SueAZ

Hairagain: If you can stand it try the 5 day pouch test. Just google it and it give you the test. I have a hard time on the 2 day liquids. Good luck.

Remember that sometimes the doctors wrap a little fat around the band between the band and stoma. So when you lose fat sometimes you lose "that fat" and that's why band doesn't seen as tight. At least that's what my nurse told me one time.

Just google "5 day pouch test". It comes up quickly.

My doctors office is starting a clothes closet in one of his spare rooms. After support group meetings or doctors visits you can drop off your stuff and try something in a smaller size. It's a win win for everyone.

I was only in the hospital for 10 hours. I probably could have left earlier if the doctor had written his orders sooner. Most insurance will allow overnight stays if the patient or doctors request it.

Denise: Thank you for posting. I agree so much with what you have written. I also feel that food no longer rules my life. I feel now that I don't stand out in a crowd. Little things that make such a difference. This doesn't mean that now everything is easy and I don't watch what I eat far from it. I just feel better about my journey with the band. I need to make better choices and exercise more but hopefully that will come easier to.

I was banded in late May 08 and have only lost 40. I wish I had an excuse, I don't. I am at 6cc but for me I have gotten very lax. I got excitied about getting into size for 14 for the first time in over 30 years. And now make some dumb food choices. You have medical problems that you will have to work through. Is it fair no way. I wouldn't worry about a fill until you better. If it takes a few months don't worry about it. You will always be able to fill later, that's the great thing about the band. Good luck to you.

I think you are doing great. I"m a slow loser and don't exercise enough. I think most people will tell you to log your food intake and check the calorie counts. Remember eating to little will also throw you into no loss mode. On the upside if that's your problem YEAH, you get to eat more.:frown:

You are giving me food (ha ha) for thought. I am not sure if I want to get another fill. I'm at 6 in a 10 band. I am undecided because sometimes I eat and get stuck right away. I hate that, I just am not sure if I ate to fast or didn't chew enough. Sometimes I can wait it out other times I PB. Not very often though. I can go weeks without PB then I'll have 2 or 3 episodes of it. I makes me scared to fill again. Thank for your story I will keep it i mind as I ponder another fill.

Guess what there are slower losers than you. I am one of those. But I have lately started to snack. Bad me. I'm still happy with the band because I am down 40. I still have another 40 to go and figure I'll get there just not as fast as some. Bummer now is that I have twisted my knee and walking and stuff is painful. I'm looking at pool excercises and hope that will get me back on track. Good luck to you.

I agree with you. I have always been the one with the camera so I didn't have to be in the picture. Now though I wish I had some pictures because they would show me how far I have come. Who would have thought that. Those old photos can lift your spirits when you need it.

You aren't the only one who has kept quiet on the surgery. I didn't say anything to anybody for the first month, then gradually told close friends. Now I'm more open about it and 2 coworkers are attending the seminars for themselves. This forum is a great place to ask questions and vent when things go wrong. No doubt somebody is going through the same things you are. If reminds us that we aren't alone. But remember nobody takes the place of your doctors orders.

You can swell and retain fuild. The amount will always be different person to person. I am surprised at the lack of protein in your first week though. But as you continue on your journey you will find that doctors are all different. You will find what works for you, keep the faith. The brusing is normal and while I didn't have as much as you they will fade in time. Go Luck

I have problems when I take to big of bites. I get then feeling of pressure and aches in the pouch. I will the stop. Walk around or slip a little to see it the food will move. I then look at how much I have eaten. Sometimes that it's and I throw the rest away. Other times I wait a bit and then continue the meal. I find if I swallow to big of bites even if I chew really well I can have a problem, then I want to belch and usually can't. What I would give for a big belch sometimes..The nurse says I'm taking in to much air. Funny thing is that can eat the cup of food and feel satisfied sometimes not always. So am I at my sweet spot I really don't know..

Lisa I had to wait 7 weeks before my first fill. And yes toward the end of that time I could eat more. The difference for me was that my doc wanted 3 weeks liquids then 1 week mushies then try other foods. I struggled after 2 weeks. My first fill was 4cc. I felt restriction but it didn't last, I managed to wait 12 weeks the went in for 2nd fill and got 2cc more. I'm now trying to go back to basics, 1 cup food and flighting head hunger.

I think Jack is right. You don't really seem like you need a fill. Just like most of us you want to lose it all now. But 10 pounds over the last two months is great, better than great when you consider the holidays. I'd hold off on a fill and just look for a great dress for May . Don't buy it yet unless you buy a smaller size. Good luck.

Congrats on you big success. I remember when I got below 200 it was the most amazing feeling. I felt so good about myself I wanted to shout to the world. Congrats again

I just came back from a support group and the range of losses is always a surprise. The lady next to me banded 6 months is down 100 pounds. I was shocked. I have been banded 7 month and only (i know)40 pounds. Next to her I'm a slug. But she has a lot to lose and she is letter perfect to all the rules. (Unlike me) But overall I am happy that I have not gained. Especially with the holidays. There was a lady there that was 4 years out and says she still has ups and downs. After the meeting I'm going to relight the fire and watch portions and exercise more. Remember we are all different and losses reflect that. How much do you have in the band I'm at 6 in a 10 band.

I think you have to call the doctors office and see if he runs on time. My first appointment with the surgeon, I waited over 3 hours. Their explanation was the doctor talks with you and answers all questions to your satisfaction. My fills appts are usually in & out in 15 minutes. I have seen the surgeon only once 14 days after surgery. Every doctors ofice is always diferent. You have to remember if they have support groups you mighthave to travel then too. I only have 30 minutes to my doctor.

What was your moment that had you saying " I have to do something now". For me it was seeing a picture of me on vacation sitting a bench. I would never have thought I was that big. But pictures don't lie. I was at my highest. I first went to a dietican lost 40 plus pounds and proceded to gain over half of it back. Then I found the band. I have entered "onederland" for the first time in 30 years. I thank God for the band everyday..

I am really glad I got the band. It's done what it's suppose to even if I haven't. I don't consider it a diet but a lifestyle change. I still can fall back to some bad habits but they are changing slowly. And yes for me after my 2nd fill I have gotten suck and the rare PB. I'm at 6cc in a 10 band and happier than I have been in ages. Happy New Year To The New Me. (And everybody too)

Tristin, I am celebrating my decision to be banded. Scary at first wondering if it would work, would I have problems, could I finally succeed. With the new year a few days away, I now have something to celebrate. I am proving everyday that the band was the way to go for me. I have been happier than I have been in years. To everybody have Happy Healthy New Year with continued success with all your endeavors.

Wallis I think you are right in getting an unfill. Give yourself time to reflect on the band and just see what normal is for you now. After awhile you can see if you still want to work WITH it. You have the ability to start again. I know everytime I eat to fast, to much I do regret it. But I overall am happy with what the band and I have done together.

I have the same problem, but not all the time. Bread is a problem for me so if I have to have it I wait till the end of the meal. I find to that if I cut up the meat really small pieces, I don't have as much of the problem. But my REAL problem is portion control. My mind is always thinking more, more more. I need a band for my brain...........

Bread is my problem food. I didn't have any problems at first but I think now I forget and eat to big and way to fast. I wish I would really remember to take little bites and chew really well. Now will I give bread up, naturally NO. I'm stubborn. Merry Christmas all....