1shauna1

It can be done...I admit I have sat for an hour eating something (it's not always a huge portion though). This is still challenging for me....often my head thinks I should have more than I know my stomach can take anymore.

Some docs put it on the right, so it's not necessarily on the left side....different doctors put them different places. I would suggest looking for your largest incision (unless you had the single incision surgery). It should be around there. I had a big bruise where my port is, so you might have that also. If you can't find it, be happy! I can feel mine under the skin and can only assume it will be fairly visible when I'm thinner, which kind of sucks.

You haven't had a fill yet, so that's why. I think it might be a bit soon for you to be eating solids though? Just be careful. Don't keep any drinks with you while you're eating (this helps to stop drinking while eating). Right now you're going to have to rely on your willpower only until you get that fill! Many of us have been there!

Wow....I don't know how you lasted!! Did they put in some fluid during your surgery? If so, you should request a defill! Otherwise, I don't know what to say; by this time you should definitely be eating solids....

I'll vote for you! Gotta help out a fellow bandster!! Good luck; let us know if you win!

I hear ya about that....I've been on so many diets over the past 15 years, and up and down in weight. I would say, get rid of the things that are really big (maybe keep one pair of pants so you can see how far you've come!). This band is the last time for losing! Don't be afraid to give them away!

23 since February is still great! As you can see by my ticker, I've lost 37 since August 2010!! So, talk about slow losing (lol; I have issues! ). Don't beat yourself up; if the scale is constantly going down (even slowly), you're doing great; way better than going up!

Regarding the liquor - I think they meant hard alcohol like vodka, but sometimes a couple of sips of wine helps. Small sips though; as mentioned from the "exploder", too much liquid just comes back up (and UG that doesn't sound fun what you did!!). You can get the papaya enzyme at health stores like GNC and I've also found them at Bulk Barn (in Canada). Swiss Formula makes one.

Depending on the doctor, they will only fill so much at once. Different people need different levels of fills. Some only need to go a couple of times, others need to go often. Mine advise that day to drink liquids, mushies the second day, then solids. I usually go a bit faster than that, though. I would stick to softer foods, at least fill day.

I had one repaired as well during the banding surgery. I'm not sure it made me more sore....but obviously there is a healing there as well.

Fabulous, this does sound too tight. You should be able to eat solid protein at each meal. As for protein sources, can you try dark meat? Tuna or canned chicken (it's moister). What about beans/legumes for proteins?

My first suggestion is, right now stop researching the worst case scenarios! This will only upset you more. I didn't have any problems with my surgery. Was out in a few hours, in pain for a couple of days but feeling really good within a week. My scars are minimal now. This will only change your life for the better!!

I would tell them that your weight is something that you've discussed with your doctor, and he is fine with it. You're healthy and fit now. I think when you put a doctor in there, it often shuts them up! Don't take it personally as they're suggesting you won't be able to control it. If you were big for a long time, they aren't used to seeing you thin now (especially those who don't see you that often).

I'm not sure how I would feel about this, but I was also told you could take a shot of hard liquor. I know when I drink alcohol it relaxes the band somewhat. I've never tried a shot when stuck though.

Spaghetti squash is pretty good, just a different texture. Also you could try the tofu Shiritaki noodles (they are where the vegetarian meat products are). They are 40 cals for the whole bag! Again, a different texture but not bad! As for me, I'm eating pasta right now....no probs there!

I have issues with eggs too, but later in the day is better.

I don't know if it's not enough protein, but maybe not enough calories? 500 per day is awfully low. Do you eat solid proteins? Other than supplements, I don't know what to suggest...

I have a friend who had the sleeve, and she had really good results the first year & lost 100 lbs. However, she is still 200+ lbs and is now having trouble losing, possibly has stretched it out. I chose the band because I liked not having to cut out part of my stomach and that it could be removed if needed. Neither would have been covered for me; I'm self pay so that wasn't really an issue. Good luck with your decision; it's tough!

You can get them at the drugstore in the vitamin section; also at Bulk Barn in their vitamin section. As for the coke....most of us were told no carbonated sodas. I do sometimes drink Diet Coke, but not for that reason.

I was going to say, sounds like scar tissue. Don't know what can be done to break it up, sorry!

Sounds like a terrible experience and I totally understand your frustration and anger at the 5 years lost. As suggested, could you go back to the beginning? I'm sorry the doctors have been such asses too.....Can you find a fill centre or someone to just do fills for you? Even if you have to pay per fill, at least you will get seen then (isn't money and insurance grand!). Please don't give up.

I use a small fork or spoon. Put your utensil down between bites. The timer thing might work for you if you're really having trouble. If worst comes to worst and you're at home get up between bites and walk around!

The first time is for sure the worst, but the main thing I would suggest is don't panic! The first time I was stuck, I seriously thought I was gonna die....ug! Just walk around (often getting up from a sitting position helps), stretch.....and wait. Often it will pass, but you will soon know if it's gotta come back up!

Yep, sounds like me! I throw up frequently (well, not as much lately. But when I was too tight I was throwing up at least once a day, usually more). The worst was the time when I was in court (I'm a court reporter) and I had to pass a note to the clerk to ask the judge for a break, I HAD to go throw up. Ug, I hate getting stuck at work!

Many people only take a few days....I was feeling really good after a week. I am sure the three weeks will be good for you. As for your hubby, it will be hard if he isn't supporting you, but maybe he's jealous? He obviously has a weight issue, has he thought about the surgery for himself? It would be easier for you both if you could do this together.