CCBSTX

Good luck with finding the leak! You'll be on track before you know it! By the way, you did a wonderful job losing 140 pounds. The great thing, about the band, is that you can start again.... Shawn

Good luck with finding the leak! You'll be on track before you know it! By the way, you did a wonderful job losing 140 pounds. The great thing, about the band, is you can start again.... Shawn

I am almost 7 months post banding. I had real gas pain, from the moment I was in the recovery room. It slowly dissolved over the first week. Since the first week, on occasion, I have the same feeling of gas pains. However, it know it isn't gas as this point. I feel it must be the nerve or referred pain from the diaphram, as others have spoken. It is always my left shoulder. I have never had this before, pre-banding. I find the pain occurs when I am hungry (really hungry) or sometimes stressed. Eating usually helps. Keep taking your pain meds and get in touch with your surgeon. Since it is on a daily basis, I am wondering if it's something that needs to heal. I am guessing that the CO2, from surgery has since dissolved. Good luck. Shawn

You might think of getting a little bit unfilled.... It shouldn't be painful to eat solid foods. I am glad to hear that you can drink! Shawn

My surgeon told me that meats can put undue pressure on the band, during the healing stage. Imagine your band sort of moving along your stomach trying to accomodate that hunk of pizza. If it's moving that is not good. Allow it to heal in place. Shawn

Some folks say Biotin and making sure you get enough Protein. Other than that, I am not sure. I am doing this now, and my hair loss has slowed. My surgeon said it should stop around 8 months post-op. Shawn

Josephine, WAY TO GO! You are flying fast!!!! I know it feel strange to shop in the regular sizes. The first time I did, I felt lost. Shawn

Sounds like you are doing the perfect job. Good start! I love the sinking of Cherrios thing...Make sure, at least during the day, that you keep the big-boy underwear on him. That way, he is uncomfortable with the wetness/mess. Good luck...Shawn

See my signature and info. below! Yes, I have been in your exact position. My second fill I was thinking that I might as well get a small fill (.2cc), to save me another trip to my surgeon. It didn't work out that way. I was too tight, for the most part, and quite miserable. My band is finicky. I am learning to live with this tool. I would wait. Maybe a small one, if most days you are hungry and eating more than 1 1/2 cups of food. Shawn

I eat before my fills. Maybe chili or something hearty pre-fill. I would make sure to eat about an hour before the fill. My worry is that I would still have food, in my upper part of my stomach that, once-filled, may have trouble getting through the stoma (opening). Shawn

Most folks, on both sides, are happy with their decision and would "do it" again. Of course, each side has complications. Some are more serious complications than others. For me, it was personal. What was I willing to go through to lose weight? I look to the future and felt the worse thing that could happen, with the band, is for it to erode and have it removed. The worse thing, long term, with RNY, could be lack of nutrition and deficiencies that go with it. Afterall, did I want to trade weight loss for other health complications? Lapbanders seem to not have that problem. Of course, short term, the complication for bandsters is much less. I support all who battle to lose weight!!! Shawn

Way-to-go on 75 pounds! Yes, some of my snacking/grazing issues are coming up as well. I am still counting my calories (1200 or so) and getting 60 mg of protein is my goal. I am not exercising as much as you, but seem to lose consistently with a few weeks of plateau...every once in awhile. Personally, I think that if you graze once in while, it gives you body a boost in metabolism. Graze too much, it will give you a boost in poundage :nervous . So I graze. I would just say keep trying to change things up and give it a little time. I have a feeling that things will kick in gear. You are doing great :clap2: . Shawn

How much of a regular meal can you eat? How many cups? How often are you really hungry? Shawn

Way to go--50 lost! In another year, just imagine how you're gonna feel, if you feel this good!!!!!!!!! Shawn

I suppose it's easier to use tools to build a house. That's all the band is...a tool! You are doing the work... Shawn

Marcelle, that was a heartfelt...pour-it-all-out post! It's great that you can vent here. 1) Dump the I'Ming and contacting the EX (nothing good will happen with this) 2) Spend some time, perhaps in counseling with your husband (with a minister, counselor, etc). 3) Get out of debt as a TEAM! The #1 reason for divorce is financial. You're ok to occasional eat the junk! You aren't eating the whole bag! Think of the progress that you will have next year, if you and your husband can work as a team. Make a plan for your marriage and your budget. YOu can do it! Shawn

1 egg Most folks fluctuate on what they can or cannot eat post band. Depends on size of fill, time of day, time of month. This is where I am now. Shawn

I had PCOS pre-banding. One of my symptoms was, of course, was irregular or non-existent periods (mine was mostly non-existent). Now, after banding, I have monthly periods (every 4-5 weeks) with no medication intervention?? Hmmm I suppose I am a rabbit. Also, someone said they were a turtle and "lost 80 pounds in 7 months." That is a RABBIT in my book???? Shawn

Experience and Aftercare are most important with the band! Maybe look at other options, if you are not comfortable with EITHER the experience or aftercare of surgeon! Perhaps, there are other surgeons within driving distance, that can take good care of you?? Shawn

Congrats Tommy O! Aren't we all waging war? In my opinion, the advantage of slower weight loss, gives us the time to readjust our relationship with food. It's not a perfect relationship, by far, but I am working on it!!! Shawn

Many thoughts and prayers for Emily and your family...Shawn

Can you get anymore fills? Not sure how much a VG band will hold... I feel bad for you..I feel your frustration. It's like you are in band "hell." Keep pestering that surgeon. Listen, you have nothing to feel bad for. If you don't feel restriction than you don't feel restriction. No person, with a properly restricted band can eat as much as a loaf of bread+. By the way, with no restriction you have done INCREDIBLE... Shawn

I'd get check out by your ob/gyn and get an opinion from her/him. As folks have already said, fertility decreases as we age. We are born with as many eggs as we'll ever have. Of course, its a personal decision. Good luck. Shawn

I also went to my first WLS meeting before banding. Not only was I the ONLY potential bander present, there were NO banders at the meeting. After going around introducing ourselves, and me telling a brief synopsis, someone in the meeting "suggests" that I "rethink" the band. She gives me her side, as a RNY'er, how dangerous it is and potentional problems in car-accident, etc. Several folks were shaking their head in agreement. I don't mind saying, that evening, I was pissed. I was ganged up for my decisions. The moderator was no help as well. Last point: Most folks, no matter what WLS, would do their surgery again. It's human nature to think we've made the correct decision. I KNOW that I've made the correct decision for me!!! Shawn

I may have a different philosophy...During the healing weeks, I thought of my own children. If they had a surgery and the surgeons orders were _____. Then I would make sure they'd take care of themselves. Take care of yourself and the band. Let it heal, in place, and not be disturbed. I also, feel that I can lose weight and eat for "fun" on occasion. I am trying to learn moderation and the band helps me for that purpose. Counting calories, during my losing stage, helps me figure what I can have for "fun." Just a thought. Shawn