PatU

Hello, All! I didn't realize there were so many people banded in August! It's great to read about everyone's progress and how they are coping with this new way of life. I am afraid to set any weight goals for October since I didn't lose a pound in September. I lost 11 pounds really fast after surgery but have had a really hard time over the last few weeks. I'm glad to say I haven't gained any back but it is a little frustrating not losing any more. I have the world's slowest metabolism with a bum thyroid so I'm sure my losses will be slow. But, things are looking up! I got my first fill of 1.5cc yesterday here in Little Rock by Dr. Luttrell. I've been on liquids so I really haven't been able to tell if I have any restriction or not. He was sorta vague as to how many days to stay on liquids but I will try and hold out as long as possible. It's hard to go back to soup when you've been able to eat just about anything you want though. Great thread! PatU

I had my first fill today in my 10cc band of 1.5cc. The doctor said to do liquids for a few days so I guess I really won't notice restriction until the weekend when I try and eat something. PatU

My list (7 weeks out): ~ Even though they mean well, skinny husbands don't always "remember" that you now have a band and continue to offer you high calorie treats ~ Wine goes down as easily as beer once did, maybe easier ~ You don't have to tell everyone. My kids and parents still don't know! ~ The scale can be your friend if you don't obsess about the fluctuations ~ Flavored Water, like Propel, helps me reach my daily goals and only adds 20 calories per bottle PatU

PatU | 08.21.06 | Dr. Ortiz | -18

Hi, All! I was banded by Dr. Ortiz on August 21st and have lost around 18 pounds so far. Like most, I have not lost much since going back on solids. I made an appointment with Dr. Luttrell here in Little Rock for a fill consult on October 9th. By then, I will be 7 weeks post-op and I hope he'll OK a fill at some point in October. I've been really watching the calories and have not been too hungry -- which is very surprising. I've also been going to the gym where I walk on the treadmill and use the universal machines. This weekend, I'll walk in a 5K with my family. I guess I'm pretty much recovered! Good luck to all August banders. PatU

You can do it!! It's been three weeks and I have been able to keep my secret from my parents, my mother-in-law and my children (17 year old twin boys and a 20 year old daughter). You just have to be creative in your answers. I only started eating solids yesterday and I did have to "fib" a little to the boys who noticed I was only eating broth. I just told them I was trying another rather strict diet and entering the Mrs. Arkansas pageant next year (for added effect). The optimistic one wondered why I was even bothering at all (aren't kids great?!). I had dinner with my mother-in-law on Friday and she asked why I was only eating soup for dinner. I just said I had a big lunch and not very hungry. Subject dropped. I have a party at my sister's house on Saturday and I'm sure my parents will say something about the fact that I'm not eating much. I don't know how many diets you have been on in the past but my parents are well aware of my failed attempts. Me saying I'm on another one won't phase them a bit! As said in previous replies, most people don't even notice what someone is or isn't eating. I would think they would be more curious if you skipped your regular events. Good luck! PatU

I Googled both terms and one or the other are used to describe the same condition. There was a list on one of the sites where missed meals (causing low blood sugar) can trigger them. I never had one before last weekend but now I have had two. I rarely skipped meals before the band. Been trying to eat a little something every couple of hours today. I also got a mild headache this time but the visual wavyness is what freaked me out. Glad to learn it wasn't too serious but I wouldn't want one everyday. Another lesson learned. PatU

<!--StartFragment --> I'm coming upon three weeks post-op and still on the liquid diet but am having to force myself to eat (or should I say "consume") as well. I always had hunger before and know the feeling intimately but I have to say that I've only been truly hungry a couple of times. And it actually could have been "head hunger" as I'm not really sure of the difference. In fact, I have had a few ophthalmic migraines because my blood sugar got too low. As soon as I drink something, they go away. I start back on solids next week and will be anxious to see if the trend continues. I do like the fact that I don't have to work through the hunger and can concentrate on something else. PatU

You were much braver than I in telling your family. I only told my husband and boss. I didn't even tell my twin with whom I am extremely close until I came back. I still haven't told my kids (all over 17). I didn't need the questions or anyone second-guessing my decision. Of course, everyone means well and are no doubt genuinely concerned about your health. However, only you know the struggle you have been through to lose weight. All of we banders have tried to lose (and keep) off weight or we wouldn't be here. Personally, I have been struggling for 17 years to keep my BMI at a normal number. I've been over 200 pounds three times. And now, with a chronic thyroid disease, I felt this was the only way to take off weight permanently. I tried one more time on my own and "buckled down" back in December and went back to a low cal diet that worked a few years before. Unfortunately, not this time. I lost and gained the same three pounds over and over and over. I also exercised for 45 minutes twice a week but it didn't matter. I just couldn't lose any weight. So in July, I made the decision to be banded. I didn't look at it as a quick fix. I looked at it like a life-long commitment. Yes, the liquid part of the diet is boring but you are never hungry. I was ALWAYS hungry before. I could work through it but my next meal was always on my mind. Now, I have to remind myself to eat! I have only been banded for 16 days but I have already lost 11 pounds with the band and 6 pounds before that on the pre-op liquid diet. One might think that your energy would wane but I haven't felt this good in years! Getting the band was a hard decision. Giving up beer for me was a big sacrifice. But, as I see the numbers go down and my confidence go up, I realize that giving up my beloved beer is just a small price to pay for better health. As for your family, remind them this is a totally reversible procedure if it doesn't work for you. Also, remind them that the decision is ultimately yours. Stand firm on that fact. Good luck! PatU

I have to weigh everyday. And, since the band, I find myself getting on morning and night. I am not obsessed with the number but it keeps me on track. Of course, I am happy when it does go down but it doesn't effect my mood at all. I'm way over that since I've been trying lose so long. If it's up, I try and figure out what could have caused it. Too much salt? PMS? I retain Water like a sponge so I can lose a couple of pounds overnight (and then gain it right back). PatU

Try popping a sugar free mint or hard candy (like Werther's or Jolly Rancher) helps with the head hunger. Also, try drinking flavored waters like Propel or Fruit20. I have found I can actually get my quota in during the day. I was never a soup fan before the band but now have started trying new types like chicken Gumbo and Mexican Fiesta. The taste sure beats pure broth. Good luck! PatU

Have you tried anything topical for your heels or head? I started using ActivOn for elbow pain from using the mouse too much. I like it because there is absolutely NO ODOR. I understand there is a HeadOn product too for headaches that might be worth a try. I plan on getting some since my options have dwindled since being banded. Good luck! PatU

I got banded last week but have not told my children (20, 17 and 17) for fear they would tell my parents who are elderly and would worry about me constantly. I didn't even tell my twin sister until I got back on Sunday. One son has noticed that I'm only eating the broth in Soup and not the rest. I just told him I was entering the Mrs. Arkansas pageant next year and needed to lose a few pounds. ; ) PatU

Here are my scar photos. The first one is from Tuesday, August 22nd and the second one is from today, Friday, August 25th (reversed from mirror reflection). I had my surgery at the OCC with Dr. Ortiz on Monday, August 21, 2006. PatU

I am also getting banded on 8/21. Other than being a little hungry, I'm not having second thoughts though. I think it's perfectly normal to feel anxious during a life-changing event. Hang in there. PatU