1shauna1

Well if you're already down 25, that's awesome! You're still doing great; the lapband just makes it a bit easier when it's working properly (and you're working it properly!).

Don't worry about gaining back at this point. I think a lot of the pre-op diet is de-fatting the liver. I didn't even have to do a liquid diet; just eat healthy. Of course, try to follow your doctor's orders and be careful. There have been stories on here about doctors closing people back up because their liver was still too fatty.

For snacks I like jerky (beef or turkey; just watch sodium), those little tuna/cracker snacks, greek yogurt, and my new thing is salt & pepper pistachios in the shell (and they take a little while to eat so that helps).

As Mis stated, that's the amount, and you should techinically be able to eat everything. HOwever, many people have issues with some foods. So just because you can eat steak doesn't mean anything is wrong (You are lucky IMO because that's a food I have issues with!). At your sweet spot you should find these minimal amounts of food keep you full for several hours. So if that's not the case, then you may need another fill (although your levels seems very high to me, but I can't seem to get above 5 cc in a 10 cc band). I hope you can find a level that works for you!

Congrats! I heard about that Heart Attack place....that's crazy amounts of food!

One glass will probably put you on your ass, but I'd go ahead and enjoy it!

To be honest, I really prefer to just eat alone now! Sounds so sad, but true! Lol. Even if I go to dinner at my parents' house....I just feel like there is this pressure to eat within their timeframe. They always tell me not to worry and take my time but I don't know what it is....I often have more issues when I'm eating with other people, than by myself!

Well, unfortunately you'll have to wait for your next fill. That's often the way it goes; first time really doesn't do anything. If you're getting another 3cc next time, I bet you'll feel a lot of restriction. Really though, you have to stop drinking with meals. Don't even have a drink on the table. if you drink, you're defeating the purpose of the band which is to have the food slowly trickle through the band, keeping you feeling fuller. If you're drinking, you're just flushing the food through the band, and then it's not doing anything. Good luck!

If you can't get any liquids down, you're definitely too tight and should probably go back and see your doctor! Doesn't matter how many fills you've had; sounds like you can't tolerate that amount of liquid.

To be honest it depends on my day. If for whatever reason I've been having issues that day, I'll try to stick with more "slider" type foods (soups, etc). I've often shared with a friend, especially if the place has large portions. I often go with an appetizer since the size is better.

It doesn't sound normal, but it could be just that you've pulled a stitch or something.....take it easy the rest of the day & if the pain persists, I would contact your doctor!

At the time I had just finished a college program and was waiting to start my new job; I probably would have been off for 5 days (that's total including weekends; some others have had a worse recovery, though. And it depends on the activity level of your job; I'm sitting all day).

I had to stop my pills the month prior. However, I started them again after surgery with no issues (except the times when I've been too tight and had problems drinking liquids in the mornings; I take my pills in the mornings. Nighttime might be easier for some). I don't know about shots or anything else, sorry!

You probably need another fill. This is normal, so don't freak out. It's hardest at the beginning, trying to get your levels right. When you have restriction, you will know. I feel pressure in my chest (which is actually the stoma; the stomach is really higher than most people think), and if you're eating too fast/too much, I start to feel a backup. That's the only way I can describe it. With experience, you'll know when you're at your limit, and what happens after you go over that (sadly, I still forget that sometimes!). I didn't start to have real restriction until about 4 months after, so don't worry. This is the hardest time when you're still relying on your willpower.

Yep, I drink frequently! Wine is great, hard liquors....as mentioned though they are empty calories so factor that in. Also, you may feel the effects sooner since you're eating a lot less. Cheers!!! (as I pour another glass of wine! )

You do get hungry....I would try to opt for a better choice in the future though. This will be the hardest time, until you get your first fill. But you can get through it!

Awesome! Congratulations!

The first is the worst since you don't know what to expect! I had read horror stories about not being able to find the port, etc. but mine (and every one since) was so simple; hurt less than a flu shot!

Slimband is also $16,000, with unlimited fills (and unfills) and follow up visits. You can also claim this on your income tax; it helps out some.

Make sure you wait around his office for a few minutes to make sure you can get the water down without a problem. Don't leave if you think you can't swallow it. Then yes, one day liquid, one day mushies, and take it easy trying solids since some may give you some problems.

Some people after surgery do feel a bit depressed, but think about the long term. I think it will go away as you see what a great tool this can be for you. As you said, you have 4 kids who need you around. Right now and the next few weeks will be the worst, as you heal and then you don't have any restriction & wait for your first fill. But as you keep working you will see your weight go down and realize it's worth it!

Yep, I eat pasta! Love it! I have it maybe once every week or two for dinner. Just have to watch the amounts, but as long as I don't twirl 20 strands at once, I'm good!

I've had beans, no issue. I'm drinking a Diet Coke as we speak. Sometimes the carbonation does bother me but not usually. For foods; I find that jerky is usually good (which is weird because it can be dry sometimes, but it's not like dry chicken which is death). Lately I've been sauteing some mushrooms & peppers in sesame oil, then stir frying some tofu shiritaki noodles. They have about 20 calories for the whole bag and no carbs. I get them at Sobey's here in Canada, I'm sure they have them at U.S. grocery stores too.