B-52

Yea, that sounds about right. Be careful what and how you eat! If you get stuck, that feeling will not go away! That pressure your feeling can also exhibit itself as pain. Not to worry, just do as you were taught. This is where all those lessons they taught you come into place and begin to finally make sense. Small bites and swallows, chew thoroughly, take your time between swallows (put the fork down and chew), don't drink with your meals, etc, etc. You will also start to learn that certain foods are better than others, and perhaps (like me) that certain foods are on my "Do Not Eat" list. I cannot tolerate Red meat, of any kind. Steak, hamburger, you name it. I keep trying, and keep getting into trouble. Also, this feeling, perhaps now or perhaps with another small fill, will control your portion size at meals and throughout the day. And since your portion size is so small, it makes sense to get the protein first. Long story short, as one gets into the "Green Zone", EVERYTHING starts to fall into place. It is a GREAT FEELING! Took me months to get there.

Does it occur shortly after eating? Can be normal Peristalsis. Are you getting all your Water intake? Is it low in your intestines, or high in your esophagus? There are times for me, when I gulp down large amounts of water all at once, I can feel it sit in my pouch momentarily then pass through the narrow opening of my band. This makes a "motorboat" type of sound - feeling, for only a few seconds. I kind of like it, reminds me that the band is there doing it's job. Wonder what it would sound like if I have my mouth open.

You say this is your FIRST post-op visit. Mine was exactly 7 days after surgery. All the Dr. wanted to do was check my incisions, for healing, infections etc., told me I did not have to bandage them anymore, cleared me for going to the gym, soaking in the tub, etc, etc. Answered any questions I may have had. basically wanted to see how I was doing following the surgery. I came back 3 weeks after that, which is 4 weeks from surgery, and started my fill regime, which was every 4 weeks, for a total of 3 fills.

I'm not sure how one can stretch their pouch, although I am sure it happens. First, you need to have good restriction for the food to accumulate above the band. In my case, I have, and I prefer a tight band. I can feel every swallow, 9most of the time) and have to take it slow. I'm still learning, but at times I can tell when food is above, or has passed through the band. When enough food has accumulated, and it is not that much, (portion control) I begin to feel pain. I know I must stop eating. To stretch my pouch, I would have to eat beyond the pain which is not going to happen. You can also drink while eating, but again, that will fill your pouch much faster than with food alone.

Depends on your Dr.'s requirements. My Dr. did not prescribe what I can or cannot eat/drink during the pre-op diet. He simply said I must loose X amount of weight prior to surgery, or he would not perform it. Simple. Didn't care how I did it, just as long as I did. My surgery was a Monday, I had my final meeting and weigh-in with him on the Friday before. Lost 20lbs, all was good. See you Monday morning at the hospital. Saturday, I went out and had my LAST MEAL, all and everything I wanted to eat - drink. Knowing that that would be the last time, which is was. Sunday I fasted all day. Nothing but Clear liquids. Monday was surgery - no problems.

It is staggering when you stop and think just how heavy 166 lbs is!!!!! WOW! And how you must feel not to have to carry that around all day! It would be comparable to carrying a kitchen refrigerator with you all day! And with not having to carry that around all day, you can become more active. One thing leads to another if you let it! Keep up the good work, Congratulations! As long as I am moving in the right direction, I'm Happy!

My first fill was 4cc's also. NOTHING! as a matter of fact, I gained a few lbs before my second fill.

Considering you haven't had any normal food in a while I would say that's normal. Some people can continue from surgery. Enjoy the moment!

You did not mention how long you have been banded, is this your first fill? How many cc's are in your band, etc. I have had 3 fills, the last one was in May. My Dr. has told me I am on a knifes edge, 1/2 cc either way can possibly tip the scale and make a huge difference, and I could have the same problems as you are. As a side note, I am very careful about eating anything crunchy or doughy.

IMO, you are where you should be. You are experiencing restriction. You answered your own question as to why you got stuck. That is all about the learning experience living with the band. You will probably, as I did get the same experience more times in the future. I had to learn new lessons he hard way. The fact that you have residual discomfort is probably warranted to eating and swallowing too much and too fast, resulting in irritation. This has happened to me and when it does, I go to cream Soups, shakes, etc for a day or 2 to let things calm down. I have read here many times where people who get stuck for the first time, panic and run to their Dr. and get unfilled. IMO, they are backing down from what they wanted all the time. But again, that's only my opinion and personal experience. As for me, I took it for granted that this is what was going to happen having a band wrapped around the upper portion of my stomach. Again, for me, I welcomed it and worked with it, learning all the new ways of eating, new foods and foods to avoid, etc. It's funny. All the little things - lessons they teach you during the early stages made no sense and came across as lessons I need to adhere to by will power and discipline. After getting good restriction (green zone) I found that these little lessons where the only way I could live with the band.

Everyone is different, from what I have read here. I was banded on a Monday, took the week off. I was climbing the walls by day 3 and started running errands. Day 4&5, I could not stay away from the office, although I did fatigue quickly and only spent few hours visiting, checking messages, etc. One week, the following Monday, was my 1 week post-op appointment with the surgeon. He removed all the bandages, released me to go to the gym, soak in a tub, ok to work, etc. Only restriction was to avoid any heavy lifting for a few more weeks. Four weeks post surgery I was back for my first fill.

Never been told that. I have had as many as 2-3 beers at a ball game or at the beach with no problem. Just not with food. But then, I can't drink anything with food or else it will come back up. And not from bloating but from overfilling my pouch. As far as calories, I find i can go without food for long periods if I want to. So a couple of light beers might be all I have that dy at the game.

My Mother passed away a year ago also at the age of 87. However, my sister died 2 years ago at the age if 64. Also, my Brother passed away 4 years ago at the age of 60. Both my brother and sister's death can be directly tied to being overweight, and none of it was very pretty. So, when I went for my initial lap band consultation, the first question I was asked was "why do you want the surgery?" And my answer was "because I don't want to die!" At first,the Dr. Had a look of surprise, which then turned into a broad smile. He knew what I meant, and I then began a long conversation concerning my family history and my own comorbidities. Whenever I need motivation, I think back on those things. The amputations, infections, surgeries, dialysis 3 times a week, ans so on, and so on. I then get on the treadmill and work it for all it's worth!

Pasta is now on my "Do not eat"" list along with other foods. I cannot eat any pasta, melted cheeses, including pizza. We go out to Carrabba's often, but I always order the fish and no pasta sides. I do like eggplant, but not with any melted cheese. It may be different for you, but for me I am definitely in the Green Zone and there are many foods I no longer eat. You get used to it and it all part of your new lifestyle.

Today I went to do some Christmas shopping. Needed to get some clothes for my son who is over 6 foot tall and quite a big young man. So I went to the Men's "BIG AND TALL" clothes store, we're I used to be a steady customer. It's an upscale place, and they keep all their customers in the computer along with all their clothing sizes. I was not certain of my son's sizes, so the salesman had the young girl look it up in the computer. When she put my last name in, 2 first names came up. She asked "Tim or Bob?" I said "Tim". She asked, "who is Bob?". "I'm Bob" I replied. She stood there and stared at me for a very long time, as though my answer was illogical. "No, really. Who's Bob?". "ME!" She just rolled her eyes as though she was not going to get anywhere with me, and said "whatever" and continued with her business. She must have thought I was difficult, which is the last thing she needed with all the Christmas crowds.

Not to assume I know the OP's motives, but when I first read this post it struck a truth with me and my personal weight loss journey. Over the past 30 years, I have, without a doubt, been on every diet plan known to man. There has been nothing I did not try, and I failed at every one! Things would go good for a while, but then, like a heroin junkie, I would start to make all kinds of excuses, and come up with all different rationals as to why I should "Cheat" Just this once, then I will make up for it the next few days by following the diet plan even harder. Well, all that did was open the door to additional days of cheating, until the whole thing went down the drain. Even when I was taking my 6 month pre-op medically supervised diet program....I would do good for the whole week (sort of). I would go in every Thursday to get weighed in, sit down with the nutritionist, discuss strategy for next week, etc. I would leave, get in my car, and head straight for the "All You Can Eat" Chinese Buffet and eat like there was no tomorrow. Then for the next 6 days I would concentrate on the diet plan. Needless to say when the 6 months were over I dismissed the whole thing. The only alternative, and perhaps the last resort, was to have surgical intervention taking the responsibility and work away from me, (who has demonstrated time and time again that approach won't work), and have the band, adjusted properly, do the work for me by not letting me overeat ever again!!!! For me to rationalize and come up with reasons and excuses to have my band unfilled, just so I can pig out like the good old days, blows my mind! But hey, it's just this one time, right? Then I'll go back on the plan, just like before. I'm not saying that's the Op's motive, but I can understand the logic from someone (as myself) with a deadly addiction, in this case food!

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Agreed. It won't stretch the pouch because as a liquid it will pass right through. (unless you're eating at the same time, in which case you will have other problems) It has more to do with the buildup of gas below the band. I gave up things like Coke a long time ago. But since being banded I still drink beer. Not a lot in a short period of time, and NEVER with food in my stomach. I just got rid of my beer belly.

Very funny I should find this post. My daughter is getting married this next October also. (costing ME a small fortune. I could buy a new BMW) But now everyone is talking about how they are going to start their diets! I am very pleased that I am just a few lbs. from my goal and don't have to worry about loosing weight anymore! Everything is moving along quite naturally. As a matter of fact, I can't wait to get in all those pictures and videos wearing that tux!

Welcome, and congratulations! Looking at your picture, and being from NJ, I know EXACTLY where you were standing when that was taken.

A short time ago I made the decision not to pay much attention to these boards until I reach my goal because, IMO, they are overwhelmingly negative. But from time to time I read a post that I just have to give another perspective to. The hardest thing I had to do yesterday, concerning my band and weight loss surgery, was to make the decision "Chicken or Fish" for dinner, or just pick something up on the way home. There, I said my piece. I'm going back into hibernation until I loose these remaining 10 lbs.!

True, But there will always be more than one side to a story and people need to know that for everyone who finds this as being "Hard Work", there is someone, like me, WHO DO find it as a "MIRACLE WEIGHT LOSS" procedure. I have a band wrapped around my stomach, tight enough, that I can not overeat no matter how hard I may try. Automatic portion control. I never measure or weigh food, or count calories. Not anymore. Also, having this thing, it sends messages to my brain 24/7 telling me that I am "NOT HUNGRY". I simply have no interest in food most times. BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. Yesterday I was having clinics all day at a Children's Hospital where I was able to have lunch in a cafeteria. The only thing I had to eat all day was my Protein shake for Breakfast. I looked at all the food they were serving, and although it all looked and smelled great, I was not interested. So I got a small cup of Soup and went back to clinic. And I did not finish that! And I was not bothered or hungry! To me, nothing can be easier! I can go days and not even think about the fact I was banded. I am not preoccupied with thoughts of food or when will I be able to eat next. I can look at food and make correct choices without a 2nd thought. Having surgery 10 months ago is all but a memory. I might as well have had my appendix removed and now I am all healed, and life goes on. I see my surgeon once every 3 months. I see my dentist every 3 months also for a cleaning. Very Routine! All I am saying, that when people read stories about those struggling and finding this as "Hard Work", there are those, like me, who find it quite the opposite. But it does take a few months, at least, to get there! I LOVE MY BAND! Best decision I have ever made! Probably saved my life!

Sorry to hear it has been so rough for you. Speaking only for myself,, I find this is the easiest thing! I really don't give it much thought throughout the day. Things have become 2nd nature to me. All this of course, after going through the first few months of what I call, "Basic Training"

Do you have a name - brand I can look up?

Ok, see where this new group is headed, perhaps pick up some new ideas, methods. Gym rat? I guess I qualify. Which means I go about 5 days a week, and feel guilty on the days I can't make it because of long work day, etc. I'm a early riser, so I like to get to the gym before 6am, and I am by no means the only person there! Aside from weights, I do at least 60 minutes moderate to rigorous on the elliptical. I'd like to move up to running, but I have never liked running, and I was a sprinter on the track team back in H.S. Can't stand the "Pounding" throughout my body. I have noticed if I run at a faster pace, there is a "Lighter" step???? Loose more weight????? I'll figure it out sooner or later. I have a elliptical in my house, but I prefer going to the gym. Why? Because I like to be among other people doing the same thing. Strange as it sounds, doing so "paces" me and I push a little harder. Sort of a subconscious competitiveness I guess.