clg016

I feel like I'm using this forum a lot lately! I appreciate all of the feed back! I went in March 10 for a check up and had .5 cc removed from my band. I had the Fluid removed voluntarily because I was sick and having a hard time staying hydrated. My doctor's office conducted a barium swallow test and found that my band and everything else was in good shape. My nurse has no issues finding my port and removing the fluid. She did use a different kind of needle this time. However, since the small unfill, I have had a dull, achy pain in my stomach area. I don't have any problems eating, no nausea, or any other issues, just the pain. So my question is, is is common to have some pain after and unfill? My doctors office is closed until Monday. Thanks for any responses.

I've had a sore throat and hoarseness since Wednesday so I went to the doctor this morning and was diagnosed with viral tonsillitis (happens to me about once every year or so,but this is the 1st time since my band). Since it's viral, they could not prescribe antibiotics and instructed me to drink lots of fluids and gargle with salt water... Typical treatment for a sore throat. Anyways, for the past week or so, I have finally felt restriction in my 7.5 cc band. Then all do a sudden, when this sore throat started, I have barely been able to take liquids, including the liquid Tylenol I'm taking for the pain. I haven't vomited, only "foamed" with dry heaving and (lots of) burping. I'm getting enough fluids down to suffice and there is no pain around my belly, so I don't feel a trip to the ER is necessary at this point. I scheduled an appt with my after care provider for Monday, and I'm going to request a small unfill and barium swallow test, just to make sure everything is okay. I feel like I was going into the red zone prior to my recent sore throat. But for the time being, I wanted to ask, is it possible for an illness to cause the band to feel tighter than it actually is?

Hi All, I was banded 07/29/13 and have since lost approx. 55-60 pounds (my weight fluctuates between 194-199 now). Anyways, I have monthly checkups with my doctor and have received a fill at every office visit. I am now at 7.5 cc in a 10 cc and STILL don't feel any restriction. I keep my portions small, but typically eat every 2-3 hours. Nurse said I am probably not getting enough Protein in my meals, but I am already eating at least 60g per day. I will try to add more anyways. Since my last fill (.5 cc from 7 to 7.5) I have not lost any weight or felt any different. So my question is, has anyone else had to have THIS many fills before reaching the green zone? I'm starting to worry that something isn't working for me, even though I have no pain or other issues with my band. I know every person is different, just want to hear if anyone else has been in the same boat before. Thanks!!

I have started to make a grocery list for new items to try based on your recommendations! Thank you again for the advice!

Thank you both very much for the advice! I will take it to heart and hopefully I will have the same success!

I typically start my morning off with a high Protein shake, such as Lean Body. If I have some extra time before work, I will make oatmeal with an extra scoop of Protein powder. If all else fails and I'm in a rush to get out the door, I settle for greek yogurt. For lunch, I typically have a salad with some form of protein (meat or egg usually) or a sandwich with only 1 piece of bread. dinner is the typical meat and veggie and a yogurt or fruit for dessert. I think my "problem" is the snacking... I don't eat a lot of Snacks throughout the day, 1 maybe 2, but it is usually something salty, like nuts or crackers. Any suggestions for extra protein throughout the day without full meals?

Name, real or screen~ Candice Goal weight for October 31st~ 210 Weight on October 1st~ 217 Age~ 25 City/State~ Conroe, TX Dietary goal for October~ Avoid small sweets! Exercise goal for October~ Begin p90x Personal goal for October~ Look good for brother's wedding! Date banded~ 7/29 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~ 40 Favorite Halloween Activity~ dressing up!

That sounds great! I'm not a big cauliflower fan but that actually sounds like something I would like and I will have to give it a try !

I went for my 1st Post-Op check up yesterday and I was an amazing 6 pounds lighter than they expected me to be! What a great feeling! I am on liquids for 2 days after my fill (3 cc's total) but after the 2 days I can eat "normal" foods. Does anyone have any suggestions for meal planning? Or some tips on the best recipes out there? I want something that's both satisfying and healthy! Ready and excited about my lifestyle change!

That sounds great! I'm not a big cauliflower fan but that actually sounds like something I would like and I will have to give it a try !

I had my band placed on Monday, 7/29, and today (8/2) is the first day I have gotten out and about. The past few days have been tough, but manageable. I haven't felt hungry until today so i am sticking to my liquid diet (popsicles, broth, water, unsweet tea) I have tried to take a few sips of a protein shake, but could only get a few sips down before I was full. Today I feel like I could drink my weight in water and eat a cow. Is that normal? I have my first fill/post-op appt on 8/26, but I'm such a worry wort that I know I won't be able to wait until then to see what I am feeling is normal. I have this fear that I have overdone myself and my band has slipped and/or will fail... Any help/advice will be great appreciated.

I am extremely happy with my decisions... Although I do constantly have to remind myself that "it will all be worth it in the end"! I repeat that several times a day! I weighed 255 at my first pre-op appt (7/1) and weighed 243 the day of my surgery (7/29). Yesterday (8/1) I weighed myself and was 238. It was a nice feeling finally breaking the 240 barrier because my weight never seemed to drop below that! I will be 25 tomorrow so I also consider this a birthday present to myself! I'll just have to have a Popsicle to Celebrate instead of cake!

Trust me, I was nervous until they took me into the OR. You'll do fine, this forum has really helped with any questions I have add. I checked the Pre-Op forums daily for updates and read other people's stories to get an idea of what I should expect. Keep me updated on your progress and I'd love to share my stories throughout the upcoming weeks as well.

I'm from Houston. I had my procedure through True Results, Dr. Christopher Reilly.

Thank you everyone for the responses.

I lost 12 pounds from the pre-op diet and another 4 since Monday.

Congratulations! You look great, keep up the good work!

I had my surgery today and Walgreens pharmacy was out of my prescribed liquid pain pills... Is liquid Tylenol ok? My doctors office is closed or else I would give them a shout! Any advice is helpful.

Thanks all. Never realized how lucky I am, but my very loving boyfriend made a trip to Walgreens 3 different times last night. He picked up some children's Tylenol that helped with the headaches and allowed me to sleep. Walgreens called this morning and had my prescription changed to something they has in stock. So I should be getting that shortly!

07/29/13 can't get here soon enough! I'm ready for a fresh start just before my 25th birthday. Anyone have any tips/suggestions? What should I expect the night of my surgery? Any special things I should have on hand to get me through the first night/week? Thanks in advance for your help!

I am on day 5 of my pre-op diet and surgery is set for 7/29. My doctor instructed me to drink 2 Protein shakes a day and have a light dinner consisting of a lean protein, 1 cup fruit and 1 cup green veggies. I can't stand the taste of the regular protein so I put 1/2 a cup of fruit in each one and that counts as my 1 cup if fruit per day. It has been hard, but I limit myself to no more than 2 sf jellos a day, and I only eat those when my stomach hurts. I also walk about 30-45 minutes a day and i am constantly on my feet at work. My concern is that I have only lost a few pounds, and when I read other posts, I see that people have lost 15+ pounds on their diets. I know I am only 5 days in and have 9 more to go, but is there anything extra I can be doing to help with the weight loss?

Thanks for the reply. My doctor only ordered a 2 week pre-op diet so I hope the weight starts coming off soon.

Congrats! Keep up the great work!

Congratulations on setting your date! I hope everything works out for you and I know if you stay committed, it will! Best of luck.