pixiedust

Hello. I just found this sight today and am excited to talk w/ fellow banders. Just a little back ground....I had my band installed 1 & 1/2 years ago had it filled at the perfect adjustment level for about 4 months and lost 35 pounds. I was diagnosed sick for a year and had to have the band deflated the year time period. (My band didnt make me sick.) I gained back 33 of my 35 pounds lost over the course of the year.

Now I'm back on track w/ my band and w/ weight loss. I'm having concerns though. Had my first fill in the middle of Jan '08 (forget the # of oz.) and lost 9 pounds in 4 weeks. From Feb to March I only lost 1.5 pounds. My concern: I ate a lot of food at once and was hungry too soon. I thought my band wasn't tight enough and food was "falling" into what I call my bottom stomach. Now I think my pouch is stretched.

I heard a lady in the Dr's office say she did liquids for a few weeks to correct the dialation problem. I'm scared I'm not going to get the benefit of my band like I did the last time. Since my fill this past Friday, I've tried to really watch my portion size. I measured yogart, etc. then found that as quickly as yesterday that I was hungry and my pouch isn't telling me when to stop eating. I'm not sure if that's because I'm not eating enough or if I've dialated my pouch. I'm concerned because things went extremely well a year ago but this time - not so good. Next mo. I go back next mo. for a check up w/ an x-ray and the chalky drink I cant remember the name of. Any suggestions for the up coming month? Do you think 3 weeks of Carnation Instant Breakfast and mushy foods ALL MEASURED would cause any dialation to reduce? Should I call the Dr and try to get in sooner for the xray? If I've messed up my band and pouch I'd rather know now but I don't know what to do. Also, this sounds dumb but I don't understand why you are to do liquids for a few days, then soft foods for a few days, then eat solids. I tolerate solids just fine. Thanks for the "ear" and allowing me to voice my concerns.

Jeannette