dmarcy

Anne, you are absolutely right...we need to look at the big picture and not get caught up in the day to day struggles; just keep an eye on the prize! I have lost, on average, about two pounds per week...that will never come back!

I had my second fill last week and it has helped tremendously...I don't know why I thought it wouldn't...and there will come a time, I am sure, as I lose, that I will need another fill...and I've heard there are times when we need unfills. But it is so important to measure and stick with the three meals a day so that becomes a habit...so when we do need unfills and have to rely on our willpower we have that habit. I've been to the support groups and to the nutrition classes and I like both. They don't make you talk if you don't want to and people are friendly...we are all there for the same reason. Take care!!

Hey Jessica, You are doing great! I was banded May 19, have had two fills, and have lost 15 pounds, so you are doing really well. I also have a lot further to go than you. I bet you are feeling better though. Sorry about your family's loss! Marcy

Hi All, I was banded by Dr. Simpson on 5/19 and had my first fill on 6/22. He said I will probably want another one in a month, so I have another fill scheduled 7/27. I have heard it sometimes takes 3-4 fills to hit that magical "green" zone. Right now I am finding it fairly easy to stick to three small meals per day, but the weekends are killer for me, when my family snack all the time. I lost 18 lbs. the first two weeks, then gained back 7 because I was hungry all the time (before my first fill). As of my first fill, four days ago, I was at 11 pounds lost. Since I am back to eating small meals, I am probably down more, but I don't like to weigh on my scale at home because it is inconsistent. It's good to be able to talk to others who have been banded by the same doc. We will all some day be "Simpson Success Stories!"

I am there with you too. I got my first fill yesterday and he said I would probably want another one in a month. It is a process. I was on clear liquids for 24 hours and then could finally have a meal at lunchtime. I had a small chili from Wendy's, and now, 2-1/2 hours later, I am still not hungry, so I guess it's doing what it is supposed to be doing, for now. =) I was really struggling week three and several people and my nutritionist told me to try drinking a cup of milk while preparing a meal, so that I wouldn't be starving when it was time to eat...it worked. I actually attribute that to stopping the weight gain I was starting. Try it! I love organic milk...it doesn't upset my tummy!:smile2:

Marathon Mommy: I know all docs are different and I got a lot of information about liquids for two weeks, mushies for two weeks, etc., etc., but when I went for my two week followup on Monday, my doc said, "so are you eating regular food?" And I said, yeah kinda, and he said that was fine...just chew, chew, chew, and eat for 15-30 minutes. Now I am eating almost everything...still have not had a postop fill (I have to wait two more weeks), but eating slowly does seem to make me satisfied for longer. Good luck!!

Christy...surgery recovery is very much a "two steps forward, one step back" dance. My third day was horrible, then four good days, then another "down" day. It is a process, but as long as you are getting a little better every couple of days, you are doing fine! I am enjoying mushies too!

Yay Christy! Glad you made it through with flying colors! I will toast your new journey with some diet Snapple Kiwi Strawberry (my new favorite!!). Cheers!

Hi there, I found a heating pad helped a lot with the gas pain...it became my "security blanket" too, to keep my little dog from pressing on my incision, or from snuggling and poking me with her whiskers! It did take a few days to go away completely, but was a little better every day, walking helped too.

So excited for you Christy...please update us when you get banded! I think the reason mine was so fast is that my doc does lapbands exclusively. He used to do general surgery and bypasses, etc., but went exclusive about three years ago. Yeah, still have to go through all the anesthesia and gas stuff, unfortunately. But, I took a shower today, did my hair and makeup, then went and got a mani and pedi, then to the mall with my daughter (the walking really helps the gas). So, I am exhausted, but glad to have had some fun!

Hi all, I am a newbie and scheduled for Tuesday May 19th! I have been looking into LB for over a year and finally made the decision to self-pay rather than waiting for insurance to approve. I am very excited, and a bit nervous that this will not work for me like everything else I've tried in my life (starting at age 11 going to Weight Watchers). But seeing so many posts with successes is a real motivator. I hope to be one of those successes one day in the not too distant future! :frown:

Thanks for the kind words! I slept pretty well last night...on my side as usual, but a pillow pushed up against my stomach to support me...that seemed to work. Still gassy but it seems to be easing up more and more. I think after lying horizontal all night it spread around a bit, so this morning it's coming out the other end...TMI, I know, but that's the facts! LOL. I've decided to just use Tylenol for the discomfort (can't really call it pain) and headache. Sailor Kristy...are you getting so excited?? Can't wait to hear how your surgery goes. Have a great day everyone!

Welllll....I did it! I had my surgery this morning. Got up at 4:00, checked in at 5:30 and went in to surgery at 8:00. I was out at 8:20, but didn't wake up until almost 9:00 (I think). At first I thought, "what have I done to myself," not because I was in pain, just the pressure from the gas, and the grogginess, but once they got me up and walking that really helped with the gas pressure...and lots of burps too! This is not the time to be lady-like! They gave me clear liquids, jello, and broth, and checked me out at 4:00pm! My doc ended up doing two incisions, which I am happy about. I am pretty energetic and am trying to walk a lot around the house. I am so glad to have the surgery behind me and my new life in front of me! Blessings!

Two more nights of trying to sleep...one more day to work...then my new life begins! I am so ready! :laugh:

Thanks Kellster! Tomorrow is your big day! Let us know how it goes!

Nicole...you are an inspiration! I get banded a week from tomorrow and I notice you are the same height as me and similar start weight. Continued success to you!!! :frown:

Hi Vinca! I've got a surgery date! I'm getting banded on May 19th...I never thought this day would come. I really liked Dr. Simpson...straight-forward but humorous too! Yipppppeeeeee!

Wow! Thank you for all that great information! I have my first appt with Dr. Simpson tomorrow morning...yay! I don't want to wait another minute to finally get this weight off...I hope he can schedule me for surgery next week! Haha. I look forward to seeing your progress! :cool2:

Hi Vinca, I just found your post. I have a consult with Dr. S on Thursday morning. Do you mind my asking if you were self-pay and how long the process took from the consult to the surgery? I'm excited!

Hi Breanne...I am so happy and excited for you! Let us know when your surgery is scheduled! BTW, what type of Aetna do you have? I have HMO and am anticipating a struggle with getting approval.

Hi Nooshie...I'm so glad to see someone on Aetna HMO who is at least going through the motions to get approved...was it hard? Can you give me any suggestions for my doctor, etc.? I appreciate it! Good luck to you! Dmarcy