GR8

Welcome and Congrat's on your new journey! Wishing you the best!

I know everyones doctor has different opinions -- but bread, Pasta, and rice become like playdoh had cause the blockage. I am wondering if the crust caused that for you?? Here is some great info I copy and pasted from another post - hopefully you will find helpful! How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of Protein a day? 2. Are you eating 25 grams of Fiber? 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories? a. Soup can be sign of soft calorie syndrome b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories 7 calories per gram.(It's also a stomach irritant). c. fruit juice is just sugar Water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can't just eat what's easy c. cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals? 6. Are you eating too much junk? a. chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, Cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don't avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of Calcium daily? 8. Do you always eat the protein first? 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. meat or fish (3 ounces the size of a deck of cards) b. Vegetables (½ cup the size of your fist) c. Starch (If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don't need much - Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta) 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine. d. The body has no way to break down artificial fats). a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you're not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small Snacks (preferable NOT) 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won't be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it's a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive compulsive thoughts (Obsess about something else) b. Perfectionism (All or none, black and white thinking) c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as good and bad e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? More than once by my defination. 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables (6) Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (7) Peppermint (8) Baking soda toothpaste (9) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (Tylenol is OK) n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider HUGS to EVERYONE!<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Welcome -- Congrat's on your new journey. Wishing you best of luck!

I just saw this post Heather -- you might find it interesting. Everyone is different - and Doctors procedures are different as well. Copy/Pasted: Had my 2nd fill today.. now at 5cc. The doctor who did my fill however didn't know what the hell she was doing. I asked for numbing medication and she said "you should've asked me that before we came to xray, it's in the other building". So there she goes poking and proding and she hits a vein.. so blood shoots everywhere, I'm crying like a baby because of the pain. It was awful. Finally they page my surgeon and he brings me the numb stuff thank god.. and after that smooth sailing. Now, I feel so much restriction, which is a good thing... but I get mad hiccups when i eat.. anyone else get that? __________________ Banded May 9th, 2007 by Dr. Bruce Shirmer U.Va Medical Center 1st fill - June 7th, 2007 ~ 2 cc a-MAY-zing BANDSTER

This past fill (4th) -- I have been getting the hiccups when I am full! Sorry to hear about your BAD fill experience.

Thanks! I would give the doctor a call -in the morning and talk to him - since you don't have fear issue. Just to be safe! Wishing you the best!

Q1: WHAT food are you stuck on? I heard sipping pineapple juice can help digest and unstick you. I keep the small cans on had just in case. Hope this helps.

I have -- I hate needles, and the doctor said it is your bodies fear reaction - shutting down. Doctor told me to be sure to eat plenty of Protein before my appt. First fill - I ate nothing before hand - almost passed out during the fill - took 1.5 hrs. Second fill - had protein before and husband drove me - I was clamy and slightly awkward feeling. Third fill - had protein before got done with the fill and started feeling lighthead and sat down and relaxed and then was fine. Forth fill - drank a 42gr Protein shake on my way to the fill and no issues what so ever! I think I finally licked it -- (keeping my fingers crossed)

I lost 39 lbs on my own before the (optional) preop diet. PreOp diet additional 7.6 lbs From surgery to the first fill - 14 lbs. First Fill to Second Fill - 11.2 lbs. 2nd to 3rd - 1.2 lbs 3rd to 4th - 5 lbs Since my last (4th fill) 8.6 = 40lbs total since WLS and a grand total 86.6 lbs.

Kat - Hi! I'm doing good since last fill. Just staying quite and trying to stay caught up with all the posts. I had red spots on my tongue before - they said I had strep throat that wasn't treated and spreads - I have a thyroid condition - hypo (under-active) -all they ever did was blood test to check hormone levels -- I hope all is okay there. Judy - Fantastic pictures - WOW the boat is HUGE! Pamela - WOW - you look fantastic! Terri - hope you are having fun! Have a good day everyone!

Janine -- Have a great week! :car:

Janine - thanks for the compliment. It hasn't been a week yet since my last fill and I am pleased with the jump start this one did give me so far. I am so sorry that they can't work you in -- maybe call back and ask again -- stating that this is really an issue for you. Do they do it with the xray? I can't remember...getting old I guess. I apologized to the doctor when I went in because I was feeling guilty that I had restriction but was not using self control to stop and to eatting quality food - but he was so nice about it and said I DID do the right thing -- that is why he has an open door policy and don't hesitate to call. That made me feel much better -- because I made the appt being mad at myself at what I ate the day before (Labor Day) then got off the phone (morning after labor day) and had issues drinking protein shake -- and that's when the guilt started. But I know now _ I did the right thing for me. I do go to the Richmond area - if you are ever interested in meeting up for Lunch or something. I am opening a new office up there and interviewing managers (as soon as someone applies - Hahaha). Good Luck - and congrat's on your eating today!

I actually copied and pasted the "fills be done under fluoroscopy by the originating surgeon" part of the statement. I like that my doctor does mine - because I get to talk about any and all issues with him - he keeps notes and knows me best -- He remembers the day of surgery - he has pictures he took during surgery and explains to me in depth even referencing the picture or what happened during the placement. My Preference - by truly - I never knew NP's did them until reading this past week on LBT. MY BIGGEST POINT is having them done using xray technology. Secondly I would want to be sure my doctor gives the numbing shot. Mine does. I have read what seen to be horror stories - of poked multiple to 10x and laying on table and having to do tummy crunches for the doctor to insert needle, (and sometimes still can't get it and sent them to hospital and waited there additional 3 hours for the doctor to show and one asked for the numbing shot when she went for 2nd fill or so - and he was rude and refused. Just my opinion - and when I was shopping and making the committment I had no clue that these issues were out there - I just got lucky I guess and thank my lucky stars everytime I see him. But I agree - Janine a qualified person - whether it doc or NP

You loss seems very impressive! Have you thought about calling and letting them know you need a fill now - you have no restirction. If this is not your first fill - I would think they would accomodate you! Keep in touch!

Heather -- the proper word and spelling is fluoroscopy. I recommend that all fills be done under fluoroscopy by the originating surgeon. It is a live xray to see: a: Port for injection b: proper fill amount to have just the right amount of liquid to exit the pouch to the stomach. c: To ensure the band position is correct and pouch has not be dilated (swollen from overfilling with food - or stretching). Hope I explained this clearly for you. Gina

some of the screwy formating that amp = & sign. <P> Paragraph and such. I didn't put it there - but edited to correct spelling error and got all those extra characters out there.

you are ABSOLUTELY welcome! Good luck - -and I would be glad to help and assist any way I can!

RainyDay - my doctor asked for a committment NOT to get pregnent for a minimum of 12 months. Sometimes weight loss can promote ovulation and correct menstral issues and those that couldn't can and will become pregnant. I personally would get banded - then have a child -- to me; having a newborn or toddler and going through my current experience wouldn't be my choice. I can take care of myself NOW and them later when I have my good habits down pat. Good luck - whichever direction you decide upon.

<p>I was 3 weeks out from fill 3 and had restriction in the am --- slimed at times and stuck at others -- chicken & tuna salads - I had to eat real slow and chew.</p> <p> </p> <p>Labor day I was able to eat macaroni and bread -- so I called the Tues (next day) and got an appt for Thurs of same week - and mean while Tues and Wed I was getting slimed and uncomfortable when I ate to fast -- but the doc said I was loose - and gave me 1cc -- what a great difference that has made so far. </p> <p> </p> <p>I was stuck bouncing 261-266 from 7/25 -- and finally I am losing again and not feeling HUNGRY!</p> <p> </p> <p>For me -- it was the right choice!</p>

Hi Janine - I think this is our life for the time being. I have also found -- what is okay today - isn't always okay tomorrow. Sending weightloss vibes out to you!!!!!

That is wonderful Terri -- you have fun on your trips/vacation! Can't wait to see the picture of your necklace. Have a good night.

Lilnena -- That is wonderful results and Thanks for the congrat's -- what fill will this be for you? My 1 year Anniversary of starting this LapBand Journey is this month as well -- As of today 84lbs lost - 37.4 since WLS! 4th fill. I have had slower results than I expected -- and quite a bit harder to get the results than I was expecting. Have a great night everyone!

Ditto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Janine & All my LBT Friends - hope you find this helpful! How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of Protein a day? 2. Are you eating 25 grams of Fiber? 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories? a. Soup can be sign of soft calorie syndrome b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories 7 calories per gram.(It's also a stomach irritant). c. fruit juice is just sugar Water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can't just eat what's easy c. cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals? 6. Are you eating too much junk? a. chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, Cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don't avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of Calcium daily? 8. Do you always eat the protein first? 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. meat or fish (3 ounces the size of a deck of cards) b. Vegetables (½ cup the size of your fist) c. Starch (If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don't need much - Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta) 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine. d. The body has no way to break down artificial fats). a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you're not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small Snacks (preferable NOT) 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won't be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it's a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive compulsive thoughts (Obsess about something else) b. Perfectionism (All or none, black and white thinking) c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as good and bad e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? More than once by my defination. 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables (6) Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (7) Peppermint (8) Baking soda toothpaste (9) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (Tylenol is OK) n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider HUGS to EVERYONE!

You are absolutely correct and feel the same way I have time and time again! I feel/felt restricted for a week or so immeditately following fill--- we must still "DIET" I hate that - I had the misconception that I would be satisfied with a very small amt of food - but truly I have to STOP eating and walk away - which is in my terms DIETING - as much as I hate that term. WE need to make good food choices (avoid simple carbs/high protein)/ diet (limit amount of food intake)- during this time. And you will see this repeat itself each time/fill - but each fill/time - you will have to be a little more choosey(sp?) about your food choices. I was exactly like you -- when I went in for my first fill (7th wk 14lbs lost since WLS)- I COULD eat anything and 80% of volume what I used to eat. (I tried not to - but I could and that was disappointing.) when I went in for the second fill (13th wk 25.2lbs lost since WLS)- I still COULD - and maybe 70% -- then the third fill (18th wk 26.4 (ONLY 1.2lbs since last fill - how disappointing) I was having to really pay attention to CHEWING and SLOWLY EATING -- this is the time frame I had my first PB incident. But I still could eat more that the 1/4 - 1/2 cup -- just slowly! I requested my forth fill (21st wk -lost 5 lbs since prev fill -- but that came off immediately with TOM) just because I was not losing weight! I had restriction - I had to be careful even eating Tuna - chicken salad during the first 2 weeks then the third week - I could eat it - slowly - and then labor day -l had 1/4c maybe each of mac salad - mac-n-cheese - rolls with butter - greenbeans - chicken. So I called and requested my 4th fill (last thursday) even though I was having doubts after I did make the appt - I was sliming and reminded don't eat to fast and don't forget to chew. And this will repeat it's self - after the first and future fills -(just a little less each time) -- for me until 3rd and 4th fill - which is what I just had yesterday. But I don't push it either. I beleive that my NP feels this is what the band is suppose to do. Not make you vomit. What do you think? I read about others saying if you can eat more than 1/4 of food, you need a fill. Well, I can eat more than that, maybe 1/2 to 1 cup of food. Then you are doing good -- limiting yourself to 1 cup is still very good and NO we don't want to be sick - that is no fun! Last night I went out had a slice of pizza, cut it up and ate small bites, I was fine. I love pizza, so eating one slice is an accomplishment, for I could easily in the past eat 3-4 slices. I don't want the band in many ways to limt me never to have that again. I would rather have that then sandwich or Pasta. I can eat pasta too, I had 2 lean cuisines this week, no problems. sorry for rambling. I just want to be successful!!! You are doing wonderful - and completely NORMAL--- as I have stated -- this is such a misconception we were given when we made the decision for WLS -- but WE are finding out the truth of this situation - and that is why I offer to help the newly banded and those considering -- making sure everyone understanding that WE STILL Have to CONTROL our FOOD INTAKE and CHOICES -- "DIETING". how are you doing? I am doing good - 84lbs gone; 37.4 since WLS - feeling good - exercising started at the end of August. Are you ever up in this area? I would love to get together sometime. Let's make a time to meet -- anyone interested -- PM me and we will coordinate meeting! Have a great night --- I will post what to consider to determine if you need a fill -- just for reference! Coming up next!