January's 2014 Bandsters Welcome!

[lasal 70]

Okay so I was banded on January 6 no pre-op diet required for my surgeon. The first three weeks after banding I lost 24 pounds but wasn't very hungry. I was still swollen and terrified of getting anything stuck. I went at the 4 week post op to the doctor expecting to get a fill and hoping for one because week 4 BAM my appetite returned with a vengeance and I did not want to gain back any of the weight. I felt so much more hungry although not nearly as hungry as before the surgery. I was disappointed when I went to the doc and he wouldn't give me a fill because my port was still sore. I just went back on the 18th and had my fill. The past 3 weeks I should point out I didn't lose an ounce. So when the doctor said I would feel much more full after the fill I felt encouraged only i feel the same.

I read about carb cycling and have started to give it a try and have lost two more pounds. Every pound down in my opinion is a small victory. I pretty much eat what I want but will say this. I don't eat any rice, white bread, or Pasta. I don't think I ever will again and I am okay with that. I do eat potatoes, my doctor is aware and I will never give them up! I do eat Protein first and stick to Protein shakes for Breakfast but I eat crackers, (cheez its and wheat thins reduced fat), lots of Soup, chili, and have managed to get some lettuce down. I think the drinking is harder for me. I miss soda and know I will never have it again. . That is rough for me. But thankfully I do like Water and crystal light. I also started walking again again this week because it was possible (lots of snow here this winter) and that really helps me get the pounds off. I am thinking of this as not a diet but a lifestyle and it would be unrealistic to not have some of the things you like to eat but making better choices leads top empowerment and eventually I don't miss the sugar. Good luck to everyone this is a forever journey and we are all human, some days are easier than others but we all can do this!

[msirish 68]

I went for my first fill today. It was interesting. I learned my port is the bigger incision near my diaphragm. They numbed the sight which was a little sting. Then they brought out a mother of all needles like the dentist kind kinda. The digging began looking for the port sight. It didn't hurt. I have the Realize band and it holds 10 cc. Today I received 3 cc's. I have my next appt now in 8 weeks. I was instructed to have liquids tonight and puree food tomorrow. Thank goodness I ate before the appt. After tomorrow back to regular foods. I can't wait to see how this restriction feels. Excited.

[carriekos 25]

I am jealous of all the January Bandsters. My surgery was Jan. 21 and on March 24 I had to have it removed. The port was infected and started to spread. I MIGHT be able to get the band again in 3 months, my other choice is bypass. No other options. I'm pissed, all that money all that pain for nothing.

Congratulations to all of you that are making it work for you.