1shauna1

Mega - glad to see her response. I had hoped you wouldn't run in to any troubles with this. It is hard if people are judgmental, but as with this lady, you might be surprised. I have told my family and friends, and they all seem very supportive (except my dad gets angry at the doctor for all the troubles I have had with fills, etc. He hates to see me suffering! lol). Of course, behind my back it could be different but I like to think they really are supportive and want the best for me. And most of all, you are doing this for yourself (and your family). So, as long as you are okay with it, then try not to worry about what others may say. Every jerk can have an opinion!

I can feel my port but still can't see it really. I don't know why it would appear more noticeable after a fill unless it's a bit swollen from the needle stick? Because the liquid would go down the tube into the band. I believe the port would actually be more noticeable as you lose weight, since there is less fat on top. I don't know if there's a way to minimize it or not!

No, it's not bad. They really do help! If it's a chemical imbalance in your brain, then the meds help. I was on two for several months and finally started feeling like myself. But know that you are not alone here....I sometimes feel like a failure too in that I thought I'd be to my goal now but only down 37 lbs. Everyone knows I've had this surgery and I'm sure they're wondering why I haven't lost more (although I guess they have enough tact to not mention it). This losing weight is really the hardest thing and the longest thing I've ever tried to do.

That sucks! So what will happen next? Do they put it back in later or do you have to look into another WLS?

Enjoy your "last meal", lol. You will be able to eat at Olive Garden again, just very differently from how you can now. And yes, a lot of us have issues with bread so enjoy those breadsticks! Don't know how much you'll lose on the pre-op, depends how much you're starting at I guess. I didn't really have to do a pre-op diet.

I'm sorry you're struggling so much....but don't think of it as failure. You obviously know what you're doing is not helping things. And depression is a b***h; you end up treating yourself so badly. You need to talk to someone or maybe get some antidepressants (they helped me so much a few years ago). You won't end up alone....once you start valuing yourself others will too. I hope you get the help you need.

Don't worry, you didn't stretch your pouch. You have no fill, so it's almost like not having a band. I like the Premier Protein mixed shakes from Costco, they have 30 g protein, only 130 (or so) calories and one gram of sugar. Low fat too!

Looking very "Mad Men-esque"....congrats! I'm looking forward to a new wardrobe too!

I drink pop sometimes, but it depends, it can irritate a little the first couple of sips. I've always been a fan of Diet Coke and love it, but I don't drink it much anymore. I do drink alcohol frequently, and don't have a problem with it. I love my wine....lol! However, we have to remember it still has calories, so you need to adjust your daily accordingly. Also many people find they feel the effects sooner so can't drink as much anymore. Not necessarily a bad thing!

I'm surprised your doctor never told you how to eat afterwards! Seems like some sloppy aftercare. Anyways, here's what I was told: 1) no more than one cup at a time, stop eating after 20 minutes even if not finished 2) eat solid Protein first, then vegetables, then if you want a couple of bites of a carb like rice or something. But always protein first 3) take you time. Put your fork down between bites. 4) don't drink any liquids with meals or for .5 to .75 hours afterwards. If you drink it just pushes the food through, which stops you from feeling full. 5) CHEW everything REALLY WELL!! This is super important. Too big of a bite and it will come back up. I have been told no foods will be off limits to me but I do find certain things are too difficult to eat so I avoid them. Doughy breads, dry meats (although I do well with jerky), fruits and veggies with skins still on. This is a learning curve; everyone has different things they have trouble with and you will have to find yours. I would say you need to have a fill, but maybe just a small one. Don't know how much your band holds, but try something small like 2 or 3 ccs. Do a day of liquids then a day of mushies to adjust to your Fluid. I hope you're able to find a way to make it work, otherwise it seems like such a waste! Good luck!

If I have to rush to eat, I don't. You can't. You have to be able to have time to sit and wait in between bites. I usually can't do fast food either (burger buns, soft wraps....they just don't work usually). I do find I eat the same things, not every day but there are things I know seem to be okay so I know they won't cause me too much grief if I'm paying attention. That's the thing....even after being banded for 1.5 years if I don't pay attention & take my time, I pay for it. That being said, my doctor said that no food would be off limits (however this isn't really true because at least while still in the weight loss stage, there are certain foods I just can't eat like doughy breads). However, I'd rather lose this weight finally than eat at McDonald's!

Hopefully this will work for her then....good example of how the bypass can fail as well I guess.

I agree about the Premier Protein mixed shakes at Costco, perhaps they are available somewhere else as well? It's $27 for a case of 18.

The first time being stuck is an awful feeling, but hopefully it won't happen again for you! Unlike me, who gets stuck weekly and even daily at times....the only thing I can say is now I've learned how to get it back up quickly.

You are doing great! I'm 1.5 years out and only nearing 40lbs. I had thought by now I would be at my goal (which is about 80 lbs down). So....I get frustrated, but then I think I would probably weigh more than what I started at if I had not had this surgery. Maybe you need a small fill or to change up your exercise routine? Good luck!

Agreed, restriction isn't throwing up. To me, I'm restricted in that after only half to a cup of food, I feel full. It is that feeling of fullness, but much sooner than before being banded.

Awesome NSV! Congrats!

I would say yes, go back to your doc and get a new fill. You know the eating guidelines, and you need to start following them again. Being too tight is miserable (I've been there a few times), so don't beat yourself up too much. You can't change the past, only move forward. Good luck!!

If you are eating a cup of food, then you are eating the right amount! If you're not having issues with throwing up or not being able to get food & liquids down, I'd say it's okay. It all depends on how you feel. I have problems with eggs....maybe now with restriction you do too?

This. I was told not to eat heavily before, and nothing for a couple of hours before the fill. Then that day, I'm on liquids and the next day mushy foods. Every doc is different though!

I usually only get .5 or 1 cc per fill....however I've had a lot of issues and have had 3 de-fills over time. I think your doctor is being cautious and not wanting you to be too full (trust me, it sucks!).

Great results! I am wondering, why did you go for a fill if you weren't hungry & needing it? Just curious!

I do that too (eating for like an hour), and I think I was told not to. As JustDoIt says, we should be stopping after 20-30 minutes, whether our plate is clean or not. Also, do you drink with meals? Gotta stop that! Eat your Protein first, then some veggies. Maybe you need a fill as well. I do drink wine myself, and it's not something I'm willing to give up. Many people work it into their calories and you can too!

As Andrea says, you've lost 30 lbs in three months. That's great!

I hope you're okay! It may be that as people have said, you do have a bit of a fill in there. And unfortunately, there may just be some things you can't eat now. I would keep track of the things that are getting stuck, and if it's the same things continuously, you may have to avoid them for now.