donna450

I had my lap band surgery in August 2013. I had the normal up and downs. Received 5cc fill for the first year. Lost 50 lbs. Great. I had an incident where chicken got caught and had the cc's removed and endoscopy done. Afterwards, they took 6 months to give me 3cc fill. That's where I am now. I still have moments that I eat too fast or the wrong thing, but I do upchuck but not very often. My problem has been diarrhea and constipation. I would take pepto for the runs and a bowel softener for the other. That has been going on the whole 2 years. My problem now that concerns me is that I haven't lost anymore weight. Also that whenever I eat or drink I get an upset stomach every time I try to eat a little. I can't seem to get down a Protein drink, Water sometimes gags me, other drinks seem a little strong and gives me an upset stomach. I take about 20 pills (mostly RX) a day. I can feel the heaviness in my throat and stomach. I don't seem to be getting enough protein and liquids. I know what and how much I need, it's getting it down with no queasiness. I also am diabetic and at one point my blood sugar got down to 36. I took glucose pills and a glass of milk. Now my lap band dr. says I don't really need anymore fills. And everything I've said above happens most of the time. At other times I feel great. I can't figure out what I am doing wrong or right. Other big problem which may be due to the weight loss is that my husband said he no longer desires me. We barely touch, talk, or whatever. He works still at 66 and I stay at home. I don't drive. I am 65. We're like roommates. I do see a psych dr and I might start going to a therapist to figure out what I can do to help my husband trust me emotionally bc he shut down along time ago. Just recently after a heart op I decided I was no longer going to be depressed and I've done it since March 6 2015. I didn't want to waste the next 20 years like I lost the many years in the beginning of my disease. I have Bipolar Disorder Rapid cycling and most of those pills are psychiatric drugs. I have made his and my girls life a living hell for over 30+ years. In and out of hospitals. My husbands emotions just shut down. I don't know if this is a subject for BariatricPal but I'm throwing it in. I have a lot of drooping skin and a lot of wrinkles. What can I do to be more lovable without first having body lift. That is $$$$ I haven't got. Can anyone help?

Hey, thanks for feedback....husband problems being worked out. Band problems idk I'm still having same problems. I called my primary saw him and he gave me an acid reflux rx. He feels I need to see my gastroenterologist...so I did. I'm now having an upper endoscopy procedure Monday..tomorrow. I told my doctor that I should see my lap band doctor first to see if it possibly the culprit, but he sent me to me to the gastro doctor. Surgery on Monday, then Tues I get a fluoroscope done to check lap band. I suggested that I see my lap band doctor first so I could get the band drained so the other doctor can go all the way to my stomach to check for an ulcer. But not happening. Well, I hope they find something causing all this pain and I can start to eat something other than cottage cheese and peaches when that stays down. I also think it might be stress I hope you all are doing good. Thanks again for your support....Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I'm sorry to hear that. It does happen however, more than you would think. However, I lost my 60lbs in the first 18 mo. I had my band since 8-13. I stopped losing about year ago. I only have 3cc in my band. I take plenty of RX's that are constipating and weight gainers. So I take a stool softener about three or so days a week. Plus getting in your Water is important. You need to go back to your bariatric doctor and let him know of your walls that you are running into. Do you have enough cc's? I might go and get another couple cc's before the end of the year. It sounds like you're still fairly new at this. There are stops and starts. If you're eating the same foods, mix it up a little, or eat supper for Breakfast. Are you using oil, butter or the like to cook any of your meals in? Lean meats? Get more advice from other long timers with their bands. I'm sure there are many, many out there who would be happy to help. Good Luck Donna

I was banded in Aug 2013 had a rough time. However, it's been fairly comfortable losing slowly. I finally got down to a good weight. I am into size 8 slacks. I gave away everything too big. That felt good. My problem is: I am now very complacent....haven't been getting enough Protein in, not enough Water and beginning to eat sweets, which was always my downfall. I been going up and down with 5lbs over the last 2 months. I need to stop!!!!!! I need some ideas on how to get back in control and to remind myself how I got to where I am and how easy it would be to be back to where I was. Thanks Donna

I am 16 months post op. I have lost 60 lbs have many chronic conditions that require 12+ medications. I eat little. I have 3 cc in a 10 cc band. My hair has been falling out since low thyroid many years ago but was kept in check with meds but with band not getting enough protein...my comb is almost filled each day. I need ideas on how to get more protein in my diet several times a day...not too complex...nor too expensive..If you can help...tia.

Have you all gone to this website? They have quite a few suggestions on food choices and information. I go there to help cut out excess sugar and oil and deciding on which dish I can add my protein powder. If you have any other suggestions I'm open to all. Can't have too many to pick from. Appreciate your insight.

Barbee how are you doing? It's been awhile...I kind of went out alone but back to issues that I need help...This is the place for info and support. Hope you are doing well.

I have several diseases and many chronic conditions. I take 12+ prescriptions which equals about 18 or so pills a day. I have been taking these or ones like these for over 30 years actually I was 30 pills at one point. Today down to about 18. I am 16 months post op. I take my pills 4 a day to spread them out. In the beginning my meds and the band didn't work...terrible pain..but as usual I had to find a way to work my life with the band and believe me the band is in control. It went well for awhile now I'm finding that I'm getting the pressure in my chest area by my port...Also I get severe headache each time I take my pills along with the pressure by my port. I have severe chronic headaches..but this is new that along with getting a couple headaches a day...now also the four times I take my pills. I'm not sure if my band and pills are the problem or something else. I can't crush most of my meds as they are made to last throughout the day. I'm on S'S so need my meds to be low or 0. So changing to liquid or chewable is very expensive. Now I had an MRI for worsening headaches and now my primary is figuring out if I might have MS. That's neither here or there. Just would like to know what any of you banders have a problem like what I described and how you have been handling it. Thanks in advance. Sorry took so long to get to the point.

Just investigate if it can be crushed...or maybe just split in two smaller tabs. Ask your doc or pharmacist. Good luck!!

Yes Bandista. Thought I had it all in control but I'm can't. So came back. My hair falling out quickly. I need some simple ways to get in more protein during the day. I ordered more biotin and a strong biotin shampoo. I'm hoping that will help regrow some hair. I found a few ways but I found out that the whey protein powder I use doesn't work well in high heat dishes. So have to find ideas on cooler dishes. How you doing? You've been coming quite awhile. I look for your posts and responses. Take care..Donna

Check your protein as related to heated dishes. My whey loses potency at an average heat level. So have to stick to cool dishes that don't require too much heat

Thx for support..i am Bipolar...take 9 pills a day for that..diabetes...quit insulin but take 4 pills for that..Low thyroid..one...heart condition..2... and including all others otc...about 9 there...those are as needed but most of them have to take. Am I feeling sorry for myself? Yeah sometimes..just mostly severe depression due to bipolar...I am 64 I don't think that any of these meds will be going away..I just hope the neurologist next month will be able to at least diagnose the problem but more than likely confirm my dementia or MS . So more than likely unless I hit the jackpot $$$$$ I'll be with the band and the headaches. I do try meditation with rhythmic sounds so I can relax and concentrate on it instead of my headache. I use the sounds of a babbling brook by Joe Baker. I just have to deal with reality and live my life with these disabling conditions. But try to live a life to the fullest when not being controlled by them.

Mine put in 3 cc in a 10 cc band one month later put in 2cc. I was in the green zone with that much...However it all came with time and patience to get the point of eating small bites..eating slowly and almost a 1/4 of what I was used to. Make sure to get all your protein everyday..I haven't been eating all my protein and I'm losing hair. I am now 16 months post op...lost 60 lbs. Good luck

I have been experimenting...last week made a box cake...used 27 g of protein powder mix with cake...3 eggs...applesauce instead of oil..taste good. Today I made a chocolate pudding pie...mixed in 27 g of chocolate protein pdr used sugar free pudding mix and of course milk...skim.. I am trying to eat more chicken and beef...tomorrow making augratin ham and scalloped potatoes casserole...but mixing unflavored protein pdr mixed w/milk and flour...we'll see how that goes. This morning mixed 27 g protein pdr with milk over my cereal...it was vanilla and a little thick but I'll keep trying. Thx Donna

I had that for awhile after mine but I had horrible gas pain. After the gas subsided it gently became easier then went away. Ask your dr next time you're in and just ask him/her about it. Hope it subsides quickly...pain is something I try to avoid in all things. Good luck.

I have a lot of upfront...midriff and allover down below ..except skinny legs thighs and hips butt. I started at 215. Banded Aug '13 and have lost 60lbs..I take 12+ different meds a day...many chronic conditions. I went from s size 16...now in size 10 maybe another month an 8. I feel terrific..I am 64...showing the wrinkles and thinning hair. But hopefully I will be able to fix that. I will have to have surgery to remove excess and the last time I checked for me it would be 10k. So that's a no go for right now..but wouldn't trade the feelings of today. The journey is ongoing and will continue as long as I have the band. I feel so much better km mowing I have overcome the obstacles that beginning handers will have to work through themselves. So if insurance might cover it I will certainly look I not that. You're all amazing...giving yourselves the gift of health and well being. Thx

I agree. I am 16 months post op. I'm still learning to listen...but have paid my dues and have learned quite a bit. Don't be ashamed. Your doctor has gone through this in his/her career...you just need to realize you're human and learning is a process. Give yourself time but also a pat on the back..you realized you had a problem and you're doing the right thing in helping you and the band work together...you're going in the right direction...just let your doc know what issues your having. Good luck

I am a year and a half post op. I have lost almost 60 lbs. I take 12+ scripts a day and have a dozen or more chronic conditions. I have no regret in my decision for lapband. But since 6 months post op I have been losing what little hair I had. I need to have ideas on how I can get more protein in my diet that aren't too complex...on a low budget...a deep depression and can't make myself eat much. I have only 3 cc in my band. So if you can help...Tia

Thx for your suggestions...I have pdr. I haven't tried unsure but will look into it. I did make a cake yesterday...box mix added 2 scoops vanilla protein pdr (27 g) added applesauce instead of oil and with eggs it was full of protein. But I don't make cakes very often actually years but I worked that one out. I have been going on bariatricpal to get ideas. Made protein balls but not real tasty. Any other ideas would be great when you come across any. Tia

Hi Katie 8-23-14 was my one year. I've lost almost 40lbs. My diabetes and psych drugs has kept me from losing too fast but now off insulin and began to lose faster. I have run into a worrisome problem...I seem I can't eat very much not so much can't but don't. Sometimes I only eat Cereal in the morning. But my stomach started hurting now I don't eat too much of anything b/c I get a pretty bad upset stomach. I can barely get my many pills down. Does it sound like I'm starving myself. This started months ago and I'm afraid I will be put in the hospital or something...I'm getting hardly any Protein..hard time getting Water in. I'm baffled. Thanks for listening

Hi all it's been awhile since I've been here. I am at 11 months banded have many chronic conditions incl. Diabetes, Bipolar, Low thyroid. Anyhow I take about 33 pills a day but just added 4 more for my migraines. So anyway it has taken me all this time to lose 35lbs. Now since I took insulin I was feeding myself to cover my insulin. So (now this is just for me) I stopped my 4 units twice a day and my sugar levels are good and I'm eating only when hungry about 2x a day now the weight is beginning to fall off quickly. I now have my sugar under control ( I also take 5 pills) my migraines (pills) but I am beginning to once again feel the renewed rush of letting my band do what it's suppose to do. I just wish I had an inkling 10 months ago about the problems that were keeping me from losing...but I know now that's all that counts. I see my endocrinologist and giving him my sugar levels and the last 2 weeks is a big 0 as far as insulin goes. I hope this continues. My mind set is correct with my band. I feel pretty good about it right now.

Im working on 30# loss as of 4-5-14. Banded on 8-23-13. Slow loser. Now at 180 #. Slow but sure. It is exasperating at times when I can go a month with no loss. The psych dr just added another weight gaining pill. But only taking 1/4 of it each night. Now up to 25+ pills a day.

Thanks...I almost always use my phone and the reply box doesn't show. I feel so dumb now. Should've checked site from pc.

Where and what do you press to post w/o using the quote from another entry?

I know that I've been on this site before many times but I still don't know how to start a new subject or reply without doing a quote first. Please someone help me. I may be seemingy stupid but I just can't seem to find it. Thx. Now I've lost 30lbs in 8 months. I take a few weight gaining drugs plus insulin. So I know my losing will be slow . I have 6cc in 10cc band. I now think next months ckup I'll need another fill. Everything is going down nice..pills too. But I'm still eating far too much and still getting hungry...I know everyones different but anyone with a 10cc band what amount of ccs have you found to be beneficial?