lindas0809

Hi! You're in "bandster hell". We all go through it after surgery and before restriction. Some people don't lose during this time (some even gain), but it will get better. Watch your portions, but realize that a cup a meal may not keep you full. My Dr. was OK with a high Protein snack during meals if I needed it and it really helped. I usually ate a string cheese or greek yogurt. Good luck! It does get better after restriction!

Hi! I'll check out your blog. I've been blogging for about 9 months - right before surgery. I've met a great group of people and get a lot of support. Mine's in my signature. Good luck!

I have a 5 year (4 when i had surgery over the summer). I didn't say anything to her before surgery because you know how they can get obsessed about things at this age. We dropped her off at preschool and went to the hospital. I actually stayed overnight so when my husband picked her up he told her I was staying overnight at the Dr.'s. My sister stayed overnight at our house to make it special and take her mind off it. They got me the next morning and she asked questions, but was Ok with all the answers I gave her (that I had my tummy fixed). With the post-op diet I just told her my tummy still was upset and I had to eat mushy food. Overall - she was good through it all.

No problem Angie - feel free to send me a message if you have questions. I agree about being accountable with the band. I was really pushed toward bypass, but I knew I had food issues that I needed to resolve and fought to get the band. It is definitely not the easy way out - but it's a great tool. Thanks for the congratulations- I've actually lost 57 pounds since surgery the total is including my 6 month preop diet.

Hi - I wish you luck with the process. I didn't know U of I did lapband - I thought they only did RNY. My parents live in Iowa City and I have looked into the process for my Mom - good to know. The length of time between your initial consult and surgery will depend on your insurance and if they require a pre-approval time period- mine required a 6 month plan. Recovery varies per person. You'll find people who work 3 or 4 days later, but I can say that I needed more time. My Dr. actually will not approve anyone to go back to work before 2 weeks- so I got a good time off. The port placement depends on the Dr. too. Mine is on my left side about 3 inches to the left of and an inch of so below my belly button. They access it using a needle, so getting your fills is kind of like getting a shot (you hardly feel it). Good luck at your consult appointment!

Angie, Yes I think traditionally the 6 mini meals is regarded as a good way to safely diet, but lap-band does have it's own rules for a reason. Although after surgery before you get restriction (bandster hell) my surgeon did recommend mini meals if needed. I'm at a point that I have good restriction and eat about 1/2 cup to cup of food per meal (not a 1/4 cup). Typically most people eat between 1000-1300 calories a day with the band. There all times when we all reach plateaus, but I've been banded for almost 7 months and have had consistent weight loss (about 2.5 pounds a week). Right now I can't really give you a lot of drawbacks. I've had great weight loss yet I'm still able to eat most foods. For me this has been great because I don't feel deprived like I would on a diet. Do your research and ask you Dr. all those questions - they are good ones. Good luck with your decision!

Good luck with approval process. It does take a while, but take that time to learn all you can about the band (this site is awesome). I'm sure it's doubly hard when you don't have support at home, but just keep your head up. If you are committed this is a great tool. Let me know if you have any questions!

I've had 7 fills (I think). It took me a while to get good restriction, so I probably did go every 2-3 weeks at first since I didn't feel anything. I would say schedule the 2nd fill, and if you need to wait awhile longer cancel it a couple days before. It will depend on how aggressive your Dr. is with fills. If you get a larger one at first you may want to wait longer, but if you only get 1 cc, go back in 2 weeks. Good luck!!

I asked this to my Dr. after surgery (I think everyone's really paranoid in the beginning). Here's what she told me: It's hard to stretch a lap band pouch - you would have to consistently over eat for a long time. Bypass patients can and do stretch their pouches because there's nowhere for the food to go- unlike us, we dump our food into our real stomachs. It made sense to me when she explained it that way. You can get an upper GI to see if you esophagus/pouch is stretched.

Kris - Congrats on your approval! I had Aetna for my surgery and they were awesome - I hope things go as well for you.

I never had an upper GI until they wanted to check out some reflux issues I was having. I think most Dr.s don't unless they think there's a problem.

I don't have a "strict" diet in that I still everything in moderation, but small amounts. In general I eat eggs for breakfast(used to be 2, but I'm down to one now), for lunch I'll have soup or tuna or leftover protein from dinner, for dinner I have chicken or turkey and some veg maybe a little starch if I can. If I need a snack at some point of the day I'll eat a string cheese or greek yogurt. If you stick with good portion control and avoid sliders you will loose. It's OK to eat when you're hungry, just make good choices. I hope you get restriction early in your fills- I just did the last few months. Good luck!!

Congratulations!! I had my 6 month bandiversary on the 5th and have lost 53 pounds. It's amazing how much you can change and adapt in 6 months. Keep up the great work!!

I buy the gummi vitamins also. I can get them at Costco.

Hi Mandy! Congratulations on getting your band. I hope things are going well for you. This site is an awesome place for information - also there is a big lap-band blog community that is really wonderful. Make sure you ask questions!

Hey Robyn, I was really obsessed a few months ago about stretching my pouch out - it's so easy to worry about. I talked to my Dr. about it, she said told me she felt the pouch stretching issue was overblow in the lap band world. It's easy for RNY patients to stretch it out because their food stays down and will stretch the pouch, but a lapband patient would generally bring the food back up if we over eat. She did say it was possible, but it would be after a long time of consistent over eating. She made me feel better about the whole issue. I know every Dr. is different, so talk to yours at your next fill appointment, but hopefully this eases your mind. Linda

Congratulations!! I had surgery through Aetna and everything went really well and I'm glad they are my insurance company. They have also covered my fills up to this point. I have to change insurance in January and I'm so bummed. I hope everything goes well for you!!

4 Pounds to go - I hope I can make!

It's interesting how all nutritionists and programs are different. I was told three meals(about a cup each) but definitely have a high protein snack if needed (usually string cheese).

Hi! Wow your date is close! Where are you in MD? I'm in Elkridge and had surgery at JHU in June. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions.

Lolly, I was the same wishing I had taken some measurements before surgery. Then one day I remembered that they had taken my measurements at my first surgery consult - maybe they did at yours too. It's easy to forget because it took so long to get through the process. Good luck you'll be surprised when you take them.

I was diagnosed with type 2 about 1 year and 1/2 ago. I was put on a low dose of Glipizide (2.5 mg). Since banding I am off the Glipizide and my Dr. feels that my AC1 levels will be normal as the pounds come off. The diabetes diagnosis left me reeling and really pushed me to get the band. I'm so glad I did.

My surgeon pushed RNY for me as well because I had over a hundred pounds to lose and was diabetic. At the time I felt really ganged up on, but I realize now she was giving me the medical facts. It was my job to do my research and convince her that I was ready to commit to the band and was adamant about not wanting RNY. I would just say do your homework and stay strong. Good luck!!

My Dr. is always reminding me that while I've still got a lot to lose the band is going to need constant adjusting because the fat pad around our stomach gets smaller. It's a bummer but until you get close to goal and maintenance you'll need adjustments. I understand how you feel about the money, after the first of the year my insurance changes and I have no idea what they will cover - if anything. I'm going to be getting a lot if little fills until the end of the year.

I completely understand. I didn't tell anyone at work and people have been saying things to me about my weight loss. I feel guilty when I say I track my calories using daily plate and only eat 1000-1200 calories a day(both true). I shouldn't though, the band is great, but it's hard work. I don't want to be lumped in with the multiple people at work who have had bypass and eat pretzels and candy bars all day(but that's another issue). I think it's smart to limit who you tell- no one watches what you eat and judges. I figure if someday I can help someone by telling them about the band I will, but otherwise it's my business.