How Does The Band Feel?

lapbandliz · January 18, 2007

Hi everybody, I'm new here...just joined yesterday. I'm getting very close to getting a surgery date, but still am a little aprehensive. Can anyone answer some of my questions?

After you heal from surgery, are you aware of the band? Or do you just feel it when you are trying to eat?

How do you manage the first 2 weeks with getting in all the liquids, but only having an ounce or two at a time?

How do you cope when you have a really strong food craving but can't eat? Do the cravings ever subside? I've been on a pretty strict diet for the last 2 weeks and the other day I just HAD TO HAVE some Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I finally gave in to my craving and ate 4! I know I can't do that after I'm banded. But, its like I want it so bad I'll go completely crazy if I can't get it. There are not too many things that affect me like that and not real often, but when it happens, it is almost uncontrollable. Any advice?

I am using the Weight Loss Clinic in Harrisburg, PA. Dr. Scott Currie will be my surgeon. I met one other person who has used him, but if anyone else has comments about him, I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks so much to everyone who posts! I've learned so much from reading all these for the last few months.

Angela

Highest weight:312

Current weight:301

Goal: 160? (this seems impossible to me right now)

lisah25 · January 18, 2007

After you heal from surgery, are you aware of the band? Or do you just feel it when you are trying to eat?

Hi Angela! I don't feel the band itself, I am aware of it when I eat because I eat so much less before I start to feel full. I can feel my port at times. It's not a problem though.

How do you cope when you have a really strong food craving but can't eat? Do the cravings ever subside? I've been on a pretty strict diet for the last 2 weeks and the other day I just HAD TO HAVE some Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I finally gave in to my craving and ate 4! I know I can't do that after I'm banded. But, its like I want it so bad I'll go completely crazy if I can't get it. There are not too many things that affect me like that and not real often, but when it happens, it is almost uncontrollable. Any advice?

I'm finding I don't get cravings hardly at all. I may think "Huh, a candy bar would be good now" but I usually can ignore the thought and it goes away. I'm amazed, I used to sit at my desk and plot what my next splurge would be.

marni · January 18, 2007

All I can say is that it all works out. I had the same fears as you. However I had to actually push myself to drink those ounces of liquid after surgery. You really arent hungry at all. We all wish that phenomenon remained! I moved into regular foods in 2 weeks time and I have been fine. I have had no complications, no throwing up, no restrictions at all. I do eat a lot less and am full on it. It is weird, I just don't crave the food and if I want a cookie, I have ONE. No big deal. After going through all this work and surgery I am not going to blow it! I haven't had a fill yet and my doc delayed it becuase I am still doing fine without it. Everyone is differnt. But feel confident that it all works out fine.

threebeauties · January 18, 2007

First, I don't feel the band at unless something I eat gets stuck going down. this happens to most bandsters at one time or another, some more frequently than others.

As for cravings, I don't get them as much as I used to but when I do I have it, just much less of it.

I do have to tell you that it certainly is possible to eat 4 donuts after the surgery. It takes a while to reach the point where you are completely satisfied after a small amount. i am 3 months out tomorrow and I am not there yet. There are plenty of people who are not successful with the band.

I just posted yesterday that this is more work than I thought it would be. Granted I am doing well but it is a battle. I still have plenty of "head hunger" and have to use my willpower to overcome it. I have been on the treadmill fairly regularly the past two weeks.

I hope I am not discouraging you. I feel like this is the best thing I've done for myself. No matter how often my dr. and these threads told me, the band is just a tool, I guess I thought it would be easier.

When all is said and done, I will be successful this time, something I haven't been able to say in the past. Good luck

marni · January 18, 2007

Your taste palette will change along with many other unimaginable upgrades in the eating experience. At least MINE did.

good luck on your journey....

I have to agree totally. When the doctor asked me how many times a day I eat and what I was actually shocked. I can HONESTLY say I eat 3 times a day with sometimes a snack of a heaping teaspoon of Peanut Butter at nite. I couldn't believe it when I said it. Now, I was a bakery junky. I could just about eat and like any cake or cookie made! Hardly eat any and if I do I have one and that's enough.

As far a feeling the band. I don't feel the band but I can feel the port. The nurse didn't believe me and had to feel for herself. It is much higher then my scar and very close to the surface. She said most can't feel it.... I can and boy when I eat too much I feel it like a rock!

threebeauties · January 18, 2007

I definitely feel the port!

lisah25 · January 18, 2007

Your taste palette will change along with many other unimaginable upgrades in the eating experience. At least MINE did.

good luck on your journey....

Mine has too. Junk food I used to love isn't as appealing. Things I didn't like before, like green peppers, I find I like. Part of it I think is eating slower, and actually being aware of the taste and texture of food. But there is no question that my tastes have changed.

I also notice I'm getting picky. Not just in what I eat, after all I only eat a small amount now, so it's gotta taste good and do my body good. But also in things like clothes. I find that instead of being OK with just buying whatever will actually go on my body, I'm looking more at colors and fit and all that. It's fun!