NWgirl

I would suggest reaching out to a local hospital that does bariatrics and ask if they have a current support group list for the area. I was provided with a list for major support groups across Oregon.

Are you sure you have that much? It seems like an awful lot for only having a few fills.

There is a post on my blog on how to do the weight loss ticker. Pretty much you need to click on a ticker (like mine below) and it will take you to the ticker website. You then create your own, copy the bbCode, and paste it under your signature (accessed through upper right corner>edit profile> signature).

People who get banded but don't lose the weight don't follow the rules. They eat crap they shouldn't and learn to eat around their bands. As for how you will feel, everyone is different. Some people grow indifferent to food, others still want food and must stop themselves. The band is supposed to help you stay fuller longer.

I read through and am sorry you have felt so down. Look on the bright side- you are only 50 away from goal! You've done an amazing thing losing the weight you already have, and what you really need to do is get your head in the game again. I think your Dr is wrong when he says you are going to have a good time losing weight because the metabolism- there are people on this board 2 or 3 years out still losing weight. I think you may need to switch some things up, but there is hope!!!

Good luck!

I was told two weeks, as long as all incisions are fully closed.

I am drinking between 80-100oz per day. I was banded March 20th. Water won't stretch the pouch, so I drink as much as i want. I listen to my body though, just in case it's not going through the band fast enough. Also, start practicing not drinking within 30-45 minutes of eating, it will make the transition easier when you get to solids.

I have stretch marks too, but I figure if I can lose the weight and be healthier and the cost is a looser tummy, it's better than being fat and sick. I am still holding out hope that the skin will snap back though...

I would stay away from pickles becuase the high amount of sodium can cause water retention. If you must eat, which I don't say you should if it's not part of your pre-op, find a Protein bar low in fat and high in protein.

It varies from person to person, based on age, genetics, and current skin damage. Some people can go from 250 down to 140 and have great bodies, and others can't. I am 23, and hoping that I'm better off... I am worried about my stomach though. I've also read that if you have stretch marks, the skin is permanently damaged and it is likely it will be looser. I also saw a poster say her Dr recommended lotioning daily because it might help the skin's elasticity... I have no idea if this holds any merit, but am trying all tips I hear

Make sure you are getting enough protein. Some "protein" drinks or weight loss shakes only have 10g protein, and if you are drinking one of these, the hunger would be understandable. I am not actively drinking my shakes everyday now, but use the Premier Nutrition chocolate shakes found at Costco, 18 for approx $25. These shakes have 30g protein, low carb and low fat. I was not required to be on a liquid diet, but I did do a self imposed one of two shakes, two Yoplait Greek yogurts (the four pack kind, which are smaller than normal), and one Quest protein bar (high fiber and protein) per day. I was honestly not very hungry and I believe it was because I was getting 80g+ protein per day.

And you're already under 200? About 190? I am guessing since you have less weight to lose (assuming, unless you're shorter...) it will take a little longer. Don't get discouraged by looking at others dropping weight because most of us are closer to the 250's starting out, but when we get down to your weight, it will be harder for us too.

Some nurses swear by peppermint tea. I tried it the first few days post-op, and I did not have any gas pains. I did get gas pains around day five, so maybe there's a correlation with drinking the peppermint tea... I don't know. I just knew I could not keep drinking so much peppermint flavored tea

Are you taking a multivitamin? Most band specific vitamins have around 800% B12. I take a sublingual B12 and a Vitamin D. You could also be anemic. Another issue could be that you're not getting quite enough food yet so your body is out of energy.

I was bruised up after surgery, so when the bruises went away I could see red around all of my incisions. I was super paranoid and put on antibiotic ointment and watched them like a hawk just in case they were going to take a turn for the worst.... Needless to say, they did not get infected.

How many calories per day?

I'd tell her she is your Dr and can have opinions about what she thinks is necessary or not, but you're the one living in your body and know you need the surgery to be successful.

I don't take any medicines over the size of an allergan pill, so I don't know about large pills. I have been able to swallow without any problems. I can still drink a decent amount of water in one sitting as well.

Take your pain meds on schedule- if you take the meds when you start feeling pain, then it will take awhile for them to kick in. Also, the gas is a natural side effect from surgery due to the co2 pumped into your stomach. It is not the same kind of gas as intestinal. Take some MoM in the evening if you feel constipated, but don't make this harder than it should be.

If you are not in pain from constipation, which I've read can happen, then you should be fine. I did end up taking MoM after surgery (prob day 3 or 4?) because I felt like I had to go, but couldnt...

Milk of magnesia. It can take up to six hours to work. I also take probiotic pearls- not sure if they help or not, but since surgery I have only had to use MoM once.

I would guess you are on an infamous plateau, which can be eased by a change I routine. How much protein are you getting daily? If you don't measure food, how do you know calories? I would buy a food scale and weigh/journal for a couple days to see if there any surprises in food intake. If you are at 800, try to push it up to 1000 to see what that does. Sometimes the body needs a swift kick in the arse to lose more weight.

possibly a suture popped? About a week out of surgery I was walking and slipped on something. I was able to catch myself before I actually fell, but only after getting seriously contorted to prevent falling. I did have pain in that area. I can feel my port and it seems that it is still in the same position, but I wouldn't be surprised if I popped a stitch too.

I know sometimes there is a nerve that gets pinched by the band that causes people shoulder pain. Maybe it's possible that this last fill tightened on the nerve?