bluetigereyes

Is she the one that recently had a major complication and almost died?

It takes a good 3 weeks for me to notice any difference in my band after a fill. I am at 8.5cc in 14 cc band, had my fill 3 weeks ago, and just this past weekend did I start to notice that I had good restriction. I am down 4lbs since my fill, which is good, but I think I need about 1/2 cc more to get to my green zone. Give it a bit, you might be amazed at the difference in a week or so

I eat Spaghetti squash all the time, never a problem with it. I LOVE it!

A heating pad will help with the gas pains as well as getting up and walking as much as possible. Jello is also good for clear liquids as well.

go to 5daypouchtest.com, there is info on there how to do it (They also have stuff for sale, but you dont have to buy anything)

I was banded on 12/22, I did great with my pre-op diet, losing 20+ lbs. I had my surgery, and had my port flip, which caused me to not get my first fill for a while. I have since had 3 fills. And, although I do feel restriction, and I can see that I am eating alot less, I am still not seeing the scale move. At my last fill appt, it had been 4 weeks, and I only lost 2lbs. Its been a week since my last fill, and the scale is still not moving. I eat healthy, (I dont count my calories) only fresh fruits/vegis, lean meats and 3 times a day. I feel full after about 6-8 bites, so I know that I'm not consuming alot of calories....but the scale just isnt moving. I was hoping that by this summer I would be down at least 30 lbs, but at this rate, by the time summer hits, it will be only 5lbs max. I work full time, and when I get home, I have to cook for the family and do all the household stuff, so dont have much time to get to the gym (I know thats a big part of my problem) What suggestions do you have to get off this plateau? I would appreciate any suggestions to see the weight start to drop. (My next fill is scheduled for April 30th)

Well, I think I am finally on the down hill of my plateau. The past couple of days, I have been doing MUCH better and have started to lose again. thank goodness because I really want to see a decent loss when I go back to my doctor in 10 days!!

You can also try the 5 day pouch test and see if that helps 'reset' your pouch.

This thread has helped me TREMENDOUSLY!!! I have only had my band a few months, and just after this last fill 3 weeks ago, did I start feeling restriction. Now, there are times, I eat 2-3 bites and I have that tight feeling in my chest. It happened today, and I took just one more bite and ended up with that nasty slimy 'spit up' I threw the rest of my lunch away and here I am 3 hours later and still totally satisfied. I think I need to learn to listen to my body a little better so this doesnt happen again, but as long as I can listen to my full signal, I can succeed! Thanks

I am in the Boise Idaho area, and there is a store called Winco that I get it at. Sometimes I can find it at Wal-mart as well. Its cheaper than Oikos or Chiobani and I love the flavor and texture of it. I have been making fruit/yogurt parfait with the honey flavored for Breakfast lately, and its so satisfying and tastes great.

what is the 5 day pouch test? How does it work and what is it supposed to do?

what about having your family doctor write a letter in addition to the surgeon...that typically is another way to get the insuranc company to approve you

I like Zoi brand greek yogurt the best. I get the vanilla and Honey flavors. I love the idea of adding some crystal light for flavoring to it, although I do enjoy it like it is. I like this brand much better than Chiobani or Yoplait

I was banded 12/22, and I WISH that I could say I'm doing as good as you guys! I have only lost 8lbs since surgery. I just had my 3rf fill 2 weeks ago, I can feel restriction, I'm doing great on my eating, but the weight just wont come off. Its disappointing, but I guess I'm going to end up being one of the 'slow losers' out here with the band. I was sure hoping to see at least 30 lbs by now, but I guess that wasnt meant to be

Thats VERY Scary, but I'm so glad that you are ok. Take it easy, your body has been through ALOT.

I usually have a protein shake for breakfast, Tuna w/ half Tblsp light mayo and an apple or raw broccoli for lunch, and a light dinner (Fish or a little ground turkey, steamed vegis). I cannot eat any chicken or dry meats because they get stuck and I dont et breads for the same reason. Maybe I'm not getting enough calories because I truly only eat 6-10 bites before I cant eat anymore

It all depends on your doctor. My doctor gives a large fill the first time (I got 5.5cc for my first fill) then only 1/2 to 1 cc each fill after that. When I was in this last time, I only got 1/2 cc. I am at 7.5cc in a 14 cc band, I do feel restriction, but I think when I go back at the end of the month, I will get 1/2 cc more. I can tell I am close though, but still not seeing the weight come off that quickly

My scars are not bad, but I also have 2 scars for my port. One from the original surgery, the other from 7 weeks later when I had to have a port revision. Since I am only 3 months post op, they are all still noticeable and dark, but I know they will fade. by the time I am thin enough to show off my tummy, they should be almost non existant. Plus, if you can see them, its just a reminder to me where I've been and where I dont want to go back to

If you are not feeling restriction, this fill may not get you to your sweet spot. Keep going in for fills until you get where you need to be. Let the band work for you....good luck!

I have been a diet coke fanatic as long as I can remember. At one point, I was up to a 12 pack A DAY!! I have really cut down on how much I drink, but even with my band I still drink a little. I only want it about once a week now, and then I have it over ice, or let it sit open for about an hour so some of the carbonation dies down. If I drink it right after opening it, I burp for about 2 hours....no joke. I have found that I LOVE Arizona Green Tea, and even found the tea bags so I can make it myself with splenda or the pink stuff. I was like you, thought that I could NEVER give up my soda....but, it really does happen, even though its subtle. I am still working on breaking my habit of ordering a diet coke whenever I have the option of someting to drink. thats my hard habit to break I had my 3rd fill on Monday, and my first diet coke since that fill, today...I can tell you, it does not feel good! I am much tighter and the carbonation is uncomfortable. I put it in the fridge and made my tea. That way I am not miserable all day at work. You need to change your mindset about carbonated drinks....if you feel that you are making sacrifices, your change will not last. If you make a concious choice that you want to drink something that is healthier for you, it becomes so much easier.

Congrats....Dont over-do it these first couple of weeks, you need to let yourself heal. Although, walking really does help. I sipped on warm broth and walked for the first 4-5 days after surgery and other than a sore throat I felt great! I just had my 3rd fill yesterday, so on liquids/mushies today and tomorrow, but I think I'm much closer to my sweet spot finally! You will get there too, just take one day at a time and dont let the speed bumps in the road become mountains to overcome

Great news Jim! Congrats. You're on the road to a healthier YOU! I'm so happy for you!

I have been banded since Dec 22nd, I am losing slowly, had 2 fills, and go in for my 3rd one on Monday. I cannot eat dry foods (chicken, breads, etc), however, I eat Tuna, Steak, ground Turkey, salads, and almost anything I want as long as I take small bites and eat slowly. I am still learning my body and learning to slow down. I cannot eat baked chicken at all, but if I have it cut up really small in something, I am ok. Each person is different, and no, you will not have to just eat soups for the rest of your life. Just listen to your body and what you can and cannot eat

I had my first fill almost 2 weeks ago, 6.5 cc in a 14cc band, and I have not really felt much restriction yet. In the morning, I can tell my band is tighter, but by 10ish, no restriction at all. I went out to dinner the other night with friends, had steak and a sweet potato with no problems. Then, last night, I made some baked chicken and cous cous for dinner. I took 2 bites of the cous cous, then had a bite of chicken. The chicken felt like it got stuck. It was painful in my chest and felt like the bite was sitting deep in my throat. I have not had any problems with food getting stuck, until I ate Chicken. I let it calm down for about 2 hours, and tried again (Very small bite and chewed ALOT) and it too git stuck. Is is normal to have just one particular food that just doesnt like to go down? I heard steak is hard for alot of people, but I had no problem at all. I typically eat chicken 3-5 days a week, so this is concerning since that is a huge staple in my diet. Anyone else have this type of issue?

I am allergic to the betadine they use to prep the skin as well as the adhesive. They also use a spray adhesive to make the Steri Strips stay on longer, and yep, I'm highly allergic to that too. I took off ALL the dressings except the steri strips and healed just fine. Just leave the Steri Strips in place for at least 10 days, then they will start to peel off. Just be VERy careful as those come off because they can re-open your incisions