Maddy1

Rockfish, stripped bass, haddock, flounder, tilapia, grouper. There are lots in my local grocery store. There are also scallops, crab and shrimp.

I paid for everything. My insurance didn't cover it. $10,000 which included all pre op appts (dietician, etc) and one year's worth of fills and visits.

I have had my band for 5 months and lost 40 lbs. I am at 6 cc in a 10cc realize band. I read here often about how everyone gets restriction at different amounts of saline in their band. My question is this, does a very tight band lead to erosion or other problems? Is it safer to keep it at some mild restriction but not so tight you can barely eat? Because some people here say they like a very tight band but doesn't sound like there is much they can eat. I am not as worried about how much I can eat as I am about long term complications as a result. After my last fill to 6 cc, almost 3 months ago, I seemed to have only occasional restriction for a couple of weeks, and then didn't seem to have much feeling at all when eating. Then over the last week or so, I am feeling restriction, often after a few bites of food (not soft foods) and much more in the mornings. Usually at lunch and sometimes at dinner. But other times, especially at dinner, I don't feel any restriction "clues". I just don't understand the variability. I don't have any other problems, no feeling of reflex or any of that. Does this sound normal? I have considered getting another 1/2 cc just to get more consistency but don't know if there is more risk involved with that? Any thoughts you can share would be appreciated.

I am a nurse. You have an infection and may need antibiotics. Keep an eye on your temp. Wounds that are gaping open do not close up easily. The edges need to be together. Until your infection and drainage are under control and there is no more pus, you will need the antibiotics to clear all that up. Then the edges can be dealt with or it may have to heal from the inside out. The things you are describing are not "normal". Hope this is helpful.

It will really depend on your own body's response to the surgery. I had off 3 weeks and I can tell you the first two I was not ready to go back. I had a lot of pain and struggled to get up out of bed by myself or up out of a chair. I only had tylenol with codiene for pain so not sure if it just wasn't enough for me or what. The last week was good to have as I transitioned to mushy food and it gave me a chance to practice that. Also, I am 61 so I am sure that had something to do with it.

You already have been successful!! Just do what your body tells you is working for you. I can eat those things too, not every day and not every time, but once in a while in a small portion should not be a problem. Your exercise has probably set your calorie requirements higher and it has helped you lose the weight and eat what seems normal. My doctor doesn't go by all of that, they just advise small quantities, keep the weight loss going and exercise. You are doing terrific. I hope I am as successful as you.

1/2 cup low fat ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup prego spaghetti sauce, 2T parmesan cheese grated, 1/4 cup shredded low fat mozarella cheese. Microwave till cheese melts. Sometimes I also add a couple turkey meatballs. Who needs noodles?

Don't see where you did anything wrong!

Everything you all have said is true....its just the experience varies for all of us. I just had a long talk with my doctor because I was confused as to how I should feel. I read comments on here and look for the same experience and wonder whats wrong if I am not feeling that way. I think you have to focus on the comments about eating a small amount (one cup or less) and feeling full for at least 3 hours. I also think the idea of 4 meals a day but still keeping your calories between 1,000 to 1,200 and the 60-80 grams of protein is good. Focusing on those big things you should do well. Exercise really has to be a part of it. If you think you walk alot during the day, try one of those step gadgets which tell you how many steps you actualy walked. Also journaling your food intake. Honestly, those things have helped me the most. If I lose weight doing that and feel comfortable, I think I must be doing ok. Hope this helps.

You are so right that doctors have so many different opinions. I asked my doctor the same questions and she said they DO NOT want you to be so tight you cannot eat certain foods, just in small quantities because those white foods elevate your blood surgars (high in starch and calories). I stick to green veges with chicken or seafood mostly for dinner but I did have a few ounces of beef pot roast with less than 1/2 cup roasted potatoes and carrots once night for dinner. The meat was so tender and moist from the crock pot that it wasn't a problem, I just couldn't eat very much of it and that was fine. My last fill took me to 6 cc in a 10 cc band and my appetite seems pretty well satisfied on small amounts of food. I think you just have to experiment and figure out what works for you. I questioned so many things about why I wasn't more uncomfortable or pbing or other things I hear here. Again, I think it is a difference of approach but I have lost 11 lbs each of the last 3 months so I guess I am there!

Hi, I am an RN in Delaware. I had my surgery on January 9th and I have lost 35 lbs. Very slowly is seems to me but my doctor thinks I am doing great. I currently have 6 cc in a 10 cc band and for now I think I am doing just fine with restriction, not too tight but definitely limits how much I can eat. Hope you have great success!

I would say yes, but it requires being brutally honest with yourself. That means keeping track of every bite of food. Calories have a way of creeping up and a couple hundred extra every day can stall your weight loss plan. It means learning to incorporate exercise regularly into your life. I believe that once you start to lose some weight and see how much better you can move, it really motivates you to continue. Hardest, I personally think, is handling those moments where something triggers you to eat things that are no longer part of your plan. Ever have that moment? The smell of something cooking that reminds you more of the pleasure of the first bite rather than how uncomfortable you feel after you have eaten the whole thing. Being able to look honestly at what things you do that sabatage your life, analyze them and make better choices requires a bravery that not everyone is able to muster. Good luck as you go. Lots of people are successful and most articles you read about success are actually based on older data. Work with a Center of Excellence and use all their services to help you be successful.

Actually, not having an appointment until Wednesday doesn't really mean anything these days. Sometimes doctor's just don't address these issues immediately as long as you are breathing ok, heart is beating, etc. And I am a nurse plus have personal experience.

I am a week away from 3 months post LB surgery. I have lost 32 lbs in that time. Sounds good but truthfully 25 was lost the first 6 weeks and it has been slow going since then. I knew I had to be patient until I had some fills. I had my third fill about a week ago and am now 5.5 in a 10 cc band. I know there is some sense of restriction. At least until the evening, its not really difficult to stay focused on smaller meals. I had one episode a couple days ago where I went too long between meals, was really hungry and brought home a rotisserie chicken for dinner. While I was setting things up, I took a bite of the chicken wing and I know I didn't chew it well enough and I had my first stuck episode and up came the chicken. So obviously there is some restriction. However, as I read other people's posts here, I see people saying things like restriction is being afraid to swallow food, or they can only eat one egg or other very small amounts. One person told me they can only eat 4 tablespoons of food, the 5th will cause them to vomit. My doctor tells me I should be able to eat about a cup of food 4 times a day. Can you see the differences in stories I am seeing. I basically can eat anything if I chew it well enough. Bread doesn't bother me, but I couldn't eat a whole sandwich and I don't have more than the occasionaly half an english muffin. I am wondering if I need just a little more fill to be as restricted as I hear some people talking about or should I just keep going. I am not complaining, only trying to understand what I should be shooting for. Thanks for any advice or experience you are willing to share.

Thanks so much for sharing this information.

Jacqui, as someone who would consider the same surgery, what is involved? What areas are cut? If you don't mind, how much does this kind of surgery cost (if you don't want to say I would understand). How long is your recovery? Are you in a lot of pain?

I have read so many posts about nsvs and how good they make you feel....but today, it was my surprise. My daughter insisted on going shopping with me today because yesterday my jeans were literally sliding down my hips. Today she kept picking clothes for me to try on. I used to be a 22 and I kept telling her to pick out things close to that size. Instead, she insisted I try on 18's and guess what? They fit and I looked great in them! I was so surprised, I just couldn't believe it. I came home and began to empty out the 22's in my closet. Everything from winter in that size is now in a bag for the Salvation Army. It was so exciting and so motivating. Thanks to everyone for listening. I am just floating I am so happy!

I had a somewhat similar situation. I did, however, in the third month lose 5 lbs but I didn't have any restriction and was always hungry. I just had my fourth fill and am at 5.5 in a 10 cc band and I do have some restriction now. As a matter of fact in one week post this last fill I am down about 4 lbs. Here's what else I did. I googled lap band diet on line and easily found someone who shared their regular food diet (the one past all the liquids and mushies). Although I had very specific diet and instructions on the first two months of eating, I didn't have that for the period where you live with the band daily. When I read this article, I found I was way off on portion sizes, etc. An example....on my diabetic diet, one bread or starch exchange was half an english muffin. On the lap band diet, it was actually half of that, so two bread/starch exchanges should have been 1/4th of an english muffin. So, with the new fill, I also changed my diet and voila, the weight started to come off again, I am not overly hungry and take in about 1000 to 1200 calories per day. I keep it low carb as well. So hang in there, and search for new solutions and keep yourself focused on being patient and working around the problem and you will get there. I think we all think this should work faster but it just doesn't. You have to find what works for you! Good luck.

Thanks to everyone for your support!

I am so glad you asked this question and someone answered. I am 2 1/2 months out from surgery and I feel this way about 3 days after I have a fill. I haven't understood what was happening. I don't throw up and don't feel like I will. Just that pressure in the lower throat that feels like I am stuffed. I am trying really hard to figure out the feelings around my stomach and eating so I know what I am doing.

Its not really that you can't have sex, its that you probably would be uncomfortable laying on your stomach or having someone laying on top of you because of the pressure. I am almost 3 months out and that is very uncomfortable but it doesn't stop me having sex!

I just requested it from the Walmart pharmacist and she ordered a bottle of the adult tylenol. You're right, if you get children's you would have to take nearly the whole bottle!

OK, here's want happened to me this week. Last Friday I got my third fill. Since surgery have had no restriction and could pretty much eat whatever I wanted but usually only about 1/2 of what I used to do. First 48 hrs after fill, still didn't feel any different. Then Monday evening, something felt different. On Tuesday, I noticed that after a few bites, it felt like my meal was starting to back up in my esophagus. I stopped eating and hours went buy and the feeling of over fullness dissapated but I wasn't hungry for hours. This morning, I decided to try a protein shake and I guess I blended up alot of ice (it was thick like a milkshake) and it took me a good half hour just to drink it. I texted someone from my support group and shared what I was feeling and she said that was restriction and my "soft sign" to stop eating. I guess I was waiting and analyzing my feelings so long that I got there and didn't realize it at first. I was so excited and have been very careful today with what and how much I ate. I am so anxious to see if it moves me past that "plateau" you are all talking about. I got a 1 cc fill which brought me up to 4.5 cc.

Review your meds with your primary care doctor and find out what can be crushed and what comes in a liquid. I have been on a number of meds and some were switched from extended release to short acting and I take more frequently. Also, if you should ever require an antibiotic, just remind your doctor you need liquid or crushable pills. It worked well for me. I crush my meds and take in unsweetened applesauce.

Thanks for your comments. In a similar boat, 60, 8 years with diabetes, HTN, Choles, etc. No one said you're gonna die from it but I am a nurse, so I know. I wanted to beat the diabetes in particular, just didn't quite grasp how much the other things would improve as well. I am only 2 months out and still no restriction at 4.5 in a 10, but exercising more than I have in at least 15 years and all my labs are in great shape. I just want to stay motivated and fight that feeling of "you're gonna fail again" that tends to stick its nose in there every once in a while. Thanks for your comments!