Vicky Sab

It has been a year and a half since I had my lap band, but in many ways I am still a newbie. Never mind the why of it, but I didn't get my fills as early as I should have, and am now approaching # 4. I have finally begun to have the experiences that I am reading about. OK, so here is the question/or questions: I hear people say that they sometimes only eat 1/2 cup of food and are satisfied. I'm trying to find that satisfied sensation, but it dosn't happen as often as I thought it should. Could this be because I am eating the wrong types of foods? My main motivation for stopping eating early is the discomfort of PB type of stuff. So now, I'm confused. If I eat the soft stuff I get no pain (or nutrition). ok, I'm starting to ramble.. Why do some seem to feel satisfied so quickly, and not others? If we count calories, could have macaroni and cheese ... I'm afraid to get my next fill, because I have had a few paintful PBs, and think I probably need time to adjust my habits.. and also it's the holiday season, and after PBing my 3 mouthfuls of Thanksgiving dinner back.. I don't feel like doing that in public again. Any thoughts..

Thank you all. Each and every one of you gave me something to work with. I guess over time I was getting a little lax. OK.. so back to high protein first.. not so much of the soft food (I will miss them at night).. Yes the band may be tight enough.. I will remind myself to chew chew (till tasteless?) (sorry, I just couldn't resist the joke) In fact, now that I think about it, that is probably my problem (no, not the joking,) I may not be chewing enough.. since I don't like the tastelessness of the last few chews.. hmm.. something to consider. Also, I'll be checking out those websites, fitday and the dailyplate. Never heard of them, but they sound interesting. So, again.. Thank you all. And I take it back.. you can jump on me anytime. :smile2:

I just had a new fill and I guess I must have been a little careless with my chewing. I've actually been very good about being careful, but this once I got distracted by the phone just before the last couple of swallows. PAIN!!!! so severe that it felt like I was having a heart attack. And while I knew I wasn't and tried to patiently wait it out, it was extremely painful nonetheless. I had a sip of Water, thinking that might loosen up whatever was in there. It didn't really help much that I was aware of. I was bent over double.. got up.. sat down.. found myself yelling once.. This was really an experience I do not want to repeat. I farted and the pain went away. My question.. I assume that this happens once in a while, and that people have shared this experience. Can you please tell me a little bit about your experience, and anything at all about what you have done to avoid it? I was thinking that i should have some gas medication on hand.. like gas x.. any thoughts on that. The obvious right answer is to stop eating before this happens.. but in case that phone rings, or whatever.. what would you do. Thank you from fearful in Belle Harbor:confused:

Wow! I am amazed at how many people have responded to this thread. The responses have been useful, not to mention that it is comforting to know that I am not alone. I like the term "verp" for the vomit burp, but have not yet figured out what pb stands for. as for eating in public, i don't! The one time someone saw me having a problem at work, they thought i was having a heart attack and went for the nurse (even though I signaled that I was ok.) when it happens to me i usually end up dropping to my knees. oh.. funny story. one of the times it happened, i had left work early because of back pain.. you know how when your back hurts you don't do sudden moves? well.. when it happened, i looked like a rag doll from the exorcist. so one last time.. is this anything remotely resembling normal? Thanks

I have to admit, I have not bee very organized. I make plans and then don't always keep to them. However, I am becoming more optimistic. Just the fact that I'm having these pains means that the lap band is finally working. For me, it has been a long haul. I've had the band since August 07. But due to unforseen events I was unable to have it tightened enough till just recently.. .. so finally I'm encountering the same problems as everyone else. Meanwhile, last night I did it again.. this time I managed to spit the food back up.. which was a help. Guess I am on my way. As they all say..... chew chew chew. Thanks so very much for your support. I really appreciated it.:thumbup:

Thank you for your reply. I have never managed to throw up food voluntarily. But I am gathering that this is preferable to the pain. I don't really know how long the pain lasted, but in my imagination it was about 20 minutes. Was that similar for you?

dear discouraged, i don't want to discourage you more with my story. what i would like is to hear from someone who has had this experience and surmounted it. is there anyone out there who has actually gone through this tunnel?

I'm slipping between a hole in the cracks. I'm afraid to call my Doctor, or nutritionist.. Obviously I will call very soon.. I need to know if anyone else has had this problem.. Lab Band August 7th.. Weight Loss 30 pounds. Nothing for months and months. I am eating like my old self. Gained 5 pounds over last two months. :huh2:

I was banded on Aug 7th. My pain comes and goes. I was surprised it has lasted so long. Mainly because my tactic for overcoming fear of operation was to ask very few questions that I would not want to hear the answer to. That having been said.. reading your post has rung an alarm bell. I work in an elementary school for autistic children. Physically, it is a very demanding job.. School starts tomorrow. Now I'm scared.