Hi guys,

I could use some help. I'm now 2 weeks post banding, and I'm feeling stressed.

I don't seem to get that full feeling, (I know that since I haven't had a fill yet I theoretically don't have any restriction) but I do get pain when I eat. It feels like my chest is going to explode. So I slow down, but still I seem to be eating more than the 1/2-1 cup that we are supposed to eat, especially when I eat mushies.

I've been seeing a lot of bad outcomes here on the forums, and I'm begining to have doubts that I should have done this. Even so I'm also worried that since I am eating "too much" I'm ruining my pouch anyway.

Thoughts support and advice are all welcome.

Benet

Hey Benet-

Hang in there. I don't think that you have a pouch yet to ruin, but you have to be careful all the same. I was banded on the 4th of October...so no fill for me, either. They warned me that once I felt better and before the fill...I'd be hungry with little restriction....so I have just tried hard to stick with it! The rewards will be greater than the pain, I promise! You should have seen my friend's faces who haven't seen me for 30 pounds at my church. SO MUCH FUN! And now 39 pounds later I feel so much better already, and I've just begun. Having said all that, I've eaten more than I should a few different times, and although I regretted the cheat...nothing hurt or felt too full. Are you are eating a LOT more than a cup, or are you eating and drinking together, or are you taking huge, "normal" bites??? Maybe you just need to slow down.

As far as the pain, I encourage you to call your doctor and ask. You'll hear plenty of advice that's great on this site...but you'll sleep better if you hear from your doctor that everything's great, or that he wants to see you.

"Buyer's Remorse" is something we've all felt. Stay the course, be consistent, and you'll reap the reward!

Jon

I only get that pain when I eat too fast. Also, my doc says 99% of people have no restriction before the fill. I eat 1- 1 1/2 cups of food at dinner. (not so much at breakfast or lunch b/c my band is "looser" at night. Don't woryy yet - you're in the akward healing stage but once you heal and begin eating real food it will probably work itself out. Just go SLOW!

By the way I couldn't help but notice you only have 29 lbs to go -- I am wondering why someone who only needs to lose 29 lbs got banded?! Just curious.

Hhmmmm........i am confused too.........

First, thanks for the support, and keep it coming. As for why the operation with only 29 lb to go...

I have lost almost 100 lb. 3 separate times in my life, each time the stars had lined up, and I was able to watch my intake while maintaining physical activity, then something would change and I'd slip back into my old patterns. Three times I regained all that I had lost and then some (getting progressively heavier). I looked at a history of heart attack, stroke, diabetes etc., etc., etc. in my family. Then I looked at my own health history; I made a decision to not follow the same path.

I had my initial consultation, in mid February (BMI 42) and for personal reasons had to put off surgery till now. During that time I worked hard on maintaining a consistent diet and exercise regimen, and even though I had the band placed when I had a BMI of 30, I saw (and see it still) as my insurance policy against regaining the weight.

I hope that this explanation clarifies why I am banded and that others understand that I did not do this for frivolous or cosmetic reasons.

Benet

I totally understand - I guess I was just confused on why a doctor would do that though. Good luck!!

Benet, I wish that I was banded one of the previous times I lost my excess weight. Then I wouldn't be going through this now. Smart idea. Celeste

Hi Benet, the pain sounds like you are getting things "stuck". This means you probably need to start slow not just slow down. Many poeple have found that they need to switch to a baby spoon and fork.

Your body is still in the "AAAHHH AAAHHH AAAHHH WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME???!!!!!" phase. I think everyone goes through this stage.

I wouldn't say lots of bad outcomes. I suppose it depends on what you mean by "lots" and "bad outcomes." But remember, this is a support board. Folks that are doing really well generally don't need support. Not a lot of "oh I'm having a wonderful afternoon, I'm not sure how to handle it."