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~

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~

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!

This happens to me now, at my optimal fill level. When I'm underfilled, I never noticed it, of course.
I just ride it through, take advantage of the restriction and baby my band at these moments.
I can tell it is tighter without even eating or drinking anything; it's just a feeling I get. I think I really know my band now, and can sense my level of restriction without testing it. Does that makes sense?
My band-tighteners include: stress, heat, illness with post-nasal drip (that stuff clogs up my band), allergies.
My band is not affected by flying or altitude or cold.
Like the moon, it waxes and wanes. It doesn't bother me now but it was freaky at the beginning of my banded life.

I have days when my band is tighter than others. Breakfast for me is usually greek yogurt or maybe eggs over easy. I really can't tolerate any "real" food until I've been up and going for a few hours. Part of that is the band and part of it is just that I've never been much of a breakfast eater anyway. By lunch time, I'm usually fine and can eat anything I want without difficulty. There are some days when it just seems to be tighter than others but I can usually trace it back to a specific cause such as being sick or stressed or the occasional "stuck" episode.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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

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!

I have the same story but I gained a lot , 50 pounds back. I went to doctor and lost 28 in 28 days. Can happen to all of us, you just had the courage to admit it and want help. We are all here for you. Good luck....

Please feel free to keep in contact even private message me if you want I kind of have the same story. Maybe we can encourage each other. My surgery was May 2011 289lbs and I was down to 195lbs. A band slip Aug 2013 up 35-40lbs in a few weeks. Now at 229lbs and still struggling.

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...

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

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

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!

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!

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!