Before I had lapband surgery back in December of 2007, I was told that post-surgery I would feel full after eating about 4oz of food. Unfortunately for me, I never experienced that. After several months of dealing with condescending nurses and no results I got fed up with the system and quit going to the doctor. As a result I never finished having my lapband properly adjusted. Up until last month, I could eat almost as much as I could eat before the surgery, the only difference being I sometimes (but not always) found myself getting clogged on dense foods (like bread). Everything else got through just fine. 4oz of food? I could eat a 16oz steak with no problems — plus a baked potato, and usually a few dinner rolls to boot. For three years I’ve been the laughing stock of the weight loss surgery community.
Four weeks ago, I switched over to Susan’s doctor. The first thing he did was look at my band and inform me that, at the setting it was currently at, it couldn’t possibly be giving me any restriction. I agreed, and so he gave me a “fill” (an injection of saline that constricts the band). After that, and really for the first time since I had the lapband, I began feeling restriction. On a two-week long protein-only diet (liquids and bars), I lost 17 pounds. Then, the two weeks following that, I moved back to eating regular foods (just less of them). Although I was still eating more than 4oz of food at a time, by making good choices and with some restriction, I managed to lose another 6 pounds.
At the doctor’s office last week, Doc said “You’re still eating too much,” and he gave me another fill. Boy, did he. When making good choices and eating the right things now (2/3 meat, 1/3 veggies) I’m pretty close to being full — stuffed, actually — on between 4oz and 6oz of food. Of course different foods and textures affect the lapband differently. I was able to eat at least 12oz of chili one day this week; then again, tonight, I was only able to eat about four or five bites of a chicken salad from Quizno’s before having to stop. Thanksgiving (food-wise) was pretty boring, but I was reminded that while I can only eat a few ounces of Turkey, I can eat an entire piece of pumpkin pie. The lapband does NOT make good choices for me — I have to do that myself!
Suddenly, it’s all coming together. I’m making good food choices, and the band is there to limit quantities. The family and I visited a Chinese buffet over the weekend; I had four pieces of shrimp and four pieces of chicken (hardly worth the price of admission).
The “average” patient loses between 85-100 pounds after lapband surgery. Right now I’m only about 30 pounds below my pre-surgery weight. I’ve got my eye set on that 100 pounds down mark, and don’t plan on stopping there.
Don’t forget to develop a regular pattern of exercise too.
Very good! I’m glad things are moving on. It shows that the success of the lap band depends as much on the Doctor as on the patient.
Question: Are you stuck with that lap band for the rest of your life or will you be able to have surgery and get it removed?
It helps to have others around you with the same goal. And after my sugery almost 30 years ago, I found buffets were a waste. Any other restaurant, I could at least get a doggie bag (sometimes getting 3 or 4 more meals from the one the rest. served.) You’ll start seeing some major money savings too. I’d wish you luck but you don’t need it. Just your own determination and the love and support of those around you! Way to go!
Does a lap dance come with that?
Wonderful progress, Rob. You are on your way to becoming a great lose, in the best sense possible :)
Well Rob I must say that you and Susan both are looking great and from the pics of thanksgiving I feel like giving myself a pat on the back too. We are all 3 headed towards a happier life. I must say every day is challenging though because I feel like I’m dying after eating 1/2 cup of black eyed peas and I still do know how to cook like a skinny person. I still want to eat pie and cake but I choose not to now. I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel when before I could never see it and I felt doomed. I feel hope now and I’m falling in love with life again. It’s all worth it even though some days I think what did I do to myself with this surgery? As we speak I feel like beans are lodged in my pouch but in about 30 minutes it will pass. You are doing great and I am proud of you. I love you and Susan so much and I am so happy you will be around for a long time so we can all have a lot more fun with our family. Keep up the good work!
Congrats, Rob!!! Losing weight is tough! I had weight loss surgery in 2001 with huge success but thanks to a huge regime of steroids it’s caused a lot of weight gain which is so heartbreaking and depressing for me. Now I’ll never find a husband! :)
Seriously, congrats! Choosing the right food is the main battle for me. Keep us updated on the progress and thanks for sharing your experience/progress.