want2beme

It feels like you swallowed a cup of rice and its stuck like a clogged pipe and the only thing that will help is a plunger and draino.

I was told to have lean meats, no fruit with membranes, no pulp, no gum, no carbonation, no aparagus, no celery, no sugary drinks... I just can't remember all of it. I have a list, but it doesn't have everything on it. Just about everything that could be "pt specific", I have a problem with... So, I'm looking for the BIG list. haha

ONE MORE THING... my friends doctor has been banding bypass patients. Says after 10+ years, the stomach stretches and they opt for a band over their bypass. Just something to think about...

It depends. I had lap band and my best friend had bypass. We had opposite health issues and I think we both chose the best surgery for our bodies. I wouldn't want to go through what she did with bypass, and she couldn't have lap band b/c of her ulcers and GERDS. The list of reasons why is too long. I say, do your research on both and make a list! Seriously! Side by side... see what is best for you.

Yeah, my doctor is in Mexico. I have to work all week long too. I told her last time I was there, PLEASE DO NOT FILL ME TOO TIGHT, I cannot afford to visit any time soon. She filled me, had me drink tea in the waiting room and gave me two bariums. I was okay. BUT, any slight mistake on my part (diet), my stoma is irritated. I forget about the little things, like pulp... ya know? I need another list. Can anybody help me with a list of what NOT to eat on lap band!? Thx.

My friend made a valid point yesterday: :sad: I was filled last Thursday to 2.6 in a 4cc band. I feel pretty tight. Still on liquids after a week. I'm living on ISOPURE protien drinks and Organic soup with sour cream plopped in it. (So I'm getting my protein, fat and some carbs). I complained that my restriction hasn't steadily gotten less, its getting tighter. She said, "Maybe its all the sodium in that soup you're eating!" A light bulb went off... do you think this could be true? Thanks!

missmolli - what ever happened with your GI?

Wow, that is interesting. My doctor always says Clear Liquids for one week. She had me go across the street to TGIF (in TJ Mexico) and order cream of broccoli soup and an iced tea. I had about 3 TBSP of the soup and that was it! I went back to the lab and had another barium, she said, "You're perfect. You don't need any taken out at all!" I said, "Ok, I'm not coming back here for 6 months, so if its too tight, next time you see me I may weight 68 pounds!" haha... It losens up later in the day. Today I could have clear liquids at work. I got home and had soup and I just ate ice cream WITH NO PROBLEM BY THE WAY! haha... Sometimes I think I'm so paranoid to eat wrong that I put off getting to my mushies and I shouldn't do that. Another flaw I have is when I get use to having little restriction and I'm not chewing as a bandster should, when I do get filled, I have lost the bandster habits. So, I have to remember to chew good... I think I'll bring Beans to work tomorrow and try that. Thanks for the advice. BTW - Where did you get banded? Dana

Aug 20th? Give it up to 3 months to not have any more pain. I went through the same thing. They suture that thing into your muscles... it can take a while. Don't worry, it wont last forever.

Do you have an empty band? If so, welcome to bandster hell. Don't worry, it'll get better. If you are able to eat more than 1 cup, add veggies and maximize your food. You'll be fine.

I think you are totally normal! Your body knows the band, your tummy knows the band, and so do you. If you are able to tolerate the different stages, go for it. I moved quickly too. I am assuming your band has no fill, remember that??? Way back in 2005? They called it bandster hell? If you're not swelling, you could probably eat a cheeseburger at this point. I think you're all good.

I have the old 4cc, but curious about the new bands... just in case I decide to switch over.

I was a medical assistant in my former life and played with needles all day long from injection of chemo to phlebotomy... BUT, I can't stand getting fills. I have passed out on several occassions... and they told me to come back but I said no way. I flew to Mexico for a fill. I said, "Let the blood go back into my brain and try again, but I'm not leaving 'till this thing is filled!" You will find the nurse or doctor who is good at it. I only faint with one particular doctor... another I don't at all. So, for my fill this Thursday, I requested the 'good' doctor. She's gentle, can locate the port easily and is fast. The other doctor is aggressive and digs around a lot... I faint every time I have her. Maybe ask for a different doc/nurse. It can make a big difference. GOOD LUCK!

Hell yes. If you can tolerate it, go for it. But, these are the restrictions: No champagne, no beer, no pulpy mixers like OJ... Have a pomegranite martini or a glass of wine. Another thing you want to make sure about is, don't get DRUNK! If you over drink and have a hangover, you are more likely to bow to the porcelin god the next morning... vomitting will make your stoma swell an this can cause serious problems. Also, know that you are taking in calories that you really don't want, but that's your choice. Lastly, if you have a tight fill, its my understanding that you don't want harsh (or hard) alcohol to sit on top of the band for too long. It can contribute to erosion. So, my opinion is, enjoy yourself in moderation. Live your life and have fun. Go out with the girls and drink, but control yourself and enjoy now being skinny at the bar instead of the fat chick in the corner. That brings up one more issue: Men will be buying you drinks too, so you need to learn to say 'no', or tell him you're ready for a Water... you have to work in the morning... LOL

At the time of my surgery I was a server in a restaurant and had a lot of physical duties. I was back to work in 3 weeks.

I am going through the same thing. Glad to hear about the 1 year post op, I'm almost there... next week!

You just need MORE, that's all. No biggie. It's frustrating finding that perfect fill though. I've a year out and I am still not perfect. They say it takes about 1 year (whether its 2 fills or 20) ~ Good Luck!

PLEASE HELP~!!!!!! I was banded Aug 2007. I have lost 65 pounds and am feeling great! BUT, I had a small problem. I've had 2 fills and 1 unfill. After losing the last 15 pounds, I am due for another fill. So, I scheduled my fill apt for May 6th, in Mexico. About a week ago, I took a bite of my son's salami sandwich. I haven't had a bite of a sandwich in 8 months~What was I thinking? DUH! I didn't even chew it very well, swallowed it and it got stuck! About 30 minutes later, I was puking. I felt okay after throwing up. Since then, I have had trouble eating solids. I am thinking either my stoma is swollen or my band slipped from vomitting. I'm not sure. The restriction and ability to eat solids vary day to day. And sometimes, meal to meal. Today I had 2 cups of Soup and a cup of mashed potatoes. I am thinking I should stick with liquids and mushies until my appointment on May 6th. I am really scared that my band is slipped. I was a cash patient and don't have any money for another surgery. I REALLY NEED SOME ADVICE!!!!! Thanks.

Well, I don't! But, I need to. I'm almost at goal and haven't done more than a lap around the block with the baby stroller. I'm not trying to make excuses, but I am a single mom and have no family/friends or baby-daddy close by to help. I work 50 hours per week, and can barely get my laundry done. However, I know its time to do something. So, I'd like other bansters to join me. If you haven't started excercising yet, let's do it now. Tell us what your exercise goal is. Then, visit us once per week and tell us if you've accomplished the goal, and set a new one for yourself. Here, I'll start: My goal for this week is to walk the baby 3 times for 45 minutes in the neighborhood. 07-20-08

I promised! I am taking the baby for a walk tomorrow morning. Thank you to the single hard working mom! I have no excuse, really. I don't work until 11am tomorrow, so we'll be up at 7:30... plenty of time, right??? I'm doing it!

If you were able to drink Water at your apt., then maybe the doctor thinks after your swelling goes down, you'll be able to drink water and more... My doctor always said 3-5 days clear liquid after a fill because of the swelling. This is what can fit through and also the least irritating to the esophogus. If you can drink water (and Isopure Protein drinks which are clear from GNC), then you should wait... 3-5 days. then incorporate full liquids, then mushies and so on. See where you can get to in 10 days... if you are still too tight, then go in for an adjustment.

I also heard the same thing! 5' = 100#, add 5#s for every inch! I went yesterday and got an unfill. I had .5ccs taken out. I hope it wasn't too much. I can eat now though. I am only eating Beans right now because I have a mouth infection from the lack of Protein. It hurts really bad... I think I am happy at 156. I don't think I want to lose any more weight actually. I just need to excercise now.

When I was told I'd plateau 4 times during my weight loss, I was fine with it, prepared if you will. But what about the complete opposite? My goal weight is 150. 3 weeks ago I was at 174, today I'm at 156. It's coming off WAY TOO FAST. I thought it took longer to take the weight off when approaching your goal weight? I'm uneasy about losing so fast. I'd like to put the brakes on. Anybody experience this? And how did you put the brakes on?

Julie, My best friend just had her bypass done with Dr. McKeen. She's having a hell of a time. Her surgery was on June 11th. She still hasn't eaten more than a teaspoon of cheese. He extended her work leave until August 11th now. I am wondering what he told her her goal weight should be. She's 5'6".

Every time I want to start a program, something comes up! I'm totally serious! Either my son is sick or I'm sick. This time, I'M SICK! I know I promised to walk the baby 3 times this week, but if I do, it's going to be sat, sun, mon. Wish me luck!