CasHorsinRound

Ok First let me say that I have been SO bad, because I have told none of this to my surgeon for fear he will want to take out ALL my Fluid. So I have just been dealing with all of it..... I have pain in my back and shoulder blades after I eat even just a small amount. Its so odd. It started when I was pregnant, and has not really stopped. Much of the time the only way to get this pain to stop is by throwing up or eating ice cream... I dunno what it is about the ice cream, but maybe a combo of the super cold, thick, creamy... I dont know. Milk, Yougert, Sherbert do not work the same. Anyway, the Ice Cream thing is completely COUNTER PRODUCTIVE to weight loss. I still have a lot to go since I gained 80lbs while preggers... Im down to about 20 lbs above my pre pregnancy... Any one have these symptoms? What causes it? Am I going to have to suck it up and tell my surgeon that I have foolishly been hiding this from him for about a year? Obviously the pain isnt THAT bad, and its NOT all the time... mostly mornings and early afternoon IF I try to eat... band too tight? slipage?

Sounds exactly like me, only I had slipped. But it makes complete sence. If you have some food lodged (the "food bolus") and it can not pass through, it is not allowing anything else (water included) through. Has this just happened? Have you tried drinking warm liquids and walking? That has helped me in the past. I find that simply standing and stretching helps as well. I guess it moves things around a bit, and allows the food to pass.... This has just been my experience. Hope it helps you some!

I slipped. Well my surgeon is very certain I slipped. Removed ALL fulid and did an upper GI a week later... upper GI shows no slip, but he says it could have come back into place after the unfill. I could not eat or drink ANYTHING. Absoutely NOTHING. Even when he pulled all the Fluid out, I couldnt sip Water. He dumped fluids into me, IV and sent me home. I was to continue to try to drink. And by the next morning, I was able to drink very small amounts. By that evening fluid was moving freely. A couple days later I went on to soft foods, etc... Anyway sorry for the rample and unsolicited information, but I believe the main thing is being unable to hold anything down, at all....

couple months ago I had all my Fluid removed due to a possible slip. Upper GI showed my band was still in the correct place, but suergon said that it is still possible that it slipped and only time will tell as we refill my band. I had my second fill (since the complete unfill) about 2 weeks ago, and have been doing fantastic! No, PB, sliming, etc. I have been a LITTLE bit hungry between meals, but nothing that I couldnt just ignore. lunch yesterday was fine, I at a small amount (about 1/3-1/2 cup from a chinese buuffet that our supervisor took us out to) with no issues. I ate a small dinner last night and every thing went perfectly. This morning I got up (felt fine) and drank some Water. Started having some discomfort and by the time I got to work (about an hour after I drank a few oz of water) I was sliming. I fought and fought it, but finally gave in and brought it back up. I just tried drinking some hot sugar free coca. Much of the time if Im stuck a warm liquid will help, and this is what I had accessible to me at work. After a few sips, Im sliming again. I fought it for about 20 min, and gave in.... Im so lost, Ive been doing so well, being super careful with my intake, bites, calories, carbs, fat, Protein... and here I am again! I cant swallow liquids! Any guidence? Words of encouragement? Something? Anything?

Trish, Thanks for the support. Sanction-- I didnt call right away, because I had nothing to tell. Everything has been fine, I hadnt eaten anything to be stuck. It hadnt been long enough for me to become dehydrated. I continued sipping Water after I posted this and guess what?! It started going through just fine. Matter of fact, I even ate a late lunch! So, all is well. Possibly I was just a too tight this morning due to swelling (I tend to be tighter in the AM-just not so tight I cant drink water. So, it was a kinda of freak thing... But all is good now! I have every intention of bring this up to my surgeon, but dont feel the need to call him on a Saturday when there is NOTHING wrong. So while I appreciate you taking the time to respond, you could have left the condescending comment out of that. A simple "Maybe, you should call your surgeon, I worry that you may be becoming dehydrated...." would have sufficed. Next time you feel the need to comment in that tone, please restrain yourself. Thank you.

Larry, gosh darn those weekends!!! Lol I feel your pain! Cassandra checking in at 239 lbs... That's down 3lbs! First time I've been ableto record a loss of more than a single pound! Thank you C25K!

*like button*

Oh, and I also have to wonder if maybe you have streched your pouch while you were "not doing right". If you think this might be the case, do a liquid diet for a full week or 2, this will help your body "reset"

I "fell off the wagon" when all my Fluid was removed because of pregnancy and kidney issues causing massive amounts of vomiting.. Gained 80lbs while I was pregnant. I have now lost 42 lbs since I had my baby girl. Granted some of it was as I lost "all the extra stuff" that was in me. I got my first fill Febuary, and then had a possible slip... Anyway... all in all, it IS possible! You CAN do it! Don't be discouraged so early in the game.

^^^ This is what I was going to say. Here's the thing, People who don't have problems, generally dont have as many questions to ask (depending on how far out from surgery they are). So, what you have on this board are people who ARE having problems, thus more questions. Let me tell you my story, it is (I believe) Generally encouraging. I have fought with my weight since puberty. No one could figure out why I was gaining weight so quickly. I fell asleep crying when i was 11 because the stretch marks were literally hurting. Doctor after doctor could not figure it out. Finaly when I was 20 I had (literally) one last doc to see. Before any examination, I told him my symptoms... his responce "Thats an easy diagnosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome" Problem was, that about the time I turned 16 (the summer before my Sophmore year in high school) my parents moved us across the state, 6 hours away from all my friends. I became depressed, and figured "well if I am going to be fat, I might as well eat enough to deserve it" So I did. At 20 years old I had finally had enough and made HUGE HONEST attempts to lose the weight with NO avail. I loved going to the gym and working out, but I was getting LITERALLY NO results! May 2007 My regular GYN visit. I tell her about all my honest attempts, and failures. She asked if I was interested in being refered to a bariatric surgeon. I thought long and hard, and figured "what harm can it do to go to a seminar for information?". I researched for more hours than I could count, and became oprimistic that THIS might be for me. I went to the seminar, where they refered me to a surgeon, and I began all the pre-op "stuff" I understood fully that my band (I actually do not have the lap-band; I have the Realize band-but the group is great-so I stay) would be a tool to help me, and would in no way do the work for me. I chose the band for the better long term results (as opposed to bypass), and have NEVER ONCE regretted what I have done. Dec 2008 This is my new birth day. I could go through the whole day of my surgery in great detail (I actually did a descriptive writting paper my freshman year of college for it), but what it comes down to is THIS was the first day of the rest of my life My highest weight was 305. March 2010 I weighed 210 (and was still losing) when I got pregnant. My baby girl leaned against my stomach blocking any food from coming through. On top of that I have sporatic kidney failure which caused a great deal of vomiting. All my Fluid was removed, and I gained 80lbs. Dec 2010 I weighed 280 lbs and gave birth to the most perfect baby girl on the face of this planet (dont even try to argue with me). Feb 2011 I cant remember what I weighed, but I want to say I was at 260. This is when i finally got in to get a fill, so that I could get this weight off me. May 2011 At some point in time, I got to where I was unable to eat, or drink much of anything. Much of the time Water would not even stay down. I ignored it, and just told my self to deal with it. So I did. for about 2 months.... Didnt lose much weight in this time either. July 2011 Finally I gave in and called my surgeon, he wanted me in ASAP of course, removed all my fluid, and waited 2 weeks to bring me back in (During this 2 weeks I got an upper GI to see if I had slipped-He was almost POSITIVE I had slipped). When I went back in, ther was NO SLIP! Thank Goodness! August 2011 I am down to 238 lbs. Not ideal by any means, but I have FINALLY started losing again, so I am happy with that. Sure, I had a VERY rough few months (because I was so stuborn---BAD IDEA BTW-dont do that) and a big scare. I dreaded the thought of going back through surgery, but I WOULD HAVE DONE IT. Look at it this way December 2008-March 2010 I lost 95 lbs March 2010- December 2010 I gained 80 lbs Feb. 2011-August 2011 I have lost 42 lbs Seems worth it to me!! I hope this helps balance the negativity... Dont get discouraged, do what you need to do. There is always someone here to ask questions. There WILL be bumps in your road, but I know of no road that is paved perfectly smooth. The journey, in my opinion, is well worth it.

Do these doctors work in the same practice-Like, maybe you were seeing one doc, but another one in the practice did yuor surgery? If not, I would say listen to the surgeon, he's the one that does these surgeries on a weekly basis. But, at the same time, I did not do clear liquids. I was straight on 4 oz of Protein shake 5 times a day.... plus anyother non calorie, non carbonated, liquids....

Just watch where your carbs come from. Carbs are in most everything besides meats. Fruits and veggies have the good carbs. I have had only a slight fill, and find that I am eating even better than I had originally thought. I use MyFitnessPal, and this is a great tool for me! I am making sure I get my Protein, eating fruits and veggies, IGNORING the calorie counter (it tells me daily "you are eating too little") MFP alots 182 carbs for a 1350 calorie per day diet. I typically eat about 100 a day, that are majority fruits/veggies. I did eat 1/4 grilled ham and cheese sandwich (treat for me)... once in a while the "bad" carbs are ok, but stick with the carbs that your body needs. If this helps, an example of a meal would be 4 oz of grilled pork chop, 1tbs fat free ranch, and 1/2 c "mashed taters" (its Actually steamed broccoli and cauliflower blended with cream cheese-very good!). If I am still hungry after this, I will go back, cut up, weight (I do this to add in more time-hoping that I will realize that I am not really hungry) another ounce or 2 of pork chop and maybe another 1/4 cup of "taters". Most of the time I will realize that I am really not hungry and wont get more, but sometimes I REALLY AM still hungry. Sometimes instead of seconds I will opt for a piece of fruit or yougert. Most days for lunch I bring a salad with what ever protein we had the night before. Sometimes I will use croutons, but mostly I have come away from them.... Try out MyFitnessPal, if you have not, being able to see everything layed out for me is great! There is an iphone app (I dont know what other phone apps are available) and you can simply use the computer as well... it all syncs together. I hope that helps!

I get happy about any weight loss. Not jump up an down (almost break the scale- I literally LOL'ed at that) happy, but I am definately very satisfied. I have been at this horrid plateau for 3 months! After 2 months, doc thought I had a slip and ALL Fluid was removed, luckily I didnt gain any.... but once some fluid was put back in, my weight loss finally started back up! I got on the scale this morning to see a almost 4 lb weight loss this week. After such a long plateau, I was excited! It also brough be back down below 240... that was also cool. I agree. Sit back and look at how far you have come.Under 200 lbs... I dont know what you started at, but that is quite an acheivement. I dont remember when I last weighed that, but I do remember as a freshman in high school telling myself "ok your, over 175, but as long as you dont go over 200, you will be ok". Be happy for what you are doing, and the accomplishments you have made!

I have to be quick, but I have PCOS and was banded in Dec of 08. lost 100lbs and got pregnant in March 2010, my baby girl was born dec 2010. The periods regulated, but the facial hair didnt go away

I have no advise, but I wanted to say that my surgeon required me to be out of work for 6 weeks- at the 6 week mark I could go back on light duty until I was 2 months out. Granted, I am an EMT and frequently team lift patients over 600lbs and more (I work for a covelecent company that specializes in bariatric services), but just a few days seems like such a short time in comparison to what I stayed out. My company alowed me to work dispatch after my 6 week mark until I could go back to my full duties (I was lucky there).

I have always wanted to be a runner.... Numerous reasons that go above and beyond health issues. Anyone tried the C25K program? Anyone want to try it with me?! Ive been looking at jogging strollers (I have an 8 month old), this is really something I want to do. I plan on starting tomorrow- I only worrry because I do live in the deep south (incredibly hot and humid)... I used to have the endurance to do my cardio on the eliptical for 45 min and a higher than average speed (that was before I got preggers and gained 80 lbs). I am still 240+ lbs, and i will taylor this schedule to meet my needs. I will try it as is, and if it is too much, I will cut back.... I WILL GET THIS WEIGHT OFF. SOON. This is how I will do it.... Anyone with me?!

I did my first day! Took Admiral (my Great Dane) with me! He was ready to quit before me! I can't wait to get over this weight loss plateau!

I was at a point where I could not eat or drink much of anything (an ounce at best) with out bringing it back up.... I dealt with this for too long and finally called my surgeon who imediately brought me in, and removed my Fluid, sent me for an upper GI. He was certain my band had slipped. On my visit on Friday, he gave me the good news, that the upper GI didnt show a slip. He did tell me that a slip is still a possibility, but only time would tell as we re filled my band. He put some fluid in (I couldnt tell you how much because he does not want his patients getting wrapped up in how much they have), but said he would definately not fill it to the point that it was before the fill..... I am having problems eating. I can handle fluids, as long as it is small sips. I at lunch-a few bites of baked chick breast- at about 1230 this afternoon. Here it is 710pm and I can still feel the chickin in my chest and throat. I want to bring it back up so that I am not so uncomfortable, but it WONT come up. Maybe I just didnt chew a piece well enough? I am now drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper (I VERY seldom drink carbonated beverages) in hopes that it will help the food move on. I feel hungry, but not extremely. I dont know that the food ever made it to my stomach (as it feel like its in my chest) to get 'stuck' I have a follow up appt on the 25th, and will most likly as for a slight unfill if this continues. Has anyone had this issue? Is a slight unfill what I need? PLEASE HELP!

Cocabean what do you suggest instead of chicken? I do pork, chicken and turkey, I stay away from most beef. I did the warm liquids last night and it held. I have an Rx for prilosec, never filled it... Maybe I should!

Niterun... Very interesting information! Thank you! MrsBerggren. Don't give up! I know it's rough, but we just have to find the right fill for us. Personally, I've not had issues until this whole "possible slip" thing. Hang in there, you can do it!

Great! Thanks! I'm pulling up my computer now so I can check it out! I'm starting in the morning! I'm a bit nervous, I have not decided if I should take out the stroller, or see if my sis will sit with her while I start. I know my dog will LOVE it! I figure if I do it after her early AM bottle (around 500) it won't be too hot, won't be much traffic, and she will have gone back to sleep... Admiral (my Great Dane) and I can go out... I can do this! I know I can! I may have to take it a bit slower than the program suggests, but I can do this!

I HUGELY regret learning how to cheat the band... I dont remember how I learned how to do it, but I did... and I WISH I never knew! I was very good in the beginning. A month before my liquid diet started, I buckled down and got my head in the game. I literally started my liquid diet the day AFTER Thanksgiving, and was alowed to begin solids (not mushy) Christmas DAY!! Talk about torture! I did eat a little more than I had been on Thanksgiving, but I did not WAY over do it. Christmas... Well that was depressing to me. I ate about an 2 ounces of ham, and few bites of greenbean casarole... Work out long and hard... your body will hate you at first (THIS is a band wagon I NEED/WANT to jump back on) but its well worth it in the end!

Sorry for the horrid typos, I am on my phone!

Hi all! 242, Down one lb. I guess ill take it since I have had no Fluid in my band up until Friday...

No words of wisdom, per say. This is what my problem was. I had no fluid in my band and was starving.... Lots of water to help you feel full. I was drinking over 100 oz of water, just to keep something on my stomach for that week that I had no fluid. I definately didnt lose any weight during that time. I was also eating 6 small meals. I wasnt getting "full" on any of them, but it at least kept something on my stomach.