Crishell

I had my first fill on 4/11. They used x-ray called fluro to find the port and watch the saline travel down. You can see the whole process on the monitor as they do it. They used something to numb area but upon talking to some other people waiting, not every one gets numbed. I don't know what makes the difference. Did not hurt but the nurse practitioner had problems with aligning the needle up with the little hole in the port so it took a couple of sticks to finally get it. They don't jab it. It's like any other needlestick. Was not uncomfortable. Depending on you, they can do it either standing on sitting up. They will make that determination when you get there. I got a little woozy because my blood sugar level dropped from not eating enough throughout the day. Had to drink some apple juice. I felt fine afterwards; no pain. My fill was 3:45 and I was told to not eat anything after 12:30. You can drive yourself home. They just make you sit for a while to make sure everything is ok and they make you drink something to make sure there are no problems. I was told to do liquids that night and the following morning for breakfast.

seconds after I eat something too dry or eat anything too fast and without proper chewing. Also when I try to eat white or any soft bread.

Congratulations & welcome to BandLand. Just take it slow.

I have not been attending any support meetings since getting banded on 1/19 but I plan to start this month. The meetings are held once per month. I decided to start going after I had my first fill on 4/11. There were five other ladies also waiting for fills and while we were waiting, we started talking and sharing our experiences. I found even that beneficial and fun. So I made up my mind at that point to check out some of the support meetings. Especially now since I seem to be in a slump and stressed out about it.

I did mostly walking for first two months. Then I added working out at Curves 4X week. Because of the nature of my job (psychiatric hospital where I teach classes and have direct contact with the clients some of which can be very agitated and dangerous) I was out for four weeks. Since surgery on Jan. 19, I am down 32 punds. No regrets thus far.

My doc told me 1,000-1,100 calories daily. I had my first fill on 4/11. I work out 4X per week at Curves. I think I need to decrease my calories a little and increase my workout time to maximize my weight loss.

Biggest size was a 28 (with a few 30's in my past). At surgery on 1/19/07, I was size 26 and some 24 bottoms. Currently mostly size 20 bottoms. I would be happy with a 14.

I too was diagnosed with diabetes as a result of my pre-op labwork. I was referred to an endocrinologist. He and my lap band surgeon agreed to try me on a small dose of oral meds once a day with the expectation that I would not need it very long due to my upcoming lap band surgery. I was also given meter to take my blood sugar levels twice per day. My levels have been very good. My blood sugar prior to surgery had spiked to over 300 and it further spiked during surgery and I had to be given a couple of insulin injections during surgery and overnight. I have been following dietary requirements according to surgery and have an appointment with dietician at endocrinologist office next week to further "tweek" my diet. Next month I go back and get 3 month blood work. Hopefully I will be able to discontinue medication soon. I was very disappointed with myself as well but I had honestly been living in denial. My dad has been diabetic for 20+ years and both of his parents, brother and sister are too. At 300 pounds and that strong of a family history, I should not have been surprised. The reason why I wanted the band was to intervene with any future phyical problems as I got older not knowing that I already was walking around with one. I look at it now as a blessing because I found out before something bad happened and it gives me more motivation to do the right thing.

Don't be discouraged. You know the things that you are doing both wrong and right. Stick in there and do the right thing. It's not easy but like you said, the band has saved your life. Mine too. I was banded on 1/19/07. Never been an exercise type person. Didn't even like walking. Finally decided on 3/8 to join Curves and have been going 4 times a week since. Just had my monthly weight and measurements taken with them and I have lost 8.5 pounds (in five weeks) and also 10 total inches (2.5 from bust, 1.5 from arms and 2 each from hips, waist and thighs). I feel better, more energy, stronger and more toned in legs and arms. I actually feel guilty when I don't go. So exercise does help. It is not easy to do the right thing but you have to do it. Think about all the positives. Keep the do's and don'ts in your mind, write them down and just say them over. We can do this. You have to push yourself to do some type of exercise. Start off slow like I did and gradually build up. I will be praying for your continued motivation. Also, someone recommended fitday.com to me and it has been very helpful with me keeping a record of my foods eaten (calories, carbs, protein) and also exerise/activity. It is a good motivation guide for me when I see that I am getting out of control with eating wrong things/too many calories or carbs. Good luck to you

I was just bandeed on 1/19 and am 38 years old. I have been overweight all my life and was actually heavier at age 21 than I was on my surgery day. I wish I had had the lapband option at 21 or even 30. I agree with the others, it's a way to be proactive. I am glad I made the decision to do it even at 38 because it is never too late. My mom and a few other family members couldn't understand why I just couldn't lose weight without the band and I was asked why I was "torturing myself". They just don't understand. Now three months later and 31 pounds less, my mom sees the difference and is a great supporter.

Was banded 1/19/07. Have lost close to 30 pounds but weight loss had slacked up over past month and half. Fill was scheduled two weeks ago during my regular follow up appointment. Surprisingly, I had lost four pounds in that two weeks span. Feel I am on the upswing again and hopefully this fill will make some difference. At any rate, not trying to scare anyone with my experience. I have learned that I am an odd ball when it comes to certain medical procedures and I jokingly refer to myself as the "problem child". Just never crosed my mind that getting a fill could be difficult especially doing with fluoro. To make a long story short, the nurse practitioner had the hardest time getting needle into my port hole. She kept saying that it was right there on the edge but wouldn't go in. I swear I got stuck about six times total. Then, they had told me not to eat after 12:30 p.m. I had to be there at 3:45 but they schedule a bunch of people at the same time so it was 4:30 before they started me. My blood sugar must have dropped and I started getting hot and woozy because of all the sticks and frustration. Dummy me did not realize until later that I had only eaten about 300 calories between Breakfast and lunch. I had to lie on bed for a few minutes and drink apple juice while they called the next lady in. I felt like such a failure although I knew it was no one's fault. Then she gave me the option of trying one nore time or fitting me in next week when the doc would be there to try (he was in surgery). I told her to try one more time (I have a low pain tolerance for needle sticks especially after two breast biopsies) because I had used leave from work and driven 30 minutes to get there. Luckily she got it that time. Moral of the story is to be mentally prepared for anything that could happen and make sure you eat something worthwhile before hand so you don't get sick. But, I survived my first fill. Surprisingly not in pain from all the sticks. No regrets still.

Hi I am from Richmond area. I was banded 1/19/07 @ St. Mary's hospital. Don't get discouraged. I like this site because you get the good and the bad. Just remember that everyone will have different experiences. But I think there is more good than bad. If you just focus on the negative things that happen to a few people, it will scare and discourage you. I have no regrets thus far except that I wish i had done sooner. Has definitely been a journey with ups and downs. I have lost 30 pounds so far. Going for my first fill today. I occasionally go out and have a drink or two with no problem but I never was a big drinker. Initially I thought all the lifestyle changes was gonna be very hard because I felt I was giving up so much. But I have come to realize that getting the band was the best decision I could have made for me and I stay focused on the big prize. With just 30 pounds lost I can get in Levi's jeans (sounds silly but always been a dream for me since I couldn't get any) and can now get more clothes out of regular women's dept such as JCPenney and Macys as opposed to just Lane Bryant, Catherines or Asheley Stewart. And I am even working out at Curves at least 4 times per week. Good luck to you and your journey.

The nurse practitioner at my surgeon's office told me at least 60g of protein and 1,000-1,100 calories per day. I have been doing good with staying in the range for both but I think I am eating too many carbs. I have to do a better job with my selection of frozen dinners (like Healthy Choice and Lean Cuisine) and cut back on the high carbitems (noodles, rice) that come in some of them. It's hard to take all of this into consideration when selecting foods and I had been focusing more on calories and protein. I am looking for an idea or a range of how many carbs per day is considered good with the band.:help: Thanks to whoever suggested fitday.com. I have been using it for the past week.

Sorry you are going through this. I was banded on 1/19. Have not had fill yet. Actually having my first one later today. I know how frustrating it is to not lose any weight after doing what you are supposed to do. I have been experiencing this for like the past month and half. The typical questions, are you eating the right amount of calories, proteins, carbs & fliuds? Are you exercising? My doc told me 1,000-1,100 calories per day. I have heard that it takes several fills before you can get the right restriction. Varies from person to person.Perhaps you just haven't reached the right fill amount yet. I will be praying that you see a change soon.

The person that completed my psy eval was a clinical social worker. Consisted of a short survey, that I filled out immediately before going into her office and a one time forty-five minute chat. Insurance covered it. I just had to pay my $35 co-pay. Don't know if different doctors have different requirements.

The frozen dinners are very convenient for me but have to be careful with the ones that you choose. Some have high carbs and sodium which I didn't take into consideration at first after my surgery because I was busy focusing on protein and calories. I have tried various Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine and Smart One's(Weight Watchers). I live alone and have never cooked alot. Plus I'm not a leftover type person. I usually take a frozen dinner to work for lunch and occasionally will switch up and do a salad with grilled chicken. Occasionally will do one for dinner.

Luv it...Happy Easter to U

Never heard of that. I have been on birth control pills for 12 years. Was banded 1/19. Was not told to stop taking my birth control pills. Only Aleve. I think there is some issue with people on insulin/blood sugar meds where they had to stop a day before or something. Did your doc tell you why?

I was banded 1/19. I am finding it hard to get in 80g of protein per day. Anyone else experiencing this? I try to eat protein food items first but I am not hungry and hate to make myself eat just to get in the protein. (Never thought I would see the day where I would have to make myself eat ). I am scared my hair may start falling out due to protein deficiency. At any rate, I feel as if I am going to have to start getting up in the middle of the night and eat. Seems like my day is scheduled around eating and drinking. Does anyone know of any very high protein food items out there besides fish? I cannot stand the taste of that protein powder stuff:help:

Thanks for input. I will double check with my doc but I am sure that I was told 80g.

Hello I am from Central VA. Had my surgery 1/19/07 @ St. Mary's hospital in Richmond. I am single with no kids but have plenty of supportive family and friends. Plus two co-workers who had lapband surgery before me so we suport and encourage each other. Also a supportive boyfriend. Now that I am on "regular" foods, I rely alot on of Healthy Choice/Lean Cuisine type microwaveable dinners but I was doing that before surgery because it's just me and I'm not a leftover type person. I am two and a half months post-op and have lost 29 pounds. Kind of at a stall right now in "Bandster Hell" because have slacked up losing and have not had my first fill yet. Apparently that is common and my doctor assures me that I am doing very well. But, I am scheduled to have my first 4/11. Have also been exercising at Curves for three weeks. I never imagined myself doing something like that. It's been an interesting journey thus far that I know will only get better. Good Luck to you.

Congratulations! You will do fine.

I was nervous because it was my first anethesia experience. I prayed on it and let it go. As we know, they monitor you throughout surgery (breathing, heart rate, blood sugar etc.). During my surgery, my blood sugar spiked and I had to recieve insulin injiections during and about three after surgery before I went home (which I did not have prior to surgery). I doubt if the leg swelling would be enough to stop the surgery but if it were me, I would mention it or call and ask prior to surgery.

OOOPS that should be congraTulations

Congratukations and welcome to BANDLAND!!!