1shauna1

I would think by now you should be healed; I had some seepage on one wound but only for a couple of days. I would suggest contacting your doctor's office and see if they want you to come in to check it out.

I'm afraid to watch that movie because I worry I will be too disgusted to eat anything but I think I should make myself do so....I really wish I could eat more fresh produce but no matter how tight I am, it always seems to give me grief (except lettuce; I can do a romaine salad with chicken and a nice dressing but that's about it!).

I think usually people want to get out their pain and frustration so they come here, but there are lots of positives too! Writing about things really helps sometimes and there are so many knowledgeable people here.

Wow, extreme symptoms, definitely too tight! Glad you are able to feel better. I have had 2 defills in the past but not with those symptoms, just PBd constantly on solid foods. I'm sitting here today after a fill and right now, it's tight! I seem to have issues with dairy (trying to drink a glass of milk) at times...

I just had a fill today. I am feeling restriction on liquids, for sure! And I found out I have 5 cc in a 10cc band.

Wow, how long do you have to wait until a fill? That sounds painful....I had 2.5 cc put in the band at surgery, so they are expecting some sort of restriction after you've healed....I think there was for a while but that went away awfully quick!

Hm, I probably didn't wait 30 days! Maybe 2 weeks. I was eating solids by then so thought it would be okay!

Wow, that sounds terrible! I can't even remember, I think was on full solids after a week (gradually). You must at least get to move to mushies soon?? You will end up loving mush!! (for a while, then get sick of that again too! lol)

Damander, I feel for you, because I feel the same way. Was banded in August 2010 and am only down 30 lbs (thought I would be at goal by now). I feel restriction but if I wait, I can eat through it (bad, I know). I feel like I self sabotage a lot. I haven't lost since my last fill either (which was in the fall, I think). I have a fill Thursday and am really hoping it helps. I don't want to give up; I've been working on my weight for years (unfortunately). Next year I'm 40 and I'd better be thin by then!!

I live in the Toronto area, so I'm kind of grateful for the cold winters, lol. My parents have a pool I haven't been in for years because of embarassment, and I've often not done things because of my weight. This is the year it's finally getting off me!

Every doctor is different. This article says eat 3 or LESS times per day; my doctor said meals and snacks (although not more than a cup for meals). I do agree with the waiting after each bite, but that is something I learned myself. I have a habit of eating too fast and I often PB after that. So if I take it slow, small bites and wait it is usually much easier to eat. I dunno....I think you have to find the best way to eat for yourself after banding, because everyone reacts differently after the surgery. If you've found a way to make it work, then keep doing what you're doing!

I think I went to solids sooner than I was "supposed to". Didn't do me any harm. The beginning is the worst, but you won't regret it as you start to lose weight! Don't get discouraged!!

Yep, I've had several of each. I don't even know how much is in my band right now! Just can't seem to get the levels right. Have a fill on Thursday and hopefully I'll see "green"! lol

Good luck Kassie! Sounds like your insurance realized that treating you with this now, will prevent many issues in the future. I'm glad you got through quickly! KathyofAlabama - I didn't have to do a pre-op diet either. I guess because I was healthy aside from being overweight, non-smoker, etc. The only thing I was told was the week prior to surgery, to try to eat healthy & low fat. Your doctor knows what they're doing, so follow their advice!

I feel you, I'm 1.5 years out and only about 30 lbs down. Best would be to go back to band eating basics (solid protein, NOT drinks), and maybe you need to see your doctor and discuss a fill. At least we have been losing and not gaining! And you've had a difficult two years so be thankful your weight is still down. Now is the time to focus on yourself again. Good luck!

Sorry about your cousin. Yes, I find if I become really upset, I can't eat. My band just tightens right up. As you relax a bit, it should loosen up. Take care.

I don't think I've ever seen it recommended that you fast on water for two days before a fill! I do know my clinic suggests eating lightly the day of the fill, and then liquids for two days afterwards. But I understand how you feel...and it's normal that you lose restriction as you get thinner in some cases. But I don't think you're anywhere near to being overfilled, and you would definitely know if you were; you wouldn't be able to get/keep anything down. Just take a breath and go back eating the bandster way, and then see if you need another fill ( I think I should take my own advice here! lol).

Everyone is different, no matter what size band or how many fills they have. You may be lucky in that you don't need many (or any) fills. It sounds like you have some good restriction. As you lose weight, you may find you need fills. I was told that as you have less fat, there is less pressure on your stomach from it, hence you need a fill as you get thinner.

I keep coming back to this thread.... yes if you are self-pay I think would be able to get it. I know my clinic in Toronto will do it even if you only have 25lbs to lose. But honestly, I don't know WHY you would do it if you don't have that much. I had 80-100 lbs to lose....if I "only" had 30-40 I doubt I would go this route. It has not been easy at all.

Unfortunately sometimes it can take a long time to get it right....I'm 1.5 years out and I still have hit or miss restriction. Tonight I was able to eat wayyyy too much lasagna and I think I need another fill. Of course earlier I was PBing, so....

I just lean over the sink, cough and up it comes. I think water would do the same thing, but that sounds worse to me! lol

It's difficult...I think you need to see doctors, both for depression and then for possibly another fill. I'm not sure that getting a fill will help with the bad foods....I never have an issue with those either!

I have always been able to feel it and sometimes it is an uncomfortable feeling. Can't see it yet, still too much fat there! But I know others who yes, you can see it. I suspect mine will be visible as well...not sure what to do at that point!

My clinic said that nothing should be off limits, just smaller amounts. Of course there are a few things I just can't eat (bean sprouts, heavy breads), but yes, I can eat pizza too. But you need to start following your bandster rules (as mentioned, protein, veg). it does take some work to make the band work. Unfortunately it isn't a magic tool. You need to do the work too. And you can!

I had a medium sized one they found during the surgery. Before surgery I would have lots of gas and heartburn whenever I ate, and that was why! I don't know if it made my recovery longer, but I haven't had any issues with heartburn since.