DebH

I was banded 10/25 and have already had two fills. I am up to 7 ccs. I have had no significant problems for which I am very thankful, but I am a little disappointed that the weight hasn't dropped off more quickly. I exercise at least 5 times a week and write down everything that I eat. I am careful with my calories and am getting in the recommended amount of protein. I was hoping that with the band I would not be able to eat as much so I wouldn't be so obsessive with the "dieting" aspect. But I feel that, at this point, I still need to closely monitor everything that goes into my mouth yet I still seem to be losing very slowly. I know...everyone is different, but it is still frustrating. On a more positive note, I love that I can eat a fraction of what I used to eat and feel satisfied and not hungry until hours later. YEAH!

So sorry that you had such a horrible experience today. My first fill I felt absolutely nothing. My second fill I could barely get the water down in the office and belched constantly for the next 30 minutes, then sporadically throughout the rest of the day. I also could barely get down my clear protein and water that day, but the next day was much better and two days later I was eating as before the fill, just not as much. Hopefully you will feel better when your swelling goes down.

I use a site called Calorie Protein Counter. I have not yet tried to put in a recipe but the site has a tab for that.(I just noticed it today) I have just ben using it to figure out the calories and protein of what I am eating, but there are a few recipes that I would like to put in for more accuratge information.

I searched this site and did not find any information so I am throwing this out there. Has anyone experienced a discoloration of their finger nails after being banded? I am 7 weeks post op and about 2 weeks ago a couple of my finger nails started getting a yellow/orange tint, sort of like smokers fingers, only I have never smoked. Now all of my nails have a the same discoloration. I am taking multi-vitamins and am getting 60-80 grmas of protein a day so I am not sure what could be causing this. I am going to call my surgeon in the morning, but wondered if anyone else has had this problem.

My burping has definitely increased since being banded. Some days I don't burp at all and other days I sound like a drunken sailor. I have not been able yet to determine if there is a pattern to what makes some days worse. I just say excuse me and try not to draw anymore attention to myself than necessary. Also many times at the end of a meal, I can tell when I am getting full because I have 2-3 painful hiccups. I stop eating and that stops them. It is sort of a good signal so I could tolerate it if it lasts.

I had the same experience at about the same time 3-4 weeks post op. I got on the scale and had gained 2 lbs and was besides myself crazy that I had failed again. It was then that I made a decision to only get on the scale once a week (same scale, same time) and that has kept my emotions at bay. I am losing very slow, which is rather disappointing, but NOT weighing myself everyday, keeps me sane! If you are watching what you eat and getting in your Protein it has to come off. Don't be so hard on yourself! (I have to tell myself that frequently!)

It really amazes me how different everyone is, especially with regard to fills. I am only 6 1/2 weeks post op, have already had 2 fills and am currently at 7 ccs in a 11 cc band. I was very restricted for 24 hours after the last fill, but now I don't feel all that restricted, which I was thinking was odd, but it sounds like others have had the same experience. I take my time eating and chew things very well so I am wondering if that is why the food is going down smoothly. I can go a nice long time without getting hungry, but when I do eat I always feel like I could put in more. I think I would like to feel restricted a little sooner but don't go back to the doctor until after the new year.

I didn't have a string but I did have a piece of nylon almost 1/2 inch long that stuck out of my port incision. I did not notice it until after my 1 week post-op visit. When I went back to the doctor 2 weeks later I showed him and he snipped it off. He said it was a stitch that had worked its way out and nothing to worry about. I tried to pull it out myself then stopped because I thought it might be some type of port marker. My doctor just laughed when I told him that. It may have been stitch remnants like mine was. I am sure if it was problematic your Dr. would have said something. As far as the scabbing, I had a couple scab spots until almost 5 weeks post op.

I am so sorry you had such a horrible experience. I am glad though that you went to the ER and at least got something to ease your pain. Hopefully you will heal quickly and can begin to enjoy the benefits of this experience even though it was a terrible way to start. Feel better!

I admire your resolve. I was just banded 10/25 and I too have a history of doing much baking during the holidays. In fact the other day I baked the pieces of a gingerbread train that my husband and I put together today. (Not decorated yet) I mentioned that I was not going to bake this year and got many complaints from my family and friends. I also have a family party at my house the week before Christmas. I have decided that I will bake, but I am making much less than I usually do so that after the company there will be little or nothing left and if there is some left I am taking it to work. My husband is good with this as he is also benefitting from my banding since I have so much less food in the house. LOL. DON'T FEEL GUILTY...you will be happy with your decision once the holidays are done and you haven't gained any weight!

Every doctor and every person is so different. I had my first fill just 3 1/2 weeks post op and my doctor put in 4 ccs. I felt absolutely nothing. I went back last Thursday (2 weeks later) and he put in another 3 ccs for a total of 7ccs. I felt the difference before I even left the office. I had a hard time that day even getting in my Clear liquids, but woke up the next morning and had thin oatmeal, yogurt for lunch, then a regular dinner. I feel the full "restriction" much quicker but have had no problems. Most people that I have heard from tell me that having 7 ccs, 5 weeks post op is pretty aggressive, but it feels "right" to me. I think it is important to listen to your body and hopefully you can trust you doctor to make judgements that are in your best interest.

I so enjoyed reading your post. I was banded 10/25/10 and have already had two fills. In the past 6 weeks I have had many ups and downs, but fortunately have not regretted my decision. I am very impatient though, and I was so happy this past Thursday with my second fill, when I finally felt some restriction. I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I am feeling this full by eating so little, my head is telling me that I have overeaten, when I know that I haven't because I am writing everything down. I certainly hope that in 14 more weeks I can be as close to my goal as you are. Way to go! Keep up the terrific job!

Calico your response makes sense to me. I am one month post op and get full quickly but am starting to get hungry sooner even after one fill already. However, I am still eating oatmeal, yogurt, scrambled eggs, etc. The times that I have eaten more substantial food, like beef tips, lobster tail and turkey today, I definitely stayed full much longer. I was thinking that I had to chew everything till it basically dissolved in my mouth, but your doctor is correct, it would then just slide right through. I am going to try to be more aware of this fact. Thanks for a different insight. Good luck with your progress.

Well Thanksgiving dinner is over, the kitchen is clean and the company had left. I took your warning 123crod and I stayed away from the bread, rolls and butter.(Thank you) I had a bite or two of all the sides (even a few bites of stuffing) and a satisfying portion of turkey. I was full, but not miserable as in years past and fortunately I busied myself with cleaning up and making doggie bags for everyone to take. (The only leftover we kept is turkey) It was a wonderful dinner with great family and the food was not my focus! I loved it...and I also loved that I was the only one not complaining of indigestion and looking for antiacids after dinner. LOL I hope you all had a blessed day!

Tomorrow it will be one full month since I was banded and the only thing I am mad about is that I did not do it years ago. I am careful what I eat and I eat very small portions, but so far I have enjoyed just about anything I want. Thanksgiving today was much easier than I thought, I had one bite of each of the sides but only after I ate a good 3 ozs of delicious turkey. The only thing I did not attempt was the bread, rolls and butter. I even had a very little piece of cheesecake, but waited about an hour after I ate dinner so as not to stuff myself. I did not feel deprived at all and was the only one that did not have indigestion or feel miserable hours later!!!!!. I have also found that you must chew, chew, chew and then most foods are tolerable. I am not losing as quickly as I expected, which is a little disappointing, but I love that I do not have to stuff myself to feel satisfied and can go several hours before getting hungry. I was also concerned about social situations and eating at work, but in the past month, and several social engagements, not one person has seemed to noticed that I am not eating much. It is amazing how much more social you can be when you are not eating the entire time! LOL. Just keep your focus on all the positive benefits that you will experience rather than what you may be missing!

I am also having a hard time getting in enough quality calories and originally was not even making 600 a day. At that point there were even a couple days that I gained a pound a day. After much positive feedback through this forum, I did two important things 1) I upped my calories and now get in 700-800 a day and 2) I stopped getting on the scale every day (which was making me carzy) and now just get on once a week. Since I attempt to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day I feel better with a little more calories. Regarding the BM...I had heard from many people that constipation is common. Years ago I found a herbal tea (called "Dieter's Tea") which I know GNC carries, that has senna in it and I would have a cup of it after dinner. At about 3 weeks post op I started drinking a cup of this tea in the evenings. It does not make me have a BM every day, but when I do, it is easy to pass.

This will also be my first Thanksgiving with the band. I am not too nervous about it. I always cook and in prior years by the time dinner was served I was never in the mood to eat so I seldom over ate at this meal. So this year I will do what I have always done, just put a little bite of everything on my plate and only eat until I start to feel full. My greatest temptation is sweets so I know I need to be more vigilant in that area so that I don't fill up on those easy to go down desserts! All in all I am extremely THANKFUL this year for this wonderful opportunity to lose my weight once and for all!

I was banded on 10/25/10 and had my first fill of 4 CCs at 3 1/2 weeks on 11/18/10. I was expecting to notice a big difference but I really didn't notice anything. I go next week 12/02 for another 2 CCs and am hoping to feel more restriction. I find that I do get full very quickly but after about 3 hours I start to get really hungry...groaning stomach hungry, so I think the food is leaving my stomach too quickly at this point. I am trying to stay on track by writing down everything I eat, the calories and the amount of protein, which is keeping me in control. It is amazing how everyone's body reacts so differently!

I am 4 1/2 weeks post op and have already had my first fill a week ago. I also had very little restriction. I found that I got full quickly, but always felt that I could eat more if I wanted to. I controlled my portions by writing everything down and keeping track of my calories and my Protein intake. The more protein I could get in the better. I am now in the habit of using at least one protein shot a day (3.4 ozs with 26 grams of protein). Since my fill last week I haven't notice any greater restriction. I can pretty much eat anything so I am using the journaling to keep me focused. I have another appt. next week and my doctor said he thinks he will give me another 2 CCs at that time so I am hoping for more restriction. I am losing but very slowly.

Monday it will be two weeks since I was banded. The first 9 days after surgery I only lost 4 lbs. and this morning I got on the scale and even gained a pound. I am eating less than 600 calories a day, getting in my protein (about 60 grams) and exercising every single day. It took me 2 years to prepare myself for this surgery and my greatest fear was that it would not work and already I feel like it will be just another failed attempt for me. I know that I will not lose overnight, but I did expect to be moving in the right direction not gaining. My surgeon and bariatric nurse said the 4 lbs was okay and I should start calulating loss from there, but what if I don't lose? I am scheduled for my first fill on the 18th. Does anyone have any insight for me?

Again thank you all for the support you have given. Believe me I covet your advice and I am already benefitting from your experiences. I did have a horribly, depressed weekend. I went back to work on Monday and like I thought, it put me in a much better frame of mind. ALSO I have not gotten on the scale all week. I have to go to my kidney doctor for a 6 month check up tomorrow. And at least I know I weigh less than I did at that last visit so that is a small victory even though I don't know what I weigh today. I am exercising every day, walking or getting on the elliptical machine for 25-30 minutes a day. I am still having a really hard time getting in more calories. I think I am so hyper focused on getting in over 60 grams of Protein a day that I am eliminating any allowable food that doesn't have a hefty dose of protein but could provide me some healthy calories. I am however, feeling more confident everyday that I am on the right course. It is a process, it is a process, it is a process....my new mantra!:thumbup:

Holy Mackeral! 34 lbs!!! That is terrific. It makes the discomfort worth it doesn't it! Keep up the good work!

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. Today has just been a really hard day for me and I can't shake this feeling right now. Since I have only been on soft and puree for the past 4 days I have eaten things like greek yogurt, babyfood meat, protein shakes and medifast oatmeal which has 11 grams of protein in it. So I don't think it is too much carbohydrates. I am not going to get on the scale until next Friday so I think that may help my overall mood. Any suggestions on how to get in more protein? I do a protein shot each day to supplement, but would like to do more. I don't know what I would do without this site to turn too. I just can't fail this time!

I am a school social worker and while my workload does not seem as difficult as yours (especially the take home stuff) I seldom have time for lunch during the day. What I have started to do though is I brought a pair of sneakers to keep in my office at work and when I have a free 15-30 minutes I fast walk the building. My building has four separate flights of stairs so I circle once or twice going up and down each staircase then back to my office. This way if I can't find the time when I get home at least I know that I got up and moved at some point in the day. With your schedule and amount of work I can understand your dilemma.