Steffyp

My experience is pretty much like bandista's. I had my first fill under flouro because the dr couldn't find my port. Since then the NP has done them all and found my port with no problem. But we always discuss my eating habits and hunger level before she even brings out a needle. It is relatively painless, I don't bruise but I can be a little sore for a few days after. So far I have had 4 fills and 4.5 cc's in my 10cc band. My NP said that generally as long as I'm not having any stuck episodes they put in 1cc per visit, but now that I'm almost 1/2 way in by band it might drop to .5 cc, My dr also has the flouro equipment in the office but I was sent over to the hosp for that first fill. I don't remember how much it costs though, my insurance has covered everything. I don't know if filling under flouro means less fills, it all just really depends on how much you need to hit the green zone. I talked to my np about that and she said it varies for every person so there is no "magic" fill point to focus one. I would definitely discuss that with your dr.

I'm learning that. I'm 6 months in but have not lost a pound since September. I'm going to increase my workouts. I'm sure it will start to come off again. I'm down 4 pants sizes and feel great so I'm not complaining at all. I didn't gain this weight in 6 months and I know it will take a lot longer than 6 months to get it off. I feel better than I have in years and I am enjoying buying clothes from the regular rack and not the plus sized one!! I just had my 4th fill and I'm really feeling a difference, I feel like I'm about the turn the corner.

Good for you!! I can cross my legs now too!! It's great!!

Sounds like you also need to speak with your dietitian. Some changes in your diet are in order. Some of the things you are eating along with the carbonated drinks might be causing your issues. I'm 6 months banded and have had 3 fills so far. I notice with each fill I have to make more changes with my diet and what and how I eat. I don't have a problem with that. I understand I'm still in early days but you also have to understand this is a learning process. You have to learn to listen to your band in order for it to work. When you go see the dr you need to be totally honest and tell them exactly what you are eating and what you are experiencing. You can't just quit. I knew when I decided to have wls that it was going to be a journey. Not a quick fix by any means, and my surgical team made that crystal clear at each visit and even went over it again in pre-anesthesia. So, I'm not sure if you didn't do enough research prior to surgery or if you think you can keep your old eating habits and still lose weight. It just doesn't work. I wish you all the best, changing old habits is never easy, but if you work with your band and not against it I fell you would be much happier in the end.

I don't know if this will make sense to anyone and I am writing it because I need to get it out of my head and into a place I can come back to. But here it goes.......I have been banded since 2008. I lost about 70lbs but I have gained my weight back. Let me clarify...it was NOT the band at fault. It was ME. I went into this thinking "oh man this is it! this is what is going to make me skinny"! Sure I would have to work at it a "little bit" but it's gonna be easy peasey! I mean the band would stop me from eating bad stuff, right?..I have read forums and sure some people needed to work at it, but not me! I knew it all, had a great mindset. I was ready!.....I did great for a little while. Measured my food, ate Proteins first followed by veggies...cut out starches, sweets and sodas and drank plenty of Water. Found my "sweet spot" and then, well then I went through some life changes and fell (easily) into old habits. Ok, if I am being honest, life changes is kind of a blanket term...so things got a little stressed, money got tight, I lost my job. "Life changes". Got tired of people in my life feeling sorry for me because I couldn't eat like I used to. "Life changes". Got tired of people looking at my food portions and having to explain why I ate a cup of food. "Life changes". But most of all eating junk was so much easier. Sliders, burgers and pizza BUT in smaller bites, bcz that's what you are supposed to do with a band, right? one thing lead to another and off the wagon I fell. Tumbled, actually. About 2010 I gave up completely. The weight came back and I blamed "Life Changes". I tried to get back on track, several times, but when I failed, I kept blaming everyone and everything around me. It's not me, it's them, those damned "life changes". But ultimately I knew it was me. No one can determine your life but you. But I am here today because I am holding myself accountable. I didn't fall off the wagon. I climbed off all by myself. See, "life changes" all the time. But you have to figure out how you are going to respond to those changes. Stuff your face, eat your emotions-like me? Make better choices than me. Be aware of yourself.... I am through with blaming everyone else for MY problems. I have seen pictures of myself then and now. I have felt the changes that a 70lb weight loss can have and what the regaining of those pounds feels like. The shortness of breath, the inability to tie my shoes, the inability to stand for long periods of time and feeling insecure when I walk into a room. This time I am involving family and friends so I have to hold myself accountable to not only me, but them too. Now, I have what I call my rally team. I call it that because I will need them to rally for me when I am running low and need that push. I have the person who stands beside me, the person who will push me and tell it like it is, the fashionista who reminds me of my physical goals, the gym rat to call me out when I am sitting on the side lines and the person going through WLS of her own to talk to. But most of all, I have me. Me who understands that while something can be eaten, it probably shouldn't be. Me who knows my struggles and doesn't want to be a failure again. The Me who can be a winner! For those who are banded, you probably have gone through this too, maybe not to the extreme that I have and for those new or considering getting the band. I offer this advise. Be ready and as mentally prepared as you can be. Know that restriction DOES NOT mean automatic restriction from certain foods, it means you will feel fuller with less food. Take time to learn your body's signal that you are full. Not your normal full (to the brim) feeling you probably get now. If you love food and eat and snack all day, you are in for a major change. Follow the rules, be strong. The band IS NOT A MIRACLE WORKER. It takes discipline and learning and patience. Yes you will see some people lose weight quickly, but don't get discouraged. Stick with it. Do you. Be conscious of your hands when they are heading to your mouth with unhealthy stuff. Be present in the journey. Don't take your band for granted like I did. It has taken me 5 years to realize I have a lapband that needs to be taken care of and it's not easy peasey...it's the hardest change I have ever had to make. I was able to quit smoking faster than learning how to eat correctly! lol! While there are some folks that have actual problems with the band, I can tell you that my band didn't fail me. I failed it. The difference in this go round is that I am taking responsibility for my actions and not blaming anyone for my mistakes. Wish me luck and I wish you good luck too! Here is to a new band aware me!

I would like to throw my 2 cents in if I may. I am an relatively new bandsters still adjusting to this new way of life. I am mostly a lurker and don't always post. I do read pretty much everything on here because I really do not have the time to go to my local support group. I admit I do not come on her every day because you see the same questions from the newly banded, but that's ok because when I was newly banded I had the same questions and was thankful that there was an experienced bandster there to help me. If I come across a thread that is going in a negative direction, I stop reading that one and move on to another one. I don't invite negativity and if it creeps in I high tail it in another direction.
I find the posts from the veterans very helpful and I am looking forward to the day when I'm in that position. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, keep giving advice from your standpoint and telling about your experience. I'm sure there are more people out there who appreciate the advice but may not post that versus the ones who want to argue.

I would like to throw my 2 cents in if I may. I am an relatively new bandsters still adjusting to this new way of life. I am mostly a lurker and don't always post. I do read pretty much everything on here because I really do not have the time to go to my local support group. I admit I do not come on her every day because you see the same questions from the newly banded, but that's ok because when I was newly banded I had the same questions and was thankful that there was an experienced bandster there to help me. If I come across a thread that is going in a negative direction, I stop reading that one and move on to another one. I don't invite negativity and if it creeps in I high tail it in another direction.
I find the posts from the veterans very helpful and I am looking forward to the day when I'm in that position. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, keep giving advice from your standpoint and telling about your experience. I'm sure there are more people out there who appreciate the advice but may not post that versus the ones who want to argue.

Unfortunately older people think eating everything on your plate shows how much you love them. I know it's hard but you will just have to let gramma's comments roll off and keep it moving. Next time she offers you to take something home, take it, smile and say thank you, but you don't have to eat it!! She will never know and you can keep the peace. I have only shared with my family and very close friends that I have even had this surgery. Some people have noticed and other people have not said a word, but that's ok. I made this decision for me and not them. Best of luck to you and congrats on such a great loss. I can't wait to get to 50lbs lost!!!

Sounds like you also need to speak with your dietitian. Some changes in your diet are in order. Some of the things you are eating along with the carbonated drinks might be causing your issues. I'm 6 months banded and have had 3 fills so far. I notice with each fill I have to make more changes with my diet and what and how I eat. I don't have a problem with that. I understand I'm still in early days but you also have to understand this is a learning process. You have to learn to listen to your band in order for it to work. When you go see the dr you need to be totally honest and tell them exactly what you are eating and what you are experiencing. You can't just quit. I knew when I decided to have wls that it was going to be a journey. Not a quick fix by any means, and my surgical team made that crystal clear at each visit and even went over it again in pre-anesthesia. So, I'm not sure if you didn't do enough research prior to surgery or if you think you can keep your old eating habits and still lose weight. It just doesn't work. I wish you all the best, changing old habits is never easy, but if you work with your band and not against it I fell you would be much happier in the end.

I would like to throw my 2 cents in if I may. I am an relatively new bandsters still adjusting to this new way of life. I am mostly a lurker and don't always post. I do read pretty much everything on here because I really do not have the time to go to my local support group. I admit I do not come on her every day because you see the same questions from the newly banded, but that's ok because when I was newly banded I had the same questions and was thankful that there was an experienced bandster there to help me. If I come across a thread that is going in a negative direction, I stop reading that one and move on to another one. I don't invite negativity and if it creeps in I high tail it in another direction.
I find the posts from the veterans very helpful and I am looking forward to the day when I'm in that position. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, keep giving advice from your standpoint and telling about your experience. I'm sure there are more people out there who appreciate the advice but may not post that versus the ones who want to argue.

In the end...it really doesn't matter.....if I read a post I can relate to, I'll respond to it with my experience(s) on that subject....
If anyone has a problem with what I say, it's their problem, because for me it's a day to day reality...and I can't hide or deny myself....

I've been on this site since early March. I've been pretty active at different times, but burn out on it for many reasons already stated above. The other piece is, that it starts taking too much time out of my day, so I have to completely "close the door" to stay focused on my work. Amazing how much I caught up on when my attention wasn't diverted to this site.
For me, this has become more of a social outlet over actual lap band support. I'm glad to give support, but I rarely seek it out for myself. Though I've lost most of my weight, I'm far from a "model lap band citizen". If I'm struggling with anything band related; emotional, habitual or anything else, I will not post it on this site.....which is a shame. Though I've made some friends here, overall, it's not a safe place if you're struggling with band compliance. Sometimes, all anyone wants is to talk with people who may be going through the same thing. But the backlash by some of the (apparent) "model band citizens" isn't worth it.

I've never been part of an online forum/chat group until this one, so this was a new experience for me....starting almost 5 years ago now.
When I joined, I'd get on here and just listen....LISTEN closely to what the successful folks had to say. I wanted to be like them!! And I'd also pay attention to the ones who were struggling, and try to find out why.....to avoid those same issues. There is a wealth of information that can be had from this site. Personal experiences that can never be replaced by someone who hasn't "been there, done that".
One thing I do sometimes, is go back and read veterans posts/questions from when they were starting out. It can be eye opening....we had lots of the same questions and concerns that are asked here every day.
Now for my little rant...
I was ready to leave about a month ago...Disgusted...not because of anything anyone said, but because I felt a sense of censorship coming from what I percieved to be "the site". Locking threads that are a hot topic, just because of differences of opinion? If someone violates a rule, is disrespectful or hateful, tell that person, and then ban them if they dont stop! (Which is what ended up happening in the instance I'm referring to....KUDDOS to the moderating team or whomever is responsible for how it was handled in the end.) I despise the shotgun approach to dealing with problems. We don't have to agree with someones OPINION, politics, views on issues. MOVE ON! Don't read the damn thing if it offends you....certainly don't try and limit someones OPINION just because you don't agree with it.

Sounds like you also need to speak with your dietitian. Some changes in your diet are in order. Some of the things you are eating along with the carbonated drinks might be causing your issues. I'm 6 months banded and have had 3 fills so far. I notice with each fill I have to make more changes with my diet and what and how I eat. I don't have a problem with that. I understand I'm still in early days but you also have to understand this is a learning process. You have to learn to listen to your band in order for it to work. When you go see the dr you need to be totally honest and tell them exactly what you are eating and what you are experiencing. You can't just quit. I knew when I decided to have wls that it was going to be a journey. Not a quick fix by any means, and my surgical team made that crystal clear at each visit and even went over it again in pre-anesthesia. So, I'm not sure if you didn't do enough research prior to surgery or if you think you can keep your old eating habits and still lose weight. It just doesn't work. I wish you all the best, changing old habits is never easy, but if you work with your band and not against it I fell you would be much happier in the end.

Sounds like you also need to speak with your dietitian. Some changes in your diet are in order. Some of the things you are eating along with the carbonated drinks might be causing your issues. I'm 6 months banded and have had 3 fills so far. I notice with each fill I have to make more changes with my diet and what and how I eat. I don't have a problem with that. I understand I'm still in early days but you also have to understand this is a learning process. You have to learn to listen to your band in order for it to work. When you go see the dr you need to be totally honest and tell them exactly what you are eating and what you are experiencing. You can't just quit. I knew when I decided to have wls that it was going to be a journey. Not a quick fix by any means, and my surgical team made that crystal clear at each visit and even went over it again in pre-anesthesia. So, I'm not sure if you didn't do enough research prior to surgery or if you think you can keep your old eating habits and still lose weight. It just doesn't work. I wish you all the best, changing old habits is never easy, but if you work with your band and not against it I fell you would be much happier in the end.

Sounds like you also need to speak with your dietitian. Some changes in your diet are in order. Some of the things you are eating along with the carbonated drinks might be causing your issues. I'm 6 months banded and have had 3 fills so far. I notice with each fill I have to make more changes with my diet and what and how I eat. I don't have a problem with that. I understand I'm still in early days but you also have to understand this is a learning process. You have to learn to listen to your band in order for it to work. When you go see the dr you need to be totally honest and tell them exactly what you are eating and what you are experiencing. You can't just quit. I knew when I decided to have wls that it was going to be a journey. Not a quick fix by any means, and my surgical team made that crystal clear at each visit and even went over it again in pre-anesthesia. So, I'm not sure if you didn't do enough research prior to surgery or if you think you can keep your old eating habits and still lose weight. It just doesn't work. I wish you all the best, changing old habits is never easy, but if you work with your band and not against it I fell you would be much happier in the end.

I had that also. Now I have to pay attention the rise on my jeans. certain cuts might give me a twinge near my port. I have to make sure they are right at my natural waist or a little lower.

It was about a week for me also. We were in the middle of a basement renovation so that's meant endless trips to lowe's and buying furniture etc. I got a little tired, but I would just sit to rest for a few min and then continue on. That was when I got into the habit of always having a bottle of Water with me to sip on. Something I still do now.

Sounds like you also need to speak with your dietitian. Some changes in your diet are in order. Some of the things you are eating along with the carbonated drinks might be causing your issues. I'm 6 months banded and have had 3 fills so far. I notice with each fill I have to make more changes with my diet and what and how I eat. I don't have a problem with that. I understand I'm still in early days but you also have to understand this is a learning process. You have to learn to listen to your band in order for it to work. When you go see the dr you need to be totally honest and tell them exactly what you are eating and what you are experiencing. You can't just quit. I knew when I decided to have wls that it was going to be a journey. Not a quick fix by any means, and my surgical team made that crystal clear at each visit and even went over it again in pre-anesthesia. So, I'm not sure if you didn't do enough research prior to surgery or if you think you can keep your old eating habits and still lose weight. It just doesn't work. I wish you all the best, changing old habits is never easy, but if you work with your band and not against it I fell you would be much happier in the end.

Good for you!! I can cross my legs now too!! It's great!!

Good for you!! I can cross my legs now too!! It's great!!

I think you need to call the dr also. I just had fill #3 6 weeks out from fill #2 and the NP told me if I feel like I'm losing restriction before my next appt to come back. So you can absolutely go back early. You don't want to lose your momentum. I know what you mean about not wanting to go through the holidays with no restriction. I haven't lost anything in 2 months, but when i went to the dr last week I was congratulated for maintaining. So I guess that's something. Happy Holidays and I hope things are better soon!!

I think you need to call the dr also. I just had fill #3 6 weeks out from fill #2 and the NP told me if I feel like I'm losing restriction before my next appt to come back. So you can absolutely go back early. You don't want to lose your momentum. I know what you mean about not wanting to go through the holidays with no restriction. I haven't lost anything in 2 months, but when i went to the dr last week I was congratulated for maintaining. So I guess that's something. Happy Holidays and I hope things are better soon!!

the foods you are eating (bread. pasta) are not Protein and will not give you protein/fullness you need
if you cant get anything down other than what you said, and making bad food choices, you need to go back to dr, maybe take some out so you can eat better/healthier food options..being too tight so you cant eat is NOT the way to live..
only you can decide to use the band as intended.......if you dont, it wont work
studies or not studies.....and if that doesnt help, look at some of the peope who responded to you, and
their looses.......the band works...
for those who work it.
hang in there, eat better, exercise and make yourself well

to lose weight, bypass, sleeve, lap band, ds or whatever,
one must eat less calories than they burn off.......and only the person doing the eating, knows that answer
truth surfaces when one steps on the scale.
a very small % have issues but ANY wls has issues/complications..
some people like to say their wls is best,,,,,,,to them
no one wls is better than the other.....no matter what anyone says
but we should all do what works for us....and use it as the dr advised for best results