getting used to the gastric band

[springtime2992 0]

Hi I had the gastric band done 3 wks ago. I found the operation quite difficult. I live in Dublin Ireland there are no support groups here. It's taken me 3 wks just recovering. I have lupus and sjerogens syndrome so I don't know if the tiredness is to do with my illness or the operation. I have lost only 10lbs but feel constanty hungery. I am due to get my first fill in the next 2 wks. I am so worried that it won't work.

When you get the first fill, will you eat less? I have no one to talk about my worries.

Any bit of advise would be great.

Many thank spring

[mint2bskiny 4]

I honestly started eating less after my first fill only because I didnt want to mess anything up. I had no restriction. But I made sure I ate wholesome foods. Thick foods and added Protein Powder to all my foods to make me full longer. Also in between my meals I drink Protein Shakes *i make mine with Protein powder almond milk fat free and instant pudding mix). I was starving by my first fill and the dr said it was very normal. it took 4 fills to get me where I am today. I am 5.25cc in a 10cc band. Some people need more and some people need less. Good luck on your journey this is the place to be asking for help. We are a great big family support system here!

[elcee 3,343]

I am quite surprised that they decided to band you. Having an autoimmune disease is supposed to be a contraindication for being banded.

[TKW 501]

I noticed more restriction with each fill but it took a good year to get enough restriction that I only eat 1 cup of food at a meal. It will come.

[springtime2992 0]

Thank you for replying I am most grateful Iam afraid I won't lose weight.

[springtime2992 0]

Elcee can you explain further what you mean, I don't understand but am interested to hear what you mean.

[elcee 3,343]

As far as I am aware having an autoimmune disease is one of the reasons given on the lapband site for a band not being recommended. When I have a chance I will try and find the info and post it.

[elcee 3,343]

Here is the info from Allergan's site.

Contraindications

The LAP-BAND^® System is not right for you if:

• You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohns disease.
• You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for any surgery.
• You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for any surgery.
• You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. That might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel).
• You have portal hypertension.
• Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). For instance, you might have a narrowed opening.
• You have/experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement.
• You have cirrhosis.
• You have chronic pancreatitis.
• You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the LAP-BAND^® System has been placed, the band may need to be deflated. The same is true if you need more nutrition for any other reason, such as becoming seriously ill. In rare cases, removal may be needed.)
• You are addicted to alcohol or drugs.
• You are under 18 years of age.
• You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the surgical area.
• You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment.
• You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that come with this procedure.
• You might be allergic to materials in the device.
• You cannot tolerate pain from an implanted device.
• You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases.

[Momto3redheads 18]

I am glad you found the site for support and to ask questions - there are NO stupid questions so feel free to pick our brains anytime --- that is what we are all here for...to help one another along this journey. You will find that nobody's journey is exactly the same - some folks have more trouble than others, etc, so don't let anything you read scare you.

The first 6 weeks after surgery is for healing - NOT weight loss. You will most likely feel hungry during the time, feel frustrated as you aren't losing weight, be tired as your body heals from major surgery, and most of us have second thoughts and wonder what in the world we have gotten ourselves into....this is all completely normal! You need to focus on getting enough Protein and calories in your diet right now so your body has what it needs to heal, heal, heal....now is not the time to be restricting (dieting) or worrying about weight loss...you need your body to heal well so you can kick off your journey on a positive note. I have noticed that it seems that some folks doctor's don't seem to stress this much with their patients - but mine did and I am ever so grateful as it helped me with my expectations and to not get discouraged early on. Actually I think I gained a couple of lbs during that first 6 weeks....but it was no biggie....

Once you get your first fill - don't expect a miracle...for most of us the first fill doesn't seem to do a thing. Most doctors will make you wait at least a week after that first fill to call back and let them know you still are getting hungry between meals, etc, and think you need another fill...usually they will schedule it sooner rather than later, I have found, so you don't have to wait another 6 weeks. Once you find your "sweet spot" you will find that you are not able to eat much more than a cupfull of food at a time - you need to focus on getting in your Protein as that is VERY important - so a cup of solid protein and you will find you don't have room for anything else! AND it will hold you until your next meal.....and your weight loss will become a steady, SLOW, loss...nothing drastic like we are used to seeing on the gastric bypass folks...I think that is what tends to upset folks as they have surgery and expect to be skinny right away --- but for most of us the real weight loss doesn't start happening for months afterwards...this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Hang in there --- get plenty of rest as your body went through a huge trauma and now has to adjust. Are you able to walk a bit every day to get some exercise in? That always seemed to help me build up my energy faster after surgery, if I was able to start exercising a bit and get out and about.

We are here if you have any questions - just holler!!!

Good luck!

Kim

[springtime2992 0]

Hi Kim,

Thank you so much and indeed everyone for replying.

Kim you have answered so many questions, and have given me some comfort.

I feel so much better about myself after your post.

This week I have started to walk a little bit, I am planning to join a gym soon.

Again Thanks a mill

Jackie

H

I am glad you found the site for support and to ask questions - there are NO stupid questions so feel free to pick our brains anytime --- that is what we are all here for...to help one another along this journey. You will find that nobody's journey is exactly the same - some folks have more trouble than others, etc, so don't let anything you read scare you.

The first 6 weeks after surgery is for healing - NOT weight loss. You will most likely feel hungry during the time, feel frustrated as you aren't losing weight, be tired as your body heals from major surgery, and most of us have second thoughts and wonder what in the world we have gotten ourselves into....this is all completely normal! You need to focus on getting enough Protein and calories in your diet right now so your body has what it needs to heal, heal, heal....now is not the time to be restricting (dieting) or worrying about weight loss...you need your body to heal well so you can kick off your journey on a positive note. I have noticed that it seems that some folks doctor's don't seem to stress this much with their patients - but mine did and I am ever so grateful as it helped me with my expectations and to not get discouraged early on. Actually I think I gained a couple of lbs during that first 6 weeks....but it was no biggie....

Once you get your first fill - don't expect a miracle...for most of us the first fill doesn't seem to do a thing. Most doctors will make you wait at least a week after that first fill to call back and let them know you still are getting hungry between meals, etc, and think you need another fill...usually they will schedule it sooner rather than later, I have found, so you don't have to wait another 6 weeks. Once you find your "sweet spot" you will find that you are not able to eat much more than a cupfull of food at a time - you need to focus on getting in your Protein as that is VERY important - so a cup of solid protein and you will find you don't have room for anything else! AND it will hold you until your next meal.....and your weight loss will become a steady, SLOW, loss...nothing drastic like we are used to seeing on the gastric bypass folks...I think that is what tends to upset folks as they have surgery and expect to be skinny right away --- but for most of us the real weight loss doesn't start happening for months afterwards...this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Hang in there --- get plenty of rest as your body went through a huge trauma and now has to adjust. Are you able to walk a bit every day to get some exercise in? That always seemed to help me build up my energy faster after surgery, if I was able to start exercising a bit and get out and about.

We are here if you have any questions - just holler!!!

Good luck!

Kim

[jen120 23]

Hang in there! I think we are all afraid of failing! I was pretty tired for about 3 weeks after surgery and I didn't have any of the medical conditions you describe.

Many, many people experience what you are going through after surgery. Until you start getting fills, you may be hungry. It does take some time to get to that right level so that you can eat smaller portions and feel full for several hours.

In the meantime do the best that you can. Track what you eat. Try to focus on Protein rich foods. Dont be afraid to have a snack if you need to. I have string cheese for a morning and afternoon snack almost everyday.

You will do great! We are here for you! (((Hugs)))