1shauna1

Yes, my band is very fickle. Definitely water intake plays a part. Stress too. Or if I'm really upset, I just slam shut. Try upping your liquids; I believe it's okay to include decaf teas in that total if water is an issue.

I don't find they do but some people do. For me it's a minor needle stick; I don't use any numbing creams or anything. They've never had a problem finding the port either. This last time I felt the sting of the needle but sometimes I don't even notice that. Oh, and I would definitely suggest not leaving the office until you're able to drink some Water & can make sure it will go down. That's standard at my office but I don't think everyone does that.

If you are eating a lot of cheese & canned soups, they are high in sodium too. Relax and just keep doing what you're doing, it will go down again.

Is it nausea? If so try Gravol or something to calm your stomach (flat ginger ale or ginger tea). I've vomited from my stomach after being banded and ug, that is NOT fun. Worse than before banding for sure!

I know, this new way of eating can be frustrating! Good luck.

Pixie - you definitely should try to move to solids if it's been more than a week since your fill. Otherwise, you're basically on a liquid diet and generally those aren't sustainable!

I don't remember what time period after surgery I was first stuck, but I know it was close to the end of my stages. And it freaked me out; the pain was immense and I really thought I was going to die. But I didn't. And most likely you won't either! Just go back to doing what you're supposed to do. Eating bites off your kids' plate is part of how you got this way in the first place; it's a habit you should stop now!

Don't get me wrong, PBing is not always voluntary. I've just learned after all this time when I need to get it up and when it's going to pass. The first time I was really stuck I really thought I was going to die. It wasn't fun. But I've learned since then, and you will too. Obviously, we want to avoid doing that but sometimes it happens. You will get through it.

Good luck! I hope your recovery was like mine (not that bad; only the first couple of days). And don't worry about the foods; many people can tolerate everything (which is what my doc said; I can eat anything just smaller amounts). It is definitely a change of eating afterwards. But like everything you will adjust, and as the weight comes off you will feel amazing!

Can you have protein shakes now? There are some good ones that have 30 gms of protein so you are almost halfway there with that. It sucks about the food....but what is more important, food or your health? Once you've healed from surgery you'll be able to have small portions of that food, so don't worry so much about that. Concentrate on healing & think about how great you'll feel when you've lost the weight!

I was self pay also, but I'm in Ontario, Canada and it's not covered here at all. Definitely makes it more challenging, but I think it was worth it. Have you looked into Mexico? Many people have gone there (search the threads for the good docs there) and I believe total cost with flights is about $5000. I don't think that covers after care at all, so that would be something to consider but it would definitely help with the costs!

I have tried in the past 15 years to get back to high school weight (which was 140 without even worrying about it)....I'm 5'10". When I was in my 20s I lost weight down to 183, and I felt & looked great. So right now my goal is 174, which puts me in a "normal" BMI. I'm hoping my body shape hasn't changed that much and that at that weight, I'll be a size 12-14. I can definitely live with that!

Call your doctor. It can't just be "gone", you know that's not possible.

That was always my understanding - that "starvation mode" referred to the metabolism slowing down. That's what I mean by it, anyways.

If you drink too much it can dehydrate you, and being dehydrated = tighter band. Also, you need to drink water and coffee doesn't count towards that.

I have had 3 unfills over the course of my band. I am going back tomorrow for another small fill (now I feel I'm too loose; believe me I can eat anything practically). But you sound familiar to me, how I was the last time I needed one. Pretty much any solid, even if I chewed well & small bites, would get stuck. I was even getting stuck on some liquids in the mornings (when I'm tightest anyways). And I've read about people who stay too tight for a while but don't lose weight; their bodies just hold on to everything. Even a small unfill will probably help and you'll feel so much better.

The liquid or chewable Gravol is a good idea. And you probably don't feel like it, but moving around will really help with the gas pains. Try to relax, just keep drinking. I'm sure you will be okay.

You could try half regular, half decaf and gradually cut it out? Do you have to fully cut it out? I have one to two cups a day of the high test (lol) and I don't plan to stop. I try to drink more water to accommodate that.

I would NOT suggest drinking water if you're stuck (imagine pouring more water in a clogged sink; eventually it will overflow)! Sometimes it will pass, but other times you will feel 100 times better if you get it back up. It's not like vomiting as when you're sick. You're just getting the stuck food (no stomach acid, etc.) up out of your pouch. I have PB'd (many call it "productive burping") many times....now I just bend over the sink at the waist and cough...up it comes.

Thank you for this post, it's very encouraging! Congratulations on your weight loss! And good luck to your hubby! I am sure he will learn a lot from your example!

You're so positive, it's great! A slip worries me because at times I tend to PB a lot, so I get worried....but your attitude is contagious I think! Thanks!

62 lbs is amazing! I'm totally jealous of that number! Another fill will make a big difference, I'm sure. I know some docs seem conservative about fills but I believe it's because they dont' want you coming back for constant unfills. So, good luck on Thursday and be TOTALLY proud of what you've accomplished so far!!

Everyone's body is different. I do believe your metabolism can slow wayyy down if you're not eating enough (I don't have that problem :-/). However, to the OP - if you're feeling satisfied, with lots of energy on 1200 cals a day, then go with it! MFP (and I'm on there too!) doesn't take into account weight loss surgery. I don't think you are SUPPOSED to eat that much after being banded (most people that I've read on here range from 800-1400, but I've never seen anyone state their goal was 2000 cals or more per day). Obviously if you're working out a lot, you probably need to make some adjustments for that.

I can't swallow that big pill anymore. I take gummy multis and chocolate calcium. The Vit D pills are really small. Maybe you could try cutting your pill in half?

Just sounds like a bruise. It will heal.