Hi Everyone,

I am in the process of choosing a thesis topic. I am thinking of doing "What is the experience of having an adjustable gastric band?" I really want to focus on the changes (not just eating) but emtional and social changes we all go through to have the band. What is everyone's opinion on this topic?

My other topic is "What is the experience of using mindfulness meditation to be in the moment?" Just to give you an idea of what else I am thinking about doing.

Thanks!

Shannon

Sounds like a good topic to me. I am sure those who are closer to goal weight will have a lot of input for you.

Personally, I think that the emotional changes with the band are more subtle than with the bypass because our weight loss is more gradual. It is harder to adjust to losing 100 pounds in six months than losing 100 pounds in 12 months, I think.

But, yes, there are still some big changes. I still have a long way to go, but I already feel much more confident and like myself a lot better, because I know I'm on the right track now.

Hi Shannon,

My name is Mary & I was banded Aug 7,2003.

There are a lot of emotional ups & downs... at least for me. I was not 100lbs. over weight to begin with but still needed to drop a good 50lbs. I have since lost 22lbs. which is a good start.

I got a fill Sept 8th. And since then I have pain everytime I eat. It makes me sad that I have to go through so much pain. And earlier today while talking to someone else I realized this is it for the rest of my life, I will have pain for Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It made me sad but the alternative is worse. So with the good comes hard emotional times which is something I never thought possible before having the procedure.

All I could think of was how great it would be to fit into my smaller clothes. But never thought of the fear that goes through my mind everytime I take a bite!

Good luck with your paper,

Mary

And since then I have pain everytime I eat. It makes me sad that I have to go through so much pain. And earlier today while talking to someone else I realized this is it for the rest of my life, I will have pain for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Bebbly - I am a little confused..........why would you be having pain when you eat? Are you sure that there isn't something wrong? Have you gone to the doctor about it yet? I haven't been banded yet but I have yet to hear of someone having constant pain when they eat unless they didn't chew, chew, chew or they were taking too big of bites. Am I missing something or has anyone else gone through this before?

To begin with by the time I realized I actually was going to have surgery for weight loss I felt like this was a weakness in me. I have always been like I can control anything in my life. Not my weight though. As I came along though I really believe a lot is genetic and ofcourse self dicsipline.

After all the research and thought I look at the band as a tool and my motivator. I am now very serious about this problem and have taken extreme steps to correct it. I do eat different and have really cranked up my exercise. The band gave me the extra to get my head right and off the couch. It is not a magic tool that just works on its own, I still have to control diet and exercise so I don't feel like I copped out or give in to science instead of will! I am proud of this procedure thats working well for me. I am tricking my genetic build I guess in to getting my storage facility smaller and efficient.

I don't miss the weight and the compliments are coming now, I have lost almost 26 lbs and only been banded since beginning of August. I do miss those OUTBACK STEAKS THOUGH!

Hope my insite was useful.

Originally posted by BEBBLY

I got a fill Sept 8th. And since then I have pain everytime I eat. It makes me sad that I have to go through so much pain. And earlier today while talking to someone else I realized this is it for the rest of my life, I will have pain for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

(We really should start another thread about this but I didn't want to do it without Mary's permission. So I apologize for the thread hijack.)

Mary, why are you having pain every time you eat? This is NOT the way the band is supposed to work. Are you eating too fast or taking too-large bites? What was it that you heard that made you think this is going to be permanent?

Pain can be an indicator that there is something really wrong, too. I suggest that if you can't readily identify the source or cause of your pain PLEASE call your doctor.

When I got my fill in Sept, I was told that I would experience some pain for a few weeks. It is very important for me to chew and take small bites, which I have been doing. All is well as long as I eat Soups or soft foods but if I take a bite of a tuna sandwhich then forget it. Tomatoes seem to be the worst.

So I contacted the doctor and again I was told it is ok to have pain for 2-3 weeks post fill. I have started my 4th week and although the pain has gotten better, I think twice before putting anything in my mouth.

I guess I miss the freedom of being able to eat what I desire without pain. It could be that my fill is too much. My band can take 9cc total and the doctor gave me 5cc fill.

Only time will tell.

Thanks for your concern,

Mary

Thanks for posting, Mary. It may be that we're all on the same page but using different terminology. After all, the band is supposed to make us think twice before putting anything in our mouths. At least, that's what I'm banking on!

When I think back to the immediate post-op period, I remember that eating had to be done very cautiously to avoid, well, pain. Eating cautiously, I lost weight. And eating cautiously was all that it took to avoid pain.

So that's what had me worried, Mary, your comment that you had pain all the time. I'm SO glad to hear that's not the case. And remember, if you can eat soft foods you should be able to eat that bite of tuna sandwich, as long as you turn it into a "soft food" in your mouth before swallowing.