Hello, I have not posted in a while. I have been very busy. I had my first fill on Monday 11/17/03. My surgery was on 9/18. Since the 18th I have lost 38 lbs. I thought I had some restriction before my fill. Boy I was WRONG! I had 2 ccs put in. I must say the first two days I could only swallow a bite or two. I think I must have been swollen. But today I was able to put down Tuna fish (1/4 cup) So that is good.

The procedure went well, Dr. Garber had to try two times. But, after he "stuck it" he inserted 2ccs. I had 3 gulps of the Chalky stuff and physically had to stop. I was filled up like a tank of gas done filling. Right after that we watched the Tele to see the stuff going down. Weird. I finally saw my band. Cute little thing. It was amazing. I must say I had my first pain in the chest from those gulps. It hurt. But that is the feeling of restriction. I have to learn that feeling. I feel like a baby learning to eat again.

What is strange is I get those gas pains again (from the first 2 weeks post op) when I eat. Does that happen to anyone else? What could that be? Is it possible after 2 months the gas is still there. Or is it something new? Its in my shoulder. Same place where it was before. My stomach is once again gurgling. After reading some posts the Gurgling has happened before.

Sorry for rambling but I just wanted to get my thoughts down to write what I am feeling. I think its important to get things out. I am so happy I got this surgery. I would do it all over again. I do know in the beginning I was so damn paraniod of everything. After reading all posts and posting my thoughts things seem to be easing my mind. Its always important to answer peoples questions or concerns because I was there once. I am sure many more questions will come up for me. And I know where I can come. Here. Its very comforting to know we are not alone. On that NOTE, Thank you all. We all can get thru this together.

Hey Jennifer --

Congrats on your great weight loss. From what I understand, things should gradually get better on the fill as far as what you can eat and swallow. But, be sure you're not too restricted because you need to be able to get your protein and other vitamins.

Good luck.

Elizabeth

8/28/03

Hey Jennifer -- hi there! I'm glad to hear you're doing well!

You're exactly right about the post-fill learning curve; it's just like learning to eat again post-surgery. Take it easy! The restriction level can change suddenly, so every time you eat start out really slowly.

With regard to your shoulder pain, I doubt it has anything to do with gas at this point. It's probably just referred pain due to a nerve being affected by your band, tube, or port. If it gets worse definitely mention it to your doctor, but I'll bet it's nothing to worry about.

Congratulations on your terrific progress!!

Thanks for the words of wisdom ladies.

I'm going to have my first fill Jan 7th!

I can't wait, I've stoped losing for the past 10 weeks!

Hi Jennifer -

Congrats on your terrific loss to date. I agree completely with Alexandra re: referred pain and unpredictable changes in restriction, and with Elizabeth's caution against being TOO tight.

I read a lot of posts in many different forums where people are looking for the "1-3 bites/I'm done" feeling. My take on this is that these people are likely TOO tight, because I doubt they're able to get in the calories their basal metabolism requires. Yes, they're losing weight... but what kind of weight? Muscle or fat, and what percentage of each? Muscle burns fat, and the more muscle we have/keep, the better our metabolism works.

Just food for thought... :cool:

And congrats again!

I read a lot of posts in many different forums where people are looking for the "1-3 bites/I'm done" feeling. My take on this is that these people are likely TOO tight, because I doubt they're able to get in the calories their basal metabolism requires. Yes, they're losing weight... but what kind of weight? Muscle or fat, and what percentage of each? Muscle burns fat, and the more muscle we have/keep, the better our metabolism works.

great 'food for thought' donali...

i now have 3.6 cc and am eating about 3/4 of a cup of food i had been thinking maybe i need some more...do i sound like a junkie? lol but i maybe i am good where i am. i can enjoy food with minimal pain (unless i dont chew as well as i should) and i can eat a nice variety.

i have felt like i was gorging myself especially over thanksgiving i had a bad fill and had no restriction. i magically dropped 11 pounds! i am not sure HOW i lost it but i am not gonna argue with the scale!

Jennifer- WAY TO GO ON THE AWSOME LOSS!!!!!!

Michelle -

...am eating about 3/4 of a cup of food i had been thinking maybe i need some more...

Do you mean more food, or more fill?

Sounds like you definitely do NOT need more fill to me, particularly with your loss over t-day - whoo hooo!

i meant fill! i physically couldnot eat more than that. (i could but i am working on not getting stuffed just satisfied. PLUS i dont want to PB!) at 3/4 cup i am satisfied!

i was thinking i wanted 1/2 cup restriction. TIGHT TIGHT TIGHT!!!! i am pretty satisfied with where i am right now!

i had the 'bad fill' 11-19 it wasnt bad the syrenge popped out and they lost some of the saline leaving me with 2.8 instead of 3.4. i have since had 2 fills and it was determined i have no leak just the freaky fill. i now have 3.6 and am FINALLY THERE!!!!

you could do connect the dots where my port is though! (i WISH my dr would do fills under fluoro)