jennybean

Yours is a valid concern and something I never thought about before surgery. I ended up having complications (which are rare) where my swelling was so bad after surgery, they had to take out all of the primer fill (3.5 cc's) and I STILL ended up being too tight after surgery with an empty band. I could not even swallow my own spit! I ended up in emergency for 4 days on IV. During this time I could not swallow my anti-depressants. I stopped taking them (which I wanted to try anyways) and still am off them to this day. Luckily this was an option for me as my medication was mild and I am still feeling OK. I have been able to swallow Tylenol without any problems, but anything bigger might scare me. I would feel comfortable taking my old anti-depressant if necessary. You should talk to your doctor(s) about this and see what they think.

I think some people participating may think it is unfair, especially if you win and money is involved. They might be really angry. (they don't realize how much work is involved),

I had a whole day of metabolic blood and urine tests to see if I had issues which could make the band useless. If you have metabolic problems our National Health Service doesn' t provide you with free lap band surgery. Didn't you have such tests before surgery? Other kinds of WLS might be good for you.. Don't lose hope Hugs What kind of issues can make the band useless? I tried to look it up but came back with nothing. I am curious because I seem to be having trouble myself and want to know what to look for?

I lost a lot of hair around the 3 month mark too. I was taking hand fulls out!! It seems to have calmed down now and everything is going back to normal. My nurse said it may be from the anesthetic or stress on the body from surgery.

Me too, about a month ago I was losing all kinds of hair. It seems to have calmed down now. My nurse said it may be the anesthesia too.

Hey, I am there with you. I still do not feel the satiety. I keep my meals small (1 cup) but need to snack because I don't feel full very long. I keep my daily calorie intake to around 1200 calories a day, but still not good enough to lose. I need to be at the 1000 calorie mark to lose. Looks like I need more fill(s) just like you. I feel your frustration. Keep on trucking!

Wow, that is a lot of weight....makes me feel like a huge loser (not in a good way). You have absolutely no reason to worry.

Hey, I am there with you! Look at my stats below. Some days I just want to cry. I know I need to keep getting fills until I get to the green zone and hopefully the magic will happen. I though I would have lost a pile of weight by now. I eat sooooo much less then before. I have to have faith that things will pick up soon!! I truly believe some people are just slower losers and it is not our fault. With the band, weight loss may be slow, but the great thing is we will NOT gain it back faster then you can say "diet"!!! We have to try to keep positive!! p.s. I have had only 4 fills for a total of 2.9 cc in my band. Band was completely emptied after surgery due to complications. It is getting there but everyone is different when it comes to fills and restriction.

Thanks so much for the follow up! That is wonderful to know!

Amazing! Hoping one day I can say that too! Congrats!

May I ask, how long did it take for that 4th fill to kick in? Was it immediate?

Wow! Lucky you! I had my 4th fill today and don't think I am there yet. Your stats are pretty impressive too. Good going!

I believe pouch dilation and stretch stoma are the same thing.

Me too and you are doing much better then I am. I believe it will happen...just keep going!! This is for life!

I went from 200 to 145 two years ago and did not even notice any saggy skin and I was 42 at the time. It depends on how much you have to lose, how long you have been overweight, your age, etc. Of course, I gained it all back plus, hence why I am banded today !

This is a loaded subject on here LOL. But my doctor says the reason you do not drink while you eat is because it washes the food down without slowing it enough to trigger the nerves it needs to trigger. However, he says that any food bites you take should take approx 45 seconds to pass through the band. Once your bite is through the band (approx 45 seconds), you can have a sip if you wish and it will not affect the workings of the band. There is some stuff on line about this from a man named Dr. Obrien. The reason things have changed (for some doctors - not all) is because they are still learning how the band really works. Who knows, with time they may change their minds again. The best person to listen to is your doctor because he is the one you have to answer to if things go wrong with the band or you have problems. You should ask him straight up about the drinking issue and see what he says.

OK everyone.......how much Water do you drink and how do you feel it affects your weight loss? I find it difficult to drink water because I have a busy office job and do a lot of driving and running around. I also have weak bladder control, so I have to be very careful that I don't get stuck without a washroom close by!

Don't feel bad, check out my stats below . I feel I am eating way less, but my weight is not budging. I am getting filled VERY slowly and currently have only 2.7 cc in my band. I have faith that with more fills, the magic will happen. It is a bit discouraging though I must admit.

Most doctors will only schedule fills for once a month. Sometimes it takes 2-3 weeks to feel the full effect from a fill. My doctor will only see you for a fill every 4 weeks. One time I made the appt 6 days early and was chastised for it. (just before Christmas).

I am newly banded and I definitely have restriction, but not at the green zone yet. I am not losing weight but maintaining at the moment. I hope with my next fill, I get to the green zone or closer and start losing. I think a fill may help you too.

I just had to agree that eggs can be troublesome. I am new and still very loose, but eggs can get me when I least expect it. You don't want to get stuck when you are newly banded for sure!

Don't feel bad, 25 pounds is great! Just make sure you keep getting fills until you reach your green zone and then good things are supposed happen. The holidays are difficult and it is easy for anyone to gain a bit. Just keep your meals small and mostly Protein. I was banded on September 27 and have had 3 small fills on an completely empty band. I have not lost any weight since post op. I only have 2.7 c.c's in my band, but it was VERY tight after surgery. I feel like I am getting to the green zone and starting to feel the benefits of my band finally! I bet the next fill will be it!

Wow, lucky you! Looks like 2014 is your year! You go girl!

Great post! Thanks for all the lessons learned. I am still learning and your post is very helpful!

Wow, such good inspiration! You look great! Keep up the good work! Size 10 is perfect! Best wishes in the New Year.