5jacks

What size band do yo have? I also got to thinking that it's very surprising to me that you were released or chose to eat a sandwich so soon after surgery. We were told that during the first few weeks your stitches have to heal inside your tummy. If you eat lots of solid foods your stomach has to churn to digest and that isn't good for the lap-band itselfs healing process. Even after a week of liquids we were told an entire week of soft foods before even attempting solid foods. Most surgeons have different advice....mine was very relaxed with things....some people on here have to have liquids for up to 3 or 4 weeks after surgery?!?!?! My band is a 4cc....which now has 2.25 cc in it.

Welcome to bandland!! It's funny, you're the only person who described the stomach pain simaliarly (sp?) to me. Feels like a really big fight and they focused on your tummy!!

Congratulations!!! I remember the day it didn't say 3 anymore.....now the 290's are gone for good and 280's are on the way out! It only gets better from here!!

It's o.k.....just remember that just because you can don't mean you should!! Be careful with the calorie intake from now until your fills start working. Try to eat bandster style....small portions, chew well, very little or no breads. Go on a Weight Watcher type diet, or something like that to make sure you don't gain what you've already lost! Hang tough.....won't be long and you won't be able to eat as much, just have to tough it out till then! Good luck!

I'm too afraid to eat to have a stuck feeling!!!! It's really strange to "begin" this process all over again each month after the fills. Had a fill yesterday...first fill was 1.25 cc, yesterdays was 1cc for a total of 2.25 in a 4 cc band. Have only eaten 330 calories today because I'm afraid to eat. Can't tell if the feeling I'm feeling is hunger or fullness.....I'm so messed up! Does anyone else feel like this? I know that in the next couple of days things should settle down and I'll not be so afraid but for now its scary. Joe....unbeleivable! 65 pounds in 2 months is AWESOME!!! Do you have any secrets for the rest of us? I'm not complaining about my weight loss, have lost 38 pounds since January 4 (surgery was Jan. 18th) but love to hear how other people are losing more!

I had 120 pounds to lose also..... my surgery was January 18 of this year and the doctor told me today my total lost is 41 pounds. I have eaten Peanut M&M's, Little Debbie Nutty bars, brownies and cheesecake. I keep track of calories....if I want any of the above it's mine! Just eat smaller amounts and write down every bite of it! So far I love my band and I'm an emotional sweets eater! Good luck with your decision!

Have you tried the Myvirtualmodel.com website? I think that's what it was anyway....you put in your body type and weight and it shows you what you used to look like and what you will look like after all the weight is gone! Of course I couldn't find the button for cellulite!!!!

I use apple juice....if it's been a while and afraid things might be getting "built up" then I drink a glass of apple juice. Usually takes care of things within about 12 hours! Also eat granola bars as snacks and try to eat shredded wheat for breakfast once in a while. Good luck!

My prayers are with you and your partner. I ditto what everyone else has said. Also wish I could say time will make it easier, but I miscarried at 7 weeks about 12 years ago and am crying right now remembering the loss. Someone said that anger is a part of it, it's true, give your partner time to cope with everything that has happened and try not to blame them, they are grieving too in the only way they know how. After my miscarriage I was able to get pregnant right away, he is 11 now! Then got pregnant 4 years later with twins (no medical help!) Guess what I'm saying is that right now your heart is aching but in time things will look better! Something that helped me was a book called Empty Arms that the hospital gave me. It helps you and your partner realize and accept that it isn't your fault!

I know this sounds mean....but I'm so glad you guys are going through this before me! Guess I'm a wuss!! Sounds like I'll probably have the second fill, just going to be really really careful with what is eaten a few days after. How does everyones TOM affect your weight loss or gain? Apparently I retain all kinds of fluid 2 weeks before and lose it all when things get rolling good. With this month being an exception.....have poison ivy really bad and on prednisone, always makes me lose for some reason! Good luck to all! Thanks for posting your fill results for us weinee's who need to know exactly what to expect!

O.K. ....thinking the PMS is starting, had a panic attack (just kidding) earlier! After talking to DH have decided that I'm so "comfortable" with the way things are right now that I'm not real excited about changing them. I mean, it's really good to be able to eat anything you want, pretty much whenever you want....right? But, that's what got me into this situation, lack of self control on a regular basis. So, after reading more posts and realizing that if they put too much in, heck, they can take a little out! Am so pleased with my band so far! I've never been able to lost 36.5 pounds in such a short time (Surgery was 1/18/07) with so little effort! It feels great to have my oldest son (11 yo) put his arm around me now...."just because he can", and he always goes away with a smile, as do I! So thanks to everyone for "grounding" me again! Thanks for the support! Lisa.

Congratulations.....see, good things do come to those who wait!!!!! Keep us updated!

Welcome!! Every person's pain tolerence is different so don't let your DH's pain scare you away. I had so little of pain I asked them to quit giving me the pain meds right out of surgery! Easiest and most painless surgery I've been through and I've had 3 kids "all natural!" two of which were twins, a DNC, gallbladder taken out, tubes tied, a "female" surgery and the lap band. Sounds like you'll have support at home from someone who's been there and the extra support really helps a lot.....even if it's just someone to watch T.V. with and talk your feelings out with. Good luck and keep us informed! Lisa.

Okay, you guys have me scared! My second fill is scheduled for next Monday....I have 1.25cc in a 4 cc band. I don't usually get hungry but am trying to tackle the eating out of habit! Have lost 36.5 pounds since January 4 so am pleased with the loss and being able to eat whatever I want (within reason). I try to keep calories between 1000 and 1200 and proteins around 70. It's worked so far and have been able to eat bites of foods (Subway sandwich!) but am scared to eat more than 1 bite! Have only slimed one time on a McDonald's french fry....gonna be a long time before I try that again! Guess I'll leave it up to the Doctor but thinking I don't want much of a fill as long as I'm losing on a regular basis?!??!!? What do you guys think?

How long do you have to be on liquids? My surgeon had a very short (can't remember for sure but think it was like 3 or 4 days) liquid stage. Then the next 5 or so days it was runny solids, runny potatoes, soup, etc.. I didn't make it all the way through.....felt the same way you do! I broke down one night and ate about 5 micro-mini ravioli. I chewed really good, or shall I say mushed it up! Was perfect, didn't take much to hit the spot, didn't hurt anything and let me get back on track the next morning. This worked for me, not saying you should or shouldn't, just what I did that helped. Good Luck....the liquids won't last forever!

Oh MY Gosh!!! Did you guys know that smaller sizes are cheaper?!?!?! Going from a 30 to a 24 in size, ordering from Roaman's catalog and I get all excited! My entire adult life I've scanned the listings in catalogs to the absolute bottom, crossing my fingers (and toes) that the size would go large enough. Was trying to order some smaller clothes (yah!) and 12 - 24 is $5.00 cheaper than 26 - 36! Another NSV that I didn't see coming!

I have the 4cc band so can't help with the first question. Can tell you that 4cc for a first time fill in a 10cc band sounds about right from what I've read. I got 1.25 in my 4cc and it hasn't helped much at all so know exactly how you're feeling...hang in there, it'll happen soon! PB = Productive burp.....haven't had one of those either but have been told it's kind of like a little chunk of food coming back up, not throwing up, just a burp with chunks?!?!?!

Thank you.... you're doing great too! You were banded after me and have lost almost as much! You've already had 2 fills? I'm jealous....I have some restriction but not a lot. Not scheduled for 2nd fill until March 26.

Sunshine1 you are doing awesome!!!! I'm soooooo jealous! We were banded on the same day and I have a lot more weight to lose than you. Very proud of what I have lost....just wish I was doing as good as you! I agree with restriction without losing a part of normal every day eating with out PB'ing. Met a lady at the Dr.s office the other day who is (and wants) restriction so tight she can't eat meat. Not me, just want tight enough to live life like most normal people! Plus, we're farmers who raise our own beef....husband would probably divorce me (kidding!) if I became a vegetarian! Anyway, you're doing great...keep up the good work!

Forgot about the Seadoo....would like to be able to throw my 11 year old son and myself off it while "hotrodding" and be able to get back on it without help!! He loves to ride with me but I won't hotrod because one time we both fell off and my family had to get in a boat from shore and come out to help! Not exactly a crowning moment....

I hate to go on feild trips or outings with the kids, always fear I won't be able to fit in the seats. Went on one yesterday and was able to sit very comfortable....part was because the seats were a little bigger, but still theatre seats, and part because I've lost a little over 32 pounds and things aren't quite as wide as they were a few months ago!!! YAY FOR ME!!!!!

Hi all, I'm a January bandster....can totally sympathize with the hunger and the tired feelings! My doctor didn't put a lot of restrictions on pre fill diet so I tried to eat at least 1000 calories but what I really watched was the protein....at least 70 each day! The first 5 days or so after surgery I was so tired, talked to my nutritionist and that is what she recommended. Within a day or two after raising my protein intake I started getting energy back. As for replacing meals with energy drinks...I didn't, ate small meals and had protein drinks or a small food choice with lots of protein in it for snacks in between meals. This is a huge change for your brain and your body, it's going to take time, kick back and enjoy the ride! I know it seems hard but it will be worth it in the end. ALso, when I was eating under 900 calories I didn't lose weight. Seems as though I have to have at least 1200 calories to lose on a regular basis. I've averaged 3.1 pounds a week since the first of the year.

Hi all....haven't been on in a while, some people were having trouble dropping weight and I didn't want to depress them with good stories!!??!?! Anyway, I've just got to tell this one! For the past 3 years I've had the same pair of jeans, size 30 and only wear when I had too, sweats were my main clothing during the winter. So they are falling off me and the store where I purchased them wasn't carrying anything over a size 22. DH refused to let me wear the old ones out in public so I ordered the same brand, but in size 26 from the internet. They arrived about a week ago, too tight....so today I called the store back to see if they could order a 28 for me, they could but it would be 4 weeks before they get here. I told them not to order because hopefully I'll be down to the 26's by then! For the fun of it, I went back in and tried the 26's on and they FIT!!!!!!! They fit so good that I'm wearing them to a first grade field trip tomorrow! I am so excited!!!!! Since the first of the year I've lost a total of 31 pounds and went down 2 sizes in jeans. I've only had one fill, a little restriction but definitely still get hungry too soon. Second fill scheduled for the end of this month. This is so much fun, I agree with a previous post, in the past I would have heard my stomach growling and struggling to control my temper from the hunger pains to lose this much weight! I can't beleive this is working so easily! O.K. I feel better sharing.... To anyone not losing yet...you will, just give it time! This is a long process of trial and error. I started out at 330 and am now in the 280's so have a lot to lose! Good luck to all!

Above all, rest when you need to and take it easy. This is the time for your body to heal, give it time to do it! I have a hard time coming out of the anesthetic (sp?) so napped at hospital most of the day of surgery. Slept through most of the night and was ready to go home first thing....like 5:00 a.m!! We have an hour drive to get home from hospital, got home, settled in the recliner and waited for my baby boys to come home from school, o.k., one is 11 and twin 7 year olds so not exactly babies?!?!!! Was up all evening, slept decent that night and napped almost every day the first week. I found out on about the 4th day post op that I wasn't getting enough protein/calories and that was what was making me so tired. Started getting the proper nutrients and haven't had a nap since. Good luck!

In Junior High there was a cheerleader.....we were in art class and she pointed out to everyone that my initials in lower case was the abbreviation for pound. The same cheerleader informed me one day walking down the high school hall that if I didn't walk so fast my butt wouldn't wiggle so much. Haven't told anyone that before, not even my parents when I got grounded for letting the air out of her tires during our Junior year! Just took my punishment, wasn't the right thing to do but it sure did feel better! I have lost a little over 30 pounds since January 18 of this year, was feeling really good about myself. Had gotten into a swimming suit I was hoping to be able to wear this summer, if all goes like it's going now I will need to buy a new one!!! ANyway, we went to an indoor water park this last weekend, we go every year and last year I was too self-concience to even attempt the water tube slides with the kids. Finally got up enough courage to try to go down....no problem and was treated fantastically! Anyway, my seven year old asked if I would go down with him again, sure, this is great! We get in line and there are two little girls (maybe 5 or 6 YOA) in front of us. Girl A looks back sees me, looks up and down at my body and then nudges Girl B and points back at me. Girl B tries her best but can't pull off letting me see that she's looking at me.....now I know that they are children so I only smiled and said Hi. But that one kind of blind-sided me, my children know not to treat people like that and for the girls to do this on a day that I was feeling great about myself and my accoplishments really hurt.