banded on the same day, too. Now that you've been through it, would you do it differently? Any advice? thanks

Someone told me once that fluid retention in the extremities was a sign of not enough protein. Are you getting your daily protein? I cannot verify this reply.:thumbup:

I thought it was cute that your banded tooth needed mushie food just like a newly banded belly.

A surgery date!! I am so happy for you! I saw my surgeon last Wednesday and I still don't have a date! I have cleared everything so far but my husband and I want to be banded together. He still needs to clear his psyc. eval. which is tomorrow. Hopefully we will be getting our date soon. Congrats to you! :glare:

Prior to the surgery, I didn't care about doing anything, but eat and take a shower. I guess the most difficult thing for me for so far, is giving up the soft drinks. Before the surgery I would consume about 8 cans of Pepsi a day, and never Water, now that has reversed. I have more energy, and just wake up each day, with a new look on life. I no longer think about how I can kill time, to make the day pass, I wake up and look forward to walking, making my little drinks, and finding ways to use this new energy, in a good way. No longer is this a wish, or a dream…it’s reality and I am transforming to a better me each new day. I wish each of you the best, and I will keep you in my prayers. Please do the same for me. :thumbup: Yaa-Hoo! What a great post. Thanks Randall. You expressed so many feelings and thoughts I've had. I have not had my surgery yet but it is encouraging to know the good that lies ahead for me. May God bless your decision and your health. Thanks again.

:biggrin2: You, of course, must do what is BEST for you. I told family and close friends. I did not tell co-workers but may in the future. I supervise 31 employees and I try to keep personal business from the office. Unfortunately, as someone's boss, I am not necessarily their friend. :wub: