Sojourner

We all experience being on a "learning curve" as we adjust to our new way of life with our bands. Another life lesson learned...

It does read that your band may be too tight...but you should definitely get in contact with your surgeon ASAP and let them know what is happening. Let your physician make these medical decisions...their expertise is what you are paying them for.

I was prescribed hydrocodone in liquid form for post op.

I could not even begin to guess as to the carb grams and calories I have during the course of a day, as I was advised to never count calories, and make healthy food choices. I make an effort to limit carbs to a minimum, and stay with fresh/steamed vegetables and fresh fruit only, and focus on lean Proteins. Regarding carbs, I have a perspective grounded in my professional experience in addictions counseling. This may be regarded by some on this forum to be a bit unconventional, however addictions to food and carbs are real and are significant contributors to the obesity problems our population faces. To achieve recovery from one's addictions, you must avoid those things which may trigger your unhealthy eating patterns, which for many of the obese population are unhealthy carb choices. That said, I would encourage you to follow the diet recommended to you by your medical team. I've shared only what works for me. Best wishes for your successful journey...

Most of us find that when we are motivated for success with achieving our goals, we can and will be successful to overcome all of the obstacles in our path... This event is an indication of your determination and motivation for your success...and you have every right to shout it out! There will be many such challenges in the future...and you are creating the solid foundation to meet each of those challenges in stride. Best wishes for a successful journey...you are off to a fantastic start!

It's always best to follow your surgeon's instructions, and ask about what he can allow within reason. Caffeine is a known stomach irritant, and as such we need to be aware of that. There are similar reasons as to why we are advised to not use any NASIDS once banded. I was told that this was the reason to avoid caffeine. I take Nexium daily, and have not had any ill effects from drinking my limited amount of coffee. I continue to drink caffeinated coffee every day, but only allow myself one cup or glass of it. I flavor it with Stevia and add a splash of milk, so though there are some liquid calories involved, it's not to the degree it would be going to Starbucks. Bottom line: Ask your surgeon what they advise...

Why are you spending the money for the surgery, then ignoring the sound instructions your surgeon provided for your post op healing? Through the initial stages of your journey you will likely have to rely on willpower, to me the same as "want power", to be successful to loose weight. You will be able to eat just about anything you want, and in quantities which exceed medically recommended standards. Just because you can eat that way does not mean that you should. That mindset is what it will take for you to learn how to work with your band, and be successful with weight loss. If you are already ignoring instructions given by your surgeon, it does not bode well minimizing the importance of these instructions. Not for your health and well being, or for your weight loss. Another essential thing to remember is that your medical team will always be the best and most important source for answering your medical and diet compliance questions. You are paying for their expertise, utilize it. Best wishes for your successful journey...

What you are describing are definite signs that your band is too tight. My surgeon would not have allowed me to leave the exam room before chugging a small cup of Water to make certain that I did not have those type of indications for the band being too tight. I also wait in the waiting area for around 30 minutes post fill and continue to sip water to make certain that I'm going to be able to keep fluids down. I hope you get this resolved asap...dehydration could make you end up in the ER.

Though others may disagree...I've found that I physically cannot eat more than that 1 cup. I know this because when my husband brings me a plate for a meal, like he did when I recently was initially recovering from foot surgery, the smaller plate was overloaded with the healthy menu items I asked for. He has no idea what a proper portion looks like, though I have attempted to explain this to him repeatedly. His response to me is to just eat what I want. By the time I approach the 1 cup amount, I am already receiving the subtle signals that I am full, and I listen to those signals. No matter the philosophy one subscribes to, we still need to accept responsibility for every bit of food we allow ourselves to have. I know that I would feel miserable if I went beyond the amount I'm allowed to have. You have to be self aware to catch those initial subtle signals from your brain telling you that you've eaten enough. By eating at a slower pace, you should be able to identify those signals, and heed them. IMHO...other's mileage may vary...

My surgeon advised no nutrition or "protein bars". When I'm out and wanting any sort of snack, I always have some almonds with me. Almonds and bottles of water are my constant companions...I never leave home without them...

I wish you the best with your decision...in reality though, not everyone will ever find their "green zone". Hope you have a fast and complete recovery...

When I had my "unfill", the area around my band was still inflamed, so I was advised liquid diet only for 48 hours.

Cheryl is correct with her opinion about the boxed foods. You can still make healthier choices for your diet with a small amount of planning ahead, and it really does not require much time to do. Rate of weight loss will fluctuate, accept that as being normal. Don't automatically assume that you are doing something wrong or become discouraged because your weight loss has slowed. Stay the course, and focus on your goals every day. You will see the results you want.

I guess the majority of others on the forum have asked the same question of themselves...and the reality seems to be that we can loose the weight, but keeping it off is the major challenge. Your band will assist you with this on the long haul if you remain compliant with your diet, and continue to live a healthier lifestyle with exercise and portion control. Best wishes for a successful journey...

Yes, I believe we all understand that we had issues with eating and poor choices in that area...but the process of change does need to begin at some point. No one can be perfect, however if we don't make a commitment early on during this journey, then it does become more difficult to loose the bad habits. Certainly the pre and post op times are the most difficult...diet compliance does come with a "restart button"...we just have to try not to use it too often. Just my opinion...others mileage may vary...

I am surprised that you were not provided with adequate information about the procedure and the follow up care which is necessary for your health and success, even if you were paying the bill yourself. I can only share what my surgeon's instructions were to me; I am able to eat as normal prior to the fill, though nothing within 30 minutes of the fill. Post fill I am required to be on a totally liquid diet for 48 hours, then on soft foods only for the next 24 hours. I had to wait 14 weeks post op for my first fill. Don't expect the first fill to provide much restriction; this is a journey and not an event. I opted for having my band filled slowly and have no regrets. As others have said, you are still healing, and as such you are still retaining fluids. Follow your surgeon's instructions and the weight will come off. Patience is a virtue my band has taught me... Best wishes for your success...

Though a bit tardy with my comment...I want to say that there are so many people who take for granted having the ability to have children, that they are thoughtless when they speak with others. It's a heartbreaking situation...but perhaps you and your wife should look into alternative paths towards parenthood. When you take steps to realize fruition of a goal, it is much more of an emotionally healthy place to be in, than stuck and feeling helpless. {{{Hugs to you}}}

I attribute success or failure with one's weight loss journey to two major contributing factors: compliance with following your surgeon's instructions to the greatest extent possible every day, and maintaining your motivation for success and wanting to embrace a healthier way of life (aka changing your relationship with food and understanding that you are empowered to make the choices which will bring success or failure with weight loss). That said, please follow your surgeon's instructions. All of them were designed to promote your healing and well being. If you are already going against sound medical advice, it does not bode well for long term well being. I guess this is a life lesson learned...glad your experience was not worse...

I agree with what others have shared with regards to carbonated beverages...for the first time in memory, we did not have champagne on New Year's Eve because I wanted to avoid carbonation, and flat champagne did not appeal to me. I stopped drinking all carbonated beverages months prior to having my band placed. I don't miss them, and it does not bother me to see my husband drink a diet soda at the table with me. Your best source for this type of guidance will always be your own surgeon...but also do what feels right for you.

I had this happen to me, and my surgeon did say that if you are going vomit as a result of a virus, there is nothing you can do about it. My band did not slip, however I did need a small unfill afterward, as the area around my band was swollen after vomiting. I would defintely do your best to keep from getting Ill, and though you have not been banded long, you would need to vomit a number of times before you should be overly concerned about your band slipping. Definitely call your surgeon if you have difficulties with staying properly hydrated. I hope the virus skips over you...

My band also sends me messages that warn that a particular food is not a good choice for me...and I'm not willing to suffer the negative consequences if I don't heed the message! We recently went for brunch at a Cracker Barrel...and they do make an excellent Breakfast. My order came with one pancake...I was able to have one small bite only, and that was it. The egg was excellent...and healthier choice. So yes, my band also becomes my conscious telling me to stay on track! I do love having my band!

During my professional career, I was in a "helping profession", and perhaps I would be considered to by some to be one of those "know it all" posters who do post about my own experiences and what I have discovered along my WL journey. My intention is only altruistic, to assist others to better understand that there is a psychology behind the choices we make every day. Many of those choices are responsible for our success, or lack of success with weight loss. It has nothing to do with the rate which one looses their weight, but everything to do with your level of honesty and accountability with yourself to comply with the bandster rules as they apply to you. I don't post much on the forum these days, as it is my experience that there are many individuals who don't appear to have made the commitment necessary with adopting a healthier life style. This may or may not be related to the pre op education and screenings which they needed to complete. I make it a point to not be critical of others, and I do subscribe to the belief that the only "dumb" question is the one you want an answer to and don't ask. I will always advise others who post medical related questions to ask their medical team for their advice, we are not physicians. The success we experience with weight loss is directly related to the daily choices we make, and our level of commitment to be diet compliant and exercise. When a person "cheats" on their diet, the only one who looses out is that person. Just my honest opinion, and I agree that there is never any excuse to resort to name calling. This is an open forum, and we all have a responsibility to behave in the manner of mature adults. Others mileage may vary...

I have continued to drink my one glass of iced coffee every day. I add stevia and a small splash half n half. This glass is the only calories of the day that I drink... I rarely visit a Starbucks anymore...

You should ask your medical team this question. There have been significant medical risks associated with carbonated beverages and bands.

Perhaps...however both processed meats and processed frozen "meal in a box" selections are not necessarily a valid comparison. Both are processed, and have chemical additives. Of course the NUT should advise that we should avoid any foods which have nitrates/nitrates added to them...they are known carcinogens. Basics which don't have the nutrients removed are still going to be both healthier and taste better IMHO...