FrogStar24

Sounds great! Let's wait a few more days to see if there's any more interest, but otherwise maybe we can make a plan for early August? I know the 1st is a Sunday, maybe we can make something work for that day. Looking forward to it!

I'm in Sherman Oaks, so it's not too, too far.

I've seen a lot of threads that were started years ago, but I thought I'd see if anyone came onto this site a little late like I did and would be interested in some sort of support group. I live in the Valley, but I don't think this group has to be that specific. Let me know if there's any interest and we can pick a date and time to meet.

I seem to be very late to this thread, but after being banded 11/2008 I'm realizing now that I need some support. If any of you are still out there and reading this, I'd love to do a meetup. I live in the Valley, but am amenable to driving over the hill. Thanks.

It's not so bad eating with others. Like was mentioned above, certain things I stay away from (rice, bread) but otherwise I can usually find something from a meal to eat. My biggest problem is that I eat so slowly that others get antsy and I usually just say they don't have to sit and wait with me to finish. In terms of food, however, you'll find a balance! Good luck.

I had an overfill back in March and ended up going back to the doctor a week later. I couldn't keep anything down, and lost 7lbs in a week. As great as weight loss might seem, in terms of numbers, you do not want to be losing weight that way. Don't worry about losing more quickly, this is a marathon not a sprint. It's easy for me to say that to you, of course, though sometimes I wish the scale were going down more for me too. If you're uncomfortable it'll be harder for you to stick to your goals, plus you might not be getting proper nutrition. Good luck!

I kept having the same problem as you. In the mornings I could barely get a glass of water down, I felt so tight, and then by the middle of the day I felt like I couldn't get full and could eat way more than I should have. I was so afraid that I had stretched out my pouch, but when I went to go see the doc that wasn't the case. The doc explained that your stomach is stretched around the band so it wears down a little and that can lead to the opening getting bigger. I'd suggest making an appointment for a fill if you need one. Personally, even though I obviously wanted to lose weight, I found I would eat more than I knew I should because I never got that "full" feeling, and that's what I came to expect from my band! Good luck!

I'd been told by many people they were fine in a couple of days, so I'd only asked for a week off work, but it actually took me two weeks to get back to work. I had to call in the following week because I just couldn't sit or stand comfortably (I sit at a computer all day), and I couldn't put on regular clothing (like a bra). This could, however, be because I also had hernia surgery in addition to the band.

My doctor recommended 30 minutes, and I usually keep to it. After a while (I got banded over a year and a half ago) you'll learn to listen to your body. I'm not sure about how Water pushes food through faster or anything, but I'll tell you that if I take a sip right after I eat, it hurts like heck! If you take a sip after 30 minutes and it doesn't feel like it goes down right away, then wait. However, my doctor also told me if you absolutely need a sip that a good idea is to roll an ice cube, or a little bit of water on your tongue. It'll help you feel more hydrated. Good luck to you!

Thanks for your response, I appreciate it. I know it takes a while to reprogram, I just feel like it's already been so long, ya know? I have mainly good days but some days, like recently, work is tough yadda yadda yadda and I just want to eat! Thanks for the support.

Hey, congrats on your banding! I was banded a while ago, but I do remember being very hungry when I started my mushies. Once your swelling goes down, you don't notice the band. My doctor even warned me that a lot of people ask "are you sure there's even a band?" You will feel no restriction until your first fill. It's just like it was before the surgery. That's totally fine and normal. Keep eating slowly and chewing well (if nothing else, it'll be practice for when you get a fill). Eat when you're hungry, a few small meals a day. I'll admit, the one thing I still have a problem with is that I always want water while I'm eating! That's the one thing that really bugs me. Every now and again I'll take a sip during a meal if I really need to (sometimes I really need to!) Sounds like you're getting your proteins in and everything though, so that's great. I'd recommend getting protein in other places too, when you're ready to try it. For example, instead of wheat toast - I like eating Akmak crackers (it's a brand - they're sesame crackers) with my eggs, or in general when I want a crackery starch. They also have protein in them. I also love Greek yogurt (I add some vanilla protein powder and berries to mine because otherwise it tastes like sour cream). I'd recommend Greek yogurt over regular yogurt, if you haven't tried it, because it's thicker and will help keep you full longer. As for exercise and self control--- I say try one thing at a time. Yes, exercise is important, but only do what you can for the moment. I know personally it's easier to tackle one life change at a time - so I got my eating habits down, then I started an exercise program. I hate going to the gym so I play tennis and softball, and sometimes I walk. I just recently started going to a trainer to help me lift weights because I've lost enough weight that I want to start firming up. Don't be hard on yourself. This is a huge step for you, and you're already on your way! It's a life change, not an overnight one, so just go at your own pace. You're doing great, keep it up! I'm happy to answer any questions you can, hopefully you found these answers helpful!

Congrats! You're only two weeks out but it sounds like you are upbeat. It's been a while since I was banded (Nov 08) but I do remember the first few weeks. I'm surprised you were on only a clear liquid diet for the first couple of weeks. I was on clear liquids and protein shakes - my doc said protein helped heal quicker. Here's what I say, and no I am not a doctor, but if you can't eat solid foods no one says you have to. Have protein shakes instead of solid foods if you can't get solids down. One of my favorite protein subs is greek yogurt (plain) but I throw in some flavored protein powder. It makes a great vanilla or chocolate yogurt! Fish is also great, and pretty mushy. My doctor also recommended only adding one new thing per meal to see if I could handle it. That being said, maybe stick with the foods you know you can handle. There was some stuff I couldn't eat immediately after my surgery that I am back to eating again just fine. Don't worry for right now about getting in too much variety. As for the general lack of hunger, I felt that too. I had no idea how I'd get in any of my food or my water with the amount I felt I could consume, because I couldn't possibly take in more. Once the swelling in your belly goes down, it'll loosen up a bit and you'll be able to take in more. Are you taking vitamins? Those will be important especially if you can't get in all your foods. I still take mine every day. It sounds like you're doing great! Everyone's got questions, but it does sound like you're overall upbeat about your banded life so far, and I'm happy for you! Just remember you can only do as much as you can do. This is all new to you and you're getting your bearings. Soon it'll become just a regular part of your routine. Best of luck to you, and I'm here for you!

I know this is a bit late considering your post was a week ago... I hope the fill went well. One thing I try to remind myself is that you can start anew each day. As much as I beat myself up, there's no reason to let the hard work I've done all slip away because I feel silly talking to my doctor about it. My doctor commented last time I was in there that I'm not losing as much as he'd like. I was angry about it, after all the hard work I'm putting in!, but now I try to remind myself that at least I'm still losing. So you gained some weight back... not all of it. Hopefully the new fill helps, and find something you like to do at the gym. I rarely make it there myself, but I play tennis, softball, and try to go for walks if I can. I find the days I have more troubles with the band are the days where I force myself to do stuff I'm "supposed" to do. There's a part of me that will always self-sabotage. I know I should have more dairy or drink Soy Milk... but guess what, I don't like it. I'm much happier now that I'm not forcing a glass of soy milk down my throat every day. Take small steps. Maybe get your eating habits back in check before you start an exercise regimen. I do better with one thing at a time. Best of luck.