laramey77

It's been a while since I have been on here. I was banded on 2/27/08. Since then I have only lost 28 pounds both pre-op and post-op. I have maintained that weight and can't loose anymore. I am completely stumped as to what is going on here. I stopped going to my band doc 6 months ago due to insurance. I have new insurance that will start up in Nov and will go then. So I am hoping I can get some advise from you guys. I am currently at 7cc in a 10cc band. I know I cant go more(tried 7.1 and no go)and if I go less I get hungry and eat more. I was told I was at my "sweet spot" by the fill Nurse. I don't eat but twice a day, which the doc told me was fine. I can not eat before noon, and can only eat limited portions 1/2 cup. I am not able to eat any breads and limit myself on whole wheat noodles (very rare I eat them). I had to change from eating red meat to eating turkey. I eat chicken and fish. I know what I am supposed to eat and I eat healthy and more proteins than veg, can't eat sweets cause they make me sick to my stomach. I eat a lot of salads. I exercise twice a week with walking. I have a lot of mobility problems with MS. So I do what I can tolerate. The only time I lost weight is when I first weeks out of surgery and could only eat liquids, and with the pre-op diet as well. I also started to have burning sensation in my esophagus when I eat on occasion. When I had surgery for the band they also had to repair a hiatal hernia. I have read about some slippages from the band can cause the reflux. I hope that is not the case with me, because if they have to go in to repair. I am converting to gastric bypass because I got this to help me loose weight and all weight lost was on liquids. Have any of you had or have the same issues that I am having. I read that some people have, but it was due to bad eating habits. I don’t have that problem. My primary doctor doesn't understand either. He did thyroid test on me thinking that was the issue, or medications.......Could it be what I drink? I don't drink water a lot and drink tea. Occasionally a Dr. Pepper or wine( like twice a month). Please any advise or just someone who has been in the same situation...Thanks for listening.

That's a good idea about calorie counting. I didn't think I had to because I was eating healthy and the doc told me to eat when I was hungry. If I ate twice a day then that was okay, eat when I was truly hungry and not just head hunger. I never would have thought that not eating enough would be the problem...lol..I always ate to much before Thanks I will make that appointment and also talk to my Neurologist.

I thought so to, but when I went in for a fill the nurse who had been banded was drinking a Diet coke. I asked her and she said she was one year out and occasional drink was okay. I didn't drink carbonated drinks until 3 months ago, and I drink them rarely. I was just being open about what I eat and drink.

imb316, I am sorry to hear that you are hurting. I got banded on 2/27/08.. I have been lucky and have not had any nausea or vomiting. My abdomen is also sore and tender to the touch, and also hurts when I laugh or cough. I know mine is mostly around my port site and close to my belly button. From what I was told when they place the port, it is stitched to your muscle tissue. I coughed alot after surgery from anethisia.. it is good that you called the doctor. My pain has gradually got better everyday that passes. I hope your does as well.

Hey all, Well my first 24 hrs was rough.. I took the Loratab when I got home from surgery and well lets just say..no affect..it kept me wired.. I didn't sleep for the first 24 hrs, and no pain relief. So I finally got some percocet that I have to cut up in little pieces..but it works. When they did the band I also had a hiatal hernia repair. I am wondering if this is what is making it harder to swallow the pills or drinks.. I had a horrible runner's like cramp in my side for the first 2 days...I know from reading that the stitch in the side is from gas..that is better. I feel full after only taking a 1/2 cup of broth. Is that normal? Also I keep getting muscle cramps in my legs... anyone have any suggestions of what I can do for that? I am still on liquid stage.. I did buy me some egg drop soup to make. Can I eat that on this stage or wait till cloudy? Swelling has gone down a lot thanks to sleeping with a heating blanket. I guess I am just mainly concerned about the muscle cramps, not getting enough of potassium, if I can eat the egg drop soup, and if this is normal about me not being able to swallow much. When I went for the barium swallow the rad tech said that my esophagus was tight, but that is normal right from swelling? OK sorry..have a lot of questions...but if anyone can answer some I would greatly appreciate it..thanks guys..

Hello to everyone.. My name is Lisa. I wish I could have found this forum before today..lol. I am getting banded tomorrow. I tell you its been tough doing the liquid diet for the past two weeks, but I have made it..yeahh...I have read alot of post here, and thanks to all it has helped me. I used to work in a bariatric clinic, but I knew little about the band... More so on the bypass. I am a little nervous about tomorrow.. not to bad. I guess I am more worried that my liver didn't shrink enough and they would have to open me up..... but I know that is just my fears talking. A little about me. I am retired Navy... I know, I am only 30, but medically retired. I was diagnosed with MS in January, but got over the initial shock 2 yrs ago. I am doing well. I am a single mother with two wonderful boys who are 4 and 9. They have been my rock. Its been a tough road being over weight...as for all of us... I know it's not over, but at least it's a new start.. Wish me luck tomorrow.

Thank you smww, odamay, newcreation413, kennergirl, and readysteadygo.. If I am up to it I will post how things went tomorrow. Where I am going it is same day surgery..

That would be awesome ReadySteadGo...Where are you located? I am in texas, I am getting mine done at Scott and White, Temple..I will be thinking of you..good luck tomorrow... I am so excited..hope I can sleep

Hey Jennifer... I am getting banded tomorrow, but I know about steri strips...lol.. you do not want to remove them. The main thing is make sure the site is completely healed..no opening in the skin...it sounds like they are already in the process of falling off... They usually come off on thier own..10 days..You can trim the curled edges off..I wouldn't take them off because you risk seperating the newly healed skin..only if your doctor recomends..As far as the sticky stuff, once your site heals..you can use rubbing alcohol to remove it..but make sure you are healed...it would burn...lol. Hope this helps..

We will do great ReadySteadyGo..mine is at 1240pm.. I wish they hadn't scheduled it so late in the day because I can't even drink water after midnight tonight :biggrin:

Thanks guys... I think I am stressing due to lack of solid food..lol.. I know things will work out.. I am glad I read some post..I didn't know I would need to go get Gas X... Off to the store..