melzie_99

Give it a little time...it took me about 2 weeks before I really started to feel the fill after the initial tightness went down. My dr warned me that this is normal, especially after the first fill. Being overfilled is horrible, so I wouldn't rush into trying to get anymore in just yet. If after 3 weeks you're still not feeling any restriction I would check back in with your doc. Hope this helps!

What to do you do to work around that? I've never been much of a breakfast person and can't even tolerate yogurt before 11-12 but my dr keeps saying I'm messing up my metabolism by not eating breakfast...it's driving me crazy. Every now and then I'll try a Protein shake but I can normally get only a few ounces down before I start getting slimy...

Oh my goodness why are YOU worried about your weight? You're doing spectacular! We had surgery about a week apart and you've lost twice as much as I have! Gimme pointers (lol)!

I admit I am somewhat scale obsessive myself, but will only record my weight every Monday. So no matter the fluctations throughout the week, what shows on Monday stays. I actually got to a point where I weighed myself several times a day ( I know, awful); if putting it away is what you need then by all means do it. Just remember that even though the scale might not be moving, you could be losing inches. I measure myself once a month and am astounded at the numbers that come back. That and seeing the way your clothes fit and how you feel physically mean more to me than any number on a scale...

Hi Nikki, I had/have the same problem: yes, I DO miss eating. I used to a textbook emotional eater: I ate when I was sad, angry, happy, bored, anything was an excuse to eat. It wasn't so bad in the beginning because I literally had to FORCE myself to eat when I first got banded because I was never hungry. As my body adjusted, however, those old feelings came back. I'm actually dealing with that now; tears have been shed! I began seeing a therapist to deal with the emotional issues I knew would arise from not having food as my comforter...if you can I would recommend it. I told my therapist it's almost like losing a part of myself; I don't enjoy eating anymore, and because so much of my life used to revolve around it, there's a void that needs to be filled. I would definitely recommend starting new hobbies or activities to keep you busy; the adjustment is the hardest when I get bored. At the end of the day, however, it DOES get better. I don't live to eat anymore.Yeah, sometimes it sucks when I'm trying to eat something I like and can only eat 1/3-1/2c of it as opposed to a plateful like before, but seeing my new body is more than worth it. Hang tough, and know there are people here going through the same thing that support you!

Your doctor is right; you WILL lose weight faster with the bypass but like others mentioned, it may not be easier to keep off in the long run. Honestly, though the slow and steady weight loss drives me crazy sometimes, I know in my heart it was the right decision for me. I am someone who NEEDS to have to work for the results, otherwise I'll learn nothing from it. Now I appreciate every pound and inch I lose because I know I've been watching what I eat and being more active. Youth is no guarantee your body will bounce back; I'm only 29 and fear I'm going to have loose skin when all is said and done. I wasn't good about diet and exercise pre band either, but once you realize eventually the weight loss will stop unless you change your habits you learn quickly! Don't let the doctor's bias sway your decision; remember there are risks with both but at least you know the band is reversible if something goes wrong. Definitely something to keep in mind...remember anything worth having is worth working for.

I'm aiming to weigh 215 so i think it ends up being about 15 lbs to lose...off to a good start so far!

I'm going to be honest with you; for me, it hasn't been easy. I finally broke down and started seeing a therapist because I've always been an emotional eater. And as crazy as this may sound, I've shed a few tears over not being able to enjoy food like I used to. I've likened it to almost like losing a friend or a part of yourself. No one really tells you that this is not just a physical journey, but a very emotional one as well. Just keep reminding yourself why you are opting for surgery in the first place and know that you will need to find new activities in your life to make up for the void of not eating. Also be aware that you may become more emotional because now we're forced to deal with our problems instead of just eating them away. Part of me wishes it hadn't been so easy for me to have surgery and that I would've had a lot more prerequisites to prepare mentally for it all. That being said, I'm almost 5 months out and I'm still learning and dealing with the emotions, but seeing my body transform and knowing it's because I did something about it makes it all worthwhile...

Yay!!! Very excited! (Hopefully I'll reach my goal this time...lol)

I agree with vickyd; the slow down is normal. Oh, and you can try Miralax if you're irregular; mixes completely into any drink (not chunky or chalky) and normally works for me within 12-24 hours. Hope that helps!

Same thing happens to me; I just got a fill on Wednesday and I'm already down 5-6lbs. Granted, in my case, because I had a significant gain over the past week due to various circumstances, I am actually only down 2lbs from my previous "normal" weight. I definately lost a lot quickly when I first got banded, and decent amount following the first fill, but it took a few weeks for my 2nd one to kick in. The whole process is so weird; there seems to be no norm. I look forward to getting back into the gym; my dr confirmed for me last week that I injured my tailbone so I took a week off but know I don't lose much weight without working out. Nice to see that some of the things I experience are not as odd as I think...

I had been doing really well; only had 7 pounds to go and then I went to the dr last Friday...ugh. I injured my tailbone a few weeks ago and was started on a motrin regimen. I managed to go up 7 lbs in 3 days from swelling and eating more than I knew I should have! I finally went in on Thursday for a fill and it seems to be helping. If things continue the way they're going, I probably won't make goal but will be within a few lbs. Trying not to be disappointed, but it's tough. Is there a 4th of July challenge floating out there yet? Would love to sign up!

For me, when I slime it's almost the consistency of mucous (or maybe it IS mucous); much thicker than regular saliva. It's fascinating how quickly it happens. When something gets stuck (which isn't often for me) or I have one bite too many, I first get the hiccups which leads to the sliming, all of which happens within a few minutes. When it happens I can't swallow, have a hard time breathing...I've got to purge it up. Very rarely does any food come out, just the slime. Been having problems with it today; made the mistake of trying to eat toast and slimed for a good 10 minutes. It was AWFUL. My band got so irritated even drinking tea was making me slime! I finally had to lie down with a heating pad and hope for the best (also took some of my leftover nausea medicine from surgery); took a nap and felt MUCH better. You just have to be really careful about listening to your body. I never have problems until I tell myself "just one more bite"...

I am sorry for your loss, but smiling for you knowing that you'll be able to take her back somewhere with such wonderful memories. I know we'll both meet our goals; your weight loss so far is awesome! I still have a long ways to go...

Would LOVE to do a 4th of July challenge; let us know if you set up something!

I've been having the same problem; was having a period about every 7-10 days...it was AWFUL. OB/GYN told me it would keep happening until my weight loss stabalized (unless I wanted to stop losing weight; not an option). However, due to my blood pressure, she switched me to a progestin(sp?) only pill and I've gotten back to about a 25-28 days cycle but my periods are long and heavy. I haven't had cramps like this since I was a teenager; it sucks but at least I'm more regular. Don't know if that's something you're willing to consider...

Hey, sorry about that; my computer died and haven't been on in awhile! It's been a dream of mine to ride a horse on the beach; I can finally do that in Jamaica if I hit 225 by July! Almost there...

Thank you; wish I could say it was the band but I worked my behind off this week at the gym. I am unfortunately one of those people who can only lose so much weight unless they exercise. Never make it past the 15-20lb mark unless I do. I find that setting a goal helps a lot (I was aiming for 4 this week so I only have to work towards a loss of 3 for the next 3 weeks); keeps me motivated. I'm not booking my shore excursion for my trip until I hit my 225 (top weight allowed for the activity) so if I get it by Memorial Day like I wanted to then awesome but I have until July to get it together...would like to be down to 215 or lower by that point, however, so I'm shooting for the stars! Good luck to ya!

Scale FINALLY moved this week; down almost 4! 9 more pounds to go...hopefully I can do it!

Nope, you're absolutely right about the hormones; estrogen is stored in fat cells which is why a lot of people have wonky periods after surgery. You lose weight quickly and all those hormones get released...I know I was off kilter for the first few months and I'm STILL trying to get my period regulated. OB/GYN told me the only way to fix it was to stop losing weight...no thank you (lol)!

Hi there and welcome! I had my surgery 1/10 so not long after you...sorry to hear you're having band trouble. From what I hear the less weight you have to lose the longer it takes...we need to find you some other low BMI banders! I have a little under 100 more lbs I'd like to lose, and while I'm right on target for weight loss according to my dr, I certainly hoped I would've lost more by now. Hang in there; this site is a great resource for info and support

Aww...congrats on the baby AND your weight loss success!

I've been stagnant too; it's been so frustrating! I thought 20lbs would be a piece of cake...now seeing as I've only lost 7 (and that was HARD) and we only have 4 weeks left...I don't know. I'll gonna be working out even more but trying to hold off on another fill (dr thought my last one should be good until July and she actually offered to take out some Fluid before my trip; HA!). Hang in there; we're all in this together!

No, you're not a failure, you're just early in the journey! Chances are your band is either empty or has little Fluid, therefore you have no restriction. The first 6 weeks or so are supposed to be your body's time to heal...I'm almost 4 months out and I STILL don't always feel the restriction. I have to make a conscious effort to stop eating. That's the thing I didn't realize; the band won't keep you from eating, you'll just feel satisfied sooner. We have to give our brains a chance to catch up with our bodies. Keep doing what your doing...I promise it gets better!

Thanks for all the responses you guys; I know you're right. Jacqui, you make a good point; I think if I lost weight too quickly I would just coast and never learn how to use my band properly. I need to get "in the groove" if you will so I can be successful once the maintainence phase arrives. Again, thanks for all you guys' advice and feedback!