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How much fill do you have? Do you think you are at a good level or have you considered that you might be a little too tight? On days that you can eat, is it a normal band-size portion without being uncomfortable? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to get a better picture. I do have the same issues. My band has been on "lockdown" as I like to say for several days in a row now. I have started to think it is tied to a number of issues: hormones, stress, band fill, and who knows what else. It can be very frustrating. Some days, like today, I can not eat a single thing and even liquids don't seem to go down correctly. It's counterproductive for me because I reach for things that go down easily during those times, things that aren't the healthiest, and thus I don't lose weight even though I haven't really "eaten" that much. (nice run-on sentence there!) And then just as I'm getting ready to see the doc about getting an adjustment, I'll have a good week. If you find any official explanations, please share. In the meantime, I think I'm going back to the doc and have a discussion with them. I'm frustrated enough to spend the self-pay price of $200 for a slight unfill.

With my docs, it's fine to drink carbonation after 1 year. And the main reason I've heard to avoid it is due to the calories of regular soda, which apparently many people don't realize contributes such a significant number of calories. Don't feel guilty about a moderate of beer of soda!

I, too, had minimal pain after surgery. This was my first surgery so I had no idea what to expect. The first 24 hours I took the paid meds because I figured I needed them, but then the side effects from the meds were more bothersome than the pain so I stopped taking them. The gas pain was uncomfortable for about 5 days, but I wouldn't classify it as painful. And, of course, I had soreness in the port incision for a few weeks but nothing unbearable. Couldn't side sleep for few weeks. The others who've said everyone's experience and pain tolerance are vastly different are exactly right. Sorry for those of you who've had a less than pleasant post-surgery experience, but don't assume the rest of us are "lying."

Congratulations to everyone on their success so far! I've noticed a few positive changes myself similar to what some of you guys have said: 1. Chairs that used to be snug I now slide into. 2. The seatbelt in DH's pick-up used to be very snug - it's now LOOSE! 3. Lots of clothes that were too tight a month ago are in the Goodwill pile now because they are way too big. 4. I've had to move the seat closer to the steering wheel in our SUV and our smaller Honda feels roomy now where it used to feel tight. 5. Shaving legs & other areas (blush) is getting much easier! Haha Can't wait to have more of NSV's to post in the months to come!!!!

It does help when you find out others are having the same issues. Sounds like your pain has been a lot worse than anything I've experienced - sorry to hear that. Thanks for your post. It's good to hear from people who have spoken to their surgeons and found out we are in the norm.

Thanks for the input, y'all. I felt like it was probably normal but just wanted some confirmation from fellow bandsters.

Hey everyone, I tried to find some info on this by doing a search, but didn't find exactly what I was looking for... I was banded 6/4/08 and have not had any problems at all. The past week or so, though, I've noticed some soreness in my port area when I make certain movements, mostly when I'm walking. Last night I was walking pretty vigorously on the treadmill and with almost every stride I could feel a soreness/pulling in the area where my port is placed. I've noticed this soreness/pulling feeling not just when I'm walking vigorously, though. Sometimes I feel it when I'm just casually strolling. Earlier today I was stretching with my arms over my head and I could feel significant pulling and discomfort in my port area. Does anyone know how long sorness in the port area is normal? What would not be considered normal? It seems like I read somewhere on the forum that it's normal to feel soreness in your port area for several months after surgery. I'm just afraid of it pulling away from the muscle and/or flipping and want to make sure I don't do anything that causes problems. How much chance is there of this happening? Thanks for your input.

I had egg drop soup A LOT during my first week post-surgery all-liquid diet. I tried it from 3 different restaurants. It saved me during that time, but now even the thought of it makes me gag! Too much of a good thing I suppose.

I have a treadmill at home that has great incline capabilities. I always use the incline during my walks so even though I'm not to the point of taking up running/jogging yet, I still manage to get an amazing workout using that incline. I read the article and I didn't see incline level taken into account when determining if you burn as many calories walking vs. running. Anybody have any input?

You're doing really well with weight loss so far! Congratulations on your 41 lb loss! I'm sorry you hurt your back. Hopefully, it will feel better soon so you can start exercising. Some people can lose weight through diet alone, but I am definitely not one of them. After surgery I was letting the diet do the work, so to speak. After a couple of weeks my weight loss stopped. I didn't lose any weight for 3 weeks straight. When I started exercising consistently I started losing again, at least 2 lbs a week. Then when I went for my first fill appointment the PA changed my diet around and had me add a few Snacks so that I'm eating 5 to 6 times a day. I think this has helped, too. Have you talked with your surgeon's office? They might have some advice for you especially given your back injury and your weight loss rate so far. Good luck to you.

Originally the nutritionist told us 3 meals only & no snacking. But when I went for my fill appt last week the physician's assistant told me to add in 2-3 snacks a day to keep my metabolism going. It's working so far. I've lost 3 lbs in less than a week.

I had the same problem the other day and finally got frustrated and deleted mine. I figured I would add it back later when Ticker Factory seems to be working again.

Fortunately, people don't choke to death having something stuck in their esophogus. They choke when something accidentally gets into their trachea, which is the breathing tube that goes to the lungs. When you get something stuck in your trachea, it cuts off your ability to breathe. That's when the Heimlich maneuver is used. The trachea isn't flexible like the esophogus, it's made out of a harder tissue. The esophogus, on the other hand, is flexible and works to squeeze food/drink down when you swallow in a process called peristalsis. When something is "stuck" in your esophogus it will eventually go down or come back up like Ghost explained. That's how your digestive system is designed. And luckily the band doesn't alter your digestive system too much. You just have to make a few adjustments, like taking smaller bites and chewing extremely well. And if you do happen to get something "stuck", the others made some good suggestions on how to handle yourself.

That's awesome! I started at 322 before my pre-op diet and my goal is also 180. Thanks for sharing! Now I know my goal is perfectly achievable.

Congrats on your weight loss so far everyone!