BUNNY7

Hi there.... we share a banding birthday and my experience is very similar to yours. I also have had 4 fills and the restriction is ever so slight but mostly not enough. I also eat far more that the recommended palm size/half a cup. I followed a thread on this site called 'starting over' and those ladies have been so humble, so helpful and so honest about how tough it really is for a lot of us bandsters. They have lost loads of weight, gained weight but still are winning - suggest you read their posts. Most of them had the banding done over 2 years ago. I haven't lost more than a kilo since December so was feeling totally discouraged and wanting to give up. They have inspired me and i'm feeling more positive and ready to try another fill.... always dread them as I arrive feeling guilty! I'm going to book for my next fill in the new week so will be holding thumbs for both of us. :thumbup:

Hey there Shely - thanks for the information. It was the portion size I was looking at as that's my problem but good to see what you eat for new ideas - I start the day pretty near to what you have. Half a cup is what the dietician says but I'm just not satisfied by that and still feel like I need more food. I like the idea of a tea saucer - will try it this weekend. Have a good one....:Angel_anim:

Hi Shelly Thanks so much for the encouragement!!! Hooray for your doc being so helpful and you finding restriction - I totally related to all you said. I played down how hard it's been - I've stayed at the same weight for 4 months with a bit up and a bit down now and again so anger, depression, doubt and guilt have been my unwelcome buddies for way too long. I had such high hopes of losing at least 50% of my weight by now but not my story so far I get you about being scared of losing the restriction .... we so want this to work!!!! I definitely have to go for another fill so will make that booking this week - never a fun outing hey! I will share your story with the man. I'm also NOT a gym bunny so well done to you for making a start :Banane52: . I have a orbital stationery bike which I want to start on soooon. (I've just moved house so not organised yet). Just a question if you don't mind - What is your portion size for each meal and what is your common daily 'menu'. I'm holding thumbs for your success with the new restriction.... :thumbup:

Hi All - it's been ages since I've been on but good to see all the posting and the ups and downs of the banding journey. I was banded on the 14 September 2010 and it's been such a hard journey as despite 3 fills, I still haven't reached the restriction I hoped for. Sooo, that means that I can eat way more than I should be able to do - I tested it on pizza a few days ago. No fullness! I have 12cc band and am sitting at 7cc at the moment so have some way to go. I'm hanging in there, trying to keep my portion sizes to the half cup but it's tough!

How are you doing? I haven't lost much either - the real weight loss seems to come when the fill is perfect! Hope your doc hit the spot first time!

Hi all you September bandsters... wondered how you're all doing with November now here and the festive season around the corner. I been doing a lot of research into the whole 'fill' thing and the penny finally dropped that it may take a few months to reach that elusive 'sweet spot' that everyone is talks about. I can easily eat 2 cups of food and feel no restriction though I'm not going overboard as I'm terrified of damaging the band. I realise that I'm going to need another fill next month - I was disappointed but it's just par for the course in the banding journey that it takes a few fills to find that perfect spot where you feel satiated. Hope you're all getting in the right foods and have a great month.

Hi there! You can find Dr G D BROMBACHER on the internet as he has a webpage that gives you all the information you need. Just google his name - Ithink it's the second name from the top. You can phone Sunninghill Hospital - Jhb and they will also be able to give you a name up in Gauteng. Dick Brombacher is in Pietermaritzburg. Best wishes

Thanks for sharing your fill experiences.... we all seem to be going through a similar experience and trying to reach that place. I've only had one fill of 4cc and feel no restriction. I could also easil consume two cups of food. It's tough!!!! How long do you have to wait between fills?

Girls, girls we are here to support one another not to try and root out where Ayana is at fault!!!! Not everyone has the finances, ability or opportunities that lucky PhranP has. We just can't assume anything on this website. Ayana, I'm sure you're feeling angry, confused, disappointed and totally frustrated. I get that as I've been in the same boat off and on. After reading some of the more encouraging and informative comments on this thread, I suddenly realised that a big part the problem is lack of restriction and not knowing that there's a journey of a few months to find it - the FAMOUS SWEET SPOT!! My doc has never mentioned it Ayana, you have been hugely brave in taking this radical step so I encourage you to take a deep breath, grab hold of your courage that's in there somewhere and give it another go. Also phone the doc and discuss having another fill. I am giving it another week of no sense of having had enough (the band is going to give us this message eventually!!) and then I'm going to phone my doc. We 're all behind you and want you to push through this first hill in front of you. Let us know how you're doing.

Hi there - I'm also in my 50s and trying to unlearn habits too. Had my first 4mls fill a week ago and I'm noticing very little difference. I never feel "tight" and can drink and eat at the same time without any noticable effect - I don't make a habit of this but tried it too see. Nothing. It seems I'll need another fill if I compare notes with you. Thanks for the information.

We're all feelling worried about you - PHONE YOUR DOCTOR PLEASE. The dizziness sounds like dehydration so make sure you're drinking 8 glasses of Water a day. Let us know how you're doing....we're rooting for you.

I was on clear liquids for 2 weeks but took vitamins daily, had a Meal Replacement split over 2 serves every day, (Ensure 1/2 cup), clear broth and loads of sugar free jelly/jello and of course a lot of liquid in the form of a diluted fruit juice. Physically, I also took it very easy and had plenty of rest and quietness for 2 weeks. Didn't lift heavy things nor did I do much beyond slow walks at the local mall. I was very tired after my surgery which took 1 hour and 8 minutes and I know this knocks your system so important to take great care of yourself. Hope this helps. Bunny

I finally found out the answer to this on the internet.... if you drink liquid straight after eating, your meal is literally washing out the food that's just arrived in your pouch into the larger stomach = hungry quickly! Drinking just before a meal fills the pouch and then you can't get your full serve in as your pouch is already half full or even three quarters full. :smile2: This is quite tough as you have to remember to drink before hand and then STOP in time and stay dry for at least 1 hour afterwards. I'm not good with time awareness!!!:thumbup:

I also battle with this but I find it's worse if I haven't had a lot of liquids between my meals. I try to get through 1 1/2 litres a day. I have a tiny sip of water with a meal if I feel particularly thirsty but the thought of clearing my pouch of food too quickly and then being hungry in an hour keeps me disciplined! I have a dry mouth just writing this which means I need some more water. You're not alone! :thumbup:

:thumbup:Congratulations on making a lifechanging decision - you're now on the other side and your big adventure has started! The pain started easing a little each day as the wounds starting healing. One week down the road it was totally manageable. 6 weeks down the road no pain unless I twist around to go something - more of a pulling feeling. The bowel movement part is important - I recommend you get something to help. Don't expect any 'large results' :thumbup: You have had very little food in your system so not much waste product. I used a product called Movicol which is a powder you stir into Water and drink. It keeps what is in your inside soft and smooth as you really don't want constipation. All in all post recovery = rest, rest, rest. Keep an eye on your port for any redness increasing - phone doc, sleep, take Vitamins and keep up your Fluid intake. I drank Vitamin based drinks all day.