A New New Dawn

I wasn't able to get a lot of liquids down the first few days with the swelling, sore throat, etc. It gets better. For the first few days I could sip small quantities so it's important to keep sipping throughout the day until you can drink more normally. This will pass as the swelling and irritation subsides. Sip, sip, sip. However, definitely call your doctor/nurse if you have questions/concerns.

I have lost 75 lbs and don't feel my port (unless I try by pushing down on my belly). The only real issues I have seen with some people is sometimes the partner struggles with their weight loss (insecurities) or as the banded partner starts gaining more confidence, becomes more outgoing, etc. and may change in the process. The couples need to have a strong foundation in that regard.

It really shouldn't restrict you in anyway other than eating. If anything, the weight you will lose, should enhance it.

Best wishes to you!

Try not to get discouraged. While the band does do a lot of the work, we still have to do our part too. I urge you to keep a food diary, or better yet use the loseit app or my fitness pal so you can monitor the protein and calories you are taking in. Heck, maybe you are taking in too few calories... who knows. Until you can see what is going in your body in #s you won't know what needs to change or how much. If you have junk in the house, get it out. I crave things from time to time and not having them on hand makes it much easier (ie. chips). I find other things to take their place that still satisfy me. Or instead of having a candy bar, I have a hershey kiss (or 2) and am done w/ it. You can do this.

I think some modifications to your diet will help the "stall". It is normal from time to time but you can get it moving I feel w/ some changes. Also, as for the fill, for me and some others I have seen sometimes the fill doesn't kick in right away. I noticed about 2 weeks later that I really felt more restriction.

Did you get much info when you were banded or prebanding? It may just be a matter of learning how to eat better so you aren't struggling so much.

I notice you say you are very hungry. Are you getting 3-4 ounces of solid protein in at the beginning of each meal? That will keep you from being hungry. Also, you may need to really think about whether you are physically hungry or if it's head hunger.... Head hunger will get better if you don't give in.

Sorry you are struggling with losing. I think you really need to track what you are eating. Are you sticking to no more than 1 cup of food per meal? I was too tight a while back had some Fluid taken out, then still having major issues the last couple weeks and I think got a complete unfill (he didn't tell me how much he took out as he didn't want me stressing about it). I know that I can eat most anything right now, but I am be very cautious to stick to the 1 cup of food and keeping my calories around 1000 per day. A lot of times, we may think we are doing all the right things and until we keep an actual food diary or log it using myfitnesspal or something comparable, we may be very surprised how much we actually are taking in. Lastly, are you getting in at least 60 grams of Protein per day? I find if I am not getting enough, my weight loss stalls. Best wishes to you to get the scale moving (in the right direction) again.

Congratulations! You will do great! I hope recovery is easy peasy for you!!

That's great news and I may have to look into that. Thanks for sharing.

My guess, is most are planning on shoveling this weekend. Have your batteries and candles handy too. Good luck w/ the weather!

If that doesn't work, perhaps your dr. can prescribe a different med. Also, for future, if you have surgery again tell that you get nauseous and they can give you stuff before and during surgery to avoid that. I had a patch on and they gave me meds as I had severe nausea after surgery some years back.

Generally, when you can go 4-5 hours without feeling hungry after a meal you are in the so-called "zone". I was there and not feeling hungry between meals, etc. Then I had a period of not getting any food down and a lot of stuck moments so I recently had an unfill and will be starting over. So far, so good though and I still feel satiated and not hungry.

The port site will hurt for a while. It is the largest, most invasive cut with the stitching, etc. Mine was sore for the first 4-6 weeks. It gets better though. Hang in there.

don't give up! Keep us posted.

We are all eager to lose the weight, but fact of the matter is the typical weight loss is 1-2 lbs per week. You are doing well!

I'm so proud of you my banded sister!! You have done an amazing job and are such an inspiration to us still reaching for our goals. Happy bandiversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Churros for everyone! LOL Seriously, great job!!

Sorry you are struggling. Are you also ensuring you are eating tiny bites, pausing till fully swallowed and then on to next bite? I know you are a veteran bander but sometimes a "refresher" is in order. If you are following those guidelines, perhaps you do need a slight unfill or perhaps there is something going on w/ the band. I hope you are back to "normal" soon. If it doesn't improve, I would suggest calling your dr.

congratulations and welcome to the "other side".. we have lots of room on the wagon for you!

I agree. You could be putting your health and your band at risk. By not paying the $125 now, it could end up w/ hundreds/thousands later if there is something more serious going on. My surgeon's office bills me so I pay it over time. Not sure if yours would do the same. At the very least, I would suggest calling your dr's office and explaining your symptoms and financial dillema and see what they have to say. We are not medical professionals, nor do we know your medical history. I don't mean to be harsh and mean this out of concern for you.

I, too, am very sorry you had to endure that. I hope one day you will also find the confidence to speak up for yourself with your friends and others to not allow anyone to speak to you that way either. It is very hard to find that voice and courage for many of us that have wanted to be "hidden" for so many years. You did great yesterday w/ not eating or drinking the junk and for that you should be very proud. Food doesn't have to control your life anymore, YOU do and you being strong like that is proving you can and ARE doing this!! Just try not to internalize the rudeness of others and insensitivity of others. Bottling those feelings of hurt are often what led us to such poor self images and turning to food for comfort. Have a great day!

Usually some hot tea or coffee helps me. I also found that taking sips (like when I freshly had surgery) helped me rather than drinking as normal. If it continues and you cannot get sips down, then you may want to call your dr. for a slight unfill until this passes. Going forward, perhaps you could look into whether you can cut your pill to avoid this going forward.