herghost

Hi all Thanks for all the info and the encouragement about getting back on track. Helped loads this week. Breaking some of the habits I had reformed that were detrimental. Hope all is well with those of you going through trials. The not being able to get anything down is not the place to be either. RE: getting fluid out when you thought it was empty. I think that may be a factor of how the needle goes into the port and if it is totally in or not. I also wonder if the fluid in the band shifts periodically and that may be the reason why all the fluid didn't come out originally. Sticking with the proteins/meats first and that is helping with the full sensation. Paying attention to how my pouch feels more often. Keep up the good work all and I hope the trials are relieved soon for those of you having difficulties. Sue Stenzel

Hi Lizalee thank you SOOOO much for posting this. You have eloquently verbalized what I've been thinnkng for some time. Weight loss has been nil for some time. Weight gain....I don't want to go there. I found out that the food I shouldn't eat goes down well and the food I'm supposed to eat sometimes comes back. Talk about negative feedback. I also seem to get a delay in my full sensation. I agree that journaling is a good way to keep track of eating, I don't like to, but maybe that's because I have to own up to what I put in my mouth. I also agree that carbs are poison, so how do you get off them? My willpower and desire seem to be gone. So, having found a kindred spirit, we can do this. I liked feeling slimmer, less aches and pains, clothes fit better, more energy, the numbness in my hands when I'm typing isn't there, I fit in an airplane seat better and don't crowd anyone (I want to fly to my girlfriends house and visit, been puttng off because of the flight issues), and so one. So, 1 hour at a time? We can do it! Sue

Way to go! You're an inspiration! Keep up the good work! Sue Stenzel

Hi Mistymoon; you won't get kicked off the board for not posting. The messages are so the board can stay active. I've done the same thing, logged in a read, and no post, and continued to get the posts. I found that when I started having problems with continuing weight loss, and major head hunger problems that I avoided the doctor, the chat board, etc. Now that I'm back on track, I have learned not to avoid those people that will help me. Good luck in continued success! Sue Stenzel

PJ some of what you are feeling is due to swelling around where the over sew of the band is. Follow the directions your doctor gave you for drinking fluids. Go slow, sip. You might be one of the lucky ones that gets some restriction post op due to the swelling. I too vomited once or twice in the post op period. Could also be related to the anesthesia too. As long as it doesn't keep happening, you should be ok. But get those fluids in! Sue Stenzel

I take Children's Flinstones or generic chewable vitamins - 2 every day. There are also chewable calcium tabs out there, but sometimes the TUMS antacids or generic supply enough calcium, and those are chewable too. Sue Stenzel

I agree that the sweet spot feels different for everyone. I think what is important is that you feel satisfied and are still losing weight (or sometimes maintain while your body adjusts to the previous weight loss). I'm on the "tight" side of sweet spot. When I was wondering some of the same things that have been voiced here, I read the general thread and learned that some people call their bands "fickle". Somedays it's tight, somedays it's loose. Well, I agree with that. Breakfast is the hardest meal for me. I eat about the equivalent of 1 scrambled egg. Sometimes there is no way I can get it down. Some days for dinner, I can eat, and eat! Another day, I can't get hardly anything down. I'm on a water pill and do think that when I'm retaining water, my stomach is a little bigger, so the band is tighter. I had my last fill (my 5th), talked the dr. into putting more in, he was kind of reluctant, and ended up not being able to get water down! Wow! Was that wierd! Had to go back into the office and have some fluid removed. Haven't had a fill since. BUT, I've also struggled with head hunger. Getting back on this board has helped tremendously with getting me on track. You all are a great group and an inspiration! Sue Stenzel

:thumbup:Hi Nancy! Thanks for the encouragement, I agree, we can do this!!! Good job on beating the heat! Great ideas! Today was a girlfriend's birthday and our tradition is ice cream cake from Culver's. So....I went and got it, got a small one, and told the other 2 gals I hang with that I wan't having any. They understood and waited until I left! Wasn't that sweet! AND, no temptation. I've been doing Atkins for a little over a week and doing pretty well. I want to keep it up. I set a goal of losing 30 pounds by the end of October (we're going to Disneyworld). WE CAN DO IT!!!:biggrin::thumbup: Sue Stenzel

Hi Nancy: That isn't a big slip up, it's a speed bump or a learning experience. You learned quicker than I did. I've been struggling with favorite slider foods for 3-4 months now and it wasn't until I started reading this board again that I'm getting back on track. AND, I also started going to the doctor again every month. I haven't needed a fill since February. Still have the restriction. After the last fill, I started spacing out my appointments and eating more slider foods. I've come to the conclusion, that I can't have the slider foods in the house, I need the doctor to help me get through the "learning" period of my band and diet adaptations that I need to do the rest of my life. Since it took me most of my 50+ years to learn my current eating habits, it's gonna take more than a few months to learn and develop the habits I need to accomplish my new journey. So glad you posted, I am relieved to hear from others who have gotten through "speedbumps". Sue Stenzel

I am soooo there with you! I also was rewarding myself for having a loss at the doctor's, and not with jewelry! So, after reading a few posts here, I decided to do the 5 day pouch test. The first day went fine, although I tasted sweet all the time, no matter what I drank! Today, still the same thing, but so far don't mind sticking to liquids. Have contemplated maybe going to the next phase a day early, but we'll see. This is a process, I have to keep reminding myself. I didn't get so overweight, overnight, so, it's not going to come off that fast either. But I'm further along than I was if I hadn't been banded. Hang in there everybody! You're thoughts are inspirational! Sue Stenzel

Oh yea, very well put. And every day is a new day. I agree that going to the dr. fill or no fill, is beneficial and also helps to keep me on track. I find that there are times I'll be contemplating eating something and knowing I have to go to the dr. will ask, do I really need this? Then I reward myself with a pat on the back for getting past that moment. Hang in there! It is well worth it, no matter how slow! Sue Stenzel

Carol: I told my doctor 2 visits ago that he banded the wrong organ, should have banded my head! I struggle with cravings and stuff I like and don't necessarily stick with what I should be eating. When I'm back on track I do lose and lose very well. So, back on track from what I have been taught is protein first, cut up, small amounts and chew chew chew. fruits and veggies next carbs last and very limited amounts. The dr. likened it to the Atkins diet. I have gained and lost the same 10 pounds over the last 6 months, and usually when I'm gaining, it's because I'm eating stuff like candy, ice cream, stuff that goes down easy. You don't want to eat the easy stuff, because you don't get the full sensation fast enough. Chicken works the best for me, I also eat meatballs with spaghetti or pizza sauce or gravy (I need the moisture to get it down). Salads also work, but small amounts. You should be eating 3-5 ounces of protein with each meal and that should give you a full sensation. And don't drink fluids with your meal! It flushes all that good food that stays in your pouch for a while right on through! I LOVE fluids and drink a LOT! So this was a major behavioral change for me. I drink at least 8 ounces before I eat just so I don't crave the fluids during and after the meal. I think th 40 + pounds you've lost is great and while we all wish we'd lose more, the band is only a tool, not the cure. Also, the other thing I was told is that the diet for the band is not totally like the diet for the RNY. There is not as much concern re: the nutrient intake as we can eat whatever we want, it is more focusing on healthy food choices. Good luck, stay in touch! Sue Stenzel

Hi Either procedure is dependent on what you put in your mouth. You can eat past the band and you can also eat past the bypas. The nurse in my doctor's office knows someone that is have a 2nd surgical procedure. I also know someone who has to watch what they eat (bypass) and still yoyo's with their wait. My Dr. has reinforced that the band is only a tool, I think that is the same with the bypass. His stats are 5 years out from both procedures and the weight loss is similar. Not 100% for either procedure. The advantage with the band is that it "buys" you time to learn new eating behaivors. That takes time. The old behaviors took us years to learn. But it is a personal choice but no matter which procedure, eating habits still play a major factor in the weight loss. Sue Stenzel

I run into this once in a while, I've found that if I drink at least 8 ounces of fluid before I eat (more usually) that the food stays down better. But remember, no drinking for an hour after! Small bites, and chew, chew, chew! Keep up the good work! Sue Stenzel (who has been gone for a while and am enjoying the discussion once again.)

My story is similar to Heather's. I'm 11 months out and have struggled periodically and then get back on track. You know, it took a long time to put the weight on, it's not gonna disappear overnight (darn!). Head hunger is a whole different ballgame than physical hunger. I told my Dr. at the last appt that I think he banded the wrong organ, whould have put it on my head! You're probably not doing it "wrong" just learning a "new" way of living. That's what this is all about. It is a journey and not a quick fix. The posts here have given me many ideas and I'm glad that others are struggling like me. You can do this! Sue Stenzel

Hi I too worried about the long term consequences. I work in a nursing home and we struggle daily with the elders losing weight and not eating. I wondered what would happen to me if I ended up in that situation. But then I thought, geez, I'm young (53 yrs old), and creating so much risk of health problems more serious than eating, that I decided to go ahead with it. I'm 11 months out, have struggled but doing ok. I've had no problems requiring invasive anything. I do have the sliming, and throwing up at times, but so far, so good. I am walking better, am off my diabetic meds, almost off my blood pressure meds, am more active, more likely to go out and participate in a physical activity. My clothes fit better. For me, the benefit was much greater than the risk. That is a personal decision for all of us. When I'm older, and need to put on the weight, I want everything chocolate! :wink2: Good luck to you! Sue Stenzel

HI Hang in there, it's easier than you think. The Dr. will determine the amount of fill you need based on a lot of factors. I have a 14cc band and my first fill was 2cc. What was wierd is that I didn't feel the restriction until about 2-3 weeks later. The fills after that were the same. I'm 11 months out and haven't had a fill for about 4 months. It took about 6 months to get to the sweet spot. But it was also a learning experience the whole way along, and still is. I have had the band overfilled. The Water the Dr. had me drink after the fill took about 5 minutes to go down, it should go down right away. Fortunately, they wouldn't let me leave the office until Dr. took some of the Fluid back out. That was my last fill. I am losing again, and can tell that I'll probably need a fill in about another month or so. Someone posted once about "our fickle band". That is the truth! Sometimes I fell full right away and sometimes not, on the same food. So, you are now embarking on the next part of the journey, learning your new pouch and recognizing the band "talking" to you. good luck! Sue Stenzel

I'm having problems finding a breakfast I can eat on the go. I've been doing the cheese sticks on the way to work, but that is getting old. Did protein bars for a while. Any suggestions for food on the go? Mornings are too busy to sit down and eat a meal, and I drive 1/2 hour to work. Thanks in advance for any help. Sue Stenzel

I too have the 14cc band. I have been getting fills between 1 and 2 cc at a time. The last time, I only wanted 1/2 cc as I was getting restriction. I have somewhere between 3 and 4 cc only in my band. With the reading I've been doing, I've come to the conclusion that everyone is different. I'm anticipating that as I lose weight, I will have to get the band filled more. I also find that in the morning I have more restriction than later in the day (after my Water pill). I've seen the advice in other posts to not focus so much on numbers , like the scale, the number of cc's in the band, etc. and focus more on how you feel, how your clothes fit, are you more active. These actually are better positive reinforcers than the numbers on a scale. I had gained 8 pounds at my last visit, still haveing restriction in the band, but was eating around the band (junk food). Going back to old habits and not working with the band (duh). Last night, I went to the YMCA and got on a treadmill for hte first time in my life. I'd been resisting thinking I couldn't do more than 5 minutes. Well, I did 20 minutes and 0.6 miles! And then another 10 minutes on a recumbant bike. I was thrilled. So, back to the Y again tonight. I'm still battling my eating habit and craving demons. I guess I always will. Hang in there, this isn't magic but it sure is easier than dieting! Sue Stenzel

I've had 2 fills done and neither one was with the fluoroscope. I have not had problems with this and actually do feel more restriction with each fill. Sue Stenzel

neen7171 I too was discouraged initially. I gained 10 pounds after my first fill! The second fill, didn't feel any restriction until towards the last week and 1/2 before going to the doctor. I thought that was wierd, but then realized I was paying more attention to what I was eating and feeling. The third fill, as far as I'm concerned, was the magic one. Wow! What a difference. I feel the restriction, I feel full, fast, can eat only small meals. don't know about the weight loss as I don't weigh myself (promised myself I would only get weighed at the dr. office and not be a slave to the scale.) So, hang in there. It is a process and when we're expecting great results, like, yesterday, it's hard to be patient. One of the things that happened with me, is that I forgot the small portions, chew, chew, chew, and no liquids. With the 3rd fill, my band doesn't let me forget those rules. It was not initially pleasant when I ate too big a bite too fast. My body learned fast to chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew! Keep up the good work. Sue Stenzel

I like the attitude of adjusting thinking along with eating habits. That was a nice response to Brenda. Brenda, I don't know if what you're experiencing is normal or not, but I'm right there with you. I go for a fill today and am lookng forward to more restriction. I can eat 6 ounces of steak, a baked potato and about a cup of salad before I feel full. I will say that I have noticed lately that I feel full sooner and longer when I eat protein first. I was straying off track and eating carbs sooner in the meal than I have been lately. I'm liking the change that I am fuller sooner. And all I'm doing is eating better quality protein (like chicken, cottage cheese, steak (on occasion), deli meats, etc). I don't get the feeling as much with scrambled eggs. Hang in there Brenda, it's a process we're going through. If it was a miracle, we'd all be ecstatically happy, wouldn't we! Sue Stenel

Wow! I can relate to what you all are saying about eating and wanting more. I am finding that within the last week, I am doing more PBing and belching. If I wait a bit, I can go back to my meal and finish it. I've gotten away from focusing on low carbs, and can tell the difference. I eat carbs, and I am looking for food constantly. I did very well the first 2 months after I was banded (8/30/07). Then after my first fill, I ate like there was no tomorrow and gained 10 pounds. Now with my 2nd fill, I'm noticing changes more this last week than I did previously. Can't eat as much, some foods get stuck when previously they didn't. I'm due for a fill next week, and am looking forward to it. I have a 14cc band with only 3.5 cc in now. I wish he'd just put in about 5cc and get it over with. Thanks for the insight from you all, you rock! Sue Stenzel

Wow! I was looking for exactly this information. I am eating amounts of food that I didn't think I should be able to eat, had gained weight after my first fill, and on and on. I'm due for my 3rd fill next week, looking forward to that. My dr. is getting used to the 14cc band also, so not as sure as to the response to expect with fills. I've been seeing some people with as much as 8cc in their band. If that's the case, I have a long way to go. But I'm gonna hang in there, that's why I started this whole thing, it's not an overnight solution. If I had wanted that, I'd have gone with RNY, and even that isn't the be all end all. Sue Stenzel.

Hi One of the instructions my doctor gave me before surgery is crush pills for life, or convert pills to liquid. It probably won't resolve the issue you're dealing with right now, but maybe it will make it a little easier to crush your meds until this latest issue subsides. After a fill, my doctor recommends mushies for a day and then cautiously resume solids. I think with a fill, especially when you're close to your sweet spot, there could be the potential for some swelling and it needs to go down. Hope this is the case for you. Sue Stenzel