Poodlelover56

I am guessing its swelling from the fill. I have had two fills and both times I felt restriction for a few weeks and then it subsided. I have some restriction but not at green zone yet. My third fill is tomorrow! Wish me luck! I'm down 35 lbs. Banded 10/12/11.

Good luck slm2007. I am going for my third fill tomorrow. I have some restriction but am not in the green zone yet. I actually had the PA say that it's not about the numbers! Really? Then why are we banded? I had to take out my Iphone with my weight watchers app ( I go every week for support and weigh in) and show her my weight record because the surgeon's office messes up the record and their scalevis admittedly 6 lbs over! And I go to a bariatric center of excellence. Hard to believe. So hang in and don't give up!!

Warfield 23, it's a little hard tovtell you how tovdo the program because it is based on points and everyone is different.

41 points seems very high. I am at 26 points. Why so high? That would be way too much food for a bandster.

It sounds ludicrous. I was told to start my protein drinks as soon as I was able. I don't get where your surgeon is coming from. It makes no logical sense. You need protein to heal, to regain your strength.

Did you participate in a post bariatric surgery program? I was banded on 10/12 and am required to go through this 12 week program which includes exercise, nutrition classes, meditation and discussion. Sometimes people re-up if they've fallen off the wagon, which it sounds like you've done. Do you need a fill? A few weeks ago, I asked the dietician why people gain weight back. Her answer was " grazing". It sounds like you're not meal planning and you are carbo loading with the ice cream and wine, which leads to more carbs. It's a slippery slope. You need to get your mind around the reasons you were banded. Maybe go on liquids for a few days and clear out your system. Don't undue all your hard work. Best of luck!

I am in the waiting room of my surgeon's office waiting for my 2nd fill. I was banded 10/12/11. I am down 30 lbs. the first fill gave me some restriction, but I can still eat anything. I stay full longer and am definitely getting the stop signal, but I am not at the green zone in any way yet. It's a very personal experience. Some people need no fills, others need many. But it was the best decision I have made for myself. Good luck to you on your journey to band land!

I had a nsv at the movie theatre today. I was able to cross my legs comfortably in my seat!

I would not try to bring it up. Walk around, it will pass. Then go back to full liquids for a few days. Let your body heal. Don't stress your new pouch with meat.

Congrats on all your success. I am within 7 lbs of one-derland and I'm so excited. I think that dating again with all that weight gone will give you lots of options. Let's face it, size matters when it comes to the dating world. Good luck! Enjoy your success and all the possibilities!

It's all very normal. The fatigue, the achiness, the gas and fullness. You have to remember that everyone is in such a different physical state going in to this surgery. Some of the variables are age, weight, existing co morbidities. I think most people push themselves too quickly and are anxious to just get on with their lives and the weight loss journey. My advice would be: give yourself time to rest, heal, and recover. You WILL feel like yourself again. Go easy.

Very sorry for your loss and the pain you feel. I too lost my mom and my dad two years apart when I was in my early thirties. I am 55 now, so it was a long time ago. It will get better in time. Let yourself cry if you need to. But try to keep in mind this one thought." How is putting all the wrong foods in my mouth going to help me?" You have to work through the emotional eating and stop doing it. I'm sure your mom would want the best for you. And that means weighing less than 300 lbs. Over eating solves nothing and it certainly won't help your grief. Best of luck. We are all here for you. Just don't go for the food. Keep working out. It's the best anti depressant there is. Arlene

Glad to hear it. That's awesome!

How do you get a ticker?

It's ok. I didn't mean to sound so harsh. I think I misunderstood you. But even 1-2 lbs a week is awesome too. That's all that is expected. I was banded 10/12 and have been losing 1/2 - 2 lbs a week. I had my first fill 12/1 and lost 3 lbs this week so I was thrilled. But I'm trying to be realistic that I won't lose 3 a week through the whole process. Do you exercise? I'm really trying to get on my exercise bike more. I know exercise boosts weight loss and tones in the process. Arlene

If you can't keep any fluids down, you could be very dehydrated if you wait till monday. So go to the ER if you can not drink. Signs of dehydration are dry mouth, and not peeing for over 6 hrs. So be careful. Keep us posted. Arlene Banded 10/12

LMAO!

I don't understand why losing 12 lbs a month would be disappointing.

The gas pains are totally normal. I had them badly too for about two weeks. Keep walking, and sip fluids. As long as you stay hydrated ( urinating atleast every 4-6 hrs), you are doing ok. I was banded 10/12, also struggled to just get fluids down that first week. It will get better! Much better! And you can take your pain med for the gas. I was taking two percocettes, usually once a day in the afternoon when the gas pains really got to me. Gas X didn't help me. The pain in your chest is from the carbon dioxide, it's not gas in your bowel or stomach. Arlene

I am so happy for you!!! . I hit a personal milestone this week too. I made it to 209. I have been stuck in the teens and twenties, sometimes in to the mid 230's, for about 10 years. So I know how you feel. We will succeed this time because of our little internal helpers. And I love what Shelley said about eating with our eyes. It's what we've always done. But that is slowly changing for me. It's fun to have restaurant leftovers! So stay the course and I will too!!! I look forward to your posts with your progress!! Arlene Banded 10/12/11.

Good for you Stateofzen. Love that name, by the way . Rejoining WW has been good for me. I've lost every week for the 5 since I joined. I have been losing consistently since my pre op liquids, in to banding, and after. But WW gives me the accountability weekly and makes me track food and activity which is key to losing weight. I had my first fill on 12/1 and lost 3 lbs this week! The band is amazing. I went out for lunch yesterday, ordered a small Caesar salad and an individual pizza. I ate the salad, minus croutons, and could only eat two small slices of this thin crust pizza. I used to be able to chow it down. And, I tracked it on my etools. I feel that the band gives me such an edge to keep my points on track. Does your WW leader know you're banded? Mine does and it's not a problem.

I struggled to get enough fluids in that first week. Just had zero appetite. I was told to drink three protein shakes a day and there was no way I could. The nutritionist told me that as long as I had no nausea, was keeping fluids down, and was urinating regularly, then I was doing fine. After that, I stopped worrying and just sipped all day and did the best I could. Since you are not struggling with fluids, try to drink your protein shakes, and use the other liquids in between . Hope this was helpful! Welcome to band land! Arlene

I eat salad without a problem. I had surgery 10/12 and ive had one 2cc fill. So far everything goes down. My band tells me when to stop. It's a wonderful thing!

I have a 10cc Allergan lapband. I had my first full the other day and the PA put in 2cc which is the standard for their office. I am feeling a little more restriction when I eat. And I have been losing every week 1/2 to 2 lbs. it was time for a fill because I was starting to have a lot more hunger following my eating plan.

My gas pains ( mostly in my left shoulder) lasted a few weeks. Try a heating pad, move around. It will get better!! Welcome to the "other" side !!