illuminationlady

I can "feel" my port but not move it.

You'll probably meet with the surgeon, a nutritionist, and mabye a psychologist. I had an hour long visit with the surgeon on a different day. Then we went in for a class on Lap Band surgery and what to expect before, during and after, what to eat before and after also. This all took about 3 hours. My bloodwork, EKG were done at my primary care docs office. Yes, they will weigh you too. Best wishes on your new journey!!!

What many of you are feeling is normal. I was banded on 12.16.09 and have had two fills. Before my second fill I had no restriction and relied solely on willpower. I was just thankful I didn't gain any weight. Until you reach true restriction you will be hungry. I agree with some of the previous posts that healthy snacking is okay. Buy some Greek yogart (lots of protein) or low fat string cheese. These kept me going through this period. Many people call this time period Bandster Hell, with good reason!

Generally rice and bread are not friends of the band. Also, how much you eat is very restricted. Your entire outlook on food must change. As others said the band is work. There is a time period where your swelling has gone down and you don't have fills where YOU must control what you eat. Then you must be sure to get your fills. After restriction, you need to be sure you get your protein and veggies before any carbs are consumed. Carbs would be consumed last, if you have room (this is your rice). It's really good that you are researching and asking questions. The band isn't for everyone...Best wishes!!!

I had a lot of soups and shakes right away. After about a week I had some Cream of Wheat and Greek yogart. You should call your doctor and see what he will allow. Best wishes!!!

It's been eight days. That's quite a while. You may need to call your doctor and get that "slight unfill" everyone talks about. Best wishes!!!

Elfie, Your post made me smile. I'm so happy for you!!! Can't wait to be right there with ya!

I had both the Lap Band and the repair to a hernia. I took my pain meds for 3 days. It did help. I also walked the neighborhood with my daughters...slowly of course...but it helps. But allow time inbetween to rest. Be good to yourself. Have some tea!! Best wishes and you'll feel better soon.

Don't get discouraged. You don't have restriction yet! You need more fills. I have had 2 fills totaling 5 ccs in a 10 band. It is more difficult to eat and I got stuck one time too! Be patient with your band and try not to gain any weight. I maintained over that time period and was glad! Many gain weight! So, hang in there...this too shall pass...that should be our mantra!

Shortly after I was banded I went to the movies with my daughters. I was on liquids then too. The smell of the popcorn almost killed me!!! I swear, movie theaters are the worst. But I did it too! I refrained. I must warn you that once you do start on regular food again, the scale may slow down a bit. I just got my second fill on Monday and the scale is fianlly moving again! If you get really hungry try some applesauce or creamed soups. You should be very proud of yourself for resisting that pizza. You have it in you to do this!!! Best wishes!!!

This is a very difficult time period you are going through. Many of us have "been there, done that". You may get quite hungry. It was everything I could do to not gain weight. I maintained my weight loss what seemed like for weeks. Until you start getting your fills you may experience quite a bit of hunger. Just make good food choices and hope you don't gain anything back. Best wishes!!!

I had my second fill Monday and my diet has changed. I got stuck the day after my fill and it scared me. I am very careful now to chew, chew, chew and take smaller bites. I am a little bit afraid also...so I know what ya mean! We cannot eat like we used to and if you are to get to your sweet spot then you must follow a set of guidelines that we all must adhere to. My portions are much, much smaller. But I'm in the same boat with the "fear" part of your post. The good news is my scale is actually moving again! Take care and best wishes!!!

Yes, some of that was preop. I am only down 16 lbs since surgery. I had a few weeks there where nothing came off. Very discouraging. I had my second fill also. I have some restriction but am not at my sweet spot. Hang in there. You will get those fills and be restricted before you know it...this too shall pass...that's my new motto :scared2:.

I wish you the best of luck. It was hard for me...even on Chantix...keep us posted!!!

Diet is a strong word. However, we need to make major adjustments to the way we eat. I now have a little restriction and eating is a bit more of a chore, I must admit. Some might choose to call it a diet but with proper food choices and the portion control the band offers we are sure to be successful!!! Best wishes!

Sluggo, You can ask for an aggresive fill. This is where you kind of set the limit (within reason). I asked last Monday and was given what I asked for. I'm now at 5ccs in a 10 band. I have some restriction now but am still not at my sweet spot. Hang in there and ask them to, "filler' up" :scared2: You will know when the band begins to work. Best wishes!!!

Very interesting article and website. I enjoyed a couple more of her blogs also. I don't know what to say about the new 90 min. rule??????????? And drinking with our meals???????? People will think I'm crazy!!!! We will see.... What did you think? Did anyone Google this guy (the doctor). I think I will and see what it turns up...but it got me interested...to be continued... What did you all think of this article? It's bizarre!!!:scared2::w00t::crying:

It's actually listed on a scale of 1-5. One and two being a nonsmoker, 3 is a higher rating, and 4 & 5 being a smoker. I believe you can get a score of 2-3 to pass it. I was a 2. I only know because I saw the results explained. They can tell if your on the patch vs. "cheating" per say. I know it's more defined than "pass" "fail". I'm just not sure of the details (if this makes sense to anyone :scared2:). Best wishes always!!!

I gained 4lbs also. But soon lost it. It's the fluids they give you in your IV. A grumbling stomach does not mean you have to pass gas. My stomach grumbles all the time. I took GasX and walked and walked and walked. I believe that walking helped me heal faster. Hope you're feeling better real soon...

They do a blood test and they can tell if you've even had ONE cig. I used Chantix. It really helps ALOT! But it gives you vivid dreams. You need a prescription for it though. Best wishes to you...

Bama, You hang in there girl! We are all here with you. I think of you often. Before you know it you'll be right there on track with the rest of us, gettin' those fills. Take care of yourself. Be good to yourself right now. Hugs to you...

Some of us have lost a lot, some a little. Just remember that after you are banded there is a time period to be aware of that you might even gain weight! :rolleyes2: Before you get any fills, and after the swelling goes down, you are in a time period of not feeling the band at all. This is discouraging and anticlimatic for us banders. But no worries, after several fills you feel the band. I got stuck last night for the first time and boy did I know the band was there!!! Only had two fills so far. I've lost 35 lbs. to date. Best wishes!!!

It happened at dinner. I made a nice piece of Orange Roughy, rice and brussell sprouts. I got my second fill yesterday (5/10ccs). So, I'm halfway....Anyway, I took a bite of fish...no problem...then a brussell...keep in mind I'm hungry. I didn't chew the brussell enough and Bang there was that pain that everyone keeps describing to me. Right between my breast bone. I, like another poster on this forum, did my Lamaze breathing. It hurt like the dickens. Some sliming. No PBing. It passed and I was officially done with dinner. No problem! No brussell sprouts for a while either...lol. But NOW, I feel like a member of Bandland!