meandtheboys

50 lbs in 3 mos sounds completely opposite to anything I've ever heard. My docs advice was any loss in the first 6 weeks was a bonus and that that time was for healing. . That seems consistent with what I've read here.if your doc is arguing with you maybe you can find a new doc? You don't deserve that!!

Very well said colorado! I'm in shock when I read that people didn't know about bandster hell, or what doctors don't tell them about recovery and post op details. Those dr's shouldn't be able to perform the surgery.. If you are contemplating surgery, reasearch ON YOUR OWN as much as possible, ask a lot of questions - even if you think it sounds stupid, and if for any reason you don't get an answer that directly answers your question or you don't think you can live with, find anothe dr or don't go through with the surgery. Think long and hard before you go under the knife because it is not something to take lightly NOR is it a quick fix to years of being overweight. I've found most of the things I've read on this site to be relatively accurate and similar to my experience. I suggest you take all of the good and the bad comments to heart and make the best decision for yourself! Good luck to all!

I think you've asked a very logical and important question. For me, the band doesn't take away the desire to emotionally eat, more importantly, but it does take away my ability to do it without suffering very uncomfortable physical consequences.I was banded on 1.27.10 and while its only been 3 months, my relationship with food has changed. While I still allow myself to have treats, many days, like today, I have to force myself to eat because I know my body needs the protein. So I feel like I'm eating to get stronger and healthier vs. trying to eat away my feelings. I hope this makes sense. I've lost 48 pounds and haven't felt this good about myself in a very long time. That is my true motivation to keep focused. Good luck to you on your journey!!

Congratulations, Carmine! You inspire me to keep on keepin' on! I'm 3 months out and have lost almost 50 pounds. I'm still in shock and so happy amd feel great! My 1 regret is that I had done this sooner! I'm still finding my way with the band but absolutely NO regrets!!Enjoy your success and thanks for sharing your story!!!

Hi Andrea and Amanda! I'm from Durham and was banded by Dr Overby on 1/27/10 at UNC Hospital. Congrats on your recent surgery and I hope you're feeling well. It takes some adjusting but being only 3 mos out, I know it was the very best decision I have made for myself in years!!!!! Good luck and welcome! Loryn

Trish - take it easy on yourself!! You are HUMAN!! I still have days like that while banded so the band doesn't solve it. We didn't get to where we are from 1 bowl of ice cream - if you had 10 bowls, that's another story.We beat the cycle by not depriving ourselves and by using self control and then the very best part is that the band steps in to give us a little extra help. You can do it - we all can!!! Hand in there, be a heck of a lot nicer to yourself and get back on that bike and ride like the wind !!!!!

Good luck to you!!!

Hey Ruthie - I was banded on 1/27 and had the same experience. I wasn't hungry for at least the first week. I go through bouts of even now. Just make sure to get your fluids in and just be gentle with yourself - you're still healing. Good luck!

Hi friends - Has anyone else noticed if stress effects their band? On 2 occasions now when I've been stressed about something work related, I haven't been able to eat for a day or 2 before. Once the stressful moment passes I gradually feel much better. Anyone else feel this? Thanks.

I started with a friend from work last week. I've always wanted to be a jogger and now I'm making it happen! I've lost about 30 lbs and I'm feeling pretty good most of the time and much more confident than ever. Were taking it slow and that's good. She's on the small side but admits to being out of shape. I'm 284 today and out of shape and we did it at the same pace!for the first time today we ran at the gym and it was so much easier on the treadmill. I really enjoyed it so much more and we decided to continue using the treadmill until we feel more comfortable w/ running. I felt more in control and I could run faster at a consistent pace. We are going to pace ourselves and are committing to run a 5 K in September for my 40th birthday. Happy Birthday to me.Good luck everyone! Loryn

Congrats - now the fun begins!! Good luck!!! Good luck to all about to start their journey!

Friends, I was banded on 1/27, about 6 1/2 weeks ago and am happy with my 27 pound weightloss.My Dr. Didn't give me a fill since I'm losing at a good pace and I get full pretty quickly.strangely, for the past few days I haven't been hungry at all.I thought it was a reaction to some wine that I drank on Saturday (which gave me reflux all night), but it has been 2 days and I'm still not wanting anything to eat. Up to this point I'd feel some what hungry and have something to eat every 3 hours or so. But it took all I had to drink a yogurt and fruit smoothie this morning. Is this just the way that life rolls with the band? I'm trying to focus on drinking water so at least I stay hydrated. Any thoughts/comments? Best, Loryn

Congrats, jre! Keep up the good work and you will be a huge success and an inspiration to others! Cheers...

@ lisa, I'm not sure what size my band is, but i know it's a realize band and the dr. told me that he didn't fill it. for the longest time i thought i was feeling restriction from the swelling post surgery, but i think that i'm beyond that point but who knows. whatever it is, i'm not complaining, just curious. glad to hear there are others out there going through the same thing. @larraine, sorry to hear about your complications, but i hope that it's all remedied soon. @cmire, you're doing great - keep up the good work!!! @bell1138, are you able to keep food down after your fill?

Hi Friends, So I'm a little over 6 weeks post op (banded 1.27.10) and have happily lost 26 pounds.I went to my surgeon on Tuesday and he said I didn't need a fill, which is exactly what I was thinking going into the appointment. I can eat most things, but I have to watch portion sizes. I'm still learning (and I like to push my limits) and have had some sliming and vomiting. So I have an empty band but adequate restriction for now.My next appt is in 3 mos but they told me to come in earlier if I think I need a fill. Has this happened to anyone else? Loryn

I was banded on 1/27 and have lost between 23-25 lbs. My doc said the fluctuation is likely due to retaining water.I plateaued for about 10 days, thn lost about 2 pounds. I go for my first fill next Tuesday. Does anyone feel they still have restriction without anything in the band? I'm able to eat a lot of foods but not nearly as much as in the past.I have gotten stuck a few times, but for the most part can eat most things.For those of you that have gottne a fill, how do you feel afterwards? Is it like the first few days after surgery? I'm still happy with my decision to get the band and I'm tryingto be as patient as possible with the losses. My doc said he doesn't expect any losses during the first 6 weeks so I guess I'm doing well. For the first time in many many years, I'm not too embarassed and stressed to go to the dr to get weighed! Good luck to all! Happy losing, Loryn

Congrats on your approval. Sounds like it was pretty straight forward and that's how it should be. I was banded on 1/27 and am still learning, but confident that it was the best decision for me! I wish you tremendous success and and flawless surgery process. Best, Loryn

Congrats to all on your approval! Get ready for the wild ride. I was banded on 1/27 and haven't looked back.I'm down 21 pounds today! 2 huge things have happened - I've gone shopping in my own closet and found tons of 'new' clothes, and I dropped a shoe size so I went shoe shopping at home too! I wish you all the best! Use this forum for everything. Its saved me and my sanity many days. Keep in touch and I'm happy to answer any questions!

Congrats on getting banded. I was banded on 1.27 at UNC-CH by Dr. Oveby. Good new that you're not having gas pains. If you don't have it by now, you should be in the clear.I don't remember the stomach rumbling, but I'd just suggest as many sips of water or crystal lite that you can take. I still struggle w/ drinking enough liquids! Some warm broth may also help. Good luck, get plenty of rest and keep in touch!!

Elizabeth -- Congratulations on such a huge milestone!Any words of wisdom to share with newbies like me only 3 weeks out?? How much exercise do you do? Favorite meals? Fav quick meals? Restaurants that are band friendlier than others? Biggest challenges? I'm so excited for you and can't wait to be where you are, hopefully in a year from now!

I think your fears are totally natural. I had those feelings too. While I'm less than 3 weeks out and don't have a lot of experience, just take deep breaths and listen and ask lots of questions - every question that comes to mind. Once you get answers to your satisfaction make your decision with full and accurae information.I'm happy with my decision to move forward and just be sure you can live with whatever you decide! Best of luck to you!!!

I also have a desk job. I had surgery on Wednesday, Jan. 27 and went back to work on Tuesday. It was an unusually long day and would have stayed out a few days longer, but I had some meetings that I had to attend.I was tired but ok. It was a challenge because I wasn't used to the food stuff. The other thing is that I got cramps in my stomach like a charlie horse that were pretty painful - maybe because I wasn't drinking enough fluids? Other than just being tired, it wasn't terriblke and I actually didn't mind the distraction from thinking about food.Good luck to you!!!

I'm almost 2 weeks post op too. I've lost 17 lbs since surgery and could probably tolerate anything but I get full really fast so I think I have some restriction (or residual swelling?) I've been very cautious with foods and have basically stuck to my dr's advice. .I've tried some things off the list and eaten too quickly and feel uncomfortable but didn't get sick.I'm gaining back a little but I think that's ok since I'm eating more.I have a post op appt tomorrow so I'll see how I'm really doing. Good luck!!

Good luck to all of you getting banded this week. I'm about 12 days out, feeling totally normal, and adjusting more every day. Follow your Dr's instructions (everyone is different). If you get frustrated with the post op diet just remember that it's temporary and you will eat normal food soon enough. This site is great -- even though I read it for months pre surgery and thought I knew what to expect, I still had a lot of questions post surgery and this site was extremely helpful and reassuring.My best to all of you!!

Hi Megan- not sure if this post was meant for me, but Dr. Overby was my surgeon.I don't recognize the names of the other docs.Good luck to you on 2/10 -- that's just around the corner!!