PDG777

Hi, Banded 19.08 and had first fill 6 weeks later (total 4ml) first week after that not much restriction, but now have 1 600ml bottle water with Berocca Multivitamin on way to work (early start) then until lunch time another bottle of water and probably 1 good mug full of tea. Lunch - not really hungry - but eating fish with Salad, or Scrambled Eggs and salad, Evening meal ground meat - either port, beef or chicken with salad or vegies - sometimes some sugar free jelly but usually that's it, sometimes a glass of warm sweetened milk to go to bed with - the weight stopped for about 3 weeks, and started dropping again 1 week after the first fill... as it it needed that time to sort itself out... very happy with it all though. Trish

Hi, just to let you know that since being banded in August, my energy levels have increased tremendously, I have followed the 'rules' which are not really rules and have had no experience of bping or vomiting, I have lost 17 Kgs in 12 weeks and am ecstatic over that.. already I am off blood pressure tablets and I cannot tell you how great I feel, every week I seem to be getting happier and happier and everyone is commenting on how vibrant I am looking... for me there were few downs initially, but all to do with the op and all that has gone - if you go with your doctor/surgeon and listen to his instructions you will honestly really change your life, you have a chance to grab on to it and go for it... I would not change one single thing, I am loving it. Good Luck on whatever decision you make... Trish

Hi, I initially told a few close friends and family (oseas) and had fantastic support from them all... I told some work friends and they could not be more excited for me and supportive.. I was banded on 19th August, and as I myself have been getting happier and happier with my choice (and it is very noticeable) I have been able to feel secure about telling more people and all I am getting is "Good On Ya" and tremendous support - they have all been great - and I am finding that I am really enjoying the support from them.. You are literally grabbing back on to life again.. and they know it and certainly seem to be going with me on my trip... so .. it's all good.... Trish

Hi... I went on Optifast for 4 weeks pre-op, enjoyed it - picked the ones that I particularly liked. In the liquids stage I had Optifastfor Lunch and added an egg to it for extra protein and found that OK... I will always have it in the cupboard for a quick meal, and it is handy at work as I travel long distances and it is easier for me. I am going to have my first fill next week, and will definitely be back on the optifast for a day or so after that if necessary.. The Chicken soup was a godsend at the end of the day when I was in the liquid stage ( and it is just coming out of winter here) As I said, I will keep some in the cupboard and I personally find it quite refreshing and certainly do not feel hungry after it.... hope that helps... I really think if you enjoy it and find it helps then go for it... Cheers for Now, Trish..

Hi Chris... best thing ever... banded on 19th August and really loving the freedom that comes from it.... already lost 33 lbs (24 of that on the pre-op optifast diet) so 9 lbs in four weeks yesterday - seem to be over the hurdle of post-op gismo's... If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired as another bandster said... then this is the only way to go.... Cheers and Good Luck... Trish

A lot of those protein drinks are extremely high in calories... the Optifast as a meal replacement is very low calory - when I frist had the op the dietician said to take protein drinks, low fat custard and things like that.. then I looked at the calory and carbohydrate content and decided no... so an occasional optifast.. and I enjoy soft cheese, eggs and chicken... but I really note the calorie content because I have got into that problem before the op, and it was due to high calorie count in the amount of protein I was eating... hope that helps.. Cheers, Trish

Hi... was banded on the 19th August... for the first 2 weeks tummy grumbled and groaned - in fact it was so loud I was embarrased at work - however - I was not at all hungry.... so divided the feelings... a) I just felt full, and :thumbup: my tummy did not believe me, and was constantly on the lookout for what it was missing. Sounds funny, but it sort of made sense... I am not having my first visit until Mid October... tummy settled down after more grumbling and bad gastrics... and I am still not hungry - my tummy still grumbles but not that much any more... I still don't think it believes me but has settled down. Don't know if that will help.. but it certainly seems to be the case with me. Good Luck... and Hang in there.... Trisha

Hi Jo... it is all very exciting isn't it... I am amazed at the freedom I am already feeling from not having food rule the roost... I know there will be ups and downs, but even at this early stage I am really happy... I was banded about noon on the 19th with Dr Caska on the Central Coast.. I am 54.5 f and live in Umina.... Cheers for Now, Trish

Hi... never posted one of these before... but hello to you all... I was banded on 19th August 08, and lost 11 Kgs prior to banding.. I am now down another 3.5 Kgs since... My first fill appointment is not until mid October so it will be interesting if this 'satiety' lasts till then. Funny feeling.. your brain says you are full.. your tummy does not believe it and seems to be grumbling because it can't find anything. Had the seemingly usual wind/gastic pains but in general not too bad.... cannot sleep on my tummy though... and when I tried it last night the pain in my chest was quite vicious.. and has ached a lot since... but that too is improving... I have lost nearly 32 lbs and that is fantastic for me.. so really looking forward to the diminishing size and also to say a big thanks to all the other forum users who are helping me in so many ways just by letting people know what they have been through... CHeers for now.. Trish