honeydew008

I had high blood pressure before surgery. Frequently, it is low now. I can never feel when it is high, but I always know when it is low. I get lightheaded, dizzy, and start sweating. It comes and goes since surgery.

Thanks for the replies and encouragement guys! I REALLY mean that! I went back to old habits this week. It was the first week back from summer break and my administrators and PTA provided so much Breakfast and lunch for us. I was in a bad place (about not seeing the scale move) and decided that since I wasn't losing, I should not refrain from eating what I wanted. After reading the comments and replies, I realized that thinking like that was a huge mistake. I'm not going to beat myself up about it, but charge forward! I'm back on track and trying to implement some of the adjustments and advice from you all. Thanks again. If you are stalled, please don't give up. We can do this! If anyone has any more advice, please post.

I posted this to the main thread and someone I suggested I post it here for more suggestions or advice. TIA. I was sleeved June 9, 2014. Of course, the weight flew off at first, but after two weeks I hit a stall. I figured it was the typical firs stall. But, I stayed on that stall for over 5 weeks. My doctor sugguested I see a dietician because the stall was lasting so long. They doc also suggested I eat 800 calories most days and zigzag to 1000 calories on other days. I did consult a dietician and she gave me some advice. She told me to eat about 600-800 calories a day (conflicting information from her and the doctor) and up my strength training and Protein. I did that....and only lost 2 pounds in 3 weeks. I have lost a very small amount of inches also, so it's not just the scale. I'm doing strength training about 4 days a week and cardio almost everyday. Though I'm thrilled with the 20+ pounds I've lost since surgery, it's discouraging to know that I've only lost about 5 pounds in seven weeks. Most of my weight came off with the liquid diet. With all the exercising and low amount of calories I've been eating, I would have expected more. My doctor doesn't seem concerned. He said my numbers look good. I know I'm sensitive about this because I failed with the lapband. But, I'm feeling super discouraged right now. I'm doing everything right and still making minimal progress. Maybe my metabolism is just slow? Does anyone have any advice or recommendations?

I was sleeved June 9, 2014. Of course, the weight flew off at first, but after two weeks I hit a stall. I stayed on that stall for over 5 weeks. My doctor sugguested I see a dietician because the stall was lasting so long. They doc also suggested I eat 800 calories most days and zigzag to 1000 calories on other days. I did consult a dietician and she gave me some advice. She told me to eat about 600-800 calories a day (conflicting information from her and the doctor) and up my strength training and Protein. I did that....and only lost 2 pounds in 2 weeks. I have lost a very small amount of inches also, so it's not just the scale. I'm doing strength training about 4 days a week and cardio almost everyday. Though I'm thrilled with the 20+ pounds I've lost since surgery, it's discouraging to know that I've only lost about 5 pounds in six weeks. Most of my weight came off with the liquid diet. With all the exercising and low amount of calories I've been eating, I would have expected more. My doctor doesn't seem concerned. He said my numbers look good. I know I'm sensitive about this because I failed with the lapband. But, I'm feeling super discouraged right now. I'm doing everything right and still making minimal progress. Maybe my metabolism is just slow? Does anyone have any advice or recommendations?

I was given a compression binder at the hospital. I found it initially uncomfortable and scratchy. However it was a HUGE help in sleeping comfortably. It helped reduce the movement of my incision sites, therefore making me more comfortable when turning or adjusting my sleeping position. It also helped when I was walking.

I was extremely nauseated for 48 hours after surgery. I couldn't keep anything down. I vomited almost every hour on schedule. It was even more irritating because the hospital staff kept pushing me to drink Water. I know its their job and they had no choice, but it was hard on me. I ended up having to stay the extra night because they were worried about dehydration. I finally started feeling better after the Nurse Practitioner decided to give me an NSAID through my IV. For some reason, this really helped! I haven't been nauseated (expect the occasional food-averse experience) since then.

Hello everyone! I am a lap-band to sleever. I was sleeved 06/09. I had to stay in the hospital for 2 days because they couldn't get my nausea and vomiting under control. However, I was super excited to have virtually zero pain. I still haven't used my pain medicine. My pain and recovery are much faster this time around. I haven't had any nausea or vomiting since the hospital. I started on soft foods yesterday and it's been a breeze so far! HW: 246 SW: 226 CW: 205 GW: 130

Hi. I just needed to come somewhere and vent. I'm feeling so discouraged. I was banded in May 2013. Almost 7 months later, I am up to 9.5 cc in an 11 cc band and I still feel very little restriction. I have only lost 20lbs so far. I do my best to eat healthy and exercise, but the weight is not coming off. I still can/have to eat as much as usual to get and stay full. On the up side, when I do get full, I tend to stay fuller longer (about 3 1/2 hours). I have the REALIZE band and I have heard that it can take longer to reach your sweet spot with a REALIZE Band, but this seems crazy since it is almost full. I don't know if I should continue getting fills or just give up. Any advice?

I'm currently still at 9.5. My Dr. was concerned that I still wasn't getting proper restriction and ordered up an Upper GI for me next week. We'll see if there are any problems. He was concerned with putting more saline in because of the increased risk of slippage and erosion of the band. I explained that I knew it was a "tool", but I felt the tool wasn't doing its job when it wasn't helping me stay full on the recommended portion size for at least 3 hours. And no, this isn't head hunger, it's physical hunger; embarrassingly loud stomach growls and all. LOL

Cheryl, that's the part I don't understand. Before getting this surgery and researching, I was under the impression that the band was supposed to make it so that I feel full faster and longer with less food. According to my Dr.,it is supposed to restrict me. According the official lapband site, "The LAP-BAND® System reduces your stomach's capacity, restricting the amount of food you are able to eat at one time. 2 You also feel full faster and stay full longer." I'm not trying to be defensive or excuse poor eating habits. Sure, I stay full for quite a while if I eat my normal over-sized portions, but when I measure the food and follow portion-size guidelines, I'm starving in about 90 minutes. I didn't get this surgery to be hungry all the time. It doesn't seem like a productive and long-term solution to my weight loss goals. But, I wont give up. I go in Friday for the suggested Fluoro fill. I pray to God that it works.

I also use MyFitness Pal. The problem is, to stay full, I have to eat just about the same as I did before surgery. If I eat the small child-like portions my Dr. recommends, I'd be starving in an hour or so! I know I have to do my part by eating right and exercising, but I would love for the band to do its part. I feel like if I could simply exercise and eat healthy and lose weight, I wouldn't have needed the band in the first place.

It's funny how quickly the stoma closes off once it gets to a certain point. Seems like you can eat about anything with less chewing effort and then that one .25CC fill can take you right to the green zone. Or, that 1CC fill can take you to too tight and a quick trip back to the Dr office. It's great knowing that we're not alone. Hang in there! We can get through this! 2muchfun, I also worry about getting too tight. I know that once I get to a high fill level that even 1/4 cc can make a huge difference. My doctor is very conservative and told me that if I have to come in for an un filling, he prefers to almost empty the band and start over.

@Pepper 28 No, I don't usually eat things like that. I admit I slip up now and then. But, the vast majority of the time I'm eating things like baked chicken, ground turkey, salads, and fish. I go in for a fluoro fill next Friday. Hopefully, I'll finally feel some restriction after that!

Thanks a lot guys! I'm calling my Dr. as soon as I get home and requesting a fluoro. I'm determined to hang in there and get healthy! Your support and encouragement mean a lot!

LOL! Thanks for the encouragement, I really need it! My doc doesn't seem to think anything is wrong. He gave me the whole talk about all bodies are different. It just seems hopeless since my band is almost full and I'm still not feeling good restriction. I've never experienced any classic Band symptoms such as PB, feeling stuck, or only being able to eat a small amount and feeling full.