happy2lose

Honestly, a liquid diet is never easy. It's just something you have to do and know it's only temporary. Most surgeons require a liquid diet for a week or two after surgery also. Just be sure to follow doctor's orders since it is for your own safety during surgery and for a healthy recovery. Best wishes, Donna

If your waiting for that "stuffed" feeling you'll be waiting forever. You may expect to feel SATISFIED on 3-4 bites once you reach really good restriction, but stuffed, never!

I'm rooting for you too MrRiceGuy and you too jenibeni. My weight loss has slowed down tremendously over the past few months so I'm gonna give myself a realistic goal to lose 10 more pounds by Christmas. I will do fine as long as my kids don't make anymore Christmas Cookies.

Amy, I have yet to feel "full" with my band. I feel satisfied, not full. Don't expect to feel the full feeling you experienced pre-band, it will never happen.

Since you have only had 1 fill, it is very unlikely that you would be satisfied with only 1/2 cup at this point. You are probably still needing to consume 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups. Being satisfied on 1/2 cup will come as you gain more restriction.

It does sound like you need a fill. Sometimes a very small fill can make a huge difference.

You may want to consider trying papaya enzymes when you think you are stuck. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, but definitely worth a try.

Vomiting with the band can be minimized by following the band rules to the letter. I can tell you I used to be terrified of vomiting prior to the band and still am. PBing (productive burping) is quite different then vomiting as Elcee explained above. I would much rather PB and relieve the pressure caused from being stuck then have to tolerate the feeling until it passes. I find that papaya enzymes help the stuck food to pass through the band and most of the time prevents PBing in my experience. However, there are times when the enzymes don't work. I can tell you that getting the band was the best thing I have done for myself and my weight. PBing is not as unpleasant as being morbidly obese. My only regret is not doing this sooner.

You know what you need to do so "JUST DO IT"! MAKE NO EXCUSES, GET YOUR BUTT TO THE GYM AND DO WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING! Excuses and laziness made you fat. Determination will make you thinner, happier, and healthier.

I guarantee you if you stick with this and do EVERYTHING the way you are suppose to that you will lose your weight. Give it more time and give yourself time to adjust to the changes. Start exercising and planning your meals ahead of time. Do not snack in between meals. Drink all the Water you are suppose to. If you follow the rules the band will work for you.

A couple of days after my surgery I noticed a strange rash on my hands and arms. The rash was blister-like. My pcp prescribed a cream to put on the affected areas but it took weeks to clear up. My rash was not itchy at all. I figured it was my body reacting to a foreign object in it. Luckily, once the rash was gone I had no other problems. I sure hope you figure this out sooner rather than later and that you don't have to have your band removed. Donna

The time between surgery and reaching restriction is called "bandster hell". During this time you will still have a normal appetite and need to rely on your own will-power to keep from overeating. Once you reach adequate restriction your appetite will decrease and you band will start working for you. Focus on eating Protein and veggies. This has worked well for me and protein helps to stave off hunger. Try and stick to a 1200 calorie diet or whatever your nutritionist recommends. Make sure you drink at least 64oz of Water everyday too. Exercise at least 30 minutes everyday. I strive for 60 minutes but 30 is adequate. Best of luck to you, Donna

Try to stick with meals only. If you don't allow yourself to snack it is much easier to stay on track. If you are not able to stick with 3 meals and no snacks then most likely your band needs a fill.

Glad you are feeling better. Bummer you have to endure an empty band for 2 weeks.

Port pain lasted 6 weeks for me. Totally normal though.

Sounds like you are doing great! The weight loss will slow down after the first couple of months. Then you should steadily lose 1-2 pounds each week.

Congratulations!

WTG! I'll bet you look and feel great.

My sentiment exactly! It's not that hard, eat to live don't live to eat. Having my band has taught me that food really isn't as important as I thought it was. I can still go out and socialize. I pick at my food instead of devouring it.

I recommend you first research and understand both methods of WLS completely before arriving at your decision as they are both very different. Lapband is a restrictive procedure and is much less invasive then GBP. Gastric bp re-routes your small intestine. You lose weight through mal-absorption. You really need to decide which factor you need to lose weight.

If you haven't already, I recommend you take your measurements. During the times when my weight fluctuates most, I notice I am losing inches.

My band is always tighter in the morning and loosens up as the day goes on. It sounds to me like you need a fill to help you eat less. As far as the periods go, I really have no idea. Contact your OBGYN and find out if it is related to your surgery and what can be done about it.

My thoughts were very similar to elcee's on this subject. You really do need to learn to deal with people eating in front of you. You made the lifestyle change not everybody else. However, it is your home and you should have a say over what food is brought into it. If your brother-in-law continues to be so disrespectful perhaps he should move out and get his own place. Try having a discussion with both he and your husband. I have to tell you, it doesn't bother me to see others eating things I used to enjoy. What does bother me is having those foods available to me in my home. My kids made Christmas Cookies this weekend and they were sitting on the counter all weekend. Of coarse I couldn't resist and ate more than I should have. Because of this I told my family they could not have junk foods in our home. They may eat it but don't leave around any extra that may tempt me. I really wish you the best, Donna

May your stuffing be tasty May your turkey plump, May your potatoes and gravy Have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious And your pies take the prize, And may your Thanksgiving dinner Stay off your thighs! ~Author Unknown

My biggest concern with eating solids this soon after surgery is if you do vomit it may tear your stitches and cause your band to slip. I always advise people to follow their surgeons guidelines but this one makes me a little nervous. Be very careful what you eat, take very small bites (nibble) and chew, chew, chew.