bandaide

I would say that IF you once had really good restriction and suddenly no longer do or if fills are really not working then maybe you should talk to your dr about the possibility. Believe me, this scares me too because even with 5cc's I can eat more than 4oz and I'm always concerned that I'm stretching out my pouch if I eat more than that. Sometimes, well no....all the time, it's hard to sit and measure food. I don't always do it, try to eye it, but I don't know how accurate my eyes are when it comes to hunger. Are you always hungry? That would be another question.

after a fill you are what my dr calls "tight" this tightness usually loosens up within a week to a week 1/2. At first you do feel good restriction and you think Oh wow, this is it. Unfortunately if it's your first fill then you probably are just tight and not quite at your sweet spot, but it's not to say that you aren't. Rice is one of those foods that can't be chewed really well and goes down much like you see it on your plate, whole. I use my band as a funnel and imagine rice for a second trying to go down a funnel....not really gonna go too well. The texture allows it to "compact" as I call it. It doesn't flex like a piece of chewed up chicken will. Feeling restricted to me feels like alot of pressure in the lower part of my chest and oddly, I get this itchy feeling in my nose.....sounds strange I know, but that's how I know. At the time of my surgery I was at 2cc's and first fill took me to 4cc's, I now am at 5cc's as of May 5th. I have a large band, one that can go up to 14cc's, so 5 is really nothing, but I do notice a change in the amount of food I can consume depending on the texture of course. I'm still able to tolerate most breads and alot of other foods people claim to be a problem, so I don't think I'm at my sweet spot either. I'd try measuring 4oz of any given thing you like and use a trial and error method, learn to listen to your band and you'll just know with instinct as time goes on. good luck with everything, I wish you the best.

good luck with your surgery, i was banded feb 26 and i've done really well- do what your dr says and walk walk walk after surgery as much as you can! the first few days are the worst and the gas pains do go away but stick it out! look forward to seeing your progress in the future.

Thanks for the help guys, I just keep thinking what if I'm stuck with this spare tire for forever?! If your like me in any way, you wanna exercise and help the progress, but even that is tiring after about 30 minutes of vigorous cardio. It's a vicious cycle of I'd work out but it's uncomfortable, but if I weren't so heavy it would go alot better......I appreciate the insight though for sure! My heaviest I was 255 lbs and then the day of my procedure 238-240 Today, I'm 212-213 lbs.....significant loss, but just eager for the show! I'm alot like you MsCabes, things are easier and things fit better and people say all the time I'm smaller in my face and upper body---you're right, we WILL get there! Keep me posted on your progress!

I"m just curious how long it took people in general and on an average to start noticing a big difference in their bodies? I'm 10 1/2 weeks post op and I'm doing really well, but I feel like my belly fat is gonna be the most stubborn part of my body because it's where I carry the most weight. Some people who don't even konw I've had the surgery say I've lost, but I know what I see without my clothes on! Just curious, so pls pls don't bash me for asking because I really am happy with my progress, just super anxious to see the bigger picture! thanks anyone/everyone =)

I does go away- I thought for the first couple weeks that I had made a significant mistake because of how miserable I was. I was sooo tired and in so much pain that I wanted it out! Seemed like 2 weeks to the day after surgery I woke up and all was well. I finally slept all through the night which was somthing I had not been doing and the gas pains were finally moving on as well. I'm 9 weeks post op now and I'm doing great, my band is my "buddy" that I rely on day today! hope you feel better soon. Best wishes

I am 2 months post op and I belch alot- I mean like a college frat party boy loud at times....I do it when in private, like passing any gas it can be embarassing....or stinky (lol). I spoke to my dietician and she assured me that we swallow alot of air and don't even realize it at times. She suggested I slow down while I am eating and avoid talking for the duration of my meal. Additionally, ditch straws and even chewing gum because each introduce more air into the tummy. I've also looked at the types of foods I choose because some naturally will cause you to produce more gas than others. I hope that it all works out for you =) best wishes

I ate alot of meat....kinda like the Atkins. I cut most of my carb sources except the good ones like milk. Lots of protein to help your body heal after surgery. The goal with the pre-op diet is to get rid of fat built up around the liver because it's right in the surgeons way.....it makes the surgery easier for him and less traumatic on your liver if it's outta the way. Alot of people think that it is to get to a smaller you, but in fact not so much. Stay away from starchy foods (potatoes, bread, pasta etc), but if you must- choose wise and with moderation (look at a true serving size). Some pre-op diets are extreme- liquid only so be greatful that you are allowed regular foods! Best wishes and I hope this helps.

I actually came here to this website this morning before work (not something I usually do) to ask a general question of "AM I ON TRACK" I can clearly see by what you and others have said I AM =) I am 2 months post op and I'm not frustrated, but more concerned with "Is this NORMAL".....I'm the only person I've ever known to have a band placed so my questions are answered through experience and sometimes that can be frustrating. I appreciate your stern words because it makes me feel better about my loss and provides me with a great sense of comfort that I can do this in time, so THANK YOU COLORADO!

It is good weight loss but I guess I am just anxious to see more. Most of the loss was right after surgery when food is the worst smelling tasting looking thing on earth lol! Since then, it's been more like maintence than progression. I feel like I am at a stand still with the loss. I think part of is that I forget that at my heaviest I was 255 and now I'm 219-221. It's more about whee I am going now vs where I came from. So I have list half of that prior to surg and half after give or take a few on either side. I just feel stuck is all.

I have a 14cc band and 4cc in there. I noticed a difference in the amount of SOME foods I can eat but not ALL foods. I know there are slider foods (ice cream, chips etc) but I'm not eating any of those foods. My fill was 7 days ago and I stay within the same number by 1-2 lbs + and - I keep thinking what the heck?!! I'm getting full quickly on certain foods but not others and I'm not losing like I thought I would. My surgery was on Feb 26th and to date I've lost around 15lbs. I wanna know if I'm on target or if I'm off mark or what??! Anyone else have this issue or had it previously? Some people say the 3rd fill is when they saw and/or felt the difference. Any light?? Anyone!!!?? Thanks all!! :cool:

Thicker? I'd say maybe siclicone, but the allergy to shellfish would indicate iodine but that may have been asked because they apply a topical iodine to cleanse/steralize the skin. That is my only thought. Next time just ask him :cool:

Question- I just got my first fill- I had about 1-1.5 cc in my band at surgery, I have a total of 4cc's now-all I have eaten today was some tuna I almost feel bad for being hungry.....does anyone else have a similar story they can share about first time fill's?

Does anyone know the specs on a ap standard 10cc band? Like it's the size of a______ when unfilled or __cm and then the varying size it becomes per cc of fill? I know this is kinda a bit much but I'm really really curious!

My ah ha that's it moment: I was leaning against the wall at work waiting on the restroom when an individual who worked in a similar area came up and said "being pregnant sucks, you have to go alllllll the time" I looked at her to see how far along she was and to my suprise.....she was talking about me!!!! I politely replied 'I wouldn't know'. She tried to apologize but I was so offended that I just went into the restroom an cried! I was hurt, embarassed and pissed all at the same time!! =[ that was it for me!!!!!

Thanks for the advice! I'm confident it will get better becase throughout the day it does. Less gas means less pain and if I eat just enough no pain either, but when it hurts it really does make you feel like your gonna croak! I see my dr on Monday and I'll bring it up, but I know he will tell me what many have, it's normal and may last a while. 18 days is a long time! Poor you =[ I can't imagine! Thank you again for replying! Being new to this I still have lots of things to experience that the doc doesn't tell you about! All the research can't prepare you for certain things! I'm learning with day to to day experience and nice people who provide me help like yourself! Thank you tons

Thanks for your replies! I really think it must be my full sign right now. The pain from the water chug didn't last as long as the food thing has, but I do notice that I have a lil gas in my tummy at the same time the pain, so all this must be related! Gas is painful stuff! I hate that part of recovery! I also hate when it wants out and your not at place where it would not be appropriate to let go of it =[ I'm gonna try those patches! Thank you guys again!

Ok- so I'm on day 7 with my lap band- gradually I've been going between clears and fulls and mashed stuff the past 2 days. My question to you all.... I will get this awful pain in my left shoulder along my collar bone,:w00t: last night it was after cream of brocolli soup and it literally went along intermittenly with a mild cramping in my abdomen. Even the cramps were intermitten, but the cramping and shoulder pain went at the same time. Is this an indicator that I am too full? There isn't much in my band since I am a newby, but why the pain? Today, currently, it has occured after 2 mashed up wonton noodles- just 2! Earlier today it was because I was thirsty and chugged a lil water. God forbid I breathe a nice deep breath when the pain is present because I swear it's like a knife! Can anyone relate or shed light here please please please?! :smile2:

I am struggling too! People tell me that there is a protien pill but I don't know how effective it is. I would ask your dr about it. I use bariatric advantage and I feel like it's thick and too sweet =[ I can't eat regular food yet because my band is only 7 days old, but when I can I think I'll go for fish since it seems to pack alot of protien. I would like to know about the taste of those protien shots too pls! I know it's important, my friends hair is falling out because she can't get enough protien. I refuse to have my hair fall out!!!!!! Let me know if you find something you like. Best wishes

You'll catch up I'm sure! Just be patient with it~ Girl, I'm sooooo ready to shrink!!! LOL~

I'm 26 and I too am newly banded 2/26/2010 Congrats to us~ :scared2: from my heaviest to now including my pre-op diet I've lost 30lbs:ohmy: even I can't believe it! At first I thought I had made a mistake because I was so uncomfortable, but now I'm beginning to feel much better. My tummy is still rumbling loudly and I feel like I'm gonna explode from the gas at times but it really has gotten easier. I have found this web-site to be a major blessing! People here are so friendly and I have used it so many time to ask questions of people with greater wisdom than me. When I think I'm doing something wrong or something doesn't seem right- I just ask and people are so quick to respond! Good luck to you and I look forward to hearing about your success :thumbup:

I am beginning to find relief in apple juice and warm tea- my mom who isn't a band patient reminded me that when we were kids that she use to give us a sippy full of apple juice and whatever warm liquid we would accept. I spoke to my dietician who reminded me that everything does take time. She was disappointed that my Dr. didn't allow for "natural" remedies (ie coffee, warm tea etc) before resorting to a supplement. I am NEVER taking the Miralax ever ever again- not that it tasted badly, but the result as you all know was not what I wanted. I'm still feeling "full" alot even though I've not really taken in that much- but it is getting better. I find that I am sleeping more through the night on my side and not having as many abdominal pains....thank gosh- However, what I have noticed is that the pain now rests in my lower back and left shoulder. =( I trade one thing for another....when will the "pain" end? I hope all who replied to my post know how thankful I am for your help. I love that everyone here is so generous and willing to sit and take the time to answer my questions. One day perhaps I'll have the experience needed to reply to someone with wisdom! Thanks again everyone!~

:confused:This is a TMI subject, so please forgive me. I had surgery 3 days ago and since being home haven't had a bowel movement. It wouldn't be a problem, but the urge is there and so was the substance, but no production. I had not had a bowel movement since before surgery, so I was due. I called my dr and he asked me to take the max dose of Miralax and if no production a teaspoon of mineral oil the next morning. The Miralax worked- per say....it gave me diarrhea. =( Literally like explosive type (once again I'm sorry). I'm consuming as much liquids as I can and I haven't taken any of the pain meds since I left the hospital. Not that I'm trying to be brave, but the pain from the actual surgery isn't a bad as the gas and built up BM. I walk serveral times a day, in and out of my home, but I still have this feeling of abdominal fullness. I have the gurlgling sounds in my tummy like things are awake, but should I have had a normal passage and not diarrhea? Also, it's not easy to take those really deep breaths- is this "normal"? :crying:Please help, any contribitions are appreciated. Oh and by the way I was banded on Feb 26, 2010. Thanks everyone~

Dont act like so many things in your life are perfect or just so wonderful because that will tip them off that maybe you are too happy and it may send a sense of deception. They want to know you are ready and it you have the right motivation and aduqute support. Don't answer anything they don't ask you. Part of most peoples problems is they talk too much! Just relax be real an it'll all go like it should! Plus one more thing, they want to make sure you are educatef on your decision. Good luck!

Same here Lose It plus it's free! Helps you keep track of common foods calorie count and you can graph your success, I give it 2 thumbs up!