bandedCary

Have any lapbander's out there ever tried the hCG diet while banded? I am three years out from being banded. I lost 50 lbs in the first 6 months and then hit a brick wall and nothing worked. Yes, I exercise. Yes, I eat right. Yes, I follow the rules. In fact, funny thing is, when I exercise I actually gain weight. Yes, I know muscle weighs more than fat... but I didn't necessarily lose inches... my thighes actually bulked up and my inches increased. It was crazy, it's like exercise was my worst enemy! My GYN told me I am pre-menopausal - and that is why my weight loss stopped. My lap band nutritionist told me that sometimes for some people, the lap band just stops working and she suggested I go for a SECOND surgery and switch over to the gastric sleeve. Personally, I'm not that keen on removing 80 percent of my stomach! I admire those who do, and I see their remarkable success - compared to lap banders - but I'm just not convinced that removing that much of my stomach is the best plan for me. I have a friend at church who has been on the hCG diet through injections, and she's had INCREDIBLE, REMARKABLE success. I know it's a difficult task to follow - major rules and limited diet. But it's awfully tempting to know I could be on it for 40 days and lose 1-2 pounds a day! I was just wondering if any other lap banders have been on this diet and how they did. Did the lap band make it easier for them? I have 100 more pounds to lose, and it seems my body (hormonally) and my lap band are just not helping me out much. Thanks!

I laugh because I can relate! I remember I was not able to burp after my surgery for some time. Not because I couldn't, but rather, I never had the need. But now, I have no problem doing so. However, I cannot let out a big belch like I once could. Burping can be a good friend in times when you get stuck. It helps to move things around in your pouch. At least that is my experience. So, I do not think it is unusual to not burp at this point. BUT, you have a burp stuck? I'd suggest walking - it gets things moving. Or try stretching. Good luck! :-)

I read that link you posted. The injections are not illegal, the homeopathic versions ARE illegal. These include HCG weight-loss products marketed over-the-counter (OTC) that are identified as "homeopathic" and direct users to follow a severely restrictive diet. The food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers to steer clear of these "homeopathic" human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) weight-loss products. They are sold in the form of oral drops, pellets and sprays and can be found online and in some retail stores. Yes, it does indicate (which I knew) that hCG is FDA approved for the treatment of infertility (and other medical conditions). And the FDA notes that it has found no connection to weight loss. I've known that as well. I watched a segment on the Dr. Oz show and he covered both sides quite extensively. It was interesting. In the end, Dr. Oz even thought -- that while the caloric intake was lower than he recommended... despite the findings of the FDA, the positive proof displayed by participants was too great to ignore. He said he would recommend giving it a try, under the care of a physican. So, the injections are not illegal. And it is not illegal for a physican to perscribe for weight loss. It's just that the FDA cannot find substantial evidence (in their view) for it being a contributing factor for weight loss. I'm curious about it. Just as Dr. Oz stated... in black and white it should not work, but his research brought so many who have experienced success thru the diet, he could not ignore the possibility that it might work. Certainly an interesting topic!

Hmmm--- then I wonder why thousands of physicians and clinics perscribe it? Certainly, if it were illegal to perscribe for weight loss... they would lose their license. You would think those thousands of physicians would not risk it??? Well.... I'm not convinced in doing it. I was just asking if any one out there has tried it. But I think there must be a loop hole somewhere otherwise physicians would not be perscribing it, if it were illegal. Thanks for the note, though.

Actually, it is not illegal in the US. It's FDA approved -- that is, the injections are. Any hCG in drops or pellet form are usually hollistic and are not FDA approved.

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I increased my calories but it made me gain weight. I have done every possible thing I could do and no success. GYN just shrugs her shoulders and says it's my age. GP Doc has no reply - just gives me more meds for inheritly bad cholesterol and LP Doc & Nutritionist say it stopped working and let's cut more. Believe me, I've tried it all. Very depressing. But I will say - I don't necessarily think that the lap band "stopped working"... I should correct myself. I do belive if I didn't have it, I would be worse off - because I do feel it working. Otherwise, I'd be able to eat more. So on that hand, it's keeping me from gaining... but.... I'm simply at a stand still and I feel like my body is working against me, fighting me tooth & nail. LOL!

I am at a VERY frustrating point in my journey. I had a lap band on 9/2011 & I'm only 40 lbs down. I work out daily & I record what I eat. I can proudly say I am a very good lap band patient. I do everything right. Which makes this maintaining rut I'm in all the more frustrating! Dr. office tested my resting metabolism, it said I should consume 1900 calories to lose weight. But I am only consuming about 1100 - 1300. But my band simply won't allow me to eat much more! It's so strange, in the beginning of this journey, it was all about eating less, and losing weight. But could it be that now I need to eat more to lose weight? I can easily eat three meals, but remembering to sneak in some Snacks is hard, I'm simply not hungry. But maybe I have to give it a try. So this week I'm going to try to increase Protein. I have a few friends online that are lap band patients and they seem to do well when they increase the protein. My morning Breakfast is already packed with protein. I make a shake in the morning that has Jay Robb Protein powder, plus Chobani Greek yogurt, milk and fruit. I also munch on a few almonds, so my breakfast has 62 grams of protein. My dietitian for lap band told me that we need at least 20 grams of protein with each meal. So I'm obviously getting a jump start in the morning. But others I've seen have lunch and dinner with protein in the 20-30-40 grams. So maybe that's what I need to be doing? This weekend I went to Sam's Club and spent a fortune on pre-cooked meats (because it's easy). I bought sliced beef brisket, chicken sausage, pork Jerky (because it's tender), and chicken. I feel like a total carnivore! LOL! I was just wondering if anyone else out there is or has experiencing the same problem. Any suggestions? Thanks!

No, not really. I got my band in Sept. 2011 (9 months ago) So the first 5 months were wonderful, I lost 40 lbs. Then now for the last 4 months, nothing. I am 42 (in Dec)., so maybe it's natures' way of holding on to things? LOL I don't know. I always just see the nurse when I go for fills. But I think I'm going to ask to see the doc this time. I have not seen him since I had surgery.

Thanks for your replies. I have seen my dietician. She agrees with the resting metabolism test - that I need 1900 calories a day in order to lose weight. I don't often eat wasteful calories - mainly because my band is so restricting, I have little room as it is. Today for lunch (just now) I at probably half a link of this chicken sausage I got. And I'm about to cough up a portion of it, I'm filled up! I know my morning shake is a "slider food" but it sustains me 3-4 hours till lunch so I'm very happy with it. The dietician has no problem with it (she says) as long as it sustains me. And it's packed with such great nutrients, it's great for me. I have an appointment to see lap band doc tomorrow, and I usually get a fill. But I think I will pass on the fill. I have a lot of stuck episodes - can't imagine getting a fill, and getting stuck more. I'm at 6.5cc's now - in a 10cc band.

Hello ladies! OK - I thought this topic would be OK in this room judging by other topics posted. Last night my husband and I were having a nice moment in bed when I knew in the heat of the passion my port felt a little bit tugged on. I don't know why, I guess my position was doing it. This morning I woke up and my port area was very sore. Like I could tell the area perhaps was stretched or the port was tugged. Has anyone ever felt that? I wonder if having sex could make something worse happen? Gee... who would have thought? Oh and yes, to answer a post in this forum, I also feel that since surgery, sex is better! Thanks!

Yes, Wendy runs on high-octane! LOL But she's so incredible! She is a consistant vlogger on youtube (channel: proofWLSworks) I think is the name. After my experience that I had, it just made me worried that I could "rip" it from it's place. Probably not, but I think I can 'stress' it out. Which is why it's sore now. Hmm interesting!

THANK YOU!!!! Oh I love banded Wendy! She's awesome! I wish I had her energy sometimes! LOL

Do you ever feel like the band never lacks for a dull moment? . I discovered last night that I cannot eat corn on the cob. WOW! That was bad! What can you NOT eat?

Popcorn slides tortilla chips stack up. But I do find the more fills I get the less popcorn I can eat.

I was told that in the AM our stoma around the band has a sticky-tackyness around it because as we sleep at night the juices in that area get that way because we are not eating when we sleep. So.... We should start each day with a hot beverage. This will help melt the tackyness and make eating in the morning easier. Hope that helps!!

At least.... My doc has never implied slips would occur by drinking sodas nor that my pouch would stretch.

My doc NEVER said sodas cause slips!!!! I can drink a soda but I drink more ice tea or water. I cannot drink soda from a bottle or can. It must be in a glass with ice. I take small sips, can't gulp, but certainly am able! Doc said no sodas because most cannot tolerate them. but he said he has seen many patients come in drinking soda and they were fine.... So he was ok with that. But slips???? I disagree.

Thank you ladies!!!

SO, when I reach my goal weight I'd like to get a tattoo to commemorate the accomplishment and to act as a reminder to never return to my old weight/ways. What would you get tattoo'ed and where for such a reason? I'm looking for ideas! I would not want anything big or hugely noticeable. This will be my first tattoo!

That's a ONE WAY STREET for me!!!

My first fill was 3cc's. I am 8 months post op and am at 6.5 cc's now. I remember feeling not very restricted at 4cc but everyone is different.

Way-to-go!!!!

Hi! I had my LB September of 2011. I am now at 6.5 cc's and feeling it! What I have discovered is that if I upset my band,let's say at lunch, my band will be extra tight for the rest of the day. I'm assuming it's because at that first stuck episode I bothered my band and my stomach, resulting in some inflammation. When this happens I need to remind myself to take it easy and have soft mushy food or liquids after that first stuck episode. Otherwise when I eat dinner (when I assume I'm ok) I get stuck again, only this time it happens fast and hurts more. Today I have very swollen glands. I must be getting sick. My throat is sore and my sinuses are draining ... Guess where! Yep, down to my band! It's like every second bite I take today I get stuck no matter how good I chew! And it's been slime city! I'm almost at my year anniversary and I STILL have to be reminded to make accommodations for my band! Its a learning process all the time! Good luck!

YES! I was very sore after surgery! So much so that I was shocked at the pain, I didn't expect it to be that bad. But, everyday gets better! Hang in there and focus on the end result!! You will do great!!!

Thanks everyone!!!!