Starting Over!

The band can seem very fickle at times, giving you restriction riddles instead of restriction answers. How can we solve those riddles?


RESTRICTION RIDDLES
Restriction is the holy grail of bandsters, but even when you find it, it may not cooperate with you all day every day. Its fickle nature may allow you to eat one food on Tuesday but not on Wednesday. It may not show up until 2 weeks after a fill, or it may disappear 2 weeks after a fill. You end up puzzling over riddles like delayed restriction, disappearing restriction, and/or variable restriction.
DELAYED RESTRICTION
Although the Fluid injected into the port during a fill travels immediately to the band, it can take several weeks for you to notice an increase in restriction. This may be because you spend a few days after a fill progressing from liquids to purees to soft to solid food, and then you're extra careful when eating: on the alert for more restriction. When we relax this vigilance, careless eating will eventually remind us (again) that we have a band with more fill in it.
Delayed restriction is frustrating, I admit. You get a fill and want instant results. But all you can do is pay close attention to your body's signals as it adjusts to the tighter fit of the band.
It is pointless to try to judge your restriction in the two to three days immediately after a fill, when you're on a liquid or pureed diet, because optimal restriction is experienced when you're eating solid foods.
DISAPPEARING RESTRICTION
At times during my weight loss surgery journey, I have asked myself, "Where the heck did my restriction go? Did thieves sneak in during the night and steal it?" In addition to thieves and elves, the following things can make your restriction seem to disappear overnight:
1. A few days to a week after a fill, the swelling and irritation caused by the fill calms down and the fit of your band feels looser.
2. In the first few weeks after a fill, you re-learn your band eating skills and unconsciously adjust to the new fill level so that you experience fewer negative symptoms.
3. As you lose weight after a fill, the visceral fat around your stomach shrinks, so the fit of your band doesn't feel as tight.
4. The position of your band against your stomach subtly changes due to normal body processes (see below).
5. Your band loses fluid due to evaporation, leakage, or inadvertent removal during a fill.
Please note that in #1 and #3 above, I said that the fit of the band feels looser or tighter. The band itself does not loosen or tighten by itself. Only a fill, unfill, or manufacturing defect can do that. The band is not like a rubber band that stretches out over time and eventually snaps.
WHY IS RESTRICTION SO VARIABLE?
Sooner or later, every bandster discovers that the band is a fickle mistress. In the course of a week, it can feel too loose, too tight, or just right (kind of like Goldilocks and the Three Bears). The food that worked fine on Monday may get stuck on Tuesday. On Wednesday you can hardly eat at all, and on Thursday you could eat an entire wedding banquet all by yourself. Friday you're back to Square One.
These variations are maddening but fairly normal. The stomach is living tissue that expands and contracts to aid digestion. It's affected by weight loss, the time of day (morning tightness is common), the time of month or fluid retention, medications, illness, dehydration and stress. The pressure of the band against the stomach can cause the stomach wall to thin out, so the band feels looser. And although the band and the stomach are sutured together, the position of the band can shift enough to affect your experience of restriction.
Remember: the #1 factor affecting the amount of food you can eat is what type of food you eat. You will feel more restriction when you eat solid food (like animal protein), less when you eat soft food (even healthy stuff like yogurt and cottage cheese), and virtually none when you drink liquids (even healthy ones like Protein drinks).

I agree I lost track of protien too and startedto be tired all the time. Thinner but tired. I had a few unfills brcause Vitamins wouldn't stay down ir anything else for that matter. I gained 20 after a few months. Adding Protien now with shakes with slmond milk etc but have to also up exercise ..can't find yhe time i need ...interval training the best but I need disspline and time!

I am so happy to hear your successful results! Your are encouragement for us all to obtain our own success in our journey! Thanks for the update, I have been thinking about you and praying for your success!

Yes.....do your research, it is so important. Make sure you have access to a nutritionist and support groups.
Get to know who would be running your support group and be sure you like and trust them. Know that your support system will be in place and rely on them for your success. I wish I had done more research in the beginning.
Loved my surgeon not thrilled about the lack of support. The center does not employ a nutritionist so I have to seek my information on the web.
Working through my challenges and determined to be successful!
My only true regret is that I waited so long!
Good luck in your journey!

Hummus and cucumbers for me no heating necessary. Will also alternate with chicken salad with pineapple mixed in with cashews. Protein Bars low in sugar and carbs. I keep one in my handbag for emergencies.

Same here...always have had large muscular calves, boots have never fit, even as a size 9.. You may have to look for boots made for larger calves. Good luck!

A man is at work one day when he notices that his
Co-worker is wearing an ear-ring.

The man knows his co-worker to be a normally conservative
Fellow, and is curious about his sudden change in "fashion sense"

The man walks up to him and says, "I didn't know you were into earrings."

"Don't make such a big deal, it's only an ear-ring," he replies sheepishly.

His friend falls silent for a few minutes, but then his curiosity prods him to ask, "So, how long have you been wearing one?"

"Ever since my wife found it in my truck."

You have it right...band hell until the fills begin to do the work. I feel to a degree I will have to work at this always and forever....however, fills do assist and make it easier! Good luck in your journey! YES....you can!

Your band is newer and you are not at optimum restriction! You are in bandster hell! Remind yourself it is not you, just don't have your band fine tuned yet! Do not give up, start new habits today, journal and exercize show yourself how successful you can be with the tool you have.....give it more time before you become discouraged! YES...you can!

So, it's been a while since I last posted on Lap-Band talk. I received the e-mail last week about the new book from the creator of this website. I think the book is good...for pre-op purposes only. Most of the books on the market are targeted at novices and not at the of us who have been living with a band and still struggle ever day. I was just hoping this new book would do more to address life multiple years past ones surgery.
Sadly, I asked my doctor about this and she said what I am experiencing now four years out is sadly more normal than not. I did really well before the surgery, but ran out of steam too quickly and slipped into some nasty habits. I went through 1 year eating a LOT of ice cream. Last spring I was actually down to 240 (20lbs from my goal). Over the summer, I gained it all back -plus another 10 for sport!
This post is more of a need to acknowledge that some of us struggle for years post-op. There are days when I just get so tired of the struggle and just want to give in.
Recently, my doctor recommended I do Protein Shakes for three days. I learned during this time that I really can go days without feeling hunger, but I just wish I could turn off the thought hunger. At least in my house, I've thrown away all of my food but Protein shakes, shooters, and calorie controlled meals. However, so much of my social life is built around going out with friends to eat. When I go out, I just find myself selecting really bad choices.
I just need encouragement. I get, I eat. I eat, I gain weight. I gain weight, I get more depressed.
Grrr....l
Wanna Be FFK (former fat kid)

Your band is newer and you are not at optimum restriction! You are in bandster hell! Remind yourself it is not you, just don't have your band fine tuned yet! Do not give up, start new habits today, journal and exercize show yourself how successful you can be with the tool you have.....give it more time before you become discouraged! YES...you can!

There is a Difference Between Causing and Allowing!!
If You Don't Allow It! Then You Can't Cause It!!!
Love All of You!! Have a Great Day!!!
We Can Do This Weight loss Fight Together!!

Congratulation on your happiness... and while your faith is inspiring do not short change yourself... YOU made the changes... perhaps your strong faith was the catalyst but YOU had to identify it before any changes would happen. That in itself is inspiring!

Honey so happy for you. Love yourself first. Love does not hurt. When it hurts it is no longer love. Dont look for love, let love find you. Then you will have true love. My husbands aunt was a widow for 30 years. She just now remarried because she let love find her and she is happy.

This weight loss battle is mostly all a head game for me. I have to remain focused on the prize...a healthier me! I no longer require a sleep machine my blood pressure and sugar are under control.YEA! A thinner me is a healthier me so I will slowly truck forward in my journey knowing my health is at risk. And that keeps me straight most of the time. I do have a moment now and again of cheating, i do get right back on track however. But for the most part I am in this to win! (My health that is!)
You have the strength within yourself just change your habits...if you eat while watching TV play cards or exercise while you drink lots of Water. You can do this!

This weight loss battle is mostly all a head game for me. I have to remain focused on the prize...a healthier me! I no longer require a sleep machine my blood pressure and sugar are under control.YEA! A thinner me is a healthier me so I will slowly truck forward in my journey knowing my health is at risk. And that keeps me straight most of the time. I do have a moment now and again of cheating, i do get right back on track however. But for the most part I am in this to win! (My health that is!)
You have the strength within yourself just change your habits...if you eat while watching TV play cards or exercise while you drink lots of Water. You can do this!

CarolinaGirl I enjoy all your posts. You are always so kind and compassionate.
When I first started here I learned so much from you and I thank you!
Don't let OP upset you, obviously she is just interested in comparing her success to someone else,but just like you said, we're all different and different variables.
Some ppl should not post, if they obvious don't want objective replies!

I think the rule is no sodas - ever.

I hate to tell you this, but you're never supposed to have carbonation after being banded. Carbonation can lead to slips and most surgeons forbid sodas, or any carbonation, ever again after getting the band.
I know some people do have soda, however when I was in the hospital getting banded the woman sharing my room was in there for a band replacement. She had been drinking soda and not only did her band slip, but her stomach actually prolapsed up through her band. She also regained 40 pounds.
I will never, ever touch carbonation again. It's not worth the risk.
You will have to check with your own surgeon to be certain.

I found this example for carb cycling - go according to your daily caloric intake. If you are on a 1200 calorie a day that is what you follow.

Example ONLY!
For a 160 pound female, your carb cycling diet may look like this:
Monday: low carb, 1,150 calories, 0 to 50 grams carbs maximum
Tuesday: high carb, 1,950 calories, 243 grams of carbs maximum
Wednesday: low carb, 1,150 calories, 0 to 50 grams carbs maximum
Thursday: low carb, 1,150 calories, 0 to 50 grams carbs maximum
Friday: low carb, 1,150 calories, 0 to 50 grams carbs maximum
Saturday: high carb, 1,950 calories, 243 grams of carbs maximum
Sunday: low carb, 1,150 calories, 0 to 50 grams carbs maximum


***Missy Let me know if this is different than the book******




Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/217520-carb-cycling-meal-plans/#ixzz2BpvAurXu

For me it was a hard puncture feeling like it was not a direct hit in the center of my port. I have no choice now but to go back to the same practitioner due to all others have left the practice. Wishing I had gone to another surgery center about now! Appointments are cancelled and remade often and it is getting very frustrating putting my time line behind for fills. Sorry, I just needed to vent! Thank you to all of my support system here I am always stopping in to check up on everyone here who are all very supportive and helpful! I have learned so much from this forum that has helped me in my journey!

Not a bad idea just to contact your Dr. To be on the safe side.

Starting now, stop tolerating…
People who bring you down. – Relationships should help you, not hurt you. Spend time with nice people who are smart, driven and likeminded.

A work environment or career field you hate. – Don’t settle on the first or second career field you dabble in. Keep searching. Eventually you will find work you love to do. If you catch yourself working hard and loving every minute of it, don’t stop. You’re on to something big. Because hard work ain’t hard when you concentrate on your passions.

Your own negativity. – Be aware of your mental self-talk. We all talk silently to ourselves in our heads, but we aren’t always conscious of what we’re saying or how it’s affecting us. Start listening to your thoughts. If you hear negative thoughts, stop and replace them with positive thoughts.

Unnecessary miscommunication. – Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Speak clearly. Ask questions. Clarify things until you understand them.

A disorganized living and working space. – Clear the clutter. Get rid of stuff you don’t use.

Your own tardiness. – Get up 30 minutes earlier so you don’t have to rush around like a mad man. That 30 minutes will help you avoid speeding tickets, tardiness and other unnecessary headaches.

Pressure to fit in with the crowd. – Oftentimes, the only reason others want you to fit in is that once you do they can ignore you and go about their business. Don’t conform. Be you, because that’s the only person you can be.

An unhealthy body. – Your health is your life. Don’t let it go. Eat right, exercise and get an annual physical check-up.

Fear of change. – Life is change. Every day is different. Every day is a new beginning and a new ending. Embrace it and make the best of it.

All work and no play. – Enjoy yourself and have a little fun while you can. If you’re smiling, you’re doing something right.

People or beauty ads that make you feel inadequate. – Good looks attracts the eyes. Personality attracts the heart. Be proud to be you. You are already beautiful.

Not getting enough sleep.< /strong> – A tired mind is rarely productive.

Doing the same exact thing over and over again. – You are the sum of your life experiences. The more you experience, the more interesting your life story gets.

Personal greed. – Don’t let greed and deceit get the best of you. Greed will bury even the lucky eventually.

A mounting pile of debt. – Always live well below your means. Don’t buy stuff you don’t need. Always sleep on big purchases. Create a budget and savings plan and stick to them.

Dishonesty. – Living a life of honesty creates peace of mind, and peace of mind is priceless. Period. Don’t be dishonest and don’t put up with people who are.

Infidelity. – Intimate relationships are a sacred bond – a circle of trust. If both parties aren’t 100% onboard the relationship isn’t worth fighting for.

An unsafe home. – If you don’t feel safe at home you’ll never feel safe anywhere. Build a loving household in a safe area that you are proud to call ‘home.’

Being unprepared. – Life is unpredictable. And there’s a big difference between being scared and being prepared. Always be prepared.

Inaction. – Either you’re going to take action and seize new opportunities or someone else will. You can’t change anything or make any sort of progress by sitting back and thinking about it.

And remember, you only live once, but if you live it right once is enough.

Great post...I too am banded a few months (July) this last fill being my 3rd has shown me the "green zone" restriction is good feeling full longer actually forgetting to eat with headaches being my hungar trigger.
You can do anything you put your mind to! Lots of struggles with eating until now not a lot of weight loss after initial surgery. Had to exercize and journal to continue my small losses, now with this fill so easy! I got this, and you can too. Until we get to the green zone it is just another weight loss diet. I had to go through this journey to discover that. Do not give up and you will be successful!

I too had an issue with my iPad kicking me off with an error. In time all was OK never discovered what the issue was.