kab1278

Is it okay that I giggled a little? I felt your pain and had to smile because it is not fun! I had the same problem for two weeks after surgery, I believe. No one told me that the pain medicine tends to constipate you let alone the anesthesia. When I called my doctor's office, they recommended Colace, but that didn't do a thing. I then tried the stool softener/laxative pills with no success. I was drinking Water, taking Fiber...doing everything I could, but nothing worked. And unfortunately, doctors seem to not take this problem as seriously as we suffers think they should. I ended up using a suppository (my first EVER!) and that handled everything, thank the Lord. I had to use it another time or two, and then things were fine. If I had known what to expect, I would have taken a stool softener the night before surgery like I did the gas medicine. I am all about preventing pain when possible! So glad you found something that worked...even if a bit too well. Good luck!!! Kelley

OMG! You have noticed that too? The "let me out-do the doctors with my vast knowledge" attitude?! I once asked a question about feeling stuck and how bathroom use eased the feeling. Another person responded that one had nothing to do with another because it wasn't as though you have a PVC pipe running from your mouth to your rear. I thanked him for the anatomy lesson, explaining I thought I was made of copper on the inside. I know the comment itself isn't mean in and of itself, but his entire post was a bit uppity. I asked my husband his opinion what he thought and he agreed. We all have stories that are the same and different all at the same time and sharing with each other is very helpful. But no one has better answers than our doctors, and we are friends here to share, support and give opinions . Oh well. What are you going to do. I hope you don't leave Baishma (I hope I remembered your screen name correctly!). Good luck everyone! Kelley

I still haven't tried it but hope to soon! Good luck to everyone!

Hello again everyone!!! It seems that in the few days I missed checking into LBT, everyone has been snowed or iced in, or lost power because of the gas shortages associated with Texas! Wow! Well...anyhoo...I was glad to rediscover this thread as it took me about a half an hour. I haven't been on the site much lately nor since they changed things. So if I seem confused about things...I am! Ok...how to start...well, I became depressed and anxious as a teen and started Prozac which served me well for 2 years. When its effectiveness began to fade, as Rxs often can, I started taking Effexor XR. I started gaining weight very slowly even though I was on my school's and a community softball team, and running around like most teens do. A number of years later, my depression developed into Bipolar II Depressive (meaning I can get really, really depressed but my hypo-manic periods do not cause me to put reality aside in order to partake in high-risk activities. When I am hypo-manic, I am super fun and bubbly, ready to organize and clean my house from top to bottom.) So my psychiatrist moved me from Effexor XR to a different class of medication for Bipolar, and my weight gain stopped. I didn't lose any weight, but it finally stabilized. It wasn't until a few years after stopping the Effexor XR that my Mom asked if I had started my weight gain when I began taking the Effexor XR. We had found our answer. When I started gaining weight, I didn't let anyone help me because I was SO embarrassed. I had always been very happy with the way I looked...nothing special...but I was happy and that was all that mattered to me. And then gaining that weight; seeing family I hadn't seen in years; running into old classmates and dealing with being Bipolar and having Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Dx'd as a teen), I ran away from all help and probably made things worse without knowing it by not watching my food intake. Ok...last and (LOL)...last January, I went to the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD for a medicine protocol, which went well, but two of the meds they put me on after the protocol to go home on had a high propensity to make patients gain weight. In a month and a half, while eating a nutritionist planned diet, I gained 25 more pounds! I was inpatient for 4 months with the hospital keeping track of weight and food intake, and up until I started the new meds, I had gained 3 pounds over those 4 months. It was yet another blow. As I began to feel better psychologically on my new medications, I decided I was going to research the LapBand to get the aid I needed to lose 100lbs. I researched and researched, and researched, and decided it was my time to do something to help myself. I have been banded since 8/24/10 and have lost 28lbs! Currently I am in a depressive state which is why it took me so long to get back on here, but it seems to be lifting a bit with the sun we've had the past few days. I usually log my eating although other than Protein and calorie intake, I have no idea how to use the information because my surgeon hasn't been very helpful in that, but I have slacked off on logging for the past month and a half due to my depression. I spent 3 days in bed 2 weeks ago so logging wasn't much a priority. Same with exercise. I did order and get the Jillian Michaels "30 Day Shred" and like it. It is pretty old school, so it isn't hard to keep up with...well, physically it is, but the moves aren't. I wish I had someone to go to a Zumba class with, but with this anxiety of mine, that is a tough thing to do alone. But I am staying positive that February will be my back on track month, and I will start losing again (been stuck at same weight for 3 weeks). I am trying not to beat myself up because I have many issues to deal with, and I knew going in I would have to work doubly hard. I try to give myself a short period to feel badly and then say, "Ok. Now we get to start again." I think my "book" covered what you were kinda asking for. Feel free to ask questions or give advice. The only thing I ask is that if I ask a question about my digestive track, you don't answer me back that "it isn't like you have a piece of PVC pipe from your esophagus to your bowel". Yea...some guy actually told me that. I thanked him for the physiology lesson. LOL Still makes me giggle. Hope it makes you giggle too! Keep warm. Please pray that Spring starts...oh...tomorrow! And be Blessed!

I just found this recipe at food choices are getting so stale after only 6 months and very little initial help from my dietitian that I am looking for different things to try. Hope you (and I) like. Be blessed! Kelley Cilantro-Lime Cod Recipe submitted by DaVita dietitian Debbie from Maryland. Portions: 4 Serving size: one 3-ounce fillet Ingredients 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoon lime juice 1 pound cod fillets nonstick cooking spray Preparation In medium bowl combine mayonnaise, cilantro and lime juice. Transfer 1/4 cup to a small bowl and set aside to serve as sauce with fish. Brush fish with remaining mayonnaise mixture. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add cod fillets and cook turning once, for 8 minutes or until fish is firm but moist. Serve with cilantro-lime sauce. Nutrients per serving Calories: 292 Protein: 20 g Carbohydrate: 1 g Fat: 23 g Cholesterol: 57 mg Sodium: 228 mg Potassium: 237 mg Phosphorus: 128 mg Calcium: 14 mg Fiber: 0 g

Oh goodness Ladies! I need a bunch like you in my life. I have beenfeeling so alone and so unsupported by my husband and family because they haven't much cared to learnhow to support me. Obviously if I am invited to my parents for dinner and they have forgotten I can't eat friend chicken, I have a problem. And my husband brings into the house half gallons of ice cream. Boy...everyday life can be harder when you are banded! Thank you for being the positive thread I needed to happen across. It was so nice to read about people just like me and know that we are here to support each other. Take care and God Bless! Kelley

Hi there! My name is Kelley, and I was banded 8/24/10. I made the decision to be banded for myself because it was time to put me first in my life. I also suffer from Depression, which my surgeon knows, and have been going through a tough time getting help from my support group (family, friends, doctor). So I decided to come to the best place to find someone to nudge me once in awhile...The LapBandTalk site! I am struggling with motivation to exercise, and head hunger...both of which have gotten worse since I got the band. I think it is the constant considerations and thoughts about the band that are doing it. I am 31 and have been married to my high school sweetheart for 5 years, although we dated for 9 years before that. :huggie: I am a house wife hoping for children in the next year or so in order to take full advantage of the Band. I started off at 245 pounds, 5'6", and hope to lose around 100 pounds. I have lost 30 and hope to pick it up a notch as I get my butt in gear! I bleed Blue & Gold as I am from the great state of West Virginia, and I cannot wait for Spring so I can go walking in the woods again. Thanks for your help and consideration!!! Be blessed! Kelley

What great replies! Thank you all for the information. As for the Phenergan Suppositories, are those Rx only? This was never addressed in the doctor's office, so I am wondering if I can get some just to be prepared. Also, I have already told my husband that unless we want to pay for a new band, get me to the ER if I get a virus and start throwing up. You can just never be too careful. Thanks again for sharing. It is so nice to talk to others who have the same fears so we can figure them out together.

Hope you feel better! Rest and relax, I say. Warm liquids always are the best for me when I have been sick. Lipton Soup is good and has tiny noodles that do not cause me any trouble because it has no chunks. Good luck!

I recently got stuck the other evening when it ran through my mind how a stomach virus will play out, Anyone has any experience? Is it painfull? Thanks, Kelley

I am realizing my food isn't quite "solid" enough (thanks to another poster on here...thanks Melissa!) and this is after being banded for over 2 months. Oy! So...I am off to revamp my menu. I see that many other people here really like to eat chili as Beans and meat have loads of Protein...but wouldn't chili be a slider, along with broth based Soups? I am thinking I would get lots of protein but little hunger satisfaction. Lord knows I can get pretty hungry. :rolleyes2: Hello boiled chicken breast...here I come!!! LOL Thanks everyone!!!

Thanks for the great response!!!

Thanks guys!!! :eek:

I had my second fill to 4cc's a week and a half ago. Since that time, I can feel most every bite I take in an uncomfortable way. I have had to hold off on meat such as chicken and fish, eating instead hearty Soups like turkery chili and peaches & cottage cheese. My now tighter band still hasn't helped me feel satisified when I eat. I am usually still hungry, and I have to stop eating just because I assume I should. (And I am not looking for a full sensation...just comfortable and satisfied.) So my first question is: 1-Why am I feeling every bite work its way down when one would think I would be feeling it once it hit/pass through the band...not before? 2-How do you know how much to shave off of your eating as each fill happens when you don't really experience a comfortable, satisfied physical feeling? I am telling you, I researched this band, going to seminars and consultations but until you have it, you really have no idea what questions to ask and what information you need. :frown: Thanks for the help!!!

:hi: Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks!!!

I love Cream of Wheats and Cocoa Wheats too! But I crave texture, so I understand your boredom. Here are a few things I eat: One of my favorites is an egg white (the real thing) and cheese deli flat. 2 egg whites=34 cal. 7.2g Protein 1 slice Kraft 2% American cheese=45 cal. 4g protein 1/2 Pepperidge Farm Deli flat, 7 grains= 50 cal. 3 g protein -I use 1/2 of the deli flat because 2 was a bit more bread to eat than was comfortable. I do toast the deli flat well just to make eating all that easier. Tomatoes, spinach, turkey sausage or a Morning Star patty would be a great addition. Oh...and I usually pair the sandwich with 1/4 cup low fat cottage cheese and 1/4 cup lite peaches. Also, I LOVE Kashi Go Lean Crunch (9 grams of protein per cup, I believe) and Krogers Carb yogurt (not sure of the numbers at the moment). Any brand yogurt that fits our band diet needs would do. Just add the amount of each food for the texture you want. I prefer more Cereal. Lots of texture! Hope you like them!

I received my second fill this past Wednesday the 27. Since then, my band has become a bit tighter. I have been drinking hot tea ever since(which in and of itself gives me the feeling of being a bit stuck for a few seconds) because I even has trouble with soupy, hot Coco Wheats. Well, here is the question... I had to use the bathroom tonight, and I would say I am emptied out. As I was using the BR, I heard and felt bubbles and gurgling start in my lower abdomen and go right up my tummy and tube. Now I am thinking I had so much trouble eating today is because I was full on the other end. Has anyone else experienced this? I was told that I may have to have some testing done that includes my read and a tube, and since this operation is expensive enough and a tube is a lot to handle, I wanted to know you know. Thanks bandsters!!

I am sorry you hurt so much. I never had any pain associated with the actual surgery. My pain came from the CO2 gas they pump in and can't get out. Ow wee did it hurt! I found gas pills and the such didn't help much. Walking really was the best thing that helped the gas pains, for me. And I see on here that many people say the same. As far as using the bathroom, that is normal. The anesthesia slows everything down, including your bowles. It could take awhile to get back to normal. My doctor told me to use Miralax or Colace. I just bought the generic version of Miralax and that took care of things. Also, many people on here drink a tea called Smooth Move Tea by Traditional Medicinals. They even have chocolate flavor. Oh...and hydrocodone connstipates too. So as soon as you are feeling better physically and can cut them down or out all together, I would. Hope that helps! Good luck!!

I have been banded since 8/24 and have not once thrown up. I have taken a bite of too dry pork that made me uncomfortable for 15 minutes. It felt like a place below my sternum was very irritated and closed off. That is the best I can describe it. I think the reason why I haven't had any worse issues than that onee time of being very uncomfortable is that I am very cautious. I listen to my doctor, nutritionist, and what people say on here and out it into practice. They say little bite, I take a little bite. They say make sure the meat is tender and moist, and I make sure it is (after that one ooops). Don't be afraid of the food. Just be careful and follow directions, and I bet you'll be just fine! Oh...and I have no idea how big the opening is. Sorry.

I don't know about that because I have only been banded since August, but I def. call your doctor. Never too careful. Good luck!!!

I was banded 8/24 and had my first fill a few weeks later. I didn't have any restriction and was dying for the 6 weeks until my second fill to pass. Well, I got my second fill today, and boy did it take! I can eat and drink just fine, but am I slowed down! I think I'll stick with soft foods for the next day or two and then back on regular food. I am hoping my weight loss gets going now!!! When you finally get some restriction, does it loosen up a bit with time? Just curious.

I was banded 8/24 and my scars are a pretty vibrant red considering how very pale I am. I am a redhead so paleness is part of the package! I use Vit. E oil also as my PCP thought the scars were a little bumpy. She felt the oil with massage would help smooth them. But she also warned to keep them out of the sun or they would get worse. And when I lose my weight, I plan to rock a bikini, scars and all! :laugh: I figure if I work this hard to lose the weight, anyone who wants to stare at my scares can because I'll be at a good, healthy weight lookin' fine! Haaaa!

I was banded Aug. 24 and have been the same as you every day since. Either I can't use the bathroom, or I can use it "too well", and I never know which day will be which problem. I have tried all of the OTCs and the only things that have given me relief when I cannot go were suppositories. But of course, those fix a current problem but does nothing to keep the problem away. However, sometimes you just need the relief even if you know it won't help tomorrow. And the good thing about them is you know when you will "go" (usually 15 to 60 minutes) whereas other OTC products could start working when there is no bathroom around. I even switched from Water to calorie-free Powerade so I would throw my electrolytes off and walk ALL the time. I went to my PCP and she disgnosed me with IBS and has started me on a Rx. We'll see what happens. I wonder if having this or any surgery is known to sort of "set off" IBS symptoms. Hmmmm? I hope you feel better soon!

Thanks Apples2! I def need to get some because my chocolate craving has been NUTTY!!! How I didn't buy a dark chocolate bar at the grocery store yesterday, I do not know. But hot chocolate will make all the difference!

I would love an instant hot chocolate that we bansters can drink without killing our calories. This morning, I did have a regular cup as that is all I have and the sugar is CRAZY! But I have really been wanting chocolate, so it is my treat for the week. I helped a little by using mostly Water and FF dry milk to make it creamy. With all the diet hot chocolate choices out there, what is your favorite? Do you do anything to them to make them an extra special treat? Thanks!!!