Good luck Matt.  Keep in touch.

Kevin -
I guess when it comes down to it, those are the reasons I switched to the band at the last minute. Though there is a part of me that so much wants to be a "normal" weight, lose my excess weight sooner than later, and be "forced" to eat healthy, the whole permanancy thing is what freaked me and my family out. I know this will be much tougher now with the band, but I see the operation as my commitment to eat right and be healthy. Since I never ate due to hunger, the band might not have been the right choice, but I am commited to do this, regardless of all the specifics of fills, unfills, sweet spots, etc, etc. I'm sure I will use the band as a tool, but at this point I only see it as a very small tool and know that alnost all of my success will depend on me and not this new tool.  Thanks for sharing.
Regards, 
Matt   

I also see Dr Fisher and he is great! He really listens to me and what I am feeling, etc. And he is great with Fills!  i really like the office staff as well. They have always been nice to me.:)

My weight loss started 5 months prior to surgery.  Dr Synder needed me to lose 70lbs before I could safely have the surgery.  So working with the nutritionist I basically went on the bariatric diet before even being banded.  In the past 6 months since surgery I've lost an additional 40lbs.  He told me the weight lose would taper off some once the surgery was done and I started stabilizing on the current diet.  So far after the surgery, I've averaged the 1-2lbs/week that is targeted.

Hi Matt welcome.

I too am banded, but made that decision long before the surgery.  You will not feel much restriction at first, there is very little 'fill fluid' right after surgery.  Stick to the menu plan (fluilds, softs, then solids) that you surgery recommeds.  The restriction after a week or two will feel even less.  This is due to some swelling occuring during the surgery and it goes down after a week or two.  Get in to the doctor to have your first fill as soon as they let you make the appointment.

Try not to do what I did, which was wait for 4 to 6 weeks between fills.  Once you get your first fill, give it a week to see how it works, and if you are able to eat without feeling more restriction than you previously did, then its time to get back in and discuss it with the nurse and get another fill.  I am 6 months out and I have had only 4 fills.  But I am now starting to feel the restriction I should have had 3 months ago. 

Good luck to you, keep in touch.