mrsto

I'm really glad that my first fill was sizable. I came out of surgery with about 3cc's, and was given another 3 with the first fill. After that, about 1cc, then .25cc. I'm good now. I hear of people waiting months to feel restriction, with these teeny tiny fills. If I had to wait that long to feel the presence of my band, I would have been totally depressed. I understand the slow theory, but I think some docs take it a bit too far.

It's been just over 6 months since my surgery, and I've gotten to the point where I don't think much about eating in between meals. I do have a snack in the evening, but during the day......rarely. I can also say that I'm not cured of the obsession to eat. But what I've learned from trial & error since being banded, is that if I push it, I'll be uncomfortable. I had plication done with the band, and I really think that acts as a secondary stop mechanism. There have been times when I've certainly put it to the test, but there is no way on earth I could ever eat the way I did before. And putting it to the test isn't a binge; more like a few extra bites, or an extra snack at night. Weekends are the time I usually have a few extra calories. We go out to eat for almost every meal, and though I follow the eating rules, I may allow myself some popcorn at the movies, or a few bites of a dessert my husband might order in a restaurant. My actual meals are so small, that I haven't experienced any weight gain since surgery. There are days when I feel like it was a "bad day", but when I calculate it, I've had only 1400 calories. Maybe not good for loss, but certainly, not enough to gain. So now, "bad" has a whole new meaning. Mis is so right on about working on the psychological issues surrounding compulsive overeating. I've dealt with this affliction since the age of 6 (52 years!!), and I can honestly say, though we can choose differently in any given moment, and the addiction may feel dormant, it never really leaves. That is why we need to be diligent to our program on a daily basis. Doesn't mean we'll always be perfect, but if we're good 85% of the time, we will have life long success.

Exactly what my doctor told me..... At one point, after he did a TNE, said that I could take ONE Advil, once in awhile....if I absolutely needed it. I asked him about liquid, and he said there is no difference when it comes to the band. He ALSO said that if I'm going to take an Advil, to take Pepcid or Prilosec as well.

In my opinion, it's best to stick with the doctor who did your surgery. Unless you are not getting the proper follow up care, if it were me, I'd suck it up and take the drive. The back & forth will minimize, once you are in the green zone. My doctor isn't around the block from me, either. He's not hours away, but far enough where it takes a little chunk out of my day. I chose HIM to do my surgery, and knew up front what would be involved.

I started to shed at the 4 month mark. I go through this about once a year anyway, so I can't honestly say that it's from the surgery. But given that this is a common side effect, I'll assume it was. It lasted about three weeks, and has subsided now. I'm with Mis on adding Biotin. I take it along with my other supplements; also 5,000/day. I buy it at Trader Joe's.

Guuuuuureat! When I'm at that point, I'm going to get a new license, whether it's time or not The weight I have is (aside from a lie) my actual goal weight now. At the time, I had gained upward from 133 pounds. I was about 185 at the time of renewal, so I put 150. BUT - it's the picture I can't stand! Can't wait for my new license Again.....Great Job!

I'm really glad to hear that you have the two diagnostic tests scheduled. If you've gone over a year without complications, and now, all of a sudden, have this issue, I would also be concerned. As tmf said, there are many people who do very well with the band, without any fills at all. There is no template when it comes to this. It could be something as simple as......you ate something that didn't agree with you, all the way to a full blown issue. The only way you will know, is after these tests are done. I will be interested to hear the outcome. Please post once you know what's going on.

I'm going to try these, too. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I never carried any of these in my purse. Since I picked up a few of the Quest bars, I keep one with me at all times. Saved me this past week, when I was working at a client's office longer than expected, and didn't have any food. I ate 1/2 & was happy until I got home for dinner.

I bought a chocolate brownie, chocolate Peanut Butter, and vanilla almond crunch. I hope they're as good as the cookie dough. I'll try them this week. Once I figure out my favorite, I'll get a box

I find myself, again, just shaking my head

Thanks, CG.......didn't know Walmart carries them. I'm going to check it out. I'm sure they sell them cheaper than the Vitamin Shoppe.

Catharina - just curious......why are you asking about the needle?

I love the Quest Protein bars. So far I've only had the chocolate chip cookie dough, but I bought a couple of others to try. In addition to 21 grams of protein, they've got 17 grams of fiber! Here is a link. I buy mine at the Vitamin Shoppe. http://www.questproteinbar.com/protein-bars/choc-chip-cookie-dough-box-of-12-original-line.html?gclid=CJDb2N-ug7oCFY97QgodlmEAkg

My doctor gave me prescription Pepcid to take twice a day, for two weeks post-op. Even so, I did have a bout with terrible heartburn, but it only lasted a couple of days. It freaked me out so bad, that I went in to see him. As you're healing, there will be different feelings that do not feel right. It doesn't necessarily mean that anything is wrong, but given the major assault to your body, and the healing process, it takes a long time for things to settle down. It's always best to run these things by your doctor....or his nurse, as they are the best source to decide if it's something more serious in nature. I hope you feel better soon..... I had my band with plication surgery on 3/25, and I'm SO happy with it!

My doctor gave me prescription Pepcid to take twice a day, for two weeks post-op. Even so, I did have a bout with terrible heartburn, but it only lasted a couple of days. It freaked me out so bad, that I went in to see him. As you're healing, there will be different feelings that do not feel right. It doesn't necessarily mean that anything is wrong, but given the major assault to your body, and the healing process, it takes a long time for things to settle down. It's always best to run these things by your doctor....or his nurse, as they are the best source to decide if it's something more serious in nature. I hope you feel better soon..... I had my band with plication surgery on 3/25, and I'm SO happy with it!

I make ground turkey with sautéed onions, refried and black Beans, and a drained can of diced tomatoes. Toss in a little salt, pepper & garlic, and it's a great high Protein pot of band friendly food. I'm 6.5 months out, and still make this every week. Had it tonight...as a matter of fact. Try fixing things in a sauce. I also take very lean ground beef, with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and a bottle of red three cheese Pasta sauce from Trader Joe's. It's like a hearty meat sauce, but we eat it without the pasta. Another very good band friendly meal.

I've had this happen as well. Sometimes, the tenor of the message gets lost in the fonts

Well, if hormones have something to do with it, then that's got to be the answer for me. I'm completely estrogen depleted (total hysterectomy last year), and cannot take HT for more than two weeks; turns me into a crazy person. I don't eat as much fruit & veggies with C as I did pre-band, so I may have to add some extra to my regime. Thanks for the info

Interesting that you bring up this topic. I've noticed recently, than when I eat high acidic food, like pineapple, the roof of my mouth and upper gums get inflamed. It never used to happen, and I've noticed a bit more bleeding when I floss. I wondered if it was a nutritional deficiency, but I'm doing everything I'm supposed to; high Protein, Vitamins, etc. I have dramatically cut down on carbs, but I would have never thought that could have anything to do with it. Maybe by body is rebelling against the loss of candy, Cookies, cake & sweet rolls?? Yeah, right.... I have a dentist appointment next week. I will ask about this when I go in.

Aside from the required one week post-op class, I saw my doctor three weeks after surgery. Now, I go once a month for the first year. After that, I believe.....every six months to a year. My doctor is excellent at responding to email. If I'm having any type of problem or concern, after office hours, I email him. Most of the time, if he's not in surgery, he responds within 30 minutes. I love this man!!

I'm so happy for you It's the absolute best decision I've ever made, and sometimes I have to pinch myself, to make sure that I'm not dreaming the first 50 pound loss. You will do great!

Breakfast is my least favorite meal, but whether I'm hungry or not, I have to eat something to keep my blood sugar balanced. Since being banded, many times it's a Protein shake. I may drink half, and then have an egg or some cottage cheese a couple of hours later. If I didn't have blood sugar issues, I would be perfectly happy skipping breakfast all together. I agree with some of the posters above......have something small, even if it's in liquid form (with protein).

PS: I realize that I somewhat hijacked this thread, but I've been meaning to ask you that for awhile

Bandista - when is your surgery? I've been reading (and enjoying) your posts for awhile, and your profile says that your first appointment was 8/14/14, and your surgery isn't until Nov. 2014. Did you mean 2013? I'm excited for you, and looking forward to seeing you on "the other side".

I haven't smoked pot in many years, but when I did, I was a "wake 'n bake" smoker; first thing I did upon waking, and the last thing I did before going to bed. My comments come from my own experience, and I'm not saying that this applies to you.... I could not control the munchies. Even when dieting, I would plan something knowing they would come, but I could not stop with the one planned out thing. I understand that you're not in a place to give up smoking. But (based on my own experience), you are setting yourself up to fail with the band. As Mis said above, planning to eat when you're not hungry, is contra-band (no pun intended). Munchies killed every diet I went on, except for the times I took amphetamines along with it. That being said, the only recommendation I can offer, is to eat one piece of fruit, a Protein bar, or some Greek yogurt. Not ALL of it. If you see yourself getting out of control, then you have some decisions (other than what to eat), to make. No judgement here......I speak from MANY (too many) years of experience