dar36

I am four months out and can tell you that it has taken me this long to figure out my body's signals. I have had three fills so hopefully I can provide you some insight even though I am not as experienced as some others. Changing habits after 30 years isn't easy and I have learned some lessons the hard way. You will learn new things with each fill because the tighter it is, the more pronounced your signals will be. There is a BIG difference between having the band in and the first fill and between the first fill and the second fill. When you don't chew enough or take too big of a bite, you WILL know it. It WILL hurt and feel like something is stuck in your chest. I also respond with severe hiccups if I eat too fast. I have learned to eat with baby utensils and to put my fork or spoon down after every bite. This has helped to significantly reduce discomfort. This is also important to do so you can recognize that you are full and to stop eating. If you do overeat because you didn't eat slow enough you may feel a sudden urge to vomit. That is how it feels for me anyway. It's important to remember this because you can eat quite a bit more now than you will be able to after your fills. After each fill it takes me about a week to be able to start eating more solid food. I have also learned that mornings are usually more difficult for me and I tend to stick to liquids, while dinner time is much easier. I have also learned that some foods are just not compatible with me. Don't hesitate to ask any questions. We are all here to support each other. Take care and let us know how it goes.

Everything you are experiencing is normal. I had my surgery four months ago and can tell you that this is a very emotional experience. I am still learning about myself and learning how to listen to my body. You will go through many phases. This is a long journey and quite a ride. I can also tell you that I have NEVER for one moment regretted the decision. I have not mourned anything from the past and neither will you as you see such positive changes in every aspect of your life. You will start to fill your time and your life with other very meaningful things rather than food. You will feel so good. I promise.

If you stay overnight in the hospital, your surgeon will require that you have your CPAP with you.

I am not counting the calories to in an effort to limit them or even to count them for that matter. I am not worried about calories at all. I am using the lapband.com tool to monitor my Protein intake, Vitamin and mineral intake, to get an overall picture of my nutritional intake during the day / week. It just so happens that I noticed my calorie intake was at a certain level each day. Since having a lapband is a drastic change, it is important for to obtain as much information about what I am consuming, how my body is reacting, and my physical and emotional reactions as well. The monitoring tool on lapband.com enables me to input all this information so when my doctor asks me a question, I have accurate information. Being only a few months into the process, I find it helpful.

I really haven't been hungry either but I know that not eating can cause weight loss to slow down. When I was religiously tracking my food intake, I realized that I was only eating between 500 and 800 calories per day without ever feeling hungry. So I started to eat smaller quantities more times per day to make sure that I am getting enough food.

My bowel movements have definitely changed after this surgery! Not even the morning cup of coffee does it for me anymore! I have started to take chewable fiber tablets and do everything I can to keep hydrated throughout the day. I also have added a significant amount of beans to my diet to help too.

I experience some of the same things. There are some days that everything is difficult to go down and it causes a lot of discomfort. Then there are other days that I do not have as much of an issue. I have had three fills and it is taking me some time to listen to my body and respond accordingly. There are times I cannot eat hardly anything in the morning and then at night I can eat a resonable meal. My goal has been to ensure that I am getting the appropriate amount of Protein. So on the days that I am struggling to keep food down, I will have some Protein drinks. I have also learned that some of my issues are attributed to trying to break 30 years of eating fast and not chewing my food. I have recently switched to using baby utensils and make myself put my fork or spoon down after every bite. Chew , chew, chew! I learned these things the hard way after much discomfort. I am doing much better now finally. When solid food is giving me a problem, I turn to homemade broth with pureed vegetables and very soft lowfat cheeses, refried Beans, and milk. I also try to stay has hydrated as possible by constantly drinking Water.

I too have PCOS...and ever darn symptom that comes with the wonderful disorder. Although I had miscarriages, you will be happy to know that I have two beautiful boys. Stay positive...anything is possible! My best to you.

What you are feeling is absolutely normal. I know EXACTLY how you are feeling. There is such a wide range of emotions that you will feel on this journey. I can tell you that I was banded on August 17, 2010 and have yet to feel one ounce of regret and have not mourned the "loss" of food. To the contrary, I feel the opposite. I have a much healthier relationship with food. I actually enjoy it more because I am eating slowly. I too feared the emotional changes that I was about to encounter once I was banded. In the last four months I can honestly say that all of my challenges have been physical and not emotional. By physical, I mean the discomfort of not chewing enough and eating too quickly. I am still learning as it is difficult to change 30 years of a behavior in just four months. I do not feel as though I am missing out on anything. I have gained everything. I have been able to stop most medications, improved my sleep, and can do things that previously would have caused me to become out of breath. I can wear clothing that isn't plus size. I see my face again. I have gotten rid of my "fat" clothes. There is no food in the world that can compare to those feelings. Have there been challenges...absolutely! Is it hard after a fill...yes. You are in for an amazing journey friend. And the most wonderful part is that you have thousands of friends on this website to encourage you. I have not been on this site in almost two months. I got on last night for the first time because I missed this community. You can really connect with people here. I was so happy that I did because as I read the posts, I saw that there were others that were experiencing the same things I am. You are never alone when you are here. My best to you on your journey. Do not hesitate to ask for anything. Take Care

I went in for my second fill a few days ago. He had a poster on the wall that did say if you are getting hungry between meals that it is an indication that you need more restricition. I too have experienced the hunger after a couple of hours. I know I have a lot to learn as I just received my second fill a few days ago. I am trying to decipher the new "full" feeling, because it is much different than before surgery. I am also learning that "not hungry" after I eat is ok...I don't have to feel full...that is when I end up over eating and having pain. When I get the hungry feeling inbetween meals, I will sip on some broth or mix a special K packet (it contains 5 frams of Protein and 5 grams of fiber) with some Water and it helps me get me through to the next meal.

I had two c-sections as well and I can tell you that the lapband surgery is NOTHING compared to the c-sections. My husband took the day of and the day after my surgery off and that was it. I was on my own on day three with a five year old and a three year old. The most difficult part wasn't the pain, it was the exhaustion. You will be very tired and the pain is very tolerable. I know that everyone experiences pain differently, but it wasn't bad at all. You will be sore, but you will be just fine. The one thing I can tell you is to be very careful lifting things and doing housework. You may think you feel great after the first week and start to do things, but you will quickly realize that the doctor tells you to take it easy for a reason. If you can get help, I recommed it because it will certainly be helpful. In regards to pain, it won't be as bad as you think. Take Care and my best to you.

I am four weeks out as well and I have not had a fill yet. The dietician told me introduce new foods slowly to see how I tolerate them. Even though I have not had a fill, I am having an issue with foods getting "stuck". I can't imagine how it will feel when I get a fill. I made my family Pasta and meatballs a couple of nights ago (homemade sauce from the tomatoes in my garden! YUM!). I ate the meatballs, the salad, and enjoyed about four pieces of rigatoni. I made sure I chewed so I didn't get sick. It did not cause me an issue. I have lost quite a bit of weight since surgery and have done very well. I feel very in control and fastastic about everything so I didn't feel it was necessary to totally omit the pasta. I ate the Protein and veggies first. I know once I am filled it won't be a good choice, but I enjoyed it and felt satisfied and did not feel guilty. Thankfully, I don't crave the carbs or sugar anymore.

I get my first fill in a couple of weeks and I am nervous too. Thanks to all that posted. I feel a little better! My port is near my belly button ... hopefully it won't be too bad.

I didn't have to do the pre-op liquid diet either. Honestly, the first couple of days after surgery were a little tough for me, but not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Do you get hungry? Yes. Can you get through it? Absolutely. I know this sounds crazy, but I self talked a lot to keep myself motivated and dedicated. Keep in mind, although it may seem like torture, in the grand scheme of things, it is one - two weeks of liquid. Quite honestly, after I got past a certain point, I really didn't mind it at all. In fact, when I got to the point where I could have soft food, I still mainly stayed on liquids and ate an occassional Greek yogurt. My body adjusted quickly and as you see the pounds come off it motivates you even more! There were days that I found it hard to meet the clear and full liquid requirements. (not every day...but some days) You are going to do just fine. Think about how blessed you are for this opportunity. You will feel like a million dollars soon, I promise. I am less than three weeks banded and couldn't feel better. I already dropped my BMI from 38 to 35 and what a difference it makes in how you feel. Take Care and my best to you.

My port is right next to my belly button too. Don't forget your Protein drinks. I was more comfortable sleeping in a recliner the first few days. If you can't get comfortable in bed, consider a recliner. Take your pain medication. No need to be a hero. Take it before the pain starts! Listen to your doctor's instructions. He/she gives them for a reason. Don't think you are superman just because you may feel better. I learned this the hard way and hurt myself. I was feeling great and decided I could move some furniture. I highly recommend taking it easy! You will be exhausted the first week. If people offer to help you....take the help! Get as much rest as possible. Your body needs it. Embrace the opportunity for a wonderful change in every aspect of your life. I have been banded for less than three weeks and I feel like a brand new person physically and mentally. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Remember, the glass is always half full...not half empty. Go to support group meetings. My best to you tomorrow. You will do just fine. I was so nervous but ended up have very little pain at all. My process took almost eight months from start to finish with the classes, clearances, diet, etc...This gave me a lot of time to consider all the changes taking place in my life and mentally prepare myself. Your process was much shorter so utilize all the tools you have available to make these wonderful changes. Take Care!

My doctor told me that it could take up to six weeks to hear back from insurance. I received a phone call from my insurace carriees (Excellus BCBS) in six days to tell me that I was approved and my surgery was scheduled for one week later.

I had my surgery on 8/17 and can actually say that I did not experience the gas pain, chest pain, or shoulder pain that everyone, including the doctor, told me to expect. I even had a hiatal hernia, which is supposed to cause shoulder pain. I would say that I had discomfort, not pain. Remember, everyone's experience is different and everyone has different pain thresholds. Also, you will have prescription pain medication, which will help you. Don't let it scare you. I actually posted a simlilar question before my surgery because I was nervous too. Now I am on the other side and can honestly say that I feel so awesome. This was the best decision I ever made. You will be so happy.

You will be just fine! You are making a great decision and the fact that you are going to stop smoking is the best thing you can do for yourself and your 9 year old. It is going to be an emotional ride and I was an absolute wreck through the entire process until the day of my surgery. I wish I could ease your mind in some way but I know exactly how you feel. I hope you can get all of your MD appointments, but don't be disappointed if it takes a little longer than you expect. I started my process at the end of March and was banded on August 17. The specialistsr may not have an available appointment for weeks, may be on vacation, at a seminar, etc...those were the road blocks I ran into. I was anxious over getting my appointments, however, look at it positively. It gives you time to adjust your diet, get an exercise routine, and quit smoking. Take advantage of the time that you have before surgery and make the most of it. I have to say I made a lot of changes during that time period and it provided me the opportunity to really think about and reflect on my health and my future. It provides time to get mentally prepared for your journey. I was also really worried about the gas pains. During my lapband procedure I also had a hiatal hernia repair, which is supposed to gain shoulder pain. I had no gas or shoulder pain at all! Everyone has a different experience. If you do have pain, remember, you will have prescription pain medicine to help you. I only needed it for a day. As for work, you will probably be able to go back in a week. As I stated, I only needed the pain meds for a day and felt absolutely fine in just a few days. I will say, however, that I was exhausted for the first week! But remember, just because you may feel fine, remember not to over do it. I had my first post op visit today and the doctor specifically told me not to do anything other than light walking. What did I do tonight? Well, I lifted my mattress, changed sheets, and did a lot of cleaning because I feel awesome! Guess what? I really don't feel good right now. I did hurt myself lifting things and I regret it! Listen to the doctor! I know I am rambling...You are going to be absolutely fine and you have a big support network on this site. People offer a lot of help here...take advantage. If there is one bit of advice I can offer to you it would be to relax. The chain of events are pretty much out of your control but what is in your control is the way in which you utilize the time to make required changes. My best to you.

If your BMI is 40 or above, most insurances do not require any co-morbidities. You should be approved with no issue at all. If you cal your insurance carrier, they will tell you the bariatric requirements. I was very nervous that I wouldn't get approved either because my BMI was under 40. I did, however, have many other health conditions. I thought for sure though that they would deny me. I was approved in six days. I had surgery on Aug 17. It's the best thing I ever did. Call your insurance carrier and find out the requirements. It will ease your mind.

I had to have the same clearances. It is nothing to worry about and the tests aren't bad. The cardiac clearance was simple and quick. They review your health history and do an EKG. I think I spent a totaly of 15 minutes in the office. They send you a letter providing clearance for the insurance company. For the pulmonary clearance, I had to have a lung X-ray, a pulminary function test, and a sleep study. My sleep study uncovered that I had sever sleep apnea, which also helped me obtain insurance coverage since my BMI was under 40. You may or may not have to do the sleep study. Either way, they the tests aren't a big deal...no worries.

I know this isn't the same thing as telling a boyfriend, however, I told a friend of mine today that I was banded two weeks ago. We were getting ready to take our children out to lunch and I mentioned to her that I had to tell her something. Prior to telling her, I simply asked her not to be jugdemental. I told her that over the past few years I developed significant health issues and that I was having difficulty getting them under control even under the care of doctors and medications. After a year of research and consideration, I had lapband surgery. My decision was not one of vanity or the desire to be slim but it was for my health. It has been a long road. Last year I was taking 12 pills a day for my health related conditions and I am officially taking one pill a day now. I feel the best that I have felt in a very long time. She was absolutely excited, supportive, and very happy for me. Hopefully your friend will feel the same.

I wouldn't touch the rice yet, especially at 4 days post op. You certainly could call your doctor and ask. I attempted to eat something that wasn't recommed after a week and it wasn't a pleasant experience. It isn't worth the potential pain. Didn't your doctor recomment clear and full liquids until after the second week?

when I can't make my own, I love those soups. I haven't tried the carrot ginger yet. Maybe I will get that tomorrow. My kids even love them. I put them in their sippy cups and they drink them. This is how I get them to eat vegetables. Prior to my surgery, I also used them as the base for some of my other recipes. They are great sounds to have in the pantry. I have a recipe for roasted red pepper soup that is awesome if you are interested. It is excellent. I also use a pressure cooker to cut down on cooking time.