Hello,

I received the Realize band on December 23rd, and of course it has no fill right now. At this time I have lost 60lbs., which is great but I think there is a problem.

Since the surgery my stomach always feels full. I have no hunger or desire to eat. Right now my diet is supposed to consist of mushies, but I don't want to eat. When I do eat there is no sensation that I am getting full or satisfied probably because I feel full already. This does not change as the day goes on. While most people here might desire to feel full, the lap band is not supposed to work this way. The doctor claims it is because there is swelling still, but I am not so sure. Also want to add I get a runny nose and hiccups quite a bit now.

I am also having throat pain, and some sharp pains every once in a while near my abdomin.

Has anyone had this problem? Could the band just be too tight for me?

You're definitely still swollen. I felt like that for about 2-3 months after surgery. I didn't eat very much during this time and was losing.

I still get hiccups & a runny nose when I eat too much.

It'll be time for your body to get used to it.

I was banded on the 21st. i have not fill as of yet in my band. however i dont necessarily feel full but i eat what i am instructed and that is it whether i am full or not. To me it is mind over matter. it takes time getting used to . you need to eat for your body to repair and heal. if you dont you have the risk of dehydrating and your body will go into a starvation mode and conserve what reserve you have and you will not loose weight. i am sure there is still swelling but how much i am not sure. right now i can eat what i want. but that would be defeating the purpose of going through all these food phases prior to surgery and since surgery. i had the hiccups for almost two weeks but i figured i was eating too fast. i slowed my eating down and they subsided.

As far as a sore throat goes and a runny nose. right now i would think our immune system is a bit weak. we have changed our intake such you could be catching a cold. That is my biggest fear because i do not want to have to take liquid antibiotics (yuck). i still have pains in my tummy area too. but i asked my doctor about mine and he said it was the port because it was attached to the muscle wall. when i move it moves and until my muscles get used to the fact that something is attached i could have some sharp pinches in that area.

I wish you luck on your journey! congratulation on being a December Bandster!

60 pounds in less than a month! That is startling. Your Dr. is right though, most likely still swollen. As long as you are able to drink fluids and stay hydrated I wouldn't be terribly concerned. Hang in the for a couple more weeks. What did the Dr. have to say about your weight loss?

Thanks to everyone for responding, I really appreciate hearing from everyone that has gone through this situation.

My wife has been forcing me to eat according to the foods and amounts laid out by the doctor, so I don't go into starvation mode. I eat really slow, and never finish my 4 oz in the half hour, so by that point I just stop. I hope the swelling goes down soon because even with the smallest amount of food I start hiccuping and I am eating very slow. I wish I had a taste a desire for food and I wish I felt something when I eat. I will give it more time.

The Doctor did not mention my weight loss. I see him for a fill on Feb. 1st, but there is no way I am going to let him fill me if I am not even hungry.