Questions from a newbie...

[peggy1011 0]

I was on a clear liquid diet for 3 days prior to the surgery. I've read other posts where people were on liquid diets for 2 weeks or so before hand. Others have had no special diet. It's all doctor specific.

Good luck with the insurance maze.

[mattintosh 0]

We tell patients to try for two weeks. We suggest yogurt and Water. This cause the liver to let go of fat quickly there by making band placement quicker using less General Anethesia and less recovery time overall. Its part of the Safe Protocol. Its what we pay the Dr.s for. Don't shortcut this stuff you are the only one that will suffer.

[red 0]

hi there, is anyone out there?

[red 0]

wish i knew how to really work this chat room stuff...can't ever seem to get any response...

[Ja9 0]

Ok, another question for the group.

I am feeling almost no restriction 5 days out from banding (6/25) and am curious if i should be this hungry. I am able to drink a 1/2 liter bottle of Water in less than 2 hours (thats 25 oz) and an 8 oz Protein shake in about 1/2 hour. I have yogurt in 3oz increments and I am starving 30 minutes later. I can drink 5 oz of Soup and don't feel full either. Basically, I am so hungry that my stomach is constantly "growling"... even to the point where the hunger pains wake me out of sleep.

I feel a slight tight sensation beneath my sternum when I swallow my medication, but that's the oonly time. None of the liquids bother me at all and I haven't had any nausea. I have avoided drinking within an hour of eating, but it doesn't seem to affect my fullness level.

Should I be worried? PLEASE tell I me I won't stay this hungry for mcuh longer! Or is this how I should expect to feel until I get my first fill?

Thanks so much!

Dawn

Hey Dawn! I was banded in April. From the first week I could eat or drink ANYTHING!! And as much as I wanted. I was told to wait until I get my first fill. I waited the seven very long weeks. I got a fill of 1 1/2cc's and right after that in the doctors office downed an entire water bottle. Again nothing. I really feel as if I am on Weight Watchers as I have not had the help of the band yet. I need help as well, we can't be alone. Ja9

[Ja9 0]

I was banded in April. From the first week I could eat or drink ANYTHING!! And as much as I wanted. I was told to wait until I get my first fill. I waited the seven very long weeks. I got a fill of 1 1/2cc's and right after that in the doctors office downed an entire Water bottle. Again nothing. I really feel as if I am on Weight Watchers as I have not had the help of the band yet. I need help as well, we can't be alone. Ja9

[DBAGuy 0]

I was banded on May 21st. I get my first fill a couple days from now (July 5th).

I haven't had much restriction, and could probably go back to eating the way I used to eat...having 2 or 3 meals worth of food for one meal.

For me, the band isn't what I'm relying upon to lose weight...it is part of the overall life-change I've decided to make. So, even though I could eat more, I'm limiting myself to 4-5 oz. of food per meal.

I have to stick to my decision to change things or I won't lose weight...band or no band. The band is easy to sabotage...just eat high calorie foods that turn to liquid or slurry when chewed: chocolate, potato chips, ice cream, milkshakes, etc. Or drink non-diet sodas, beer, etc. Easy to get 3000 calories/day whether you have restriction or not.

So...for me...I have to practice the mental art of weight loss...just as important as the physical restriction of the band. I have to exercise, I have to follow that quantity of food guidelines given to me, and follow the do's/don'ts of what to eat. This (the time before my first fill) was the ideal time for me to work on the mental aspect of my life-change. So far, so good.

[juliegeraci 7]

Peggy, the next 6 months are time for healing. Just take it one day at a time. Make sure you are taking in enough fluids and rest. You will find the swelling will go down and your hunger may return. Once this happens it will be time for a fill. Fills are very easy so don't worry too much about them. Julie

[DawnG 0]

Wow DBA! Can you tell me what you've done to lose 62 lbs in 6 weeks? I'll suffer through anything if I can have those results!

Ja9, thanks for responding to my post. You've made me feel better. I was worried that I wasn't doing something right. It can't hurt me to drink too much liquid, can it? I've being trying to stick to small portions on my Soup and yogurt but I have been letting myself as much as I want.

Can anyone else chime in on this one?

Thanks,

Dawn

[peggy1011 0]

Thank you everyone for your responses and your encouraging words. I'm now 10 days postop and feeling much better. You guys are awesome!!!!

Peggy

[mattintosh 0]

I was banded on May 21st. I get my first fill a couple days from now (July 5th).

I haven't had much restriction, and could probably go back to eating the way I used to eat...having 2 or 3 meals worth of food for one meal.

For me, the band isn't what I'm relying upon to lose weight...it is part of the overall life-change I've decided to make. So, even though I could eat more, I'm limiting myself to 4-5 oz. of food per meal.

I have to stick to my decision to change things or I won't lose weight...band or no band. The band is easy to sabotage...just eat high calorie foods that turn to liquid or slurry when chewed: chocolate, potato chips, ice cream, milkshakes, etc. Or drink non-diet sodas, beer, etc. Easy to get 3000 calories/day whether you have restriction or not.

So...for me...I have to practice the mental art of weight loss...just as important as the physical restriction of the band. I have to exercise, I have to follow that quantity of food guidelines given to me, and follow the do's/don'ts of what to eat. This (the time before my first fill) was the ideal time for me to work on the mental aspect of my life-change. So far, so good.

Well said my Band Brother well said.

The band is only a tool. We must work and use it or nothing positive will come of it..

Matt

[nuddybuddy 0]

I was banded in April. From the first week I could eat or drink ANYTHING!! And as much as I wanted. I was told to wait until I get my first fill. I waited the seven very long weeks. I got a fill of 1 1/2cc's and right after that in the doctors office downed an entire Water bottle. Again nothing. I really feel as if I am on Weight Watchers as I have not had the help of the band yet. I need help as well, we can't be alone. Ja9

I just had my 2nd fill & I'm not feeling any restriction this time, either. Anyone have any suggestions?

[juliegeraci 7]

It took me 5 fills to get restriction. Keep going back for fills until you have it.

[nuddybuddy 0]

Really?? I never knew it took sooooo long for some. What kind of band do you have? I have the new LP large. Just wondering if that has anything to do with it. Also how much did they fill you each time.

[juliegeraci 7]

I have a 10cc band which holds 4ccs. I am at 2.9 right now. It took me forever to get proper restriction. Thankfully I still lose 1 lb per week. It took me about 6 or 7 months.