bambam

Have you had a blood pressure medication change recently? My doc just switched me to a med without HCTZ (it depletes potassium and I struggle with low potassium). Anyway, since Saturday I'm up 6.5 pounds. Yup - you read that right! The only "good" thing is I know I'm retaining Fluid due to my medication and that it isnt a true weight gain, but boy is it frustrating to see on the scale. Obviously I have a call in to my doc to go back to my old medication and deal with low potassium as needed. Just a thought -

Lynn - It DOES get easier. Weeks 2-6 after surgery I gained and lost the same 3 pounds. At 6 weeks I had my first fill (have had 3 so far with 5.25 cc in a 10 cc band). I noticed a little restriction with my first fill, but of course each one has given me even more. I think we all worried about failing with the band - after all we only had numerous diet failures in the past to use as a basis for how we might do ih the future. But obviously we get the band believing it WILL work - or we wouldn't go through with it - it's just so easy to doubt ourselves. As you start getting even a little restriction it makes it easier to eat less. I found it easier to make better choices too, because you are taking in so much less than before. I actually crave Protein - have always loved protein but have craved things things like chips and ice cream in the past. What I love about the band is even if I have some chips (my binge food in the past) I can eat so little of them that I'm really not doing the horrible damage I was in the past - and honestly most of those things don't taste as good to me as they used to. I think part of the "enjoyment" I got was not from the food itself, but from eating huge quantities of them at one time! To eat 3-4 chips just isn't as much fun. Hang in there- you guys are doing great. If you follow your doc's instructions and make healthy choices most of the time along with the other band rules, you will do great.

Blaze is right - this is a time for healing. There are many reasons why most of us go through this and either lose little, nothing, or gain during this period: - you just had surgery and are likely swollen - you are retaining Fluid because your body is trying to heal - your body thinks you are starving it and is hanging onto every little calorie you give it at this point. Give yourself some time and follow your doc's instructions. Once you start getting fills and restriction the weight loss will happen. My meal size slowly increased as my appetite returned. While on the mushy stage my calories were at 800-900. I ate whatever I made for my hubby, just ran it through the Magic Bullet. At one point my nutritionist told me to try to increase my calories to about 1000-1100 as I could -as we really do need a healthy amount of calories for weight loss. It gets easier to get the Protein in as your appetite returns. I think I was eating about 1 cup of food at each meal and my doc's office okayed a glass of milk between meals (protein) if needed. Of course, check with your physician's office about this or any other questions you have. Don't deviate from their instructed plan for you unless they okay it. Even though you are able to eat things without blending them, I would suggest you not. It's not that it's not physically possible to soft solids or even solids as they are, but you shouldn't. You've probably read it a thousand times, but when you eat more solid foods your stomach has to work much harder (agitating like a washing machine) to digest the food. Too much of that and you could tear sutures loose that are holding the band in place. Take it easy on your stomach and band. It's only a short period of time - so take the time to mush your foods - I used my Magic Bullet constantly during this period. Better to be safe than sorry. JMO! Hang in there- you seem to be right on track with what most of us experience!!!

If you just want to moisten your mouth you could get some mouth swabs from a drug store. You just run water over it and the wipe the inside of your mouth with it - make sure you get most of the water out though - sucking the mouth swab dry would defeat the purpose of not drinking after a meal!

Niterun - I was just talking with my husband about some of this yesterday. I'm down from a 3X to a 1X or XL (although some 14-16 tops fit me) and in pants I've gone from a 28 to an 18. I'm obviously different sizes on top and bottom as well. I went coat shopping and found an 18-20 fall coat I absolutely love. The plus size winter coats were all horrible - not at all trying to flatter the figure. I decided to be brave and went to the misses section - ended up liking how the XL coats fit - I almost cried right there in the store. My problem isn't being overwhelmed, but picky. I used to get something just because I could get it on - I usually needed it that badly. Now I'm incredibly picky and if it doesn't flatter me and if I don't absolutely fall in love with it, forget about it. I guess I'm finally able to be picky. Of course, I still have a lot more to lose than you so I'm trying to be picky as well for financial reasons. Part of it too is that shopping is now a very emotional thing for me - simply because each time I go down a size I want to tell everyone in sight! Maybe I'll feel more overwhelmed when I'm in misses sizes for good. Congrats on your weight loss!

CrzyTchr - I am in the size 3 Right Fit so I only have 2 sizes to go yet before I'm not shopping at LB either, so I was worried about the same thing. BUT my daughter-in-law works for Fashion Bug (you can shop online with them) they are a sister company to LB and they carry Right Fit as well, in plus and misses sizes!!!! Fashion Bug stores here are 1/2 misses fashions and 1/2 plus size - so they specialize in both sizes for women. HTH!!

Katy - The weight gain is very normal. It is due to the IV's you had, the swelling, the surgical process itself, etc. Do yourself a favor and stay away from the scale while you heal if you can. Your body has been through a lot and the next month or so is a healing process. It is harder to burp after surgery, especially RIGHT after. You likely have swelling so all of your burp isn't making it through. (I'm not a doctor, that's my guess and experience from what I have felt as well). The pain could be from gas used during surgery, or it could be from the phrenic nerve (not at all unusual) if your burp has irritated your pouch. I get the pain radiating to the left shoulder when I've eaten a bite too many. That's just one way your stomach may communicate with you now. Hope this helps. Good luck and don't stress over the scale right now.

Amy - When you eat "regular" foods your stomach has to churn to digest them - much like a washing machine does. (I'm borrowing from Restless Monkey here.) That churning could cause the sutures that hold your band in place to come undone, which can result in the band slipping. The reason for the slow progression to solid foods is to allow your band to heal in place. Do your best to follow your doc's instructions I know it's hard but you can do it!! This is only for a short period of time (even though it seems forever) and before you know it you'll be past it and back to regular foods.

I get a gurgle in my esophagus and for me that is a sign that I am done eating for that meal. That's the only time I have it. At my last fill in July when they had me drink Water the nurse said she wanted to make sure I wasn't gurgling after sipping the water, so I assume that kind of gurgle is bad and would mean too much restriction.

Remember, you are still healing. This is honestly not a time to be concerned about the scale, but about healing. Your gain could be due to many things: the stress your body has undergone, the change in your meds with no diuretic, the decreased calories compared to what you used to have, postop swelling, etc. My doctor warned I might gain during this time period. Some people do. Many people gain and lose the same few pounds over this period (what I did) and a few will lose. Just keep doing what your doc told you to. The scales WILL go down, but give your body a chance to adjust to all the changes. My nutritionist did tell me I was likely eating too little during this stage so encouraged me to increase my calories. If you have any questions, contact them for guidance. Otherwise, what you are experiencing seems to be pretty normal.

Doug - Remember that this period is for healing. It's not about weight loss. Even though you had a small fill put in at surgery, it's likely not enough to give you good restriction. Most bandsters go through what you are going through. Weeks 4-6 I gained and lost the same 3 pounds. It is frustrating after losing somewhat easily on the preop diet and immediately after surgery, but it just seems to be pretty routine. Eat healthy and within the amounts your surgeon instructed and don't let your hunger get the best of you. As you progress, HEAL, and get more fills the weight will again start coming off. Don't expect too much of your body too soon, it's been through a lot and trying to figure out what is going on :biggrin:

I would suggest talking with your nutritionist. At weeks 3-6 I was getting about 700-800 calories a day and gaining and losing the same 3 pounds. She told me I should increase my calories. It will get easier once you have more of an appetite, but when you are trying to follow their portion rules it gets hard to get the calories in at first. Ask their advice about your calorie intake. I love beef (obviously it would increase your calorie count) and eat it often, but check with your doctor's office to see what he allows you to have at this point.

My first PB was on toast, so I don't eat bread, wraps, etc. I might be able to, but that PB was like aversion therapy and I haven't wanted to try them again! I avoid stringy meat and veggies - sometimes the meat is okay if really tender, sometimes not. I can eat omelettes - I think some people have trouble with scrambled eggs (I don't care for those). I'm not a steak lover and haven't tried steak since surgery. I do okay with rice, but eat only about 1 tsp of it and always make sure it is well cooked. HTH!!

My doc's office says decaffeinated products do count towards water intake.

It's really a learning process and some things are very individual. This is what I've learned about how my body reacts: Full : I couldn't really care if I take another bite. Not "full" like I used to feel, but content. I've really had to learn to watch for this. I've noticed some signs that I'm "full" which include a sigh, the need to belch, or a little "gurgle" in my throat. For me those are all signs I'm done. One Too Many Bites: Chest pain that radiates to my left shoulder. This happens if I take that extra bite or two - definitely a sign that I overfilled my pouch. Stuck: Middle of the chest pain that is more intense and produces mucus very quickly. I chew a few papaya enzyme like Restless said and walk around like crazy. Sometimes spitting up what mucus I have helps and I can keep it from going any further. It's difficult for me to cough my food up - never been a good urper.

Boy is this thread true! I had to laugh because as I started to lose weight I rediscovered my shape again. I had forgotten what I looked like in high school!!! I'm fairly "small" (relatively speaking) through he shoulders and bust, have a waist and hips that flare (10 inches difference between my waist and hips). Guess I'm an hourglass with less sand on top??? I guess my original shape will never change, but thank goodness for Right Fit jeans and pants so I no longer have a huge gaping waistband!

I'm sorry your doctor made you doubt your decision - shame on him!!! My first fill was 3 cc. My second fill I only wanted 0.5 cc(we had a son getting married a few days later and I didn't want any issues at the wedding) and I really wasn't doing too badly. My doc was very agreeable with that and simply said if it isn't enough, come back and we'll give you more. Sure enough, 2 weeks later I was back and asked for 2 cc (to put me at 5.5). At first he seemed surprised, but said he would have typically reversed my last two fills anyway and ended up at the same point, so had no problem with it. He just told me to make sure I called if I had any problems. You know your body and how you are doing so stick to your guns about what you want and need. Our docs have the skills and technical knowledge to get us to this point, but we are the ones living with the band.

There really are variations in our eating pattersn even among bandsters. I have breakfast about 7 am., lunch anywhere from 10:30 to 11 and dinner between 5-6 - that's just when my body asks me for food so I go with the flow. Are you able to have full solids? If so, those may hold you longer than the cottage cheese. It sounds like you are eating a pretty small amount (IMO) and your Protein and calories may be low. That will stall weight loss. Do you track your food on dailyplate, or somewhere to know where your calories are, etc? My advice would be to give it some time, assess where you really are, make sure you are getting ENOUGH calories, get your full amount of protein in and eat a little more substantial solids (if you can per doc's orders) and see what happens.

Oh I still struggle with this. I'm getting better, but honestly I'm a work in progress. I seem to do better when not at home - I guess at home I get distracted and when I'm out in a restaurant I definitely don't want any issues so I likely pay more attention to my bite sizes and chewing well! It does amaze me the size of other people's bites now. I keep thinking - I used to do that!!!!????

You're correct - as the days pass your appetite will slowly return and you'll be able to increase your calories and intake. It's not unusual to be low on calories at this point. Just do your best! Good luck!!

My papaya enzyme is a chewable and like Restless I have it on my grocery list so I have a bottle at home and one in my purse just to be safe. It really is a lifesaver. At the first sign of a problem I chew 2 and walk around. I think even though the food goes through it can cause problems because it has irritated the narrowing where the band is. Just because it has passed doesn't mean it went willingly!!! I notice I am sore after a stuck episode. If it is a bigger stuck episode I go to liquids, then progress to soft foods as instructed by my doc. Did you notice increased mucus with it? I ALWAYS have that accompanying a stuck episode - yuck. In some ways that is worse than being stuck and as much as it is trying to help me pass that food, for the most part I think it just piles up on top!

Aimee - I was in the same boat and my nutritionist told me at some point I may need to cut back on my protein (since it was so high) to get the other things in. I typically eat protein and a yogurt for breakfast (for my dairy), protein and a banana for lunch (for my fruit) and protein and a veggie for dinner. I'm eating about 3-4 ounces of protein at a meal along with my other item. Getting the protein in was much easier for me when I didn't have much restriction - it has gotten to be a little harder now that I have good restriction - so you may find that changes and you may need to keep a closer eye on your protein numbers (if you continue to track them). As I said in my post above, your appetite will increase as you heal so this should only be temporary. I really have to force myself to get the water in, whether I feel full or not. I just make it a habit of sipping 30 minutes after my meal or else I know I will be short. Hope this has helped.

Hi everyone - What you are all experiencing is very normal. My doc told me I likely would not be able to get the calories in right away - remember you are still healing!!! Your appetite will likely return within a few weeks and with a vengence!! Until then, just do the best you can to get your calories in. I think you will find your appeite slowly increasing and your calories slowly increasing as well. Don't worry about the scale and not losing during this time - this is a time for healing. It is VERY NORMAL to not lose (my doc said I may even gain) during this period. I gained and lost the same 3 pounds weeks 2-6. I know it is frustrating to come to a standstill after losing on the preop diet and immediately after surgery, but honestly it's just part of the process for many. IF you still aren't hungry when it's time for your first fill, then you won't need one! There are a few bandsters who experience this, although I think most have their appetites return in full force and are more than ready for that first fill! Stick with your doc's plan and don't worry about the scale. Try to get in as much Protein and aim for the calories you doc wants when you are able - your body really does need them. Best of luck to you all!

Jacole - Glad to hear you are getting back to taking care of yourself. With so much going on it is easy to get overwhelmed, but it's great you are taking care of you again! I know this isn't an easy time for you (been there done that), but you can do it! Wishing you the best...

What Restless said! We went away for a 3-day weekend to the apple orchards in Wisc. I did great all weekend, except Sunday my "lunch" was an apple turnover and a few hours later a piece of apple pie with ice cream. Were they wise choices? Of course not. Will they define me? No way. We go there once a year so I'm not about to beat myself up for treating myself. That is definitely "going off plan" but to be honest it is NOTHING compared to what I would have done preband. I never would have stopped at 1 turnover in the past, or it would have been most of a big bag of potato chips, and trust me that could occur at least once a week in the old days! What I love about the band is although the sweets did pass too easily it still restricted how much I could take in and I was actually craving Protein by that evening and it was easy for me to get back to healthy choices. Don't beat yourself up over it - it's life. We won't be perfect.