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Wonderful News!

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Hi all, I think I need some help. I didn't think much of it for the last few weeks post op. I just thought I may have had a sore throat. I know it's not a sore throat b/c it's not going away or even getting somewhat better. Anytime I swallow, the left side of my throat hurts. It's very annoyiny and I worried that it's my esophogus. I could be wrong. I don't have a fill and I'm 1 month post op. I've had this problem for about 2 1/2 weeks. Please help.

I had no fill yet. I can eat almost everything but bread and anything dry like chicken. I get terrible pressure in my chest and throat.

Thanks Telly, I printed this article out. I'm going to try this. I only work out once a day for 45 minutes on my stationary bike or treadmill. I do this 4 - 5 times a week. I know I have to increase that. This article does make sense. You lost a lot of weight in such a short period of time. That's awesome. Doing this means I would have to wake up in the morning at 5 a.m. and start working out by 5:15. I leave for work at 7a.m. I'm not making excuses, I just don't know if I could find the time to work out twice a day. I would like to try though. Thank you for sharing.

chuggachugga, I think it's very important for you to seek a support group for lapbanders. I truly think you need to make an effort. Think about what you did six months ago. You put yourself through a surgery that wasn't very easy- not to mention risky. If you're eating passed your band and you don't have problems, then you don't need to have it removed. Even if you did have problems with eating around the band, I still would not have it removed. You can choose to do something about your weight or continue to do what your doing and in time, truly put your health at risk. Think about your options. I would say that you only have one. Think positive and start working on your weight loss efforts. You didn't come this far to fail. C'mon you can do it. The band is a great tool, but it needs you to work with it. I have not had a fill yet. I am only 4 weeks post op and I can eat anything I want as well. I have tested the waters and I know that I have very little restriction. I do get full faster which is how I know the band is there. Even with little restriction, I keep telling myself that I didn't come this far to fail. Think positive and start getting back on track. Atleast you excercise. That's half the battle. The best of luck to you. Keep us posted on your progress.

Jack, I love reading all of your posts. You are truly the voice of reason. Thank you.

Liz, I totally agree. Last week I gained 2 lbs. I was eating 500-600 calories per day. I couldn't believe it when I saw the gain. I asked myself how could that be. I'M NOT EATING! I think that was my problem. I'm now on soft solid foods and I've lost the 2 plus another pound. I think I will see a better result now that I added more calories. I'm not complaining at all. I'm down a little over 15 and Oct. 5th will be a month. Best of luck to you.

I'll be 4 weeks post op on Tuesday. I started soft solid foods and I'm eating more calories now. I'm about 900 calories per day. Before I was eating 500 calories per day on mushies. I think my weight will come off faster now that I added more calories to my diet. Good luck.

My 30 pounds overwieght became 80 pounds overweight w/in 5 years. The problem is that many people can lose 40, 50 and even 100 lbs. The big question is, Can you maintain that weight? I can lose 40-45 pounds but I have never lost more than that. I knew that lapband would be the best tool for me to lose my weight and maintain it. That's what I'm hoping for. I feel very positive about getting the weight off more so than I ever did pre-band. I keep saying to myself that I did something so major as LapBand that I'm not about to screw it up. I can't think about the "what ifs". I just know that if I get the most out of my band and lose the weight, I have won the battle. There are risks and complications with almost everything we do in life. As you know, being overweight is a risk in itself. One that I'm not willing to take. The risks of lapband are far less riskier than being obese. You have to be extremely comfortable with your decision. I expected this to be so life altering as far as my eating habits. So far so good. Of course I haven't had a fill yet. So we'll see what happens after that. My advice to you is to talk to patients who have had this surgery by your surgeon. There is probably a support group that you can attend. I found once I attended the support group with patients who have had the surgery with my surgeons group, I felt much better about my decsion. Every person in the support group was thrilled and excited with their new life. Some people on this site are on it for good reasons. They may have minor or even major complications and need answers. But look around more. There are many people on this site who are very happy with their decision. Wishing you the best of luck with whatever you decide. Keep us posted.

They found mine by performing an upper GI series.

I was out for 2 1/2 weeks. It was plenty of time. Many people have gone back after a week. I'm happy I took a little longer. This week was my first full week back and the first week I can honestly say, I'm back to myself. I feel stronger and have so much energy. I think it's a good idea to stay out as long as you can. My surgeon would have kept me out for 6 weeks if I wanted it. I was more concerned about the liquid diet and adjusting to the band. I'm happy I stayed out. It was worth it. Best of luck.

WLS is a very serious decision. You are not a candidate for WLS at 40-50 lbs. overweight and if a doctor is willing to perform this surgery on you, you need to run the other way. You need to do research on WLS. This is not something that anyone should take lightly. I would have done anything not to have had this surgery but, I had no choice. I have struggled with my weight for 15 years and I started having health related problems due to my weight issues. I am confident that this was the right choice for me. But in the back of my mind, I worry everyday that one day I may have complications and have to get it removed. I am not minimizing the amount of weight you need to lose. However, it's not enough to consider WLS. I truly wish you the best of luck whatever you choose to do. Regards,

Susan, Thank you. That was very insightful. I needed it as well. Regards,

Thank God you caught that. I am happy to hear that you've had no problems since your removal. It's good to know that you could always think about being rebanding if you so choose. The best of the luck to you. Regards,

Hi all, I have to agree with you. I don't know what it's like when everyone talks about pressure in their chest, golf ball feeling, pb'ing. Not that I want to know. But yesterday, was the first day I felt like I could eat anything. I had to go to sleep early. I was so miserable. I have a 10cc band. Does that mean something. Elisabeth, you asked Chrissie what size band she has. If I have a 10cc band does that mean it's going to take a long time before I see restriction. What's the norm for a first fill on a 10cc band? I go for my first fill on Oct 12th. I can't wait. I would appreciate any information you have. Hope everyone is doing well. Talk to you soon.

I was told no caffeine. I see my surgeon at 6 weeks. If I could have at least one cup, I would be thrilled. We'll see.

Hi Penni, Being newly banded, I seem to have more questions now. What were you feeling when your band eroded into your stomach? Since your band removal, do you have any complications today from the erosion? Can you be re-banded if you choose? I would appreciate any information. Wishing you the best.

Hi Debi, I wish you all the luck in your weight loss. You have to be emotionally ready for WLS. I say, when and if you're ever ready, you will know. WLS should be your last resort. If you feel you want to continue to try losing on your own, GO FOR IT. Keep us posted on your success. Best Regards,

Ladyred, I too am a graizer as well as a large eater. I just don't do it now or I just can't do it now. I didn't put myself through this surgery to cheat myself. I lost over 1000 pds in my lifetime. lol. The problem is that I gain it back mostly due to graizing. Surgery was my last resort, and I'm not about to screw this one up. Like I say all the time now, I'm keeping my eye on the prize. You seem to be very psyched. You will do just fine. Like you said, you've lost 90 pounds... you can do it again and this time keep it off. The best of luck to you. We will all get there. How can we not. We have a wonderful support system on LBT. I can't tell you how happy I am to be able to talk to other bandsters and get the best advice. LBT has been the best part of this journey for me. The people on LBT care for one another, and truly support each other. Talk to you soon.

Thanks Gayle. Isn't that the truth. Best wishes to you as well. Regards,

Chrissie, Hang in there. You've lost weight since your surgery. I know it's so frustrating not to see the scale move. I have been there. I lost 10 lbs the first week and 2 the second week. Tuesday will be three weeks and I don't know how I did yet b/c I have decided to weigh myself once per week. I can't get caught up with the scale. That was the one thing that had always made me revert back to my old ways of eating. Are you keeping a journal of what you eat? When I keep a journal, it absolutely keeps me honest. Of course I'm talking pre-band. I honestly wish I could eat a little more. I know I'm not getting all my Protein or nutrition in. That worries me. As of right now, I really can't eat a lot. But, I don't think it's the band restriction holding me back. I get a very bad cramp the minute I put something in my stomach. Whether it's liquid or mushies, after 3 spoonfuls I get a pain which hurts. If I sit still it's okay. If I get up and walk it hurts. I don't know what it i Just remember to keep your eye on the prize. I know there will be ups and downs for all of us. Be good to yourself. Think positive thoughts. I keep telling myself, that I didn't get to 80 lbs overweight overnight and I'm not going to lose it overnight. Remember, your body is going to hold onto the wieght b/c it's in shock. You will lose it. Give it a little time. Are you working out? I find working out helps me keep a positive attitude. You'll do it. Good luck and keep us posted on how you're doing.

I'm eating between 700 - 850 cal/day. I can't seem to get anymore than that down at this time. I'm only 18 days out. I think once I'm on solids, it will increase. I only want to eat about 1000 cal/day once I start solids. Two more weeks. I CAN'T WAIT!!

Ladyred, I am very happy with my band. I'm only 18 days out, but so far so good. I pretty much follow all the rules so far. Drinking during or right after a meal is not a good idea. If you don't drink while you eat, you stay full for a longer period of time. Weight Loss Surgery is a personal choice. But if you look at the statistics over a 2 year period, RNY and Lapband have the same success rate. I even think LapBand has a higher success rate. If you do further research, you will see how some RNY patients have also had Lapband done after they had the RNY. I feel that Lapband is a better way to go. It's safer, reversible, and the anatomy of your insides do not change. You made a great choice. Don't second guess yourself. Remember, RNY is a much more invasive. You also have control with the LapBand. If you find your appetite has increased, go get a fill. That's the beauty of this. My surgeon didn't try to talk me into RNY, but he explained to me that if I was a grazer, Lapband would not be a good choice for me. He also said that if I wasn't a grazer/picker and just ate big portions at a sitting, then LapBand would be a good choice. I chose LapBand. And as of right now, I'm very happy with that decision. I am down about 14 pounds and I honestly cannot eat nearly what I used to eat. Good luck and keep us posted.

My doctor told me anything that I can mash with the back of my fork is considered soft foods. I have to be honest, I tried that, but I think it's too early for me. I need to stay on soft (i.e. oatmeal, soups, pureed vegetables etc.) I tried flaky fish and I had a lot of pain that night in my stomach. I'm only 17 days post op. I'm going to wait until the 4th week. Good luck.