sassaay

A lot of us experience increased restriction during our cycles. If you were to be filled during your cycle, it might not be a true judge of your current state of restriction and you could end up too tight and require an unfill or you may feel nice restriction while you are on your cycle, but find that you have little to none once your cycle ends. I hope this helps.

Hey Vera, I changed jobs, but I will definitely let you know when I make it to your area of the Bay. I cannot believe that we have yet to meet, my fault I know, but don't lose hope... I have to get it together one of these days... right? Take care, Anne

Hi Newlife4me (and others who have gone through this!) Boy do I feel your pain! When they were checking under flouro for a leak, did they follow the band all the way down to the port? My first band had a leak in the balloon portion of the actual band. You could see the omniplaque 'whisping' out in long streams around the band under flouro. I kept going for fills and would come back 3 weeks later with nothing there... I basically went through this for 7 months and hadn't lost any weight except for what came off immediately after surgery (all liquid stage)... I got my second band in August and even though I am probably the slowest "loser" in recorded history after a year with my new band I am making progress. I have kept every fill given to my new band... now if I could find my right level I would be alright... but that is another long drawn out story. My doctor does not recommend using omniplaque or anything other than saline in the band, so I was lucky that my insurance covered my second band as well. I hope everything works out for you and that no band or port replacement is necessary... but if you do have to get a new band, if it is any concellation I recovered so much quicker and with less pain after my second surgery. Take Care,

I get this feeling when something hasn't passed through my pouch into my stomach. It feels like something is stuck in my throat and I can feel it going up and down (especially if I drink some water) to try and flush it through. I think mine is caused when I take too big of a bite or don't chew well enough. It doesn't cause me to slime or PB, so I feel that it must not be a lot of food stuck, just a small amount that hasn't passed through yet. Not sure if this is the same for you, but I thought I would share. Take Care,

aaamom -- sorry for not seeing your question sooner. I travel a lot and have never had my port set off the alarms at the security checkpoint... But, I have never been asked to move over for the special search. In that case, I am thinking the port might cause the wand to sensor... but they would probably just think it is the underwire in my bra since my port is not far from that location.

My doctor gave me two cards that were provided by Inamed. It is a patient id card and had my doctors name and number on the back. The front says that this person has an AGB implanted around the stomach to assist in weight loss. Cautions should be taken when perscribing potentially ulcerogenic meds or performing any gastric or abdominal procedure. Maximum fill volume is 4cc. This person can eat only small portions of food at a time (half a cup or 3-4 ounces). If you have an Inamed band, then I would think your doctor should also have these cards to provide to you. Take care,

I guess you are right... they probably wouldn't need access to your stomach... don't know what I was thinking... BUT Alexandria makes a good point about possible vomitting. I guess I just wouldn't want to take any chances. I hope you feel better soon.

Hi Kelly, I know that we hate to give up our fills, but I would rather be safe than sorry. Just in case there were any complications that might require them to insert a tube into my stomach... I would not want my filled band to inhibit access. I would get the unfill for some peace of mind. I hope that you are OK and that your surgery and recovery go very smoothly. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care of yourself.

It is interesting how just about everyone's port is in a different location. Mine is located on my right side under my rib cage... I would say it is attached on top of my right oblique (abs muscle). Flower -- it took my port area a couple to 3 months before it was un-noticable. I felt as if it was moving around and although this wasn't painful, it was very uncomfortable. This happened anytime I was in movement... In the car, riding the bike at the gym, doing ab workouts, etc. Now, I very rarely notice my port... unless one of my pups stands on it or if I do a strenous session of yoga (stretching/bending) that puts pressure on that area. You might just need to give it a little time, but if it really bothers you... please talk to your surgeon. Take Care,

I will try it Nita. Thanks for sharing.

I think you have done such a wonderful job! I am soooo envious. I know that you will make your goal Labor Day! Congratulations!

I suffer from this same problem... I switched to the dessert plate, but then found myself putting too much food on that plate. Now, I am back to measuring and weighing everything and putting it on a saucer or better yet, eating it right out of the measuring cup. 6 weeks ago, I had to have an unfill due to heartburn and reflux. I had good restriction, but was packing my pouch -- didn't have any problems with hard stops (pain or PB's)... but I was ignoring my initial soft stops (runny nose, slight discomfort like something being momentarily stuck)... I was waiting until I had what I call my almost hard stop - hiccups and full stomach feeling. I am now trying to train myself to walk away at the soft stops. It is very hard, especially when you love food as much as I do... I just want to keep on eating. I like DeLarla's idea... anyone else have any advice? Thanks,

Great job everyone. I am down 2lbs. this week... I have my fill back - Yipee! Only at 1cc, but I am nice and snug. I still have .3 to lose to get back to my all time (band) low, but I am hoping for at least another pound this week. Did I mention that I joined Weight Watchers... AGAIN! I have a very low metabolism thanks to years of yo-yo dieting and even at 1200 calories a day, I have to exercise like 2 hours a day to lose weight. As it is, I have to eat at 1,000 or lower and exercise at least an hour 4-5 days a week to lose 2 pounds... it really sucks, but Weight Watchers is helping me stay accountable and their scales can weigh to the 10th of a pound. Have a great week! Going to Jonathan's site to log my loss!!!

Keep visiting here! That is how I stay motivated. The band seems to respond differently with each individual, but I can always come here and get advice, support and most importantly... a good laugh! This is a journey... it will have it's ups and downs... but I try to remember that this is a fantastic site with wonderful people and when I need motivation and support, they are here to help. Good luck on your journey and congratulations on your progress thus far! Take Care,

I added a tablespoon of Peanut Butter to my Protein shake in the blender... this was the only thing that seemed to take the hunger pains away... at least for a couple of hours. Others have given you some great advice. Just hang in there and take it one day at a time... or one hour at a time if necessary. Take Care,