CheckYes

So awesome!

I would think it is gas but someone else recently posted a similar thing and ended up going to the ER - turns out it was a pulmonary embolism in both lungs. Go get checked out.

Crystal light is good old H2O plus a bit of powder. Crystal light is an additive, it doesn't make it not Water anymore. That Gatorade comment above is genius. I hope that shuts him up!

Are you sure it isn't gas pain? Since my band, I don't have hunger but I know I need to eat when I feel a bit weak.

Protein and veggies are a good choice. Maybe add a starch for him?

I have a feeling that your doctor may have put Fluid in your band at the time of surgery. It seems like many people I read about that have this foam issue or pain when drinking Protein shakes end up finding out there is fluid in the band and go for an adjustment to remove the saline. Do you know if there is fill in your band? I hope it gets better and that your doctor can give you some relief.

Wow! Good for you on the 53 pounds - that's amazing! I have read and experienced that it is common for weight loss to stall between week 2 and 3 post op. The scale will start moving again. That being said, please don't sell yourself short on that 53 pounds! That is INCREDIBLE!

I feel like it is a bit too early for me to post on this thread but I do love my band. I have lost 30 pounds since my surgery which was six weeks ago. Not only do I feel good about the weight loss - following my surgeon's orders has given me a sense of control over my eating that I haven't had in a very long time. I was one of those people who did a starve/binge cycle every day. I wouldn't eat until about 4:00 pm and then I would binge for most of the evening. Well now, I eat a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner. I do kind of LIVE for my Jello sugar free pudding snack in the evening but I can control it - just eat one - and know that it is enough of a treat for one day. I don't do any other snacking and I am totally mindful of what I put in my body. Apart from the Jello, everything I eat is organic (I'm sure the Jello kind of equalizes the organic eating I do but for now, I am enjoying it). I just feel hope now where I didn't feel it before. I think that is the biggest thing the band has done for me. Cold feet is normal. I was teary the morning of my surgery because of nerves - I was teary at intake, teary with the nurses, teary with the anesthesiologist and my surgeon. It's ok to have some feelings about what you are doing. Just try to remember the why part of this journey. Best wishes and good luck!

If you have a Bariatric Center of Excellence near you - that would be the way to go, in my opinion. I honestly believe that the skill of my surgeon made a huge difference in my pre-op care, post-op recovery and I expect my weight loss as well to be consistent. I seriously had minimal pain after surgery - not even gas pain.

I have one cup of regular and sometimes one cup of decaf each day. I have a Keurig one cup maker that uses K-cups and that is the best thing ever! No wasting a pot of coffee.

I figured I'd put the text here... Obtech Medical Sàrl, a medical device manufacturer, and Ethicon Endo-Surgery (EES), today announced the U.S. food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the companies' previous field action related to adjustable gastric band systems sold under the brand name REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Bands as a Class II recall, as expected. The voluntary recall, initiated on October 11, 2010 involves existing inventory only. Healthcare facilities were notified to immediately discontinue use of the device and return all unused REALIZE® Bands to EES. Since then, customers have been receiving an enhanced product, recently approved by the FDA, to replace the recalled inventory and for all new orders. There is no action required for patients who already have received these gastric bands, and removal (explantation) of the gastric band is not required. EES initiated the voluntary worldwide recall of existing inventory of adjustable gastric band systems sold under the brand name REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Bands due to reports of the potential for the Tubing Strain Relief, a small (2 centimeter) flexible sheath on the band’s Injection Port, to slide out of its intended position. Movement of the Tubing Strain Relief is highly unlikely to cause any serious injury or adverse health consequences and it rarely affects the band’s function. In the extremely rare instance (1 in 10,000) when tube kinking occurs at the Injection Port, the physician might be unable to adjust Fluid volume within the gastric band, which may require additional surgery to correct. In most instances, this procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and in an outpatient setting. There have been no cases of gastric band removal due to the Strain Relief sliding out of position. Patient health and safety is our utmost concern. EES identified the Tubing Strain Relief issue through its continuous quality monitoring program. With the full knowledge of the FDA, healthcare facilities were notified of the recall by official letter beginning October 11, 2010, and then by subsequent communications from EES sales representatives. The initial letter included detailed recall instructions, including the specific product codes and lot numbers affected. EES also has provided customers and third-party advocacy organizations with information for patients on the recall. Regulatory authorities worldwide also have been informed. If surgeons or patients have any additional questions about the REALIZE® Band recall, they may call our Customer Support Center at 1-866-REALIZE (1-866-732-5493) between 7:30 am and 6:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday.

Miss Na, It's normal to not have to go to the bathroom that often. Your intake has been drastically reduced. I was one of those people who didn't go along with the "liquid in, liquid out" scenario (ewww) but make sure you are drinking enough fluids so that you don't get constipated. My doctor suggested increase fluids for a few days then if that didn't work, to get a softener. NOT a laxative but a softener. I hope it improves for you.

Wonderful!!

I think I heard that either magnesium or manganese helps with sugar cravings. Maybe try a google search on it?

I was banded on December 9. First fill won't be until Feb 2 - I'm not sure I need one though so I will just do whatever my surgeon says.

Fran, What if you switched your starch to lunch time rather than dinner? That might up your energy in the middle of the day. Do you have enough calorie deficit to add a protein shake mid afternoon perhaps?

I'm obsessed lately with thinly sliced raw zucchini dipped in fat free thousand island! Yum!

I found it to be pretty easy once you REMEMBER to chew chew chew. The remembering was the hardest part!

Lunita, Do you know if your doctor left Fluid in or put fluid in at the time of banding? Sometimes, when I run across people with these symptoms their doctor has already put some fluid in. Some end up going to have the fluid removed. That being said, it could be gas pains and maybe with the hiccups it is most likely gas. Walking helped me a lot. Keep sipping - no matter what - you don't want to get dehydrated. I would suggest you call your doctor and let them know what is going on. Best wishes and keep us posted.

I love Target's version of Crystal light. They have way more flavors to choose from - all sugar free. Cherry limeade, tangerine strawberry, lime margarita, strawberry daiquiri, grape, strawberry lemonade, fruit punch and others...

For me, water is key. I believe, however mistaken I may be, that the more I drink the more fat gets flushed away. I generally drink 70-80 oz a day.

I eat fish and organic free-range dairy but no other animal products. I've been doing so for over two years. I am also interested in recipes and sharing ideas. Right now I am loving Quorn Chik'n Patties. I don't generally use or like meat substitutes because I don't want to feel like I'm eating animal products but for some reason Quorn products are ok. Maybe we can convince the powers that be to create a subforum for us?

When you say that taking a breath makes you have pain - it makes me think it might be gas. I'm sure others will comment soon. If it is gas, keep moving and walking around.

I've been under 800 calories consistently for five weeks and am losing. I do notice that the scale moves more when I cut my carbs. For example, instead of having my Quaker Weight Control oatmeal for Breakfast, I have eggs. Maybe if you cut your carbs a bit, you might see some movement? Also, I'm drinking about 80 ounces of Water a day - gotta flush that fat out somehow! Maybe check your Fluid intake? Good for you for sticking to your guidelines despite not seeing the rewards at the moment! That's the hardest thing, I think - to be doing everything right and to not have the scale reflect it. You are doing the right things. Your hard work will pay off. I know there is another poster on this board, BetsyB, who has to eat between a certain calorie level to lose weight. I think she said between 800-900. She is also low carb (if I remember correctly). Maybe you need a certain level of calories. If you are journaling, try some stuff out - increase calories/decrease carbs.. see if you can hit your nutritional "sweet spot". Best wishes!

I started my protein shakes the day after I was banded. Ask your surgeon - each is different.