enchilada72

Haven't been on this site in a long time. I'm restarting my journey. But I hate to say that reading so many posts that are negative and problematic, I get worried.

Where are the success stories? I see a lot of band to sleeve conversions and how people have coped. But what about those with success stories with their bands? I was banded in 2011. Had a few issues here and there, but nothing a deflate and refill couldn't fix.

Hoping to hear some positive stories.

thanks~

Doc knows and we are good! When dinner comes around I could probably eat a rhino. It is extremely hormonal, too. Just like B-52 said, "Everyone should get to know their band". I am on a 1st name basis with mine and he goes everywhere I go

I am a liquid breakfast kinda girl everyday. But when I can't eat lunch, I know it is time for a week of Nexium. Doing that now after my latest fill. Up to 8.1 - liquids and Nexium diet for a few days. No big deal, just another day with the band.

Today is a good day to start fresh. Don't worry about what you did yesterday. Just make good choices today. We all can use the help and support. Good luck to you!

I get that too! Even if I barely have a fill or even now that I am up to 8.4 cc in a 10 cc band.

I finally feel restriction, but that gurgle ma-gurgles have been there the whole time.

I am just used to it.

OK! Appointment made. Surgeon going to do a fluoroscopy to check placement and setting of band. Haven't had any problems, but it has been a while since my last visit. Looking forward to it and starting my journey again!

Thanks again for all of your support!

It is probably from the blood thinner that was given during your procedure. Plus, that can happen with the seasonal pills that keep your periods to once every 3 months. The only reason I am saying this is because it is exactly why happened to me. After seeing my GYN, he recommended letting my period do it's thing and start the next Sunday on a new pack of pills. Haven't had an issue since. But I highly recommend checking with your Doc first.

I have this issue every month. So I know that one week a month, I buy everything I need for smoothies. I always keep the Protein powder handy and stock up on smoother foods. It is something I am just used to. And like clockwork, about 1 day before the end... all back to normal- or as normal as it can be with a band.

Back on track!

I love my oatmeal... I use the original oats that must be cooked. None of the instant stuff. But I add goodies to it that make it even better. I add a teaspoonful of Peanut Butter. This adds Protein and increases the yummy factor. I add no sugar added applesauce and nutmeg. OMG! But my favorite it a spoonful of pumpkin and nutmeg with a touch of brown sugar. It is soooo good and I always feel like I am satisfied with a good start to my day. I am always tight in the morning and lucky to be able to have coffee. Adding these items to my oatmeal makes them easier to eat but still filling. Filling without feeling stuck. Plus there are the added benefits of the Peanut Butter, pumpkin, or apples. If you find it too thick, add some almond milk. This adds another good level of flavor. Good luck!

I am thinking if you have been life long overweight, that is the only way they know you. But you have to do what feels right for you. Even the BMI numbers can be wrong for an individual. A physician may push for a certain BMI, but that can be misleading. If you feel healthy and like how you feel, that is what is important. As I am losing weight, my Mother-in-law has no problem telling me I look old. She buys me all sorts of skin creams and treatment serums. I am fine with it because I feel better. I have a lot left to lose, but losing it my face first has always been my thing. I just nod and let her say what she wants. Then I tell her that her comments hurt my feelings and I need to do this for me. My husband is very supportive. And that is all I care about. Will it change my behavior? No. This is my journey... not hers. This is your journey... not theirs. If you give yourself a goal weight, but realize it is too low, you can change that. Nothing is chiseled in stone. If you feel your goal is good- then good for you! Good luck to you in your journey. Take care.

Thank you all so much! Calling my Doc first thing in the morning. (feeling much better:))

My thyroid meds have actually increased since my surgery. 2 years ago I was taking 50 mcg Synthroid daily. I am now at 112 mcg daily. I didn't think hypothyroidism was related. I know it can stall weight loss if not replaced at the correct dosage, but it is not caused by obesity. Took a few tweaks to my meds before getting to the right dose. Couple of blood draws later, I have a good balance. Good luck!

I was banded in June 2011. I lost weight right away and was on a good track. Then I lost my Dad, fell in to a depression and ate everything under the sun. I went to my surgeon to have a slight deflate. I think with stress, I was experiencing swelling and my band was really tight. Well, that was about a year ago. Now I am 20 pounds up and scared. I have had absolutely NO problems with my band. But I am in the wrong zone... I can eat anything and not even feel it. I look like I can eat everything also. I am making an appointment to start out fresh. I am not up to my original "before" weight, so that is one good thing. But I am embarrassed to go back. I need to, and I need support, but I don't do well with group meetings. I really don't. I guess I just need support and can find it here. Anyone else been in the same situation? Did it work out or was it too late? I am afraid that I lost my window of opportunity. Help...

OMG! Good for you all! Cross fit totally kicked my a$$! Good stuff but I couldn't walk for a week after. Good luck to you and enjoy.

I agree with you Suzannetex. Same here and that is not a complaint.

I had surgery 6/1/11. Didn't have any shoulder pain until about 4 weeks post op.

I have had it since. With fills, before eating, after eating, sleeping, working out... it is a constant throbbing.

They keep telling me it is gas in my body and to take Gas-X. Gas X only helps air in your digestive system.

It doesn't help me at all. I can actually push on the back of my shoulder and feel the spot. I rub it and it feels better, for a little while. I think the band is pressing on a nerve or it is referred pain. But I am used it now. It's not pleasant , but i am no longer surprised by it. I think it is just part of life now. Just had my second fill and it isn't worse, but not better either. Oh well... Could be worse. Good luck to all!

I don't know if I would be too worried, just keep your surgeon's number handy. There will be a lot of swelling and everyone reacts differently. Plus there is probably some saline in the tubing. So if you have a 10cc band , you are far from a tight fill.

Just be very careful what you eat and remember to chew chew chew! I had surgery 6.1 and then a fill 6 weeks later. At my first fill, my surgeon removed the solution left from surgery. I was a little over 2 cc. I had absolutely no problems after surgery. I have to say I was truly lucky. A very successful and painless recovery. Don't worry too much about the Fluid, just concentrate on your eating, drinking and nutrition. Good luck to you!

I agree with the other posters. There is swelling that occurs with a fill. My surgeon has me drink liquids for the day, then soft foods as tolerated for the next day or two... depending on how I feel. Good luck to you!

I have 1 incision that is about an inch right above my navel and a dot at 12:00 above that at the bottom of my breast bone. My surgeon used the "Spider technique". Everything is done through the single incision. The dot at the top of my abdomen was for the insufflation of my belly with air. The incision was closed with Dermabond (skin glue). It slowly washed away as I showered. I have to say this was a very easy procedure and I healed in no time at all. I barely had any pain except for the shoulder pain that everyone talks about. In fact... I still get it sometimes and I am 3 months out... But it is not debilitating at all. Just reminds me to not overeat or slow down. Still the best thing I have ever done for myself!

I'm thinking since you used to eat 1200 calories a day and still eat that amount, you won't lose weight.

It is basically math. You have to burn more calories than you take in to lose weight. If you eat the same amount of calories that you burn daily, you will maintain that weight. If you eat more than you burn... you will gain.

Have you met with a nutritionist? Seems like you need to jazz up your diet. Also add exercise to burn more calories than you take in. Even if you do chair based exercises, Anything to move, get your heart rate up and burn calories.

Good luck to you....

You are not alone... I am 3 months post op and tend to not be hungry. I have to remind myself to eat my Protein Bars and shakes. My biggest issue is drinking enough Water or beverage of any kind. I feel lucky to now "eat to live and not live to eat". I have seen both sides of that coin and I prefer the eat to live. Just keep reminding yourself to eat. Have healthy Snacks available at all times... veggies, bars, shakes, whatever... just so you don't let you blood sugar drop. Just my thoughts... good luck to you and take care.

Good for you!

Glad to hear you are feeling a little more restriction.

I was banded 6.1 , then had a 5cc fill 6 weeks later. I am having my second fill 9.6 and I am hoping to get 3cc more.

At 5cc I only felt restriction for about 2 days. Then poof- nothing....

I am so looking forward to finding that "green zone" or whatever, because I haven't lost much weight since the last fill. My clothes is much looser from my exercise, but I want to see it on the scale... And like you said, I spent $15 K and I want my results.

But something is working because I have dropped 4 sizes since I started this process.

Best of luck to you and take care!

In my opinion, I think this is the right place for someone to be able to discuss what is on their mind regarding banding. Whether or not you agree, we should all be open minded and let the original poster state her feelings. I can remember the feeling of desperation when I knew I needed to do something to change my weight/health/life. I made the decision for the band and have not regretted it at all. But there have been moments of frustration knowing I need a fill but can't for another 4 weeks. I thought "This is a waste of 4 banded weeks that I could be losing weight". I don't wish that feeling of desperation and frustration on anyone.

People should feel free to say whatever they want on this post without be judged. If you have to say something, just don't be mean. There really is no reason for it. State your thoughts or concerns, but we are all here for the same general reason - Support.

Basically this is a grown adult doing something they feel they need to do. All I can say is I wish the very best for you on your journey. I thought the idea of finding an RN that will do fills for cheaper is wonderful. Keep researching and doing what you feel you need to do.

I am not trying to preach to anyone, but I have lived my life around a lot of mean people. People that insulted me to make themselves feel better. This took a toll on my confidence and esteem.

Just be nice... because life is too short, and no one gets out alive. Take care all!

I am not a spoiled brat, but I have a hard time wearing someone else's clothes. Maybe because I grew up forced to wear my sister's hand-me-downs. I highly recommend Old Navy. They just had jeans for $10 and it tons of different fits and styles. ALso Macy's has great deals right now with 40% off their clearance. I bought a pair of Calvin Klein cargo capris for $22. They were originally $60. Look for sales racks or clearance sections on line.

Definitely call your physician. You could have a post op ileus which is very common from anesthesia. It is like an air pocket in your intestine. But the anesthesia slows every thing down. So it feels like it is just sitting there. Hope you feel better soon.