Mel Mel

I felt good restriction post op and it lasted awhile. SO much so that my Dr. and I decided to postpone my first fill. I've had my first fill 2 weeks ago, 1 cc added. And I don't feel the same restriction that I felt before. I couldn't get an appointment for 2 more weeks to see the Dr. and possibly get a fill. That will at least give me time to make any behavior adjustments. I've been trying to follow the guidelines and I've been exercising but the scale is going in the wrong direction. Mainly, I feel like I'm only dieting and a few weeks ago I felt good restriction which is why I feel frustrated. I've done well, a total of 35lbs (give or take) so I'm hoping a fill will get me going back in the right direction. Thanks for letting me vent.

Post op I had restriction and I think that had to do with swelling. We postponed my first fill 3 weeks and by that time, I couldn't wait to get it. He added 1 cc and I really hadn't felt much difference. I was supposed to follow up 6-8 weeks from that visit but I couldn't really wait so next week I will see him and hopefully get a little adjustment. I've lost weight overall, I'm soooo happy about that but I haven't been losing since my last visit. I feel better and look better and can push my self more working out at the gym. But I want to keep improving and hopefully another fill will be just what I need. I've learned from the forum that restriction from swelling is normal, and I think that's what my problem is. I also know that by saying you can eat bread isn't a good estimate but I ate a whole egg sandwhich, (ham, no bacon or cheese) on a roll with no problem. Honestly I thought I'd be ok with only half so obviously my portions are too large as well.

Sorry for you loss. I hope things turn around for you. I'm going for my second fill earlier too because I've been getting hungry too quickly.

I'm sorry you are going through this. I've had my band for almost 3 months already. One fill and inpatiently waiting for another. I haven't had any side effects. No PBing, reflux or intolerances to food. I've been working my butt off at the gym and my weight loss has been slow but I think you should be successful and happy. Have you discussed your options with your surgeon?

post op I've been losing about 1 lbs a week.

It was sore but I didn't really notice swelling. Even after an adjustment I get sore at the port site.

Definitely talk to your surgeon. Pain management will be a very important part of your recovery. If your pain isn't managed you won't be able to deep breathe and do the walking. This is puts you at risk for blood clots and pneumonia. It's not just about being comfortable it's really important for you to heal and get back to life. I was given percocet and was able to take it whole or cut in half. I took the pain meds around the clock for about 3 days and then took it less frequently, decreased to extra strength tylenol instead of percocet until extra strength tylenol before bed was all I needed. As for nausea there is also a med called zofran that you hold under your tongue and let it disolve. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply. It seems like I have an atpical bandster hell going on, only because I was at a sweet spot for a few weeks. I'm sure healing had some effects on the swelling restriction. Well, wish me luck in two weeks.

Depends on the intructer. Some do tougher routines that really pump your heart. It's always fun though.

I love peanut butter, expecially right from the spoon. The only problem with that is my spoon tends to find it's way back into the container several times and my guesstimation gets larger each time. Now I'm determined to dip a teaspoon in and spread that on an apple or banana for a snack. I use a creamy natural brand.

When i first moved out on my own years ago, I switched to crystal light because it was more economical. I also enjoy propel water but there are calories in that. Ice water or unsweetened iced tea with lemon and splenda. And of course coffee. There's no way you can tell a night nurse to stop drinking coffee!! LOL Right now I love making iced coffee, just brew stronger coffee and add skim milk. I don't have it everyday but it's a nice treat and allows a dairy serving.

Sugar free ice pops and jello, drinking water or crystal light throughout the day. Finding things to keep busy like chores around the house. Unfortunately I have not been this good this passed week or so but I'm getting back on the wagon.

I bought the Special K granola and spent a few minutes measuring out servings into baggies. Now I have a quick breakfast by mixing it with yogurt but keeps me full longer than cereal and milk. I think I can get by on half of what they suggest as a serving of granola, a serving of yogurt and a serving of fruit.

I had my first fill. It's a bit of a bigger pinch than when you are having blood drawn but not so bad. I went on you tube and saw a fill being done so it prepared me more. That needle is awfully big! LOL. He felt around for the port and asked where I was hiding it. So I joked "You're the surgeon where did you put it?" It's nice having a doctor with a bit of humor. When he found the port he had to move the needle around a bit which felt incredibly weird. Removed all the fluid and then to show me what too tight would feel like replaced a lot and told me to drink water. I told him I didn't have to because as he tightened it I felt a wave of dizziness, not pleasant. So he removed it and proceeded with the rest of the adjustment. I was a little sore at the spot the day of and today but that's it. Finished yesterday on clears, today full, mushies tomorrow and then he said to enjoy the weekend. I'm still early on but I have to say this has been a wonderful experience. Plus I'm down 35lbs.

The first day home was pretty bad because I didn't fill the prescription for pain meds right away. So I'd so max 6/10. I had to take the pain meds every 4 hours for a few days and then started taking it less frequently until extra strength tylenol was enough and eventually I needed nothing. I also had a hiatal herni repair which adds to the pain. Most of the pain was at the port site though.

Hubby met with the doctor and understands the procedure and what is required of me. Beyond that he doesn't think I needed to have the surgery and voices this opinion still. Meanwhile I've lost 35lbs, more than I ever did on anything else. He comments on how good I'm starting to look. I'm happy enough that he's behind me with the weight loss and at least understands how the band works.

I think several factors play a role. Motivation and compliance are essential. I for one want to lose all the weight and I don't see any reason why I couldn't. I'm not at optimal restriction and losing about 1lb a week and exercising and I feel great. For the first time ever... I feel like I can do it!

A lot less! I had a hiatal hernia repair and I think that's why I burp less.

I had cereal for breakfast and it isn't sustaining me. I'm at pretty good restriction as my doctor and I agreed that we would wait for the first adjustment. I normally feel satisfied but I'm thinking that since it's mostly carbs that's why I don't feel satisfied. i just can't have eggs everyday!! TIA for suggestions.

I was lucky enough to have restriction post op for awhile and lost a good amount of weight, about a pound a week. my first fill was supposed to be 3 weeks ago but my doctor told me I was doing so well and we agreed to wait... big mistake! For the last two weeks I've been crazy hungry but working out like never before. I've gained 2 lbs since the last time I saw the doctor and while I'm embarrased to go see the Dr. with a gain, I know I need the restriction. the difference between restriction and non-restriction is simply amazing! On the plus side, the exercise is kicking in because I've been losing inches. Anyway, I was lucky to have restriction immediately postop but not everyone is so lucky. Many rely on pure willpower to lose any weight, plus immediately post op you are filled with fluid the hospital pumped you up with. I think as long as you are honest and follow the plan to make changes in your lifestyle, you will succeed.

I was never big on drinking but enjoy the occassional cocktail. Yes, empty calories but you can cut back in other areas or do more at the gym.

Playing a little of devils advocate here.... My work performance has improved greatly and I think I owe that the 33lbs I've lost. I work as a nurse at night and I feel more focused throughout the night (and driving home). I'm also more confident to speak up and advocate. I know I feel better about myself and have more self worth. Of course there are many examples of obvious discromination but if we treat ourselves more positively, perhaps others will treat us better as well. So I ask, has anyone who has noticed a change in energy and confidence that may also play a part in being treated differently?

I just bought the Special K low fat granola, it's new and pretty good with yogurt and fruit.

My husband was the only person who knew up until a few weeks before surgery. Then I opened up to family. A few days before I opened up to friends. I told work I had a hiatal hernia repair. Which was true.

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