JimR915

I had the surgery on Friday and was back to work on Monday. I have a desk job, but do have to get up and walk around throughout the day. I made sure to fill out the FMLA paperwork prior to my surgery just in case I needed to take advantage of it. But everything went well. Best of luck to you

I recently plateaued for about 2 months. I am 10-mos post-op and have lost 96 lbs. I'm approaching my target weight.....but I was discouraged that I was stopped just short. (14 lbs left to go) I got a fill last week and have lost 3 lbs. Maybe that's all that is needed.

For the last couple of days, I have been having similar pains to the ones you describe. Also very gurgley/gassy. I would write it off to a regular stomach ailment and let it run its course, except I had a fill about a week ago, and am now wondering if I am too tight. I've been too tight before, and had an unfill. This does not feel like that. No heartburn/coughing to speak of. Just general stomach ache. Sometimes, the pain radiates up into the center of my chest. I'm a man, so it is obviously not pregnency related Anyone have any similar pains. I'm hoping my band is not slipped....although, while uncomfortable. I am able to keep food down. I guess I am going to wait a few more days to see if the pain subsides and then go to my DR. if I still have problems. Any thoughts? thanks

Sounds like you might need an unfill. I had the same problem, but with night coughs as well. Evenually, my stoma became irritated and swelled closed and I was forced to get an unfill.

I sometimes get concerned because very few foods get stuck for me. I can also eat pretty much as fast as I want. However, I feel VERY full after a small portion. My weight has plateaued short of my goal, but I am still losing slowly (but not gaining) Of course, how much I can eat fluctuates from day to day (sometimes meal to meal) I did the "too tight" thing for a while and was miserable with night coughs and heartburn. I found that when I have those tough days, eating soft Protein rich foods helps. Cottage cheese, tuna w/ light mayo, salads w/ light dressing (for some reason), weight control oatmeal w/ protein added.

I have the same problem in the morning. Band is really tight until I have had a hot cup of coffee or tea. Later in the day, I find it is not as bad, but I still have to eat slow. Eating too fast (which I still do way too often) makes me feel the uncomfortable restriction. I simply put the fork down for a few minutes and go back to eating when it passes. I am always tempted to stop eating at that point, but I force myself to finish the already small portions. As you have likely been told, it's not unusual for meals to take 30 min. or more to finish.

Very sorry to hear that your wife is not that supportive. This certainly has to be a factor in your present situation. I, too, have a huge sweet tooth. I could stop eating fatty foods without a problem, but controlling intake of sweets is one of the hardest things for me to do. I changed over to sugar free candies. What that does for me is that it satisfies the craving for sweets, but I know that if I overdo it, I'm going to be hurting, in the form of gas pains and other short-term gastric issues from the sugar alcohols.

I average about 2 - 3 beers per week. I find that it affects me much quicker than before. No problems with weight loss by keeping beer in my diet, but I do keep the calories in mind and try to limit intake.

Took me 3 huge fills to feel restriction and 2 smaller fills to get into the green zone. About 5 months total.

I don't chew gum because I developed a terrible habit of swallowing my gum when done with it. I know that if I chewed gum now, I might accidentally swallow it by and run the risk of it getting lodged. I chew mints or sugar-free hard candies instead now.

I plateaud at 55 lbs as well. That was before the holidays. I was really bumbed, because that's where I ALWAYS plateau, even before the band. In the past, I would finally get discouraged and start eating again. But I've lost another 10 lbs over the last few weeks, so I'm feeling good again. I am still going for a very small fill next week to perhaps get a bit more consitency of restriction. I am aware of the fact, however, that perfection can be the enemy of the very good, so I don't want to overdo it. Sounds like you are doing awesome! Keep in mind, too, that the exercise could be building muscle, leading to no weight loss, but lost inches, as you pointed out. Best of luck!

My port is not visibly noticable right now. Although, if I wore a tight shirt, it might be enough to cause it to jut out a bit (I'm not ready for that yet ....). My scar is more noticable than the lump itself

I didn't experience this myself, but anesthesia can do funny things to your body....I wouldn't discount it as a cause. But if you are that depressed, you really need to get back to see your doctor.....immediately. Anesthesia may be the cause, but only he can confirm that diagnosis and help you to correct it. Please call your doctor! All the best!! jim

Everything you said in your post indicates that you know where the problem areas are. Were it me starting again, I might seek out a support group in my area. I have a good support network through my surgeon's office. Whenever I feel like I need help staying/getting back on track, I attend a meeting. Otherwise, it definitely sounds like you could start by getting a fill to tighten up the band again to help you start making the right meal choices. It sounds like you are motivated to get back on track. I wish you all the best!

AMEN to that. I have restriction at almost EVERY meal. I wouldn't call it a "stuck" episode. (although I've had a couple of those as well). I just know to stop eating or slow down when I start getting the familiar tightness from the BAND. It is the best feeling to me, and miss it on those off times that the food just kind of sails through. I may be doing something wrong, but I am able to eat my 1 cup portions and get them down...albeit with some discomfort.