shutuplena

So I went to my first party since being banded in November and I felt so out of place. Like I didn't know what to do with myself. I wanted to eat everything, but I knew I couldn't and I really didn't want it. I realized tonight how severe of a habit eating is. I actually felt like a nervous wreck without eating. It was like when I stopped smoking 15 years ago, you just need to do something with your hand. It's the same thing now. I am hoping this part of it is really just trying to break a habit and this will pass. Has any one experienced this mental turmoil? I'd appreciate your advice.

If it's not gas it might be your gall bladder. Do you still have yours? I had mine removed at the same time I was banded and I used to have the same kind of pains as you describe. What has your doctor said? You should have it checked out.

I lost 23lbs before my first fill which was 2 weeks ago. I feel more restriction then before the fill but I can feel myself getting hungrier every day. Ive heard it sometimes takes 3, 4 or 5 fills before you hit the sweet spot. let us know how your first fill goes.

That's so exciting and it's great to hear you're doing well. Just be alert to the fact that you might start getting gas pains. Mine started 2 days after surgery. Really bad! If you do, drink plenty of water, take Gas-X and walk as much as you can. Just wanted to give you a heads-up. Let us know how you're doing.

You shouldn't get full - you should stop when you are content. I know that's so hard because we're so used to eating til we make ourselves sick but that's why we got the band - to stop that from happening. Maybe eggs don't go down that easy for you. Does it do that when you other things. I know chewing eggs 30 times is next to impossible but it gets easier. Also, I see you had your first fill already. Maybe you're too tight. If it keeps happening, talk to your doctor. Good Luck!

I had my first consult with my surgeon on 7/29 and my surgery was 11/14. I went to so many doctors preop and it still only took 4 months. I could've had in done in October but I put it off a month. So, you should get a date shortly after approval from your insurance company. As you said, everybody varies. Good Luck!

I just wanted to make a comment about taking fiber. If you are to do so make sure you drink A LOT of water. Fiber has a tendency to clump up in your stomach if you don't drink tons of water to flush it out which would then cause you to feel even more bloated. Once you start eating again you should have a bowel movement. I didn't have one for over a week and my doctor told me to get Senekot, a very gentle laxative, and that worked wonders. I haven't had a problem since. Don't ever be embarrassed to ask questions. It's nothing we all haven't heard before or even experienced. Good Luck!

Thanks for the advice. I would've never thought of that.

Any meds I had to take I either crushed or cut in quarters until I was able to swallow them whole. If you or your doctor are unsure you can always ask the pharmacist and they can tell you. Good Luck!

I haven't seen any postings from Flabuless lately. Anyone know where she is? I used to see her on here all time.

I had my first fill last Thursday and for the first few days I wasn't hungry at all. Now one week out I'm starting to feel myself getting hungrier and can eat more. I've seen some people here that say they eat like 3/4 of a cup of food at each meal. I can eat way more than that. Does anyone else get this way? I'm pretty sure I will ask my surgeon for a second fill in February.

ReneBean, why does that happen to you when you fly? I'm curious because I'll be flying shortly and would love to know what happens with the band. Also, what does TOM mean?

Sounds to me like your band is too tight. Maybe your dr. can take some out. You've done so well with your weight loss. Good for you! Do you still have your gall bladder? The pains you're having be from that. Have it checked out. Lana

When were you banded? If it was about a few days ago, the pain you're having is probably gas. Mine was so bad I thought I was having a heart attack. If that's the case try taking lots of Gas-X and walking around. If you're a while post-op then I suggest you call your doctor.

You'll be able to deal with the hunger after surgery because you won't want to each much for the first week. Does your dr. require you to be on a preop diet? Mine didn't but many people here have and they can help you. Don't be scared, you'll be fine. Keep us posted.

I don't know that it has anything to do with the band. I had mine removed when they did my band. Have you been or do you eat fatty foods? They can sometimes bring on an attack.

Ask any many questions as you can, you've come to the right place.

Sounds to me like you could use another fill. The stomach does stretch after a while. Ask your dr. what he thinks.

The pain in your shoulder may be gas. I had it so bad after surgery that I thought I was having a heart attack. I took lots of Gas-X. CONGRATS ON THE SURGERY....let us know how you're doing.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Good for you and good advice. I miss McDonalds..........

Dr. Garber is wonderful. He sees patients on Thursdays. Ask me any question and I'll been happy to answer it.

I have no bad and no ugly. Only Great! The best thing I could've done. It is life altering and the decision shouldn't be taken lightly. You will have to change your eating habits but to know that there's something out there that can help you is truly a gift. Keep asking questions, and remember, if you chose to do it, you're doing it for yourself, not others. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Everyone is different. I just had my first fill and it probably wont be my last. Some people have 3, 4, 5 fills before it really works. You might be due for another one. Check with your dr. Great job on the 48 lbs.!

I had pain at the port site too and my doctor said it was just my muscle and body trying to reject the port and it just took a few days for my body to accept it. Hang in there, the pain will go away.

That was the first thing my nutritionist told me - "take vitamins 2x a day and eat protein, protein, protein or else your hair will fall out." Try looking at what you are eating and if you're not taking vitamins, you should start.