countrygirljtl

Thanks Cheri52 I get that the band is just a tool, but If I am "dieting" the way I have for years and still not looseing weight, isn't there something not right?? Yes, I indulged here and there, but pretty much tried to stick to the rules. I have stuck right by the book for 1 whole week, today I am going to the YMCA to weigh myself to see, I hope I lost a few pounds. So, do you think I should consider myself lucky that I never had PB'ing, sliming or got too stuck (exept for that one time)? I have also not seemed to get a "sign" for when to stop as they said we should get. For months, they said that some people take more fills than others and that it will come, why are they changing that now?? I just hope the band didn't slip or is kinked or anything. Also, I have a huge amount of scar tissue at the port site, only a problem when the fill. But also at times the port site is sore, like when I bend over to tie my shoe, weed the garden, pick up something from the floor, it feels as if is bruised or something like that. Also, sometimes when I eat, the port site gets hard and bothers me (I don't know if is gas pressure or what) It has been a year since I started this whole journey, and if it wasn't for my supportive husband, a few band friends who have been successful and this website, I don't know what I would do, really. So, this week, I have been eating all low fat solid protiens first, then vegi's and than the carb. stuff like 6oz of fish, green beens, and brown rice, only with spray butter if any at all, and not drinking with my meals. I still get hungry between meals ( I know head hunger, this is stomach growling hungry) I have been white knuckling it, keep myself busy, really just suffering through it, again, ready to give up somedays. I just don't get it. Most of my friends have lost 50-90 pounds. Since surgery I have lost 8-10 pounds. I am exercising and praying. Thank you for your support. Janet:regular_smile:

Hi Everyone, I haven't written in quite a while because frankly, I have all but given up. I am trying once again though. Just to update: I had my band put in 7 months ago (Oct 07). I have had 6 fills now, I think and I have had only a tiny bit of restriction recently. I only had one episode of being really stuck which resulted in my trying to get it up with some slime. That happened after one bite of chicken and not chewig it enough. My last visit to Lahey Clinic resulted in them saying that they are not going to give me any more fills because they think that I should have plenty of restriction and should be losing weight (which I have not lost any exept for the first week out of surgery) due to the fact that I have NO restriction. They said that I am not eating properly and until I do, they will not even consider any more fills. I am at 3.2cc's with a 4cc band. I was devistated with my last visit. So, tomorow will be a week since that visit, I have stuck to all the rules and documented all that I have eaten and drank and my exercise to show them. The amouts of food that I eat at one sitting does not indicate to me that my band is restricting very much. I kind of feel like it is starting to work, but I am eating alot more than what others are saying that they can get down. So, I welcome oppinions, tips, ideas, thoughts, support, anything. I really need you. Janet :cursing:

Hi Sharon, I had my surgery on Oct 4, 2007 and have had 5 fills with NO restriction thus far, I have only lost 8 since surgery, so I understand how you feel. I just had my 6th fill 2 days ago, have 2.9cc's in a 4cc band. I am worried about the sliming, pbing because I have never had it, and don't want it. but I do want to start losing wieght. I am glad that you are "loving" your band now. I really want mine to start working for me. Janet

Sherry W. I wasn't able to go to your get together, but boy don't I wish I could have, it sounds like it was very motivating. Just reading your post uplifted me, thank you. I like that you are so supportive and realize that everyone needs a little lift every once and a while. I suppose that is the name of the game is just keep looking for that gimmer and pick yourself back up when you are falling down. I appreciate everyones good tips and support, I have no one else. Janet

Hi Girls, Wow, great advice, so maybe I have hope when I go for my 5th fill. Last night I went to dinner with my hubby and ate the same as I use to, French Onion Soup, salad and fish with potatoes, I couldn't finish the entre though, about half way through, it all starting to go down real hard 'stick', so I just had to stop. I suppose, I was just plain filled to capacity. I need to call to schedule another fill though. So would you say that you were surprized with the difference between no restriction and "boom" - restriciton? I need to kick my exercise back into gear, I was doing so well and now, I haven't been doing anything, not good, I know. but I do have to say that I am happy with the fact that despite the fact that I have had NO restriciton since a few weeks out from surgery in October, and with all of the holidays, and now with a little less of the exercise lately, I have not gained back any of the 20 pounds that I lost both before and right after. So that gives me hope to, that hopefully the band is good for keeping the wieght off. Don't get me wrong, I know I have work to do, and I am going to do it. does anyone get to see "Big Medicine"? I tape it on my DVR, it is on TLC and it is a motivator. Let me know what you think. Thanks for the encouragement, keep it coming. Janet:tongue2:

Hey Jude, hang in there, I feel your pain, I wish I knew the answer, All I can do is just hope and pray that one of these fills will do the trick. Some days I just wish it would all click and some days i want to give up. Where did you have your surgery done?? I am definitely not waiting the 5-6 weeks, I spoke to the NP last fill time and she said go ahead and shorten the length between fills to see if we can speed this up, they unfortunately still have to be conservative with the amount of the cc's given at each fil, Protocol. SherryW, I think it is great that you girls are getting together, I wish I could, you are quite far from me, But have fun, get support. If anyone lives up by me, I would be willing to have a get together like this. Let me know Janet

Thanks Girls, yeah, I got stuck with left over salmon (reheated), it becomes tough like chicken, so that didn't work for me, I gave it to my dogs (lucky them:tongue2:). I don't know what that constant feeling is either, I did bring it up to the docs but they were not sure or too worried, they thought it was connected to the heartburn I was having which may be connected to an ulcer that I have. I am probably not chewing sufficiently because I feel like I haven't had to due to having no restriction. I know I need to change my ways, maybe that would fix the problem, I just think it is an unexplained wierd constant feeling that I certanly have never felt before, I have stress and heart issues but none that feel like this, this feels like in the center of my lungs and almost feels like when a drink goes down the wrong pipe and you cough and cough because of the irritation, that is sort of what it feels like. Well, this thursday will be 2 weeks after my last fill and the NP said to call for another fill if I am still not restricted, that will be my 5th fill The other thing I thought, is maybe it is taking me so many fills and so much time because perhaps my stomach was very small in diameter and it takes more saline to expand the band to reach the small diameter of my stomach. What do you think?? Janet:rolleyes2:

Hi Cheri52, Thank you for asking, I was wondering the same thing, where was everyone, that is why I stayed away, silly huh. Anyway, My last fill went alot better, My NP said that each time will be different. So yesterday I was eating chicken and it definitely got stuck, I just slowed down, calmed down and walked around, it hurt alot, but went down, hurt again, went down some more. So at least I am starting to get restriction. I just wish I understood why I have a nonstop feeling in the chest/lung area, it seems that it is part of the restriction, but why all the time, I thought, other than having a "tight" sensation when eating, that other than that you would feel "normal", not feeling the band inside of you. I wish I wasn't such a worry wart about everything to do with the band. Janet:rolleyes2:

Where i was banded, We were strictly told, no liquids with the solids as it will wash through the food, leaving you not as full or satisfied and restricted, making you take in more calories later. Also, the shake in the morning may not be keeping you satisfied either, again where I was banded they insist on us having 3 solid meals a day to have the full effects of the band work for you. I lost a good amount of weight in the very beggining but haven't had any restriction due to the band not being tight enough. Now I feel a tightness in my chest all the time, don't know what that is all about. Good luck, Janet

Hi, I have had 4 fills now, I had a bad stomach flu right after I got through with the liquid stage after the fill, The heaving was so violent, none like I have ever had, I felt like I got beat up for days!! And now I am finally eating solids again. I have never had PB or stuck or slime, I do not wish to experience it either. However, I don't know if I really have restriction either. I still can eat quite a bit, I am less hungry though. I feel a pressure in my chest pretty much 24/7 with or without food or drink. Is this restriction?? What the heck is this annoying feeling?? It is sort of like the irritating feeling after you drank something and it went down the "wrong pipe" and you cough and cough, but your lungs are left feeling irritated. Does anyone know what I mean?? Is this normal to have this feeling all the time regardless if I have eaten or not? Janet

Thanks girls for the advice, tips and encouragement, I see the nutritionist and get a fill tomorow, somthing has got to get better. I am not losing, have'nt in months. I know that I am not eating good and exercising the way I was due to being so damn discouraged. So keep up with the great support, it is very helpful Janet :confused:

Hey Sheri and Sherry and everyone else, thanks for the invite, great idea, I doubt that I could make it to Taunten, but I will look it up on Mapquest, because I could really use the support. Sue, Thank you so much for you Day example, I am with Cheri52, I am not restricted enough to be full or even near satisfied with the small portions you are taking in, but Kudo's to you for all your efforts, that gives me inspiration. Hey did anyone see OPRAH yesterday?? it was on teens getting banded and getting the bypass, they seemed all successfull, there was lots of contraversy from the adults and professionals though due to their ages and development, and the fact that they still have to go to Mexico to get it done. Let me know what you thought Janet (I wish I could get a ticker for myself, I tried twice with no success)

Hi Sue Magoo, You sure sound like you have had great success thus far and are happy with your band. So do you think that there is hope for me? I have had 3 fills, tomorw will be my 4th, I am half full to capacity, but with no real restriction, I don't really know what it is like to 'Have to stop eating or else", if you know what I mean, there for the only wieght I have lost was the pre-op and 8 pounds the first week after surgery. So do you think as soon as I get full restriction that I will start dropping this wieght?? I exercise and try to eat right, but at night I get the hungry horrors and I'm off to the races, just as always. What's your thoughts?? Janet

Wow Holly, I can sure relate to you, almost to a "T". Today is my 4 month anniversary, was banded on Oct 4th, and your story is identicle to mine, and Yes I get incredibly discouraged, even thinking if this does not work for me soon, I want it out of me!! I go for my 4th fill this Thursday, only because I keep calling and bugging the NP's also. Anyway, I do pray that my band as well as yours does start working for us, I cannot imagine what I would feel like if I paid out of pocket. You stand up for yourself and keep up the good fight, I don't understand why they can't be more generous with the fills either. Keep in touch, let me know if your next fill works and I will do the same. I think my last fill gave me a slight restriciton, but I also have been suffering from Chronic heartburn due to my overeating in the evening probably, so the band obviously is not working, in the mean time though I feel like I have pneumonia from the pressure in my chest, they say that is the restriction but not enough if you ask me!!! Anyway, we can do this, we have to. Don't give up and know you are not the only one who feels the way you do, I'm with ya girl Janet

Cheri & Sherry, I live about 45 minutes North of Boston, I called and spoke with Corrine on Wednesday, she said that the heartburn could be part of the symptoms associated with the ulcer and to go back on my prilosec, which I already did. I explained how I am trying to follow the rules, but no true restriction as of yet. I described the "tight" gnawing feeling in the chest area and she said that it is most likely the band starting to restrict, I think she is right because I when I did eat a smaller amount and am a little more satisfied, not as much as I would like but a little bit more, so I am going in for another fill next Thursday, I dread the fill due to the bad one that I had last time, and I hope that you are right about, it could possibly go smoother this time. My first 2 were flawless, very easy, 3rd-a nightmare. But it makes sense that the scar tissue that has build up (I can feel the hard lumps all around my port area) would cause the fill to be complicated, I just can't describe how horrible it felt though!! Anyway, she is seeing me, I am on my prilosec, I am trying my hardest to eat/drink/exercise by the rules and get in more protien to see if I can reverse the hair issue, I did forget to tell her about the hair issue, but I wil when I see her. Good advice about the popcorn bit, I probably won't be able to eat it once I am really restricted anyway. So did anyone experience NO restriction after 3 fills and 4 months?? Is there hope for me?? Somtimes I worry by the time I do get the restriction that I am not going to know how to handle it, if you can understand that. I understand the the band is just a tool, but at this point I am dieting just as I have for years with no results, I just want the tool to do something for me. Janet

hatmama Well if is any comfort, I can totally relate to the disappointment, but I like how you are looking on the bright side, I guess I need to do that as well. I have a call in to the nurses at Lahey, I want to tell them how I am feeling, not that will do anything but we will see. Last night my ulcer kicked up on top of having the heart burn, my poor tummy is not feeling so well. Keep up the good work with even a little exercise, that is hard for me to keep up with too. If you have "On Demand" through cable, you can get excersize classes for free through that, or if you have a dvd you can get an excercise video, try that until the good weather comes back. also if you can get to a treadmill or excercise machine, my best friend is my ipod, I put all my favorite songs on it,ones that make you move and I look forward to it. Maybe these tips can help, Janet :frown:

Well tomorow is 14 days after my last fill, so that is when they said that I should see a difference, I will call the nurse tomorow. I didn't have the heartburn today, Thank God, but tonight I had stomach pains which I had before being banded, it was from an ulcer which was found prior to banding and I was put on prilosec, I haven't had a problem with that in a while, but tonight I could tell it was that same pain. I ate very carefully today, and I guess my band area was ok, it is really hard to tell what is the discomfort because again, I have a constant ache in the chest area which I suppose is the tightness of the band, I dont really know. I ate very healthy making sure to get the protien in, I kind of blew it tonight and had some chips. I wish I didn't have the ablity to eat the junk, I didn't have many, but I thought the band would take away some of my appetite and keep me full. Anyway, I like what you said about soon we will forget what all the worrying was about, I really hope so. As a matter of fact I was reading about what you said about how your port was so sore and felt so funny when rolling in bed and bending over, I had that same experience!! And I remember being so concerned by it, and now it is barely a memory, so I pray that all this misery with discomfort and fills/unfills and heartburn and no wieght loss, and hair falling out will be the same deal. What keeps me going is hearing form others that they have gone through the same things and came out fine, or even those who are having great success and say that the Love their band, that gives me hope too, that the band has to work eventually. Thanks for all your suggestions and input. I live in Rowley on the North Shore, I am not sure where Tauten is in relationship, is it south or north of Boston?? Janet

I joined my local YMCA and used the gym equipment as well as I take a dance fitness class, it is lots of fun and you really work up a sweat. Even if I am not loosing wieght at this point, I know that just moving and burning calories is good for me. Wow, hatmama, I can't believe that you have to wait a long period like that in between fills even if you are not having restriction, how are you dealing with that?? Janet

PrincessLK I just wrote a huge letter to you and pressed a button by accident and pooff, I lost my letter, Anyway, I can relate to you, Keep writing, I am going to contact my doc Janet

cheri52, Yup, I had Dr. Bram, Corrine, and Karen My last fill was not good, Corrine said that I am tipped and have tons of scar tissue, I was painful and just a horrible experience, so I am not looking forward to haveing more fills, but obviously I may need one. I am tring to stick to all the rules. I have a healthy brand of Peanut Butter on toast for Breakfast or eggs with cheese, or a grilled cheese and turkey for breakfast. lunch is chicken or lowfat cheese with whatever dinner is the same, Snacks are yogurts, fruits, nuts, popcorn etc... I was on a NO sugar & flour food plan once and my hair fell out like this too, I ate protien, I dont know. someone else mentioned that it could be a lack of Vitamin B also. I will call the nutritionist at Lahey, my appt is next week, usually with Karen, but this time I think it is with Deb. I am going to the gym today, will weigh myself there and see if I have lost anything since my last fill 2 weeks ago. Again, thank you for your support Janet

Hi SheryyW, I dont have the "need" to chew the food well or it wont go down. I know that is one of the rules, but I never get stuck, pb or froth. Yesterday, all day I had a bad day of heartburn, but I think it is because I overate too much, probably too quick the night before. So I don't think I could be overfilled, everything goes down with no immediate problems. Last night, I tried to eat a smaller amount and chewed well. This am, the heartburn is gone, but my stomach still doesn't feel all that perfect. I probably do need more of a fill, but I have a fear of my fills now, my last one was horrible, I am tipped and have tons of scar tissue and it doesn't feel good at all. I am trying so hard to be patient and positive, and just need this to work for me, I get real down about it sometimes. Janet

I relate to you, I have had 3 fills with no restriciton or weight loss after 4 months, I am now just feeling a gnawing ache in my chest wether I haven't eaten or not, and if I eat to much, which I did last night, I pay for it with heartburn. My last fill was a nightmare and my hair is falling out, plus everyone I know who was banded before and soon after me, are doing so well, I am so frustrated, Sometimes I worry that maybe my band has slipped or something just isn't right, I tell the nurses my concerns, but they just remind me of the rules and say to stick to them. Need support, Janet

hi, I have never gotten that pain in the throat deal, just a gnawing ache in my chest, is that the restriciton, I can eat all I want, I did do that last night and had heartburn all day today though, so not a good idea, but no froth, pb'ing or getting stuck, do I need more of a fill, oh yea, and my hair is falling out, what do you all think?????????

Wow, 2 miles is awsome, I struggle to do a mile and a half on the tread mill I am having a hard time understanding what restriciton is, I have 3 fills, now half filled, never got stuck or frothed or pb'd, I am feeling a little different in the chest area, Any advice?? Janet

Cheri52, thank you for taking the time to explain how the sensations are for you when you eat, it all makes sense to me. I wish others were more thorough, because it is hard to explain what is going on inside of us and how things feel. basically I know that I am not chewing as they told me to, do you think that would really make a huge difference?? The sensations I am experienceing now, after months of having NO sensations or what they call restriction, is now I have almost a mild form of constant heartburn, whether I am eating, drinking or nothing. I also have a constant "tightness feelin in my chest whether I just ate or haven't for 5 hours. I have never experienced frothing or pb'ing or the "stuck" feeling that people say is HOrrible. just to remind, I have had 3 fills , surgery was done Oct 4th, and no weight loss or restriction due to the band other than in the beginning. I was excersing regularily up until last week, I am so discouraged, I know I can't give up, but I am struggling. Thank you for your support, I really appreciate it, and need it. Did you have your surgery at Lahey too?? Janet