Hi Everyone

annabell · September 13, 2008

I am from N. New York and was recently banded 8/14. Thus far I have lost 20 lbs since January 08. I have not lost much since by banding - but I have not been actively trying - I have been more concerned with healing (I had some port pain and my scars took awhile to heal.) Next week I get back on my exercise program. I don't feel a lot of restriction ( all the swelling has gone down) but I go for my 1st fill on 9/23. I do not feel the band at all-never have, and my port does not bother me anymore. I forget I even have the band - unless I eat something dry (I had a veggie burger on light toast and it was difficult to eat). I have to learn new foods to eat that are healthy.

My surgery went very easily. Once I decided I was going to have the surgery, I decided to go into it with a positive attitude and tried not to think about it much. I also decided I was going to get up and walk as soon after the surgery as posible (I did lots of cardio exercises the months before surgery.) The only slight problem I had was in recovery - I vaguely remember having a hard time breathing. I asked a nurse about it several days later and she said it was normal and sometimes that happens from the anesthesia - I think my diaphram was still numb/asleep.

All in all I am very happy with the band and look forward to reaching my goals- I am not looking for an instant fix and I know its going to take time and self discipline.

Thank you for this great site!! Annabell

MyJourney08 · September 14, 2008

Hello,

I was also banded on 8/14 but am still having port tenderness. Also, I get a fill on 9/23 too...very strange!

I lost 10 lbs prior to surgery and have lost 20 since but like you, have little restriction. I do have some but not a lot.

Best of luck to you!

themis · September 14, 2008

I was also banded in August. My band buddy explained there is very little to no restriction until you get your fill. I even asked about Water, because I gulped water (forgot momentarily) and had no problem.

You are not supposed to be concerned so much about losing weight during the first 4-6 weeks but healing and relearning to eat without effecting the band. You know the sip, sip, sip, chew, chew, chew, walk, walk, walk motto. Need to get those down by the time you get the fill. Especially the chew, chew, chew and no water (drinks) during or after (for 1 hour) eating.

Also just because you don't see pounds dropping doesn't mean a whole lot. I haven't lost any weight the last 5 days, but today my shirt was extra baggy and some one else told me I was getting thinner. Don't get discouraged. Remember this is time for healing and adjusting. Good luck!