Corrigan

We have a POS scale that I only use to check changes, not absolute weight (it's 15 lbs off). I go to the doctor every three months and that's often enough for my real weight.

Dulci, 800 calories really isn't enough for you. There are a lot of reasons for stalls, the most common has to do with glycogen storage and use. I have an article posted on here somewhere, look up glycogen in the search box. You probably should be on, at least 900-1000. If you lose too fast, you'll lose muscle mass, and we don't want to do that. 11/2 to two pounds a week average is just about right. You'll have some weeks where you lose 4-6 lbs and others where you'll lose none. Just keep on the diet your doctor gave you and you'll lose everything you want.

It's probably just swelling related to the fill, but if it doesn't resolve itself in a couple days, you may need a slight unfill.

One thing people who are contemplating any WLS have to ask themselves is whether or not they have the discipline to eat according to their surgeon and dietitian's instructions. If not, there is a good chance their surgery may not be a complete success. There are some that can lose weight on their own without surgery, but for most of us, the problem is, although we can lose, we are also good at gaining our weight back. As we all know, this yo yo dieting puts a lot of strain on our bodies, particularly our hearts. The band allows us to lose and helps us keep it off. I've been banded for 9 weeks and have lost over 50 lbs and almost completely conquered my diabetes, etc. For some reason I haven't needed any fills and don't have an undue amount of hunger, and I'm not alone. A number of people haven't had fills and are still losing. Everyone is different. The one thing that the band has going for it, is that it's reversible. If years down the line. You need to have it removed. that's possible. You just have to decide whether your weight is enough of a health risk to do something about.

Loretta, I wonder if your insurance won't cover this, being that it's a medical condition, not a new surgery. Take some time and check with them.

I was a diabetic on Metfomin, Byetta and Lantus. My blood sugar was often over 200, A1C 8.7. Since being banded 9 weeks ago I've lost over 50 lbs, blood sugar an hour ago was 88, and A1C last week was 6.1. I still have sleep apnea, but will probably be over it in a few months. BP and cholesterol have always been good, but are better now. Give it a try, you won't regret it.

Are you worried enough to cut your caloric intake to 1000 calories a day? That will probably keep your weight even, or maybe you'll lose a little. I know, after you've worked so hard to get the weight off, that any thought of gaining is worrisome, but you still have the band, and that and a little will power and you should be just fine until your next fill.

Here's an article I've posted several times that may help: Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs of Water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when you are not getting in enough food, your body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. And when you use up 2 lbs of glycogen, you also lose 8 lbs of water that was used to store it -- voilà -- the "easy" 10 lbs that most people lose in the first week of a diet. As you stay in caloric deficit, however, your body starts to realize that this is not a short term problem. You start mobilizing fat from your adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But your body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy -- like, to outrun a saber tooth tiger. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. And as it puts back the 2 lbs of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though you might still be LOSING energy content to your body, your weight will not go down or you might even GAIN for a while as you retain water to dissolve the glycogen that is being reformed and stored. This may explain your lack of weight loss, providing you're eating 800 to 1000 calories and getting plenty of exercise

It really depends on the band you have, and the capacity, Bands go from 9cc to 14cc, depending on the manufacturer, You'll have to check with your surgeon to find the manufacturer and capacity before you can tell your band's fill capacity.

No.

This is an article from a peer reviewed journal, for information about the band: Lower mortality rate: only 1 in 2000 versus 1 in 250 for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery Removable: stomach size returns to normal if the band is removed but does have many adhesions making a revision surgery more dangerous No cutting or stapling of the stomach Short hospital stay Quick recovery Adjustable without additional surgery No malabsorption issues (because no intestines are bypassed) Fewer life threatening complications (see complications table for details)

I guess most of us have had a few psycological problems before being banded. Being banded doesn't change anything, the eating problems are still there. It takes a lot of will power to overcome them. If we could lose weight without WLS of whatever type, we would. You seem to be doing well, your weight loss is wonderful. I'm trying to lose without fills, my hunger hasn't been too bad, and I, still losing, I was one of those big meal guys, but the band seems to have helped a lot with that. Nice to meet you, Stacie.

I was also one of the lucky ones too, no gas, no pain. I think what you're experiencing is part of the pain associated with the gas use to expand your abdomen so the surgeon had room to work. If you're following your doctor's instructions and you're walking a lot and still have the pain, you might see the doctor, just to give yourself some peace of mind. Good luck.

I was told mushies need to be of a consistency that would go through a straw. That's a little hard with some stuff, but I'd just use it as a guide as to how well to chew. Looks like you're doing great.

Just start slowly, add a few new things at once, to give yourself more confidence in solid food. I don't remember when your surgery was, but most programs recommend solid foods at week six. If you're not there yet, take it easy and follow your doctor's advice. It's easy to gain until you get to the right fill, this is where the most will power has to be applied.

Hi Jennifer, As far as I can tell, a Protein shake diet probably won't be harmfull for a few months . Here is a brief article from the Mayo Clinic: Some high-protein diets restrict carbohydrate intake so much that they can result in nutritional deficiencies or insufficient Fiber, which can cause such health problems as constipation and diverticulitis, and may increase your risk for certain types of cancer. High-protein diets often promote foods such as red meat and full-fat dairy products. Some experts believe a diet rich in these foods can increase your risk of heart disease. A high-protein diet may cause or worsen liver or kidney problems because your body may already have trouble eliminating all the waste products of protein metabolism. If you want to follow a high-protein diet, do so only as a short-term weight-loss aid. Also, choose your protein wisely. Good choices include fish, skinless chicken, lean beef, pork and low-fat dairy products. Choose carbs that are high in fiber, such as whole grains and nutrient-dense vegetables and fruit. And if you have kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes, if you're taking medication for a chronic health condition, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before starting a high-protein diet. So if you're going to do this be sure to add fiber and make sure to take your Multivitamin. If you're really losing 15 lbs a month, you're probably losing a lot of muscle, so either slow down or work really, really hard at the gym.

Any chance you're developing lactose intolerance? For your diet, maybe write down what an ideal diet should be, then try to follow it. For protein, try protein isolate powder. I only hope I have half the success you've had.

I used chicken Bullion from Costco, and Earl Grey tea to tide me over between shakes. Almost anything hot. If you mix protein isolate powder in it you also get some extra protein with it. You can get protein isolate from GMC or on line for a little less. There are a lot of recipes in the food section to help you through this tough time.

We usually soak ours overnight in sea salt brine with poultry spices in it. There are lots of recipies on Google, so you can flavor it how you like.

In this country, Thanksgiving is a traditional holiday. Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. I fully intend to enjoy it with my family, only in quantities I can live with. I have undergone a lot of self deprivation to lose the weight I have and don't intend to gain any of it back just because of the Holidays. I can taste everything in quantities that won't wreck all the work I've put in the last 3 or 4 months, and make it up elseware. I've been overweight the major part of my adult life and seem to finally have a handle on it. I could easily backslide, but I'm not going to. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

I know you don't think so, but I think this is a plus for you from the information you've given. Too many people come here with stories of surgeons who operate and don't provide much pre or post op support. The seminar you're going will provide you with some very valuable information to help you through your ordeal. The band trip isn't the easiest thing you've ever done, it will take some hard work on your part. Having a competent surgeon is half the battle, your attitude and effort is the other. Be happy you're going into an organized program, It'll make your journey a lot easier.

I really don't know what to say. You seem to have 14ccs in a 10cc band? I would think you'd be a little tight, but now that I've reread your post, I think you meant to say 8 and .6 for a total of 8.6cc. I'd say you are approaching your ideal fill. I'd say go for another .5cc and see what that does for you. I'm sure we'd all appreciate it if you would keep us up to date on your progress. TIA

Lots of water and warm prune juice. A handful of dried aprocots works too. I was told not to take chemical laxitives for at least 6 weeks.

Chest x-ray,ekg, upper GI,PCP release, blood test and I've probably forgotten something, there's so much. just do them, one by one.

The part of your stomach, just above the band hasn't healed yet, every drop of water that hits it, hurts, give it a few days and all will be well. As water goes through your stoma air replaces it and that's what you feel.