BigBayRooster

I just wanted to share my experience so hopefully others may not have to have the same experience. I was doing GREAT and losing weight like a champ, then when I just started to feel like I had this whole lap band thing down (got my band May 22, 2012) I started getting stuck and it just got worse started getting stuck on almost every regular meal. Then I got terrible indigestion and fierce acid reflux. I was convinced that my band had slipped because I had all of the symptoms. I got to my dr. asap. After telling her what had been going on over the past few days I happened to mention that I had been prescribed clindamycin capsules by my family doctor for an in-grown toenail that my horse stepped on(ouch!!) . As soon as I told her about the antibiotics she knew what my problem was. She explained that the antibiotics had been sitting in my pouch instead of going through into my stomach. While they were sitting in my pouch they caused it to become swollen and irritated which in turn was causing the sticking episodes, indigestion, and acid reflux. She recommended that the next time I am prescribed antibiotics to request liquid so I wouldn't get pouchitis again. She took some fluid from my band and I switched to liquid antibiotics and the symptoms were gone within 24 hours. Now, that was pretty painful and frustrating, however the worst part was that I had lost 10 lbs since my last fill a month prior to the pouchitis and once the pouchitis started I had gained the 10lbs back. SO SAD. It was really looking like I was actually gonna make my goal weight by Christmas. I had to wait a month before getting another fill. I am just so disappointed about this set back, especially since I had lost weight and I was really feeling like I was using the band to it's full potential. Now I have kind of lost my momentum. So I hope this is helpful and might keep someone from having to go through the same thing I did.

Hello! I am new here so let me give a little background... I am 35 years old, have been a type 1 diabetic for 25 years, and I use the OmniPod insulin "pump". I was just banded on the 22nd of May, so now I am 4 days post-op. As far as feeling frustrated and somewhat out of control; I think the info I was given by my surgeon is causing the majority of these feelings. I have quite a few handouts that list do's and don't's and have sample meal plans. I have also called their office a few times to make sure I am "doin' it right". I think because I haven't really been given or recieved any concrete answers it is causing me to be overwhelmed. I think I must have a significant amount of swelling because, until today, I could barely "eat" 4 oz. of any liquid. Now I am moving into the puree stage and still feel full after about 4-6 oz. The sample diet has me eating anywhere from 4 - 8 oz. of pureed foods and various liquids every hour. I haven't had a chance to feel hungry and am still unsure how I am supposed to fit my 64oz of water in each day. I sort of feel stuffed all the time. I guess I am just looking for some reassurance and to be talked off the ledge from people who have actually been there - done that. I am super excited to get this journey started but hate that I have had a rocky start. Thanks in advance and looking very forward to hearing from y'all!

Yea you!!! I just arrived there last week and it has been sooooo motivating for me. Congrats to you!

Well, after a slow start after my banding (May 22, 2012) I am finally in a good place and seeing results. I was 199 yesterday and I almost cried when the first number on the scale wasn't 2! That was the motivation I needed to kick myself in the butt and push on to my goal. So happy!!!!

I can't live without My Fitness Pal. It is great and does all the work for you. I especially love the barcode scanner on the mobile app. I mostly use the mobile app. Good luck!

Well, I think I have finally found restriction after my second fill one week ago. I can definitely feel when I have overeaten and have gotten stuck quite a few times. I'm pretty sure the stuck episodes have been from eating too fast and not chewing those first few bites well enough. I had an episode of overeating the other day and was miserable for HOURS. I think having this actual restriction has given me some of the motivation I have needed since being banded. I am supposed to feel full/satisfied from meal to meal, correct? I am also having a hard time getting enough calories each day. I am struggling to make it to 1000 most days. Now, making up the difference with stuff I don't need.. no problem-o, but isn't that how I ended up here to begin with?? I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there were any recommended book on living with the band and using it to it's full potential? While I really like my band doctor, I feel like I have just been wished good luck, smacked on the butt, and turned loose. Thanks for letting me ramble and I am looking forward to hearing from y'all!

Well, I am now a little over 6 weeks out from surgery and doing... alright. I have lost some weight but not a tremendous amount. I have had one fill and am going back on Wednesday for my second. The main problem I am having is not drinking after meals. I do follow my meal with one very small sip of water. I am looking for advice or anything that might help me overcome this battle. I set a timer for 1 hour from when I am finished eating so that I can have a drink. I am not having any real trouble with anything else except for the drinking after meals.... help please!

I am in desperate need of a buddy or mentor. I am almost 2 months post-op and am pretty much going on this journey alone. I am about an hour east of Kansas City near Warrensburg, Missouri. I am willing to travel, meet half way or whatever. Thanks!!

Sounds great! I live on base at Whiteman. I don't know a lot which is why I am looking for a band buddy.

Hi! I was banded May 22nd and I live about an hour east of KC. I too am looking for a buddy. I would be happy to meet half way or anything like that I am always looking for an excuse to head to the city. I have 2 daughters who are 2 & 4 so if you have kids we could make it a play date or something. Just let me know. Thanks!

Well, first, I think I'm starting to get the hang of this whole LapBand thing. I am almost 1 month post op and have recently started havinf some port site pain. It's mainly when I bend over or turn over in bed, then it also hurts when my kids (2 & 4) are climbing on me. Seems like the skin over the site is also very tender. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. I haven't had my first fill yet but I am thinking I really need one. I have noticed that I can eat way more than I should be able to, and if I eat small amounts my stomach is grrrrowling not too long after. I have an appt next week for the first fill and with this port site pain, I must admit, I am excited and nervous at the same time. I have been pretty disappointed with the amount of weight I have lost since surgery as well. I have only lost 7 lbs since my surgery. I lost more before surgery. While I'm disappointed, I do understand that this is a time for healing and getting used to the band, but after waiting so long to have this done I am itching to see some respectable results! Hope everyone is doing well!

I am in the same boat as you right now. I am finding that I am becoming more neurotic these days and I am 5 days post-op. I am definitely having the "holy crap, what have I gotten myself into!?" issue. I have never been one to wish time away, but right now I would like to fast fwd about 2 months. Everybody on here seems genuinely nice, helpful, and concerned for each other's well being, which is so nice. I was also wondering about this "slime" business, and now I know . I hope we can both relax and let time do it's thing so we can get on with this journey to our new, happier, healthier selves!! Good Luck!!

Thanks so much everybody for all the advice!! It's great to know I have this forum to keep me company on my journey.