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Tonja, I'm in a little town outside of Mountain Home, Arkansas. I was really nevous too. I had never had a surgery beore. I was banded on March 15 of this year. Just two months ago. If I had driven it would have taken me 24 hours, so I flew...this was also a first (as well as seeing the ocean). I decided I didn't want to turn 30 trapped in this depressed person that doesn't even have the confdence to see the ocean. I didn't want to keep waiting to live. It was amazing how fast the recovery was. I was back at work in 3 days. I lost 20 lbs really quickly, then I started to struggle with the desire to eat verses actual hunger. I'm sure as a person with food issues this will be a life long struggle. About 7 weeks after the surgery, I started to get hungry too often and want to eat more than I should. I plateaued, then I started to gain 2 or 3

pounds. So I made an appointment and had my first fill on this past Thursday. I've already taken off the 2 or 3 gained. I won't say it has been easy to get up and make myself exercise or say no to the phantom hunger, but I will say it has been worth it. I'd do it again a thousand times over. My kids already hae a better mom and I'm not even half way there. You can ask me any questions you have. The people in this forum helped me make the decision to save my own life, and I am more than happy to do the same for someone else. I know everyone says it, but my only regret is not begining this journey sooner. 245/213/145 DOB 3/15/08Tonja <tandtf@...> wrote: ,I am curious when did you get banded and where are you at? I amscheduled to get banded on the 23rd so am getting a little nervous. Iam wondering how long it took you to go from weight before surgery tonow? Thanks for your help,Tonja>> Hello to all,> I had my first fill yesterday. It didn't hurt and my doc has noproblem with Mexico WLS folks. He says it isn't really fair todiscriminate we need a doctor too. I'm excited that my weight willstart going down again now. I was

getting really hungry in theevenings. My BMI has already gone down from 45 to 39! I'm thinkingthat maybe I can keep climbing this physical and emotionalhill....especially with all of you.> > I have questions about the liquid to mushy phase now. They saidfive days till I'm on normal food again. ....how long for clear? Howlong for full liquids? and mushies? > > > 245/215/145>

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,

I am from Arkansas also. I am scheduled to be banded on June 5th. I was wondering, where did you get your fill? Did you go back to Dr.A?

Burson

Pampered Chef

Independent Consultant

http://www.pamperedchef.biz/carrieb

Re: Re: first fill

Tonja,

I'm in a little town outside of Mountain Home, Arkansas. I was really nevous too. I had never had a surgery beore. I was banded on March 15 of this year. Just two months ago. If I had driven it would have taken me 24 hours, so I flew...this was also a first (as well as seeing the ocean). I decided I didn't want to turn 30 trapped in this depressed person that doesn't even have the confdence to see the ocean. I didn't want to keep waiting to live.

It was amazing how fast the recovery was. I was back at work in 3 days. I lost 20 lbs really quickly, then I started to struggle with the desire to eat verses actual hunger. I'm sure as a person with food issues this will be a life long struggle. About 7 weeks after the surgery, I started to get hungry too often and want to eat more than I should. I plateaued, then I started to gain 2 or 3 pounds. So I made an appointment and had my first fill on this past Thursday. I've already taken off the 2 or 3 gained.

I won't say it has been easy to get up and make myself exercise or say no to the phantom hunger, but I will say it has been worth it. I'd do it again a thousand times over. My kids already hae a better mom and I'm not even half way there. You can ask me any questions you have. The people in this forum helped me make the decision to save my own life, and I am more than happy to do the same for someone else. I know everyone says it, but my only regret is not begining this journey sooner.

245/213/145

DOB 3/15/08Tonja <tandtf (DOT) com> wrote:

,I am curious when did you get banded and where are you at? I amscheduled to get banded on the 23rd so am getting a little nervous. Iam wondering how long it took you to go from weight before surgery tonow? Thanks for your help,Tonja>> Hello to all,> I had my first fill yesterday. It didn't hurt and my doc has noproblem with Mexico WLS folks. He says it isn't really fair todiscriminate we need a doctor too. I'm excited that my weight willstart going down again now. I was getting really hungry in theevenings. My BMI has already gone down from 45 to 39! I'm thinkingthat maybe I can keep climbing this physical and

emotionalhill....especially with all of you.> > I have questions about the liquid to mushy phase now. They saidfive days till I'm on normal food again. ....how long for clear? Howlong for full liquids? and mushies? > > > 245/215/145>

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, I went to Dr. Lambert in Batesville, AR. It is about an hour and twenty minutes from me. He charges 377 for first visit and fill, but then it is only 150 for each visit after. I know Dr. A is cheaper but the traveling isn't for me. I called several places before finding one that would take a patient from mexico. I know I wanted to have a doc before surgery too. Burson <burson.carrie@...> wrote: , I am from Arkansas also. I am scheduled to be banded on June 5th. I was wondering, where did you get your fill? Did you go back to Dr.A? Burson Pampered Chef Independent Consultant http://www.pamperedchef.biz/carrieb Re: Re: first fill Tonja, I'm in a little town outside of Mountain Home, Arkansas. I was really nevous too. I had never had a surgery beore. I was banded on March 15 of this year. Just two months ago. If I had driven it would have taken me 24 hours, so I flew...this was also a first (as well as seeing the ocean). I decided I didn't want to turn 30 trapped in this depressed person that doesn't even have the confdence to see the ocean. I didn't want to keep waiting to live. It was amazing how fast the recovery was. I was back at work in 3 days. I lost 20 lbs really quickly, then I started to

struggle with the desire to eat verses actual hunger. I'm sure as a person with food issues this will be a life long struggle. About 7 weeks after the surgery, I started to get hungry too often and want to eat more than I should. I plateaued, then I started to gain 2 or 3 pounds. So I made an appointment and had my first fill on this past Thursday. I've already taken off the 2 or 3 gained. I won't say it has been easy to get up and make myself exercise or say no to the phantom hunger, but I will say it has been worth it. I'd do it again a thousand times over. My kids already hae a better mom and I'm not even half way there. You can ask me any questions you have. The people in this forum helped me make the decision to save my own life, and I am more than happy to do the same for someone else. I know everyone says it, but my only regret is not begining this journey

sooner. 245/213/145 DOB 3/15/08Tonja <tandtf (DOT) com> wrote: ,I am curious when did you get banded and where are you at? I amscheduled to get banded on the 23rd so am getting a little nervous. Iam wondering how long it took you to go from weight before surgery tonow? Thanks for your help,Tonja>> Hello to all,> I had my first fill yesterday. It didn't hurt and my doc has noproblem with Mexico WLS folks. He says it isn't really fair todiscriminate we need a doctor too. I'm excited that my

weight willstart going down again now. I was getting really hungry in theevenings. My BMI has already gone down from 45 to 39! I'm thinkingthat maybe I can keep climbing this physical and emotionalhill....especially with all of you.> > I have questions about the liquid to mushy phase now. They saidfive days till I'm on normal food again. ....how long for clear? Howlong for full liquids? and mushies? > > > 245/215/145>

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  • 4 months later...

Very true.

A friend of my daughter's mom had a band a while ago, she lost 40 lbs right off

the bat, but hasnt had a fill and doesnt have any support system...I told her

about this site and I told her to get a fill!! The band cant do it alone!!

-------------- Original message --------------

From: " moonshadow.sandy " <moonshadow.sandy@...>

Hi, Barb - I'm always a little disappointed when the docs don't cover

these basics. People then think something is wrong, their band is not

working (and will not work) for them, and they can get very depressed

and anxious. Most people ae NOT hooked into an online support group

like this, to ask.

I've known some people who didn't know this was normal, did not lose

the first 2 months, were so sad and embarrassed they never went back

to the doc and totally gave up. simply because they didn't know.

YES! This is normal! The band is not working well, if at all, until

we reach a good fill level. Most people need 3-5 small fills, ideally

about a month apart, to reach a good level. then, as we lose, we'll

need more fill periodically to keep the band snug and functional.

the first fill or two usually produce little if any differecen, and

are ment only as a small, gentle introduction to stomach pressure.

the stomach is very grumpy and hates being touched, so sudden big

changes make it very angry. anyone who had had an accidental overfill

can tell you that it is pure misery - and very unsafe. low and

gradual is the key to a safe fill.

Until a good fill , most people can eat and drink pretty much as

before. The band also does not dim hunger until a pretty good fill

level - plus a good band meal.

Still, with attention to new band needs - better food choices, much

better activity/exercise, more no-cal fluids, and working on the

food/eating issues we all have, we can still lose a bit even before a

good fill level.

the weight loss foruma is exactly the same with or without the band -

eat less and exercsie more to lose! the band only makes it easier to

be physically satisfied with less food.

Keep the faith! :-) You'll get there!

Sandy r

-- In , Barbara Kittle

<pastorkittle@...> wrote:

>

> My surgery was August 25 & I'm still waiting for my first fill. I

have a question for the experienced at this. Is it normal to start

thinking about food all the time & be hungrier than ever? I get my

band filled Oct 15. I lost 12 pounds the first month but I'm

struggling not to gain some back.

>

> Barb K

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THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE HELP. GOOD TO HEAR THAT I'M GOING THRU

SOMETHING THAT'S NORMAL. IT'S A LITTLE DISCOURAGING THAT IT MAY TAKE

3 FILLS FOR THE BAND TO BE MOST EFFECTIVE. I GUESS I HAVE TO BE

PATIENT. I " VE STRUGGLED WITH MY WEIGHT FOR 43 OF MY 58 YEARS.

PEOPLE ARE SO EXCITED ABOUT MY SURGERY AND ARE ALWAYS EXPECTING TO

HEAR WONDERFUL STORIES ABOUT MY HUGE WT. LOSS EACH WEEK. I HAVEN'T

LOST ANY FOR 2 WEEKS. I HAVE TO KEEP EXPLAINING THE DIFFEENCE

BETWEEN LAP-BAND AND BY-PASS.

SANDY, iT IS SO NEAT TO HAVE SOMEONE LIKE YOU WITH A WEALTH OF

KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SITUATIONS SUCH AS MINE.

THANKS

BARB

In , pathubia@... wrote:

>

> Very true.

> A friend of my daughter's mom had a band a while ago, she lost 40

lbs right off the bat, but hasnt had a fill and doesnt have any

support system...I told her about this site and I told her to get a

fill!! The band cant do it alone!!

>

> -------------- Original message --------------

> From: " moonshadow.sandy " <moonshadow.sandy@...>

> Hi, Barb - I'm always a little disappointed when the docs don't

cover

> these basics. People then think something is wrong, their band is

not

> working (and will not work) for them, and they can get very

depressed

> and anxious. Most people ae NOT hooked into an online support group

> like this, to ask.

> I've known some people who didn't know this was normal, did not

lose

> the first 2 months, were so sad and embarrassed they never went

back

> to the doc and totally gave up. simply because they didn't know.

>

> YES! This is normal! The band is not working well, if at all, until

> we reach a good fill level. Most people need 3-5 small fills,

ideally

> about a month apart, to reach a good level. then, as we lose, we'll

> need more fill periodically to keep the band snug and functional.

>

> the first fill or two usually produce little if any differecen, and

> are ment only as a small, gentle introduction to stomach pressure.

> the stomach is very grumpy and hates being touched, so sudden big

> changes make it very angry. anyone who had had an accidental

overfill

> can tell you that it is pure misery - and very unsafe. low and

> gradual is the key to a safe fill.

>

> Until a good fill , most people can eat and drink pretty much as

> before. The band also does not dim hunger until a pretty good fill

> level - plus a good band meal.

>

> Still, with attention to new band needs - better food choices, much

> better activity/exercise, more no-cal fluids, and working on the

> food/eating issues we all have, we can still lose a bit even before

a

> good fill level.

>

> the weight loss foruma is exactly the same with or without the

band -

> eat less and exercsie more to lose! the band only makes it easier

to

> be physically satisfied with less food.

>

> Keep the faith! :-) You'll get there!

>

> Sandy r

>

> -- In , Barbara Kittle

> <pastorkittle@> wrote:

> >

> > My surgery was August 25 & I'm still waiting for my first fill. I

> have a question for the experienced at this. Is it normal to start

> thinking about food all the time & be hungrier than ever? I get my

> band filled Oct 15. I lost 12 pounds the first month but I'm

> struggling not to gain some back.

> >

> > Barb K

>

>

>

>

>

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Hi Barb,

First, please don't use ALL CAPS. That's considered shouting on the

net, plus is harder to read. Even all lower case (in case you're like

me and occasionally to hurried or lazy to capitalize) is better than

all upper.

Thursday, October 9, 2008, 2:47:57 PM, you wrote:

> THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE HELP. GOOD TO HEAR THAT I'M GOING THRU

> SOMETHING THAT'S NORMAL. IT'S A LITTLE DISCOURAGING THAT IT MAY TAKE

> 3 FILLS FOR THE BAND TO BE MOST EFFECTIVE. I GUESS I HAVE TO BE

> PATIENT. I " VE STRUGGLED WITH MY WEIGHT FOR 43 OF MY 58 YEARS.

Too bad your doc didn't explain about that. So many docs skip

important things. As you note, it took you 43 years to get fat, and

it'll most likely take you more than 43 weeks to lose it, but not 43

years, and not even 43 months unless you're VERY slow, don't follow

the rules, or are VERY obese.

> PEOPLE ARE SO EXCITED ABOUT MY SURGERY AND ARE ALWAYS EXPECTING TO

> HEAR WONDERFUL STORIES ABOUT MY HUGE WT. LOSS EACH WEEK. I HAVEN'T

> LOST ANY FOR 2 WEEKS. I HAVE TO KEEP EXPLAINING THE DIFFEENCE

> BETWEEN LAP-BAND AND BY-PASS.

Yes. And that's why some of us don't tell people about the surgery,

so that they won't be nagging us all the time, telling us what we can

and can't eat, and all that.

> SANDY, iT IS SO NEAT TO HAVE SOMEONE LIKE YOU WITH A WEALTH OF

> KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SITUATIONS SUCH AS MINE.

Hang in there. And remember, weight loss isn't linear. Some weeks

you'll lose a bunch, some none, and sometimes even go up a little.

That's life. Just isn't always the way we think it should be. If

you're an actual pastor, you're particularly aware of that from your

parishoners, I'm sure. (I realize that could be your last name or

something else)

dan

--

" It's OK to be a little broken, everybody's broken in this life " Jon Bon Jovi

Dan Lester, Boise, Idaho, USA www.mylapband.tk

Banded 4/27/03, Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana

Started at 355, at goal in the 210-220 range for almost 4 years

Ultimate goal of 195 Tummytuck in Boise and SmartLipo in Tijuana

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Hi Barb,

I look at myself and don't really see the size difference.  However today I fit

into a size 16W skirt.  I use to wear a 22 or 24.  I haven't been able to rewire

the brain to my new size yet however I know that will come with time.

Best of luck in your continued journey

> >

> > My surgery was August 25 & I'm still waiting for my first fill. I

> have a question for the experienced at this. Is it normal to start

> thinking about food all the time & be hungrier than ever? I get my

> band filled Oct 15. I lost 12 pounds the first month but I'm

> struggling not to gain some back.

> >

> > Barb K

>

>

>

>

>

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Sorry about that.  I had most of it typed before I realized it was all in caps.

 

Barb

> THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE HELP. GOOD TO HEAR THAT I'M GOING THRU

> SOMETHING THAT'S NORMAL. IT'S A LITTLE DISCOURAGING THAT IT MAY TAKE

> 3 FILLS FOR THE BAND TO BE MOST EFFECTIVE. I GUESS I HAVE TO BE

> PATIENT. I " VE STRUGGLED WITH MY WEIGHT FOR 43 OF MY 58 YEARS.

Too bad your doc didn't explain about that. So many docs skip

important things. As you note, it took you 43 years to get fat, and

it'll most likely take you more than 43 weeks to lose it, but not 43

years, and not even 43 months unless you're VERY slow, don't follow

the rules, or are VERY obese.

> PEOPLE ARE SO EXCITED ABOUT MY SURGERY AND ARE ALWAYS EXPECTING TO

> HEAR WONDERFUL STORIES ABOUT MY HUGE WT. LOSS EACH WEEK. I HAVEN'T

> LOST ANY FOR 2 WEEKS. I HAVE TO KEEP EXPLAINING THE DIFFEENCE

> BETWEEN LAP-BAND AND BY-PASS.

Yes. And that's why some of us don't tell people about the surgery,

so that they won't be nagging us all the time, telling us what we can

and can't eat, and all that.

> SANDY, iT IS SO NEAT TO HAVE SOMEONE LIKE YOU WITH A WEALTH OF

> KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SITUATIONS SUCH AS MINE.

Hang in there. And remember, weight loss isn't linear. Some weeks

you'll lose a bunch, some none, and sometimes even go up a little.

That's life. Just isn't always the way we think it should be. If

you're an actual pastor, you're particularly aware of that from your

parishoners, I'm sure. (I realize that could be your last name or

something else)

dan

--

" It's OK to be a little broken, everybody's broken in this life " Jon Bon Jovi

Dan Lester, Boise, Idaho, USA www.mylapband. tk

Banded 4/27/03, Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana

Started at 355, at goal in the 210-220 range for almost 4 years

Ultimate goal of 195 Tummytuck in Boise and SmartLipo in Tijuana

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Thanks for your encouragement.  I guess I'm a little impatient.  I am almost

completely incapacitated because of my knees.  I crave to be able to walk on my

own.  I guess it'll come with time.

 

 

Congratulations on your success so far.  It's such a battle.  :)

 

Barb  K

> >

> > My surgery was August 25 & I'm still waiting for my first fill. I

> have a question for the experienced at this. Is it normal to start

> thinking about food all the time & be hungrier than ever? I get my

> band filled Oct 15. I lost 12 pounds the first month but I'm

> struggling not to gain some back.

> >

> > Barb K

>

>

>

>

>

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-Ann, our eyes are not our friends sometimes. it takes a long

time for us to " SEE " ourselves as thinner, even when we are. It's

also hard for our eyes to accept that a small meal really is all we

need, when we are so used to huge meals.

a trick is to measure and take pictures. they do not lie. Take pix

all along the way in a door frame, take and record measurements

regularly, and graph your loss. It's easier to acccept progress that

way.

Also, write down every single NSV, big or small. when we are

temporarily stalled out, look at that list to see how far you have

come.

Thee are forms for these in the files here, if anyone wants to print

and use them. " My Measurements " and " My NSV's "

Maintaining optimism and seeing progress on paper is extremely

important in long but safe journey back to health, like the band.

Sandy r

>

> Hi Barb,

> I look at myself and don't really see the size difference.  However

today I fit into a size 16W skirt.  I use to wear a 22 or 24.  I

haven't been able to rewire the brain to my new size yet however I

know that will come with time.

> Best of luck in your continued journey

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hurting knees really makes life difficult, and getting good exercsie

very tough. Water areobics are very good for exercise, though, for

those with knee and hip problems. There are lots of good chair and

arm exercises too that hope you'll consider.

Sandy r

> > >

> > > My surgery was August 25 & I'm still waiting for my first fill.

I

> > have a question for the experienced at this. Is it normal to

start

> > thinking about food all the time & be hungrier than ever? I get

my

> > band filled Oct 15. I lost 12 pounds the first month but I'm

> > struggling not to gain some back.

> > >

> > > Barb K

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

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Hi Barbara,

I wish I could insert a little video clip of me jumping up and down

yelling " me too! " . I got my band on 9/11 and after the first 4 or 5

days I felt little or no restriction. I feel like I'm hungrier than

before the surgery. I kept bugging the doctor so I have my first fill

appointment on 10/28. I lost 8 lbs within two weeks after surgery and

have not lost any more. Patience is a virtue that eludes me but I

guess I don't get a choice.

Jeannette

>

> My surgery was August 25� & I'm still waiting for my first fill.� I

have a question for the experienced at this.� Is it normal to start

thinking about food all the time & be hungrier than ever?�� I get my

band filled Oct 15.� I lost 12 pounds the first month but I'm

struggling not to gain some back.�

> �

> Barb K

>

>

>

>

>

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I think i see you jumping up and down! :-)

but please don't wait for the first fill to get going with all the

things you need to do yourself! fills are only a part of the

equation, and the many other things are just as important. it takes

most people several months of fills to slowly and safely creep up

onm a good initial fill. surely you don't want to waste that time

with no positive changes no loss. (I hope)

Be serious about learning much more about nutrition, making good food

choices to meet the fiber, protein, good carbs, and omega 3 oils we

need daily, start getting much better exercise, and start to work on

the food and eating issues that most have, preferably with as good

therapist. These all are essential. If you do, you will start to lose

even before you get to a good fill in a few months. .

more about all this in the Band Guide in the files, and much more

important info there too, in case your doc/staff has not had several

teaching sessions with you by now.

to lose 1# in a week, we must eat 500 cal/day LESS than maintenance

for our weight, which is about 2500-3000 cal for the averege obese

woman. thus is the same with or without the band. to lose 2# a week,

we need 1000 cal a day less than our maintenance. We must eat that

much less plus burn off some extra with better activity.

I 'd suggest tracking honestly on www.FitDay.com or

www.TheDailyPlate.com to see where you are with cal and nutrition

components, then you will get an idea of what must be adjusted.

No excuses! :-) we all have to put in good effort for banding to work

for us.

the first fill can safely be given only after the 6 weeks initial

healing period. the scar tissue forms then and holds the band in

place when it is under increasing pressure from fills, so your doc is

following protocal well.

Glad you're here with us, Jeanette!

Sandy r

> >

> > My surgery was August 25� & I'm still waiting for my first

fill.> > Barb K

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Learning patience is one of the many benefits of the band.

Well, it is for most of us. Those who don't learn it have difficulty

with being banded, and are more likely to fail.

Friday, October 10, 2008, 12:52:42 PM, you wrote:

> I kept bugging the doctor so I have my first fill

> appointment on 10/28. I lost 8 lbs within two weeks after surgery and

> have not lost any more. Patience is a virtue that eludes me but I

> guess I don't get a choice.

--

" It's OK to be a little broken, everybody's broken in this life " Jon Bon Jovi

Dan Lester, Boise, Idaho, USA www.mylapband.tk

Banded 4/27/03, Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana

Started at 355, at goal in the 210-220 range for almost 4 years

Ultimate goal of 195 Tummytuck in Boise and SmartLipo in Tijuana

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