brandnewquiet

Hi all, I've had my lapband for 2 years now, and I'm having a weird sensation I haven't felt before. For most of the day it has felt tight around the left side of my stomach (not the side where my port is) similar to how it feels when I've overeaten with the band. But, I hadn't overeaten and it hasn't gone away all day. When I felt around on my stomach I felt a bit of a bump-- but is there any time where you would even be able to feel a part of the lapband other than the port? Now the port feels kind of "stretched" too-- like there is a tightness in the two sides and it's uncomfortable to stretch out on my stomach. Any ideas what's going on and if this is normal or not? Thanks for the help.

Hi guys, I did my surgery about a year ago now, and I'm down 40 pounds. I have to be honest though, I feel like I am in the worst health of my life . I am constantly tired-- I can sleep any amount of time and have a really hard time getting out of bed in the morning. The worst thing is, I'm only 24 so it's putting a MAJOR cramp on my life. I keep getting tested for things, and most of the time my tests are all normal (iron levels, Vitamin b levels, Vitamin D levels, thyroid, etc). So the only thing I can think of that is the problem now would be nutrition. I'll admit, I definitely DO NOT get the amount of Protein, fruits and veggies people are recommended to get. My biggest problem is, though, I don't understand how with the band you could possibly eat enough to get the daily recommendations? Are there any wonder foods or plans you guys are following that help you get the nutrients you need that are band friendly? On a typical day, I eat: a slim fast bar for Breakfast (cant keep much down in the mornings) a small lunch like easy mac, a piece of pizza, a pb sandwich peanuts for snack and a meat for dinner. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I recognize my diet isn't ideal... but Im on a student's budget, so it's hard to do fresh fruits and veggies sometimes... a lot easier to get cheap junk. Anyone know of inexpensive quick meals that are relatively healthy? I definitely will start having some more tuna (since I actually like it) and I think smoothies and yogurt would be key. I'm a picky eater so that makes it tough in terms of Soups and such, but there were aton of great suggestions here.

Hi All, I'm writing because I couldn't really think of who else to ask for help. In any event, since I had my surgery (almost a year ago) I am CONSTANTLY tired and have such a hard time focusing. I can sleep non-stop. My nutrition isn't horrible or anything, but I don't eat much. I'm even on adderall (for the focusing, because it got that bad...for those of you who don't know, it's a stimulant people with ADD take to focus) and I'm STILL tired. I am so at the end of my rope, because I am doing SO poorly at school and work because I constantly feel like I'm falling asleep! I feel like it's related to the band because it was never a fraction this bad until after my surgery. Has anyone else experienced this or know how to combat it? I'm going crazy over here! Thanks for your help!

yes, many times. hence the frustration...so many tests, yet we cant figure it out

My vitamin D was low last I checked, but not by much... I have been taking a supplement for it though. As far as I know all other vitamins are good.

I was banded last wednesday and have been on a liquid diet since. I don't really have trouble getting down broth, protein shakes, jello, or popsicles but drinking water is really unpleasant. Even though I take very small sips, I can feel it get stuck and then sort of glug down into my stomach. I'm a BIGGG water drinker so this is making my life really difficult-- any suggestions or maybe thoughts as to why this would be happening?

Thanks Leigha, that helped a lot!

Hi all, Been asking a lot of questions here today and getting some really helpful answers. The last thing that's causing me a major concern is I am EXTREMELY dizzy all the time. I was banded 4 days ago, I'm on the all liquid diet so I'm not sure if It's just a matter of not getting enough calories or is something I should be concerned about. Taking my meds or not doesn't really seem to make a difference in terms of the dizziness, but If I try to even just SIT UP for a few hours I have to sleep. It's driving me insane! I know that I need to rest, but I can't sleep ALL THE TIME, and i cant even focus my eyes enough to read any of the great books I bought for recovery. I will be calling my doc first thing tomorrow but wonder if you guys have any idea why that would be happening or anything that might help?

Hi Wendy Ann, I actually called the nurses first thing yesterday morning, and the suggested (since I'm not in very much pain at all) that I switch to taking tylenol during the day and only take the stronger prescribed pain meds at night and--viola, no dizziness! Tylenol does not completely eliminate the pain for me, but it is very very very slight and totally manageable (and way better than feeling dizzy). In fact, I'm less then a week out and I'll probably hit up the mall today I'm feeling so good! You will definitely need a lot of rest at first, but I wouldn't be too worried

Hello Everyone, I was just banded this past wednesday the 4th. I've read a lot on the forums that has put my mind to ease but still can't help myself-- I'm an emotional eater in panic mode. I'm still on an all liquid diet and I feel like CRAP, I'm so dizzy and basically have to take a nap if I sit up for 2 hours because my eyes get so disoriented (I imagine this is from a lack of Protein?). Obviously this leads me to the predictable what the hell have I done question. I'm 23, I'm in college and have a job-- I'm starting to become worried about my ability to juggle these things on the band, and if I'll ever be able to eat normal food again (seeing as how I am often on the run). I wanted to get the band to force myself to rethink emotional/overeating, but I can't help but worry. Any words of wisdom/encouragement? Thanks! Amy

Thanks! I have been doing the small sips and separating it from meals as has been suggested, but I really get the feeling that I have the same issue with the band maybe having a fill. I know I have to take SMALL sips but I mean come on, there's only so much time in the day if they want me to get 8 glasses (haha). I've always been really dizzy because I have been avoiding the Water too because it's so unpleasant, so I'll definitely place a call to the doctor tomorrow. Thanks for the advice

Hi, I've had some trouble finding other young people doing lap-band. I'm only 23, but I have been overweight almost my entire life without a lot of success losing weight. I'm worried about doing the procedure because I know lap-band is something that stays in your body forever, and I have a long life (hopefully) ahead of me, and also haven't had children yet. Does anyone have any advice for someone in my age group or where i could find more information on if this would be right for someone like me? Thanks! Amy