gotmyeyeontheprize

I know, it is a little TMI. Even so, since being banded 5 months ago, I am full of gas! My belly hurts all the time from gas pain. The best relief is to just let it all out! Also, I have not had a normal (as in presurgery normal) bowel movement since being banded. I'm always having to strain to get something going or it is the runs! Geez!! Do you experience any of this?!?!

Great idea! I will give this a try. Does it help with the gas and the bowel movements?

I have been floating between 90-94 lbs. lost for the past two weeks. Of course, Easter didn't help any. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to jump start the weight loss? A typical day of eating consists of the following: Breakfast: 1/3-1/2 cup Egg Beaters and a slice of 2% cheese Lunch: 4 ounces of chicken Dinner: 4 ounces of chicken I drink a bare minimum of 64 ounces of Water a day and nothing else. Also, I do a 45 minute "Boot Camp" three days a week and walk/jog two miles one day a week.

Thank you for the info. I may try adding a snack or two. Since I've started exercising, I've been more hungry.

Yes, I take a Multivitamin, Calcium, and Vitamin D daily. This diet is what my surgeon gives all of his Lap Band patients and he is one of the top surgeons in the nation. My calorie consumption is suppose to be between 600-800 calories daily with 60 grams of Protein daily. When you add in the seasonings, Soups, salsa, cheese, etc. added to the chicken I cook, there are more calories added in. I've lost 90 lbs. since November 8th. So, my weight loss has been steady. As for permanent body damage, I have more energy than ever. Also, since my surgery in November, I've been able to come off both my blood pressure and cholesterol meds. So, my body must be seeing some advantages to the weight loss.

Good luck and way to go with the weight loss. You've made a big decision and I wish you the best of luck! Keep us posted!

Bless your heart! I've been banded for five months and know exactly how you feel. food was once my best friend too. Many a days were spent on this computer searching for recipes that I could eat when I went to solids. I even copied them and altered them as needed. Ugh! Now, I try to keep my mind off of food by exercising or doing housework. Since the weather has been nice, I've worked in the yard a lot. Regardless, I do dream about food. There are so many tasty meals that I miss. So many, that I'm really not sure what I would eat first if I was able!

Just a thought, but will I be banded forever? To be honest, I never thought past losing the weight. I never thought about having the band 20 years from now. Is it normal to leave it in or take it out?

I'm pretty sure my eating habits would go back to the way they were. So, I also plan to keep my band.

Lap Band surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself. For once in my life, I put myself ahead of everyone else and went for it! In five months, I've lost 83 lbs. and feel like a new person. Is it easy? No. For anyone that may think that the band is a "quick fix", they are sadly mistaken. Being banded is a life changing experience. Your entire lifestyle must change for the band to be successful. It is only to be used as a tool. The surgery is not that bad. In my opinion, the two week pre-op diet was the worst part of the entire procedure. The pain level from the surgery was the same as when I had my gallbladder removed and ten times easier than the three C-Sections I've had. About two days after surgery, I had an anxiety attack. It was around 6:30 in the morning and my husband had just left for work. The kids were still in the bed. I stood in my kitchen and thought to myself, "What in the he** have I done to myself?!?!". Then, I remembered that the worst thing I did to myself was let myself get to 343 lbs. and completely unhealthy. By having the surgery, I had made an attempt to save my life!

I had my second fill a week ago and really couldn't tell a difference. Last night, we were eating out and I was having grilled salmon. I had eaten four to five bites and was stuck! This wasn't my first time to eat salmon at this restaraunt. Yes, I was taking small bites and chewing it until it was mush. My question is why in the world did I get stuck? Could it have been the skin on the salmon, which I have eaten before? Or, was it the fact that my kids were talking my head off and making me nervous? I've had stress cause the band to tighten before. Let me say, this was the second time I've been stuck and it is miserable. Especially when you are eating out and have to excuse yourself from the table!

am I in a size 22 when I've lost 80 lbs.?!?!? When I started this journey, I was wearing a 28 in pants and a 3x/4x top. Now, I am in a 22 pant and an XL top. It is so frustrating to work so hard and still have this belly in my way. Does anyone else have this problem?

Congratulations on the 25 lb. weight loss! I was banded on 11/22 and had my first fill on 1/7. At first, I didn't feel any different. Then, about two weeks later, I felt some restriction. It wasn't much restriction, but some is better than none. I had my second fill last Friday and I don't feel much difference. My doctor does his fills under flouroscopy. First, he uses the screen to find the port. Then, he cleans the area and gives me a numbing shot. Next, he inserts the needle into the port. It doesn't hurt, but I do feel a little pressure. After that, the tech moves the table into an upright position. My doctor has me drink a little barium and he watches it go through the band. Then, he injects some Fluid. I drink again and he watches. If I am too tight, he removes fluid. It takes about 5 minutes to do it all.

I just got my second fill and am feeling the same way as you. When I had my first fill, I felt the same way. Then, about two weeks after the fill, it hit me that I had more restriction. I've read that it can do that. My doctor only does fills every 3 months. He wants you to give yourself time to physically and mentally adjust to the previous fill. I think that is a good thing. As another person mentioned, you don't want to completely fill your band too soon. I was banded on 11/22 and have only had two fills at a total of 3 cc. I think the suggestion of increased fiber is great. Too bad my doctor doesn't allow me to have apples or oatmeal. Boo! Keep your head in the game. You can do this!

Thank you all for your responses. It helps to hear what everyone is experiencing along the way. I do a hard core boot camp 3 times a week. It reminds me of the workouts they do on Biggest Loser. Then, I try to walk/jog on my off days. I've come to the conclusion that this belly is going to be the last to go. Unfortunately, it is what is keeping me in a larger size pants. Also, my pannus is terrible from my weight and three C-Sections......grr!

Bless your heart! Yes, you are in bandsters hell. It is very normal for you to feel hungry right now. Like you, I thought I would starve to death before my first fill. My surgery was 11/22 and I didn't get my first fill until 1/7.....yikes! Right now, you are going to have to use all the will power you have to get by. I know it is hard.....VERY HARD.....but you can do this. Try to have tunnel vision and see yourself lighter and healthier. Try to get in as much Protein as you can at this point. Protein will satisfy your cravings more than anything. Also, try not to lean towards mushy things like mashed potatoes because they do not contain much protein. During the mushy phase, I would eat canned chicken with some wing sauce, Ranch dressing, and shredded cheese. Also, "fake lasagna" is good. Take some spaghetti sauce, cottage cheese or ricatto cheese and warm it up in the microwave. Remember that it isn't uncommon to gain a few pounds before your first fill. YOU CAN DO THIS!!

how long does your doctor require you to be on a liquid diet? I had my second fill today, and like the last fill, he is requiring me to be on a liquid diet for two days. Then, I can advance to the mushy phase until next Friday. After that, I move back to solid foods. What does your surgeon suggest? After my last fill, I moved on to solids after a couple of days because I couldn't tell any difference from the fill. Then, about two weeks later, the fill "kicked in" and my intake became smaller and I was full quicker. Have you had that experience?

I am so glad I found this thread as I was just sitting here thinking the same thing. My issue is the clothing sizes not going down like I think they should. I've lost 80 lbs. and have gone from a 28 to a 22. It seems like I should be in a smaller size than that at an 80 lb. weight loss. Ugh!

Thanks to all of you for your responses. I hate being on liquids. I can't stand the taste of the protein drinks and I just feel weak. Yuck!! I may go on to some mushy foods today.

I think your conscience has a lot to do with it. You are right, it isn't a moral decision. Even so, I know that my conscience has kept me from eating things that I know are not good for me or the band.

My surgeon does the exact same things with all of his fills. I wonder why any doctor would blindly fill someone. It seems easier to just do all fills under flouroscopy!

Greetings fellow November bandsters! I was banded on November 22nd and am teeter-tottering between 75-77 lbs. lost. My first fill was on January 7th and my second one is scheduled for this Friday. Unfortunately, I'm in desperate need of fill as I can eat almost anything I want to in any amount. Right now, it is back to the early stage will power....ugh! I've started a hard core exercise program that reminds me of what they do on The Biggest Loser. This is my thrid week with that and I have gained 2 lbs. I'm contributing that to either muscle or my need for a fill! I plan to get back on track Friday. NSV include: Being able to bend over and tie my shoe; Going down 3 sizes in clothes; Walking without being completely out of breath; Blood pressure meds gone; Saving money at restaraunts by sharing a meal or eating off the kids menu; Positive self esteem! Would I have Lap Band surgery again? ABSOLUTELY!!!

Put yourself first. I too have children and understand how hard it can be. You have to adjust your lifestyle to work around the band. When you are busy and know you are going to be out and unable to grab a healthy meal, drink a Protein shake. Pack one in a lunch bag to keep it cool. Pat yourself on the back for your success so far! Reward yourself with something besides food. A mani/pedi, new CD, trip to the movies, etc. is a nice reward. YOU DESERVE IT!

Adult Strength Liquid Tylenol When I am shopping or somewhere that I don't have it with me, I will take a Goody's or BC powder. I know I'm not suppose to do that, but sometimes there's no other option.

I think it all depends on how much you weighed to start with and how much you need to lose. It has only been 4 months since I started the preop diet and I have lost 75 lbs. I still have a ways to go!