Band Newbie

September 25, 2005

Good Afternoon,

I had my procedure on 9/14/05 with Dr. Rodriguez at Methodist Hospital in Dallas. I did great the 1st 8 days - lost 13 pounds and for the past 4 days have lost nothing. Also I now feel like I don't have any restrictions. It's a little frustrating and depressing, but today is not over with yet.

I have enjoyed reading your postings and would like to have feedback regarding this situation - is it normal? I heard from one of my newly banded friends that usually the Dr. does not fill your band initially but does that on your first visit. To tell you the truth I didn't even ask about that. I was told that after the swelling goes down the band will feel a little loose and when I come back into the office to let them know and I will probably need a fill.

Sorry - but I'm worried. You know I had surgery to fill full fast.

Thanks,

Kim B

Jessiebear · September 25, 2005

Welcome & congrats! What you are feeling & going through is totally normal. I won't say most, but a lot of people don't lose, stop losing & even gain weight in the first weeks after surgery. You should consider this time the "healing time". Don't fret! It will happen! Also don't forget that it may take more than one fill to reach proper restriction. Good luck to you! Keep us posted..............Jess

It's me-Debbydo · September 26, 2005

Your body has to catch up to your body. 13 pounds is alot in a short period of time. Congrats on your WL and your new journey. Stop and smell the roses along the way and have fun finding yourself.

Good luck to you

chichigirl · September 26, 2005

Yep, perfectly normal reaction. Right after the surgery, because of the swelling caused by the surgery, you do feel some restriction, usually. But as the days roll on the swelling goes down, which is a good thing, that means things are healing like they're suppose to. That's when the hunger comes back with a real rage and you fell like you want to eat everything in sight. Heck my little chihuahua started looking good to me : - ] But soon enough you will be headed to the doc's for a follow up and a fill. They start slowly at first to help us adapt to eating with the restrictive device. I know you want the weight gone yesterday, we all do, but trust me when I say the last thing you want is an overfill. That is one of the most unpleasant, painful and awful things I have ever been through. Some people even end up in the emergency room it's so bad. If I didn't hate hospitals as much as I do, I would have gone, but I just took my chances.

So, try to start practicing your new lifestyle. Try the high protien, low fat and low carb dieting. Carbs are okay in the version of veggies and whole grains if you can tolerate them, bread and crackers are usually a bit much for most of us. Always remember teeny, tiny bites at first, then chew until you jaw hurts and swallow carefully. Always pay attention to how and what you are feeling and soon you'll know what you can and cannot eat.

If you are so ravenous right now, still try to eat sensibly, but you don't have to starve yourself. That's not what this is all about.

Good Luck,

Cindy

banded_for_life · September 26, 2005

Welcome Kim! I just had surgery on the 23rd...so I am still swollen.

fee · September 26, 2005

Welcome to LBT

sharilynn1965 · October 2, 2005

I was just banded less then a week ago. 9/28/05 and am getting very tired of liquids. Every time I drink I can hard and feel thing as they go down. I was wondering if this is alway what I will feel and heard or dose that go away?

October 2, 2005

I really didn't feel things going down as much as I do now that I received my fill. Which I am glad because I want that restriction. The 1st week I did the liquids, but I also was allowed things like grits, cream of wheat, Soup - no chunk items. I also tried a little mashed potatoes - they were thin of course with milk. I was banded on 9/14 and had my 1st fill on 9/28 and I can pretty much tolerate any fairly soft food. As long it is not too course and chopped up fine. Yogurt is good as well and it does have Protein in it. Make sure you have Protein drinks that taste good - or it will make it harder for you during the liquid time. I love the chocolate whey Tech from Vitamin Shoppe. It tastes just like a chocolate Yoo Hoo.

Good Luck.

Kim B

Banded 9/14/05

Fill 9/28/05 - 5.2

307/292/140

Dr. Dirk Rodriguez

Methodist Hospital Dallas