ratgirl

I've been banded for 1 1/2 years now. I've lost about 50 pounds so far. I am not using the band properly - I drink when I eat, don't chew food well enough etc... In the past few months it seems as though food has been getting caught and I need to vomit. Now it seems as though I can't really even eat soft things like mashed potatoes. I think I'm going to go in to get the band deflatted a second time. Has anyone else gone through this? Has anyone else given up the will to use the band properly?

I've seen it in many messages. Thanks.

Thanks to everyone who gave me a big wake-up call. I'm not sure where my brain was...guess I wasn't taking things seriously enough. I'm going to do my best to stick to my doctor's guidelines. This morning I had 1/2 cup light ricotta with 1T parmesan. I hope my band hasn't slipped. I go in for my first check-up on Thursday and will tell the nurses everything that happened. Thanks again and best wishes to everyone on their weight-loss.

Has anyone been able to eat anything after just 2 weeks of being banded? I felt good and tried introducing new foods every day. I'm supposed to get my first fill at 6 weeks, but want to get filled now. Has anyone had a fill after just 2 weeks of banding? Thanks! Kirsten

I'm supposed to be on Optifast for 2 weeks prior to surgery. I tried on Friday, made it to shake 2...and then fell off the wagon. Am trying again today and feel super nauseous. The shakes taste okay, but I think my body is going through solid food withdrawal...already. Anyone have problems with Optifast? - Kirsten Being banded Sept 29 2006

Thanks for all of your posts. I'll ask about seaweed at my consultation this Friday. I'm a vegetarian, so I don't need to worry about not eating meat. I'm glad to hear some people are lucky and can eat anything, just in small amounts. That is what I want out of the band - portion control. If seaweed is off limits, I can always ask the chef to leave out the seaweed. My favorite is kamikaze sushi - seaweed, rice with avocado, friend tempura bits & spicy red sauce - yum!!!

I know a lot depends on how tight your band is...but are there any foods you know you can never eat again? I've heard things like asparagus, seaweed etc... are very had to pass through the band. Thanks, Kirsten

Thanks - I think my question has been answered. Most people do not feel the band in their regular activities (besides eating). That was my most important issue. I didn't want to have the surgery and then feel differently (apart from better for having lost weight) because of it. I can't wait for my consultation next week. Thanks to everyone for your support and feedback.

Why can't you eat Chinese food?

Hi Teresa - I'm glad your surgery went well. I'm not banded yet, but am seriously thinking about it. Can you tell me a little bit more about your experience right after the surgery? How long did you stay in the hospital? Were you bedridden at all? How much are you able to eat/drink in a sitting? Thanks and good luck on your journey! Kirsten

Thanks you guys. I just want to make sure before I go ahead with this that I'll feel the same way I did prior to surgery. I look forward to not really being able to binge eat...that is my real problem. I need something physically there to stop myself from shoving all matter of food in my mouth. Knowing I'll feel the same way, actually better, after banding makes me feel assured everything will be okay.

I haven't been banded yet but wanted to know from banders...after the pain of the surgery has gone away, after you are done the liquid to mush to solid food diet...do you feel normal? Can you do all the things you did before the banding? Thanks, Kirsten

Thanks Kim - I hope we can both inspire each other in the weeks & months ahead.

I have to get ready to put my son to bed, but I wanted to let you know my name is Kirsten. Take care and feel better.

Thanks - too bad your fill is at the hospital. I'm sure at some point in time we will all meet. "under fluro" - what is that? I have lots of questions to ask the Dr. I'm writing them down as they come up. The thing that helps the most though is talking to you banders...you guys can tell it like it is. Can you think of anything I should ask the Dr that is really important? What are the best and worst things about the band? Thanks so much and good luck with your weightloss!!!

Dr. Coburn I think.

Hi Kim, I'm glad to hear you are doing okay. Well, apart from the pain that is. Sounds like most people are over the worst of it in a few days, so hopefully you'll be feeling well soon. I go in for my consult on the 25th...I'm still not sure about what I'm going to do. Please let me know how you are doing...your kind of like my guinea pig (in a nice way of course). Take care, take care of yourself and hope to hear from you soon. Kirsten

Sorry you and your rat didn't get along...I've had a few rats. The males get HUGE and are hard to care for. When I was pregnant with my son I had 2 femails rats (much better choice). After coming home from work I would take them out and they would crawl all over me (a nightmare for some other people I'm guessing). The mother rat (Big Mama) would crawl into my PJ leg bottom and fall asleep. I wasn't able to spend enough time with my rats after my son...so I ended up with cats. Cats, rats and kids oh my! I used to live in Toronto, but now live in Woodstock (near London). Are you happy with your banding? Is there anything you regret?

ratgirl is a nickname a FedEx delivery guy gave me many years ago after seeing my rat/mouse tattoo. I love all animals, expecially rodents. I don't have any at the moment, but I do have 2 very cute cats. Looking forward to talking to you guys more!

Buffie - I read that rice can sometimes be hard to pass through the band. Also, if there is seaweed around your sushi it might be hard to actually chew into small pieces. I'm a vegetarian, so I don't know about the raw fish...but I assume it would be quite easy to break down and would be good protein.

Thanks everyone for your support. I'm 99% I'm going to go through with the banding, but have only told my best friend and husband about it. I feel like I'm at the end of my rope with weight loss and this is my 'last attempt' to lose weight and get healthy. As part of my support program I plan on talking to you guys alot! I think I'll feel better talking to fellow banders rather than other people who may not understand and who might bring me down. I find I'm eating a LOT prior to my consultation - did anyone else do this? I know I should try to cut back a bit and start the weight loss process now. Anyway, everyone have a great day and nice to meet you!

I have not been banded yet, but am going in for a consultation on the 25th of August. Can anyone tell me about Dr. Cobourn in case I get him as a surgeon? Thanks, Kirsten