Angelator

Hi everyone, I had the lapband put in two years ago. I lost about 30 pounds and in the process of doing so moved across the country and had to find a new doctor to provide fills for my band. Although my original fill was under fluoroscopy (which obviously worked since I lost the 30 pounds), subsequent fills have been "blind" and have seemed to be either too tight or too loose. And to make matters even worse, sometimes when my band is loose, there are times when it gets super tight and I do the PB thing. It seems to be when I'm anxious or nervous I can't eat, but when I'm relaxed I can eat too much. I'm frustrated because I've gained back some of the weight I've lost because my band fill hasn't been right. I think I need to get a fill under fluoroscopy but I guess I'm skeptical about whether my band is even going to work for me anymore, especially given I've had it for two years and I know most people lose most of their weight in the beginning. Is it too late for me? Any opinions or advice would be appreciated. Thanks

I had my surgery about 15 months ago. I lost about 25 pounds with the first fill, then after losing that weight lost restriction. I've been horrible about going back to get re-filled as appropriate. For about 7 months I've been at a plateau. I feel like I've sort of wasted the benefits of the surgery by not getting fills regularly. I'm scheduled to get another fill next week--hoepfully it'll give me restriction--but I just hope I haven't screwed myself by not going full speed ahead with the fills. I am worried my metabolism may have slowed down and now I won't lose weight as quickly as I did in the beginning. I still would like to lose about 40 more pounds, ideally (although I'd be happy with another 25). Anybody have this experience? Lost a bunch at first, didn't get fills for months and months (no restriction), then start up again? Have any success?

I had my surgery about 15 months ago. I lost about 25 pounds with the first fill, then after losing that weight lost restriction. I've been horrible about going back to get re-filled as appropriate. For about 7 months I've been at a plateau. I feel like I've sort of wasted the benefits of the surgery by not getting fills regularly. I'm scheduled to get another fill next week--hoepfully it'll give me restriction--but I just hope I haven't screwed myself by not going full speed ahead with the fills. I am worried my metabolism may have slowed down and now I won't lose weight as quickly as I did in the beginning. I still would like to lose about 40 more pounds, ideally (although I'd be happy with another 25). Anybody have this experience? Lost a bunch at first, didn't get fills for months and months (no restriction), then start up again? Have any success?

I had a fill done last Tuesday, three days ago. I'm so tight. My doctor gave me a whole 1.0 cc fill and told me to go on liquids for a WEEK! The morning after the fill I had to PB orange juice. Yikes. I'm gonna try to stick with it and see if this will work for me though because I'm sure I would lose weight with this level of restriction. Any thoughts?

I had my surgery about 15 months ago. I lost about 25 pounds with the first fill, then after losing that weight lost restriction. I've been horrible about going back to get re-filled as appropriate. I feel like I've sort of wasted the benefits of the surgery by not getting fills regularly. I'm scheduled to get another fill next week--hoepfully it'll give me restriction--but I just hope I haven't screwed myself by not going full speed ahead with the fills. I am worried my metabolism may have slowed down and now I won't lose weight as quickly as I did in the beginning. Anybody have this experience? Lost a bunch at first, didn't get fills for months and months (no restriction), then start up again? Have any success?

I just had a fill done three days ago. Today, the first day I have eaten solids, I feel like maybe I can eat too much? I'm not sure. Breakfast I had about one cup of oatmeal--no problem. For lunch I had two cups of rice with asparagus. For dinner I had one cup of rice with about one cup of chicken with sauce. In other words, I can eat two cups of food in one sitting--am I supposed to be able to eat that much? All in all it's not that much food but should I go back and get my band a little tighter? I'd love some feedback. Thanks!

Hi Chickie, I tried that link in your signature but it doesn't work to get me to your journal. I'd love to read about your journey, though. Thanks!

You could be anemic. Do you eat much red meat? I felt really fatigued and found out I was anemic, so now I take Iron supplements every day. Just a thought!

As you lose weight, you lose fat from EVERYWHERE, including your stomach tissues inside your abdoman. Therefore, even though a 3.5 fill may have been too tight before, when you weighed more, it wouldn't feel that tight now, since you've probably lost fat in the stomach tissues. This is my theory. Sounds like you need a fill. Good luck!

By the way, Chickie--what a transformation! You are very inspiring!

I may be eating a tiny bit less than before my fill. Before my fill, though, I could eat up to three pieces of pizza in one sitting (not good). I don't have the nerve to try that now, I don't think I could do that now anyway. I feel like I could be tighter, but am worried even if I'm a little tighter, what if that makes it so it's very difficult to eat (i.e. chicken)? I know the horror stories, I don't want to put myself in a corner where all I can eat is Soup and tortilla chips, you know?

Tortilla chips are easy to eat because they crumble into tiny little pieces, making it easy to move from the upper pouch, past the band, and into the lower portion of the stomach. Imagine putting tortilla chips in Water, too--they'd turn soft, and mushy. Put chicken in water, and it stays firm and meaty. That's why it's easier to eat chips than chicken.

I've been filled before, lost some weight, then lost restriction. Because of various factors (moving across the country, not having a doctor pn the east coast yet, not having a job and therefore living on a tight budget, and then the worst--my dad dying), weight loss hasn't been as much of a priority the past six months as it could have been. So I have been at a plateau for 6 months. Finally, I'm going in next week to get a fill. For some reaosn I feel so nervous though! I guess I'm worried that the doctor will do it too tight, or not tight enough, then I'll have to get adjusted right away again (and pay $ again). I couldn't find any doctor in my area to do the fill under fluoroscopy for a reasonable price, so I'm doing it without fluoro. Anyone else ever felt scared about getting a fill? I guess I'm just nervous about what to expect after a "blind" fill.

I was a doofas after my first fill. For some reason I didn't realize I couldn't eat solids. A couple hours after my fill I tried toe at solids--BIG MISTAKE! It was VERY uncomfortable, and then it ended coming back up anyway. Next time I get a fill I'm sticking to liquids and mushies for a couple days for sure.

If it makes you feel any better, I've been at the same weight for 6 months. I know why, too--because I've needed a fill for 6 months (I'm happy to report I'm going in next wee to get the adjustment). Also remember, at least you're not gaining. I understand your frustration at being plateaued for two months. Go see your doctor, get some help. Also try switching up your exercise routine (trick your body!) and maybe add a little more time so you're doing a tiny bit more exercise than you are now. Changing your diet to include more veggies might help, too.

Not sure why I have this idea, but I got the impression the carbonation, over time, can stretch the upper pouch a little bit. I could be wrong on this, though... But I also got the impression that a little bit, once in a while is okay. But really, it's best if soda isn't your staple drink. Go for some refreshing ice water--yum!

I got the band put in May, 2006, lost about 27 pounds and then my restriction went away. Obviously, I needed a fill. For about 5 or 6 months now I've needed a fill so I could continue to lose weight, but because of many factors (moving across the country, father dying, no job--no money, etc.) I delayed getting a fill. Now I'm ready to get an adjustment but am worried that the fact that I've delayed the fill might have been really dumb. Although I'm hoping it won't have been too tragic and that after I get the next adjustment my weight loss will continue, even after a 5 or 6 month plateau. Any experience with this type of prolonged "stall" or advice for how I can best continue on my weight loss journey?

Do you have Trader Joe's where you live? They have tortilla chips with flax seeds in them which give them more fiber and make them generally healthier for you.

I had a similar experience. Got my first fill two months after surgery. The first few days after the fill I felt restriction just fine, but then after about a 5 or 6 days--swoosh--the restriction was gone. Went in to get another fill (under fluoroscopy--again) and the doctor confirmed my restriction had disappeared but could not explain why. My band had not leaked nor slipped. He surmised that perhaps the fat around my stomach had shifted shape, causing the band to feel loser. Dunno what happened, but the second fill did the trick.

I've lost 25 pounds since I had the band put in. After my first fill, I felt restriction, lost some weight, then everything came to a standstill the past couple of months. I don't feel restriction about 99% of the time (although sometimes, randomly, I'll still "slime" because something, somehow, gets sorta stuck). Anyway, I heard that as you lose weight, your stomach itself losses fat tissue, which is why the restriction dissapates. In other words, the more weight you lose, the more you're going to need follow-up fills. Has anyone else heard this? Also, after you lost 25 pounds or so, did you lose restriction? I plan on getting another fill. (By the way, anyone know a fill doctor around Arlington, VA?)

Can anyone please recommend a fill doctor within driving distance from Arlington, VA? THANKS! :-)

I'm sorry that you're feeling hungry and can't seem to get satisfied. In the beginning that liquid/mushy phase is hard. Just try to power through it as best you can. One thought crossed my mind though, when you said you went to Taco Bell for a bean burrito. Although a bean burrito is probably one of the "smarter" things on the menu, it's still fast food, still not healthy for you. Next time maybe you could try making a bean burrito at home? Just a friendly suggestion!

Thanks for the info. on the liquid vitamins you take. I need to start taking vitamins, too! Good job for doing that so early on in the process. As far as doing south beach diet, thanks for the suggestion, but if I call something a "diet" I'm bound to fail at it! (Hence the reason for getting the lapband.) My main goals are just to eat a more balanced diet, and move/use my body more. Those guidelines, I think I can follow, but trying to get myself to follow any sort of specific diet or whatever is asking for trouble, because I'll fail. Good luck with your weight loss though! You already look great and I'm sure you'll be feeling more confident and healthier as your weight loss continues.

I joined the Bally's for the 2 months of free membership through the Discovery Health National Body Challenge. It's a great deal--you won't get suckered into having to pay anything. It really is free!

Another way I've been a bad girl: I rarely take my vitamins! I've been meaning to find a good liquid vitamin but haven't had much luck. I checked out the website for Glacial Milk. Would you recommend it? Be honest: does it taste nasty or is it tolerable? :-) It's a little pricey but if you really recommend it I might order some. Otherwise if you don't recommend it I'll keep looking for a different product.