matilda617

Hi Leah. So far so good. I have not had a fill yet as it is only 4 weeks post op for me. I do not plan on having a fill until my weight loss slows down to 1 pound a week for several weeks.

Presently with the band I do feel full and have not experienced any real hunger pangs. I have had no sliming or PBing .

I am following the rules that were given to me by the OCC strickly. I remember Dr Ortiz telling me that once I started eating the key was not to see how much my band could handle but in fact to see how little I could eat and feel full. As soon as I feel full I stop whether the meal is finished or not.

I also follow the 5 rules they gave us very strickly

1. Eat 3 times a day.

2. Eat only solid foods once you are past the 21 days post op

3. Chew thoroughly

4. Do not drink liquids with meals

5. No high calorie foods.

I was a sugar addict before , a binge eater and I loved any junk food . Since I have been banded I have experienced no cravings. Actually I should say no craving for junk food only healthy food. I make sure i get a minimum of 50 grams of protein a day . That is what Dr. Miranda told me to do.

I also think I huge factor for me is exercise. Since I started my pre op diet I have walked. I live on the side of a mountian so I walk 40 minutes a day after work. It is about 2.75 miles and downhill one way and all up hill the other. My resting pulse is now 43 which means my heart is in great shape from the exercise and weight loss. Pulse before was 75-80.

I also do bands on alternate days to try and keep my arms tones as much as possible. At work I used to ride the elevator and now i only do the stairs which helps as well.

Being banded has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. My only regret is that I did not do it years ago. I LOVE MY BAND AND MY NEW LIFE.

Funny thing happened yesterday. I went for my walk and 3 times my pants fell right off. Thank God no one was around. I had to walk the rest of the way holding them up. Great non scale victory. Guess it is time to go and buy some new clothes

Have to run now so I hope this information helps you. If you have anymore questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Debbie

P.S No I have never been stuck

Thank you for all of the info; I will be watching your success!!!! Take care- Leah

Breakfast : Scrambled Egg whites

1 bite of suasage

3 strawberries

Lunch: 2 oz chicken

green peppers, red peppers and carrots

Dinner: Salmon frattata

green beans

1/2 orange

Hi- Watching your progress as I am trying to make my mind up to do this; scared becuase of all of the sliming and stuck stuff!!! You look like you are eating pretty well- have the urges to eat junk food been curbed? Have you gotten "stuck" ?? And if you have, is it as bad and painful as I am imagining, or is it tolerable? Thanks!! Leah

Leah,

I was not eating enough food and constantly spitting up what I was eating. Now I am able to keep my food down and finish a bandster size meal. I did not have a complete until, just .4

Thanks! You look great!!!

B: 1 Scrambled Egg with chopped sausage patty and cheese

Hi,

I am considering the procedure- why did you have to have the unfill?? You are doing great.

Thanks-

Leah

Lots of people have gone alone. I have to admit though - I wouldnt be able to. When I have the little pill that relaxes me before surgery, and then being under anethesia(spelling?) I actually am kind of out of it for the next few days. I dont even remember the day after surgery. Also - to be 100% honest....it was intimidating and I think it makes it a lot easier to have a companion...what about a friend?

Hi-

Thanks for the response! How many times were you filled and why were you unfilled and did you go back to the OCC? Are you able to eat now? Have you had any problems with the band? You sound a lot like me- I was never huge but have gained a lot of weight recently. Sorry for all of the questions!! Curoius about your amazing success!

Thanks-

Leah

When the lady at TJ maxx asks how old your baby is...

I was buying little baby size travel snack cups for my cottage cheese at work lol

Wow- I am impressed by your weight loss!! I am seriously considering the procedure- do you have any regrets? Have you had problems with the PB'ing? (sounds terrible and the reason I am scared).

Thanks-

Leah

Hi-

Is it a requirement that I take a companion with me? I would like to but could come sooner if my husband stayed home with my son.

Thanks!

Leah

Hi Canadian Bandster. It was nice meeting you in person on Monday. How are you feeling and did you have fun with your friend?

Hi-

Have you had any problems with the band? You were able to stick to the liquid diet?

Thanks!!

Leah

I want a scale like that too! I'm at 180 again this morning.....I feel like I will NEVER see the 170's

I wanted to be 175 by the end of summer and at goal (160) by my bday October 25th but then I had the dreaded unfill. Any idea how I can lose 20 pounds in a month???? Kidding. I've adjusted the goal and hope to (WILL) be there by Christmas!!!

Sabrina:)

Hi-

I am new and considering the band- why did you have to get the unfill? Are you going to the OCC for all fills and unfills?

Thanks-

Leah

Hi Leah,

I guess it wasn't a pain I expected to feel. I felt like I did 100 sit-ups. Not 1000, mind you, but 100. So, my muscles were sore, especially near the port area, but not a real PAIN. I think the band rests closer to your chest/sternum area because every once in a while, I'd feel tightening in my chest or maybe what felt a little like heartburn? Those came & went in the first week, but haven't experienced anything since. Now that I'm on full liquids (MY LAST WEEK!!!) when I have about a cup or so, I feel REALLY full....but in my chest area!! Weird. Like all the soup is resting in my chest! These past couple of days, I've gone down to half a cup and that has helped a lot. Mentally, I want to finish a cup because it seems so small!!! BUT, I think that's where I have to start changing, and realizing when I'm satisfied.

Nothing I've experienced so far has been even remotely unbearable. I feel great and I'm starting to notice my figure changing!! Woo-hoo!!! Having that motivation keeps me on track, for sure.

Thanks!!

I am about your size- not real big- I just don't feel comfortable and have gained a lot of weight in the last 5 years. I was really big with both pregnancies- 100lbs plus gained- and lost it all. Now I am gaining it all back and I just can't fight this battle anymore; I am so tired of it. I need help and hope this is a solution. My mother is really upset that I am considering it; I don't think she understands as she has always been very thin. My husband is supportive though, and will most likely make the trip with me.

Thanks for all of your info!! You seem to be doing great!

Leah =D>

I got so lightheaded with the clear fluids that I contacted Dr. Miranda today and she okayed me starting drinkable yogurt today, day 5 post op. Thank goodness. Then protein shakes the day after tomorrow. I was getting pretty bitchy....

Hi-

I am considering the surgery- have pretty much made my mind up that this is the only thing that can help me. I am worried about not being able to stick to the post op diet- 21 days is a long time!!! Are you feeling better?

Thanks-

Leah

Hi Leah,

I'm 12 days post-op. First, let me tell you that you are on a liquid diet for 21 days after surgery. Afterward, you are allowed to eat "regular" food. Your fill won't be for 6-8 weeks after surgery, so there are a few weeks in between your post-op diet and fill time. Do I want to cheat? Absolutely! BUT, I remind myself that this is short term. I'm almost through the 21 day liquids, and I don't want to do anything to stretch my pouch or harm my healing process in any way. You will lose weight in your first couple of weeks, and a lot of people have said (me included) that you're not hungry in the first week after surgery.

Hang in there! We're all here to support you! You've found a great board and a great support system here. GOOD LUCK!!

all the best,

Thanks for the reply! Was it painful? Can you feel the band in your stomach?

Thanks again- Leah

Hi-

This is my first entry as I am really considering the procedure and trying to find out as much as I can. Did you feel the urge to eat solid food before your fill? I am so afraid that I would not be able to stick to it because I haven't been able to stick with any diet. I'm also getting a lot of negativity from my mother (although I am 45) about this- she just doesn't understand that nothing else has worked for me and I am unhappy.

Thank you!

Leah (fattie)