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Im losing weight consistently actually started at 349 I'm at 276 in less than 5 months, but recently I've been getting hungry between meals more often faster more fiercely. I went to dr and had fill under fluoroscope, and doc said she added .5 cc I feel like she took 5 cc out!! I know she didn't but that's how I feel, have any of you ever recieved a fill and felt less restriction than you did before u went in? Any comments or suggestions are appreciated. I have 14 cc band with approx. 8.9-9cc. Thanks guys

My Doc is really conservative. My post-op paperwork says 5 lbs the first week and increase at 5 pound increments each week. My problem is.... I'm traveling to Mexico, and I have to pack. I'm going alone, so I'll have to manage my own luggage. My plan is to take a light weight tote, and only bring the bare necessities. Normally, if I was going away for 5 days, I'd have 10 changes of clothes, at least 5 pairs of shoes and purses to match, LOL. My plan is a loose long dress to fly home in, a small pillow and airline blanket in case I get cold on the plane (the Airlines no longer provide those), enough changes of panties, a nightgown, the bare minimum of toiletries (I won't be wearing make up), some broth packets and Mio drops for the last night, a book to read, and a journal. Of course, my I-phone and charger. I'm not bringing my lap top with me since that alone weighs at least 5 lbs. I've already spoken to my "sleeve Sister" and I'm sure we'll have enough to talk about to keep ourselves entertained. Am I missing anything???

I have free weights and a kettle bell but my favorite is the resistance bands. You can go from one exercise to the next without ever skipping a beat and you really feel it working. I also do title boxing and that is an awesome workout for the whole body but my arms are just worn out when I'm done.

This is from LAP-BAND.com: The LAP-BAND® System creates a small stomach pouch that can hold about one-quarter cup (approx. 2 oz) of food. Eating more can stretch the stomach, canceling the effect of your procedure. Dietary Guidelines After LAP-BAND Surgery Portion size is a major factor in your success with the LAP-BAND System. However, the types of foods you eat can affect your weight loss as well. A healthy diet will have items from each of the following food groups. Quantities and suggested foods are listed in each group. Always talk to your doctor or dietician about your particular dietary needs. Good Choices Fruit and vegetables: 1 to 2 servings of fresh fruit daily 2 to 3 servings of fresh vegetables daily Whole grains: 1 small portion of cornflakes for breakfast, or 1 to 2 slices of toasted whole wheat or rye bread each day. If you find you have trouble with bread blocking your stomach opening, substitute other whole grains such as refined, cooked or ready-to-eat Cereal, oatmeal, cream of wheat, or grits. Protein: 2 to 4 oz of meat, fish or poultry, or one egg for additional Protein Remove all visible fat from the meat. Remove skin from poultry/fish. And cook with little/no fat — grill, steam, microwave, or boil. Dairy: 2 cups of low-fat milk or yogurt, or 1 oz low-fat cheese (max.) Since milk and yogurt are calories in liquid form, you might think they should be avoided. However, the Calcium and protein they have makes them an important part of a healthy daily diet. Fats: 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter or oil per day (max) Low-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise (in moderation) Drinks: Unlimited zero- or low-calorie liquids per day, including: Non-carbonated beverages Tea or coffee (black) with low-calorie sweetener Clear soup and broths Water Not-so-good choices Proceed with caution: Some foods may cause problems as they may block or have difficulty passing your stomach opening. Introduce these types of foods to your diet slowly, one at a time, to see if they are tolerated. Remember: always be careful and chew these foods well before swallowing. Dry meat Peanut Butter Shrimp Untoasted or doughy bread Pasta or rice Fibrous vegetables (e.g., corn, celery and asparagus) Dried fruit Coconut Popcorn Citrus fruits Nuts Steer clear: Some foods contain too many calories and too little nutritional value to be of any use to you with the LAP-BAND System. Avoid foods high in sugar or fat, including: Syrups, jams, honey Candy, pies, cakes, biscuits chips, dips High-calorie soft drinks Some doctors suggest patients avoid carbonated drinks, as they may contribute to enlargement of the stomach pouch. Alcohol should also be consumed in moderation (one glass of wine or less per day).

Well, It's early I just got up and pulled off some of the bandaids and took a relaxing bath. It felt soooo good. I'm still not hungry but, can feel my energy start to lag .....so it's time to eat. I left the hospital on full liquids and it is starting to get boring. I'm going to the grocery store this morning and I'm going to pick up lemons,limes and oranges and tangerines, so I can squeeze the juice to flavor my water. I'm also going to the baby food isle to get fruits and veggies. Everything tastes too sweet to me that drinking juice got old very fast, and I know many of the baby food don't have sugar. I feel the need to find a protein source, so I'll check them out and let you know. I did eat some cheerios last night, I put them (one or two) in my mouth and let them dissolve then with a drop of water made a paste. I did have some gas (burps) but I found gently patting on my chest really helped. Already I love the band and in this short time I can see and feel a difference. My family all caught that nasty stomach flu and I thought I was getting it yesterday, I had some awful nausea. I called Dr. Schwartz's office and that wondeful man returned my call in minutes, he ordered tigan suppositories and one was all it took. Later that day he called to check on me and also told me that the radiologist at Abbott found that I have a kidney stone. (had some 20 years ago) Can you imagine that! I am more impressed with my doctor and hospital than ever. I must say that it is so different not walking by something and popping it in your mouth just cause it's there. I intend to treat my body like a temple. I have a second chance and a wondeful instrument to help me, I am so thankful. I can't wait to fully recover to tackle life. I can't wait for my energy to surge and I know it's coming. I can't wait to wear clothes not layered to try to cover my weight. I can't wait for water slides, instead of sitting in a chair sweating, watching, wanting so much to be there with my children......I'll be riding with them. I feel my weight has robbed me of so much, and I let it. I have always had vanity, and it has has kept me from so much. I didn't want to be the side-show or the fattest, slowest mom. I have always hid behind my humor ("fat folks are jolly folks") while silently I ached. I look forward to walking by Lane Bryant or Catherines, and into a regular store that will give me the selection and styles I that were not available to me before. Mostly, I look forward to the day my husband will sweep me in his arms ( OK I know I'm getting carried away........the visions of Rhett Butler scooping up Scarlet and carrying her upstairs, but hey, You gotta dream, right?) I'll tell you my secret fantasy..........read on only if your bold and not afraid, fearless and .............. OK........ it's my husband and I riding in a canoe on a moon-lit night across a still water lake.........then I stand and he holds my waist and we embrace..........oh wait, that's the scene from Titanic. Well you get the point and I hope a smile as well. Good luck to you folks with banding dates a coming, I'm here for you. may God bless, Gabby

Hi Gabby, Congrats and it sounds like your doing beautifully.. I loved reading your last posting and your dreams.. We all share in some sort of dream fantasy.. and we shall all overcome this weight battle. Our fantasy will come true -we can make it happen. Won't be long and the mushy food will start.. I found egg beaters were wonderful, fish is great.. You just have to experiment.. You will do fine.. Keep posting and let us know how you are.. I was just recently banded on 12-29-03..So i'm still new at this.. Congrats again.. Becky

I have seen and read a lot of posts on here that have mixed opinions about the pre-op (liquid diet). My doctor suggests a 14 day liquid diet consisting of 4 protein shakes and one 400-600 calorie meal a day. It has been a rough road! Day 3 I had a headache that wouldn't subside. I've had to say no the Valentine's Day chocolates, going to a buffet lunch with my in laws (who are in town), had to practice self control while grocery shopping and so on and so forth. I've missed food so much I've cried. I'm addicted and that's why my weight has gotten this high. This pre-op diet has forced me to face hunger. To feel what being hungry really feels like. To practice saying no to myself, my family and my friends. I'm now 6 days in to this diet and I'm feeling better. Sure I'm hungry and want some things but it's getting better. Saying no is getting easier. I am proud that I can do this pre-op diet. That even though I want to eat badly I'm not giving in. I'm learning how to take care of myself. This is just the beginning. So to anyone out there having a terrible day know that you're not alone. You'll have rough days. Days when you want to eat your sadness away. Days when you want just the texture of some food. But stick with the diet your doctor has put you on. This is just the start of your lifelong journey. You will be saying no a lot once you get the surgery so start now!

Hi.. I am getting banded in 1/10. The good news is I have always been fairly active, and belong to a gym that I actually like attending. How soon after surgery were you able to start taking the different classes at the gym (or doing the DVDs at home? I know I can go walking ASAP, but I was wondering about swimming, spinning, yoga, pilates, cardio ball, etc. You know...all those fun classes that make working out in the winter more fun! Also, I have a few sessions with a personal trainer, when do you think I could start some light weight training?

Hi - Well, unfortunately, the band cannot make your food choices for you. Getting a tighter fill is not going to help you with your food choices, either. The less nutritious stuff tends to be the kind of stuff that easily slips through. The only way you can determine if you need a fill or not is to eat solid nutritious food on a regular basis, look at your calorie intake vs. your weight loss, and evaluate based on your hunger level whether you need a tighter fill to bring your caloric intake inline with your goal weight (or higher) calorie requirements without suffering hunger less than 3 hours after a meal. Congratulations on resolving your PB problem by relaxing your fill. That is an important step in taking care of your health, and the health of your band. Right now the more important issue is why you are choosing less nutritious foods - do you feel they are "off limits", and this is your way to rebel? Is this your compensation for a deep-rooted resentment at being forced by the band to reduce the quantity of food you can eat at one time? Are you under unusual stress? Relationship problems, moving, changing jobs, financial worries with the holidays coming up? Are you hungry, angry, lonely, tired? (HALT) My guess is that at least one, more likely multiple of the above challenges of everyday life is affecting you at the moment. Please take some time to really think about what is going on in your life, and how you feel about it. Usually when you recognize and address the real issues, the need for food compensation is relieved, and you feel comfortable making healthier choices without depriving yourself. Once you are doing that, you will have better information on which to base your decision about whether or not you need a fill. Wishing you all the best -

Hi Kelly Ann, I have not been banded yet. I hope to have mine done about mid-May. I can relate to your concerns, though. I am a compulsive food addict and I have not EVER had control over food. The best I ever did was in OA. For a year I was abstinent and had reached my goal. Then I went through some emotional junk and started eating...gained everything plus a whole lot more. One gal wrote that she sees a therapist on a regular basis to help stay on program since she's done the band. I may have to do that because of my cravings for sugar/sweets in general. After your surgery, did your cravings go away? I want you to know that I hope that I can do as well as you have done when I get my surgery. All I can do is hope for progress, not perfection. Take care, and write sometime. Robin:clap2:

i have been jumping through hoops since july to have this surgery. 6 office visits, 2 nutrition visits, psychiatrist visit, upper gi, pulmonary function testing, surgery consult. im sure im forgetting some. so it is finally here and i am scared $hitless. i sure hope i am doing the right thing. i have lost and gained a total of 500 pounds over the last 25 years so i feel that i have no other option. thanks for all the encouragement from everyone here.

Hello, I am getting the bypass on 12/28. Once I am healed and get cleared to workout again, is there any tips on having enough to workout? Like I play competitive B Ball for hours at a time on Fridays, is there anything to help me as far as energy? Will it be harder to lift weights? Any suggestions?

My advice is to stay off the scale for the first month post-op. Your body will be going through all kinds of changes and thus the first month is very hard to make any claims one way or the other regarding weight loss.

I would suggest staying away from the scale too. My first month, I did not step on the scale. It was also because I was having a horrible recovery and did not care if I lost weight.

Get an unfill!! I made myself suffer for 2 months and never thought I would do that. I thought it would get better. I went in two days ago, had .4cc taken out and what a difference it is! I was at a stand still on losing weight for the last 3 weeks, and in 2 days, b/c I am eating again, I've lost 3 lbs! You should never be miserable during this journey!!

Hello everyone... I'm 20 and had my surgery on June 29th. My bw was 225 acc now I'm on 185 so far pretty good... is so rewarding that I can finally fit on the jeans I been saving for years with the thought "I'm going to lose weight and these will fit again" y eat normally, just have some problems on sizing my portion on meals... how you guys been so far? I'll post some pic.

Hi Alexandra! Thanks for the welcome. My name is Christina. Sorry I didn't include that. The recover has been great. No pain, just a bit itchy. The nasty staples were the part I didn't care for. I do still have some doubts, but I think that those will start to fade as I lose more weight. I had my surgery in Omaha Nebraska. Dr. McBride was my surgeon. She was great!

Hi everyone, I am new to this site. I was banded on 12/22/03 and I have lost 28lbs so far. I was banded by Dr. Bauman in Concord, NC. I had my first fill on March 6, 2004. My question is, I have not lost any weight in about 4 weeks. I am eating the right foods. I guess I am not exercising the way I should be. I am drinking enough Water. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get motivated again. Also, do we have a page for receipes and snack foods. I love everyones input and look forward to hearing from you. Barbara

Welcome! I would call the member service # on your CIGNA insurance card and tell them what you are wanting, and see if they can find out the requirements. I work for CIGNA, and every policy is different, but, most of them want a 6 month supervised diet, 5 years of weight loss history as well as a referral from your primary doctor stating that this surgery is medically necessary. I started out by checking my benefits to make sure that it was not an exclusion on your policy (if it happens to be, then you dont even have to bother with insurance, they wont cover it no matter what) then I made an appointment with my family doctor and told him what I wanted and he made the referral to my surgeon and they worked with me at their office in regards to insurance. Good luck!!

Afternoon all, I'm half way to the process needed to get the importantly needed surgery. Monday, I met with my primary care physician so that she could write a letter of recommendation to the surgeon, which she happily did. She also ordered the labs that my surgeon requested be completed. I just received the results of some of the fasting labs I had drawn this moring. I can't believe some of the numbers! I am so upset with myself for allowing myself to get to this point. Sorry, I guess this is a pitty party post. I just have to get this out. I know that, yes, I'm over weight (or as my chart says morbidly obese) but these labs and recently changes in my body are showing me (although I had been ignoring them) that I have an issue with food. I know what to eat and how much to eat but I choice to ignore it because I like food. I know I could chose better food options like an apple over chips but sad thing is I like them both and usually end up eating the apple AND the chips. My surgeon is requiring that I lose 10 pounds. I know it's not a lot but I haven't been able to lose 5 pounds. I am so ready for a lifestyle change that I am forced to abide by. As of tomorrow, I have decided to start to drink Protein shakes regularly to substitute a few meals for the week. We'll see how that goes. I'm wondering how many folks who've had this surgery end up having some sort of therapy for "compulsive eating?" I didn't think I was a food addict or anything, even with all the indulging but now I'm wondering if maybe I am. Anyhow, thanks for listening. I know things will get better. Those labs just through me. Shari

oh!! I won't! I'm here to ask lots of questions! I think I have a bunch of stuff already done, for that "passport checklist" thingy required for the insurance co.. "hoping and praying" that the 4 month 3x a week cardiac rehab classes & weigh-ins with exercise routine, monitored by both my cardiologist & the nurses, (also was paid for by BC/BS since end of Nov.-March) included nutritional counseling, exercise physiologist, mediterranean diet (my cardiologists' fav, lol!) and aggressive meds..yikes, I'm even seeing a bariatric weight loss dr TOO, with appetite suppressants and even THOSE don't help, for heaven's sakes!! and I've continued the program at phase III level, paying "out of pocket" on my own, while being weighed monthly since April/May and still being weighed at the cardiologist's (saw him April 18th).. I just started seeing the dietician prescribed by the endocrinologist, since starting the metformin 2 months ago, so I'm due for bloodwork again which I will be doing tomorrow, since I'm seeing her on the 26th. My last visit with her, was when she told me I had a BMI of 35, so when I called the insurance co and they said the 35 BMI was accepted with the ONE complication, I figured since I had even MORE than the one, it wouldn't be an issue. The deal is, I have to pass the cardiac stress test again. BOO. no fun. then, the endoscopy, which I've never had any of those things done before. ewwww.. those things are entrances and exits, you know??LOL! just kidding! Guess I better get used to it! It's easy when it's "other people" when you are an RN, but when it's YOURSELF? omg.

Yes, it's a bother but you need to do it. My doctor required another sleep study even though I had a cpap machine. Well....yes...it had been years since my last sleep study but I complained just the same. Turns out the ins. co. bought me a new machine and I got updated pressures. Oh yeah, after surgery and weight loss I'll have to go back for ANOTHER sleep study to have the pressure reduced but that's the price I pay for being overweight. Untreated sleep apnea is dangerous. Get it done and move on.

Zhanna, yes it is normal to not feel restriction once the swelling from surgery goes down. Remember the mantra - the first 6 weeks are about HEALING, not losing. Any weight lost in the first 6 weeks is a bonus, not an expectation. The true journey begins once you start getting fills. It is true that some people are tight enough with an empty band to lose, but they are the exception, not the rule. Don't think about weight loss until you're ready for your first fill, usually about 6 weeks out at the earliest. Eat healthy as much as you can, practice your chewing, don't drink with meals, don't drink sooner than 30 minutes after a meal. Practice, practice, practice. Then you'll be ready when you get restriction with your fills.

Yeah, my BMI is about 38.3 and I really dont want to gain anymore weight! I go to my doctor on the 6th, how can I ask them about testing me for all the comorbidities? Things like sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.

The second link I posted in blue will take you to the page. The entire site is huge and you may find other focus groups also. Here they are: WLS opening page WLS - Weight Loss Surgery if you have trouble with the site, please email me since I do not want to take the focus away from the Brig/Faulkner threads. You will find a warm welcome.