molldoll83

Thanks all! Good to know others have challenges too!!

I have a fair amount of port discomfort. It hurts when I do any core workout (e.g., planking, push-ups, crunches) too much and it hurts often when a waistband (no matter how loose or comfortable) hits it. I talked to my surgeon and he said it is positioned fine and I should just do other core work. But I am surprised at how frequently it bothers me. Anyone else have a similar issue?

I was banded in early Nov 2012. Within the first 8 months lost 80 lbs. It totally slowed down and now I have gained about 25 due to poor choices primarily. I moved across country, took a new job and travel very often for work. I have to get back to basics and am thinking about the 5 day pouch test. Anyone done it and had success? Very happy with my progress but I am so annoyed to have gained at all and just want to get back to where I was and lose again.

I totally hear you. I wish I could go back to the very early post-op days. I did not have hunger, physical or head hunger. Toughest part of the weight loss surgery journey!

I am about 7 months post-op and have done very well losing weight. About 6 weeks ago I began seeing a personal trainer and increasing my strength/weight training. I have been at a plateau (not gaining but not losing) for the last 6 weeks. I had a partial fill (previously had not had a fill at all) and that didnt seem to kick-start weight loss. I sort of thinking I am building muscle, but am so frustrated that the scale is not moving at all. Anyone have any suggestions on things to do to reset or kick my body into gear? I do highly variable exercises all the time, so I do not think it is because I am doing the same thing over and over again. Any suggestions would be awesome!

Awesome - thanks all! I think you are right about measuring (this is what my trainer says too - i just need to do it). I have been thinking about carb cycling too, I am going to give it a try!

I completed my first 6 mo of surgery without a fill and did very well losing weight on my own. At this point I feel I can eat too much and it is sheer will power that prevents me from eating. so i think it is time to get a fill and utilize the restriction portion of the tool. I am really nervous for a fill since I have never had one. Any advice on what to expect? Thanks all!!

I did experience similar things. My surgeon conclude it was a combo of too many blood pressure Meds (you don't have to lose a certain number of pounds it all depends how your body processes changes brought on my surgery-I got off two of three at 52 lbs lost) and no carb processing. I would drink like an ounce of some OJ (a lot is not a good idea given the acidity) and then I was fine. Once I was able to process complex carbs like veggies and had Meds under. Control I was fine! Good luck!!

Same thing happened to me. But I increased a bit more with some slightly not mushy items like low fat cheese and got things kick-started again. Go to a nutritionist and do not get discouraged. It's a marathon not a sprint!!

Its been about 9 weeks since my surgery and am down a good bit of weight and am in a size 16 jean! now - i want to move much smaller than 16, but this is like a huge mental achievement for me. not to see the letter W behind a size, or even an 18 or 20 is just so awesome. at my very largest a few years ago, I got as big as a 28, but since my surgery have dropped from a 22/24 to a 16. SO awesome. thanks for letting me share my excitement!

Congrats - it is so exciting when you finally get it scheduled - just wait unitl you have it and begin your new life. it is the very best thing I have ever done! I havent really had any major challenges (except no bread ) and while it is hard work, the results are totally worth it! Good luck!

I was totally in the same boat as you. I ended up not getting a fill at 6 wks. I am about 10 wks out and think I need a fill now because I could eat a lot if I allowed myself too. But everyone is different and it sounds like you are doing awesome! Keep up the good work!

Not sure if everyone already know this - but I bought a great book before my banding and I have had several recipes so far, so I wanted to share for those of you looking for ideas on recipes and such. THe name of the book is "Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery" by Patti Levine. It was written by a lady who had WLS several years ago along with a nutritionist and I think a cook. I got it on Amazon and have loved it!

I have my first fill today and am really nervous. I have lost 40lbs since surgery and am nervous to rock the boat! Should be interesting to see what the doc has to say!

So - I just got cleared from my surgeon last week to go back to the gym (6 wks post-op) and I have gone several days and wow - what a huge difference post-surgery weight loss makes. It feels so amazing to go - and work out hard. I am up to 60 min of pretty intense cardio and feel great. And let me be clear - I am not one of those people who says they love the gym, but man what a revelation!

I am so with you - and it is not wrong to feel this way. I have opted to buy new jeans at Old Navy (cheap jeans!) and reward the weight loss that way. I am lucky because I work from my home, so my yoga pants shrink with me. But I TOTALLY get what you are saying and nothing you feel throughout this is wrong or weird! This is an individual journey and I had the same crisis of clothing two weeks ago when I had to attend a pitch for a client.

Less than 6 weeks post-op my PCP took me off one of my blood pressure meds! I am so excited - can't wait to rid myself of those puppies. What a great NSV!

Thanks all!

I have made the broccoil/cheese gratin which is delish and re-heats very well, the chicken/ricotta giandernera (SO good), the scallops with white wine and garlic, the braised pork tenderloin. They were all really good and very healthy. I enter my food on myfitnesspal.com and I found the calculations in the book to be very accurate when I manually built recipes on myfitnesspal. Great book!

Bread is a no-go for me. I cannot tolerate it at all - and after two times of trying it (only banded 5 weeks) I am probably off bread for life. I can have other things like low carb tortillas and whole grain Pasta, but bread is really a no go. In terms of not losing weight, I have found using myfitnesspal.com has been really helpful to track. I have never thrown up or BP'd so, I would definitely call the doc! Best of luck!!

Going into surgery, I didnt think I would tell many people, but you know it is nothing to be ashamed of or hidden at least for me. I have known some bandsters who havent told anyone and some who tell anyone with ears. I am comfortably in the middle and share openly with people. In terms of dating - i think it is something to be said once you know the person a bit more, just like most things I cant imagine it coming up on a first date, but I have found two of my best guy friends to be the most supportive of me versus some of my best girl friends. So I dont have many qualms about it. But again - that is just me and I think everyone is different and has the right to share or not share as they are comfortable! Best of luck - best decision I ever made for myself (5wks out)!

Thanks all - in talking with my surgeon and nutritionist, we opted against the first fill for now. Going back in 3 wks to check in on hunger levels/need for a fill.

I am with you - it is a TOTAL paradigm shift in terms of thinking about food. I must agree with others - I do not miss feeling stuffed after a meal, that part is really a positive change!

I fly a good amount for my job and would love to know if anyone has suggestions for good airport high protein snacks/meal options? I have packed protein bars and some powder for a shake if needed but could use some of your expertise! Any thoughts!!

Agree with many here. Hardest thing I have ever done! But I follow my drs orders until they prove that wrong I am going to listen and not drink.