Coach0407

When I signed on to check my messages I found the port leaking post and had to ask.... how do you know if your port leaks?

I had lap band on 12.6.2013 and so far no fills needed. Lost 32 lbs before and post surgery.

I've noticed on at least 2-5 occasions near my port, I get a cold or wet feeling there. I guess to describe it has been like having a wet spot on your shirt and you can feel it on your skin under your shirt. Or, the feeling is like a cold piece of metal and your belly touches it, feels like a cooling sensation. Is this a leak? Or perhaps feeling a cold tube from the band to the port?

I'm heading out to a family function and the shirt I chose is hanging off of me. I remembered wearing the same shirt last year. Before (April 2013)-left and Current (February 2014)-right.

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I've been banded 12/6/13, 49 days as of today. I went to my appointment on 1/22 and they decided I will not have a fill yet. I completed the yello, green, red form related to foods and I'm still 90% in the Green zone. Other than the band in place, it has no Fluid in it.

I've made dietary adjustments to eating healthier foods, packing foods in small portions and using MyFitnessPal to track my food. I average 700-900 calories a day.

I've struggled with hypoglycemia for a long time. Small portions every 3 hours helps with no hunger problems.

Did you get a fill at your first appointment post surgery?

How many have made better eating habits with increased exercise that you control the weight loss and the band, being there is just a tool, not full support/reliant on?

HI all, thanks for responding. Yeah, I can feel it, kind of like a dull pain, its not so bad today, so I am wondering if its just from the fill. I like the comment about overfilled or always hungry. I think when I first got the band I used it as a restriction or measurement, because if I ate to much, it really really hurt, now if I eat to m uch, I puke. Which isn't probably a good thing. So I am thinking I probably have a good fill but just have to relearn to eat less and ..... Oh crap that's why I got the band,lol. I am starting therapy to see if I can find my underlying issues with food, I remember when I first went to the doc I had to go for a therapy session, It was kind of a joke, I am sure I made most of the stuff we talked about up, just to pass. So I am going to be honest with myself and therapist and see if there is a underlying issue that needs to be worked on and then hey, maybe I can get control of this monster.

I'm over a month post op and I on occasion feel the band at my belly, not the port. I can't associate it with overeating, fullness, or fills (as I'll get my first fill tomorrow). It's not painful as in needing meds but that I can feel the band.

My guess is after 6 weeks of open and now Fluid in the band, it may put pressure on your stomach of some sort.

I'd at least call and tell them and see what the doctor says.

My first fill was today at 0940 and it went great!

My totally good looking surgeon (looks just like Chris O'Donnell) (not my type, but who doesn't appreciate a pretty face?) came in, he was happy I had lost 8 pounds since my last visit 3 weeks ago. He asked me a few questions about how much I was eating and if I was hungry between meals and we decided to go ahead and do a fill.

Side note: I was told not to eat any solid foods for 3 hours before my fill.

I laid on the table with a pillow under my back. He felt around on my stomach and then had me put my hands behind my head and do a crunch. He said I was gonna feel a pinch and inserted the needle. It stung a bit, but not bad. Then he said, "OK, I'm in your port. Now here's the fun part."

Then he had me sit up, with the needle sticking out of my belly (no pain) and turn to sit on the edge of the table. He handed me a cup of Water. He said that he had filled my band completely and he wanted me to take normal size drinks of Water until I felt it in my throat. Then he said he would take out the saline and when I felt the feeling in my throat go away, to tell him.

I started drinking the water and after about 4-5 drinks, I felt like I had a huge bubble in my throat. He then drew out the Fluid and when the bubble left he stopped.

Then he had me take more sips of water until I felt that each drink went completely through with no discomfort or sluggishness. It was about 2-3 drinks until that happened.

And then we were done.

I asked him if he would tell me how much Fluid was in the band and I could tell he really didn't want to. He said he didn't think it was good to compare yourself to others on the internet/forums because people have different size and brands of bands. I told him I totally realized that,but that since I'm a nurse, I'm naturally curious. (I couldn't give a darn what's in there as long as it does it's job.) So he told me it was a little over 2cc's.

Then we discussed my diet to follow the fill. For the rest of today and all of tomorrow I am to do full liquids. Then back to solids while exercising caution.

And there ya go! Easy peasy Japaneesy.

I had to go to work after the appaointment and didn't drink anything till like 230p. I drank a Protein shake. I did fine. Sometimes I think I'm overly obsessed with every feeling and I kinda felt that if I didn't wait a bit between drinks, I would kinda feel the liquid in my espohagus. I don't think it's a sign of being too tight. I'm going to take it as a sign that I REALLY need to eat smaller bites and wait between bites. All of that stuff I've been trying to practice since surgery.....now is the time to really do it!

Awesome post!! I decided to check the forum because my very first fill is tomorrow. I agree, doesn't matter how many cc's, as long as it's doing its job.

My surgery was 12/6/13 and I still on occasion have restriction with no fills yet. I too think that has to do with eating slower and less portions.

Thanks again. I'm thinking they will put 1-2 cc in as I don't want to go straight to full restriction and feel water sitting in there.

I've now read this in several posts. What is slime? Slimming?

No fills yet (first fill Jan 22) and only one episode of tightness in my chest and food felt stuck. I'm trying to be proactive as possible and avoid reflux, stuck episodes.

I remember my 1st fill...does your doctor use the fluoroscope? I explain my experience in a blog post here...

let me know if yours was similar...

Your blog was very helpful. I go for my first fill Jan 22. I'm nervous but know I need a fill. I have less and less restriction by each week. I had my first slice of pizza last night and was concerned because I had no issues. About two weeks ago, I had three bites of the inside of a Wendy's chicken wrap and it was stick/full and experienced my first issues.

Last week I had almost half of a Cowboy Crunch from Neato Burrito. It contained rice, chicken, sour cream, melted cheese, and sauces. I know I was feeling full and stopped. With no band, I would have stuffed myself to eat the other half.

My only concern is, if I'm feeling full, will that fullness eventually push my band to move or slip? I'm always afraid when I do feel full, I'm going to push the band out of place.

I go for my first fill 1/22. Within the past week, I was able to eat things I thought for sure were a big no. However, I had no issues.

What surprised me the most was pizza. I had a full slice last night minus the crust. When I knew I was able to do this, I was worried.

When I get my fill, I'm assuming I will be on liquids and then soft foods for a few days. After a month or two passes, will I be in the same situation, can eat more foods and go for a fill again? If so, doesn't it seem the band will only work temporarily with the need of fills? What happens when a person reaches the max amount in their band?

I've struggled with weight and eating before lapband and even though I've lost 30lbs so far, I still have more to go. I think about certain foods quite often. Especially foods I always ate but no longer can or do. Such as raw carrots and broccoli and dip. Or, a pizza shop sub. I also are in fear of things being stuck. I've had one medium episode and one minor so far. To try my best to avoid it, I keep reminding myself what my nurse says. If you do not plan, plan to fail. I most likely will not always plan ahead.

Hang in there. When you have a craving or feel that way, post a comment here or stay busy.

I lost 8-10 lbs pre-op. I'm now one month and a week post surgery. I've lost a total of 30lbs from October 2013-now. I dropped weight fast from the day of surgery until about 3-4 weeks. Now that I'm eating more type of foods, I'm averaging 1-3 lbs a week or so.

Have discovered while using this app on my Android that some threads are mixed. I just now noticed "sleeve" in the thread. I guess either surgery, those seeking WLS have struggled with carbs if they have been sleeved, gastric, or banded.

Now that its been a month since I was banded, possible fill 1/22, I've also decided to go partial vegetarian. If I can't handle bacon, ham, or pork (and do not eat steak, seafood or fish), I had to find foods higher in Protein. I've found sliced veggie soy that is to be "turkey" or "bologna" deli slices. I can have one slice and a tablespoon of hummus spread on. I've recently been asked 100 questions about "what's that?", no pizza, chips, etc etc etc. I finally said its not in my diet. I was a little overwhelmed I was being hassled over food!!! I didn't hassle anyone asking why two slices of pizza, a plate of Doritos, 2 cups a soda!!!! Co-workers had that, I had hummus/veggie deli slice.

When you mention partial vegetarian, I get, why? I like meat, what about fish, blah blah blah!!!! Very frustrating.

I've been and wanted to be a soft sub bread and pizza junkie. However, a month since surgery and I have had no subs, pizza, etc. However, since I have varied no restriction with no fills, I've made healthier homemade pizza for the family and had a tiny piece of that recently. Had a work function last week, they ordered pizza. Greese dripping off and for the first time, had no desire for it.

I haven't ran since track in high school almost 20 years ago. I don't think I can run the entire 5k unless I train. Today I've walked, walked fast, then a fast jog in my area today. I did way less 25+ lbs prior. I'm a month post surgery and after my third lap around the area (4 laps is a mile), my port area felt weird.

A question related to eating after a fill and those who can eat whatever after a fill. If a person gets a fill, it is to tighten the upper pouch and block the opening more to the bottom portion of the stomach. Why is it a person can eat whatever? Is it whatever and just smaller portions, or any food and any amount?

I'm one month out, next appt 1/22, and I've lost a total 28 lbs. As soon as I returned to work, at that time, co-workers started to notice. So far, I've only told my boss and one co-worker who promised not to repeat it. However, that co-worker told me last week if no one knows. I reaffirmed, only my boss. She made a comment relating to being surprised my/our boss may have told a supervisor (and she told two others). She didn't say it directly but.... Since she's new, I think she also discovered my boss did not keep my confidential conversation between her and I. (When I told her I was having surgery and take PTO, she asked if the co-workers knew, I told her no and I wasn't planning on telling anyone!!). There are no co-workers I'd tell this or any other personal business to so I wasn't telling them this.

In a month, I've only had a small bite of bread (grilled cheese) dipped in my Soup broth. At lunch I'd have one bite of that and rest soup.

I've also had one bite of Pillsbury biscuit. A bite or two of soft dough from pizza. My office said chicken was ok but must not be dry. And from my experience, its finely chewed one to two bites.

I'm a month out and mix between shakes, cottage cheese, soft gods and on occasion chicken, etc. I was told I could advance only if things felt ok. I felt I didn't advance too quick and what I've learned is one day ok and another day just too much.

I'm wondering if I'll ever eat "regular" foods or always only eat softer regular foods??

Not only band but I've found vegetarian items with high Protein. So I've cut all or as much as possible of sodium, sugar, carbs. Only organic unsweetened Decaf tea or water/milk and Water.

Definitely no negative comments from me. I hope things get better. Have the doctors been able to explain the port situation?

Last night went out to dinner with my Wife.....sat down, ordered drinks, then ordered our food....

They brought out the fresh bread.....it looked very soft, warm....but I should know better...I do not eat bread....

But it happens, you just don't think sometimes.

Cut a small slice, took a small bite, chewed and swallowed....BAM...it just sat there! I could feel it. Not quite stuck, but I knew if I took one more swallow of ANYTHING it would be a disaster.....

Now I'm in trouble...they have not even started to bring out our food yet, and I am unable to eat or drink another thing.....

I excused myself to go to the men's room.....I guess just from getting up and walking, the lump of bread finally passed....when I returned, I took a few sips of my drink to be sure all was clear.....it was!

This has happened to me a few times when I was still learning..the hard way...I may have had to bring my entire dinner home and not eat anything there....very embarrassing to say the least.

Once you learn your lessons, I should not think things will change over time.....I cannot go backwards with this surgery....

Close call !

I am one month post, no fills yet and some parts of the day I feel I can eat anything. Sometimes one mini bite chewed, was fine. Took my son bowling and we ate Wendy's for something quick. I took chicken from the wrap, chewed a lot and 3rd bite, it was stuck!! I immediately stood up and felt terrible!!!! 4-5 hours later and still feel weird. Guess I could say my first episode. Will not do that again.

I have mixed feelings about this. I am a bandaged with no fills yet and have a little Pasta (homemade spaghetti, very little on it) and if I chew a LOT, I can eat a small amount. Will I do it often, no. But, glad I can do a small portion.

Now a nice soft pizza shop sub, THAT was my weakness and still wish one bite. I have found I will just keep wishing and never do it. Besides, the band is to make right choices. So instead I'm enjoying learning what new healthy foods that taste fresh and healthy and know it won't sabotage my weight loss goals.

I've registered to do my first 5k!! I've always wanted to do something like this but my weight has held me back. Now that I'm almost a month after banding, I've lost a total 24.6 lbs and are more motivated now!!

I've dropped almost two pant sizes. I am so happy and feel I now can set higher goals. I've had friends ask me to do a 5k or similar before AMD have always declined.

I was banded December 10th. On my one week check up I had lost 13 pounds. I get my first fill the 9th. I don't feel swollen so I haven't had problems with any kinds of food though. Will that feeling return once I start with my fills.I definitely don't eat like before but I just don't wasn't sure.

Mandy,

I've been banded 12/6 and today was my first day of eating bread. I am eating cottage cheese and oatmeal for Breakfast and something like tuna for lunch. I most likely will get my first fill 1/22/14. Now that I've eaten bread, I know it went through ok as I think I am 90% healed and now able to do it. I also like you, do not eat like before. So I think it is ok in moderation and less portions.

I too have wondered what will happen when I get my first fill. Some people I know had a fill and took one bite of a burger and it was very painful and came back up. I'm thinking as you progress into fills, you will learn you can no longer eat anything. Some things will get stuck.

Is it ok to eat? If so, what do you eat with it?

I've had people tell me raw carrots, crackers, wheat thins. I'm almost a month post band and have eaten soft mush foods.

Today I am 17 days post surgery and have went from a liquid diet to a soft diet (cottage cheese, etc). I have had about 3 bites of baked macaroni as I chewed each bite 30+ times. I also had recently just the inside meat of a boneless chicken wing chewed to mush. Yesterday my husband and I went shopping to finish up Christmas gifts and we ate at Applebee's. Well, my husband did. I ordered their macaroni as I knew it would be soft and mushy to eat. I had one bite of a 1 inch spiral noodle with cheese on it, chewed 30+ times and I was VERY full. I'm thinking my band disliked the sodium!! Lesson learned!!! That noodle was bloating me from 3pm until 7pm. This morning, back to liquids and mushy things. Protein Shake, etc. Learning as I go! No fills yet and slowly getting more hunger pains and less restriction.

Hello, my surgery date is December 27th. I would really like to hear how you both did during the days after your surgery. I am having mine done on a Friday and going back to work on Monday. What are your thoughts on returning to work so early. I have a desk job. Cant wait to hear your stories!

I had surgery 12/6/13 and felt Ok by Thursday. I was able to work from home with my laptop but I only worked 4 hours instead of 8. I felt tired due to the very little calorie intake. I worked 6 hours from home Friday and felt a little better. I returned to work for a full day on 12/16. That first day was minimal discomfort. I also have a desk job that is 98% computer work. From day 1-9 post surgery I wasn't over 100-200 calories a day. Today is day 17 and I still take in only 300-500 calories a day. I only felt a tad more energetic around day 12.