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mine was 10 yrs ago and i found the same...i have been banded only a month so im curious to see how it does

Okay...I am really curious. Since I have been able to graduate to "normal" food and increase my portion from 1/4 cup (2oz) to 1/2 cup (4oz)...I feel like there is tons of food on my plate. 4 oz is actually quite a bit of food. I never finish it...I have had one fill so for. So here is my question. Are 1/2 cup measurements truly equal to 4 oz measurements? For example - I weighed out scrambled eggs, 1 turkey sausage link and half piece of hard toast and it came out to 3.7 ounces...which is right in line with my guidelines...however visually looking at that on a plate...I know that will not fit into a 1/2 cup measuring cup. Or maybe it will if it was all squished up. I just want to make sure that I am not stretching my little pouch without realizing it. Also - does that limit apply to Protein shakes? I drink a 10-12 ounce Protein shake on my way to work every day. It only takes me about 30 minutes to get to work....should that be split to 4 ounces as well. Just curious....Thanks in advance for your feedback.

I am sooo hoping I will get to give mine up after losing weight. My stats were similar to yours. I couldn't believe that I didn't breathe for up to 57 seconds. There is no way I can hold me breath that long! LOL I have had a rough time with my nostril pillows "mask" the last two nights. Seems I can't get them lined up properly. I will try again tonite and if I still have issues, I will run by the clinic tomorrow. Fortunately they are only about 10 minutes away.

I had my first fill on Thursday. I also have 3 cc in a 10 cc band. I think I had myself so woked up about it. It really wasn't bad. My dr. doesn't want to see me back for 8 weeks. I thought that was a long time, but he said i'm doing fine and he'll see me then. I'm back on regular food tomorrow...

They started me on protein shakes on day 2. I currently am 10 days post-op and just now able to get two 11 oz Premier protein shakes in. A lot of dr will tell you to focus on hydration for the first week and then move your focus to adding protein in week 2. Just take it easy and sip, sip, sip! You will be able to build up to it. Also, if you have questions give your NUT or surgeon a call for clairifaction. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!!

I have a friend who has a friend (Isn't this the way all good stories start???) who was always thin. She had a mom and a sister that were overweight. She had an injury at some point and gained a little weight (and I mean a little, 5-10 pounds or something) she needed to lose after she recovered. She said she felt horrible, because it was the first time she had ever had to diet and she was MISERABLE from being hungry all the time. She had always thought weight problems were simply an issue of not having self control. Until she had to lose weight herself, she did not understand what it felt like to have to diet. And she only needed to lose a few pounds, not 50, or 100, or 150... People that have always been thin can't possibly understand what we go through because they can't imagine the physical feeling of limiting calories enough to lose weight. I really felt like that story was validating (going back to your post about that awesome doctor that gave so much respect). Best of luck as you heal and lose!!!

I've only been using my CPAP for about 10 days. I have the pillows. They don't bother my nose so much, but I wake up with dry mouth and a headache. I think I'm actually sleeping less than I did without it. But, I am breathing better all day. I have asthma so maybe it's helping that? Going to call tomorrow to see if I can do anything to get rid of dry mouth and headaches. Sent from my iPhone using VST

Thank you both for your thoughts. I'm still trying to stay vigilant and keep trying every night. Last night I took it off after an hour (longest it's taken me to fall asleep) because I wasn't falling asleep and the leaks were killing me. After I took it off I was asleep within 10 minutes.

It bothers me that I am receiving so much negativity from medical professionals in my area in regards to me having wls. I went for my appt with Psych last week and she said to me, in regards to surgery, that I have too many kids and have too much going on to be successful with the band. It bothers me and for the past few days, the more I read the forums, the angrier I get. I am 31, married, have 3 children ages 10, 7 and 5 months. I work full time, go to school and work a small part time every other weekend. I graduate in May and hope to have this surgery by the end of the year. I have great family support, my older children are very independent and helpful in the house, and my family life works like a well oiled machine. She suggest I give something up. Ever since I had my youngest son and returned to work, I wake up at 6 am and go to the gym at least 4 times a week. I have researched the band to the fullest, maintained my grades, cook dinner for my family most nights, check homework etc. I have started eating smaller portions trying to get my mind right for wls. It pisses me off that when a woman of color wears her many hats all we get is criticism. I do what I do in life flawlessly and when I set my mind to something, I get things done. I read all these threads and it bothers me that the only main discouragement other women not of color have gotten was their surgeon pushing gastric. When did 3 kids become too many. I understand I have a lot going on but that is the way my life functions. She asked what triggers me eating and I responded "When I get bored. But honestly speaking with my schedule how often is that?" Before I even considered lap band, I talked it over with my familyand figured how I can make it work for me. I really hate people telling me I'm going to fail when they don't know how I operate or what drives me.

I posted like that cause i feel to go to eat this weekend before my surgery 10/9/12 to the any of those buffet in town and eat like a cow. That will be my last.that day i will put on the side the siping and chewing well cause i wont be able to eat like a cow never ever again.

I wish you the best and send peace and blessings! I am scheduled for lap band surgery 10-2407. Stay positive and your anxiety is normal! Take care...

I have never used a fill center. When I originally began researching the band, I planned on using a Dr. in Colorado, attended his seminar, and made arrangements. Then I was involved in a car accident that required hospitalization and surgery, which interupted my 12 month medically supervised weight loss attempt, required by my insurance at that time. So they were going to ignore my 10 1/2 months I had done and make me start the entire year over! Including all the tests I had already done--which insurance would not pay for again without cause....mixed up mess! When I thought about becoming self pay--I discussed it with the surgeon I had chosen and found his prices close to $20K, that was out of the question! I had a couple I knew who had been banded by Dr. Rumbaut, so I ask my surgeon about surgery in MX. He laid out the pros and cons, and to be honest, emphasized the cons, just as I would have expected him to. When in the end, insurance failed me in my appeal, I ask him if he would refer me to one, and he referred me to Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. They had trained together, and that is who he suggested. At that time I took over, and researched his suggestion, had my Uncle who is a Dr. ask around and check things out, and got back good reports, so contacted Dr. Aceves. He spoke with Dr. Brown, and they determined if Dr. Aceves did my surgery, Dr. Brown would do my follow up care. But Dr. Aceves was concerned that it was still 6 hours away, so had me try to find someone more local in case I needed an emergency unfill--so I contacted my former oncologist, since they are used to accessing ports----he in turn, spoke with both surgeons and agreed to do an unfill, but no fills.....so finally I was able to schedule my surgery--but my aftercare has never been an issue. I have only had 2 fills---but have seen my aftercare Dr. many times more than that! My first fill was at about 7 weeks and I received 1.25cc's in my 4cc. band. I had very mild reaction to it, I found I had to slow down and take the smaller bites. I had practiced it, but slipped into old habits! With the fill, I had to slow down. I was still eating too much---so returned in a month for another fill. At that time he only gave me .50cc. I was sooooo disappointed!!! I got mild restriction with 1.25, and now I got less than half of that! He always puts me on liquids for the entire day of the fill, and often the next day, since we travel so far. So day 3 when I could eat....Holy smoke! I could only eat 3 bites!! I had massive restriction with that little fill! It has slowly through the last year and a half )longer actually) loosened of course, as I dropped in weight. Now I can eat a small meal. But I am comfortable where I am in restriction. I opt not to be super tight. That is a personal choice---some like to be very tight, where their portions are super small....with this fill level, my hunger is eased, I seldom if ever experience real hunger, but my ability to eat a healthy balanced diet is not as severely restricted. So far it is working for me, so I am going with the old adage....if it ain't broke---------don't fix it!!! Kat

I had my first fill 7 weeks out, although my doctor usually does then 6 weeks after surgery. I had restriction at first, but it only lasted two weeks. However, I lost 10 lb in those two weeks! I had my second fill in January and was actually too tight for about three weeks, but now I am at a good spot. I've lost about 15 lb since the second fill.

i got this surgery done when i was 19, and i do have to admit that this surgery does take a toll on a person psycologically, and i wish i had been better prepared for it. this is something that you need to live with the rest of your life and the person would have to ome to terms with that, and i know that i am facing a hard time with that.

Hi! My name is Blair and I just turned 29 (female) Sorry it's a weird time I just couldn't sleep! I was banded yesterday! And I was like you excited but very nervous! I also had never udergone surgery! Never been put to sleep or anything! I was actually suppose to have my surgery April 27th and was sooo nervous about being put to sleep I chickened out and cancelled it! Luckily my time hadn't run out and I didn't have to start all back over when I finally decided I really wanted to do it! I don't know about your goal weight loss but mine is like 60lbs at the max...so I had a lot of people confusing me saying that I didn't need it (not bragging) cause according to the "WII" game I am in the "obese" precentile! I am 5'6 213lbs But I am one of those solid kinda people, if you see what I am saying. I was atheletic and a size 6-8 10 years ago when I graduated highschool!! So...that naturally is my goal to be back to that atheletic woman instead of this "couch potatoe!!" LOL Anyway, I just wanted to tell you my story to try and help! Oh, and like I was so stoked and ready when I went in and was fine not nervous a bit! When I woke up I sqawled!! Cried like a baby! Thanking the Lord that I was awake and alive! I was that worried! But it was weird because I was perfectly fine before the surgery, laughing and cutting up with the nurses! But anyway, if you need anyone to talk to, just send me a message! Oh and it's not as bad as you are thinking, like I said I was banded yesterday! And my Doc actually chose the "Realize" band for me once he did the surgery. I don't really think there is a a lot of difference. He just said he wanted me to be able to eat more meats and vegtables!?? But anyway, I am not really that sore just a little and not that hungry! Just take the pain meds they give you even if you don't think you need them. Just my opinion! Anyway, sorry this is so long! Just wanted to give ya a little encouragement! Let me know if you ever want to talk! Good Luck!

You don't have to exercise like crazy to lose weight with the sleeve. But, you should exercise some, at least. Start slow and gradually work up to a routine that you can live with for life. You'll find that you have better muscle tone, that your skin recovers better and that you feel better in general. I started out with just walking inside my apartment and doing 10 reps with 2 pound weights of biceps curls, triceps extensions and front arm raises. I'm now up to walking daily, using the exercise bike at least 4 days a week, and I carry that 2 pound weight in my car so I can get in arm work while I'm driving. I do a LOT of driving. I also have 5 pound weights at home and I do quite a few arm exercises at home, plus ab exercises and I just added squats and lunges. I'm seriously working to add in a little at a time and keep my workout routine under an hour a day...and not all at once. I keep the home weights on top of the entertainment center. If I walk by there, I'll grab the weights and do a few reps for my arms. If I'm sitting to watch tv, I'll do a few ab crunches. It takes under 10 minutes to do 30 crunches, even when doing them slowly to make sure you maintain proper form. You don't have to spend hours a day in the gym to work out. But, if you're going to be addicted to something, why not exercise?

i dont think i actually really felt like doing anything requiring energy for about 10 days. i started my soft proteins on the 4th day from surgery. i am about 3 weeks post op and pretty much feel normal. hang in there, it will get better!!!

So true, Sleepy! Of course, I have to be the oddball. Since my "technical' post-op weight loss period, if I don't include the liquid diet phase, then I think I technically lost more weight more quickly in my 2nd year, but that was because I was better restricted. The first 9 months, I wasn't well restricted at all. In the next 6 months, things started chugging right along. Now I'm down to maybe 5-10# of my doc's (too conservative) goal, so things are going a bit slower. I would prefer to lose at least another 10# more (a bit more might even be OK, but we'll see). The weight loss is a wee bit slower because my body is finally realizing it's losing it's beloved "buffer weight." But this excess flab is being evicted - so it better pack up and get ready to get out! :clap2:

I have been out almost 2 YEARS and have lost only 25 lbs total (was 35 but have gained back 10) dont feel like i need a fill. I still vomit everyonce in a while & now my insurance doesnt cover fills, so i am lost as to what to do,.....so i wish you luck and hope all works out for you!

Hello all, OK so I am so ashamed of myself. I have been on this pre-op diet which is full liquids for 10 days. I am on day seven and I cheated! I was feeling so sick tonight that I ate a sandwich and a piece of chocolate. So far I have lost 12 pds on this diet, which is so hard to do. I have been eating nothing but soups, crytal light, diet shakes, protien shakes. After I ate something, I didn't feel sick to my stomach anymore, but now I feel like what the hell did I just do? I guess this is what I was thinking, I have surgery on Monday the 31st. Which I wont do anymore food I will stick to the liquids until the surgery, then after the surgery my doctor puts me on a clear liquid for 4 days, then this full liquid for 10 more days, then blenderized food for 2 weeks, then soft food for another 2 weeks, then I can start eating small amounts of healthy food. When I thought about it, I was like wow I'm not going to be able to eat REAL food for over 5 weeks. That scared me I guess, so I did it, I ate something other then full liquid and now I am scared its going to screw things up for the surgery!! Has anyone else done this? Please be honest, I am so scared right now!! Please help!:smile:

I start my pre-op diet in a 2 weeks. My diet is 1,000 calories a day for 10 days (for my BMI). However, I do it, just 1,000 calories. He suggests a protien drink for breakfast and lunch and lite dinner. Low carb/low fat/high protein. ronnie

I don't want to sound mean or cold hearted... but I see people on here saying they can't be around people eating food , well this is life it is going to be here and you need to just get used to it. Just tell yourself NO !! I know it is very hard but you can do it , you did it at first and now you can keep doing it. Just belive in yourself . I have a long way to go myself, but I would never stop cooking for my husband or have him to eat in another room. That would be like putting on blinders for the rest of your life. That's life and we just have to adjust to it. We may lose 10 lbs and then gain 1 or 2 lbs back but just look ahead and Never look back. I am so sorry if I sound cold hearted. I am very proud of every one on here .

At 10 days out, you are probably stil pretty swollen from surgery. As the swelling goes down, the amount you eat will increase somewhat. I know that my doctor pushes for about 1/2 cup of food with decent restriction so you won't be eating that much more. Remember, part of this surgery is to help make food no longer the focal point in your life. I know it won't seem like it is worth eating, but that is the point (in my own opinion). This way you can spend more time talking with your family or friends instead of eating into oblivion. Good luck to you.

I should of gotten on this sooner. I actually called my insurance again today. To avoid being a hassle to my surgeons assistant. Once again insurance said they hadn't received anything. I called the assistant and left her a voicemAil voicing my concerns. If she doesn't call back tomorrow morning I'll be calling again. I'm definitely worried now more than ever. Surgery is exactly 2 weeks away HW: 251 -1/25/17 CW: 238 -6/27/2017 GW: 140 Tentative surgery date: 7/19/17

After about 10 days the pain in my stomach stopped. It took a while longer for the horrible gas pain in my shoulder to stop. Then I felt very drained and tired for about a month. By 6 weeks out I felt like my old self.