Becky Lou

Yep, I had second thoughts too. But I was banded 2/11/2010 and I love it. It gives me the control on portions I couldn't do myself. I'm very lucky I can eat almost everything but steak. I wouldn't change a thing. I just picture what I would look like in 9 months and that was so exciting. Good Luck

I'm so sorry for your frustration. I too was banded on Feb 11th. I have been having a different experience then you are but perhaps thats because of the instruction you were given. They sound vague and confusing. My dietican told me to concentrate on chewing my food well, taking 20-30 minutes to eat a meal and only consuming between 800-1200 calories per day. It's also a must that within my meals I must intake 60-70 grams of Protein either by shakes or food and at least 6 glasses of Water. I too lost a far amount at first but now I'm at about 1-2 pounds a week with my second fill in 2 weeks. WW is probably a great idea until you get some restriction and may give you different ideas on things to eat. I thought I would share what I ate yesterday to do a comparison and maybe give you some ideas. Here you go..... Breakfast- 1/4 c sliced strawberries, one fried egg and one piece of toast. Snack- Lemon yougart lowfat Lunch-1/2c Fake crab salad-Surmi, celery, red onion and yellow pepper and a little mayo and ff sour cream. 6 Whole wheat crackers and a bunch of grapes. Snack-small Protein Bar Dinner- 1 cup chicken fajata's w/o the wrap. 1/2 baked potato, 5 grilled aparagus. I wait about 20 minutes and have a small glass of milk. Then I close the kitchen no more food just water or coffee the rest of the night. It did take me some time to get used to it but found that mixing it up with food choices really helps. Just take your time and success will come with time.

I was banded on Feb 11th. How is your weight loss going. I too have the Realize band and have had my first fill and scheduled for my second on the 20th. Right now I have no restriction and can eat anything w/o any problems. I do limit myself when it comes to portion size.

I met with my NUT and she said some people have hair loss from the anestetic and others have hair loss starting at 3 months post op. She said this usually happens because people fall away from a good diet and are not eating properly. Hope this helps.

It took me about 2 weeks before I had an appetite. then everything tasted good. I am 5 weeks post op with no fill and don't feel restriction but I can't eat alot. Example before I could eat a whole turkey sandwich chips a pickle and then some. Today I can eat 1/2 sandwich no chips but a few strawberries sliced up and a piece of string cheese. It takes me about 1/2 hour and I am very satisfied. I hope this helps

Just curious how did your fill feel after you had it done. Did you feel tight? Did you Doctor give you more of a fill under fluro? I get mine next Monday and I wasn't sure if they give you a little more of a fill under fluro. I have to leave town about 5 hour after so I'm hoping I'll do o.k.

Well I'm sorry she shared that negative information she must not be educated in the post op diet and life after. I can tell you I'm post op 5 weeks and have some restriction and I have yet come across anything I can not eat. I had strawberries this morning for breakfast and toast with laughing cow cheese with slices of tomato and a little salt and pepper nothing mashed. Althought everyone is different. The most important part is to chew, chew, chew. Please remember this journey is a new start and a good start. I love having the band and only wish I would of done it years ago.

I worked for a surgeon for years and we normally had them on a week. However as long as there is no other covering on them they will slowly curl up on the ends. When you wash and dry them in the shower that will move the process along. My doc told me to take mine off at 7-10 days. Mine were off in 7 days because I showered daily and washed each one with a washcloth.

that wouldn't be good I told everyone that was what I had done...LOL hmmm 2 gallbladders.

I have been banded since Feb 11th and have been loving it so far. I am down around 28 pounds and feeling really good. This morning I woke up and have this pain on my right side centered just below my ribs. I have been on pureed foods and have been doing pretty well. I just can't figure out what this is. Ouch! Yes it hurts when I press on it.(I know don't press on it.) It almost feels like it goes to my back. I'm not sure if it's my band or a muscle, I did start exercising the other day but nothing that would cause this pain. I took Iburprophen this morning and it hasn't made a change. Any suggestions??

I started my preop diet which I have to say is pretty easy except for the dreaded Protein drinks. I am using the EAS vanilla and thought that with a few blueberries, milk and blended with ice would make something wonderful. OMG it was awful!! It tasted like Blueberry muffin mix. Yuck. Please does anyone have some ideas that are not so sweet. I am lucky I only have 14 left to drink. My preop diet is only a week long and the last 2 days are Clear liquids. But i have to make it through these first five days with liquids and 3 shakes a day. any suggestions would be helpful even if I have to go and buy another type of Protein powder.

My date is the 11th too. I'm so excited as well as nervous. As I read your post we are very close to the same. I'm 45, 230 and 5'7. I don't start my prep until the 4th. I'm not sure what it is yet I will find out on Tuesday. I think it's liquids for 5 days then clear liquid for 2 days. Well I hope we can keep in touch through this process. We never can have too much support.

savedbygrace posted this website and it may give you some really good options for Protein shakes. Good Luck, I start my preop diet on the 4th. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f82/200-protein-shake-recipes-49774/