JaGo

Hi there, I read your post and I'm so sorry you're experiencing such pain and discomfort. Not sure I can answer your concern, but when I go for a fill, they have me sip immediately and if Fluid goes down well then and only then am I released. Also I am instructed to consume only clear fluids for 3 days (although sometimes I will drink a little milk with Protein powder to satisfy hunger). Eating solids too soon would cause me a stuck episode. There were times when I got what I thought was a small amt fill, like. .4, it was too much and I got half of that removed. You may need very small fills at a time to see what works. Did your Dr address why you're so tight during your period? Hope you can get to the bottom of your issues with getting fills and working closely with your Dr.

I agree that in cases where you have effects after a fill, you should let your doctor know because more than likely some of the fluid needs to be adjusted.

@Sojourner, all I can say is wow! Your post is such an inspiration. All I could think abt was that although your band has been removed, the effects of it are still working for you. It seems to have given you the jumpstart needed to get to a healthier you. You have major disciplime that many veterans like myself are still trying to aspire to. Thank you for your encouraging post and reminding us of what our focus and goal should be and CAN successfully be. Its been 4 years since I've been banded and I've been having emotional interference which is causing me to lose all discipline and I am gaining weight. Your post has inspired me. Thank you. JaGo

Congratulations on your decision to move forward to better your health. You SHOULD be excited, I know I was too before my surgery!! I never regretted it!!

@@kourtni12, my port is near my navel as well (slightly to the left), so we're both probably in the same area. It's important to followup with our medical team when we sense something may be wrong. If it's gas, let THEM tell you that. They can xray or do an MRI or something to see what's going on, even detect gas. Please see your doctor and tell him EVERYTHING about your eating habits, whether you're eating too much, the wrong things, or even drinking fluids with your meals. The best way for them to help us if we're honest with ourselves and them. Keeps us posted!! Take care!!

I have had this issue too on occasion, and when I asked the Physician Assistant about it, she said that other patients have complained about that too and that she didn't know what causes that. It's in the area where you said, which is near the port.

@@ChubMuffin, you said you were scheduled for surgery on 10/20. How are you post-surgery?

@@SantasLittleHelper, Wow, what an example of true friendship support!! Things I could appreciate are: a prepared meal every now and then (tailored to my diet), anything that will make it easier for meal planning and exercise such as a cool music playlist for walking/exercising - exercise with them sometimes! Since protein is a must, a good protein powder (low sugar). Periodic support calls, text, email, etc. if they go to support group mtgs, ask if they wouldn't mind if you went with them. Ask how you can help them best. Any kind of genuine encouragement is wonderful. These are the things that would have helped me!

@@gowalking, AMEN!!

That-a-Girl!!!

flmommyof2, I share your concerns. I too had a close family member who was not supportive. I wouldn't even share with them when I lost weight because their reaction was of a jealous nature. They weren't as harsh as what you describe, but in my efforts to lose weight, I learned not to share with negative influences around me - they will try to bring you down. This journey is YOURS and if you need validation, get it from this forum or your medical team. If they offer support group mtgs, take advantage of it an go! You may have to speak to your family member at least once to let them know how you feel about their comments. They may surprise you and apologize. If that doesn't happen, you may need to limit your contact with them for your own wellbeing. Once you lose weight, don't feel compelled to "get even." You don't need to stoop to such a low. Your success will show on the outside!! Stay positive and focused on living the most healthiest lifestyle as you can... FOR YOU AND YOU ALONE! Wishing you much success in your weight loss journey. Love yourself.

Sam777, I'm so sorry about your mom's troubles. As family members, we want so much for our loved ones and sometimes wish we could miraculously get them to a place of betterment. There is no magic wand for that. Unfortunately, all too often, we must stand aside until THEY are ready to be accountable for themselves and want to make healthier choices. My younger sister recently helped me realize this about another one of our sisters who's not taking proper control of her health and procrastinating in making urgent health decisions. I'm sure that you love your mother and want the best for her. The best thing right now might be to just continue to show her love. Do fun and enjoyable things with her and allow trust to grow stronger between the two of you so that she feels safe to maybe one day, open up and share with you what's going on on the inside of her. Many blessings to you and your dear mother.

The fact that you can't keep solids or liquids down is cause for serious concern. I agree with both people above because of personal experience. I had identical symptoms, called my doctor who sent me for scan which confirmed swelling and poss to slight slippage. All Fluid had to be removed for swelling to go down to heal, about 2-4 weeks. Boy, did I have to be careful with no restriction for so long. Eventually got increment refills until back at healthy place. Keeping your doctor informed is imperative. However, as said by the others above, you may need to go to E.R. On another occasion, I had to go E.R. Too and they took fluid out and I got immediate relief. Followed up with my doctor who nursed me back to health. My situation wasn't too bad and my body healed itself. Some people need surgery to fix slippage. Don't put this off for it to worsen.

Yeah, the first few weeks are going to be delicate and can't be rushed. For a while you may even be dealing with a small amt of gas circulating, especially around the shoulder and chest area. Can be very, very uncomfortable. For relief, I was advised to take Gas-X Thin Strips (extra-strength) which dissolve on the tongue.

Thank you ChubMuffin, we both can be encouraged!! Look forward to hearing from you post-op!! SMILE!!

You should definitely follow up with your doctor (turnover or not). Build relationship with new team. It is vital that you seek medical advice, especially since you're having trouble. Also, take note of what you're eating because sometimes certain textures may not agree with you. Again, I strongly urge you to go to the doctor to see what may be going on.

p.s. I appreciate your post because it has inspired me to get back on track. I have been dealing with some other physical issues (unrelated to LapBand) and got discouraged about exercising disciplines in my diet. Am making my way back to better health!! Sometimes these health issues interfere with the weight loss.

Hello ChubMuffin, Congratulations on your decision to take control of your health. It's been 4 years since my surgery and I have NEVER regretted that decision! I felt similar to what you describe - "scared and excited." This is normal. Feeling scared doesn't mean that you question whether you're doing the right thing or not (not at this point). It's a natural reaction to something you've never experienced before. As you trust your doctor, trust your decision, AND... trust God! You will be in good hands!! Keep us posted regarding your recovery. JaGo

Daria, I agree with Catfish87 and lellow. Hope you follow up with your doctor for testing to figure out exactly what's going on with you. I had to have an UGI to confirm that my band had slipped due to it being too tight and not be able to keep anything down and the area had to rest for 6 weeks before talk of a fill could be entertained, and then it was filled in increments. You NEVER want it to be too tight and the doctor should have known that. Keep us posted as to your results. we're rooting for you!! JaGo

All of the above dialogue was very encouraging. I have been away from this site for a while, but am back. I could use the lift from folks who understand. I have recommitted to the journey and am looking to the future in a more positive manner. I have had several ups and downs with fills/unfills, slippage and weight gain. My mind is on the mend, therefore I anticipate seeing better weight loss until I reach my goal! Thanks everybody for your comments!!

It was good to read everyone's posts. I had been on a roller coaster with fills and unfills. My band has slipped twice due to my own negligence. The last time I had to be emptied completely for 6 weeks. That was a very critical time because I had NO restriction at all so I did gain weight. Afterwards I didn't recover well from the weight gain, so I gained even more. I am just now getting back on track and my PA has been adjusting my fills up and down until I get back to the right place. I know that I cannot eat dry chicken, breads, or asparagus without problems. Today, I found out that pork neckbones don't sit well with me either, Up-chucked it all! I find that sometimes it's trial and error. Other times, I just know better to not eat certain things like breads. After 4 years, I've only lost 52lbs, then gained back almost half of it. I am refocused and plan to get support here for encouragement to continue in the right direction until I get to my goal weight. I hope to have significant weight loss before the spring. I haven't posted here in a very, very long time and miss it. It helps to share with those who have gone through the same things and understand this Lapband journey.

Hello everybody, I'm glad I found this group! Had my surgery in 2010 and did extremely well for over a year, then life really took me for a spin and I allowed myself to get off track. Original weight was 264 and I had gotten down to 212 by early 2013. Currently I am 236 and re-focusing to get back on track. Twice I had band slippage and Fluid removed and refilled a couple of several times as well. I had not had any follow up appts since April 2013 due to loss of insurance. Starting in Jan 2014 was able to get insurance and went back to clinic and received encouragement and got a .3cc fill which came to be too much and .2cc was removed. This week, after 3 weeks, .1cc was added back. So far, so good. I know what to do to lose the weight (proper diet and exercise), but got off track. Having this support can be a big help and look forward to communicating with this group for support to loose the rest of my weight. I originally lost 52lbs but gained almost half of it back. I am determined to complete this journey and reach my goals successfully. I'd love to hear back from anybody with some positive feedback!! JaGo

Hello fellow Nov 2010 bandsters!! Today, November 22, 2011, is my bandiversary!!! And so far I've lost 52 lbs!! What's your date and progress!! JaGo

I hope you stay in touch with us throughout your process from the doctor's office to insurance approval to day of surgery and beyond! We were all at the point of where you are going. I have never regretted this decision.

Im a computer nerd too and hadnt been to our group site in a while. I was pleasantly surprised to see it so active again. I used to get email notices whem somoene would post but maybe I need to redo settings. Brief update, like others, I had a setback and a visit to the ER in April due to final habitual severe stuck episode. All the fluid had to be removed for 6 wks. Since then I have had 2 fills and taking it slow. Aft seeing the xray of what a swollen stoma looks like, its a lasting reminder to eat right and make proper food choices. It also didnt help that I had just had several side teeth extracted, so my ability to chew finely is gone. Must be extra careful. I have plateaued, binged, ate emotionally, gained and lost wt, been depressed and at times felt like giving up. I fought back and mentally, am now on the mend and back on the right track. Coming back to this sight and my group is a boost. Must not forget that this is a DAILY journey!