July banders-work together

[knixon39 0]

Hi everyone. I was banded 7/21 and have been on solids for about a week now. I have been walking a miniumum of a mile a day and have lost 25 lbs. I am having my first PMS since the surgery and am getting hungry a lot faster. I have an appt for a fill tomorrow 8/18 and am worried that they won't agree to give me one with the good weight loss, but it has slowed this last couple of weeks like crazy. What do they go by to decide? If I am hungry all the time is that enough? Also, are you supposed to fast? They didn't tell me anything...

[Mr180 0]

Steven here from California, banded July 26th. As close as 4 years ago I was as low as 200. 320 is where my journey began, 285 currently. I have lost 35lbs as of today 8/17. It's nice to see so many people in the same boat I am. I have no complications to report. Foods easy for me to handle include fish(salmon, tuna, mahi mahi), chicken, oatmeal, yogurt, mashed potatoes, soft veggies and cream of pretty much anything. As far as eating habits, what has helped the most is putting down my eating utensil while chewing. Being active is really good for me. Lastly, loving this forum and this thread.

Edited August 18, 2010 by Mr180

[TheUrbanWasteland 0]

Hi everyone. I was banded 7/21 and have been on solids for about a week now. I have been walking a miniumum of a mile a day and have lost 25 lbs. I am having my first PMS since the surgery and am getting hungry a lot faster. I have an appt for a fill tomorrow 8/18 and am worried that they won't agree to give me one with the good weight loss, but it has slowed this last couple of weeks like crazy. What do they go by to decide? If I am hungry all the time is that enough? Also, are you supposed to fast? They didn't tell me anything...

Different surgeons, different rules !

Mine says at 6 weeks you'll get your first fill unless you dont want it. I have a feeling in 2 weeks I'm not going to want it But in general it seems if you are hungry, not losing or anything in between you're likely to get a fill.

Good luck

Rach.

[starsinmyeyes 29]

Hi everyone, I was banded on July 29....so just 2 1/2 weeks out. I am on solid food and tolerating everything I've tried. But I am sticking to my "yes" food list from the nutritionist. And according to it, I am not supposed to have bread, Pasta, or rice for a couple months. Actually I am frightened about getting something stuck when I do try those foods. Well, I walk about 2 miles a day and I've lost 20 lbs so far. I don't get my 1st fill for another 4 weeks and I am getting worried about gaining weight, because I am hungry all the time now and I don't feel any restriction at all. But, I'm limiting my portions to 1-2 ounces and trying to fill up on low-carb Protein Drinks. I wish I could get a fill sooner, but apparently most doctors like to wait till 6 weeks, because it takes about that amount of time to completely heal and be ready for a fill. I've been back to work for a week now and I've been soooooo tired at the end of the day. When is this fatigue going to go away? I am taking my Vitamins and getting all my Protein , so I don't think it's due to lack of nutrition. Maybe it's because I am still healing? or after affects from the anesthesia? Not sure....Well, this is a great forum, I really enjoy it. Hope everyone is doing well!

[Isa Bella 0]

Hi everyone, I was banded on July 29....so just 2 1/2 weeks out. I am on solid food and tolerating everything I've tried. But I am sticking to my "yes" food list from the nutritionist. And according to it, I am not supposed to have bread, Pasta, or rice for a couple months. Actually I am frightened about getting something stuck when I do try those foods. Well, I walk about 2 miles a day and I've lost 20 lbs so far. I don't get my 1st fill for another 4 weeks and I am getting worried about gaining weight, because I am hungry all the time now and I don't feel any restriction at all. But, I'm limiting my portions to 1-2 ounces and trying to fill up on low-carb Protein drinks. I wish I could get a fill sooner, but apparently most doctors like to wait till 6 weeks, because it takes about that amount of time to completely heal and be ready for a fill. I've been back to work for a week now and I've been soooooo tired at the end of the day. When is this fatigue going to go away? I am taking my Vitamins and getting all my protein , so I don't think it's due to lack of nutrition. Maybe it's because I am still healing? or after affects from the anesthesia? Not sure....Well, this is a great forum, I really enjoy it. Hope everyone is doing well!

Hi Stars. Im 4wks post and been hungry for the past 2wks AND have 2 wait another 2 wks for my 1st fill. I had been able to control it and I also fill myself up with Water, tea & crystal light. YESTERDAY was a different story. I really struggled all day.:smile2: I kept walking into the kitchen and opening up the fridge and cupboards & was cool till night time. I had some chees...still hungry so then a protein bar...still hungry 2 SF popsicles I also had a headache took a darvocet & fell asleep. In the past I could stick to a diet all day & the evenings were always a struggle. Was I really hungry last night? This morning is a new day & wont let yesterday get me down. I will exercise a little more to make up for the extra calories but cant wait till I feel some restriction. *** I had to take steroids last Thursday for some CT scans cuz Im allergic to contrast dyes & they usually get me really hungry but that was 5 days ago. Hmmmm!!! like I said earlier, TODAY is a new day. Wish everyone a succesful & happy day.

[Rebeccastl615 0]

UPDATE: I was banded 4 weeks ago tomorrow. Things were going smoothly and I was following the diet progression set by my dietician just fine for the first 2 weeks and then I started getting hungry and wanting to actually eat something! So I started eating tuna salad and crackers and then added in some fish, shrimp, etc. even though those items were on my week 4 list and I was just coming up on week 3. Everything was going well, I was eating just a little bigger portion than I was supposed to but I could eat it so thought that was okay too. Went for my follow up visit with the doctor last Wednesday and told him everything was going great. I did mention I had eaten a few things ahead of schedule and he told me not to do that, that the diet was that way for a reason after researching thousands of lap band patients, etc. So I decided not to continue eating things ahead of schedule anymore. Guess what? Too late! The damage was done. On Thursday I started having sharp pains in my chest off and on. It really hurt badly. Friday it hurt so much I had to leave work early. I struggled through the weekend. I couldn't eat very much at all without feeling very full. Much less than I had been eating. Sunday night I woke up in the middle of the night with slime in my mouth and had to go vomit. Monday morning I dry heaved for 5 minutes straight. I called the doctor's office as soon as they opened and they got me in that morning. The doctor told me that I must have irritated my pouch by eating too fast, too much, or things that I shouldn't have. (Looking back I realize it was probably all 3 of these) He removed 2 cc's from my band that I didn't even know was in there. Apparently it was in there when they put the band on me at surgery. He told me not to alter my diet, take it easy and it should be healed up soon. (By the way I had lost 6 1/2 pounds from my visit with him the past Wednesday to Monday....5 days!) While the weight loss is nice, I knew it was from not being able to eat hardly any food. On Monday after the doctor I went home and could not move off the couch for the rest of the day and could not really eat any food at all. I felt like I did the first day or two post-op. I was miserable! And yesterday I got up and tried to get ready for work, felt so weak that it was a huge effort for me to even do anything, realized I couldn't make it, and had to call in to work. Yesterday I ate a few bites of eggs in the morning and for dinner I had a few crackers with thin sliced turkey deli meat and cheese. Last night when I went to lie down for bed, my stomach made lots of weird growling noises and after each noise, the sharp pain in my chest would hit. That finally stopped after a while and I was able to get a good night's sleep. Today I made it work okay. (I weighed myself this morning and have lost 4 more pounds since Monday...crazy stuff) I tried to eat a bananna for Breakfast but could only eat about half of it. For lunch I had about 8 spoonfuls of Soup and 3 crackers with cheese. I am working my way back to some kind of "normal" but it has been rough. The chest pains are getting fewer and more far between so that is good. But the moral to this story is that I definitely irritated my pouch and have had some serious pain and consequences as a result. I have learned my lesson early on that this is not something to mess with. You have to follow the rules. They are there for a reason! I didn't even deviate that much from the rules, but obviously enough to do some damage. I am trying to get it healed as I have my first fill scheduled for next Wednesday, 8/25. The doctor said I should still be able to get my fill, but we will have to see how it goes and we will decide at the appt. on Wednesday. I am trying to take it easy as I would really like my fill! So to all of you out there that are eating things you shouldn't or eating more than you are supposed to and think that it is okay since nothing happens when you eat it, please know that the consequences can come a week or so later and it is not fun at all! This is definitely much harder than I thought it was going to be. I have cried more than a few times through this whole process. But I am staying strong, staying focused on my goal of a skinnier, healthier me! And I know it will be worth it all in the end. Good luck to all of you and if my story can help one person from not having to go through the pain and difficulty that I have had the past few days then taking the time to post this long story is worth it! Good luck to all my fellow bandsters!

[Mr180 0]

@Rebeccastl615, thanks for the good information.

[stefaniwg 172]

My family is taking one more mini vacation before school starts on Monday and I am HUNGRY! Over the past few days I have been able to eat a whole lot more than I was able to a weeks ago. I am worried that it took forever to get out of the 190's and now I am going to blow it all on vacation. I am trying so hard to exercise several times a week and to eat all the good things, fruit, Protein Shakes and bars, salad etc but it already seems to be getting harder and harder to loose any weight. I do weigh myself everyday but I don't freak out about it (anymore that is) but for the last two weeks it has been staying the same... I can't wait until I have my first fill next Friday. Hopefully that I will help me out with kicking my weight lost up a notch! I hope everyone is doing well!

[BlueWaterMariner 0]

Hey

I'm Ryan 29yo Male. I was Banded on July 13th by Dr. Garber in NY. I experienced almost no pain, and very little discomfort after my surgery, which was done with a single incision in the belly button. So far things have been going pretty well. I've been on solid foods for a week, I had one fill a few days ago, and I've lost about 26lbs since surgery which I'm impressed with because I was never really on a liquid diet. Solid foods have been hit and miss, with bread and cold cuts not sitting well and coming back up but most other food seems alright. I'm not able to eat a lot at breakfast, I can eat a little more at lunch, but feel like I can eat as much as I want at dinner, but I remember that will power is a big part of this and never push it. I have been walking 2-5 miles about 5 times a week, and now that I've been cleared I have started bike riding again as of yesterday. I'm pretty happy with the lap-band thus far, and my only complaint is that I find myself getting hungry a few hours before I should be, but hopefully that with cease after I hit restriction. Great to see how my fellow July bandsters are doing, keep up the good work!!!!!!!!

[Isa Bella 0]

Stef, congrats on the weight to this date. You are doing so good & you have not had your 1st fill yet. Dont let the scale stress you out. I know how excited you are about getting into the 180's (i cant wait) Enjoy your vacation & dont stress yourself out. Drink lots & lots of liquids and keep making the healthy choices you have been making. Best of luck and have a great vacations :thumbup:

Welcome Ryan. This is a great place to get inspired, motivate yourself & to do the same for others. We are all on the same journey and we are here for each other. Keep us posted on how your doing.

[starsinmyeyes 29]

Hi Bella, It's been a month since I have been on here. I have gotten very busy with life and I have gone through a few things. I have been playing with my port...running my fingers over it, trying to get used to it being there. I have had my BF feel it....he likes stuff like that and thinks it's awesome. Weird I know. Anyways, my port is dead center below my sternum/curve of rib cage. I just had my 1st fill and it is a little sore around the port site....other than that I'm great!. Good luck to everyone and Bella I'm glad you are still on here and doing great! Take care!

[Isa Bella 0]

Hi Bella, It's been a month since I have been on here. I have gotten very busy with life and I have gone through a few things. I have been playing with my port...running my fingers over it, trying to get used to it being there. I have had my BF feel it....he likes stuff like that and thinks it's awesome. Weird I know. Anyways, my port is dead center below my sternum/curve of rib cage. I just had my 1st fill and it is a little sore around the port site....other than that I'm great!. Good luck to everyone and Bella I'm glad you are still on here and doing great! Take care!

Hi Stars,

Glad to hear from you. Im doing well. Had my 1st fill on Aug 31st and my 2nd is coming up in 2 wks. I still have no restrictions but I will get there soon enough. I just take it day by day and do not stress myself about losing the weight. I know once I get some restriction It will be alot easier. I have lost 1 lb since my 1st fill. Still exercising although I do need to kick it up a notch and still struggle in the evenings but like I said I dont allow to stress out over it. Im enjoying the journey & re-learning a new & healthy lifestyle. I dont want to just feel full cuz of the band but really want to to introduce and learn & healthier way of life. Everything in my kitchen is healthy so even when I get hungry at night Its 1 more healthy snack. Good to see your doing great. Keep up the good work and remember not to let yourself get stressed out when we struggle cuz it will get easier and the weight will come off soon enough. Take care:smile:

How are the July bandsters doing? Keep us posted. Wishing everyone the best.:thumbup:

[Nicole74 4]

Hi Isa Bella and all july bandsters! I came on today cause been struggling the past week ...been so hungry and so frustrated that after my first fill I have no restriction..I really was expecting that 7 weeks out that it would be easier but its even harder than cause I feel so pre band normal!! I wish I had your attitude a little more Isa Bella!! I have lost almost 30 lbs since surgery but in the past week gained 3! Im so frustrated about that but I need to eat so much more than a half of a cup to feel satisfied...Im not eating bad just on a couple occasions by bad I mean fattening non healthy foods but even a salad I can eat the whole serving of a plate of salad plus whatever comes..I can probably eat about 1.5-2 cups of food to feel satisified but than 2 hours later Im hungry again and stomach is growling...its crazy..I will take responsibility for this week..work has been nuts and my son had pneumonia so I found that I didnt walk like i was doing , eat more and didnt drink as much water..but I am so worried that Im sliding back into my old habits..I was really getting used to eating slow and chewing but now I feel so "normal" that Im not doing that as much anymore..never ate anything that caused an issue yet and I should be really happy and motivated now because I have been getting compliments and seeing a difference in the fit of my clothes but I guess that isnt enough. the constant food struggles are just overwelming me!! hopefully things will get better with my next fill on Oct. 19th!!! hope everyone else is doing good!!

[Isa Bella 0]

Hi Isa Bella and all july bandsters! I came on today cause been struggling the past week ...been so hungry and so frustrated that after my first fill I have no restriction..I really was expecting that 7 weeks out that it would be easier but its even harder than cause I feel so pre band normal!! I wish I had your attitude a little more Isa Bella!! I have lost almost 30 lbs since surgery but in the past week gained 3! Im so frustrated about that but I need to eat so much more than a half of a cup to feel satisfied...Im not eating bad just on a couple occasions by bad I mean fattening non healthy foods but even a salad I can eat the whole serving of a plate of salad plus whatever comes..I can probably eat about 1.5-2 cups of food to feel satisified but than 2 hours later Im hungry again and stomach is growling...its crazy..I will take responsibility for this week..work has been nuts and my son had pneumonia so I found that I didnt walk like i was doing , eat more and didnt drink as much water..but I am so worried that Im sliding back into my old habits..I was really getting used to eating slow and chewing but now I feel so "normal" that Im not doing that as much anymore..never ate anything that caused an issue yet and I should be really happy and motivated now because I have been getting compliments and seeing a difference in the fit of my clothes but I guess that isnt enough. the constant food struggles are just overwelming me!! hopefully things will get better with my next fill on Oct. 19th!!! hope everyone else is doing good!!

Hi Nicole, Good to hear from you.

Dont be so hard on yourself. We got banded bcuz we needed help. I too don't get full wth 1/2, 1/3 or 1 cp. Im eating slow & chewing & chewing & chewing but still starving. So I eat a little more. Not quite as much as I used to but more than 1 cup for sure. eating lots of raw veggies as snack (while I can cuz have no restriction) My Dr. told me from the beginning it was a slow process and yes I was getting very frustrated with myself and wondering why I was having such a difficult time while thinking others were breezing by and getting full on 1/2 cup w/ no restriction. I have read many posts on here and many bandster went thru what were going thru. They struggled but once they reached restriction the weight starting melting off. So then I just accecpted that it was part of the journey. I still start off wth 1/2 cp Protein and 1/2 cp veggies but then get a little more :thumbup: If I starve myself I will binge by the end of the night. Do your best having no restriction. We will get to our "sweet spot" soon enough and watch out world. Take care:drool:

[Rebeccastl615 0]

Update for me: I was banded 7/22 and had lost a total of about 23 pounds then gained about 4 pounds back (frustrating!) but now have lost those back again and back at 23 pounds lost to date. I had to go to doctor at 4 weeks out to have 2 cc's removed from band due to something being stuck. (didn't even know that I had 2 cc's in as I thought band was empty at surgery, apparently not) Got my first fill at 6 weeks post op and do have some restriction but not where I need to be. I am going back for 2nd fill on 10/11 as my doctor only does fill every 7-8 weeks. My biggest problem has been not getting the exercise that I need in. If I were exercising like I should I know my weight loss number would be bigger right now. But a friend and I are starting the Couch to 5k program today actually and I am excited about it. It is 3 times a week. I am making a point of fitting it in, no excuses and hopefully it will help in getting the scale to move downward! I really haven't had any problems with any food that I have tried to eat, and I have tried a few things that I really shouldn't (fried chicken wing, french fries, etc) Just one or two here or there of the bad stuff, but know I shouldn't do it at all as I have a goal that I am trying to reach and those things don't help! I come on this site everyday to read posts and just generally look for information and inspiration. I LOVE this website. I do love my band too! I will be glad when I get to full restriction and the weight will start coming off a little easier, but I am happy that everything is going well and I am headed in the right direction. Thanks to everyone else who posts on here and good luck to us all! GO JULY BANDSTERS GO!! LOL