RealityCheck

I am so sorry that you have to go through this. I know what it feels like... On both sides... to have th fill not seem like a fill and then to slip back into some old habits. I must admit, while it is extremely disappointing and frustrating when you plan for those next steps after a fill and you are blown away when you realize you just went through all of this for what? You think, maybe something is wrong with you? Was it something you did? Did they not hit the port?..... (In my case they must not have hit it 3-4 fills in a row, because when they finally did listen to me and take out the fill to measure it was off by more than 4ccs... as you can imagine this drama played out for moths) All in all... you know your body, and by this time you are really getting to know your band. Do not worry about others who immediately just fell into place... You know you. And we seem to share a lot in common. It takes some people longer than others to really work with the band. I say, take it in stride... get back into the routine you are supposed to be in. Work the band anyway, call your doctor for an appointment, but until then you have to buckle down and do what it is that you are supposed to do. Best wishes!

First... Please excuse any typos... I am so sorry to know that you have to go through this. Have you ever given thought/consideration to the fact that he may just be scared? My husband does not handle the whole "Surgery" thing well at all. Sounds like you guys need to talk... I like that earlier reply post about having changed the beat and giving your parterner time to adjust. Because it is just that, it is going to be a huge adjustment and you will need his support before/during/and after. I know it seems as if this was really cut and dry for some people... Step A-B-C yea I made it to Z. Well I know for me it was not so! That support though, is what supports and can navigate you between where you need or want to be... and can definitely get you out of where you do not need/want to be. I hope that this will find you well and that your concerns are put at ease as well as your spouse's.

I am so sorry... I am wishing you the best though! You can do this and you will do this!

At first, because my port was sooo hard to hit, I refused to let them give me afill w/out nubming spray or lidocaine. The PA always did my fills and I would get poked so many times, and while it was ok and numb during... I would be so sore afterwards. Then one day my sadomasichist surgeon, who really is great we just bump heads on some things, refused to numb me. Quick pinch and surprise... It was ok! Now I refuse numbing spray or lido... Just try it w/out to see if you can do it... But it is not anywhere as bad as you think. And yes, there were a couple of times where I had to be poked more than once w/ no numbing but I still prefer none!

I truly appreciate this post because this is where I am at right now. I do not want to go in for an unfil because I think I am at a new point where I need to get reacquainted with my band. Before now I have always been able to just gulp liquids down... not anymore.

I burp like crazy... especially when I am tight and I have not eaten. I am one of those who has not told anyone about the surgery except for my husband and parents. So I have to get the burping symphony overwith before I get to work or around others!

First... It is all normal! Secondly, you need to stop beating yourself up. You just had surgery... you just made a huge difference to an internal organ... you need time to heal. While it is hard, this is what you have got to start focusing on. Early I saw a post about things we wish we may have been told... Well... I just wish I would have realized to take the time to care for myself! You may loose weight, you may stay the same... you may gain a little. But it is normal, and that is why you will not be getting a feel so quickly after surgery, your body needs time to heal... and your new stoma (the new stomach openening) is so small and inflammed and needs time to get accustomed to how it is. Be careful with eating what you should not though (while no beating yourself up though because we all have those days), because you can irritate it even more and set yourself back before you even get moving! By the way... you are now entering bandster hell and I am sorry to say but you have some time to go. And it is just a time where you are really hungry and crave for the feeling of satiety, which is why you got the band... but you have to heal first. It will take time, it will suck... but it will be worth it and you will be on the ball before you know it! Give your new band and your newself some time to get acquainted with each other! This is a long term commitment! On another note... have you tried upping your Protein intake... that would help stave off some of the hunger, want chocolate... make a nice chocolate Protein shake... or fudge pudding, or even better a fudge pudding pop (sugar free ofcourse), your prawn salad... put it in a blender since it is going to take you some time to get the real feel of the bandster chew. Wishing you the best! ~Real

Ok, yes... you are in bandster hell... and luckily for you... your time is kind of short. A lot of people had to wait 6 or more weeks for the first fill, and sometimes that first fill does not give restriction... that is why they are called adjustments. And yes... you are going to be hungry until that first fill because you have no restriction yet. It is also normal to gain a little post-op especially when mushies time comes. DO not worry... once you start getting your fills you will be doing just fine... but at the moment you are right on track! Your body and stomache need time to heal and get used to this contraption that has just invaded your body... no matter how small the incision. Just think... a grain of sand becomes a pearl... but it takes a lot of time, effort and care. You are almost there... just try to keep the cals down and get that protein in!

You are doing excellent. You are supposed to be loosing 1-2 lbs per week... that is what we signed up for, slow and steady so that it can be maintained and not gained back. And as far as the inches... some people wish they could hit a NSV (Non-Scale Victory) like that. Look at it all girl... you are doing wonderfully.

I did the saem thing. It was not about insecurity but I did not need anyone else bothering me. AT times I did wish I had a little more support, but I am happy with my choice of keeping it between my husband and my parents. They really are all teh support I need that was positive enough to keep me sane. A support group will be my next step! I hope that everything goes better for you though... and if people keep bothering you, just brush it off (I know easier said than done) but before you know it you will be in your own zone.

Hello all... my birthday is on July 13th... let's see that is 4 weeks from now. My pleadge for a goal will be for me to reach 225 (that is 13lbs... about 3.25 lbs/week). A little over the suggested 1-2 lbs/week but I am going to make it!

Great tips... gotta give it a whirl!