Help!!! Am I Too Tight???

[ktsped 42]

I need some advice...I had my surgery on April 16th 2012. I had an adjustment on November 10th. I am not sure how full my band is because my doctor doesn't really share that information. Anyway, I feel VERY tight in the morning and am only able to have my Protein Shake around 10-10:30 am. I am really not able to eat anything until around 1 pm. I am spoke with my nutritionist about possibly getting some taken out but her advice was since I was not throwing up at all and am able to keep food down. It takes alot for me to eat things...I can usually get down a chioban yogurt and some Soup. meats take me a LONG time to eat. So does anyone think this is normal? It has only been a little over a week...will my band loosen a bit? I really miss being able to enjoy my hot tea in the morning...ANY ADVICE OR SUPPORT would be greatly appreciated!! I would be lost without this forum....

[icestorm12132008 39]

being tighter in the Am is common for many.

As you loose weight fat does sheed from the inside making the band looser. I would make sure you stay hydrated and do protien shake in the am and see if the band does not relax by afternoon evening . If this continues to be be bothersome talk with your MD.

[Toddy 758]

If I wasn't throwing up or having reflux at night, I'd keep it like it is. It sounds to me like the band is doing its job and you must be losing weight. I've read on here that the band will usually loosen just a bit as you lose.

I'm surprised you can't sip a warm liquid in the morning though. Have you tried it with taking little, tiny sips?? I know for the short time that I was in the green zone, I had to take small sips.

[cheryl2586 3,053]

You're not to tight. Now is the time to learn to eat with your band. It is doing what it is supposed to do. You have to learn now to work with it and not fight against it

[hely88 883]

Iif I was having those issues it would be too full for me. That is not the way the band is supposed to work. However it is normal for many to be really tight in the morning and do a shake. I would give it some time and be really careful eating while making sure you get enough calories. I am sure your nutritionist works with other banded individuals and maybe you should trust her.

[LadyMaggie 145]

I also had lap band surgery in April 2012; I have an AP Large band that will hold 14 cc's; my doctor is also vague about how much he puts in at each fill if I don't point blank ask me. . . a tad frustrating; I think I am also too tight. I go in Wednesday for a "check up" and I am going to ask him to take 1/2 cc OUT; I can always add it back at my next 6 week check up. I am having a hard time getting liquid to pass from the time I wake up (6:00 a.m.) until 10 am; I feel like I am back in the mushie stage because that is the only type of food I can tolerate; I cannot eat after 6:00 p.m. and even Water become a challenge ~ definitely frustrating ~ good luck.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I agree with hely88 if I were in your shoes, I'd be asking for a slight unfill. I wouldn't be happy that tight at all.

Being as you're not vomiting and are able to eat (though it's not easy), it comes down to personal preference. Some people are happy with super tight bands, others are not. I personally have my band so that I can still eat anything I want just in moderation. Plus, if eating is that much of a chore, the temptation to rely on slider foods is too great and that leads to weight gain.

If you're not happy, then get a slight unfill. Regardless of what anyone here or even a nutritionist says, you're the one the has to live with your band so it needs to fit your needs and lifestyle.

[erin313 44]

I agree with Mis73, you need to make the band work for your life.

[ktsped 42]

Thanks all of you for your support and advice! I spoke with my Nutrionist today and I am going in tomorrow morning to get some out. The clincher was last night I was up all night with acid reflex and could not sleep. It was horrible. I think I am making the right choice...it took me almost two hours today to get thru my Protein Shake and I tried a yogurt for lunch and I had a difficult time with that. I am just PRAYING that I will get some relief. This is not anyway to live...I feel lethargic, depressed, frustrated and at times hungry but too scared to eat. I hope everyone agrees...Please pray for me...this is not a great way to feel...thanks!

[XOXOXO 18]

Good luck tomorrow. Same thing happened to me 3 weeks ago. I had 2 ml out much better. But 3 weeks on I think I need a 1 ml back in. Believe it or not Iiked not being able to eat much, but not getting enough Water in & reflux is horrid. I am hoping a tiny bit back in will get me just in the middle & my perfect green zone. I am really confused with how things are "meant" to be.

Hope all goes well. You will feel so much better after a little out. X

[ktsped 42]

Well just got back from my unfill. I feel SO MUCH BETTER! I am PRAYING that I am getting back on track. These past 2 weeks have been awful...I lost about 8 pounds but this was not anyway to live. The Doctor thinks that I have to really watch my diet. I am still thankful that I did this and am happy with my progress. I just want to start feeling normal again and hit the GREEN ZONE!!!

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

It always takes a long time to eat if you are doing it right. Try not to get into the mode of this is hard so I need an unfill. Learning to eat with the band takes time and focus. Make sure you are trying to talk and eat at the same time. Tight is good, at least for me, but I got here late, so make the best of what you have now. Still eat slow and chew, chew, chew. I should take 20 minutes for you allotted servings.