eko

I can only feel my port if I really push to find it, otherwise, no I do not feel it at all. I am surprised you can feel it since you are out only about a week because of some swelling as things heal. Your Dr. must have done a great job of hiding it, as long as he/she can find it when you need an adjustment.

i just read through most of the thread on 'what BMI is too large to be banded" and I have to say, while there were some encouraging posts in there, I only saw posts from people who had like a BMI of 55 or so. I have a BMI of more than 60. My handy BMI wheel they gave me doesn't go past 60.....anyway, RNY and the sleeve are NOT an option for me. I mentally just can't cut something up. The band seems more my style. I like the idea of it being reversible if weight loss doesn't happen...but I am afraid that I am too large and it's not going to work for me at all.

I haven't yet had my consult, that isn't happening until mid-April, but I was hoping that there were other people out there who not only had more than just 200 pounds to lose but were successful at keeping some of it off. I am not looking to get skinny. i would be the happiest person on the earth if i weighted 250-275 pounds. right now, that seems like a far off dream....

also, i am not interested in losing weight really super fast, i know this is a slow and steady wins the race kinda thing, so i am mentally prepared. I am more curious if i could feel restriction at my size at all.

anyway, just thought i would ask. thanks in advance for your calming words of wisdom

Hi there. When I had my intial consultation, my BMI exceeded 60 (you can find BMI calculator on the Internet that will calculate your BMI). On the day of surgery my BMI was 58lb thanks to the six months of monitor diet required by insurance and to the pre-surgery diet. I have been banded 10 weeks and have lost 35 pounds. I could have never done it without the band. Yes, I feel restriction.

Dreams can come true, but sometimes they take a little courage and a whole lot of work. I wish you well.

I am thrilled for you that you had a wonderful experience today. Sometimes we just need to here those positve things. It was a NSV for you-bask in it-you deserve it!

Hmmmm, Gallbladder if often, not always trigger within a hour after you eat. Because you woke up in the morning with this, I am not sure it is your gallbladder. If it wasn't for the fact you said you had a small unfill, I might think you were too tight. Best advice I can give you, is if it continues call your doctor, something is not right. Hope you are feeling better.

I have been to one that is supported by the hospital where I hade my LB surgery. Sometimes I pick-up some good advice. What I like is just meeting others in person who have the LB and talking to them. Of course we share stories about our doctor too.

I probably would go just to see what it was about and how it is structured. Again, it is a way to actually meet others who have been banded. It's a chance to ask any nagging questions you have and get immediate feedback. If you don't like it, you never have to go back.

Have you had any follow-up with your surgeon? Or how about a nutritionist? Also by now, most people would have had at least on fill. Typically what people eat it 3 ounces of Protein (by now you should be on a solid Protein, chicken, fish, etc) and then a vegetable. Remember no drinking with your meal, and get in 64 ounces of Water per day.

I am amazed you have had no guidance on what you should be eating. Any more questions, best place to post is in post-surgery. Be well.

Melly-

It sounds like you are getting a lot of food in one meal, but I don't agree with the three bites and being satisfied thing at all. We all lose weight at different paces, but it sounds like you need to get in and talk to your Dr. or NUT regarding how much you are able to eat. Maybe you need another adjustment. Good luck.

Every day is a new opportunity to start again. If your band is okay, tomorrow is another day! I hope is all is well with your band!

I researched the internet too and read all the scary stories when I was first diagnosed. With meds, the headaches and everything can be controlled. I am sincerely hoping the weightloss puts my PTC in remission because I want off of the meds. I believe that day will come, I have the faith.

It is tough when the people that surround you are not supportive. You just have to ignor them and do what is right for you. Just remember that they are not you and are not experts on what is in your best interest. Take care of yourself and your family, and just let the rest, well, nuts to them, prove them wrong. You can do this!

PB=Productive Burp

Jersey- was wondering how you were feeling these days with the PTC? Thought I'd check in with you.

Are you not drinking with your meals and then waiting about an hour or longer to drink? liquids help wash the food through the port. As you move to solids and eat Protein solids you will feel fuller sooner and longer. Also when you start receiving your fills, it will change as well. Do you have an appointment for your first fill? You can always call your Dr. and speak with a nutritionist.

I wish I knew what to tell you. I have never been stuck that long. Use your best judgement. Hope it passes soon.

I am 9 weeks out being banded. I have had one fill of 3 ccs (which I think is a terribly long drawn out process, but thats another topic). I have lost a ton of weight witih no restrictions. I have been told that with the band our stomach is the size of a golf ball and told that we can only eat an ounce of Protein, and a tablespoon each of vegetables and fruit at a sitting. Though I am not eating at the Hometown Buffet, I am able to eat way more than what I am told to expect. Is anyone else restricted to such portion sizes or is this what I have to look forward to with future fills? I mean 20 more pounds and I am out of obesity range.

Congrats on doing great so far! I find it interesting that you are expected to eat an ounce of Protein and a tablespoon each of a vegetable and fruit at a sitting. How do you get your protein in during the day? How many times a day do you eat? I am 10 weeks out and have had two adjustments. I eat three times a day between 1/2-3/4 C per meal. With my second adjustment, the amount I eat has been slightly reduced, but there is room to go, but it is working and that is what matters.

Just keep doing what works for you and keeps the weight coming off, don't worry about the once of protein and a tablespoon of veggies and fruit. Be healthy!

Congrats! Keep up the good work! Enjoy the mushy stage!

I had one spinal tap (or lumbar puncture as they like to call them) when I was first diagnosed. Two days later I was in the ER with the worst headache I had ever had! I am currently on Diamox and was on Topamox for the headaches (just recently finished weaning off of it). If you are on Diamox Extended Release (capsules) you can open those to take them if you find they are to big for you. BTW, Vitamin B-1 helps with some of the side-effects of the Diamox if you have any problems. Best wishes ~eko

It the pain happening after you eat? Is it with certain foods. If the pain occurs after eating with specific types of food, it certainly could be gallbladder. 3 times in the last 6 weeks makes me think it is not the band, but I am not an expert.

Jersey, I have been dealing with PTC since 2005. One of my motivators for the lapband and losing weight was to get off or reduce the amount of medication I am taking to manage my PTC. They claim that weight loss will help the PTC and even possibly put it into remission. My great diagnosis came when I went to see my Opthmalogist because of floaters in my eye and he found that my optical nerves had hemorrhaged - scared the crap out of me. I was unable to loss the weight on my own, and one of my meds is at the highest dose possible and can come with some nasty side effect, fortunately I have been able to tolerate it well. I feel the weight loss so far has helped me, they say 10% weight loss should show improvement. Now I just have to get my specialist to agree with me.

Every case of PTC is different and there is a lot of information on the internet. If you have any other questions, let me know.

~eko

Sorry I am not familiar with Springfield Bariatric, but I wanted to welcome you to the board. I hope you get all of your questions answered on Saturday and your insurance approval goes smoothly. I love your positive attitude and with 5 kids - you go girl!

Best wishes -eko

I lost 20 pounds after 3 weeks of surgery and saw surgeon on foruth week and he did not want to add any saline toband. I only had one ounce in becuase of having problems with swallowing medication. He eventually added one ounce which meant I had two ounces in. Ever since strugling and have gained one pound becuase I am always hungry. Trying to get back in to get a band adjustment. I am also having pain on my left side since surgey anyone experienced this.

callie

I hope by ounce you mean cc. In regards to the medication you take, can you get it in liquid form, or can it be broken up into smaller pieces? I know some meds are pretty good size, I have to make some adjustments to mine or I would have never gotten them down. Where on the left side are you have pain and how long have you been banded?

As for your next appointment for an adjustment, hang tough - you can do it!

Those little things all count! Congratulations and keep up the great work! Shopping for new clothes is in your future-enjoy!

I was lucky and had a cold turn into total inflamation of my respiratory system about ten days after being banded. OMG it hurt to cough with my port in my adbominal area and it had not completely healed yet. All is good now.

You may have overdone it cleaning house and if you are coughing, you are just irritating it. If it really bothers you, give your doctor a call. Hope you are feeling better soon.

I have been banded 9 weeks and have lost 30 pounds. Energy level is up. Down three medications including Blood Pressure and GERD! One more medication to go.....

Feeling good!

My surgeon does his own aftercare and I had an appointment with him today for my second fill. We were discussing how hungry I had been and I had to bring up my food journal (never do that again). Anyway, long story short, he identified what he considered a problem, when I drink my Water. My Dr.'s philosophy is that the food needs to sit above the band to keep the feeling of fullness, drinking water before you feel hungry just washed the food through the port. It is better to wait until you are hungry, drink your water and eat. I guess I had never gotten that message before, the nut. certainly did not emphasize it. This will be a challenging habit to change...

Just wanted to share.