Beachy_Babs

Oh boy..I totally know that feeling. I got a little greedy one time and wanted it tighter. Since I was a cash-paying patient, I wanted the most for my money. The PA put in a little bit, and it came out to be 8.7 cc in an 11cc realize band. I left the office feeling ok, but didn't feel great. Got home, couldn't even drink Water. It came up, I was burping, sliming, the whole nine yards. I slept through the night and it was so painful and I was just as thirsty as you were. Called the next day, got fluids removed down to 7 cc and now I am good to go. It was really scary so I know what you were going through. So glad to hear you are okay now

If you are like me, you'll like cardio classes that they have to offer at the gym. I am currently with 24 HOUR FITNESS super sport and I attend every single Body Combat class as well as Turbo Kick. These are intense classes and you get to do them with a big class. No one cares if you mess up or don't keep up. An hour goes by with a snap of a finger compared to being on a machine for an hour. Try it.

So, for the past month and a half, I have been eating no animal meat or dairy products. I do my best to look up recipes substituting meat for tofu, etc. So far, I haven't seen any special weight loss, but I feel GREAT. I drink 24 ounces of fresh watermelon juice for Breakfast, then for lunch I either have a salad or a quick meatless burrito, and for dinner, it's just veggies and more complex carbs. My cousin is devouted vegan and I decided to jump on the wagon with her. However, I haven't been too successful at finding anyone who has gone vegan while being banded. To be honest, one of the main reasons why I decided not to consume animal meat anymore was because I was always getting stuck even when I chewed the living life of out my chicken and I wouldn't even be able to finish 2 ounces. ALso, after eating meat, I feel heavy. I would love your insights on this! P.S. I do not eat much nuts either. I know they are high in fat and I stay away from oils too.

Oh and if you're getting stuck already, STOP eating such big bites. Being stuck is the worst feeling I have everrrr encountered and doing it too much will cause band erosion. Be careful please

Congratulations on your surgery and welcome to being a bandster! I used to eat very fast....too fast before lapband. Now, I have to take my time and follow the doctor's instructions. I've been banded since 2011 and have lost 80+ lbs but gained 30 due to my recent pregnancy and giving birth. So I am back on track again, but it has been hard! Don't take bites bigger than the size of a pencil eraser. (You know...the old school ones where you would put it on top of the pencil). I don't wait 10 minutes between bites because then it would take me FOREVER to eat my food. I wait about 2-3 minutes and find something useful to do while I am waiting. I am a full time student so I just focus on my homework and the time passes by quickly. Don't worry, you won't get a slip. You aren't restricted enough to cause much or any damage to your band. Just follow your doctor's specific instructions and you will be fine.

Hi Betsy, It has only been a month and like others have stated, it's still the healing stage. Please reconsider removing the band. You have to give it time to really work. I know it can be a bit frustrating not seeing the pounds shed, but remember..the lap band is totally different from gastric bypass. We don't shed a pound a day. More like a pound to 2 a week. It's a gradual thing. Also, maybe you are not losing as much weight because the band has no restriction. The doctor usually does not fill your band until 6-8 weeks post op so your stomach could get used to the band and not be so swollen. Trust me, I've had my frustrations, but in the long run, the band has been a blessing. Good luck to you!

I think you had a little bit too much fluid in your band during your fill. A little un-fill will make you feel so much better and it doesn't even have to be much. .2- .5 cc does wonders.

Hello everyone! It sure feels amazing being back to the site! I just recently had a baby a few weeks ago and gained a total of 35 lbs with the pregnancy. I originally had 8cc in my band but had 4cc removed when I was 8 weeks pregnant because I was to the point of losing more weight and not being able to keep anything down which is extremely harmful for the unborn fetus. Throughout my pregnancy, I did eat whatever I desired but I do believe that if I didn't have the band, I would have gained alot more than 35 lbs. I delivered a healthy 8 lb 11 oz baby girl! So today I went in a for a fill. Dr. Leport's staff and team are amazing (in Orange County, CA). The PA tried his best to give me my full 4cc back but he already warned me that none of his patients ever receive the full amount after a pregnancy. So when we tried to put in the Fluid, it stopped at 2.6 for me comfortably. He tried 2.8 and I nearly threw up! So now I'm at a 6.6 instead of 8 but that's a really good start for me especially not having restriction in over 9 months. Now, I am sipping chicken broth for the rest of the night and will start on full liquids tomorrow. Any suggestions on new soft food ideas? I haven't been on this site in so long that I would really appreciate the support and advice! It's like I am starting all over again and it's so exciting! Looking forward to shedding the baby weight. Have a wonderful day and thank you for reading!! -Babs :wub:

Hi Sandra! Congratulations on your baby girl! My doctor said lap band patients who are nursing would usually wait a couple of months to 6 months before getting a fill because nursing moms need more nutrition and food than someone who is bottle feeding (me). But every doctor is different and maybe your doctor will tell you differently. Let's definitely keep in touch and please keep me posted on your visit SO far tonight, I've had chicken broth for lunch and split pea Soup diluted with milk to drinking consistency.

Thank you so much!!

You are not the only one my friend! I just went in for my 4th fill yesterday and although I have only lost 43 lbs in 6 months, my PA says that's really good and fast for LAP band patients since the end result takes about 3 years or so. He suggested that I just stick to three meals a day and no snacking. When I asked about exercise, he said do whatever I want, but don't overdo it. So...I'm on the same boat as you. Then again, those who weigh over 300 lbs are likely to lose alot more weight alot faster than those who were in the mid 200's to begin with.. hang in there, you'll be okay !!

Hello everyone, I haven't been on here in a few months... hope you all are well. Anywho, I've been eating under 1200 calories and working out and I am gradually inching up on the scale. Could it be the coffee that I drink every morning? I use splenda and fat free creamer so I don't see how that's terrible...but i have heard that coffee is bad for you. Do we have regular coffee drinkers here?? what is your input on this and what do you think I'm doing wrong? How depressing!!!! As I am typing this, I'm getting ready for a personal training sesh with my personal trainer at 5 am...so i dont know what's going on!!!!

Thank you all for responding and your encouraging words. I have just continued my personal training and workouts, staying under 1250 calories...and not stressing about it anymore. You are right, I have noticed a NSV . Lost quite a bit of inches. I think I will be staying away from the scale for a bit. As for your question of tracking food, yes, I do track my food ...and very obsessively too lol. I use the MYFITNESSPAL app

Hello all, Sooo....for the past three..yes THREE weeks, I have been stuck at the same stinking weight at 240.1...it is BEYOND annoying and I am so ready to get past this. Any ideas on how to overcome the plateau? I'm working out an hour a day for 5 days (2 rest days) I'm eating healthy Lots of Protein Low carbs. So..WTH? Help me pleaseeeeeee.

Hello! To answer your questions, I am eating 1,200 calories a day. My form of exercise is a turbo kick boxing class at 24 hour fitness. Maybe I do need to spice up my work outs. I figured since the instructors are all different, each day the workouts are different and it's a fact. It really is. My clothing size has actually changed! I posted a NSV a week ago about going from a size 24 to an 18. So I do feel it in inches. I just hate how the scale doesn't go hand in hand with it. And thank you for all of your encouragement and kind words. I really needed this support. <3

Okay, this topic is sooooo for me ! For the past two weeks, everyone is complaining about finding my hair everywhere. I have a mane of hair and I keep losing hair !!! It's Pissing me off

Thank you all ! You have all made my day ! Good luck with your weight loss !

In May 2011, I was wearing a size 22-24 business jackets and non-stretchy pants. As of today, August 2011, I am a comfortable size 18. My size 20 blazers are way too big for me and make me look frumpy. Woo-hoo! I haven't been relying on the scale much because it has come to a stop for now, but I notice my weight loss in how my clothes fit me.

I love carbs too! I know each PA is different from the next, but mine recommended that I eat lean cuisine. Yes, they do have carbs in it, but make sure you choose selections with little carbs such as beef tips and veggies and some mashed potatoes. Just don't choose the lasagnas or high carb ones. You know what I mean. Don't deprive yourself of it if that's your weakness because you'll end up indulging in it, but also watch what you eat and how much of it. I'm sure you already know this. Look up HUNGRY GIRL recipes. She has healthy food and she does have a good selection of carb related foods. I wouldn't recommend her portions though. they're huge!

Hello everyone, So, I went in for a second fill this afternoon. I was previously at a 4.8 cc with my first fill and it gave me a decent amount of restriction. However, I was still able to eat a good amount of food. Today has been exactly 6 weeks from the last time I had my fill and they added 2 more CC's to it, making it a grand total of 6.8 cc. At first, I was like, "I do not feel a difference." and still had that mindset when I was at work in the office (HUNGER kicked in and my stomach growled like a beast). After a few protein shakes and relaxing at home, I feel it a little more, not much. My question is, how many more fills until I get the glorious "sweet spot?" I know we are all different, but I would love to hear your inputs and experience with fills. Have a great night

WAY TO GO! And those comments will be heading your way more often with this journey. Best wishes!

AMAZING!!!! You look fantastic I am so happy for you!!

I am three months out and today I had my first stuck episode. I took too big of a bite of tilapia and boy, did I pay for it! The feeling is beyond anything I have ever experienced. It hurts, it stings, its uncomfortable...takes my breath away! I ran to the fridge and sipped on one Water. It slowly went down but it hurt like a mother... Long story short, I managed to survive. I always wondered what it felt like being stuck and I am no longer curious. Thanks for listening !

Good Luck with your fill!! I go in for my second fill on Monday the 8th!

I think you need to bump up your work outs. I know walking is a great thing, but now, maybe look into doing aerobic classes, or getting on the elliptical. I am currently taking TURBO KICK BOXING classes available at 24 hour fitness 5-6 days a week for an hour. It has helped speed up the weight loss. As far as everything else goes...it doesn't sound like you need to be kicked. Good job on staying committed even though it's not what you're expecting.