catfish87

My doctor told me if I didn't follow the pre op diet, he might not do the surgery once he got in there. I wanted this surgery so bad, I'd have let him super glue my mouth shut for the week! My pre op diet was Clear liquids for one week.....basically ZERO calories. I didn't "cheat" once. Surgery went well and it's just a distant memory now. Hang tough, and keep your eye on your goal. You can do it!

Mine was clear liquids for the first week post op...Chicken broth, water, etc.

I'm almost 6 years post op and still remember the first bite of mashed potato when I progressed to "mushies". So feeling some restriction when you've started solids doesn't surprise me at all. It's a learning curve to say the least, chewing correctly. Not sure of your preop and postop "diets", but for me it had been quite a while since I'd had anything to "eat". You may find that whatever solids you are eating now, may cause no sensation in a week or so. Your surgeon may have left some saline in your band during surgery.... its not that uncommon. Just make sure you chew, chew, chew. Best wishes!

140 pounds in 8 months.....Thats FANTASTIC! Congrats!

Congrats on being off to a good start! I'd refer to parts of your post: Recently banded. You can eat whatever you want. Your Doctor wants to give you a fill. You're currently consuming 12-1500 calories compared to 3000 pre band. Since you asked for advice/opinion, Being recently banded, you've got that strong desire to lose....WILLPOWER to the max! Anyone who wants too can successfully diet for a couple of months. I've done it several times myself....as I'm sure most on these boards have. Your willpower is described in the part of your post where you say you can eat whatever you want....but you're only consuming 12-1500 calories vs 3000 pre band. Can YOU continue to do that longterm? You trusted your surgeon to do your surgery. I'd trust his opinion on needing another fill. Willpower only last for so long. Best wishes on your continued success!

@@band-4-life Lots of people experience exactly what you describe with lap band surgery. Rapid weight "loss" right after surgery, then a period of time where they don't lose any....or actually "gain" some. Totally normal! Who wouldn't lose on a clear liquid diet? Your surgeon may not have put any ( or not much ) Fluid in your band during surgery. That usually comes somewhere after the first month to 6 weeks post op. And it may take several fills/adjustments to tweak your band to provide optimal results. Until you get to that happy spot ( you'll hear referred to as the "Green Zone" ), just do your best. You are in what we refer to as lap band "bandster hell"...... the time until you get your band properly adjusted. Best wishes!

@@Kai-shek When you say "all the symptoms are back", does that include the sensation of a "tight band"? Even with all the Fluid removed? Did your surgeon/doctor check your band with fluoroscopy or other means? IF I were having those symptoms, I'd be asking to have my band placement and restriction level checked using fluoro. Best wishes!

Congrats!

@@Stacy Warner I don't blame you for wanting better restriction, but you're only a couple months post op ( for the revision ). Having the restriction you describe immediately after surgery the first time isn't the norm I read/see on here. Possibly that could have been a reason for the slip? Maybe you could ask your doctor to give you a fill using fluoroscopy if they have it available. That way he can SEE what your restriction looks like, instead of just guessing. Much, MUCH better than blind fills....and in the end, probably cheaper. Best wishes!

Congrats B-52. I agree. Sometimes its best to just let ride. And enjoy!

@@Band07 Thanks for sharing your story. I've had my band since 2009, and never had any band caused problems. I always try to take notes when someone such as yourself (a lapband veteran) explains their problems/experiences, to try and learn from them. And to prevent any issues of my own! You state you were "always dehydrated"....was this because you physically couldn't take in enough fluids? You asked your surgeon to revise you from band to sleeve BECAUSE of reflux issues? Has the reflux changed since revision? Did your surgeon monitor you, using fluoroscopy, while you had your band? Thanks again for sharing your story, Best wishes

Congrats Bandista! You always have such a positive voice on here.

Lots and lots of water/fluids....maybe some gatorade or Powerade. IMO, 96 ounces isn't near enough fluids in a full day, when you've went 4 hours of hard riding/sweating. The simple test = URINE COLOR. I found myself waking up in the ER a couple years ago after a long/HOT day of riding.... Trust me, you don't want that. You'll probably be fine without any more to "eat" today if you're not hungry. And congrats on the nice ride!

@JamieLogical You mentioned "I had my first "long run"..... By the end, my heart rate was 183. I'm 35 years old, so with the 220 minus your age formula, my max heart rate is 185....... I don't think it's good for me to be so near 100% of my max heart rate...." Kuddos to having a GOOD HRM! I think its the best money I've ever spent on exercise/fitness equipment. I agree that during your "long run", being that close to your max HR isn't USUALLY the goal. My opinion, would be to slow down/shorter strides to keep your heartrate closer to 65-80%... during the long runs. Save the speedwork for shorter runs, intervals, or tempo runs. Disclaimer: I make gasoline for a living, so take my medical advice with a grain of salt.... Best wishes!

@joatsaint Congrats on starting the C25K program! How are the hips feeling now that you've been running for a couple of weeks? Hopefully, they aren't still hurting? Its hard to overstate how important the correct shoes are. I had issues early on with running, due IT band pain. Went and got a professional evaluation, switched shoes and it improved almost instantly. Stayed with those shoes through 3 pairs, and then heard that they were no longer making that model.....UGGG. My running store owner put me in a "new and improved model"....same brand name, and $180. They weren't for me, and I ended up sidelined for almost 3 weeks with an ankle injury. I'm now back in a new pair of my "old model" ones I found online and they are amazing.....for me. So make sure you get some good shoes....for you. And happy running!

Wow! That sounds scary! I'm sorry to hear it didn't go well at all for you. I've never heard of a "port cementing itself to the liver" .... I've never even heard of a port being placed where it could physically touch the liver. Who is your surgeon and is this some new technique? Best wishes for a full recovery.

@JustWatchMe Your screen name kinda says it all.....Congrats! I wish you much continued success.

5+ years and Zero band caused problems for me....Hope I have it for the rest of my life. Good luck on your upcoming surgery. Best Wishes!!

After explaining to your new fill doctor about " the GERD kicked in and it was BAD, it sent me to the ER several times" and "the gerd again got so bad I couldn't take it any longer" ...he suggested you get a sleeve? Thats unique.....usually you hear quite the opposite. I think I'd have to get another opinion. I hope you find what works for you! To read your story, it sounds like you've had quite an ordeal... Best wishes!

@@BandedMi Maybe try this site? Theres lots of ideas here http://www.bariatriceating.com/category/wls-friendly-recipes/ As far as calories: I'm guessing by looking at your profile without knowing your age, that 1800 may be too many to lose significant amounts of weight, unless you're VERY active. If you google BMR calculator, It will tell you (estimate) what you need to maintain your current weight. It gets much easier after your surgeon gets your band properly adjusted. Best wishes!

@@amponder Thats what it takes....small increases/improvements over time. Keep it up and soon we'll be hearing of you doing 5k's, etc. Congrats!

@@Rebeccaabrooks86 I am glad you're seeking some professional advice for the eating disorder. Kuddo's to you for taking that step. I would suggest you don't give up on the band just yet. According to your profile, you just had surgery back in Aug of last year. I'd wonder, have you had any/many adjustments yet? I am just curious because you describe binge eating followed by purging. I can't imagine that being possible after your surgeon gets your band correctly adjusted. You sound like you have a very good plan of "small band appropriate meals" and developing a exercise routine. That will pay big dividends!! Don't be afraid to discuss with your surgeon....or a different one if necessary, your portion sizes. Once they get your band properly adjusted, along with the advice of the eating disorder therapists, I hope you find the success you want. Best wishes and never, ever give up!

@@SeptemberSlimmer1960 This thread hasn't had any updates on it for several months so I'm not sure if they are still meeting. If you don't hear back from the leader here, there are support group meetings available in the St. Louis area. I attend one in Collinsville when I can. Theres usually 10-20 people there. 2nd and 4th Thursday's of the month. Open to anyone who has had or is planning on having surgery. You're always welcome there. Best wishes on your success!