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I lost 20 pounds in the month pre-surgery (I was on Medifast at my surgeon's direction); since my banding on February 26th, I've lost 19 more. My surgeon told me to expect, now that I'm moving forward with purees, that I may gain a little back. I've made it my personal mission to prove him wrong, though :thumbup: If all goes well, I may be getting my first adjustment on March 31st. Best, Christine

I know you all will laugh at me, but I read somewhere that a good way to control bite size is to use baby utensils. Seems like a crazy approach, but you know, so far, it's working really well. My challenge is that I'm not used to eating so slowly and deliberately. It's definitely something I have to do mindfully until it becomes habit. Best, Christine

Each surgeon has a different approach for how they place your port. The morning after the surgery, when the surgeon came in to discharge me, he showed me where the port was...on the left, about 3 fingers above where the main incision was (so, between where my bra ends and where my waistline begins- seems like a good place for keeping irritation at a minimum). Worth asking the question at your next visit- I'm sure your doc would be glad to show you the port location. Best, Christine

If you go out to the Bariatric Eating website, you'll find lots of options for increasing your Protein intake. I especially recommend unjury unflavored Protein powder, at 20 grams of protein a scoop. Tonight was my first pureed meal...I added that to the golden butternut squash Soup that's made by V-8...absolute heaven!! As long as you don't allow the mix to get too hot, and denature the protein, it works like a charm. Good luck! Christine

I just found out today that my surgeon will not do fills closer than 2 weeks from airline travel. Evidently, the change in pressure has an effect on the saline in the band, causing it to expand temporarily, especially on long flights. I don't know if anyone else has heard of this, but it might be worth asking your doctor about if you haven't already. Since my husband and I are moving to Florida come the fall, what we've decided to do is to fly up to see him, then take the train back. He's just too awesome to give up altogether :thumbup: Best of luck- your vacation sounds wonderful! Christine

I spent the first 7 days after my surgery on clear liquids only, which was a challenge to be sure, then was moved on to full liquids. Today at my postop, I was given clearance for purees WHOO-HOO!!! I had been saving some golden butternut squash soup for just this moment...mixed in some unjury unflavored Protein to kick it up a notch. My husband got most of it, but Lord, it was totally delicious. He didn't know about the protein boost until I told him. So, now it's two weeks at this stage, and then on to soft foods for a week, after which I may be getting my first adjustment, depending on how I'm doing. I've got to say, I've been tempted by certain things along the way...I made my husband sauteed kielbasa with barbeque sauce last night that smelled just heavenly...but I just chose not to go there. It was a personal thing. I know myself well enough to realize that if I give in now, at such an early stage, it will get easier and easier to justify going maverick, so it's better for me not to begin that happy road to perdition. All the best to you...and welcome to Banderland, LaDawn! Christine

My surgeon is just starting to do sleeves...and definitely, my insurance company wouldn't pay for it. So, given the choice between a RNY and a band, I decided that I was more comfortable personally with a band, given all the pros and cons. It's early days yet for me, but so far, I've had no reason to regret the decision. Best, Christine

Greetings, all! I was really pleased at my surgeon's comments at my first postop appointment today...he was SUPER happy at my progress, and gave me that all-important promotion to purees, yippee!! I have some butternut squash Soup all ready for the occasion tonight :thumbup: Other milestones to report- I can now drive locally (another week before I try really long distances)...and perhaps most importantly...they have cut my BP med dosage IN HALF!!!!! So, he told me, 2 weeks on purees, if I do well there move to softs for a week. When I go back to him on the 31st, if I need restriction, he'll do my first adjustment! Just had to share :thumbup: I never thought I'd be doing this well this soon after surgery. Best, Christine

I had a similar experience to Betsy's...my surgeon requires a 2 week preop diet...he gives 4 options; I ended up choosing Medifast 5+ Lean/Green. It was a little more expensive than some of the other plans, but I'm not really concerned, because I'm using the leftovers now as part of my postop plan, so not a bit has been wasted. The way it turned out, due to the terrible weather here plus a delay with my insurance company, I was on the plan for 4 weeks rather than 2. I had a nice preop weight loss as a result, though, so I wasn't unhappy about it. They took me off everything from midnight on the day before surgery. It was a long, dry morning for me- my surgery didn't begin until 2:30. I was actually glad when they got that IV going! Best of luck to you! Christine

I had been on Diovan HCT for about 3 years prior to the surgery, and under pretty good control. The surgeon had me continue the meds since my banding...but I've had at least 3 episodes of being lightheaded...I thought it was low sugar, but now that I read this, I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't low BP instead. I have a wrist monitor here at home, and the readings seem very low, but I also know that wrist cuffs are not as accurate. OK, that will be another issue to bring up at my postop appointment this morning. Christine

Congratulations, that's a great milestone to celebrate!!!! Fair winds and smooth seas- Christine

Greetings to all my fellow bandsters- As of today, I am on postop day 9, and to be honest, I've been very encouraged, not only by my personal progress since I started my preop Medifast in late January, but for the kind, thoughtful, and supportive comments I've seen and received on this site so far. Although my surgeon and his staff, including his nutritionist, his psychologist, and his surgical coordinator, provided me with a LOT of information (I actually had to take a written test at my last presurgical visit to ensure that I had reviewed the material thoroughly- the couple I missed were reviewed with the surgeon at great length, and we both signed off on them that I had a thorough understanding), I also spent HOURS on the internet, researching the various types of WLS options. I read positive posts, posts from those who inferred that I was posessed for even considering a band over other options, and everything inbetween. I underwent the surgery knowing full well that I might not end up with an "ideal" result...but with the absolute conviction that, if I didn't, it wasn't because I didn't do everything in my personal power to make it work. My surgeon made it more than clear that it would potentially take multiple fills before I would get to my "sweet spot", so I take that for granted. If it happens sooner, well, that's just icing on the cake. I also know that I will lose more slowly, and at less of a percentage of my total excess weight, than if I had chosen RNY or some other modality. I agree that the commercials can be misleading- after all, they are there to sell the technology, just as all other commercials are- but the point is to motivate potential patients to find out more, not to buy it sight unseen. I dread the thought that someday, some unscrupulous doctor or clinic will produce a Lap-band infomercial, like they do for so many other products, just to lure people in. If it's true what I'm reading here, that the OP posted this just to stir the pot, I'm sickened. If it's untrue, and this unhappy individual really is totally discouraged by their situation, I would like to relay my sympathy and support; I pray that I'm not ever going to find myself in their position. I would encourage you, however, with one thought that I don't think was expressed elsewhere- PLEASE DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR PROGRESS TO ANYONE ELSE, BANDED OR NOT! You are a unique individual, and this journey will be unique to you. Rejoice in the progress you have made so far, and get the fills that will help you get back on track. Bandwife, I'm so sorry your husband is having trouble. I was told that steak is something that a lot of folks have trouble with. It does sound as if he's overfilled, as others have suggested. It might be worthwhile to journal what he can tolerate when you talk to your surgeon, so they're aware and can evaluate best what needs to be done. Perhaps they will order a swallow study for him, to help confirm the size of the stoma. Sorry for the long post- Have a good day! Christine

Recently, I've been trying to keep in mind that, for everyone who struggles with weight loss issues, no matter what path they choose, there is no easy journey. Each path has it's own particular challenges. Hey, if there were a magic wand out there, we'd all have found it, and no one would have a problem. So, I don't think of my choice as easy or hard, but rather, as the right choice for me...and I'm mindful of being respectful of others who have taken different paths. That all having been said, my friends, I would defend to the end that WLS ain't for sissies, and we should all be honored for having the courage to go there. When I made my decision, I cried, so disappointed in myself that I couldn't seem to make it work any other way. Now, 8 months later, I'm so glad I hung in there and went through with it. Have a great day! Christine

WAY TO GO, MIMI!! My surgeon gave me 4 preop eating plan choices- I ended up selecting Medifast 5+ Lean/Green, as it gave me more options than just shakes. Due to the crazy winter weather, and a long wait for my insurance approval, I ended up on the Medifast for a month, rather than the recommended 2 weeks. In that time, I lost 20 pounds, which was SOOO motivating! I really didn't mind the Medifast at all- it was just hard to get in all 5 of the Medifast meals on some days. My surgeon told me that my liver looked great when he placed the band. I know you'll turn out with a great result- 98% of the battle is positive attitude, which you have in spades! Fair winds and smooth seas, Christine

I definitely agree with Betsy on this one...there are specific reasons why we're put on special eating plans prior to surgery, and by making other, unguided choices, you're really compromising yourself. I was on MediFast 5 + Lean/Green for a month prior to my surgery, but I didn't have the symptoms you were describing. I came to believe that, not only did that plan help with getting the excess glycogen out of the liver, but also boosted my Protein reserves a bit, since I spent the first 7 days postop on Clear liquids only, which doesn't give you a lot of protein support. Today, I move to full liquids, so I'll be able to start taking in more protein. Before going much further, I would DEFINITELY consult with the nutritionist your surgeon works with, and put an alternative plan in place that will set you up for a best chance at success. Best of luck to you! Christine

Good morning! I was banded on the 26th also, and definitely experienced the same things you are. You might want to try Gas-X strips, they were helpful for me...but your best bet to get rid of the gas is to walk around as often as you can. If you're only drinking cold fluids, switch to some warm broth once in awhile- that seems to be soothing and helps with the swelling. Hang in there, hon, this really should pass of it's own accord. At 8 days postop, I definitely don't have nearly as much of the feeling you're describing. Still working on expelling gas, but it's no longer so uncomfortable. If that level of discomfort doesn't start to diminish in the next couple of days, though, a call to your surgeon makes sense. Hope you feel better soon! Christine

Take a look out on the Bariatric Eating website when you get a chance- they have TONS of choices available, including Soups, puddings, Entrees, and Fruit drinks that are protein-rich, but not calorie/fat/salt laden. I purchased a variety of things to have in stock, so I wouldn't get bored...and today is my first day on full liquids, so I'm really looking forward to getting started on them. unjury is terrific- you can put their unflavored Protein into anything to boost the level; I'm going to try the chicken flavor in some savory things as well. Everyone I've talked to says that the protein bullets are sicky-sweet and not great tasting. I believe they are better if they are mixed with Water to dilute them a bit. Hope this helps! Christine

Good morning, Marmour, I know how difficult it is to overcome a food addiction. Hal is right in the fact that the conviction to overcome it has to come from within. I'm pretty new to this game, but I would suggest that eating one meal a day is probably not the best plan...that has got to be setting you up for the wide swings in blood sugar that are influencing your cravings. The guidance from my nutritionist says that, once on regular foods, three portion-controlled meals a day are necessary, with an emphasis on Protein. You may want to consult with a nutritionist who has experience with Lap Band patients to get yourself back on track. I understand about your love for chocolate- I'm a dark chocolate girl myself! Let me suggest that you take a look out on the Bariatric Eating website, where you'll find a lot of options that will satisfy your chocolate needs, while still supporting your protein requirements and not overload you with unneeded calories- I'm pretty sure they ship worldwide. Also, the Vermont Country Store website offers sugar-free hard candies that are really good- one of their mixes includes chocolate ones, but the others are yummy as well. You are not alone in your journey- we're here to help. Sending lots of positive energy your way! Christine

Thanks so much for your replies- I do feel a little better about it now- as Betsy said, it's just a temporary thing. I must admit, I'm not the world's most patient person...actually I think I must have been in the loo when they were handing that out :smile2: Hugs all around, Christine

Today marks a week post-surgery. My recovery, though slow, has made steady progress. I don't have much discomfort, just some gas still; my stamina isn't quite up to par yet, though. What really troubled me this morning is that, from a couple of days pre-surgery up until now, I have been off my Metformin (had been taking 1 gram per day in two doses for about 3 years). My surgeon said not to restart it until my sugar hit 150. It had been hovering at about 130, but today, it was 150. I had been so excited- my A1C right before surgery was down from 6.6 to 5.3, after a month on Medifast, and my sugar was 115. I know it wasn't realistic to believe that I'd be off all meds right away just as a result of having the surgery, but I can't help but to be a bit disappointed as well. It's hard to understand how my sugar could be that high when I've had nothing but Clear liquids since last Friday. :smile2: It would be great to have some input from bandsters who have gone through this, just to bolster my spirits a little. Thanks, all- have a good day in banderland! Christine

As someone else has mentioned, it's not just the portion sizes, but it's also the quieting of hunger that is a mainstay of the band, once you reach your "sweet spot" with fills. The way it was explained to me, and it made sense, is that the nerve receptors that transmit the "I'm full!" signal to the brain are in the upper part of the fundus of your stomach, which is where the pouch is created. So, you eat less volume before that signal is engaged (of course, you have to recognize and stop eating when that happens, because if you eat beyond it, very unpleasant things can happen, both in the near- and long term). Because the stoma between the pouch and the rest of your stomach provides some control over how fast the pouch empties (depending on the consistency of your meal), you potentially stay "full" longer, even with a reduced volume. Caloric restriction plans don't help with the hunger issues as effectively. However, as well as the band works, it doesn't help with head hunger, which is a psychologic, rather than a physiological issue- where your mind/emotions tell you that you're hungry, even when you're not from a physical aspect. Based on what I've read so far, head hunger has contributed the downfall of more than one person. It's definitely something you have to combat as you go. OK, now you all know that I'm just an incorrigible technoweenie! :smile2: Best wishes to you! Christine

I will be a week postop as of tomorrow. The first night I was home from the hospital, I guess I was upright a little more than I should have been, because a lot of the gas in my abdominal cavity rose up under my diaphragm...it was NOT fun. I walked...walked...walked up and down the hallway of my house, and finally got rid of enough so I could breathe. It's gotten better slowly, day by day...but sometimes I'm shocked that I'm not seeing " locally windy conditions" on our weather reports :smile2: I've been told by more than one bandster friend that this stage can last quite awhile, but if I keep moving, it will work itself out. I've found that a heating pad also helps. The pain you're feeling in your shoulder is referred from the gas irritating your nerve endings in your diaphragm. It's really annoying, to be sure, but it's temporary. Best wishes to you! Christine

You know, sometimes advertising scares me witless. Even the television commercials I see sometimes give the impression that this is a no-big-deal surgery. It just isn't true. ANY time your abdomen is compromised with surgical instruments, it's a serious matter. My surgeon told me that people like me who had never had surgery before are the easiest to operate on. After you've had surgery, there is always the risk that you'll develop complications. I agree with an earlier posting that I would NEVER allow a non-Board Certified Surgeon perform an operation on me or anyone I cared about, no matter how seductive the cost. In addition, you'll want to see his or her credentials for specific training in laparoscopic bariatric surgery, which is a special technique. You owe it to yourself to do everything possible to enable a good result. You can't prevent every risk, but don't compromise. Best wishes to you! Christine

How wonderful!! You'll be living in Banderland before you know it!! Best wishes :smile2: Hugs, Christine

Hi, Dave, This is such a personal journey, so it's hard to tell exactly how it will be for you. I can tell you that I felt well enough 3 days postop to attend my surgeon's monthly support group that evening. However, I was definitely still on pain meds at night, needed to walk around frequently to try and shift some of the gas build up, and was only on Clear liquids (and in small amounts at that)...I'm not being progressed to full liquids until Saturday. With all of your concerns about your relatives, church, and the like, much as I know you're anxious to have the surgery, you may be better off postponing it until after the holiday is over, and you can focus your time/energy on your own healing, rather than having to play host and cope with the postop issues at the same time. Fair winds to you! Christine