bandedehs

So I was banded i10/21/11 & have lost about 19lbs. And that was what I lost right after surgery. Nothing in the last 4 months. At my last visit, doc suggested a little un-fill but I was stubborn & pleaded my case to keep 5cc in my 10cc band. I was convinced I just needed more practice at slowing down while eating & not relying on "slider foods". But I am beginning to wonder. I seem to have to vomit a lot more often than other folks I know who are banded. For example--I had a busy weekend & I did not have time to even think about what would be a "good choice". I barely ate at all. Couple of spoonfuls of chicken salad, lots of water, some coffee, some cheese/fruit.....no I did not get good protein levels in this weekend but that's not my point. Saturday evening I was so hungry I ate a little bit of deli turkey & a piece of cheese. Ate slowly but immediately felt "stuck"....ended up in bathroom for about an hour vomiting. Today--I had greek yogurt for breakfast & during the a.m. I've had about 50 oz water. For lunch I've tried to get down some grilled chicken w/ broccoli. Very moist--chewing forever--but I'm getting that gurgling sound in my gut/throat & I know it's coming back up. This can't be normal. And yet w/ the little bit I'm eating---no weight loss....guess my body is in that starvation "save everything" mode... Any thoughts?

Just so you know you are not alone...I was banded on 10/21/11. I have a 4 1/2 yr old and a baby that will be one yr old on 4/16! And I work full time. And I commute 1 hr to work & 1 hr home b/c my mom keeps my girls & she's in between where I live & where I work. And I used to be a gym rat before I had 2 little ones & a husband & a house out of control... I weighed in at 267lbs when I had surgery & now am at 247. Have 5cc's in a 10cc band. I have restriction. I eat protein first & then veggies/fruits & yes I have a sweet tooth & i indulge in a little low-fat ice cream or a piece of chocolate. The band does keep me from overeating...Lord knows I've thrown up enough from eating too fast or too much! But I get hungry & I'm struggling to find a window of opportunity for exercise. I actually cook dinner most nights so when you factor in the clean up & getting babies ready for bed (& yes my hubby helps)....my time is gone...'scuse me...MY time is gone. Thought I'd have lost a lot more by now since I eat so little. Been feeling like this is just another failed (& very expensive) attempt to leave the fat girl behind...

Just throwing in that I've had some significant hair loss even getting all my protein in. I'm struggling b/c I'm not losing like some have....(banded 10/21/11 & only down 20lbs)...so when I asked my doc about the hair loss....strongly suggested Biotin (so I'm taking that now & it has helped a lot). But my doc also said they rarely see hair loss in lap band patients unless you've lost 60-70lbs really fast. Because lap band is not mal-absorptive we shouldn't suffer the hair loss risk that gastric bypass patients do. She suggested that part of my hair loss was from stress....and I think she may be right b/c I've been soooo stressed trying to find ways to eat all this protein & still lose weight...

I have a good friend who is about 2 yrs out from her LAp band surgery & she is having severe acid reflux issues. her docs DO believe it is band related b/c she got better when they removed all fluid back in Nov. 2011. They let her "rest" w/ an empty band for a couple of months & slowly added a little bit back to help her maintain. She made her goal weight before the reflux issues showed up. Long story...shortest version (haha) is that her docs have said she really needs to let her band stay empty & possibly remove it b/c the reflux has done so much damage to her esophagus that she will not be able to use the band anymore. Her docs did say that it's roughly 4% of WLS patients that have this kind of reflux stuff. Usually if you have reflux---the weight loss helps it.

I also drink coffee every day...about 2-3 cups in the a.m. while getting ready for work. The nutritionist I saw said they recommend not taking in coffee/soft drinks b/c 1--they want to make sure you understand you need to get in 64 oz of really beneficial, hyrating fluids like water/unsweet tea & if you fill up on coffee/diet soda they essentially help dehydrate you. And 2--coffee or soft drinks (caffeinated or not) have acid in them that leaches calcium out of your bones. since there is not good long-term studies on bariatric surgery patients & their bone health...they want us to be aware of the risk. That is also why it is agood idea to take calc/vit D supplement. I continue to drink my coffee w/ a little creamer but I'm taking my supplements.

You do have a way w/ words & I love it! I feel your pain. Banded 10/21 & down about 20 lbs. Weighed at doc's office last Friday & was truly 20 lbs down from surgery. Weighed this a.m. & was up 3 lbs & let me assure you....i've been making even better choices in food since last Friday b/c the nurse pract I saw gave me some good advice on how I was eating around the band w/out even realizing it. Too much mushy food (tuna/chick salad) & not enough really solid food. So I too will flail around like a 3 yr old...shoot...my almost 5 yr old stomps feet & rolls eyes w/ the best of 'em! Come on Mr. Scale......we need a break!!!!

I was banded on 10/21/11 & have lost about 20lbs. I have 5cc in a 10cc band & that amt was acquired from surgery & 2 fills. Even when they say your band is "empty" at surgery--there is a little bit in there to help hold it in place. As for feeling restriction after surgery-it is my understanding-you will feel some restriction b/c of tissue swelling after band placement. I was restricted for a few days after initial surgery but had a real problem adjusting to being so hungry. So I actually introduced mushy foods a little earlier than suggested. But my doc's office said I handled it fine & did not do anything dangerous. And I am staying w/ 5cc for now (waiting on a 3rd fill) b/c at my last appt I figured out that my eating habits have not changed enough...been having a lot of vomiting & stuck issues. I tend to eat pretty healthy, but I eat fast & I was so used to eating large amts of healthy foods...I'm still adjusting.

Totally agree. People think that if you got "banded" you ought to be dropping weight like crazy. I'm 4 months post-op & only 20 lbs down & have been discouraged. Until I saw the nurse pract. at my surgeon's office & she "got in low gear" (don't you love that saying?) w/ me & helped me see that I haven't really been using the band like I should. I've been so discouraged b/c I too have lost & gained 100's of lbs over my 40 yrs of life & I struggle finding the reason that I sabotage myself. But I think at that appt last Friday I had an "aha" moment & realized that this band ain't the easy way out. I already have learned how to eat around it, so I know I better get myself in line if I plan to use this thing & not have wasted the time & money.

I just have to add that you are not the only one who "feels sorry" for the food left on the plate. I swear I look at what I should leave & think...."oh I shouldn't leave it. I took it out & hate to throw it away. It's just a little bit. blah. blah. blah" Completely irrational, but just how I feel all the same...

Just wanted to say it is funny that you are expecting snow, b/c it is going to b 70 degrees here today & 80 tomorrow. Just funny reading from different parts of the world...

I think everybody's got some kind of trigger...something we miss. Hubby & I do not eat out a lot & when we do, I'm usually glad I can't eat the amt I used to. But for Valentine's (at my request) he took me to a fancy, schmancy place that is a "farm to table" experience. Communal table for about 15 folks. Chef uses products he's grown or gotten from other local farmers. 5 course dinner. I knew I better start out like I could hold out, you know? So I had a bite of the bread & a taste of the salad, but by the time the succulent, utterly awesome filet arrived...I took about 3 bites & had to leave the table, go out by our car & puke. Bathroom was so close to the table I knew they'd hear me in there! I was embarassed...mortified actually & ticked off that I couldn't "enjoy" this meal. When I came back to the table--they'd brought out dessert & I took one bite & pushed it over to my husband (who by the way is very thin & was at his gag limit as well). so the chef (who brought out each dish & explained it all) & his wife were worried about me....I ended up making up a story about having to check on the kids & that's why I left the table 3 times & couldn't finish dessert. I didn't know any of these folks & didn't feel like explaining LAP band surgery to any of them. So we left $120 poorer w/ part of my dinner on the ground & we laughed & said "maybe we shouldn't do that again anytime soon"...live & learn w/ the band.

Bandedbob--I feel I am in a similar situation to you. I'm looking for advice as to whether I need another fill or not. Honestly--my surgeon's office staff is really nice & they seem eager to answer questions but they aren't really helping me understand what's going on here. I was banded Oct.2011 & to date have lost a total of 15lbs. Did not have to do any special dieting pre-surgery so my weight was pretty much the same pre-op to surgery date. I am unusual in this way--I can eat more in the morning/lunch time & then at night I can hardly get any solid food down. I am having trouble figuring out if my band is "too tight" at night OR am I not chewing well enough or eating too fast? My husband (very supportive) has tried to observe & give his opinion. He does not think I need another fill. But I only have 3cc's in a 10cc band. My surgeon looked at me like I was crazy when I asked if any fluid would be put in at time of surgery. He & his staff add fluid ilke it is gold (I guess it kind of is that way to us!)....doing 1/2cc at a time (at least that's been my experience). My husband's concern is that I'm eating so much less (& I've always been a healthy eater....not a junk food/fast food eater) but I'm not seeing much weight loss. I'm walking some but have some serious arthritis conditions preventing me from hard hitting cardio workouts. And I puke almost every night trying to eat some kind of good protein. Usually something I've cooked. Shredded, chopped, chewed to death (I think) pieces. I have a friend who thinks I do need a tiny little fill to really show me that I'm still eating too fast or swallowing too large of a portion. I just don't know what to do, but I am frustrated. I can still eat a large amt of food during the midday....over the last hour (noon-1pm) I've eaten one of those LARGE cans of tuna w/ low fat mayo & mustard mixed in... And I'm satisfied for now.... But that was probably 1--1 1/2 cups. And about 3 hrs ago I had 3/4 cup of smushed chickpeas. But tonight--I'll barely be able to eat 2 teaspoons of chicken or chili or whatever... ANY IDEAS OR OPINIONS WELCOME!! My next appt is next Friday.

I'm surprised to hear you got 4cc's on a first fill. My doc's office won't do more than .5cc's at a time....slow, slow, slow. You do need to do the liquid or mushies right after a fill.

First of all--congrats on the major loss! I've been banded 4 months & have only lost 15 lbs, so I am completely envious of you! I really just wanted to say that the bad breath thing comes when your body is in ketosis (I think that's the right spelling) as you are adjusting to not eating so many carbs... I've had that experience & have friends who have been through it & other than brushing your teeth & chewing gum...not much else you can do until you pass through that phase. Have you tried the colgate wisp brushes? disposable toothbrushes...very cool....tiny little things. And I've been chewing gum just fine. You know the reason they caution you against it is in case you accidentally swallow it, but I've never been a gum swallower. So I'm still "chewing". And I'm still having a cup or 2 of "leaded" coffee every morning & an occasional diet drink. My nutritionist said the reason for suggesting we go off coffee & sodas isn't always the caffeine. Instead it is the concern that these things have acids that leach calcium out of our bones. it isn't the caffeine...it's the acid. With our nutrient intake reduced & the need to take supplements religiously....they want us to know if we continue drinking coffee & sodas....we may be leaching more calcium out of our bones.

I am 4 months post-op & dealing w/ similar issue. Amazed to find how easy it is to get "junk" food or soft/mushy foods down while it is so hard to get the "good" foods down. I often find myself having to cough & spit up the chicken I was trying to swallow. But after some serious self-evaluating & some "in your face" advice from a banded friend......I believe that part of my problem w/ the protein foods is that I may think I am chewing, chewing, chewing....but in reality I am trying to force some half-chewed pieces down too fast. Because I am still in a hurry to get through supper (2small kids to feed & keep on track for bedtime). I do so much better during the day (in my office or on the road) b/c I truly take my time. I'm just suggesting you take a long, hard look at how long it actually takes you to eat. You may be rushing the meats or more solid foods more than you think. I only have 3cc in a 10cc band & I am not losing much weight. My hubby thinks that is crazy b/c he knows how much I vomit trying to eat dinner. But I know that during the day & even after everybody eats supper....I'm tired of trying to force chicken down so I get a bowl of sugar free ice cream or I have a handful of hershey kisses. What I need to do is chew, chew, chew & get that protein in. All that said--2 of my banded friends (each has lost over 70lbs in 1 yr) believe I need another fill. They say that will be the one that will FORCE me to slow down & I'll see that I am still eating too fast.

I was banded on Oct.21, 2011. As of today, I've lost 13 lbs since surgery. Did not have to do any special diet before. Lost those 13lbs during the 1st 6 wks after surgery. Gained some over holidays. Back at the 13lb total loss now. I'm eating so much less than I used to. And yes I'm very aware of protein, water, fat, salt intake...Making good food choices. I know exercise is where my shortfall is & I know HOW to do it. I was a longtime gym rat. Had lost 70lbs 8 yrs ago & kept it off until pregnancies & debilitating arthritis hindered my workouts. I have started back walking & doing some yoga, but I feel like I'm right where I've always been. My fat likes me. It wants to stay. It fights to stay. I have 3 friends who have been banded for over a year. one has lost 50lbs. the other two have lost 70lbs. They have not worked out. They have eaten pretty much whatever they wanted but in very small portions. I have 3 cc's in my band & i have good restriction. I can barely eat dinner b/c my band is so tight at night, so that forces me to "behave" during my worst snacking time (after the kids go to bed). I have more vomiting episodes trying to shove dinner down my throat while feeding the husband & 2 kids, so I've backed off of trying to eat dinner "just because it's dinnertime".....and here I am still weighing 254lbs......totally discouraged......

So I am almost 3 months out from surgery. I've only lost about 13lbs which is kind of discouraging except I know some of the reasons for that. I've got crazy bad arthritis which has hindered my exercise plan. Over the holidays I ate poorly. At least I could not eat large amts, but I definitely indulged in sweets & not-great-nutrition-choices.... I have had 2 fills & am definitely restricted & I am surprised that I haven't lost more weight w/ the small amt of food I can consume. Said all that to ask this....are you experienced banders really getting close to 100g of protein a day? I had this great plan of how I would consume protein in liquid form most of the day & add in fish/chicken/eggs, but I am really struggling. One of the nurses w/ my surgeon said 60g is good, but 100 should be my goal. I just do not see how that is possible to consume w/ the restriction I have at this time.

@Joel--congrats to you! 92 lbs???? That is AWESOME! I have to say I'm a little jealous & need to know what you are doing. I had surgery on 10/21/11 & am only down 13lbs. You gotta share some tips w/ me!

I've also wondered about grinding pills, b/c my surgeon's office tells LAP band patients the same stuff as gastric bypass patients. I've had 2 very small fills....I think I have about 3 or 3.5 cc's in a 10cc band. I have pretty good restriction and I am able to swallow tylenol capsules as well as a pretty big glucosamine supplement. I'm using a chewable vitamin, but have had no problem swallowing others I mentioned. I'm not crushing everything. Don't think it is necessary.

So I had LAP Band surgery on 10/21/11 & strictly followed clear liquid diet until I was so daggone hungry (physically--not mental, emotional, or just b/c I missed chewing) I ate a few spoonfuls of refried beans....very slowly & they stayed down & I felt much better. I've been getting 60+ grams of protein & good fluid intake but I've been so hungry this week I have eaten a few spoonfuls of mashed potatoes, some sugar-free pudding, and last night I ate (very carefully) a few meatballs in Italian Wedding Soup broth. I've lost 6lbs since last Friday, but I am hungry an hour after eating these little morsels...... I think I must be in need of a fill!! I hope I am not doing damage by eating these things. I have not felt "stuck" or vomited...just still hungry. Today I ate (very slowly) the grilled chicken strips out of a chick-fil-a chargrill wrap....I go on 11/3/11 for my post-op visit & I hope--a fill. Any opinions??????? Am I behaving badly?????? The main reason I chose this was to help me feel fuller between meals.