slwyse

lalida: Dr. Michaelson did my surgery in January. I have been very happy with everybody there. Very professional and they definitely know what they are doing. If I were to do it again I would definitely go there! Lots of luck to you! Sue

Hi: I was banded on 1/5/10 and have had 3 small fills since then. I am not sure if I need another one or not (I have an appt. on Thursday). I do notice in the morning that it takes a little longer to drink a glass of water- although I have never had a problem drinking. I usually eat slowly and chew well- but never seem to feel full. I have never had anything stuck (don't want the experience either!) I am now at 6.2 cc. in a 10 cc. band. I know that everybody is different but am not sure what is 'normal'. I am not losing weight- but not gaining either. Just afraid of being too tight. Since I've never experienced the 'sweet spot' that everybody talks about I am afraid of missing it and then having problems with being too tight. Any body else experience this? Or have any suggestions? Thanks. I am not even sure if I should get a fill or if I do how much they will put in or should put in...Maybe I am overthinking this? Thanks, Sue :thumbup:

Thanks for all the advice! Will definitely keep my appointment as I am able to eat most any amount. I made stirfry chicken the other night and ate a fairly large bowl and had no problems. I could have definitely eaten more. Have definitely never felt like I had to stop at a 1/2 a cup or even a cup. Will let you know how it goes :thumbup: Sue

I have heard both ways. When I called the office and asked they said to eat before I go. I usually go in the morning and will eat yogurt an hour or two before hand because I don't want something in the pouch when I have a fill. I am not sure there are any rules set in stone but it does make sense to have an empty pouch when you have a fill. Good luck :thumbup:

That's interesting that some MD's don't allow straws. I was told specifically to use a straw because less air gets in the pouch. I think either way, whatever works and causes the least discomfort, is good. I am not sure about drinking the ice that melts. Is that because it is not a lot of liquid? Or because it's cold. Just curious. Thanks :thumbup:

Dumb question- but how do you make it come back up? I haven't gotten stuck yet but think I have come close. I have never been able to throw up easily and am not sure if I could if I wanted. Anyways, one of my fears about the band is getting stuck and not knowing what to do. Thanks! Sue

What helped me is carrying around one of the 20 oz. Starbucks cups with a straw. I just constantly take a sip. It is easy to have at work. I have had the same problem with being thirsty right after I eat and trying hard to wait the 60 minutes I was told before taking a drink. Hope that helps :w00t:

Jacksdad: You actually give me hope! I was banded 1/5/10 and have had 3 fills. I am still able to eat almost anything I want and rarely feel full. At first I thought maybe I was ignoring hunger ques- but I am always hungry! I have lost 30 lbs but most of that was the week before the banding and the first 3 weeks after. Since then I have lost nothing. So, all that to say that I have another appt. for a fill next Thursday and, even though I am glad they are taking it slow, I am really wanting to feel full after just a few bites without throwing up. If your experience is what I have to look forward to then I am excited! Thanks! Sue

Yikes! I was banded on 1/5/10 and have already had 2 fills- neither of which did much of anything. I have an appt. for my 3rd fill and, while I definitely don't want to be overfilled, I would like to feel some restriction. I seem to be hungry all the time and able to eat whatever I want. But I definitely don't want to experience what you did Tiffany! Anyways, just feeling a bit frustrated that I am not seeing much difference from before I was banded to now. Do others have this same problem? Scary stuff! Sue

I want to know how the people on biggest loser do it. All of the ones I remember have perfect arms and nice tummies when they come for the final weigh in. __________________ I just recently watched the show "The doctors" and they had one of the biggest loser winners on with excess skin. He actually wore a tight body suit everywhere to keep his skin in and they talked about the surgery he needed to remove all the excess skin. They also donated the surgery to him later in the show. Don't know how it turned out though. Assuming it worked :thumbup: Sue

I agree with LapNYC. Only a couple people know about my band and I am terrified when I go out to eat and when I am working! I don't have a job that I can just run to the bathroom and throw up. What if I get stuck while working! I can't just stop working so I can drink warm water, bend over, moan or whatever...probably my biggest fear about the band...other than that- so far so good

This is such a touchy topic! I decided to tell my husband and 2 of my kids know. I also told 2 close coworkers but nobody else knows. I work in a large hospital and I did not want all the questions or judgments. I also did not want to tell my managers etc. I may eventually tell other people but for right now (banded on Jan. 5, 2010) I decided not to tell others. When I am with people who don't know I definitely eat carefully! Don't want to explain food getting stuck or vomiting! Hope that helps Sue

Bayba792: Thanks! I go back to work tomorrow and even though we are busy I am definitely not doing anything as strenuous as lugging boxes up ladders! (Sounds like a great work out though) :thumbup:

I probably have to agree with you Jennifer- if I am able to tolerate pasta why eat a bite or two of calorieless noodles? I would probably want to eat a small amount of the real thing...only time will tell though :thumbup:

Thanks-My surgeon said I only needed one week off- am grateful that I have 1 1/2 weeks- would have never made it going back in only 1! Today's the first day I don't feel really tired. My problem is that I did not share with my co workers or supervisor that I was having the surgery. If things get too rough after I go back I will just have to go and talk to her- but hopefully that won't happen! Anyways, thanks for all the advice :thumbup:

I did not stay overnight because my surgery was done at a surgery center that does not do overnight. It was fine. I had my surgery about 8:30 am and was walking out before 11:00. I was sore and tired but took my pain meds and slept off and on the rest of the day and the night. The only real requirement was that I had to drink a glass of water before leaving- otherwise I would have been out of there by 10:30! Anyways, I don't think I would have benefited any by staying over night. Sue

I was just banded so haven't tried them with a band yet but used to eat them often. They are only 40 calories and pretty good with laughing cow cheese or even in soups. You have to rinse, rinse, and then rinse some more. I also cut them up because they are so long...will be curious to know if I can still eat them as I heard pasta was a big no no. Sue

I have a really hectic job (RN on a busy labor and delivery floor) and I work 12 hour shifts. I was told by my doctor that I could return in 1 week which would be tomorrow- grateful I am not scheduled until Friday and Saturday (1 1/2 weeks post op). I am a bit nervous about returning but have to as we have a really strict attendance policy and I did not share with them that I was having the surgery. I feel pretty good right now and have been walking 2-3 miles a day since the surgery, but now am worried about being able to handle the 12 hour shifts...any suggestions?

Hi Toddee: Actually I had my surgery in Everett at Northwest weight loss surgery. For some reason when I pulled up Dr. Michaelson's name it showed Bellingham. Anyways, I am with you on the cautious side. I did the same thing with my butternut squash soup. I strained it so the little onions and small chunks were gone. I have my follow up appt. on Tuesday- so hopefully everything will go well!! NWWLS has a support group that I will start attending this month, but thanks for the information on Evergreen's. Good to see someone local and just starting out. Will be fun to keep track of each other. Thanks, Sue

Hi: This is my first post so here goes. I am only 4 days out and just beginning to feel like my old self. I am still on the liquid phase but have been a bit afraid to try anything other than thin liquids or protein drinks already made. I keep looking at the list of things I can have (jello, yogurt, pudding etc.) and just don't feel ready to try them. I am beginning to get hungry but am, for whatever reason, scared it won't go down. Has anybody else had the same issues and does anybody have any ideas for me? Other than that I am really excited that the surgery is over and I am looking forward to my 'banded' life! Thanks, Sue