mednar

When I read your post, I wonder if this wasn't a reaction to the sugar content in the sundae. I was about at your point post surgery (I think) when I got a sugary drink from Starbucks and felt like I'd be sick, but it ultimately passed. I felt cold, my heart raced, I sweated, and felt like I could vomit, but never actually did. You had your surgery with Dr. Ponce like I did. I was so afraid of not following instructions about sweets, but I finally had to have something I remembered being a pleasure to drink. Then I got sick. I've not gone back for one of those again. I wonder if that wasn't just your body's response to the sugar? I've not had the same reaction since. Maybe I eat too much sugar and my body has readjusted what it reacts to. If there's something you don't feel is right or it continues, check it out with your primary doctor and/or Dr. Ponce. You know your body the best. Hope all is well.

That's awesome. You're an inspiration!

Bandedplicateddue - I didn't have the band/plication procedure, only the plication. I don't think Dr. Ponce offers it, and he's the only physician in town that has a lot of experience with weight loss surgery. He is looking for a group of 50 patients to undergo the plication locally in a clinical trial to collect "long term" data to submit toward hopefully collecting enough data toward helping make this a more acceptable procedure for insurance coverage here in the US (if it works long-term). My procedure was about 6K cheaper than than the VSG locally, which is why it was affordable for me. I'd researched the band and the VSG procedures a few years back. Stories about issues with the band were just starting to appear, and I couldn't afford the VSG procedure then or now. My monthly totals are: Gastric Plication June 6, 2011 with Dr. Jaime Ponce at Gastric Band Institute (link) Pre-op loss: 9.5 lbs Month 1 - 17 lbs Month 2 - 16.5 Month 3 - 6.6 Lena - I can't imagine the frustration you've been trough as a single person. Having a partner who also has to endure what you've experienced must be even harder. Take care.

Lmom - Thanks for responding with honesty. I hope that it came across that I was concerned because I feel like that "being on a diet" stage again is where I've felt like I'm headed this past month. I just hate the idea that I could eat that much in another three months. I know the amount you can eat gets larger over time, I was just hoping the max was smaller. I've also struggled with my carb/protein ratio this past month and don't like where I seem to be headed with carb intake either. My caloric intake is around 1200 calories per day, but that ratio lately has been shifting towards carbs, and my body seems to have responded negatively. It's frustrating. I'm just worried to some degree that I'm going to end up eating like I used to, which is kinda scary after spending 10 grand on this after it seemed so promising the first two months. I know that I'm probably overreacting, but after reading about everyone's experiences and complications on here, it has me concerned that I may have made the wrong decision. Being a more "normal" eater was something I was after also. CC - I feel the same way in general, but going from 16-17 lbs the first two months to six this past month felt kinda like a letdown to myself of some sort. I'm happy with 6 lbs, it just makes the effort you put in seem like its a lot less productive maybe? This was my first slowdown overall, and it's frustrating. I think I was probably overly confident that I could/would maintain that rate for longer. Maybe somehow, I was the exception? But it seems like my sweet tooth has kicked into overdrive this past month, and I'm where everyone else is. Overall, I'm just trying to make sense of the change I've seen and how it relates to everyone's experience. Wish this were easier .

Lmom, I wondered about a few things when I read your post. You've lost an average of 8.5 lbs per month post WLS. That's what's "average" based on WLS, disregarding whatever variable this procedure is. Those number are based on what I remember being told about WLS before the plication. Not purporting to be a scientific authority here. I'm a bit over three months out. If I ordered a 6" sub from Subway, there's no way I could eat a whole one. I'd be in the bathroom throwing up. I do well to eat half of those English muffin Breakfast sandwiches they make. I can push it and eat nearly a whole one over time, but I feel bloated and at the "almost vomit" stage at that point. There were a couple of posts that I read recently (maybe from you, if I recall correctly) about different types of stitching procedures that DRs use. I never knew about different types of stitching procedures prior to having this done. I'll do my best to call my doctor and find out next week. All the posts I read are jumbled in my head at this point. When I last met with my nutritionist, I was more worried about the longevity of the material the stitches were made with than the type of stitching procedure. Basically, I never knew to ask about types of stitches or the how they were placed. This could also be an important difference. I also wonder what you're carb to Protein intake is. I felt like I was more successful in the first two months than the third. I reintroduced more carbs in my third month, and I lost a lot less weight. I went to more bread and fruit in general, and it seems to have slowed my weight loss down. I can't specifically attribute my lower weight loss to that. t was what I changed, along with a decent drop in walking daily because school started up again. I've tried a lot more this week to walk regularly again since it seems to be something my body responded to well before. 8.5 lbs per month is still an accomplishment of which you should be proud of attaining. I hope what you've achieved continues. I hope all this comes across as my being curious and undersanding. I was so disappointed with my weight loss numbers during the third month. Even though they were average, in all other aspects of my life that hasn't been acceptable. A big part of this process for me is that my body seems to have a mind of its own. Take care, Mednar

Thanks Lena and ChowChows. I think I've spent the last hour trying to read (and reread, and reread again) the posts from ChowChows about her recent difficulties. I've just not been able to digest everything so that it makes sense to me yet as far as ChowChows situation goes. Whatever the case is, I hope you're well (and soon). Lena (and I may have missed this), what do you foresee? I read the posts on here, but if I don't respond soon after, it's hit or miss for me. Are you willing to try again? If you do, would you choose a surgeon outside of the US? Or was that doctor specific to the first attempt at a weight loss procedure? It's so discouraging that you've have to have the procedure reversed and then be left again at a starting point. I think I might just reach a breaking point with that doctor. I was a self-pay patient with a four year loan against my car for this procedure (with a low APR. thanks for something credit rating). I can't imagine the prospect of this turning out to be a disappointment as far as results go. Actually, I can. I think I'd be reluctant to try again. (Sorry if I'm asking things you've already answered in other threads. Some of this feels familiar. Point me in the right direction if so.) Hoping for the best for you both.

ChowChows, Sorry about not responding (Hurricane/Tropcal Depression Lee left me without power at home for a few days. I check the board at school, but don't always have time to respond during the day). Trying to follow this thread and keep up with things has left me not understanding a big part of what has developed with you recently (at least this hour). I need to reread this several times. Whatever the case may be, I hope you're doing ok, and that the outcome of this new development reinforces what you've achieved so far. Let us know when you can. All my best.

Sept. 6 was three months out from my surgery date. I lost 6.6 lbs in August, which was disappointing to a degree from the two previous months. Going back to work presented me with problems with eating well consistently and maintaining a consistent exercise schedule. Now that school's underway, I think I can get back on track with both, but they both require a lot of planning ahead. Even though the weight loss was lower, I can definitely feel the results in how my cloths fit. I've officially retired my "biggest" pants and shirts. I'm down three waists sizes in pants and a size in shirts. I could probably squeeze myself down another size in both, but I don't like feeling like I'm stuffed into a sausage casing. Almost everyone has been overwhelmingly positive if I've told them what I've done. I typically say I've changed what I eat, exercise more, and had WLS over the summer if they ask. I did have person imply that I was cheating by having it done, but whatever gets her through the day is fine by me. Oddly, she could stand to lose a few pounds herself. Overall, I'm still pleased with the results and my decision to have the plication. I just have to push myself a bit harder. I'd like to still be closer to 10 lbs a month lost, but this is better than anything I've manged before. Hope you're all well.

I investigated weight loss procedures two-three years ago (age 33-34). All the stories I was beginning to see with long-term band patients made me cautious. The complications made the cost outlay seem similar to VSG if a person had to have a second procedure, if not much more costly to have revisions. If I'd had the money available to me then, I would have went with the VSG. (I have the health insurance with a 4K out of pocket expense before it picks up anything, plus all the bariatric exclusions then). I waited and tried yet another time to exercise and eat properly. Yet again, I wasn't able to control the eating part of the equation. I'm not even sure I realized you could add age info when I signed up back in May of this year. I was really more interested in the experience others were having before I committed to this procedure. I was on here a lot. I even got a message from Alex the moderator to stop lurking and post something.

Really glad you went to the ER and found out. So glad Lena told you to also. I feel bad for posting in your last thread about dumping syndrome and not having enough information because I didn't understand what you were posting about. It can be hard to realize sometimes what is normal behavior associated with a relatively unknown procedure, and what's truly out of the ordinary. With this procedure, it seems like we're on our own (and maybe the doctors) trying to recognize what's happening because of the weight loss procedure and what's happening otherwise. I hope the procedure to remove your gallbladder goes well and you recover quickly. Let us know.

Jenn - Way to go! You continue to be an inspiration to me. I hope you continue to let us know how you're doing. It means a lot.

Huh. It does sound like dumping syndrome. I don't think I had a good idea of what it was when I posted.

Hey travel, I think I'm probably somewhere in between in all this. I'm only a little over 8 weeks out from plication, but I try to avoid artificial sweetener when I can. I can say that I really appreciate the taste of fresh seasonal fruit without added junk (natural sugar or artificial sweetener now). There are a few things I can't stand to eat without added sweetness though (plain Greek yogurt being one). I use a pack of Splenda added to that instead of honey, though I do prefer honey. I've been really trying to watch my carbs again after getting a bit lax with them, and that helps me keep that down. Lately I've been missing soda a lot, mostly the caffeine hit since going back to work, but I also love a cold drink with some ice in it. I have to admit that I've had a couple of occasions where I've broken down and had a small diet coke. It hasn't hurt my stomach, and I've really enjoyed it. As far as it affecting me, given our modern life with so many random exposures to chemicals in our homes from detergents, fabric softeners, herbicides and pesticides on produce, hormones in meat and dairy, trace hormones and medications in drinking Water, etc., I'm not going to deny myself a soda or stress out over carbs in a yogurt. If it helps me on this particular journey, then I can live with the risk. My overall pattern of losing weight hasn't stopped, but I can't explain some of the ups and downs. As far as Stevia goes, I had it in something the other day (blanking on what it was now), and didn't realize it until later. I'd had it once before and thought it was foul, then didn't notice it this time. Maybe use natural sweeteners sparingly for a bit then try reintroducing a preferred artificial sweetener or sugar substitute if you previously had one to see if you can tolerate the taste. If not, then I'd say use the natural ones when you really need them on something and avoid them otherwise if you can.

I think I had similar symptoms after drinking something with a lot of sugar in it after not having something like that for 4-6 weeks after surgery, but I don't think that qualifies as dumping syndrome as I understood it. I drank a beverage from Starbucks that had a lot of sugar in it, then about 15-30 min later felt cold, sweaty, my heartbeat increased rapidly, and generally felt like I might be sick. I actually never became vomited or had diarrhea though. It soon passed, and I assumed it was because I ate a lot of sugar after not having any for a prolonged period and it was my body saying "what have you done?" I hope you're feeling better.

Hey Grandma. Glad to hear you're doing well. The whole not drinking with meals has been difficult for me also. It helped me to read the VSG boards and to realize that not drinking during meals can also mean "not more than 1/2 cup of water", depending on which physician or nutritionist you talk with. I've slowly allowed myself to sip Water (rather than gulp it while eating like I used to do). I try to keep that to a quarter cup or less, but the need to occasionally sip isn't something that I've been able to completely give up. That helps while eating. I do stick with not drinking afterwards for an hour. It often hurts if I don't, and I've made myself sick a time or two when I ignored what my body was telling me. Also, I tend to get hungry again sooner if I don't wait the full hour. I hope you're visit with the Dr. goes well.

There are definitely more people who read these forums than post. As I write this message, there are 4700+ registered users. There were 47 guests and only 4 registered users viewing it at the moment. That makes me believe there are lots of people who are reading it, but aren't actively posting. I would suggest to you that you also read the forums over at the VSG board and the lap band board. If you spend the time reading enough posts you can see for yourself if the advantages and disadvantages for the plication make it more attractive than the other procedures. I personally researched the band and VSG two years ago and wasn't satisfied with the tradeoffs of each surgery. The plication satisfied my concerns. You can read the individual posts on the board here and get a sense of what people have experienced. Personally, I had mine done a little over two months ago. I've lost nearly 40 lbs. It's involved changing much of my life (diet and greatly increased exercise). There have been days where it's been easy, and there have been days where the mental struggle to break 36 years of terrible eating habits has been hard. The weight hasn't come off in a perfect line toward my goal weight, but the overall trend has been one of weight loss. There are no guarantees for any of the procedures. Research your options and make the decision that you feel best about if you elect to have surgery. I wish you luck in your journey.

I don't crave sweets much. My problem is generally salty/crunchy/fatty foods. I haven't made any of the high protein/low carb ice creams, donuts or cakes on the world according to eggface, but the pictures sure do look like something that would satisfy a craving for something sweet. I know I posted about her before, but apparently people love this stuff. http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2010/02/protein-ice-cream-101.html I often mix splenda in with greek yogurt and some fresh fruit if I want something sweet, which is generally Breakfast for me. I've tried it with some of the sugar free jam you can buy too. Both those are pretty good.

In my babbling, I forgot to ask if there are certain foods that set off those cravings? Is there something that you like that you could substitute for those that align more with the eating requirements that you know work for you?

I use the Walmart brand of dual action acid reducer. It's the store brand of Pepcid Complete. It has Active Ingredient (In Each Chewable Tablet): Famotidine 10 Mg-Acid Reducer, Calcium Carbonate 800 Mg- Antacid, Magnesium Hydroxide 165 Mg- Antacid. They work pretty well for me.

The last week has been tough for me as well. I hit my lowest weight last Monday, and since then, all I've wanted to do was eat carbs and I've been craving soda like nobody's business. I've been less diligent about exercising each day, and I've not been consistently tracking my food intake. I've gained a couple of pounds back . As a teacher, having the summer off to focus on eating right and exercising was great, but I've returned to work now. It's harder to make the effort to prepare food at home, especially during the evenings when I'm tempted to pick up something bad from a restaurant. I didn't have cravings much either until recently. I think it started when I at a BBQ join with family and there was grilled Texas toast served with the meal. I should have given it to someone immediately. I ended up eating the whole thing. As far as controlling the cravings, I think I just need to eliminate what little temptation I have around and resist the urge to stop at the drive through on the way home. I think I probably need to have two or three meal prep nights a week at home so I have Protein ready to eat. I'm bad about being hungry and only having frozen protein. The idea of waiting for chicken to thaw when I'm hungry often leads to a bad decision for me. That seems to trigger the junk food cravings, especially since I have a handful of fast food places within minutes of my home. I also need to enter my food intake soon after each meal. If I do that, I do a much better job of making decisions because the calories, protein, carbs, etc are right there and I can adjust my next meal based on what I have left for the day. I was doing well, but then started letting little things go, which snowballed into a bigger problem. I think there are just going to be times when this is harder than others. We can't beat ourselves up when we make bad choices, but we also have to remember that we made a significant (and expensive) decision to change our lives. The only thing we can do is move on and refocus on why we had the plication to begin with. I think part of my frustration is that I also feel like this should be happening faster and that it should somehow be easier. The reality that this is a longer term goal and doesn't work exactly like I want it to is also settling in with me now. I'm not entirely happy that it's not happening on my terms. I acknowledged that going into this, but living it day-to-day, meal-to-meal, requires real mental work and dedication. Changing mental habits has to be the hardest thing I've ever tried to do. Even when you think you're doing well, the old issues I've had resurface easily for me at this point. Remind yourself of the weight you've already lost. You've stuck with this through the stalls you wrote about before. Keep at it. You've been frustrated before and moved through it. I hope something there is of help. I wrote most of it to talk through my own issues, as well as reply. All the best.

One of the tests I had to have before my plication was to do a GI series where they x-ray you while you drink the barium solution. I wonder if you could have one of those done to at least visualize what's happening with your stomach? I'm not sure that would work, but something like that might give you more information. You could then present that to the surgery center and see what they say. It definitely sounds like something isn't quite right (at least compared to my experience). Have you had anything looked at since? I had to make sure that I used reflux as an excuse for the test since my insurance won't pay squat if it's related to bariatric surgery.

I went to visit my sister this past week. Exercised somewhat regularly (bit less than normal), but felt like I also ate badly. She didn't have a scale at her house. It was weird not knowing what was happening to the numbers. Got home and was down about 3 lbs. Which makes no sense at all to me, but not complaining. After today's weigh-in, I officially get to join this club.

I'm wondering if you guys find that your scale fluctuates up and down pretty consistently, and if so what's the typical amount for you? In the last few weeks, it seems that I'll randomly hit a low weight point, then have the scale bounce up from anywhere to 2-6 pounds in the next couple of days. Considering how hot and humid it is now in the South, my brain tells me that it's to be expected with the amount of Water I'm drinking, how much I'm exercising, and my salt intake for that day. However, it's still frustrating. Part of my problem I think is that I weigh every day and there seems to be no logical connection between my diet and activity and the numbers on the scale. I do take comfort in knowing that my "low" number is still consistently going down and that I can see and feel changes in how my clothing fits, but the upswings are driving me crazy. What's been your experience?

Congrats. Keep losing!

I was reading posts over on the VSG forums and came across http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ Under the links and resources, there are some recipes that looked good, particularly the "BITES" section. I've always had a hard time eating a nutritional Breakfast. Mostly because I never get up in time to make something before heading to work. The idea of using a muffin pan to make scrambled egg "muffins" seemed like something I could accomplish on the weekend and have ready for the week without too much hassle. There's all sorts of stuff that looks good on there. Just thought I'd share. I'm almost two months out, and I've about reached my limit with just plain dairy Protein (string cheese, plain cottage cheese, plain greek yogurt), etc. I've been eating a lot of that since surgery and have been trying to find ways to fix things that are simple but different.