Sammysue78

I have this band, got it in 2006. Right now I have 3cc in it, not enough so hopefully back for a fill soon.

I think it just makes you burp, but I've had a band for a few years and drink 1-2 diet sodas a day, never had a problem. It isn't as if the gas cannot escape or anything.

I'm at 1.2..got .5 for the first one a month ago, and .7 more this afternoon. We'll see how it works when I'm back on solids! SS

I think walking is a good start but really isn't enough, you just don't burn many calories walking. Jogging, lifting weights, swimming, more active stuff works better, or the elliptical is better too. It's a good start though.

I'm six weeks postop, on a full diet, and I have eaten popcorn with no problem. Perhaps it'll be challenging once I've had a fill, but right now it is no problem. SCD

I weigh myself each morning, because I like to know how things are going and that I'm at least not gaining. I know I gain when I'm PMSing, but that's about all. I'd rather know earlier rather than later if I'm not getting enough fluid, am gaining, whatever. And I don't let it determine my day, that's the important thing. It is an indicator of weight, not of worth or anything else.

hmm...I've never heard the "never more than half cup" rule...perhaps 'cause I haven't had a fill yet. I thought most people could safely eat about one cup at a time.

Just curious--I'm about three weeks post surgery and I'm at about 1200 calories per day. What about you? How many do you generally eat? Thanks!:hungry:

It is listed because caffeine is a gastric irritant, much like NSAIDS like aspirin or aleve. It can also increase GERD, I think.

Well, I was banded on 9/11 and I really would not have been able to be up on my feet all day for a week. I was able to do a 20 minute walk at the gym yesterday...I wasn't having a lot of belly pain after five-six days (gas) but some port pain for sure. I stopped taking pain meds (the narcotic ones) after two days, went to the occasional children's ibuprofen (chewable). I think you'll be fine, since you don't have to lift people/etc (like a nursing clinical, I never could have done that). If you could just steal a seat every now and then, and ice your port on breaks (it really helps) you'll be fine. I used my credit card, and am paying it back with scholarship payments I get periodically. Worth every penny. Sammysue

Hi Veronda--I'm a nursing student, and I too am a ways away from work! But I see you're an intern, hopefully that can help with income. I was self-pay and banded on 9/11...I've never spent this much on anything before (except for school, lol) but I figure my health is SO worth it. I'm 27, and I don't want to become diabetic, have cancer, need joint replacements, etc...so I just went ahead and did it. I will be able to pay it off as I'll make a good salary as a nurse practitioner in a couple of years, and you'll do great as a pharmacist. I'd say go for it, but do whatever your gut says to do. sammysue78, seattle, wa

hm..I don't think so. Stomach cancer is caused by other factors (high nitrate diet, etc) not by something around it like a band. Obesity itself is a HUGE risk factor for cancer, so I think weight loss alone lowers your risk of cancer (all kinds) a lot. Even if the lapband did increase your odds, nothing did as much as being obese. Sammysue78