Whiny Lap-Bander....

Hi George. The band is adjusted by the doctor. It is a quick procedure done where the doctor injects additional saline into the band through a port sewn under the skin in the abdomine. The additional saline makes the opening from the pouch to the lower stomach smaller and helps get that full feeling faster. I have a video on my personal webpage in my signature. My doctor soes it a little differently, he does all of his fills under flouro (X-Ray), but many doctors don't. Hope that helps.

While I envy the progress my wife has made, it's not I who compares himself to RNY.  My WIFE compares me to RNY.  I truely don't expect her results.  She thinks that when I eat more than 2 or 3 oz. of food, I should feel full.  She makes me feel like crap when she makes all these non-supportive comments about having the thrid piece of pizza (that she ordered by the way), etc.  Oh, and ME stopping after three slices of pizza is UNHEARD OF!  She's become very militant since her RNY.  Honestly, I would not marry this woman today.  She's too concerned with her agenda and has really distanced herself from me. I was told that I got the "VL" or "VG" band.  Its supposed to be the biggest one.  My next fill is 13 July... Friday.  Eeek! 

Congratulations on your progress so far!  My advice:  take a big dose of patience, sit back and start relearning eating - what to eat, when to eat, why to eat, how much to eat, etc.  Consistency of food makes a difference - mound of mashed potatoes feels full v. two small bites of chicken and you're full - the quanity does vary based on consistency.  There are things that you won't be able to eat.  Or things that you can eat one day but can't eat the next day.  And don't even try leftover meats or dry meats.  It helps me to drink protein drinks each morning, and sometimes before each meal.  Here's a list from the lapband forum that I have used as general guidelines (but I break the  don't have drinks with calories)...  Good luck and enjoy your new journey - pretty soon the shoes will be loose, the belts have to be replaced, new sizes of clothes - all sorts of farts!    1. EAT THREE SMALL MEALS PER DAY- Make good choices and supplement between meal cravings with a protein shake.

2. EAT ONLY GOOD SOLID FOOD- Healthy foods will fill you up faster than junk food. Likewise, solid, dense protein foods will keep you full longer than quick burning carbohydrate foods.

3. EAT SLOWLY, SENSE FULLNESS AND THEN STOP- Remember this is a tool. Let it work for you.

4. THERE MUST BE NO EATING BETWEEN MEALS- Grazing behavior can easily add over 1000 calories a day to your intake.

5. TAKE NO LIQUIDS WITH THE MEAL- Liquids will empty solids from your pouch quickly and you will feel hungry sooner. Drinking after a full meal may also induce vomiting.

6. ALL LIQUIDS MUST BE ZERO CALORIES (except protein supplements.)- Liquids pass right through the small stomach and do not produce a feeling of fullness. It is easy to consume several hundred to a thousand calories a day by drinking alcohol, fruit juice or other non-diet beverages.

7. EXERCISE FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES EVERY DAY- Regular physical activitywill keep your weight loss going, reduce stress and help you feel better all around. It will also help you maintain your weight loss in the long run because it helps to rebuild muscle which has a positive affect on metabolism.

8. CONSUME YOUR PROTEIN- You need to get in at least 80 grams of protein a day. Some specialists in nutrition suggest you get a minimum of 100 grams of protein per day, depending on your build. Taking in adequate amounts of protein will help prevent fluid retention, muscle loss and will definately keep hunger at bay. Patients who consume adequate amounts of protein for their body size will enjoy a much greater weight loss.

9. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER- This may be taken in the form of any non-calorie, non-carbonated beverage. Try Crystal Lite, Diet Snapple drinks or decaffeinated coffee or tea. Aim for a MINIMUM of 64 oz. of water per day. Keep a bottle or glass or water within reach at all times as a reminder to sip. Blend a 64 oz. pitcher of Crystal Lite with 3-4 scoops of Nectar and keep in the fridge for all day sipping... takes care of protein and water in one fell swoop.

10. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS/SUPPLEMENTS RELIGIOUSLY- This includes a multivitamin with adequate iron and B-12, and calcium supplement. These are vital to your staying healthy in the long term.  Feel free to whine any time - we're just on the slow boats to success!!

Jeff, I had the lapband done on 12/04/06. I have had 4 fills already. I know I'm still eating more than the recommended amount. BUT!  I am definately eating less than before the surgery. I have to tell yo that I didn't see much of a difference in my eating until the 3rd fill. I had a couple of problems adjusting to this so for my 4th fill the DR. only did a small fill. When I go to see him on my next fill (every 6 weeks) I'm hoping he'll do a good fill and cut my eating even more. My DR. likes to do small amounts with each fill to give you a chance to get adjusted to eating smaller amounts. I too thought it would be done a lot sooner. I think we read of the fast losses with the rny'ers and we get antsy and want this to go faster and lose more faster. But we should have known before hand that this is a slower process.  You will get there, but it will take time. You didn't gain the weight overnight therefore we can't get rid of it overnight. Hang in there and be patient we will get there. Talk with your DR and let him know your concerns. Best of luck. Dan 

Can't help with the wife issue but I'd push the doctor for more frequent fills.  I was banded May 8th, had my first fill last week and plan to get one again next week.  Many doctors will do fills every two weeks.  You're not failing, the band just isn't working for you yet.

Hey, I'm up for more frequent fills but, My Doc isn't so much.  He likes to wait until all the inflammation has subsided before he re-evals and decides on a fill.  He's a good guy despite the arse chewing I got the last time I was in. Apparently the CRUSHED F__KING NERVE in my back isn't an excuse to not run a 5K everyday.  But, I digress.  I trust his judgement completely. His education gal, Lisa, She's a saint...  helped me with all kinds of dilemmas.