AllieB2011

I was banded In December and so far have had 2 fills. I am not proud to say that last week Friday I completely fell off the wagon. I drank Water while I ate junk (taco bell tacos and potatoes)for two meals ( did not measure the food). Since this incident I have been super hungry lately. I am going for a third fill next Thursday with Barium and am worried I might find out I have stretched my pouch. I am only supposed to be eating 4 oz meals three times a day. Lately I can eat almost a cup and a half of food! ( mainly 4 oz Protein the rest veggies). Can messing up one day really cause pouch dilation? I have still lost 2 pounds this week even though I had this episode, I'm soooo worried! Ps- I was able to eat an apple (skin and all) today so do you think I might just not have enough restriction? Still have never been stuck or PBed

I only drank while eating that one time. I had been following the rules religiously until that day. The tacos were chicken and lettuce in a hard shell which is like eating a chip ( a slider I know). As far as the amount of cc's I am not sure. My surgeon doesn't tell me nd I almost don't want to know. I think he is emphasizing how you feel rather than judging by the amount. My last fill offered me some restriction. I had it a month ago. I have lost 15 pounds since and I think I definitely need another ( going next Thursday). My main concern is eating a cup of veggies with my Protein. I know lettuce turns to Water so you can eat more of it and not risk stretching the pouch. What about broccoli, Brussels sprouts or bell peppers? I am worried because I feel the need to eat more than 4 oz each meal.

I am wondering if anyone who has had the band for some time has any input?

Once you get the lap band and experience hunger before a fill you will understand.

I tried finding this in other forums but had no success. Has anybody ever had to go to the ER for constipation? I had surgery on December 28th and so far everything has been great (no stuck episodes, no vomiting, losing lots of weight, abundant energy). Unfortunately yesterday I ended up in the ER. I had diarrhea the first week after surgery then was normal until about a week ago. I took milk of magnesia and thought I was having diarrhea (it ends up it was going around the "fecal mass"). Yesterday afternoon I was in terrible pain and almost passed out trying to have a BM. The ER took an x-ray and it showed a huge fecal impaction near the rectum and I was severely backed up almost all the way to the top of my intestines. They gave me a magnesium citrate laxative by mouth and a HUGE soap enema. Three hours later I was fine. The ER doc told me to take Miralax on a daily basis. I was wondering if this is a common (or somewhat common) problem with others. Also, does anyone else take Miralax on a daily basis? Is it safe? I hate to think I have to take a laxative everyday for the rest of my life

I have been banded since December 28, 2011. I had my first fill last week Thursday and definitely feel a difference (no longer hungry after eating 1/2 cup of solid food.) My question is this: Is it possible to never have a stuck episode? So far I have never had one. I chew VERY carefully and take between 20-30 minutes to eat. I do however sometimes take larger bites than I should. Has anyone ever NOT been stuck or do even the best chewers in the world have it at least one or two episodes a year? Also, I was reading here that most people do not feel restriction until after several fills. Why is this? After my first fill my surgeon said to come back immediately if I am not satisfied with 1/2 cup of solid food or hungry before 4 hours have passed since I ate. He must have done a good job because I do not feel tight but do feel satisfied after eating like I said. P.S- Which types of foods would most likely cause a stuck episode? Veggies (like the skin on a tomato or the rough texture of lettuce) or meats?

I took 2 fiber tablets today and am going to start the miralax this evening. I will do ANYTHING to never have this happen again!

I am struggling to get in 64 ounces. I think that played a big part in the whole thing. I haven't been on pain meds since the first week after surgery and don't drink Barium until Feb 2nd for my first fill. Thanks for telling me about that though. I will make sure to take laxatives the day of and after the barium drink!

Hello. I was banded December 28th and so far everything has run smoothly except for occasional nausea and diarrhea. I am very happy this forum/site is available for support. Anyways I have two questions about water: 1- What do you do when the exercise starts and you are DYING OF THIRST for Water after a work out? Do you have to sip sip sip for like 20 minutes before you get some kind of relief? I am very worried about this because I usually drink ALOT of water during and after my workouts. 2- I don't quite understand the biology behind drinking after an hour after eating. If the food is supposed to stay in the pouch and keep you satisfied for 4 hours, wouldn't drinking even after an hour push it through? Thanks =)

Thank you all so much for responding. I found the link very informative. I guess time will tell as far as thirst and exercise for me. I have my first post op appointment tomorrow with my surgeon and I will ask him how much I should sip when overly thirsty.

I was banded one day before you! I too am very positive about this journey =)

I was not "excited" about the band itself and was very worried about many things before I got it. I was banded December 28th and so far I think I made the right decision. It is definitely comes with a process that will change the way you think about food and certain habits. I believe it was a very healthy choice for me.

I am 6 days post op and attempted to ride in the car today to go to the bank. I began to feel very car sick. By the time I got home I had a migraine and felt dizzy. I also felt car sick on the way home from the hospital. I really hope this ends soon so I can start to drive and uhhh leave the house