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Mine has also drastically changed - but in the other direction... I used to go only 2-3 times a week, if I was lucky. I also had issues where when I had to go, I had to go. Now I go about every other day, but it's a little harder - literally. I've tried fiber, but you have to take like 5 pills in one serving and I already take all my other meds, makes it really difficult. I mentioned it to my doc and he said I won't go as much because I don't eat as much. My body is absorbing most of it for nutrition, but I need to make sure I am getting enough fiber in my diet. Good luck and let us know if you learn any secrets!

No, you are fine. =) I throw up on a weekly basis, trying to figure out what I can and can't eat... As long as you have no pain or anything relativiely different compared to the norm, don't stress!

Mjv, your story is very inspiring. My husband and i have been together for 17 years and ttc for just as long. No luck yet. I am really hoping the lapband makes a difference. I am currently down 71lbs, but am only 9 months out of surgery, so they want me to wait a little longer. How much weight did youi lose before you started trying? I turn 33 this year and had started to lose hope that it would ever happen. Congratulations and best wishes to you and your family!

Wow! It's been a while since anyone posted! I was banded 10/07/11 and am down 71lbs. After my last fill on 07/03/11 I lost 8lbs in one week and have been stuck there ever since! I have had 5 fills and am at 7cc's in my 10cc band. I don't eat very much at all. I think it's what I am choosing to eat lately. A lot of personal life stuff going on makes it harder, but I am pushing on! How is everyone else doing??

Have to had a fill recently? Maybe it is time for one. Ususally after a fill I lose 5-8lbs in the first week and then I go back to 1-2 lbs a week. I feel ya though. I had my last fill on 07/03, I lost 8lbs in a week and haven't lost an ounce since! Ugh! It's frustrating. I was banded on 10/07/11 and have lost a total of 71lbs, but I am right on the border of the One-derlands! ...and I want to get there already! I would suggest lay off all carbs for a few weeks and drink lots of water. Good luck!

Congratulations! Depends on the area and the doc, I guess. I had my surgery 10/7 and my first fill was 10/31. I get them every 6 weeks, unless I don't need or want one. So far, I have skipped one fill and regretted it. After 12 weeks my band had loosened enough that I wasn't losing weight. Remember through this process your stomach is shrinking, so periodoically the band will need to be tightened around it, even if you have been in the green zone. My cousin has the band as well and she only had to wait 2 weeks for her first fill and then she went every Friday! That is crazy to me, because after a fill you can't eat solid foods for 24 hours, so basically, she was on a liquid diet every Friday into Saturday until her band was in a good place.

I have no pain during the fill, other than a little poke of the needle. I do have complete restriction for about 24 hours after the fill and drink nothing but liquids, but I was forwarned of that by the doctor. Usually about the first week it is a little tighter than the norm and I eat less and lose anywhere from 5-8 lbs in the forst week after a fill, but after that it loosens up a little and I am good.

I have lost 71 lbs and am always colder now than everyone else. It def made a difference for me!

My port scar is also my biggest and took the longest to heal, but they are all fading now, 9 months later. It is located right below my rib cage on my left side. i couldn't feel mine at all when this all started and now, 71 lbs later, I can see the bulge when I lay flat. I've never heard of one that high on the body. Interesting.

Hi and welcome! I have been banded about 9 months and lost 71 lbs so far. Definitely can not be done under a local. I only had restrictions on lifting heavy things for about the first week. My surgery was Friday and I took the following week off, but honestly, I could have gone back to work the following Monday. I am also one of those that can not eat bread, pasta, rice, tortillas, etc. I wouldn't even worry about what you think you will want to eat because that all will change. I live in SoCal and the big thing here is In-N-Out, their burgers are aMaZiNg! I was scared I would crave it and feel like I was suffering. I have no cravings for red meat at all now. I would prefer to not be around it really. Not saying this specific change will happen to you, but your tastes will def change. I had to do mooshies for 2 weeks after, then it went to soft for a week and then started back on normal foods. I can't do lettuce now unless it is shredded, so salads are hard for me. I eat a lot of protein mostly. Also, love crunchy foods. They go down quite well. It will definitely be worth it! Don't stress the changes, because your body helps you with that. Just look forward to a year from now, how healthy you will be and how great you will look!

I agree with kristallynn. The same for me.

WoOhOo! Congrats! I have been floating at 205 for the last 3 weeks and it is driving me insane! I want to get there!

I have had 5 fills... 3.5cc 1cc 1cc 1cc .5cc ...over the last 9 months and they just add to what is in there. They do withdraw a little into the syringe to make sure they are in my port and then put it back in along with the new stuff. Never had a fill under fluoroscopy, but I've heard some have. After a fill I can only have liquids for 24 hours. How about you guys?

I'm sorry to hear that! Have you had enough fills? Maybe you can still eat too much? Basically, it's no Pasta, rice, bread, tortillas, etc. I do eat some bread, but it has to be toasted and no more than a slice a day. I don't eat Breakfast because my band is very tight in the morning and anything that goes down, comes back up. =/ ...but I've heard that's very common. So, here is a sample of my daily menu.... Breakfast: Muscle Milk Light chocolate Protein shake Lunch: Lean Cuisine steak tips portabello meal Dinner: A 1/2 cup of chopped lettuce with shredded cheese and boiled eggs. ...and Ranch, and a small piece of chicken. Ranch is the ONE thing I have not given up, I just go very sparingly. =) I haven't been able to eat most red meat since my surgery. It just doesn't agree with me anymore. I don't snack at all. If I get hungry in between meals (which is rare) I eat a Nature Valley Granola Thin. They are only 90 calories and are delicious. It took me 5 fills to get to a good place. Some things get stuck and I have to let them back up maybe once a week, twice on a bad week, but I feel like I am able to eat what I should. Also, no candy, cake, ice cream, etc. Lot's of carbs/sugar. Make sure you aren't eating more than you could hold in your hand and no soda! If you need coffe, try caffeine free. I have some issues with lettuce, so if I eat a salad I cut up the lettuce very small, or buy the bags of shredded lettuce instead. Hope this helps! Let me know how you are doing!

Hi! I was banded 10/8/11 and I think I'm doing pretty good! I have lost 71lbs and am feeling amazing. It really is a completely different life. I am only half way there and still want to lose about 60lbs more, but definitely off to a great start. Do you think my goal of 135lbs is too low?? Should I shoot for something higher to start with? Let me know what you think!

I was banded 10/8/11. I have lost a total of 70lbs, but go through phases. I am at 7cc's right now and am finally in the green zone. It took me 5 fills to get here. Even now I will go 4-6 weeks with hardly any movement and then in one week i will lose 7 lbs! It's very frustrating, I agree. I am also working out with a personal trainer 3 times a week and have been told not to focus so much on the weight because I am gaining muscle. I can see the inches coming off because my sizes keep getting smaller. It's been a while since you commented on this post, how are you doing now??

Hello! It sounds like you are good to me. I get gurgling and I have to take smaller sips and chew my food really well. If you were too tight then you wouldn't be able to get any food down at all. You shouldn't be able to take big gulps. Give it a few days and see how it goes. Mine usually loosens up a little (which is actually swelling going down in your stomach that is caused by the fill). Hold out a little while before checking with your doc. You should be fine. Obviously, if you can't keep anything down or there is any other complications, call them right away.