JimR915

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.

I'm not as seasoned as you are (I was banded on Aug. 12th, 2011), but the symptoms you describe are classic ones for an overtight band.

Your story closely resembles mine. What made me decide to get the band is that my sugar levels started to climb and remain high. I was just over 300 lbs. Had tried to lose weight several times, only to gain it back. My wife owns a cafe in town and is a tremendous cook! The last straw for me was helping my father clear some trees in his yard last year. I got winded and dizzy to the point that I had to sit down for 20 min. and chew sugar pills. I was banded on August 12th, and, to date, have lost about 65 lbs. It's the best thing I ever did...truly. It is still a commitment and requires will power, but when everything is firing right, the band is a great tool. Best of all, I can't even fathom being able to eat the way I used to. Large portions are simply out of the question. I wish you all the best and hope that you will find your decision as rewarding as I have mine. Happy Holidays jim

Since my last fill more than 2 weeks ago, I've enjoyed a good level of restriction. I really felt like I was getting close the the green zone. Beginning last night at dinner, I started noticing that I wasn't feeling the restriction as much any longer. I thought it was just a fluke, but it has continued through today. I have SOME restriction, but not nearly what I had. The types of food that I have been eating has not changed. Can someone tell me if I should expect fluctuations in the amount of restriction from time to time, and it will return to the way it was, or should I think about another fill? Thanks jimr

That would certainly explain it. It just happened all at once...which had me concerned. I had a bit more restriction this morning, but I hadn't had my tea yet. I'll see how it goes over the next couple of days, and make an appointment for a small fill if I remain at the same level of restriction. I hate going into the holidays with less restriction. Fortunately, my will power is still strong. Thanks, all, for your help

Don't get discouraged. What you are feeling is completely normal. I didn't start feeling restriction until my 3rd fill. And only felt consistent restriction after my 4th. Keep going for your fills as instructed and you'll get there soon enough. All the best!

As part of your Weight Watchers diet, have you recently switched to Sugar substitutes? I find that when I eat foods that contain Moltitol, Sorbitol, or other Sugar alcohols in any kind of volume, I get gut wrenching gas pains like the ones you described. I am in agreement that you should consult with your doctor, but if this is the case, you might try limiting those foods to see if it helps.

Very funny (although potentially serious) post. thanks for the advice, and the chuckle this morning.

Like SageTracey, it took 3 fills before feeling any restriction at all. I just received my 5th fill last week and I now know what it is like to have true restriction. I don't know if I am in the green zone for me yet, but by definition, I seem to be getting close I can now only eat small bites and small portions. If I try to eat more, or eat too fast, the discomfort is unbearable. Up to this point, I made a decision to limit my intake of food, regardless of how I felt (restriction or no). I lost weight without an issue, but my concern was being able to keep it off. I now know that the band will help with that. Best of luck! jimr

I have a desk job. Had the surgery on a Friday, and returned to work on the following Tuesday. I would say that I, personally, could not have gone back sooner. I was still too sore and tired.

My thinking exactly. I tend to be an open book anyway, so I really didn't care who knew. I just tell people that this is my way of getting and staying healthy. Most people are very supportive (at least to my face). The others can go jump off the proverbial bridge for all I care.

A couple of egg alternatives that I eat are: Quaker Oatmeal Weight Control (extra protein) made with a cup of 1% or skim milk or Greek Yogurt mixed with 1/4 cup of granola.

Touche` my friend. I think we Sox fans are ready for the shake-up that is surely imminent. Sorry....didn't mean to hijack the thread. All the best!

If you are looking for a way to get rid of that Yankees gear, as a Sox fan, I'm sure I could find a use for it. Burning that in my fireplace would keep me warm for hours Kidding of course!! CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss.