TheRealSouthernBelle

Google "5 Day Pouch Test" and try that. I was skeptical at first, but I tried it and I'm sold. I lost an enormous amount of weight, feeling restriction again, and now I have my eating habits back under control. It's very difficult, but if you commit to it, it will help greatly.

http://www.5daypouchtest.com/index.html This will pretty much tell you everything you need to know. I am doing it right now! I was eating just too much and I swear I was gaining and losing the same 5 lbs. over and over again. It has been really tough so far with the hunger issues and cravings, but I am committed to sticking to it! I have already done 2 days of liquids and today is day 3, so I'm doing soft Protein. I'm going to do another day of soft protein (I really like the tuna parmesan patty and Breakfast bake and had some lefted over). Then I will move on to firm, then solid protein. I have lost weight and pretty sure most of it is Water. This makes me feel like I can keep up the good eating habits and finally get to my goal!

Are you talking about the 5 Day Pouch Test?

I added .2 did fine the first 3 days then day 4 it tightened up like you wouldn't believe. Doc removed 1 cc. Even though I wanted less out, I didn't care. No more reflux, excessive burping, or pain in the chest when just drinking. I think we are going 2 go .1 cc at a time only if I feel myself getting hungry. I'm scared of fills now. Lol! Just go slow from now on.

Did they say what caused the gastritis or what symptoms you have had so they think you have it?

It's good that you are an advocate for the band. It definitely needs those around. An advocate was the reason why I got one and she promised she wouldn't tell a soul, which she hasn't. Some people just feel comfortable with sharing and others don't. I am totally downplaying the negatives of abortion when I say this, but a woman has the right choose. Abortion may be the best decision for her and it may "save her life", but I seriously doubt if she's announcing it to the world that she had one. BTW I do not believe in abortion.

I don't know what your starting weight is, but mine was 333 the day of surgery. Believe me when I say, no one will notice 17 lbs. on such a big person and if they do, it would only be 5 lbs. in their minds. You don't owe any explanations to anyone except maybe to your spouse or children (if you have either).

Nothing, because it's none of their business. You've made the conscious decision to withhold that information from them for whatever reason just like many of us have. If they ask, just tell them portion control and exercise. Lapband provides slower weight loss than other methods of WLS generally, so this explanation is very believable.

I didn't have to stop taking my pills. I believe it increases the chances of blood clots during surgery.

It is normal to be tighter in the mornings, but it is NOT normal to be unable to keep water down. Sounds like a slight unfilled is in order. I believe anxiety can affect the tightness of your band (I know stress can). As far as kidneys and hemorrhoids, I have no clue.

How much weight have you lost? What are your expectations? 1-2 lbs. a week is "normal". Did your surgeon inform you of this? There will be weeks where you don't lose ANY weight, but your motivation shouldn't stop because of this. Weight loss is dependent upon more than just diet and exercise although these are the main factors. How do people know that you are NOT losing weight? Why are they worried? Are you doing this for them or you? Please do not let the number on the scale dictate your continuation with healthy eating habits and a good exercise routine. Keep it up and the numbers will follow!

I'm with you on this! I exercise easy 4-5 times per week (nothing less unless I'm sick)! I actually push myself at the gym. Even when I was losing weight in the past, I never pushed myself. I would just do the same routines over and over. I track what I eat. So now I know how much Protein, sugar, carbs, Vitamins, and arguably, most importantly calories I am ingesting. Unfortunately, I have also turned into a shop-a-holic! It's been years since I've been able to NOT shop in plus size stores/departments!

I had surgery about 15 months ago and lost over 120 lbs. Now, of course, I can feel my port more, but it's not sticking up crazy (I still have a bit of fat in the mid section) or pulling or hurting me. I notice now it seems to be a bit above the port scar, so I'm thinking it has shifted a bit or maybe it's always been there, but I just couldn't feel it because of all the fat. Also, when I do ab workouts it's a bit sore in the port area. What would I need to ask for so that the doc can check this out? An x-ray, a barium swallow, etc.? I just don't want to look like a complete idiot when I go to the doc. At my last appt. in Nov., I expressed the same concerns and they did an upper GI (barium swallow), so I could see my tummy on the screen. The PA said everything was normal. I didn't even get a fill. Maybe I'm just stressing a little. I'm not used to feeling this hard lump.