catfish87

Hi Kara, I'm from Collinsville, just across the river. I got my band in Sep 09, so its been a while. I started at 322, got down to about 235 in six months. I had an issue with my band early on, ( band had come undone ) ate way too much due to no restriction, gained back to about 270, got it corrected and am almost to good restriction now I think. Im currently around 245. Its definately a learning proces and takes dedication to following the "rules". I would be happy to answer any questions about my experience with it. And knowing what I know now, I'd do it again in a heartbeat! David

Peaceful1, Obviously your going to follow up with your surgeon asap, but my thoughts are until then, since it was confirmed you have a LOT of gas in your stomach, to try liquid or gas x strips to help relieve that issue. Have you progressed your diet to full foods (solids) now? If so, you may wish to try liquids only for a couple days to see if that will help as well. I wish you well and a speedy recovery.

I'm not sure if I remember my doc telling me about "bite size", but definately chew, chew, chew. After all, you didn't get your mouth size adjusted, so you can take a normal bite in....but you wont get it down unless its chewed very well after you have restriction. For me, chewing well is more important than bite size. I can take normal drinks of Clear liquids with no issues. I wouldn't try crazy big gulps, but certainly have no trouble drinking regularly.

Starbaby11 The fluoroscope is similar to an xray machine. They still do the actual fill the same way, with the same needle, etc. The difference is you take the barium and swallow it while the doctor is making an adjustment, standing up in my experience. I would suggest at least asking about it. Restriction is MUCH quicker if they can see what they are doing, otherwise its just a guess/experience.

I didn't have the hernia, but I dont think abnormal to have a dry/scratchy throat. You may still have some bloating from the gas they used in your surgery. Most folks would suggest to take gas x type aids. Try and walk as much as you can tolerate. My dr had me on Clear liquids for a week after surgery so not eating was fine, per my instructions. Finally, I'd suggest to confirm with your Dr and take a stool softner every day or as recommended by your medical professional. You do NOT want to be backed up.

Starbaby11 Does your Dr do fills using a fluoroscope where he/she can see your restriction level while they are making an adjustment? By doing this, they also can see proper placement, and if the band has come undone....YES, IT HAPPENS! Otherwise, its just a guess on the amount of fill, and can be a slow process getting to proper restriction. I see on here where some people have 20 fills, sometimes as little as .5 cc's. So don't be discouraged if you don't feel restriction yet. You'll get there, just much faster with fluoro. Best of luck with your success!

8.6 in a 14cc band. I'm close if not at the proper restriction.

There are sooooooo many different brands, flavors, etc. Sample various ones til you find the one that tastes good for you. I personally think the muscle milk light ones are GREAT! I only really like the chocolate flavor. 160 calories and 20g of protein. Drink VERY cold. YUMMY!

Congrats! Wishing you a speedy recovery and best of luck! Walk, Walk, Walk.

I think its pretty normal to be nervous. My lapband surgery was my first "elective" anesthesia, and I got REALLY nervous. In pre-op, I discussed this with the Dr's and they gave me a nice sedative in my IV and all was well. I will have to say, my recovery was VERY easy compared to what I was expecting. I didn't have the shoulder pain associated with gas bubbles some folks do. I was up walking around in the hospital halls a couple hours after surgery, and went home the next day. Yes, there was some soreness, and yes, I took my pain meds prescribed by my Dr, but I'm serious when I say it wasn't bad at all. The first few days, I had no desire to eat....at all. I was on clear liquids for a week preop and a week postop, then full liquids, then mushies, then progressed to solids. I've been banded for a little over three years and would definately do it again tomorrow, knowing what I know now. Best of luck to you in your journey!!

Congrats! Walk, walk, walk.

I don't run, but have been cycling for about 9 months now and I love it! I got a trainer for indoors during the bad weather/winter, so I wouldn't have any excuse. I started out not able to go but a couple miles at a time, now I have done 50 miles and plan on getting up to a 100 mile ride. Im lucky to have a very good amount of Paved trails in my county. Its fun to get out and ride.

Sounds like you're doing nothing wrong. Until you get to solids and with some restriction, its not uncommon. Hang in there for a bit longer, youre doing great with the high protein shake. How many calories are you targeting? If you have room in your target, have another High protein, low cal shake.

can you bike ride?

Like you already know because you stated it above, most Dr's will tell you NO carbonation. MOST, not all. While I certainly suggest you follow your own Dr's rules/suggestions, you asked the question and YES is my answer, LOL. The band police on here won't agree, and thats ok. I've had the band a little over three years. Sep 09. Love it, and I follow the rules about 80% of the time.

yep! I tend to not want them. I used to drink several. Now, a couple. I'm not advocating you do this, but i like wine or non carbonated drinks better now. I have a glass almost every day.

I drink a couple every now and then. I just go slooooow and haven't had a problem.

Does your Doctor do fills under fluro? I'm guessing not. If possible, get them done under fluro. They CAN get to a better restriction quicker and check to make sure all is well at the same time. I'm speaking from experience, its to your benefit.

I wouldn't suggest trying to go back that quick. I have a very liberal sick leave policy and took two weeks. I could have taken longer, but didn't need to. I had surgery on a Tuesday, and could have probably went back on the following Monday if I had a desk job. I don't. I would suggest trying to plan on taking the next full week off. You will probably not feel 100% for a few days. It really depends more on your job duties.

Just try to only take healthy things to eat with you. And the biggest help for me, is I will not stop at a "quick stop" type store on my way to work. I try and prepare a couple meals with leftovers to have during night shift. Like a meatloaf, soup, etc. that way at least it's something I made and know what is in it. Ive been on shiftwork for twenty years almost, so I understand it's not always easy.

I agree with the above suggestions. Just set up an appointment with your PCP "to discuss weight loss surgery". And also contact your insurance provider to see if its a covered procedure. From there, I'd suggest going to a informational seminar in your area and meeting at least a couple different Dr's who do the different procedures. They may have persons there who have had the procedure done by them for you to talk to. (Keep in mind, they probably aren't gonna have folks there who didn't do well...so do more research on the DR., the procedure, etc. online if possible.) I'd suggest writing down questions you may have and keeping them in a little notebook or such, that way you'll know exactly what to ask. GOOD LUCK!

I work rotating 12 hour shifts. Two weeks of days, two weeks of midnights. I just know when I'm on nights, I snack more.

Thanks! I have been banded for three years, so I'm slow. BUT, I'm pretty much ok with that. I had an issue with my band early on....( it had come undone! ) and had to have surgery to re snap it closed. I am not one for giving advice on what to eat and not to eat, as i eat pretty much anything I always did. Just less of it. I eat basically no bread, and fruit that is fiberous doesn't work for me now with good restriction. Im a fish eater! I also never drink soda, although I will have a couple beers every now and then. Don't tell the band police on here though!! They'll chastise you.

If you think you need more calories, you could always drink a high protien, mid calorie shake. There are some out there ranging from 20-40g of protien, with between 130-300 calories. I personally like muscle milk light. I wouldn't complain of the lack of hunger, it'll be there before you know it. Congrats to a good start!

I can only speak from my experience, but my Dr. did put a small amount of fill in my band during the placement. I think 3cc's in a 14cc band. It was about 6 weeks after surgery before we added any more. My Dr. asked about how long i was going between meals, etc. and then decided to add 2cc's. Then appx every month i would return and we would discuss, and add if he felt necessary. It was a simple procedure to add/check/remove saline. Took only a couple minutes. I will say this, I STRONGLY suggest that all fills be done with fluro.