juliegeraci

Sue, it comes down to this. If you can eat like that and still lose 1-2 lbs per week you don't need a fill. If you are not losing you may be one of those people that needs to consume less. In my case with my restriction I average about 1 taco if I eat real slow. Salad would be out of the question. The main concern you have to have when you get good restriction where you are maybe eating 1/2 cup of food instead is protein. I always have a protein shake for breakfast with 30 grams. That way when I have lunch and dinner I eat more protein too. You will be fine. But restriction is key. Good luck.

Paulux, you are not alone. I look in the mirror at 220 down from 320 and still feel fat. I really want to lose another 35 lbs but it is tough. Plastic surgery will be calling my name for sure. Good luck.

I am interested in getting one. What do you like most about it?

My fills and unfills are $200 each. It can be very expensive. I have probably spent $1400-1600 in the past year and a half.

There is nothing like a functioning band. Good luck with your weight loss. Julie

I am not a patient of that doctor but here are the answers to your questions. 1. What will I be able to eat at when? The first 24 hours my doctor has me on liquids then to mushies for 24 then to solids. 2. How long does the procedure take? A fill takes maybe 5 minutes. 3. Does it hurt? (Okay, I'm a wussy girl ... LOL)? No. My doctor uses a numbing agent first which stings a little bit. He always gets me on the first prick of the needle so they are very easy. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Hi Amy, typically it is around 6 to 8 weeks depending on your surgeon. Don't be surprised if you don't have good restriction right away. It may take you several fills to have optimal restriction. Good luck.

it is very easy to gain weight in between fills so don't worry too much about that. I gained 7 lbs one time. Try and stay to 1 cup of food before your fill.

Popcorn is not a problem for me either. My surgeon said it goes down like sand that is why you can eat so much of it. Enjoy.

Yes, refried beans are good. Chili is excellent too.

What your doctor says goes. It sounds like a good post op diet to me.

I am a lazy overeating plain and simple. The band has helped me with restriction thus losing the weight.

It sounds like you don't have enough restriction. If you are eating say a cup of food and not losing you may be one of those people who can only consum 1/4 to 1/2 cup to lose. That is me. I would go back in for a fill until you have good restriction. Good luck.

Clara, forgive yourself and move on. I ate and drank like a fish. I'm up a couple lbs too. Don't worry about it. Recommit and go get your fill. Julie

Congrats on the lose over Thanksgiving. Keep up the good work.

Mine didn't set off an alarm either. Sorry that happened to you.

It all comes down to how much you are losing. If you only eat 1/2 cup of food and still lose I would keep it that way. If not, you may want a slight fill. Good luck.

sue, its all about restriction. Personally speaking I can't take 2 big pills at once. How much can you eat? With some people they can still eat 1 cup of food and lose weight. For others like myself, I have to cut down to maybe 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food. That should be your indications. Its all about what you are comfortable eating and IF you are losing.

For me it is all about restriction. I love the fact that I can enjoy all my favorite foods but just less of them and still lose.

I know it is bad for me but I need to know if it can hurt the band? I read another post that smoking can cause ulcerations around the band. I've been having really bad acid reflux and I wanted to see if it was smoking related. Please advise.

Mone, you will see the fat melt off of you in due time. I am thrilled for you. It will change your life. Best of luck to you with your surgery and your preop diet. Julie

This is very normal. I gained 7 lbs one time in between fills. The fill will help with restriction and hunger. Keep going back for more fills until you get there. Good luck.

April, there are 2 types of restriction. Restriction to solid forcing you to eat softer foods and restriction of liquids. You should be able to eat solids, at least a little bit at a time. If this is not happening you may be too tight. The other thing you want to consider is if you are okay eating mushies. If you are okay eating mushies and you are losing that is the chance you may take if you go for an unfill. Your weight loss will drop. So you have to ask yourself if you are comfortable or do you want more solids. This is what my surgeon recommended to me when I asked him about my restriction. It all comes down to your comfort level of eating softer foods. Good luck.

Paula, you may have lost some of you fill. I would have them remove your fill completely and measure it before refilling. Chances are you have lost some saline . Good luck.

Get rid of the ice cream, go back to your surgeon, get some good restriction and start over. You can do it!