vlp1968

Sorry you are having a hard time. It will get lots better once the swelling goes down. Try to get as much water and protien shake as possible. You may want to water down the shakes. That has helped me when I have had trouble after a fill. Keep in touch with your doc. and let them know what's going on. Hope you feel better soon.

I am glad your band is working. I have read on here of fills kicking in a week or so later. See how you feel, you may not need another fill for a bit. Believe me, being tight is no fun.

If your not satisfied with your meals, or getting hungry inbetween I would get a fill. You say you don't have restriction, a few fills should provide that. I think you were way smart to cancel your appt. because of going out of town. You don't want to have trouble while your on the road. Good luck!

You sound ready to get back on track. You can do it! Keep us posted on how it's going.

It took me 3 fills to feel restriction. I felt it right away but I have read on here of people feeling a fill a week later. Since you don't have restriction, I would call and see if you can get back in sooner rather than later. Good luck!

When I was loosing I weighed in once a week- although I cheated a few times. I felt like the daily flucuations would drive me crazy. Now that I am maintaining, I weigh myself every day. If I get to 112 (I am very short, 4'11'') I will cut back on carbs and calories until I get to 110. I have been maintaining for about a month and haven't seen 112 yet.

mom- Hang in there! It will get better. It is a frustrating process getting to your "sweet spot". Until your fill I would concentrate on eating the right things (low fat, low carb, high protien). Your portions may be bigger than they will be when you get restriction but it should keep your weight from spiraling out of control. Also, start working out if your not already. If you are, maybe you can bump it up to compensate for the food. Good luck! Keep us posted on how your doing.

You might want to try marinated meat. I buy perdue perfect portion chicken breast- marinated in an italian sauce. I also eat marinated pork loin. I like the honey mustard. The meat will be moister, and hopfully won't give you a problem. The carbs in both are very few.

It doesn't sound like you need a fill. If anything, seems like you are too tight. At this point you should be able to eat about 4oz of solid food. I would call your doc. and let them know what's going on. I wouldn't wait for your next appointment. Good luck and congrats on your surgery.

I have had no trouble swallowing pills post-op.

Pasta is tough for many bandsters. Personally, I can't tolerate it as much as I wish I could now that I'm maintaining (100% whole wheat anyway). I would watch the carbs (especially refined carbs- white flour, white sugar), pasta has a lot. Your cereal is also filled with carbs. I agree that greek yougurt would be a much better choice. Also, be sure you are taking small bites and chewing well. Best wishes!

It's very possible your first fill won't give you restriction. Only a lucky few have that happen. It took me 3 fills to get any kind of restriction. Hang in there, it gets better. I agree with eating fairly often, so you don't let yourself get famished. Good luck!

I didn't do a pre-op diet, infact I pigged out on many "last meals" (last mcdonalds, last mexican et...). I lost weight steadily in the first weeks post-op., even when I went to solid food. However, I have read on this forum of people gaining a few pounds when they move to solids. If you do gain a few back, I wouldn't worry about it. The first weeks post op. are for healing, any weight loss is a bonus. Congrats on your upcoming surgery, keep us posted on how your doing.

Glad you are having such great success with the band. Keep up the good work!

You don't say how much you ate. Do you think you need a fill? If you have restriction you shouldn't have been able to binge. All the other advice above is great! I hope it helps and your problems resolve quickly.

Your first fill will probably not provide restriction (but for a lucky few it does). You should be fine. I like to order off the appetizer menue. Something high in protien, low in carbs. A hamburger without the bun might be a good option. I also like to order seafood (scallops, shrimp, fish). Enjoy your meals!

Are you eating right before bed? That could be part of the problem. Also, "rinse" your pouch out with a glass of water before bed. Hope you feel better soon!

For mushies- try refried beans, cottage cheese, apple sauce, yougurt, mashed potatoes. some of these things shouldn't be on your eating plan (apple sauce, mashed potatoes) once your on solid food but the first few weeks are about healing, not weight loss. Congrats on your surgery.

I hope your restriction lasts for a while. Beware though, it might not. You may have some temporary swelling from the fill. I hope it lasts but just want you to be prepared.

It is a different feeling for sure. I miss the nice full feeling after a somewhat large meal.

Betsy- I'm right there with you. I consider myself a food addict (along with some other addictions). Eating high fat/high refined carb foods is just not an option for me. It's the first time I've lost weight without thinking- can't wait to be off this diet so I can eat xyz. For maintaince I have added some healthy carbs and fats but much of the food is the same. I am happy to say I have maintained for about 6 weeks now.

Honestly, I don't know why you are so upset. Isn't the point to be smaller? If your loosing inches who cares what the damn scale says. It's about being smaller not lighter. I would try and stay off the scale if I were you, that way you won't be so frustrated.

If your staying satisfied between meals, I think you are in a good place. I wouldn't get a fill.

I was really surprised to see Rick voted out. Seems like it's still early, and you would want to keep a strong player on the team.

Can you afford a gym membership? Many have a daycare center so you can bring your child. Sometimes forking over the money is a motivation to actually go. Excersise was key in my weightloss, it's really too good of thing not to do it. Start off slow and gradually increase your intensity/duration/frequency. Good luck!