POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Yesterday I went in for a fill. I'm about 6 months out and my weight loss has been really slow the past 2-3 months. When I went in today I had GAINED 3 pounds! I am hungry all the time now. She gave me another fill of 1 cc. Last night I bent over for something and when I stood back up I felt a little tingle at my port area. You know when you have a Water balloon or hose and it has a little tiny pin prick hole in it and you put your hand over it? It was that exact feeling. Immediately I wondered if I had a leak. I have never even thought about a leak before, the thought just popped into my head. And I remembered that after my prior fill I also felt that tingly…

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I got on the scale yesterday and then of course my grandson wanted to weigh himself too. I lost the same amount as my grandson weighs. I can't believe I carried around those pounds, I can hardly pick him up. I do recognize that the nutritionist helped me, I don't however give much credit to the band. I have had 3 fills already and can eat as much if not more than my 33 and 31 year old sons. I have just had more willpower than I did in the past. I have no restrictions, can eat almost everything I want, and crave everything. I eat one packet of oatmeal where I used to eat 3. I eat one tuna sandwich where I used to eat the entire can, usuall 2 1/2 sandw…

okay, so I know this is kind of crazy to ask, but I of course forgot my lunch today and need to buy something, so I was thinking of getting a turkey BLT salad from saladworks (304 calories--I get it dry and use my own FF catalina). the thing is, I don't have my scale with me and have no restriction. I can't find anything online either--does anyone know how much one of these suckers roughly weighs? I'm trying to hard not to stretch out my pouch, but with no restriction right now, that means stopping myself while I'm still hungry :-( thanks for any info anyone has!!

Hi Everyone. It is my first post here. I had my surgery Tuesday, december 1st (5 days ago) in the Dominican Republic. My surgeon gave me a list of liquids which I was allowed to drink for 15 days: cranberry juice, apple juice, clear Soup (not blended) and Water. He said I should drink 1.25 ounces of juice or soup every 2 or 4 hours. and 1.25 oz of water every 15 minutes. It is my 5th day and IM GOING CRAAAZY!!!! I looked around the forum and on the internet and realized that he did not say anything about Protein, liquids that go through a straw (just the ones i mentioned) or anything else!!!! I am back in the stated and the temptation is horrible. I guess I started c…

I have seen alot of stuff on hair loss and suddenly am very worried about it. I can not take a fish oil capsule or haven't found one I can take yet that doesn't make me burp up fish taste and that makes me want to throw up... HELP any good ones out there that you have tried after having burp up tastes from others?? I have chewables for later that are supposed to be wonderful but am still on mushy food stage so not sure I can take them in yet. ALSO.... does the hair grow back? I seem to be getting mixed messages on that Thank you, ~Chandra/shutterbug

About two weeks ago, at work, I bent over to pick up my pen off the floor and I felt a POP in my abd where my port is located and then felt a cool sensation then sharp pain. It scared me to death. I stopped what I was doing and called my Dr.'s office. I went in the next day and had an xray. Everything is still intact. By ruling out everything else, they said I popped a stitch. OUCH! :woot: The port is still secure with 3 other stitches, but this does worry me a bit. Has this happend to anyone else here?:thumbup: Linda G

I am beyond disgusted right now. I am considering having this stupid thing taken the heck outta me! I was doing really well - lost 7.2lbs first week, 5.3lbs second week. I was banded on 11/10. So, I realize it's bad to keep getting on the scale, but I can't help it. So this week, I have been all over the place - as much as up 2-4lbs. As of today I am back down again, but it's still .5 above what I was last Tues. I am technically due for another weigh in this Tues, but what's the point?? Sorry, I realize this may sound confusing, so I am so pissed off! I can't fit hardly any food, I am doing what I am supposed to be doing - I should still be losing weight!!! It's…

Hey all, I was wondering what you do for a quick Breakfast on the go. I am working on my masters, and really do not have much time in the mornings before classes to eat a big breakfast. What are some of your ideas? I have been banded for 9 months, and the Protein shakes have gotten old. I use to mix vanilla with some fruit, milk and ice. Please help!!

Hello all, I just had a band to sleeve revision around a week ago. I'm doing great, down 17 pounds my first week..yay me! I wanted to talk about something I learned awhile ago about generally listening your body. I had the lap band for 3 years prior and I learned to listen to my body over the years. 1. Head Hunger CAN be controlled. 2. When you take a bite, not only should you chew, but visualize the food going through. Put your fork down. Think about when you have a flouro and drink the barium...it takes seconds to slide down, solid food takes longer. This helped me so much and is helping me now, I learned how to 'NOTICE' my food going through, slight …

Hey guys and gals!!...I just want to vent really quick!!...I was banded on November 18...and have been on a "full liquid" diet since and will continue to be until mid December...my problem is.....I have lost a 3.5-4lbs since!!!...I have been ON TRACK (except that little Thanksgiving blunder)...still mad at myself over that!....You would think the weight would be falling off!!...anyone else deal with this???:Yawn: Thank You All! Aileen

I have been banded since feb 09 and i am feeling sore in my port area tonight. does this happen to anyone else? should i be concerned? it feels like it is swollen or something. i feel like its noticeable when i rub my belly...

I just had my 4th fill 8cc in 14cc band and i feel nothing no change what so ever:( Ive never got stuck or felt sick. I can easily eat a couple cups of food. Shouldnt I feel something by now? Im freekin out. I am losing but its because I stop myself from eating. I never feel satisfied. Im just getting fed up I feel like crying

I started at my highest weight a 50DDD, on a good snug uncomfortable bra fitting day. Minus almost 57 lbs and I'm at a 42DD really comfortable fit. But the girls are taking the brunt of my weight loss! They look like they have gone through a pancake roller!! I feel like its time to put them on rollers to harnass them up so I dont get the bra cup lip. I spend all day tuggin on my bra to keep the girls where they are suppose to be. The shear weight of them keeps pulling my bra down. These poor girls point directly at the floor and hang about a 1/2 inch from my waist line! This is bad and my back is killin me!! My doc said in 30 more pounds she would send me to pla…

I have now read a second post involving abscess's in or near the stomach and with each followed by the detection of a leak. If anyone here has medical knowledge about what causes abscesses, (why they form), what are the signs... sort of pain does the patient feel, if it is always accompanied by fever, and if there is a time period after surgery when one would no longer need worry of abscessing leading to leakage...also if abscessed is a leak inevitable? I would appreciate any and all information possible since I have been experiencing minor intermittent pain on the right side of stomach/abdominal area and nearly every morning when I rinse after brushing my teeth I gag, …

I had my sleeve done on Monday and went home Tuesday night. When I woke up from surgery I was in severe pain from the surgery and the gas. I felt the gas trapped in my chest. However, it's a little better but I am scared to drink a lot. I had an upper GI done the morning before I left and they had my sipping and swallowing and I felt horrible. I felt it trapped in my chest. I have been having a hard time eating because I do not eat soup or broth. The only thing I ate in the hospital was a sugar free popsicle. I am trying to stay hydrated. Any suggestions. I am also still fighting with the gas.

I just made a really good Breakfast, I wonder if it was "band friendly" since it was so good: LOL Mission whole wheat wrap (small) 4 slices turkey bacon 1 serving egg beater 1/4 cup Reduced Fat colby-jack cheese I want to go do a calorie count, but I am FULL!!! I mean really full! I am sort of having fun finding foods and combos that taste OK and work w/ my band.

Does any one know of a website or Receipts for bandsters? I would like to have some really flavorful food so I don't feel deprived.

that weights that you were at for a long time you plateau at? I spent a lot of time at 200 pounds and it took me weeks to get into the 190's. Same thing with 181. I spent a year at 181 and lingered at that weight for almost a month. No amount of exercise helped. Thankfully as of this morning I have broken through to the 170's!!!!

I am three weeks post op and for the first time - I felt something. I leaned over to pick up something from the floor and when I stood up...this weird feeling right under my right breast. Hard to explain. I can only guess it is the band. I've not had this experience before. Anyone else feel an alien in there:scared2:?

I did my first 5K today!! I ran walked the entire thing and didn't die!! I am 327lbs and if I can do it anyone can!! Next one in Jan...now working on improving my time!! Had to brag...I am so excited! YAY!!

I know it varies by person and I've seen snippets here and there but I am just wondering there are some things that you have found that you cannot eat. Just want to start thinking about eating with the band, the right way! Thanks.

Hi, I'm new to this forum and am 2 weeks post-op. Most of the info I have learned about eating has come from message boards, and I am confused. I did get some post-op food guidelines from my doctor (3 weeks full liquids, then 3 weeks soft foods) but at this point I think I am already "cheating"! (I am liquefying "real" foods now; I made chili, added Water, and blended the heck out of it...is that cheating??) At this stage, I'm allowed anything that I could "suck through a straw". There are no calorie restrictions at this point, and I don't know what serving sizes to "eat". I really hope I haven't screwed up. I'm hungry a LOT of the time and for some reason I'm very worrie…

I need some advise or guidance on how to handle my situation. I was banded recently and have had two fills. My problem is with the procedure of having my fills. Both of my experiences have been horrible. The second fill was Thursday and I have been so upset and am considering not going back. My Dr did my first fill and he seemed to have a little difficulty finding the center of port. My second fill, the PA was in there and I guess he is training her and she stuck me 3 times and was unsucessful. Needless to say this was extremely painful and I got a little emotional. My Dr saw me being upset and he was able to find center after my 4th stuck. There must be a p…

I was banded on Sept 24 and to date have lost 43lbs to date however this has slowed down dramatically over the past 3 weeks. I am currently at 6cc's in a 10cc band and I believe according to my dr's that i am at my sweet spot....However I can still eat more than a cup of food at times depending on what it is...I just don't! My question is does everyone always measure their food or just eyeball it? and if you do measure it what do you use just a regular measuring cup? or is there a set of scales that will measure? I hate my food mixing hehe I almost never measure and i'm wondering if this is the reason my weight loss has slowed down?? Thanks!

I know this sounds stupid but i just got my 4th fill 2 days ago and had no different feeling. No restriction. I could eat anything as fast as I wanted to. Well I just got done eating 2 bites of ham and a string cheese and on my last bite I had this small uncomfy feeling in my chest for the 1st time. Is this the feeling of full? Or did I eat to fast?I hardly ate anything YAY. This band thing may work for me:)

I have had 2 fills so far. When I got the 2nd one a month ago, I felt so tight and thought there was no way I was going to be getting another for a long time. Now I am all the sudden I am able to eat more and dont feel that same restriction. Is this typical? I am due for another a few days before Christmas. I just hope nothing is wrong with the band. The only time I lose weight it seems is when I am on the liquid diet after surgery and fills. Then I stay at that weight till next fill. Im getting frustrated.

It's been 9 months since I had the surgery and everything seemed to be fine until last month where I started to feel this heavy feeling on my chest specially when I wake up. I feel I want to burp so bad but I just cant, I have to wait for like 2 hours until I finally get it out. What is this exactley ? is it acid, heartburn ? it's true that I haven't been drinking water a lot specially when the weather got cold. Could that probably be the reason ?. Please help

I'm just curious as to how many people are 'dieting' (liquid diet, weight watchers, atkins, etc.) vs how many are just reducing what they eat. One poster said there are no good or bad foods. It's what we do with them. For example, one slice of pizza is not bad. Half of a pizza is. Sorry, couldn't figure out how to do a 'poll'.

Yesterday I saw a post by an unbanded poster that was a list of will and will nots. It was very good. Things like I will not walk in a room and see if I ma the fattest girl there. I searched and can't find it. Anyone active in it and send the link? Thanks

hi i am trying to find out which meats/proteins are best to fill us up? I have had 4 fills and the dr said i have enpoig restriction but must be eating incorrectly, since I still get hungry. So i am wondering which proteins work best for all of you? Thanks!

Good morning all, I have been saving my update for this day. This morning, I weighed and the scale read 198.2 lbs. Two days ago, I was 201 lbs! So finally, I am in ONDERLAND and im so happy about that. I was sleeved a little over two months ago on 9/15/09. This has been a good experience for me. I am enjoying this feeling. It has been up and down though....I've had my share of stalls, etc but the key is to stickwith it! So as of today, Ive officially lost 50 lbs since surgery~ I am so excited!!!!! To everyone that is considering the sleeve and is in limbo- DO IT! Every month when I attend my support group meeting-the people that are sleeved are loosing the most weight…

Hey everyone! I was wondering if anyone out there who'd had a leak and therefore a collection of any size could give me some advice. Some of you may know that I had a collection about the size of a golf ball on my stomach which was drained to about half the size but because the collection is so far up it was difficult to get to and the rest has been left. My doctor tells me that my body will naturally clear the rest of it away. So what I want to know is how long does it take for this to be removed from the system. In week 2 and 3 after my surgery, I felt phenomenal - no throwing up, no nausea, no stomach cramps or anything. Since I got sick and had a stent put i…

I was given permission to try wraps! Woo Hoo bread like substance! I bought Thomas' Whole wheat med. wrap. I knwo they can be very carby and high calorie. Does anyone have a "swear by" wrap brand or flavor? I have to calm down I had two wraps today!! Don't want to add extra calories with the wrap, but I am off the Protein supplements since I am eating well. (Maybe too well LOL) Tip- I went to Applebee's last nite and they don't have chicken/turkey burgers, BUT you can order a grilled chicken sandwich any way a burger is offered. So I had a Quesadilla Burger but w/ the grilled chicken in it.

Hello, this is my first thread. I am Italian and got banded yesterday (12/4/2009) in Rome, Italy. Before deciding to do the surgery I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to eat like a normal person ever again but my surgeon told me that this is not true. Eventually, he told me, I will be able to eat normally but certainly not like my old self (that was abnormal, to say the least). One thing bothers me though: the fact that drinks (I am talking about water) are not allowed while eating. Now, normal people drink while eating, right? So why can't I? Is it because drinking eases the passage of food trough the sleeve thereby making the band ineffective (or less effective) or…

So 2 weeks ago I could barely eat a snack cup of Jello, and now I feel no restriction. I got a 6 inch sandwhich with the intention of only eating maybe 1/4 of it at a time. Next thing I knew I was done with the whole sandwhich. Granted I wasn't hungry anymore, but I wasn't full if that makes sense.:wink2: I know that people say that when you get your band they don't put any saline in it, but I was told by my surgeon on Tuesday that they did put a little saline in there even though he didn't specify how much he did put in the band. The surgeon did say that I have lost more weight then normal patients in the time frame. I lost 15 pounds in the first week 1/2. So he th…

Hi guys, I just weighed in for week 2 and only lost 2lbs. I lost so much the first week, 17.5 that I expected more like 5 the second week, at least 3 or so.... Is this normal? I had no pre-surgical diet except to do Clear liquids the day before .... HELP..can I be doing something wrong already? I am still on full liquids, eating 3 shakes a day for Protein.. Muscle Milk light, made with Water.. about 140 cal per shake and eating Soup and yogurt in between.. yogurt is 100 cal and light. I'm not getting more than 4 cups water in tho.. and will try for upping it to 6 today... any input?

Hey all, I just wanted to let everyone here post-band know how much you are helping us pre-banders. I don't go until January 13 for mine, but I have been around here since the summer. The information I have learned from you guys has been invaluable. I honestly don't know if I would be this far into changing my life without having your expereiences to comb through and learn from. So.. I would like to thank you for sharing your information and allowing me to learn from your mistakes and triumphs. AND.. Not that you need it, but I am SOOOO very proud of you guys for the dedication you have put forth and the weight you have lost. It gives me hope that I may do the same. :w…

Yes it's the question no one wants to talk about. Do you have problems with bowel movements? I have to say prior to surgery I'd go just about every day. Since surgery I've only gone I think 3 times. Not good! I would have to take ex-lax to make myself go. :biggrin: So I bought Benefiber yesterday and started adding it to my protein shakes. Has anyone else had this problem? :wink2::wink2:

Trash it! I had one earlier today! Slim Fast recall affects 10 million ready-to-drink cans - Dec. 4, 2009

OK, I have a question about some pain after getting my first fill. I seem to have more soreness of my left side again, especially after I eat. I am only on liquids for 2 days, but I still feel it. Also, I don't seem to have any trouble with stuff(liquid) going down and I don't feel sick, but I feel like I have something stuck in my throat/esophagus. It doesn't really bother me, but I can tell the difference. Is this all due to the fill or is it something else?

Sometimes when I eat I end up with funny gurggly sounds in my upper regions! It's almost like a growling stomach but it's in my throat and upper chest area. When this happens, I feel a little like food is stuck - but it's not really. Has anyone else experienced this?

:thumbup:HI EVERY ONE MY NAME IS SHAY I WAS BANDED ON 10 23 IT WAS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF LIFE SO FAR BESIDE HAVING MY CHILDREN, I THOUGHT THIS IS IT THIS IS WHAT IS GOING TO GET MY WEIGHT BACK ON TRACK, BUT THE SCALE DID MOVE A BIT EVEN AFTER MY FILL FILL ON 11 25 WITH LITTLE RESTRICTION I'M GOING FOR ANOTHER FILL ON 12 12 HOPFULL I FEEL RESTRICTION, BUT I NOTICE I LOSING INCHES IS THIS POSSIBLE OR IT JUST IN MY HEAD MY BRAIN PLAYING TRICKS ON MY. ALSO I HAVENT PLAYING EXERCISE CAUSE I'M WORKING I EXERCISE ON WEEKENDS U THINK THAT IS WHAT SLOWING MY WEIGHT LOSS BUT I'M MOVING ALOT AT WORK. ALSO I WANT TO THANK U GUYS FOR POSTING AND ANSWERING PEOPLE QUESTION I'M ON THIS WEB…

To my fellow Bandsters who were banded long before me, I have a question! I have seen people say here and there that while the band makes them feel full, they still feel hungry at the same time. Have you found this to be true for you? It's starting to freak me out a bit! Amy

I am really freaking out because I dnt know what 2 expect with this first fill? people say they cnt eat meat anymore or they throw up n I dnt want 2 experience non of that. I want everything 2 keep going smoothly. I dnt want 2 b sick. can anyone explain how a fill really works n what is the purpose of having one? Is the fill the stage where the weight comes off more? whats the sweet spot?

This is a new one to me! I was banded on Sept. 21st and after a problem with a referral three weeks ago, was finally set to have my first fill today. I was so excited since I haven't had ANY restriction at all. When I got there, the NUT came in to talk to me and was so happy that I lost 4 lbs in three weeks that she said I didn't need to be filled because I was doing so well on my own. She also said that as long as I'm doing so well, I should save my fills because there's going to come a time down the line where it's going to get harder and I'm going to need the help of a fill and I'll be happy I have room left because you can only have so many until you're "full"…

I've called my nutritionist to see if I can start full liquids, I am hungry all the time now. Also when I swallow liquids I get a tight sensation in my tummy and some pain. I have also been burping with pain, and I do drink very slow. Is this all normal?? Also I have no had a bowel movement in 6 days... I'm starting to worry. I also wonder is the pain I am feeling is because I got a cold.

So a little about me. Starting weight 252, i was banded on Oct 1st weighing 232. I've had a very good recovery except for a little bit of gas pain. Sincy surgery i've lost about 13-14 lbs. I can't seem to get anymore weight off of me. I've had 2 fills and still no restriction. I only have 2cc's in. I don't knkow what else to do. I can eat just about anything and as much as i want. I'm feeling like this tool i have is letting me down. Excercising 3 times a week. Doing my best at portion sizes. What's my problem now why can't i loose any weight. I have only lost 1.5 lbs in 7 weeks. I feel like such a failure.:w00t: When i get stressed i turn to food and i k…

SO I have moved on to solid foods and I am having no trouble eating anything..but that is the problem..I feel like I am eating way too much..I have only lost 15 pounds since op..Havent gotten a fill yet..im just starting to worry I did all this for nothing

How much weight did you lose after you got your 1st fill? I am just wondering how much weight people lost after getting their first fill and how long it took them to lose weight - I lost weight 2 weeks postop surgery and then nothing. I just got my first fill on Monday and am starting to see the scale move down...:tongue2: