mem620

I just got my band a month ago and get my first fill on Monday Dec 22. The last week or so has been a real struggle not to regain the weight I lost during the pre-op diet and post op liquids. I work in higher ed and there is food EVERYWHERE!!!! But here's the thing, fellow bandmates...We are human. This journey represents major changes to our lifestyles. The band is just a tool to help us. But we have to be vigilant about changing our habits. That takes work - and that work never stops. aclubb - I have to agree that what you have accomplished during a time of great stress is nothing short of miraculous. I admire you for collecting yourself and getting a grip NOW before you completely undo all your hard work. You have remembered that despite not having a lot of control over the divorce, the job-market and your housing situation: you have control over your eating. I hope that thought empowers you to keep at this.

I had the surgery on Nov. 24 and am scheduled for my first fill on Dec. 22 (Dr. Kirschenbaum in Denver). Between the pre-op diet and the first week of liquids - I lost 19 pounds. Now I am fighting to maintain that until my first fill. So I think we are in Lap-band Limbo for now. I definitely don't feel restricted, but if I eat large bites or too quickly, I swear I can feel it going all the way down my esophagus - and it's not a good feeling. My innards feel well-healed and I am hoping to find the sweet spot after my first fill! Good luck to my fellow newbies!

Thanks for your quick overview of how you eat Heather. I was banded a week ago today and am suddenly finding myself very hungry. I know I must stick to the liquid diet but it is helpful to know that a normal, easy to prepare diet is ahead of me.

:thumbup:I had the surgery on Nov. 24 and am doing the liquid thing! Although there is no Fluid yet in my band, I definitely feel full after a small portion. I have lost and regained weight so many times over my 56 years on this planet, I lost track. But this time is different. My hunger won't get the best of me this time. I am feeling pretty bloated though, and was glad to read that the swelling will go down over the next 2 or 3 weeks. I return to work on Monday and will have to face wearing a bra and something around my waist. It feels good to be a loser! I have been reading postings for more than a month and it has been so helpful. Thanks everyone! MEM620