Dragonfly8a

HI all! Just wanted to give an update on this as it seems there is definitely some commonality here with unfills and getting back to the "green zone"..I don't know if we can ever really achieve where we were before. I think the initial fill series and weight loss is our chance to do it. From there the band, for me, was a tool to keep the weight off..and it did that for quite a few years. Turned out I lived with being too tight, stretched my esophagus..but my weight was maintained. Who knows what my caloric intake was at that time. I did get food and drinks in and didn't count calories..but I stayed within a 5lb range usually.
Now I am approaching almost a year since my unfill..it was September of last year. So 10 months later I am still up 40lbs. I got my last fill a few months ago..I was up 50, but my boyfriend of over a year unexpectedly left me in May. I lost almost 10lbs on the "heartbreak" diet..wouldn't recommend it, but it finally pushed the lbs down. Now..I am maintaining that loss. What I will need to do to kickstart the rest of it...not sure. I don't think I want to get any tighter. I don't want to go back to where I was. I was talking to someone about this last night..explaining my journey over the last year of rapid gain even though I was severely restricting calories. I think I am back to almost "mere mortal" status where I really have to restrict low, exercise my rear off and work harder to get off these 40lbs..and THEN..let the band do its job of keeping it off. I don't think these last 40lbs will come off solely relying on the band. My hunger has dimished to back where it was pre-unfill..of course the stress and heartache also help curb the hunger..I have lost interest in food, but still eat and maintain.
For now..letting myself heal from the breakup and other things going on before I start full force to lose again. I also am kinda waiting for track season to wind down as my larger motorcycle suit I got to replace the one that no longer fit will be dangerously too big if I lose another 10-20lbs now and it is too costly to have it altered again and again..so waiting until I am back to my normal weight before I alter it one last time..so torn about losing too much before November comes....ahhh priorities!!
Keep sharing stories..I don't think the surgeons REALLY understand what isgoing on with the unfill process. They assume we are all gorging on the things we couldn't eat when we were filled. Sheesh I gained 5lbs on air!! Seriously..the initial few weeks were scary fast weight gain..even on nothing!!!

I had complete unfill. So nervous and upset. Noticed hunger came back like a mad dog!! Took phentermine to get through. I was only unfilled 3 weeks because of a slip. I gained 3 lbs but i was freaking miserable. Cancelled all plans. No one could be around me or i would bite their head off. Now slowly getting refilled and just maintaining. Not losing ????

Thanks. The liquids I was referring to were Water and tea. I went to see my surgeon today and she took 0.2ccs out of my band. Small amount, but it made all the difference! I'm so surprised since I've had that amount of fill for a month without problems. Now I know what it feels like when I need to have some removed!

Put those medical professionals to work! What if it's not band-related, for instance a food allergy. Before my husband was diagnosed with Celiac he had unbelievable acid reflux. As soon as he went off of wheat it cleared up completely. Bodies are so complicated and every one is different. Work closely with your medical team and don't give up until you have answers. Best wishes and keep us posted!

I don't think "nerves" would have this much of an effect on a band. Sure, "nerves" might provoke a temporary bit of restriction, but not like what you are describing. If this were happening to me, I'd get in and check for a band slip. I would hope my surgeon would suggest an x-ray or other means of evaluating before jumping to the "must have band removed" option. If a slip did occur, I'd rather explore repositioning rather than outright removal, if possible.
I'm sorry you are experiencing this complication and please let us know the outcome. You've done very well and I hope you will be able to keep your band.

It's interesting that after all that time, your band suddenly "Gets Tight" right out of the blue....and that getting Fluid taken out relieved it.
Did your DR. give any explanation why that may have happened?
If I learned anything important with the band, it would be to "Learn to "Listen" to my band.
I personally do not believe there is any "Maintenance" with the lap band...diets yes, lap band no...
However one thing I have learned to do is to go on full liquids for a few days, every 6 weeks or so, or by "Listening" to the little warning signals. Subtle differences lasting a day or two.
This is in essence, has the same effect as taking Fluid out of the band...to give it a "Rest"
Your situation got extreme, and all the fluid was taken out....at least that's my take on it from my experiences, I have no real way of knowing what is going on with your band.
But your Dr. should be able to tell you something.

hi everyone -- remember i said i was a newbie to the site! well i lost the site i could not remember where it was or the name because it was through Facebook i found it. Well thank goodness the posted up and article that interested me when i clicked on the link it was like i was back home again.
One thing that helped me was constand walking and zumba -- i am not crazy about exercise i tend to be lazy but my passion is music so i alway made a different music line up every month so it doesnt get boring. i hope this helps some.
i am still struggling i go for another adjust ment on the 26th. i have to pay out of pocket now which annoys me - my new insurance SUCKS!!! lol seriously it does.
I am going to find out the size of my band i know there have been some newer models out since my surgery. but i also know at the time of my surgery i did get one of the new models.
i always get an adjustment when i lost about 15bs or more because you can feel the band loosen (my opinion) how do i know that. the amount of food i can eat -- i did go back to using a timer when i eat and i put in a liquid shake to sub a meal. but i still like eating at least 4 - 5 mini meals a day even tho are considered Snacks.
one thing that really helped me!!! was an app i downloaed -- "my fitness pal" i use it to log my fitness and food -- it is really great...... now that i saved this in my favorites mabye now i can make some friends share some stories and eating patterns or food advice....
everyone be well -- be safe -- stay blesed
christina

I'm with amponder I'm here to follow this conversation because it inspired me that you have done so well nad have kept your weight off too. I have a questions for you @@christina how tight do you keep your band? do you know what size it is and how much fill you have? As soon as I lose 40lbs more I want to keep it where I won't be so miserable but where I won't gain the weight right back either. I was miserable for 8 months and that's when I lost most of my weight but now my band is not as tight and I am trying to lose the rest by eating healthier and exercising. I don't always want to depend on my band to lose. But I do need it to keep me from going back to my old habits.

@BeachBish. It's too tight and it's going to keep getting irritated/imflammed. Change ur foods. Don't eat things that get you there. After PB episodes go back on liquids. Protein Shakes. I went thru that for 2 months, I lost alot of weight but was miserable and end up in hospital due to dehydration. Go remove just a bit and work ur way up again. As for me, I would never want my band to be that tight ever again.

I bought a "magic bullet" which was a complete waste of my time! Last night I was walking through target and decided to look at the blenders one more time. I saw the Ninja SALE! And they would also give me a $20. Gift card so I got it???? best shake ever! I've been talking about it non-stop today!

This weeks long run on my marathon training was 16 miles. After the crappy last long run, I was pretty intimidated by todays.....but it felt GREAT! I ran strictly by HR through the first 11, then did run/walk intervals the last five. Only 4 miles to go on the plan. Sounds doable now! Happy Monday all.
http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/683384714

XOXOXO!!! THANK YOU for the sweet responses. I feel like I just got a great big hug over the internet - saying "It's going to be ok". Truly Thank you for responding and letting me know i am not alone.

I think I do need to get a tad removed...it's scary now that I've FIANLLY gotten to here - I feel like I might stop loosing if I have some removed. Maybe I will be able to make better choices.
Seems with my band what I can eat one day I can't the next. One day chicken will go down if cooked moist and not dried out, the next day I can't eat it.
I pretty much live on nachos- chips and dip - mexican beef/cheese dip with tostedos,
Soup
sweet potatoes
1 ONE chicken wing - takes me about 30 min to eat to get it to go down
grits
grits and shrimp - MY FACV....but i know alot of these items are not the best choices.
I don't feel like I eat enough meat, but I get about 50 grams of Protein in with drinks and bars.
I will sip some while eating sometimes... how do you know when NOT to drink an hour before you eat?

I'm good with Protein Drinks and Protein Bars...the wafer ones are my favorite as they go down easier.

I'd love to know items you eat on a daily bases. d
Thanks again for the reply.
PROUD of your success and weight loss!

@BeachBish. It's too tight and it's going to keep getting irritated/imflammed. Change ur foods. Don't eat things that get you there. After PB episodes go back on liquids. Protein Shakes. I went thru that for 2 months, I lost alot of weight but was miserable and end up in hospital due to dehydration. Go remove just a bit and work ur way up again. As for me, I would never want my band to be that tight ever again.

Yup that's still me. My lunch is at 1pm. Breakfast is coffee or Protein Shake. Avoid liquids before and after eater. The tighter u get the more time you should wait. When I was at my tightest I would stop liquids 1 hour before eating and 2 hour after.

I'm 4 years in, and have not had a fill in 3-1/2 years...like you, everything has settled out where my body wants to be...optimal weight, with a very low body fat %...(Forget BMI's) gain and loose the same 5 lbs ever since.
Not sure what a compliant Lap bander is, I just "Listen" to my band, and don't fight it. When it says stop, I stop. When it says "Not this food", I don't eat it and choose something else.....I am NOT on any diets...I just eat less...a LOT LESS, than what I did before surgery...so I still enjoy things people on diets would never be able to eat.
One thing I have learned...after this time I know my band very well. I expect a certain amount of restriction in terms of portion sizes, lack of hunger/cravings etc.
At times I realize I am suddenly eating more than I should, un -restricted. "I can't believe I just ate that whole thing with no limitations from the band..."
It is then that I go full liquids for a few days..some call this the 5 day pouch test (why I have no idea), but I stay away from solids and give the band a rest....
I always felt it was the pouch that was dilating letting me eat more than usual, but from your experience I can se how it could be esophagus....although IMO it would take a long period of time for that to happen.
Anyway, going all liquids, on my own, in effect achieves the same thing as your Dr. doing a complete un-fill...giving the band a rest, letting things return to normal...and that is what it does for me. After a few days of no solid food, just liquids, my restriction (Loose term) returns along with portion sizes, lack of hunger, etc.
I do this every 6-8 weeks or so.
With the Holidays, I need to do this soon....
It's the only form of maintenance I can think of with the Band....
Last summer, I was feeling so good about myself, I asked the Dr. to have 1/2cc taken out....He advised against it, if it's not broken, why fix it?
But he did just the same.
WOW! Talk about tipping the apple cart! That perfect balance completely destroyed. My hunger returned, I was able to eat more freely with larger portions, then wanted more.
I went back and got that 1/2cc put back in 3 weeks later, with my Dr. saying "I told you so"
I cannot imagine what people go through with a complete un-fil....

How much is too much?
If you guys experience an episode of BP'ing ...
how long do you do liquids before going back and trying to eat?
At times experienced PB'ing - thought is was more or less due to what I was eatting or not chewing it well before swallowing. I haven't been going back to liquids if I experience and eposiode - SHOULD I?
I do not eat before 2 or 3 in the afternoon as only liquids will go down. Does anyone else have this schedule daily?
I can PB when I drive...yep multi tasking ... going down the road - cup in hand.
Loosing right at a pound a week, thought I had FINALLY found my green/sweet spot - now I am beginning to ask if I am getting tighter or just inflammed.
ANY suggestions?

I also can not eat until mid afternoon...i have read that alot of other people do as well. I was banded 11/2014 and it has been a learning process! I can eat a turkey/chicken burger (just the patty) but not mashed spuds! Definitely have to eat slow, tiny bites. And i drink Water right up to the min i start to eat. Also Protein Bars are my go to. Have never had a episode after eating one. I know this may not be a ton of help, but you are not alone out there! I think we all just have to figure out what works best with our band.

Also congrats on a lb a week!

Hi everyone! new to this website I came here for some guidance/suggestions/buddy/mentor.
I am post opt - I have my lapband for 8 yrs and have kept off 210lbs all together by myself and with lapband.
I need to loss my last 50lbs; i did gain 15lbs.
I just got tightened - at least the hungry went away but the weight is not coming off!!
i am not sure what i am doing wrong!!

@@Dragonfly8a I'm sorry that you are going through this, and I have to be harsh with you here for a minute. If you are bleeding internally to the point that you are seeing this dried coffee ground like blood you need to do a little more then just loosen the band!
You need to get yourself to a Dr. and have an upper endoscopy done to make sure that there is no band erosion and/or slippage or other things like stomach ulcer and/ or the dreaded "c" word! No one wants to hear that but all those things can be possible so check it out and don't assume that it's all band related.
If you have the all clear, then you need to keep that band relatively loose and allow your self to heal. You know what to eat and what not to eat by now, and you can make this work by hitting they gym and turning that 30 pounds into lean muscle. Don't mess with your health and your life over 30 pounds it's not worth it. You have done amazing so far, keep living and enjoying life and take care of yourself!!
Please follow up and let us know how things are going.

I've screwed up and since Halloween I've reintroduced sugar into my eating. And now I'm eating everything. I've gained about 10 lbs. Thanksgiving and seeing family made reverting to old habits too easy and I ate many, many things I shouldn't have. But I'm not going to beat myself up about it. I will just get back on track. I did do something recently that I'm proud about--I ran a 5K Turkey Trot and got 6 of my family members to do it too! But then I gave myself permission to eat like a crazy lady and that's gonna stop right now.
It's gonna be a rough week detoxing from sugar again. I've done it before, i'm gonna do it again!!!!!!!!! Send me some positive vibes.

Hi there and welcome -- so glad you're here. I've gotten so much out of being in this forum. Congratulations on your success! Seven months out and loving my banded life.......

Hi everyone,

I have been a silent and non-registered reader on this site for a while, so I decided to officially register today. I am almost at my one-year anniversary for my surgery, and I have to say that one year ago, I never thought I would be this close to my goal weight.
As I was deciding to have lap band surgery, I made some serious life-changing decisions including rethinking my whole way of eating and my attitude about food. I didn't expect to get thin per say. I just wanted to be healthy and be able to move better.

Now, having lost 130 pounds, I not only feel healthier, but I am healthier. I have tried to follow my surgeon's eating instructions to a T, and I recently have begun exercising, which I probably should have started a while ago. It is interesting that a lot of people are noticing the weight loss and asking what I have been doing. I do not usually tell people about the surgery or how much I have lost. I find the "how much weight have you lost" question a little much. I do tell people about my new eating habits, and often they just dismiss that information and tell me what I should do based on what they have read.
Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and officially join this community.

This is just the kind of thread I need today. When I start to get discouraged, I try to get out my before photos and not only look at the difference physically, but feel how different I am inside as well.
Thanks, Lisa for doing this!
I've lost another 10 since this photo but I don't have a new one scanned in yet. I'll work on getting a new one scanned in this weekend.
Megan

As you describe your normal eating pattern, it would appear as though a very very small unfill would help you so you can consume more Protein and more solid foods.
Many of us struggle to get anything more than a shake in the mornings. Most of us are also tighter in the morning. My band is probably a little looser than most and I like it that way. I rely on being able to feel those soft satiety signals to tell me when to stop eating. So, for me, there's a lot of willpower going on(sometimes not much at all ) to keep from eating too much.
Yes, you may be a little too tight? And fills performed under X-Rays(fluoro here) may look OK at the time, but we all react a little differently to fills and your stomach lining may have swelled more than some others have which means a smaller stoma.