LuckyGirl

Hang in there. I too get so frustrated - almost 4 months after surgery because food is NOT the same. BUT my jean size, heartburn, knee pain, sleep apnea, is all reduced (jeans) or (everything else) totally gone! It feels so good to get on a scale each morning and there is this possibility that I may have lost a pound. I have lost 30 lbs and people are starting to notice - it's a great feeling. Just keep these positive thoughts in your head when the times get tough!

I love that when I wake up and get on the scale I might have lost a pound. That never happened before - the scale always seemed to stay the same or go up - never down.

I feel normal too - if I lay on my left side, i can feel the port but just walking around or sitting - I can't tell - which is awesome!

I was banded in December and I found that the first week was the worst - the second week a little better but after that it is totally terrific. You feel back to normal - and you start to see how the band works. Of course you'll have some ups and downs as you get ready to have your first fill and you're dealing with all this new stuff but it's so awesome to get up everyday and think - today, maybe I'll lose a pound! Think positive!!

Hey all- it's been a while but I have been knee deep in my new semester. I teach 4 classes and i take 2 classes for graduate school so with the kids and DH i never have fun computer time - to chat with you all - but i have papers and stuff to do! Anyway, sounds like everyone is doing great - Kay I can't believe your loss - that's so great! I'm only down 20 but i have dropped a size and feel great. I had my first fill 3 weeks after surgery and really didn't feel a difference. She said they put 1cc in my 4cc band but i didn't feel anything. Then I went two weeks later for my second fill. They took out all of the Fluid - got out .8cc - and then put in 1cc. I thought for sure I wouldn't feel a difference but boy was I wrong. I got home that night and tried to eat salmon and mashed pots and it felt like it went down and hit a brick wall. I have had 2 bad PB's. One was on 2 tator tots and one was on the new olive oil and black pepper triscuits! Okay, I know that these are not foods i should be eating but if you remember I am the person who has been eating all foods since a week after surgery - just a little bit though. So now, I am noticing a huge difference in restriction. I am having to go back to mainly mushies because if I eat dry stuff - like chicken - i have to drink fluids or I feel the golf ball in my chest. Now that I am finally understanding what I am feeling - it takes a while to read your body - I am slowing down and trying to really follow the rules. So, that's what's going on here. Congrats to everyone with their weight loss. It's so nice to get up in the morning and think that today I might lose a pound... That never happened before!

NN32- I was told a minimum of 60-75 gms. protein a day. It's not easy to do without help - high protein shakes or whatever.

Hey girls - I was so excited about tuesday because finally i was going back to work full-time and would get active and hopefully the scale would start to move - but no, got iced in too and am still home today with the fam. Went to a support group on monday night and learned a few things. One is that the weight will not drop off if we are not getting the Protein or the Water. They suggested - New whey 42 - it's a test tube of protein that has 42g. If you do one a day you meet 2/3 of your protein requirement. I ordered some so that I can do 1/2 a vial a day plus one Protein shake and that will be 51 gms a protein with just those two things plus with my meals. Also at our support group they had a trainer who showed up to make us do some excercises. He had those huge rubber balls that I have always avoided because i thought i was too big to balance on one of those things. Apparently not so... he made us lay on the ball on our stomach and do push ups and then lift our legs. Also made us lay on the ball on our backs and do sit ups. I am sooo sore from just 20 minutes of that but I am going out to buy a ball. i have never been able to do pushups before but on that ball it was much easier. I go monday for my second fill. I have a 9.75 band and thought that meant that i can have 9.75 ccs in it but learned that it only holds 4 ccs. I was so upset at my first fill cause i only received 1cc but now I realize that with only a 4cc band that's actually a lot. I'm hoping they put at least 1 more cc but I bet they don't. The girl that i met at the group has the same band and is 4 months out of surgery and has 2.25ccs and finally feels perfect restriction. I also have found that it seems most people have lost about 10lbs. per month on average. So someone who had surgery 4 months has lost 40lbs. With a big chunk coming off that first few weeks then stabilizing out over the next few months. That makes me feel good because I am 1 month out and lost 16lbs so if I can drop 5 over the next month and then each month hopefully i'll be on track. The group was saying that was normal because right now our body is in fight mode trying to hold on to the fat since we are not eating as much as we used to. It's so nice to have this thread because i know i am normal based on what all of you are doing/feeling. I too want to snack often but i think that is still psychological in some ways. Although the girl at the support group said she was wanting to graze a lot too until she got the perfect restriction and now she does not have that feeling at all - can't wait for that!

Stephanie, those crab legs sound so good. I had someone tell me that since we don't eat so much when we do eat - eat what we love. She used to get lobster tales. I love shrimp so i eat it once a week. It's my daughter's bday weekend so we went out today for lunch after church. We went to Johnny Carino's! Yummo! I had tiny bites of bread - dipped in the oil and garlic. I tore of a small chunk and then kept tearing tiny bites off of that. I used to tear lots of chunks off and eat them all. I then had 1/2 a bowl of a side caesar salad - daughter ate the rest - and then about 1/2 cup of bowtie Pasta. I was stuffed but felt great. AFter that we went to Cold Stone Creamery for dessert. Has anyone tried their light cake batter ice cream - oh dear god - heaven on earth and 70% less fat and 1/3 less calories than the original. I got a tiny serving of that and took a few small bites and had to get a cover so i could take it home - i couldn't fit anymore in my body! But then I burped - like a before the band belch - which i have not done since before surgery. It felt so good! I wonder why i haven't burped like that before now? Anyway, even though I ate out again this weekend I can't believe how little it takes to make me full. Can't wait to be fully restricted so i eat even less!

Hey Gerbera, I find that I have been craving weird things - like fruit. I accidently picked up a bag of banana chips a few weeks ago and have eaten the whole bag over a 2 week period - they are not so good for you since they were cooked in oil - which I didn't know but once i tasted it - I sucked on them till they melted in my mouth. Finally they are gone! I did buy one of those bowls of fresh fruit from the store - you know grapes, melon, pineapple, etc. I have been craving that stuff. I think my body is telling me something! Although last week I had had a Protein shake for Breakfast and by about 11:00 am i was hungry so i had a handful of goldfish crackers. i was too stuffed to eat lunch so I skipped it. Before the goldfish would have gotten my blood sugar going and I would have pigged out at lunch! Tonight we went to Outback steakhouse and i ordered the coconut shrimp (an appetizer) as a meal with a potato and salad - fully planning on sharing everything with the fam. Ate about 5 bites of salad, 4 shrimp, and some of the potato and was very full and satisfied. Did not eat a piece of bread but took a few little crumbs to taste with the butter and it was sooo good. It might sound like it was too indulgent but I have found that we used to eat our 2-3 times a week and now maybe once if at all. I just don't find it as fun to go out to eat now - too much temptation and I just like what I can cook now - so much better than before. Very jealous of your skin - hopefully this dryness will end soon - already starting to with as much lotion as i have been applying!

I only got 1cc at my fill so I am going to insist on at least 1cc next time too. I don't feel different at all after my fill. I still get full after about a cup but i seem to get hungry sooner... So glad to know what i'm going through is normal though - the only way to know that is to compare it to you all and we seem to be going through most of the same feelings and physical things - Like flaky skin!

Ibrahem - glad to hear the dryness is normal - i look like a flaky fish... Va-glad to hear your fill went well. I wish my doc had looked to see how much restriction i had. i think mine wants to do it gradually to let my stomach get used to the tightness but after one fill I don't feel much restriction. I had a small popcorn at the movies today - no problem and a few californial rolls when i got home - no problem. I'm ready for another fill!

Hey all - weird stuff going on. First of all, I noticed my face has been getting so dry - anyone else having this? I have always had super skin and this band better not mess it up! Tonight I have super red cheeks. Like santa clause cheeks - right on the apple of my cheeks - so weird - I'm freaking out. Then yesterday, I get this horrible pain in my lower left abdomen. First I thought I was ovulating so maybe my ovaries are sore... Then for a split second I thought maybe I was pregnant because I remember feeling pain in my ovaries with my son when I was preg. with him. But then I thought oh no, i'm on the pill and the only thing that would mess that up would be antibiotics - then my heart hit the floor because they give you antibiotics in the hospital... i talked to the nurse practitioner about this today and she said, oh no, that wouldn't get you pregnant and I said, i dont' know, i know people who have gotten pregnant that way and she said - oh, you know i haven't thought about that - if i tell the doctor he may panic... They harp on not getting pregnant but they don't warn you to use extra protection this month... So anyway, no I don't think I'm pregnant because she said that it is not uncommon that you get sore or your muscles pulled in the lower stomach after surgery. I remember the week after surgery I would strain to use other muscles to get out of bed - so that i wouldn't hurt my tummy - and I could feel other muscles stretching. I had thought even then I hope i don't get a hernia or something. So, hopefully I have just pulled a muscle or something... I'll keep you all posted. It's still sore but feeling better. I just hope my body is not starting to get mad at me for the band! I haven't seen the scale move either and i'm getting a little agravated but i go back to work tues and hopefully it will start coming off quicker with all of the activity. People say not to weigh daily but you just can't help it!

See Gerbera - we have all felt the same way. However, something cool happened today. I have a friend who was diagnosed with diabetes this week. I know how she felt because I too got the diagnosis a few months ago - very scary. But, she is thinking about getting a personal trainer or working out to get the weight off and I was sooooo thankful that I have the band to help me. If all I had was a personal trainer or a diet plan I would feel so defeated because I know that those are temporary solutions! This is long-term and soon, if not already, my diabetes will be history! I haven't had one low-sugar spell, needed one tums, had my legs hurt as I get out of bed, etc., all of the things I felt 4 weeks ago! I've only lost about 16 lbs but look how better I feel already! This is such a good thing - the band - love it!

Gerbera, we all have these moments and yours will pass. This is all new to us and we have to learn to change with the band. Treat yourself to something you love - a movie or a book or something non-caloric and look at the before and after pics people have posted. As you feel your fat melt away hopefully your worries and sadness will melt away too! Hang in there girl - we're with you!

va and steph - i'm doing fine after my fill but i don't think i am getting enough protein. The best way to do that is with shakes plus of course meals. So, I have a shake for breakfast (30 gms. protein) and i'm full til lunch. Yes, i can have an egg and grits but i'm not getting the protein. Then I can have a small lunch or shake and then a normal dinner. I have been eating mushy carbs and i don't think i'm getting the protein or helping my weight loss so that's why i said i might start relying on more liquids. I know a girl who's had the band for 4 years and she's still having her shakes daily... She's lost 100 lbs. So anyway, just trying to get the 60-75 grams of protein in that the doctor wants and the only way i can see that happen is with more shakes... what do ya'll think?

Ibrahem - i am so glad you feel better about your diet today. It's mostly mental - you just have to get through it. I think I am going to reverse and start doing more liquids - i just feel like i'm losing more weight quicker with more protein shakes and less food! I get busy on tuesday with school starting back up. I'll be running all over campus so surely the weight will start coming off!

claudia - i wonder if you don't have a bug or something. This long after banding it's weird that you are feeling this way - i think! did you call your doc?

Hey all Ibrahem - I would try to follow your doctors orders but you know your body and how you feel. Of course I was allowed to eat mushies after 3 days but now eat whatever I want and you learn what works and what doesn't - real quick! If it's getting too tough for you - you may want to increase the consistency a little - with a baked potato or something. In the early stages like we are in - something just a little "more" goes a long way for the psychi. I know all doctors are different and our bodies are all different too but I think we are smart enough people to read ourselves and decide what we need - that's my opinion on that... My port site is sore after yesterday's fill but not too bad! StephC - if your doctor fills the way you said - I bet you lose quicker than 3 lbs a month! Plus if you're excercising it'll come off quicker. I tried doing a few sit ups at the gym today and I felt a little pulling in my stomach so I stopped. 3 months sounds like a good idea - I had forgot to ask my doc about abs - glad someone else thought to!

VA - I kind of thought 1cc wouldn't be enough but I really felt the difference or at least I felt my band. Did you ever have like spasm feelings in your stomach right after surgery? Kind of like your stomach trying to figure out what this band thing is? I did and I felt a small spasm again last night. It doesn't hurt but I can imagine the stomach has to adjust to each time we get tightened. My side was sore too last night - so I think getting them slowly is great. Plus, it sounds like we both have progressive doctors who let us come in soon and often - if we need it! Good luck - can't wait to hear how your fill goes!

Hey all - had my first fill yesterday. Felt a little nauseous afterwards but I realized all I had had all day was 2 Protein shakes so I think I needed food. I ate a pack of grits and felt better. They sprayed this really cold stuff on my stomach - i think to shock me and then they put the needle in. It took 2 tries because my port is deep. Felt more restricted last night and today. I go in again in 2 weeks for another fill. They said I had the smallest band - the 9.75 - that they have. They put 1cc in and said there was probably a little residue liquid from surgery. Next time I go in they said that they will totally take out all that's in there and then fill it back up. With my doctor I get as many free fills as I want for 90 days and then each one after that will be the cost of my copay. I plan on getting as many as i need until I feel perfect. Anyway, wanted to share the experience so we can compare how we all do after our fills! Yeah VA for the smaller pants - I tried an 18 on this weekend and it was too baggy so i put it at the top of the closet. I have other 18's that fit so that pair must just be made differently but - felt good anyway!!

VA - I'll let you know if I get a fill. I think I'll call tomorrow. I'm eating too much! I still feel full after I eat just a little - probably about a cup of food but find that I can eat more if I want and I just feel like crap after. Last night nearly killed myself at a friends house for dinner. She made crawfish and corn chowder and I fried fish. I love seafood and I ate way too much. I didn't puke - haven't yet since surgery - but I felt so uncomfortable. Had to alternate laying down and walking around. I felt a pain/pressure in my chest and my back even started to hurt. Won't be doing that again. I told my DH to serve my plate when we go out and not to let me take another bite... I also have been drinking with my food - mainly because I was never really on a liquid phase and have worried about getting stuck while I'm healing but I have been getting better at leaving the glass in the kitchen. So yes, I need a fill - I think that will help!

I'm 2 1/2 weeks post op and feeling great. First week - no hunger at all - mostly liquids, second week not much hunger but my doctor let me go to mushies after 3 days so baked pots., grits, Soups, were very filling. Now, getting ready to be my 3rd week I feel like I'm eating more and wanting to snack. That tells me it's time for a fill soon. Don't hesitate to do this - I can't believe how awesome this band is. Of course it's not for everyone - but I was sure I wouldn't like it and I love it! I feel full after not eating much at all - for the first time in my life. After the soreness went away and the cloud lifted from all the anesthesia I feel 100% normal but not hungry - too great! Good luck Vanna!

I bought the gas-x strips too and used them a few times. It was uncomfortable in the hospital overnight but once i started walking it seemed to go away. I rarely burp - small burps maybe but never big belches like before the band. I have eaten pretty much anything I've wanted too since a week post-op (in small amounts) and I haven't PB'd or anything like that. I did drink liquids with my food the first 2 weeks - just to make sure that things went through but now I'm not and things are great! Be prepared to feel tired and lousy for a week but after that you should start feeling better each day - i think activity helps!

i had to do the 6 month thing. It goes fast and having insurance pay is well worth the wait! Total, I 'll have to drop less than 3k for the whole thing. I think it's worth it and I love my band - less than 3 weeks out of surgery!

Siyah, Sex is great - back to normal just not too much weight resting on the tummy! go get em!