drehn88

Going on a low carb diet like Atkins causes bad breath because of ketosis. If you are only doing protein shakes this could be the reason.

I've never been "stuck" but I do experience the "tight" feeling in my chest when I swallow too big of bites or sometimes starchy foods. Water will go down without a problem, but it sometimes takes several hours for the tight feeling to go away.

I just noticed your surgeon. Did you go through True Results in Richardson? I did and my surgeon was Marsden.

Since you aren't newly banded it might be from eating too much or too big of bites. I definitely get shoulder pain when I eat just a little too much. I think it's my "soft stop", but it doesn't start hurting until about 15 minutes after I stopped eating. I'm starting to worry that it may be caused by my pouch being stretched. I'm worried I'm eating too big of bites even though nothing has gotten stuck.

When I had my first fill a couple weeks ago the nurse had to move the needle around inside to find the right spot on my port. It was pretty uncomfortable while that was happening and sore for a week or so after. Your pain may be similar to what I had.

Sometimes I wish I didn't have to eat so dang slow and wait a minute between each bite. Everyone around me is eating "normal" and finished well before me. I'm also afraid one day I will forget to wait and pay the price!

Very informative and well said.

Just curious... Does anyone know the science behind the different "soft spots" people talk about? I haven't gotten there (yet), but if/when I do I would like to know what is going on in my body to do "that". Thanks!

That's an amazing loss! Congrats! I had 1 cc added to the original 3.5 from surgery. Since you didn't get as much at surgery I think 1.5 is probably a good amount for you. Be careful with introducing foods. For about a week after my fill, one day I could handle most anything then the next day I had to be very cautious.

I thought the same thing as you, but after the healing is over you will burp...and be relieved every time you do!

Mis...Does that mean a coke icee doesn't have the carbonation? I hadn't thought of that.

I'm 2 months post op and started taking Biotin a few weeks ago. I haven't seen any hair loss so far. I was just curious to know when or if it started for you?

Since we both go to the same place for fills I will tell you what my first experience was like. First the nurse will give you an insulated lunch bag with a cool measuring cup and a sand timer (which I LOVE). She/he will explain about eating with the band (a packet will be given to you) and explain some of the complications that can occur. They are VERY willing to listen and answer all questions. Then the nurse practitioner comes in and talks to you about your eating habits since being banded. Be able to tell her the amount you are eating (like 1/2 c), what types of food you are eating, and if you are satisfied at least 4 hours after a meal. These questions help determine if you really need a fill or not. Ok, the fill. There was a lot of pressure on my ab muscles while she was locating the port and she had a little trouble finding the "middle" of the port to stab with the needle. It was very uncomfortable, but doable. She took out all the fluid first to make sure my chart had the right amount listed from surgery. The amount listed was 6.5 cc, but it was actually 3.5 cc! I'm so glad she did that. Then she added the 3.5 cc back plus 1 cc for a total of 4.5. With all that being said, your experience will be personal to you. I hope my experience gives you an idea of what it might be like.

Amen!!

I burp much more than I ever did banded. And it feels so good to burp now!

Try this website http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/cbc. Or I'm sure there are others you can google. What I'm annoyed at is MFP calculates calories burned much lower than this website and Endomondo.

Miralax is my cure. It takes a couple days to work but when it does the stool is soft.

I love watermelon! I'm 2 months post op and I have trouble with it. It's like I can feel it stuck in the the middle of my chest even though I can get water and other foods down with that stuck feeling. Not sure if it's because I accidentally take too large of swallows. With all the water content it's hard to tell when it's chewed to mush. I'm basically avoiding it at this point.

That sounds like an amazing NSV!

This link has some good information. http://www.wlshelp.com/lap-band-vs-realize-band.html

I'm 2 months post op and I still have that sharp pain once in awhile. My port is very close to my pants line also.

I thought I would be able to go back to work before a week too, but I was wrong (desk job). I went back after a week and I was very tired by the end of the day. If it's possible to leave the option to go back later open that would be the best.

Did your surgeon put fluid in during surgery? I'm wondering if you need to have some of it taken out. Maybe your stomach is reacting to the band's pressure? I've heard of people throwing up for days post op and it was because of the initial fluid put in the band during surgery.

I'm so sorry you are having a terrible time and I wish I could help. I hope you will feel better soon! Keep us posted.