MrsCabes

I've been banded for 5 months and one thing I've learned as that this is a learning process that takes time. Time for our bodies AND minds to adapt. I think we all go through these fears - but, I guarantee you, once you get to your perfect fill, you'll have your food "rules" down, your mind will have caught up and you'll be ready for the next phase.

Don't be scared! Honestly, for me, fills are very easy. Literally, takes seconds, but...with the numbing spray, I don't feel a SINGLE thing.

Also - NO drinking with meals. Honestly, I don't even know that I could physically handle it.

No soft bread, no tough/dry meat, limited Pasta. Honestly - I eat "normal" - with Protein first...maybe a cup of food per meal (sometimes less, earlier in the day). My day averages out to about 800-1000 calories. And, NO hunger in between meals. ETA: I had surgery on Feb. 8th, had 4 fills (I believe I'm at the "sweet" spot) and I've lost 53 pounds.

Before I read other responses - good restriction makes all the difference in the world! It took 4 fills, for me, before I had (what I think is) perfect restriction. It's not HARD when you have good restriction. It hurts sometimes and it's painful...and it's a learning process. But, good restriction is just that...GOOD! It's impossible for me to eat more than my band would allow now. I have to question your doctor. Fills are what makes our bands work! If he wasn't willing to give you fills, WHY get surgery? Let's face it, if we all had awesome will-power and control, we'd be skinny and wouldn't be battling weight our whole lives! PUSH for a fill - the first few months are so difficult, mentally. You question every decision you've made, surgery-wise. But, I'm telling you, when you do hit your "perfect" fill, your regrets will go AWAY! Good luck to you!

My doctor, too - has said nothing about calories. It's all about portion size.

I'm 5 months post up, have lost 53 pounds and I feel like I'm at a good place, fill-wise (after 4 fills) I eat about 800 - 1000 calories a day. I was working out EVERY day, burning about 250 of those calories and NOT losing any weight. Seems impossible, right? In fact, I gained 2 pounds one week - so I definitely buy the "starvation" mode theory! Once I backed my workouts down to 3 - 4 times a week, versus every day, I started losing again. I, too, think it's important to be consuming about 5 super small meals a day. Even if it's just a Protein Bar in between "meals". You've got to keep your metabolism going, especially since we're not eating a lot. If you don't "feed" your metabolism, it doesn't run! Good luck finding your balance. I think everyone is different!

Like everything, you'll get used to it. It's amazing how many changes we have to adapt to - and sometimes it takes longer to get there. But - you'll get used to not eating and drinking at the same time. I, too, LOVED me some drinks with meals. However - I now follow all of the rules. And, honestly, it HURTS when I try to drink while eating. THAT makes you not want to do it too!

I've had 3 fills and am at good restriction (not perfect, but close!) - and I can still have salad. So,yes, it's possible!!!

Definitely don't think that they can only fill the band to your band amount (whether it's 10 or 14, etc) - it doesn't work that way. They can continue filling past that amount.

Like previous posters, I had a tube in my throat also...but had no clue! They place it AFTER you're knocked out and get it out before you come to. Minus a little sore throat, I had no clue! Don't less this be the barrier from getting lapband! Believe me, the good far outweighs the bad!

Yep! I don't think I'm at perfect restriction yet (close...real close) so if I eat too fast or take too big of bites, I can feel the food going through. I'm uncomfortable for about 5 minutes and then the feeling passes.

At this point, coffee is the only thing I can get down in the morning - but, it relaxes my band and I'm ready by lunch time!

Everyone is different - some people feel restriction from the start and others can take 6+ fills! It also matters how aggressive your doctor is, regarding fills. I had fill #3 last week and I really notice a difference this time. I finally feel like my band is working, and it's not me doing all the work! Just remember to slllloooowwww down when you eat (that's the biggie for me, too!)...it takes your body time to catch up to your mind.

I was kind of nervous my first fill too - however, it's so easy!!! My doc locates my port, numbs me with spray and inserts the needle and saline...3 minutes tops! My first fill was done with fluoro - so he could see everything's placement. My last 2 fills have just been done lying down. Not much difference - I just have to take a sip of Water before I leave to make sure liquids are going down. You'll be fine and lots of luck to you on your journey!

To the OP - do you feel like it's YOU doing all of the work or do you feel like the band is doing it's job, too?

I think it's completely normal to second guess yourself - I know I did. BUT - I'm 3 months post op and lapband was the absolute best decision I've made, regarding my health and mental well-being. I wish I would have done it earlier. You will be fine - it's not the "easy" way out. It's work - but it's also work that's going to be successful for you! ETA: I've lost 42 pounds in 3 months (42 pounds I know I won't "find" again)...so, yes, the results are worth it!

I was only on liquids for 3 days - puree for a week and then soft for a week. So, there's definitely hope!

Honestly, I wouldn't get unfilled - I think we work too hard training ourselves to take smaller bites, to eat slower and to not drink while we eat. Why would you undo all of that hard work just because people might look at you? We've had a lifetime of overeating - it hasn't gotten us very far. :biggrin:

Typically, it takes 3-4+ fills before you have good restriction. May I ask why the fills are so slow in between? I had surgery on Feb. 8th and just had my 3rd fill on Fri.

Honestly, I think the pre-op diet was the hardest part about getting lapband! If you can survive this, the rest is cake! (I guess I shouldn't be using a cake analogy, huh? LOL)

She, obviously, has mental issues. NO ONE, in their right mind, would make this their lifelong goal. I hope she gets the help she needs, instead of enablers!

My surgery was Feb. 8th, I've lost 41 pounds and haven't changed a size! Like you, my problem area is my stomach and while my jeans are definitely looser and fit better right after the dryer...still not ready for a size down. I do have people notice - it's mostly people telling me that my face looks thinner and my upper body looks thinner. However - even though I can't tell a big difference, appearance wise...we took the kids to Kings Island (amusement park in Cint.) and walking around was soooo much easier. It wasn't a stress on my knees and my ankle (I broke my leg 4 years ago) didn't get a bit puffy! So, definitely progress. I can't even imagine how awesome NEXT summer will be! Good luck! We will get there - it's just a slow moving train. :confused:

I didn't have any trouble waking up - He said my name twice, I started coughing and was awake. A little groggy but awake.

I wasn't hungry post surgery either - I wasn't in a lot of pain, I just wasn't hungry.