Sojourner

Yes, my band is definitely tighter in the morning...and sometimes I have to be out of bed and active for an hour before I can contemplate breakfast. Sipping a hot/warm drink does seem to help me. This is a learning curve, and I've discovered that essentially my band has a mind of it's own. Some days I can tolerate cool water in the morning, other days I can't. A food well tolerated for months will suddenly create issues for me and goes off my list of tolerated foods. Be careful with dry foods such as crackers...they are notorious for causing stuck episodes. After any event, such as a stuck episode or fill, it is best to follow your medical team's instructions...my surgeon advises me to stay on liquids for 2 days, and only soft foods for an additional day.

One key to success is to have strategies in place to help you through the hunger between meals at this stage. Even today I use hunger as a reminder that it is time for me to begin sipping my required daily amount of Water and other SF/FF fluids. There are sensors in your pouch which will trip and send the "full" signal to your brain. However, I time the hour until I can have something to drink again. That strategy helped me get through the notorious "bandster hell"...and be aware that a first fill will not likely create sufficient restriction to dramatically curb your hunger. This will always be to some degree a "head game". Best wishes...you are off to a great start!

WOW...you certainly have a story to share...and I must say that I also felt that your approach to life with your band was not one that I agree with. And from what I have learned through life with my band and from my surgeon you have taken some fairly serious risks to your health and well being. I disagree with your opinion: Crazy people like me will have it tightened to the point of being on a perpetual liquid/mush diet until goal, and then a setting that permits you to maintain thereafter. The difference between these types of peole is those who are motivation to win vs those who are not yet wiling to give up food as a crutch. I have been both of these people...and I have opted to win. This is not a game...this is life. And we choose to have a certain level of quality of life. I believe that the motivation for success comes from within...and the successful individuals are self determined and want to be successful. I am one of those who are motivated for success, but choose not to place my health and well being at risk in the process of loosing weight and having a better quality of life. There are many others who are of the same mindset: I've followed my surgeon's instructions and still had some medical complications. I don't even want to consider what would have happened if I had chosen to become my own physician... I also strongly believe that we need to refrain from giving medical advice to others...unless you have the proper credentials to give such advice. Your post was in that gray area...I believe it is imperative to advise others to consult with their medical team for guidance and not tell others what they should do if they want to be a "winner". This must be gender specific, as I believe that life with a band is a journey towards health, not a race divided by the winners and losers. Best wishes to you for your continued success...

Are you sure your surgeon stresses "dry" solid food???? My surgeon has stressed the importance of choosing moist foods, such as dark meat chicken/turkey and to stay away from any foods which are too dry or over cooked. I do notice a difference, and will get dry foods stuck if I eat them. We can't rely on Protein shakes long term for proper nutrition, and if you read the disclaimer on the packaging it will tell you that. If you are not actively looking for ways to solve your problems, you are correct; you will become your own "self fulfilling prophecy" and become bitter and disappointed. There are many ways to avoid that...this is a forum for support and to share best practices. There is a wealth of solid information contained in the threads of this forum...do some research and it may help you. No one but you can turn yours into a success story.

What did you eat? Did you measure your portion size and remember to chew every bite 20-30 times? You have not really shared some vital information for insights to be shared...if it persists and something like a few sips of milk or a Tums do not help, get in contact with your surgeon or medical team... Hope you feel better fast...

I really don't understand the spirit of your post...I believe that most of us who have been through "bandster hell" never forget those weeks or months. I know that memories of those times are etched indelibly in my memory. As for your perception of a lack of support, I read the thread, and felt that those who responded did offer you emotional support. Just what type of support are you looking for? Last time I checked, none of the individuals who post on the forum are able to read minds...perhaps it would be helpful for you to attend a local WLS support group at the medical center where you had your surgery done... BEE well...

This journey is a process and not an event...you did not become obese overnight, nor will all the weight you want to loose be gone rapidly. Patience is a life skill I've had to learn during the past 10 months. Peace of mind is a priceless commodity...so look for what would reassure you that you really are on the "right track", because you are. It might be helpful if you consulted with a nutritionist who would be able to assist you with identifying good menu choices. It is therapeutic to "vent", and to let go of your anger and frustration, so posting is a good idea as well. If you continue to follow your surgeon's instructions, and continue to exercise, the weight will come off. Take a day and a pound at a time...

I've never heard of a "home sleep study" before. I would think there is a significant difference in how you are monitored, however I am no expert. I've dealt with Aetna and their "approval boards" many times though the years. Did you consider having your physician or yourself appeal the decision? I've had positive outcomes when an appeal was filed. Good luck...

This is a concern best addressed with your medical team. Like Chez, my surgeon advised that I could take a 5000 biotin daily.

Be aware of your carb gram intake...post op while you are healing, you need to be certain that you have enough Protein first. Refried beans and rice are high in carbs...

I'm not certain how you would be able to eat berries and not eat the seeds...but berries of all sorts were on my surgeon's list of allowed foods. I initially post band did avoid eating the skins of fruits such as apples and grapes, however I am able to tolerate them now with 9+ months post op. I've continued to eat berries often, and have not experienced any adverse effects from either the berries or the seeds. As with all questions which concern you related to health and well being, it's always best to discuss this with your surgeon or their medical team. Remember, each one of us is an individual, and we will not have identical tolerances for foods. I wouldn't worry about the berries, especially if no seeds were visible.

Congratulations!! I love reading success stories...so inspiring.

Most likely you will not feel any significant restriction from your band until you have had at least a couple of fills...and you are definitely still in the healing stage. I did have some degree of restriction from day 1 without my band being primed with any Fluid. Over time, you will get to "know" your band and what it feels like when it is working as it should. When a band slips, you usually will experience a feeling of either excessive restriction and/or will not be able to keep anything, even fluids in your stomach/pouch. That said, everyone is different...so to get a clarification on your question it would be helpful for you to discuss this with your medical team.

I began to loose my hair at around 3 months post op, and it continued for around 2 months. My stylist of 20+ years estimated that I lost 10% of my hair, which is fine and I was depressed about the loss. About 6 weeks ago my hair began to grow back, and I have not noticed any additional hair loss. I attribute to most of my hair loss to the shock your body goes through post op with adapting to a new diet and level of nutrients. Following my surgeon's advice, I now take 5000 mcg of Biotin daily.

Chez is correct...walking post op not only helps with getting rid of the gas, but also lowers your risks for developing DVT. I did not find that Gas-X helped, but the walking certainly did. This problem only lasts for a short while...you'll be fine!

Welcome to the forum... Best wishes on your journey to a healthier and more physically fit new you!

I was advised by my medical team "NO gum". If accidentally swallowed,likely it could contribute to a stuck episode, and would not be easy to digest. I subscribe to the philosophy of minimizing risks...why risk creating a possible problem when it is so easy to avoid? Sugarless gum was not difficult for me to quit using...and I don't miss it at all.

The type of Protein and amount of protein a shake/drink has makes all the difference. As a bariatric patient, you have special protein needs which can't be properly met by things like Carnation "Instant Breakfast" or event a shake like "Atkins Advantage" shakes. Whey Isolate protein is considered to be a complete protein which contains all of the amino acids for proper nutrition and absorption. My surgeon advised that I needed to only have whey protein, and I have followed his instructions. Whey protein powders are a bit more expensive, but your health and well being is also important. I encourage you to ask your medical team questions, and also become a "label reader"...not just for Protein Shakes but for everything you eat. GNC has a number of whey protein choices...and my protein shakes when mixed with 1% milk provide 37g of protein. The nice thing about GNC products is that they come with a refund guarantee. Likely you will have to try several types of shakes before you find one or two you like. It's an important part of a bandster life. Best wishes...

The first weeks post op are for healing, and you can't hurry that. Swelling is totally normal, and gradually it will be gone. No two bandsters will have identical journeys...take a day at a time and follow the instructions you were given by your surgeon.

I don't know where you live, but there are laws which mandate employers to provide both breaks and a longer lunch break if you are working full time (40 hours). My signature quote is my mantra - "Do or do not, there is no try", and I live by it. I'm married, raised 3 sons, and for several years of my life worked full time, did the usual "mom things" with son's homework, was in school at the graduate level, completed a practicum which lasted for a year, and still managed to incorporate exercise into my schedule on a regular basis...Why??? Because it helped keep my sanity and my thoughts centered. Exercise energizes you if you give it a chance. If you are serious about wanting to be successful with long term weight loss, regular exercise is in that equation.

As others have shared, stress does tend to play a role in a band feeling tighter. You could jeopardize your well being if you are unable to have the proper amount of fluids and nutrition you need. I was recently sick, and tried for 2 weeks to cope with my band which did feel too tight, which it had not previously to being ill. I went in for a small unfill and it has made a world of difference. I'm able to drink the fluids I need, which was a definite concern for me. Definitely discuss this with your surgeon or other staff and let them know what is going on. They should address your concerns and will make a recommendation to you.

It's totally normal for someone about to make major life changes to feel nervous about their surgery. You most likely know more about what you need to do than you give yourself credit for. When you begin to feel nervous, get back in touch with your reasons for wanting to become healthier. If you have not already done so, create some goals for yourself, and begin to plan on what you need to do to accomplish them. Most, if not all of us have had similar experiences...so come back often and receive positive feedback and encouragement. There are many supportive and knowledgeable members on this forum who will be here for you! Best wishes for a successful journey...

I agree that no one, unless they have the proper credentials, should be giving medical advice to others on this forum, or any other venue. We all have been on the "learning curve" at some point on our journey to become a healthier individual, however there is a difference between general advice and questions which a qualified professional needs to answer. I'm unclear as to which individuals you are referring to that "bash" others...I don't condone that. However if you have been on this forum for some time and read some of the posts it does make me wonder if the poster has had any pre-op education. Sometimes when people ask for advice, if you respond in an honest way they get offended. If you don't want an answer, then don't ask the question. I don't know of anyone I have encountered on this site that has malicious intent to be negative towards others. I am a licensed therapist and a certified addictions professional. I understand that there are immense differences between instructions a surgeon would give their patients and I respect that. I encourage posters to follow the instructions they have been given by their medical team, and if they don't understand them, ask their team of medical professionals for clarification...that's why you are paying them. I understand that the motivation for success has to come from within the individual. I also understand that even a professional within the scope of their practice cannot "save" everyone. Sometimes it is appropriate to tell it like it is and not coddle an individual, but always in an appropriate way. Ultimately we owe it to ourselves to be informed, to be motivated, and feel that we can reach out for support, as well as be successful on our journey. It's really not necessary to have an attitude if your interpretation of a post is different from the intent in which it was offered. And because interpretation is a "subjective" measurement, it helps to clarify the intent before you "cop the attitude"... Best wishes for your continued success...

Clear liquids are just that...you can see through them. The one exception I can think of is chicken or vegetable broth... I drank alot of Water, both plain and flavored. This is acceptable if the liquid is both SF and FF. Crystal Light, SF popcicles, and I'm told by others, though I have never tried it are the "Mio" drops to flavor plain water. Check with your WLS office or the NUT who works with the surgeon's practice about drinking any fruit juice. I was advised that drinking fruit juice was like drinking sugar water as there are many calories and little or no nutritional value.

Better check with the dietitian...I was advised that drinking fruit juice was like drinking sugar water...something we need to avoid as it is "empty" calories (little or no nutritional value).