kaytay12

Well, I join your club. I had my surgery on May 29th. I've had 2 fills. 4 cc. were in the band at surgery, 1st fill was 3 cc. and 2nd fill had .75 cc's. This Monday I have my 3rd fill. I don't have a "full" sensation at all. The only thing I feel at all is if I eat the wrong things. Like certain breads, pineapple, and last night I had a bad experience with okra. Sometimes I feel like I'm over-eating and worry that I'm causing damage. Then I panic and worry. I don't measure and know I should. I have no idea what it would feel like if I have caused damage either. I've heard that if it slips then you can't get anything down and you know something is worng. The first 2 months no sweets went across my lips, then I tasted a pc. of chocolate and didn't have any issues, so I've had m&m's here and there. It's such a mental thing to know that this is only a tool and you have to be smart with what you eat. It's even harder to know that I went thru this whole surgery for help and I don't feel the restriction so it puts the work back on me. Just not what I expected after a painful surgery to help me in the area that I could not do on my own. Since surgery date I have lost 19 pounds and 20 inches. No weight loss in over 4 weeks, and nothing since last fill. But I'm not gaining either. I know it will come off and I have to make sure to stick to the plan. There is a fine line of eating enough calories too, which messes with my head of eating less to lose. Doctor's office isn't much help. They shuttle people in and out getting fills and phone calls or basically answered the same way when I call. Hanging in there and struggling to get rid of every pound!!! Kathy

Well ladies, I join your club. I had my surgery on May 29th. I've had 2 fills. 4 cc. were in the band at surgery, 1st fill was 3 cc. and 2nd fill had .75 cc's. This Monday I have my 3rd fill. I don't have a "full" sensation at all. The only thing I feel at all is if I eat the wrong things. Like certain breads, pineapple, and last night I had a bad experience with okra. Sometimes I feel like I'm over-eating and worry that I'm causing damage. Then I panic and worry. I don't measure and know I should. I have no idea what it would feel like if I have caused damage either. I've heard that if it slips then you can't get anything down and you know something is worng. The first 2 months no sweets went across my lips, then I tasted a pc. of chocolate and didn't have any issues, so I've had m&m's here and there. It's such a mental thing to know that this is only a tool and you have to be smart with what you eat. It's even harder to know that I went thru this whole surgery for help and I don't feel the restriction so it puts the work back on me. Just not what I expected after a painful surgery to help me in the area that I could not do on my own. Since surgery date I have lost 19 pounds and 20 inches. No weight loss in over 4 weeks, and nothing since last fill. But I'm not gaining either. I know it will come off and I have to make sure to stick to the plan. There is a fine line of eating enough calories too, which messes with my head of eating less to lose. Doctor's office isn't much help. They shuttle people in and out getting fills and phone calls or basically answered the same way when I call. Hanging in there and struggling to get rid of every pound!!! Kathy

Thank you NY2LAGirl! Means alot to know that I'm not the only one. I'm sure the stress is causing some of the problems right now but so strange that I haven't eaten any more but my body seems to hold on to it. Must be in survivor mode thinking we won't have money for food or something :tongue:. Thanks for checking out recipes and I think I might try something new this weekend. Christall, hang in there. I know exactly how you feel. I chose not to set any goals though. I just felt great seeing the scale go down and that is all I look at most days. Then when I measure it is even more, so not having a goal right now is best for me. I'm failed too many times with other diets. I just need to be patient and keep on trying. I think the extreme heat right now in North Texas is hard too. Too hot to do anything outside even walking or swimming in my pool. Everything is too hot! It will happen eventually and I'll give myself a pass this weekend with all the stress. Thank you all for the kind words of encouragement. Have a great weekend!!!:tt2:

Hello there. I was banded on May 29th. I've lost about 19 pounds so far and over 24 inches. Been doing pretty good. I've had two fills and still don't feel much restriction. The biggest challenge for me right now is having to changing my eating habits and not feeling the restriction. This is making me not rely on the band but on my own desire to make the changes. This is somewhat different than what I was expecting I guess. I wonder if anyone else has felt this way. Trying to watch sodium intake, watching portion size, not eating fried foods, no sugar, no snacking, watch cravings, etc... This is basic dieting techniques that I am constantly having to focus on. I've also hit a plateau prior to the 2nd fill on July 25th. My metabolism is slow, even after starting to walk at night. Other banded people I work with have had the weight drop off without even any exercise. Most days I barely get 1000 calories, so the weight should be melting off, but it's not. My body apparently has become close friends with the weight . My other dilemma is boredom with food. I need some ideas for better variety without the additional work and money. My husband was just laid off at work, so making costly trips to the gorcery store is not an option right now. So right now for me it's a mental thing. I'd love to hear from someone with some quick food items to try and any support to get me over this hump. My next fill is on August 25th and would like to know if the restriction should be felt more right now or is it just me. I only feel discomfort if I eat bread or pineapple (which I only did once). Otherwise I can drink as much as I like and I only eat very small portions. Thanks for listening! Kathy

Hello all...since going thru over 4 months of testing, getting approved, going thru 2 weeks pre-op liquids and finally surgery on May 29th, I'm down 17 pounds. My frustration after one fill with a total of 7 cc. in the band, is how I've plateaued so quickly. I can't seem to budge. Plus I don't have much of a sensation of fullness. I've had a couple of episodes right after the first fill where I threw up. Bread is not my friend at all. I eat small portions. I also drink lots of apple juice, is this a possible culprit? Everything I search says that apple juice is fine as long as it's 100% juice. I do drink the Protein Shake in the morning with no sugars, etc. I have crackers sometimes with Peanut Butter, cheesesticks, a little Pasta and tried small bites of pork chop yesterday with no problems. I'm just not able to notice when I'm full. I wonder if I need another fill. I find myself grazing more often these last few days. I haven't started exercising yet and frankly hate it. Here in Texas the temps. are over 100 everday. I've never exercised so getting that started isn't something I'm motivated to go. I can't afford a gym membership at this time. I'm still considering getting an elyptical machine. Any words of wisdom? Thank you all for any encouragement!!

Well I called the nurse and she explained that most don't feel much restriction with the first fill. And that if there has been no change in two weeks, then I need another fill. So (nervously) I'm going back the Friday for another fill. Thank you for your support. Allison/Lexy/Annika, I feel especially connected with you all. It's a long road and I feel great so far. I need to start some kind of exercise and not be so afraid of foods. It's nice to know Allison that you are feeling hungrier and hungrier even after the first fill. I thought I was going crazy!! Annika, I got on to TheDailyPlate.com site and registered. It's amazing to see all that I eat and to know that I'm still only getting 1000 calories or less per day. You'd think the pounds would be dropping off!! The worst part is the amount of sodium in most things I eat. Sadly I was over 2000mg. of sodium for yesterday!!! Probably all of my potential weight loss is due to retaining water from all the stupid sodium. I recommend this site to everyone so you can see that even skim milk has 120mg. of sodium for 8 oz.!!! CRAZY. It all adds up and ends up creating some of the problems. A light cheese stick has 230 mg. of sodium. I'm totally frustrated with how much salt is in things, even low-fat/low-cal things that we are supposed to be eating. It has a search function that has all the major brands as well as your local grocery store brands. A major plus was finding out all the hidden protein in the things I was eating. For instance yesterday I ended the day with 84 grams of protein and only had one 23 g shake for breakfast. The rest was in the things I ate the rest of the day. So if you are honest with what you put down that you eat then it's very helpful. So thank you all for the tremendous support and I hope we can keep in touch!!! Blessings, Kathy

Hi Amanda, I so appreciate your kind reply to Melody. While some have reached their goal with no looking back, it is a bit harder for the rest of us with major food issues. Add in there our families who do no changing at all. Smells and deprivation are so terribly hard to deal with. We have to work thru this on a daily basis. Yes, our families are not required to do what we are doing and we understand that in heart & mind, but not always easy to do with weak willpower. My husband is an avid BBQ'r and cooks for large numbers of people at our church. We also have a group that he loves to try new things on and they love everything he cooks. I constantly have bbq sauce, various meats, side dishes, etc...around me alot. Cook-outs and smells are a norm in my house. It's very difficult. I find that I get angry and resentful. I know it's not his fault, but just want it to go away. Like you said, with an alcoholic they have to distance themselves from the problem. Food is no different. It happens to be our addiction. If it were drugs or alcohol or smoking then it's more understood. So it is a daily struggle to overcome this addiction. It's one day at a time with God's help.

Wow Annika, thank you so much for all the helpful info. You have the same sense of humor that I do plus all the dislikes too. I also binged a bit before getting banded, but I only did a few times since I was terrified of an enlarged liver to cancel surgery. I will start a food journal but I'm not good at journaling at all. I'll cut out apple juice and increase Water. Exercise will be something I'll start eventually. I een have a pool so I have no excuse other than pure laziness. I love how you said you've lost some of your weight several times. I feel that is what I'm doing right now too. Plus throw in that I got a bladder infection last week and had to be on antibiotics and my monthly visitor came a week and a half early...ugh! I don't have flour or corn or anything fried. It's hard for me to come up with more variety other than the mushy stuff I ate for 6 weeks. SO other than the crappy stuff I ate prior to surgery, I have no imagination to mix things up. I'm nervous about eating any fruits or veggies with skins so I don't cause a blockage. I had a salad last week for the first time and it was wonderful. pineapple is a definite no-no. Any suggestions? I'll check out the tracker on thedailyplate.com and see if that helps. Thanks again for all your suggestions....we can help each other...

I have major tolerance issues with any artificial sweetners. Most sugar free drinks have aspartame. I guess that's why I have stuck with apple juice. I'll just try to go with more Water and cut back on the apple juice. I'm happy to hae someone to talk to that had surgery the same day as me. I'm trying so hard to stick with easy to digest foods and incorporating chicken here and there. I've had baked potatoes and mashed but worry that it's a high carb. and not a good choice all the time, but when you are hungry and need to eat something quick that's what I go for or a cheese stick. What are you eating at this point? Do you journal also? Thank you for your reply...

Hello all...since going thru over 4 months of testing, getting approved, going thru 2 weeks pre-op liquids and finally surgery on May 29th, I'm down 17 pounds. My frustration after one fill with a total of 7 cc. in the band, is how I've plateaued so quickly. I can't seem to budge. Plus I don't have much of a sensation of fullness. I've had a couple of episodes right after the first fill where I threw up. Bread is not my friend at all. I eat small portions. I also drink lots of apple juice, is this a possible culprit? Everything I search says that apple juice is fine as long as it's 100% juice. I do drink the Protein Shake in the morning with no sugars, etc. I have crackers sometimes with Peanut Butter, cheesesticks, a little Pasta and tried small bites of pork chop yesterday with no problems. I'm just not able to notice when I'm full. I wonder if I need another fill. I find myself grazing more often these last few days. I haven't started exercising yet and frankly hate it. Here in Texas the temps. are over 100 everday. I've never exercised so getting that started isn't something I'm motivated to go. I can't afford a gym membership at this time. I'm still considering getting an elyptical machine. Any words of wisdom? Thank you all for any encouragement!!

Well, I'm newly banded on 5/29. Still on liquids and mushies for the next few weeks. First fill is July 7th. This was incredibly helpful for me. I never knew what it would feel like. Your description was very helpful for what I should NOT do. I'm so afraid of what will happen if I mess up. Right now the liquids and mushies are getting old. I really want a cheeseburger and fries RIGHT NOW. I've lost alomost 12 pounds and it's only been 2 weeks. I wouldn't change a thing. I'm not even remotely going to cheat right now. Pork chop seems harmless but must have been on the dry side maybe. I love what you said about not talking and eating at the same time. No distractions. Hard to do too. Can't imagine how terrible that was for you. Thanks for sharing. Great advice.

Well I'm new to 40's group. I had my band surgery May 29th. I have to say this has been a very hard recovery for me. Maybe because I am older or something. The discomfort, the excessive gas and literally not able to do much has been a bit of a shocker after reading so many entries of so many others. Many tout of walking a long walk with husband that same evening, returning to work within days, not even having to take pain meds, "this was a breeze". I know everyone is different and I'm not angry or anything. I am just ready to feel better and get back to work. I took 4 days off from work including surgery day, so I should return back to work tomorrow, but I still have a lot of pain and my stomach is very swollen. I just wonder if any other 40's out there had this same experience. I was told by the doctor's office today to take Gasex dissolvable strips (would have helped to know this sooner), Advil 2-3tablets cut up in 4ths to help with the incision pain. liquid Rx meds given to me by the doctor caused too much nausea and Liquid Tylenol did not help. The surgery also caused my cycle to start early along with diahrea (sp). I don't wnat to scare anyone. I did all my research and asked many questions, but the bottom line is this is major surgery and the recovery time is a little more than is being said. With all this said, I am glad to have this done and have already lost 3 pounds. I know it will get better and all this will pass with time. The end result is worth it.

Thank you for all the nice advice. Went to doctor today for follow-up. Still in pain from gas but he said it's not the gas they use in surgery, it's gas in my intestines from the anesthesia. He says that some people have slow bowels, etc. So I'm to take a laxative to get it flushed out. Ought to be fun at work tomorrow <grin>. Otherwise I'm hanging in there. Only pain meds I can take is liquid Tylenol (which does not work) or advil 2-3 tablets cut up in 4ths. This is hard to take the little pcs. a few at a time with water, plus try not to swallow air, which is nearly impossible. Today was first full day back to work and I'm pooped too. Tomorrow will be just as busy with trips to the potty added. All in all, I'm happy I did it and ready to get on with it. I've lost 5 pounds already, so here I go!!!!

Well, I wish I could say that I am doing wonderful. I still have major pain after May 29th surgery. Gas pain, incision pain. I expected it I guess, but so many here had hardly any discomfort and did great. Or maybe people weren't telling everything. I asked many questions and did lots of research. Bottom line this is major surgery and I know everyone is different. I took 4 days off including surgery date and should go back to work tomorrow but have major swelling still and can't bend over and my pants do not fit. Rx meds. doctor gave me cause too much nausea. Today they told me to take GasEx dissolvable for the gas pain (wish I would have known that sooner) and 2-3 Advil cut up in 4th's. I guess I was really hoping to be feeling better sooner. I still do not regret it one bit. I've aleady lost 3 pounds and pray that this will get better soon. I know this will pass. I'm keeping my eyes focused on the end results. Still pressing on.....

Recovery is a big one for me. I'm allergic to codeine pain meds so doctor wants me to get liquid adult tylenol for pain. I pray that the pain is manageable with that. I just switched from Slimfast High Protein Shakes to Adkins Advantage. I noticed a bigger amount of sugar with slimfast. Both had same amount of protein. So hopefully I can control the food cravings for one more week!! May 29th is just around the corner. Band date: 5/29/08 :cool2:

Don't feel bad. I started the 2 week pre-op diet on May 15th last week. I did great until Monday the 19th. Had Jack-in-the Box tacos and a coke....OH DEAR:sad:, and that was right after my final surgeon appt. Tried not to beat myself up. I've had a few other slip ups but just keep my focus. I know that after surgery I'm done. He didn't ask how I'd been doing on the diet. This next week my plan is to stick with it. Even though we are going away for Memorial weekend to see family for a big graduation. Ought to be hard but would be even harder if my hubby was home planning a big BBQ. I'll take all my snacks and shakes with me to keep in the frig at the hotel. I just keep my eyes on the prize. It is so terribly hard to stick to it though. I reach out to this forum for help too. It's the best!! Thank you all for the great info. Surgery is May 29th at 1pm!!! :blushing:

Hello Sphinx, I will be banded on May 29th also. I'm nervous but so ready. I've been at this since January going thru all the required doctor visits and was approved fast. I'm on a two-week semi-liquid diet and have struggled some. Now it's a week away and we are going away for the weekend to a graduation with family. It will be so hard but I WILL do it. I'm taking all the foods and shakes with me. Wish me luck and I hope all goes well for you also.

I appreciate the good info. I can't believe that I'm less than a week til surgery. :blushing:

Good for you. I get banded on May 29. I'm nervous about pain since I'm allergic to meds they prescribe, so surgeon told me that I would use adult liquid tylenol. Do you think it will be ok?

I talked to my surgeon's nurse on Monday this week and she had submitted the paperwork to insurance that day. She called yesterday and had received a phone call from ins. that I was approved. So less than 24 hours!!! I sure wasn't expecting that at all!!! I have to wait for an official letter before surgery can be scheduled but I'm thrilled.:tt2:

Well today is my final appt. with PCP and then paperwork is sent off to insurance. I have AETNA and surgeons office tells me they are a quick approval. I've been at this since first week of January. So ready for this to be done!!

Well I started first of January with the 3 month thing too. My doctor required one last visit to PCP for a full 3 months with him. I lost and gained several pounds and hope that doesn't hurt my approval process. Thanks for the phone number for Aetna approval. I'm waiting to hear from surgeon as to when they submitted everything. I'm really excited for you with a surgery date. I am in North Dallas, Texas. Where are you?

Hi Liz!! I have Aetna also and am waiting for stuff to be sent to Aetna for approval. Can I ask when you started your process? What did Aetna require? I did a "fast track" for 3 months. I'm hopeful that will be all I need to do.