JaGo

Hi there, I read your post and I'm so sorry you're experiencing such pain and discomfort. Not sure I can answer your concern, but when I go for a fill, they have me sip immediately and if Fluid goes down well then and only then am I released. Also I am instructed to consume only clear fluids for 3 days (although sometimes I will drink a little milk with Protein powder to satisfy hunger). Eating solids too soon would cause me a stuck episode. There were times when I got what I thought was a small amt fill, like. .4, it was too much and I got half of that removed. You may need very small fills at a time to see what works. Did your Dr address why you're so tight during your period? Hope you can get to the bottom of your issues with getting fills and working closely with your Dr.

I agree that in cases where you have effects after a fill, you should let your doctor know because more than likely some of the fluid needs to be adjusted.

@Sojourner, all I can say is wow! Your post is such an inspiration. All I could think abt was that although your band has been removed, the effects of it are still working for you. It seems to have given you the jumpstart needed to get to a healthier you. You have major disciplime that many veterans like myself are still trying to aspire to. Thank you for your encouraging post and reminding us of what our focus and goal should be and CAN successfully be. Its been 4 years since I've been banded and I've been having emotional interference which is causing me to lose all discipline and I am gaining weight. Your post has inspired me. Thank you. JaGo

Congratulations on your decision to move forward to better your health. You SHOULD be excited, I know I was too before my surgery!! I never regretted it!!

@@kourtni12, my port is near my navel as well (slightly to the left), so we're both probably in the same area. It's important to followup with our medical team when we sense something may be wrong. If it's gas, let THEM tell you that. They can xray or do an MRI or something to see what's going on, even detect gas. Please see your doctor and tell him EVERYTHING about your eating habits, whether you're eating too much, the wrong things, or even drinking fluids with your meals. The best way for them to help us if we're honest with ourselves and them. Keeps us posted!! Take care!!

I have had this issue too on occasion, and when I asked the Physician Assistant about it, she said that other patients have complained about that too and that she didn't know what causes that. It's in the area where you said, which is near the port.

@@ChubMuffin, you said you were scheduled for surgery on 10/20. How are you post-surgery?

@@SantasLittleHelper, Wow, what an example of true friendship support!! Things I could appreciate are: a prepared meal every now and then (tailored to my diet), anything that will make it easier for meal planning and exercise such as a cool music playlist for walking/exercising - exercise with them sometimes! Since protein is a must, a good protein powder (low sugar). Periodic support calls, text, email, etc. if they go to support group mtgs, ask if they wouldn't mind if you went with them. Ask how you can help them best. Any kind of genuine encouragement is wonderful. These are the things that would have helped me!

@@gowalking, AMEN!!

That-a-Girl!!!

flmommyof2, I share your concerns. I too had a close family member who was not supportive. I wouldn't even share with them when I lost weight because their reaction was of a jealous nature. They weren't as harsh as what you describe, but in my efforts to lose weight, I learned not to share with negative influences around me - they will try to bring you down. This journey is YOURS and if you need validation, get it from this forum or your medical team. If they offer support group mtgs, take advantage of it an go! You may have to speak to your family member at least once to let them know how you feel about their comments. They may surprise you and apologize. If that doesn't happen, you may need to limit your contact with them for your own wellbeing. Once you lose weight, don't feel compelled to "get even." You don't need to stoop to such a low. Your success will show on the outside!! Stay positive and focused on living the most healthiest lifestyle as you can... FOR YOU AND YOU ALONE! Wishing you much success in your weight loss journey. Love yourself.

Sam777, I'm so sorry about your mom's troubles. As family members, we want so much for our loved ones and sometimes wish we could miraculously get them to a place of betterment. There is no magic wand for that. Unfortunately, all too often, we must stand aside until THEY are ready to be accountable for themselves and want to make healthier choices. My younger sister recently helped me realize this about another one of our sisters who's not taking proper control of her health and procrastinating in making urgent health decisions. I'm sure that you love your mother and want the best for her. The best thing right now might be to just continue to show her love. Do fun and enjoyable things with her and allow trust to grow stronger between the two of you so that she feels safe to maybe one day, open up and share with you what's going on on the inside of her. Many blessings to you and your dear mother.

The fact that you can't keep solids or liquids down is cause for serious concern. I agree with both people above because of personal experience. I had identical symptoms, called my doctor who sent me for scan which confirmed swelling and poss to slight slippage. All Fluid had to be removed for swelling to go down to heal, about 2-4 weeks. Boy, did I have to be careful with no restriction for so long. Eventually got increment refills until back at healthy place. Keeping your doctor informed is imperative. However, as said by the others above, you may need to go to E.R. On another occasion, I had to go E.R. Too and they took fluid out and I got immediate relief. Followed up with my doctor who nursed me back to health. My situation wasn't too bad and my body healed itself. Some people need surgery to fix slippage. Don't put this off for it to worsen.

Yeah, the first few weeks are going to be delicate and can't be rushed. For a while you may even be dealing with a small amt of gas circulating, especially around the shoulder and chest area. Can be very, very uncomfortable. For relief, I was advised to take Gas-X Thin Strips (extra-strength) which dissolve on the tongue.

Thank you ChubMuffin, we both can be encouraged!! Look forward to hearing from you post-op!! SMILE!!