NoMoBand

Ducker, I'm out 5 months at being banded and I did educate myself on the bad's, but, wish I would have known more of the uglies. In my opinion, I think that there needs to be stricter approval guide lines and more education provided by bariatric clinics/doctors before a person is approved. In my opinion, the process is rushed and is not thorough enough. I can tell you that I learned more about the band and what to expect from these forums than at the clinic. In fairness to the clinic, I was encouraged to attend a support group provided which I did not, however, maybe it should be mandatory. Next, the nutritional consults addressed very little of the problems associated with the band. During these sessions, I learned lots about eating habits, calories, food logs, chewing well, but, was never given adequate education about the band and potential problems and preventive maintenance. I also started a post under General Lap band support/Things you learned after LB install that you discovered afterward. All the replies were/are right on the money and I can say that some of those things I discovered post banding. Personally, the biggest concern for me are complications that can occur later on with the band. I experienced one complication just one month after surgery when I began having problems with a seroma on one of my incisions and my band tubing came right through the seroma. I had about 3 inches of tubing sticking out of my belly. I had to endure a 2nd surgery that was more painful than the original surgery because they discovered that my port had dislodged from the original location and was relocated to the other side of my belly. I have 4 large incisions scars that remind me of what I had to endure. Any kind of weird pain or symptom freaks me out and I start thinking the worst. Thus far, I am one of the fortunate ones that the band seems to work the way it should, most days anyway. I’m stunned with stories of how the band is not as effective on some people. How can this be? Why is this? These are questions that we need answers to. Finally, I will share with you that there were days that I regretted having this done, especially, after the 2nd surgery and every so often I have days when I am down (bummed), however, the rewards bring me right back on track. 86lbs. lighter I no longer have the severe knee, back and neck and shoulder pain. I can walk and jog, yes jog without the agonizing pain. I have unbelievable energy. I am exercising at a gym, which I never did in my life. I am off 5 medications and am no longer pre-diabetic. I now help my wife around the house. I can watch a movie without going to sleep - really! Lol I slimmed down from a 46 pant waist to a 38 and a XXX large shirt size to a XL, my shoes even fit better. I feel like a new person! The best way to describe what has happened to me is that I’ve woken up from a slumber and am enjoying my family and life again. I’ve been given a 2nd chance after years of being obese. I have a ways to get to goal, but, with God’s help we are getting there. There have been bad and ugly for me but the goods overtake them both. And this is true for any of the WLS options out there. Good luck in whatever decision you make. jake

LMAO!!! Thanks for posting this David. Thank you for the hormonal site reference Thismumrocks. It makes sense and I feel much better. I am normal! http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=98272 I was banded only 5 months ago and I'm like a teenager again. Anytime, Anyplace, oh hell yes!!!!! Wife is freaking out! She's beginning to complain of more headaches in the evenings just like when we were newlyweds. lmao! No more blue pill needed. Aten hut! Wow!!!!!

I've been lucky. My doc has not charged me for an unfill.

I call mine Jed Clampit.

You are absolutley correct! It does not mean that you are too tight. I can eat everything, including bread (well, most breads, that is), as long as the bread is toasted. I can eat chicken, hamburger meat, some pork, salads, fruits, veggies etc. etc., as long as I chew well. If not, PB's or slime, here we come. Here in New Mexico, we occasionally, eat a Soup called menudo which has beef tripe in it. Yes, I know many people gross out with it, but, the tripe is another food that I just get stuck with every time. No more menudo for me. :-( I'm really one of the lucky ones that can eat most foods and I feel for those that can't. One thing that I was told was that something that you cannot have today, you may have in the future as the band/stomach adjusts. I don't think I want to try steak anymore though. Bummer!!!!!!

On a more positive and actually a win, win discovery. I find it hard to take a compliment about my weight loss, yet, at times when I need a little encouragement, a compliment really gives me a real boost. I've never been one for being the center of attraction, tis why I hate when my birthday comes around. Right now, I don't know how to act when I get compliments and comments concerning my weight loss. I actually get a little embarrassed. Because my wife knows me so well and after 28 years of marriage, she's having fun with making me want to hide under the table with comments. lol I've lost 86 lbs. I went from a 46 waist to a 38 waist in pants (I think I wore a 38 in mid-school, holy smokes) My shirts were 3x and I wear a X-large now. I can actually do a 1 mile slow jog, where before I could slowly walk 1 mile with much fatigue and pain. I'm off 5 medications for multiple illness that were manifesting or was diagnosed with. I hope that I have slowed down my future job of pushing daisies. I want to be around for my grandkiddos. God willing! I guess what I'm trying to say is that getting this kind of attention is difficult for me. I know it's a good thing, but, that is me and its taking time to get used to. I still get scared of what tomorrow may bring, but, for now I'm gonna enjoy life to it's fullest. Jake

Here's a couple more lessons learned or discoveries that I did not know or I had to learn the hard way! 1. Steak for me is evil!!!! The first time I ate steak I was stuck for 3 days causing me to either throw up or slime over and over again. I was ready to been seen by my doctor, when by chance I tried drinking a cup of pineapple juice, which I read on one of these posts. Wow!!!! I actually felt the thump when the darn piece of meat went thru the stoma. 2. Some people have sensitive stomach's that can swell for just about anything and of course that is me. The stomach swelling then causes problems again with slime and throw-ups. Getting the stomach (pouch) back to a normal, non-swollen state requires 1 day of Clear Liquids, 1 day of regular liquids, 3rd day mushy foods, then back to a normal diet. This was never mentioned to me. 3. Allergies (hayfever) affect the band big time for me. My allergies cause drainage into my stomach. The drainage remains in the pouch a bit longer and causes either heartburn or foamy slime. Liquids then become a problem until I take Zyrtec or ChloroTrimeton. I had 2 unfills because of this. 4. Not learning my lesson the first time and loving steak as much as I do (or did), I tried steak again this past Friday after waiting a few months. Saturday and Sunday were hell days for me. I could not get anything down but warm clear liquids, most of time. I was ready to call the doc again when I remembered the pineapple juice on Sunday afternoon. 1 cup and "THUMP", I felt it go down. Damb it, it was because I had a piece stuck again. I guess I will have to put my steak in the blender or just buy hamburger meat. :-( Don't think I'll be trying steak for while. All our LB journeys are so different! Besides all the frustration and lessons and things learned after the fact, I would still have this done and so I say today. Jake

Please let us know how you are doing. jake

Blessedmommy, Hang in there. It will get better every day. What you are feeling is probably gas that remains in your insides when they put in the band during surgery. This is not gas in the stomach but gas that is in your insides and your body will eventually absorb it. Some people are lucky enough to not have this gas problem and some are the unlucky that do have to deal with it. It is also very common that you may also feel pain in the left shoulder due to the gas. This is also normal. You can help your body rid of the gas by walking every couple of hours or when you are awake. You don't have to walk long distances at first but maybe 20-30 steps at a time or what you can tolerate. Increase the walking as you feel better. The more you move around the better for you, however, remember you just had surgery and don't over do it. You also need to sip small amount of Water throughout the day. It is important that you keep yourself hydrated. Be careful not to take gulps of liquids but take small sips. I am just giving you what my doctor told me to do when I was recovering right after surgery. You should call your doctor and let him/her know what you are experiencing. As far as feeling full, I think you are asking if you should be feeling hungry. You are on liquids right? You will not feel hunger for a bit yet because your stomach and insides are swollen. Once the swelling comes down you will start to feel hunger again. Recovery time is different for everyone and some people are ready to go back to work within a week, however, you just had surgery and everyone's body handles shock and healing differently. You should be feeling much much better within 1 week and I will say again that it gets easier every day and don't hesitate to call your doctor with questions. Please beware that your doctor is who you should talk to. I am only repeating what my doctor told me. I will pray for a speedy and healthy recovery for you.

Good for you KBKB. As with all of us, my history with weight loss has been a huge yoyo and the most weight lost was with the old weight watchers plan where I lost 140 lbs. and put it back years later. After reaching 325 lbs. and wearing a xxx large shirt with one illness after another becoming diagnosed, I decided enough was enough. I started watching what I ate right after the LB seminar and was banded on 10/4/2010. I hit my 80 lb. weight loss yesterday. The band is a tool and I will tell you that you must be patient with it. Until you receive the correct amount of fill you may get a little frustrated. Be patient, it will happen. Walking helps tremendously! I walk 2 miles daily during lunch at work, then walk on a treadmill at night. I also go bike riding when weather permits. I did not have the energy or the will to do any of theses things until I started dropping the weight. You can do this and congratulations to you.

quote name='JanB23' timestamp='1295558109' post='1564111'] Burping and farting...........feels good though doesnt it? Too funny! I get plenty of both lasting several days after a fill. Ahhh yes, it does. lol In all seriousness, these are all very good posts and thus far I agree or can relate with all of them. Keep em coming. Yesterday, I had another fill and should be good for awhile. I know that 3.5cc's is an overfill for me (too tight) and 2.0cc's is maintenance (good restriction with some hunger) and I just got a 2.5 fill(TBD). Doc says that this should be the fill that gets me to my 6 month checkup. I asked my doc why some people require such high cc's in their bands and other such low amounts such as myself. She said that her best answer is that our stomachs are all different. Anyone heard anything different on this? Too weird!!!

I'm going to try the papaya tablets also. Thanks for the infor.

Thanks for posting SpecialK and making yourself available for questions. My question concerns a fill. I currently have 2 cc's in a 10 cc band. I was overfilled after surgery with 3.5 cc's and had to get an unfill to the 2 cc's. I have decent restriction right now but I get hungry within 2 to 3 hours after eating. I eat about 1 cup of food vs 1/2 cup when I had the 3.5 cc's. I can eat breads and other difficult foods, but, but with caution. The weight loss has slowed down but I started exercising more rigorously and have lost a couple of pounds in 2 weeks. I have a fill appointment this coming Tuesday. Would you advise me on getting a fill or stay where I'm at and depend more on the exercise? I will say that the 2cc I currently have is where I want to be for maintenance when I reach goal, but, I like the fact that I don't have the heavy restriction. In my mind I think that less restriction is safer. I know that this is just me being cautious, but, I had a 2nd surgery due to port problems and I'm terrified of having to do another surgery in the event of other complications. Thanks for listening. Jake BTW, I am 50 years young. lol

When I was stuck with the steak I did not have pain in the chest or any pain anywhere. I did have slimming but this happened when I had the pineapple juice. After the pineapple juice wait 5 minutes or so and try drinking a warm liquid. As I said it took me 2 days to get the steak down. I can't have steak anymore :-( That sucks!!!! Trust me you'll feel when it goes down.

Bryn, Good for you! As you get closer I will tell you that you will get very anxious and worried and maybe a little freaked out. This is normal. As long as you have thought about this decision very carefully then may the journey begin. Well, each doctor is different, but, after surgery they want you to be on a Clear liquids for a day or so. Basically, if can can read a newspaper thru it, it is considered a clear liquid. chicken or beef broths, Apple juice, Cranberry juice, grape juice, tea, coffee, crystal lite etc. Get plenty of sugar free popcicles, these really help. You may also have sugar free Jello. , The next step is regular liquids and last a day or so. This consists of all above and also protien drinks made with fat free milk. Next step is mushies stage including all the above and thinned out yogart, sugar free pudding, lowfat cottage cheese, thinned cream of wheat, cream of rice, Malt-o-meal, applesauce, scrambled or soft boiled eggs, Soup but with chunks being blended, mashed potatoes. Last stage will be full diet. Your doc will give you more information and instructions, but, this will give you an idea of what you can start stocking up on. Note: don't over do it on stocking up. I over did it and discovered that there were some things that did not agree with me at all. I will tell you that sugar free popcicles reallly helped. Get plenty of those.

If it is food hanging or stuck in the pouch try drinking sips of pineapple juice every couple of hours. If you start burping you most definately have something stuck in there (probably the skin of the chicken). I had this happen to me with steak and took me 2 days to finally get it down. It's an awful feeling. I discovered the pineapple trick via one of these threads. I guess its the acid in the juice that helps the food down. I keep pineapple juice available at all times and take a swig of it with Water every night before bedtime. Hope this helps.

You are on track sf2009. Keep it up. Slower weight loss is healthier anyhow. I started my journey with being overfilled right after surgery. I was losing 5-7 lbs a week, but, then I got really weak and people that did not know about my surgery thought that I was gravely ill. My very first fill was actually a unfill. I feel great now! I go on Tuesday for a fill and I'm ready for it.

A few more that I thought of. I hope this will help newbies. 1. Some bandsters go through a brief period of depression after surgery. We ask ourselves "What the hell did I just do to myself". 2. Complications will bring on depression. This goes away after you start seeing the weight come off. You have to keep reminding yourself why you did the surgery in the first place. 3. Weather affects the band on some of us. My band becomes really tight with cold weather. 4. Some of us have sensitive stomachs that will swell with PB's and throwing up. We must go on liquids for a day or so then soft foods then full diet to bring the swelling down, however, always seek medical advice when things go wrong. 5. PB's and throwing up are not the normal for a banded person unless you are overeating or not eating correctly or your band is too tight. 6. High restriction is not good and is the number one cause for complications. Weight loss with the band should be 1-2 lbs. a week. 7. I hate the phrase "sweet spot". I don't think there is such a thing. Just my opinion.

I"m really curious as to what kind of things, experiences, information, mis-information or surprises that we learned after being banded. Here are a few of mine. 1. Use of NSAIDS - I didn't know that banded people were highly discouraged from use of NSAIDS. This is definatley a huge problem with arthritis sufferers. 2. PB's and slimming are 2 separate things. I think so anyway. 3. Recovery from LB surgery is not a piece of cake for all!!! Some of us suffer a bit more. 4. For those of us with Insurance coverage, insurance can change from year to year. Contracts are negotiated on a yearly basis and you may end up without fill and follow up coverage in the future 5. Contrary to some posts a port can flip and in my case the port detached. A second surgery was required. 6. Each person is so different with their band. 7. A cc band is different from a cm band. cm bands were the first bands. 8. The inital bands have a higher rate of complications and failures. 9. Getting banded is not an easy way out as we are sometimes accused of. 10. An exercise program is critical to succesful weight loss.

This has also happened to me multiple times. The irritation will go away after a day or so of liquids and mushies. I also have used aloe vera juice to help the inflamation. sugar free popcicles help the swelling also. Call your doc. just to be sure. Jake

I was banded on 10/4/2010 and 6 weeks later, I had what I pray my only complication and required a 2nd surgery. My port detached and had to be relocated and the recovery from this surgery has been harder than the original surgery. I went through a period of depression and regretted what I did to myself, however, after the weight kept coming off and continues to come off I started feeling good about myself and started feeling the benefits of being 72 lbs lighter. I am off a couple of meds and feel like I've woken up from a slumber in my life. I have more energy than I have felt in such a long time. I am exercising without all the pain. Yes, I still have bad mental days with doubts but it gets better day by day. I just have to remind myself why I did this in the first place. I think the thing that puzzles me the most is how every bandster has such different experiences with it. I'm one of the lucky ones that has had restriction from day one and can tolerate most foods with only a few foods that I cannot eat at all with steak being at the top of the list :-( Then there's the amount of saline in the bands. Why do some people require so much while others very little? I have a 10cc band and have good restriction with 2cc's in the band. In 2 weeks I will be asking my doc for a .5 fill and hope this will be my last fill till I reach my goal. Initially, I had 3.5 cc's in my band and was too tight. I how know the difference from being too tight and now a bit looser. This is all too wierd. Yes, I've read some of the regrets that people post 3-5 years into their band journeys and not to mention the potential complications that may occur and of course I worry, but, the most important lesson learned is that I'm going to live for today and enjoy the benefits to its fullest. My health was declining rapidly and the band may have extended my life in beyond 3-5 years had I not taken this journey. I willl take each day one day at a time and enjoy today knowing that I did this to better myself and life regardless of what tomorrow may bring. I finally had to stop reading so much of the bad stuff and decided to concentrate on making the band work for me today. Yes, you should educate yourself with the good and bad, however, be careful not to overdo the negative, you will drive yourself nuts! Last but not least is my biggest concern and has to do with future insurance coverage. Right now I was one of the lucky ones whose insurance covers weight loss surgery, otherwise, I could not have afforded this. The concern I have is that contracts are negotiated annually between the employer and insurance company and my employer may decide not to cover this next negotiation which will force me as self pay which can put me in a financial mess if I have to self pay for fills or worst of all if I have complications later requiring surgery. This is something I did not consider at all. Just food for thought. I hope I was of some help and apologize for going on and on. Jake

My port did in fact become detached. The dr. does not know why and the strange thing was that just 1 week before I went in for my first fill and actually had an unfill because I was was too tight. Anyhow, I had to have surgery to get it fixed. To give you a little peace of mind, I did not feel any burning sensation or any kind of symptom.. You may just be experiencing normal symptoms at the port. Don't get yourself all worried over what is probably nothing. Hang in there and good luck to you.

I do not have the Realize band and my port actually fell and relocated below where it was supposed to be. No, answer as to why this happened. Just a freak thing and had to have surgery again 5 weeks ago. Healing the 2nd time has been a bit harder. Still in pain at times and the itching is driving me nuts!!!

I'm 5 weeks post op from getting port revised. I get massive iching and spasms at port and incisions, but, is getting better day at a time. I notice that when I exercise I tend to get the spasms. Ice helps. I also notice that the itching gets really bad with gas in the belly. GaxX or mylanta helps with this. It gets extremely frustrating. Hang in there. Jake

WOW!!! You are absolutely correct when you say "how different the band is for each and every person and for each and every day!" It is crazy! You would think that we all would have common ground, but, the range of differences is mind blowing. I'll bet and hope the decrease will help you.