david314

Thanks for your replies. I have not had a fill because my surgeon and I felt I was losing weight at the level we had hoped for (2 pounds per week), so we didn't feel a need for a fill. However, I believe it is time to "turn it on and let it help me." I am scrounging for food, my weight loss has stopped and I am eating more than I know I should. I believe it is going right through the opening...at least I hope it is. My greatest fear is stretching the pouch.

I was banded in September and have not had a fill yet. I am eating virtually anything I want but things like steak still get stuck pretty easily, but only for 5 minutes or so. I have stopped losing and am wondering if I should get a fill. Also, I am very concerned that I may have stretched my pouch. I don't have any pain or discomfort, but am concerned because of the amount I am able to eat. Does anyone know how I would I know if I have ruined my pouch?

I use Premier Protein Shakes from Costco. The taste is very good and are low in carbs, approximately 160 calories and 30 grams of protein in each drink.

My wife bought our grandson some new clothes and got 3 Ts. The next day I bought new pants because mine were really loose. She asked me what size I bought and I told her 36 Ts... 36 Tight...but I'm in 'em!

Ginnyvinny, that's one of the funniest posts I've ever seen! Congratulations on your victory. Regards to Genius #2...

Hey Scoobie, I was banded on September 27, 2010, and have never looked back. I've lost 39 pounds as of today and feel so much better! I have not exercised everyday but have now joined a fitness club and doing much better. I believe the feelings you are having are absolutely normal. I went into this like a locomotive and just laid track as I moved forward. I admit, I had some second thoughts and some fears, particularly about the anesthesia, but the more I researched this area, the more I realized that there was really very little to fear. The area of anesthesia has advanced so much in the last few years that there are really few complications. I have absolutely no regrets and would do it again without hesitation. I can't really advise you on what you should do, but just know that the feelings you are having are completely normal. The only piece of advice I can offer is, if you decide to have the surgery, don't look back once you have it done. Just look forward with this new opportunity and do the best you can. I wish you the very best with your decision.

I have not posted much since I joined this site and not at all in the last few weeks. When I get discouraged or need information I go straight to this site and always feel so much better and have so many new ideas on things to try. I sometimes feel that I just don't have much to offer beyond what you guys are offering. Honestly, I have had zero problems with the surgery, except some pretty bad constipation for a week or so afterward. I am trying not to recommend the surgery to others but I'm happy to share my personal experience. I have been very open about having the surgery with anyone who inquires about my weight loss and don't feel embarrassed at all. In fact, I feel as if this has been one of the most important, pro-active steps I have ever taken. I'm proud to be a bandster and thrilled that, after receiving a diagnosis of pre-diabetes, my labs have shown significant improvement. I was banded on Sept 27 and have lost 39 pounds as of this morning. I have an appt with my surgeon on Wednesday and I want to be down 40 pounds. I have not had a fill and I would like to do this without one. I had no weight loss for a week or so, but then it started again. Must have had something to do with exercise!!! I wasn''t doing much before and, as a result, wasn't losing. I am drinking two protein drinks each day...sometimes 3. Also am eating small portions of basically anything I want. I do not do well with meat yet, but I have some small portions. I don't think I have been actually stuck, but when I have eaten too fast, I've had this feeling that I had to get up and walk around before I could take another bite. After 5 minutes or so, I'm back to eating, but much slower and chewing much better. Sounds like STUCK huh? I didn't mean to write a book, but just wanted to share my experience and express my gratitude to all of you for your ideas and your willingness to share your experience.

Brian, thanks for moving us over to the other side. I am 6 days out and doing pretty well. Trying to exercise but very low energy. My visit with the surgeon will be Oct 15. I'm on Protein drinks until then. Some pain in my left shoulder for the first time today. Glad you guys indicated that it might happen..didn't worry about a heart attack! I hope everyone is doing well.

Tiffany: Thanks for the words of encouragement... I was banded yesterday and feel pretty good as I write this. There was a cancellation in my surgeon's schedule, so they called to see if i could come in a few hours early...YES! The staff were wonderful and did everything possible to make my experience as positive as possible. The doctor said my liver had shrunk to the size of a two year old's and that made things much easier for him and for me. I think he was exaggerating, but it has been much easier than I expected. I've been taking pain meds regularly which surely helps. Good luck to the rest of you as you go down this path to a new and different life.

Tomorrow is my surgery date too. I've been on protein shakes for two weeks and have lost 22 pounds. I know most of it is water, but it feels good to be down a few pounds. I'm a little nervous, but mostly hungry...nothing but clear liquids today and nothing tomorrow. I'm scheduled for 1:00 pm. I told my surgeon I was a little concerned about nausea following the anesthesia and he prescribed 1 pill to take 2 hours before with a SIP of water. He said it has prevented nausea for most of his patients. The pill was $69.00 ($45 co-pay) but it will be worth it if it prevents nausea. If it works for me, I'll post the name of it. Good luck to all of you!

I'm right there with you...my first day of nothing but protein drinks. Today has not been to bad, but several more days to go. We can do this! My wife has been a great source of support and she'll keep me honest! Good luck with your surgery and hang in there with the Pre-Op diet.

Wow! You did get through the process quickly. I will be banded on the 27th and am on protein drinks until the day of surgery. I wish you the very best with your surgery!

david 314 Please do share your recipes for Protein Shakes. Congratuations on your 11 pound loss...forever gone! I wish you the very best with your surgery.

Kysmith72, I am using Premier Protein Shakes (30g Protein; 160 calories; 3g fat). I get them from Costco and the taste is very good.

Good for you Helgainaz. I wish you the very best.

Got my surgery date - Sept 27. Will meet with my surgeon two weeks before for instructions. I already know that he requires Protein drinks only for two weeks before surgery. I am using Premier Protein Shakes (30g Protein; 160 calories; 3g fat). I get them from Costco and the taste is very good.

I just found out that I have been approved for surgery and can choose either Sept 13, 20, or 27. My surgeon is Dr Feng in Redwood City, CA and he is connected to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. I have been going back and forth about whether to have this done, but I realized that is exactly what I have been doing with trying to keep the weight off...going back and forth. I totally agree with Freshstart2010... enough is enough! I do have to admit, now that I have the approval, the abstract idea of surgery very quickly became concrete. I look forward to sharing our experiences as we go through the ups and downs of this new adventure and this new lifestyle.

Congratulations! Your story also inspired me. I've not had the surgery yet and have been wavering, but it's posts like you wrote that continue to push me back over the fence. I certainly agree that all of the people who post here are really helping others. Thanks guys.

You look wonderful and you know what? He's probably a little lumpy too. If he treats you well and provides the kind companionship you enjoy, just go with it. If he asks about weight loss...tell him. If disrespects you for that...KICK 'EM TO THE CURB! I hope you have renewed an old friendship that becomes whatever you want it to be. Happiness to you!

Tell me more about your Man Cave. I don't have one that I know of, but sounds like I need one! I live on a small llama ranch in the hills of the SF Bay Area. I have an appointment for my fourth nutrition visit in two weeks. I have to attend 6 sessions and then have a psych evaluation, which is required by my insurance company. Getting close though. Congrats on your weight loss.

I met with my surgeon 3 weeks ago and am ready for my first shared class on Feb 1. You guys have been so free in sharing your anxieties, your experiences and your successes. Your postings have been educational and inspiring. I will share my progress from time to time throughout the process. At this point, I am holding on to the idea that I know I can lose weight...I've done it many times. BUT, it always comes back. Someone said that "brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live FOREVER!" My purpose in going with the LAP-BAND® is that I have confidence that once I lose the weight, I'll be able to keep it off. I have no confidence that I can keep it off without some kind of significant help. So, here we go....