1shauna1

You probably need another fill. This is normal, so don't freak out. It's hardest at the beginning, trying to get your levels right. When you have restriction, you will know. I feel pressure in my chest (which is actually the stoma; the stomach is really higher than most people think), and if you're eating too fast/too much, I start to feel a backup. That's the only way I can describe it. With experience, you'll know when you're at your limit, and what happens after you go over that (sadly, I still forget that sometimes!). I didn't start to have real restriction until about 4 months after, so don't worry. This is the hardest time when you're still relying on your willpower.

Yep, I drink frequently! Wine is great, hard liquors....as mentioned though they are empty calories so factor that in. Also, you may feel the effects sooner since you're eating a lot less. Cheers!!! (as I pour another glass of wine! )

You do get hungry....I would try to opt for a better choice in the future though. This will be the hardest time, until you get your first fill. But you can get through it!

Awesome! Congratulations!

The first is the worst since you don't know what to expect! I had read horror stories about not being able to find the port, etc. but mine (and every one since) was so simple; hurt less than a flu shot!

Slimband is also $16,000, with unlimited fills (and unfills) and follow up visits. You can also claim this on your income tax; it helps out some.

Make sure you wait around his office for a few minutes to make sure you can get the water down without a problem. Don't leave if you think you can't swallow it. Then yes, one day liquid, one day mushies, and take it easy trying solids since some may give you some problems.

Some people after surgery do feel a bit depressed, but think about the long term. I think it will go away as you see what a great tool this can be for you. As you said, you have 4 kids who need you around. Right now and the next few weeks will be the worst, as you heal and then you don't have any restriction & wait for your first fill. But as you keep working you will see your weight go down and realize it's worth it!

Yep, I eat pasta! Love it! I have it maybe once every week or two for dinner. Just have to watch the amounts, but as long as I don't twirl 20 strands at once, I'm good!

I've had beans, no issue. I'm drinking a Diet Coke as we speak. Sometimes the carbonation does bother me but not usually. For foods; I find that jerky is usually good (which is weird because it can be dry sometimes, but it's not like dry chicken which is death). Lately I've been sauteing some mushrooms & peppers in sesame oil, then stir frying some tofu shiritaki noodles. They have about 20 calories for the whole bag and no carbs. I get them at Sobey's here in Canada, I'm sure they have them at U.S. grocery stores too.

You were only banded on the 5th, so I would say if it's not as mentioned hot or swollen, that's probably normal. Mine were reddish as they healed; now they're very faded, just a darker line.

I would wait but only a couple of days. I have tried to "tough out" being too tight, and it can get pretty miserable. But for me, that usually comes at least a week after the fill.

If I didn't get stuck or barely eat at work, I wouldn't have told them either. I have told some, but it took me months to tell them. You don't have to; you'll be eating healthy and small portions so of course you would lose weight!

Sorry, double post!

I would (and did) measure. You may want to have reminders of how far you've come if you hit a slow spot. No one's saying you have to share them with anyone!

I find sometimes moving around helps. However, this is where you have to be careful; you can't just wolf down your meals and if that phone call comes again, maybe you have to spit out your mouthful (gross, I know, but now you know what happens when it's not chewed!). What you're feeling is the grinding of your pouch opening, trying to work through the deli meat that's probably stuck in the opening. Can you go to the bathroom? I just lean over at the waist over the sink, and cough really hard. It doesn't hurt and honestly it's more of a relief to just get it up!

It's not that you won't be able to eat certain foods (I was told I could eat anything, and I do find that true usually). But you won't be able to eat nearly as much as you could before. in the weight loss stage, when you're tight, you might not be able to eat, say, sourdough bread and may have problems if you don't chew steak well. However, I wouldn't use being able to eat or not eat foods as a reason to get the lapband. I remember my mom saying to me, "would you be able to give up certain things forever?" And I haven't, but really I would rather lose this weight than eat a bunch of bread. Things I really love like dark chocolate, cake, pie and chips I eat in moderation and am happy.

I don't really see how your doctor can say you are "too tight", I would think that is only something you can say. If you tell them what you're eating (i.e. more than a cup of food, you can eat anything etc.) would they not give you a fill? Granted I have never had a fluoroscopy so my nurses only rely on what I say as to if I'm too tight or loose. As you mentioned over Christmas, if you're eating more than you should, that is indicative of needing a fill. Just because you may have more fluid than someone else doesn't mean you're "too tight"....if you were too tight you would be PBing after solids and having problems eating solids. I don't know.....can you go back and insist on a fill?

Toasted breads are better, and crackers are good too. Anything doughy, sourdough or pizza that isn't thin crust gives me problems most days!

Thanks, seems to be fixed now!

When I had issues swallowing pills, I tried to find an adult liquid Tylenol (or similar)....I believe they do have it at the drugstore. But as long as I'm not taking the giant multivitamins, I'm okay with pills. You should be too.

I would say chewable or liquid is best. I've had issues with gummy things!

Hope it shows up soon! Did you leave enough time for the deposit? Sometimes depending on the amount the bank will put a hold on the funds to make sure they're legit.

I'm sure you're fine. This liquid will pass through the band with no problems. You were just bloated, probably from the sodium in the broth. And it was in your stomach; nothing to do with the band.

I have my morning coffee (which I know has caffeine and therefore can dehydrate you, but I gotta have it!). I don't find I have an issue with cold liquids in the morning as long as I don't chug them. And if I want to try to eat something, I'd better have a warm liquid beforehand, not cold (then I will bring it back up!).