alwaysmekp

It still gets really annoying when you go out and the waiter/waitress keeps asking several times through out a meal if something is wrong with it. After a few meals together with one buddy, he noticed that in the time it takes him to eat his whole meal, I only eat a quarter/ third of mine. I'd turn down food because I wasnt hungry. He began picking on me in a loving/ joking manner. Then he eventually sat me down in concern. I needed to eat more, etc, etc. I'm going to get sick if I'm not eating, blah blah blah. I explained the banding but it doesnt really register in his brain. He just feels that I am sick because I'm not eating. 2 years later, I still have 2 male friends that struggle with this concept. Their way of protecting/providing? Who knows but if you find a way to stop it let me know!!!!! Most people just grew sick of asking/insisting I eat. (I have been filled to my sweet spot then had some removed for other health concerns, then completely deflated and now working my way back up).

If flossing, brushing and rinsing isn't getting ride of it then perhaps a trip to the doctor would be a good start? Diabetes, ulcers, stomach inflamation, gum disease, allergies, medications and so can cause bad breath as an unpleasant symptom.

In the begginning it seems like you get lots of fills until you get to your sweet spot. The more ccs you get, the more you will begin to notice the amount you eat go down. If you had restriction before but now don't have any I would bring that up as that could signal other problems. I had several fills until I hit my sweet spot, but everyone has a different one. 1st fill was 3ccs then it went up by 0.5ccs till I hit 7ccs. I didn't notcie a big differenct in what I was able to eat until I hit 5.5ccs. I was deflated completely for a year and have once again started the process of working my way back up slowly, 1cc at a time. Some of it seems to depend on the doctor as to how fast your inflated. Part of it is that they want to ensure everything is working as it should, your not losing weight to fast, not having problems and gives you time to adjust to eating different, etc. Good luck!

It`s gonna happen! Don`t beat yourself up too much. If it happens everyday then I would worry. Life is full of unexpected situations. When I was working with the dietician pre band she suggested that if you go out for a burger then get a smaller burger (like a children's burger), toss the top of the bun and fold it in half. Takes a while to get in the habit but its the small changes that stick over time! I do better with "treats" on occassion then completely denying myself. Just take it in stride and make adjustments. Go for a longer walk, postpone a plan treat, etc. You'll find what works for you. Have you started a food journal yet? I found I was a little more aware/accountable when I had to track everything that was destined for my stomach. Post band you may find that you don't get the "splurges/binges" that one used to "enjoy". Even when you get a treat, it is no where near the amount that used to be consumed. I am now uncomfortably stuffed like a turkey after 2-3 chicken nuggets but am comfortable after a side salad (with almonds, croutons, etc).

I was allowed to do all the walking I wanted up until 6 weeks. After that I was told to increase gradually - if it didn't pull or hurt anything in my stomach area it was fair game!

At first I was very excited to be banded. I went threw all the hoops/lifestyle changes and waited... and waited... and waited for approval from the weight management clinic almost 1.5 years in the making (It was when the clinic first started and they were doing trials to see the outcomes so they only had x amount authorized a year). At a routine visit with the dietician I found out I could be banded in 2 weeks and would have to start the liquid diet the next day. That's when the panic set in. It was my first surgery and another major lifestyle change. Then there was the whole I've been fat from little on, everything else I've tried has failed and so on.... I didn't know what to expect. I had talked with the surgeon on different occassions and he was thorough at explaining the risks/complications and the benefits. I feel that it is an elective surgery (with amazing benefits) and they would not consider someone a candidate if they were extremely high risk, But because it is surgery they have to inform you that sometimes the unexpected can happen. (the surgeon had a lady I know wait until she lost another 20lbs and resolved another issue because he was concerned of possible complications). I thought long and hard and decided that this was the right step for me to get to where I want to be in life. I wanted to be healthier and be able to move! I was still terrified the day I was admitted for surgery (to the point I kept hitting snooze on the alarm because if I went to the hospital there would be no turning back!).I did make to the hospital though. Now 3 years later I'm down about 100lbs (had some complications (gallbladder) and was deflated for over a year while trying to sort it out). I don't regret any of it. There has been some bumps along the road but I also see the mountains I've climbed. Just remind yourself of why you decided you wanted the lap-band in the first place. The jitters will be there but it's just a bigger stair to climb to your version 2.0. Good luck on your new venture!!!!

I know sometimes when I get a fill I have new foods that go onto my "no no" list even though I've eaten them with no problem prior. (microwaved meat is something I can no longer eat). Even with a fill as small as 0.5 fill I notice a difference in the foods I tolerate. After a fill it would take me a while to learn to eat for the new band (what foods, portions, etc). I have also had problems in the spring with allergies that makes my band tighter then any other season - It's almost equivelent to having 2cc's more in my band. (I was also banded in 2008)