Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Starting Over After 4 Years



Recommended Posts

Hi,

I haven't been on this site for a while. I was banded in 2/2008, starting at 220, 5'3". My lowest weight was 180 and then I started having problems. specifically, acid reflx, very frequent vomiting and not being able to drink requiring emergency unfills two times and this happened a long time after a fill. The doctor unfilled my band completely, then several months later partially filled (because I was so hungry) and then he recommended gastric sleeve. I ended up at 210 where I have been siting for a couple of years.

Well to make a long story short, I made preparations for the sleeve but I was not comfortable with the surgery so I did not go through with it at the last minute. During the pre-op diet, I was on a liquid diet for 2 weeks and I lost weight. I thought "I can lose 30-40 pounds on my own, I know it" and I would be satisfied with that.

So here I am starting my new journey toward healthy eating and exercise habits that will be permanent and result in a moderate long term weight loss of (I'm hoping) about 30 pounds. I would rather do this than have the gastric sleeve.

The other thing I noticed is that the preop liquid diet completely "reset" my band or something. My stomach must have been swollen or something because I have not vomitted at all since I canceled the surgery. Of course, I am chopping and cuttime my food up in very tiny pieces which is probably why I failed the first time and that might be the reason.

My questions are: (1) has anyone "started over" with the band; and (2) do you think I should leave things alone or get a fill. I notice I can eat a fairly large meal. After that I am still "hungry" but if I just wait, it usually goes away and then I am not hungry for quite a while. (3) what is a normal "portion" size wtih the band. Mine are pretty large but like I said I am not hungry between meals. Thoughts?

PS: My preop barium showed no problems with the band and no reflux either.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm still pretty new to the bank I was banded 9/6/12 but I think if your starting over that you should use the band and get a fill. You have it inside you why not use it but this time use it right. I think your on the right track & I wish you best of luck :) you can do this

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm still pretty new to the bank I was banded 9/6/12 but I think if your starting over that you should use the band and get a fill. You have it inside you why not use it but this time use it right. I think your on the right track & I wish you best of luck :) you can do this

band*

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey Linda,

I am trying to get back on track too. Was banded in 2010 and have struggled recently with chocolate/sweet food addiction. My band is quite tight, but i have perfected the art of regurgitating and rechewing, gross i know. I have come back online to get som support and hints on how to move forward and lose the 8 kg i have gained plus about 20kg more.

Annette

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Annette, I am obviously no expert, but I have noticed that food goes down if I chop it up really fine first and then put it in my mouth (and chew some more). I think before I got into the habit of chewing alot without pre-cutting it. Also, to avoid slider foods is a decision we all have to make if we want to be healthy. Good luck to you !

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hey Linda,

I have succeeded in cutting out the chocolate, so i am slightly confident i will beat the other slider rubbish. I will make an effort to come online a few times a week to get my fill of encouragement. Good luck to you also

Annette

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I guess you can say I'm starting over now too. Had my band 3 yrs ago and had a slip about 6 mths ago. Before the slip, I was 9 lbs from my goal of 135. In the past 6 mths, since my slip (and unfills/fills/tweaking) I've gained 16 lbs. Now I have 25 lbs till goal. And I don't like that at all! After 6 pm, it's like I don't even have a band. I can eat the side of a barn. My first couple meals of the day, I'm still pretty tight and can still only eat a small amt. I'm a nigtime grazer, so I know thats why I've gained 16 lbs back.

I just got back from my first appt with my new trainer. I'm starting over again also. I did the first 80lbs with a trainer, so I thought I'd give that a try again. He at least motivates me. I started latch-hooking a rug at night, so it give me something to do besides eat. I've lost 2 lbs this past week.

So, yes, I guess I'm starting over again too.

Good luck!

Marci

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think we are all food addicts and this will be something we need to control forever. I have been banded 4 years with no fills. I refuse to get filled and only eat 2 bites of things and then somehow feel "fulfilled". That is not me and had I known about this "fill" thing I would have never gotten the band but insisted on the gastric surgery. I have been very steady on my weight but gained approx. 8 pounds last year so I finally said enough is enough and went back to basics and lost it with eating less. I am not physically hungry but emotionally hungry and that does you in eventually. You need to always be aware that it will always be there and we need to use something else to satisfy our mental hunger. You can do it by starting over again, and do it now before you gain all the weight back that you struggled to get off to begin with. Good luck and we are all in the same boat, trust me, it is a day to day thing like an alcoholic. Take one day at a time!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

thank you banders for your support, you are right sparkplug about the emotional hunger, it is taking a lot of self talk but am confident today!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×