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I always had at least 100 grams of protein a day and I still lost hair. It stopped for a while and now 9 months out I noticed it again recently. I did recently have my gallbladder out and I was told that anesthesia can sometimes effect the body in different ways and I think this could be why I noticed it happening again. It is normal and it will grow back. Don't be surprised.

You need to know how big your band is to fully understand the question you are asking. My band is 14 ccs and I am currently at. 8.5. I feel some restriction, but I don't think I am at my sweet spot yet.

The best piece of advise my surgeon gave me was at the inital lab band meeting. He told the group that once you have the surgery, all food pieces should not be larger than a die (dice). I started doing this right after that meeting so I could understand what that meant. Let me tell you that has helped so much! I was banded on 7/8/08 and I have not once slimed, vomitted, etc. I make sure that all my food bites are smaller than a dice. If I feel food going thru the band (as you get more fill this happens) then I stop, think about what I ate, what was the size of it and did I chew it well enough. Usually I didn't chew enough, I was in a hurry or multi tasking while I was eating and that will do it. Slow down, think while eating and you will be good. Good luck.

I wish I had throat lozengers (?spelling) for after surgery, my thraot was so sore and it took 5 hours to get some because they needed my surgeons order before they could give it to me. I suggest bringing them to the hospital. Take it slow and don't feel like a failure if you see posts on here where someone who had the same surgery date as you is ahead of you in the weight loss column. Everyone is different. Call your surgeon for everything you question, even after hours, that is what they get paid for! Try different types of Protein Drinks in case you don't like them. Post surgery, remember it is about healing and not loosing. Good luck!

After every meal when I hiccup I know that is when I am full. I stop eating at that point. I believe this has helped me because I have NEVER PB'd, gotten sick, etc. I take this as a sign of my body telling me to stop eating. Of course, sometimes my head is saying to keep eating, but I listen to the hiccup and stop so I won't have issues. I don't burp so much, but I have always been a gassy person and that has not changed much with the band.

I have lost 40lbs and I was banded on 7/8/08. While I know others have lost more, I am happy with this. Of course I would like to have more gone, but I am very happy that I do not have any problems with PBing, getting stuck, vomitting, etc. I may be slower than others, but I am happy. I have also had my gallbladder removed, so that is a factor. I totally agree that the more weight you have to loose the faster the band is going to effect your weight loss. The important piece to consider outside of weight loss is how has your health and life style improved? I know mine is much better and that is what counts. Good luck to everyone in meeting your goals!

If you had problems with your gall bladder and had it removed, can you tell me what symptoms you had? In hind sight, were there any signs that you now think you should have paid attention to? Thanks for any info you can share.

I had Dr. Adam Glasgow in Norwood MA and would highly recommend him. I know someone that had Dr. Ashley Vernon at B&W in Boston and said she was great too. Good luck

Had surgery on 5/12 to remove my gallbladder. At home recouperating. The surgery wasn't bad, but I had a great deal of nausea from the anesthesia which I had not had previously. Glad it is over with.

Here is my update, I went for my fill, metioned my issues and my surgeon ordered an US, he wanted to rule it out. It took a week for the results, but I am the owner of a gallbladder filled with stones. I continue to have good and bad days. I am going to make an appt w/my surgeon this week for a fill and discuss my options. I have a vacation planned in June so I want to get it taken care of before that. Thanks again for all your posts, they were very helpful.

Thank you for all your responses, they have been very helpful. My pain is more of a toothache, on my right side and sometimes going to my back. I have had it after my morning coffee, after lunch one day and it can last for a couple of days then go away for a while. I am going for a fill tomorrow and I will mention it to my surgeon. I have heard how painful it can be and I definately don't want to get to that stage, but I must say I am not anxious for surgery again. I will let you know how I make out. I love this board, it is so helpful!

I was banded on 7/8/08 and have had a few fills. I think I am at 7cc in a 10cc band. I am not at my sweet spot yet, but I am getting close. Going back in a week or two for another fill. I am deathly afraid of getting sick so I am not pushing too fast. I would rather have it come off slow an steady than to have issues with food. Good luck everyone!

I have a 10 cc and am currently at 6 cc. I don't think I have reached my sweet spot yet, but I know when to stop. I asked my surgeon and he said it varies for everyone but usually between 6 and 8. Just a couple of pounds of weight loss can impact the area around you stomach and make you need another fill.

This will sound really bad, but it was really good. We went into Boston for valentines day and here is how it went. Breakfast, coffee and a 1/2 MacDonald's has brown (I didn't order this but my skinny friend got it with her food and didn't want it and the old memories had me give in). Lunch the chocolate buffett at the Langham hotel. OMG it was sooooo good. I am not a choc-o holic but my husband is and we really enjoyed it. The chocolate croissant bread pudding and the chocolate fresh berry and dark chocolate crepe was to die for! Then we went walking thru Fanuel Hall to work it off. Back to the Park Plaza hotel for a couple of drinks. I had not made any dinner reservations because I thought we would have been allset with the buffett eariler but we were hungry. No luck in getting in anywhere so my husband and I split a ceasar salad w/chicken at the bar. We ended the night at the Frank Caliendo comedy show. We had a wonderful time. We have never done anything like this before, and given the economy we probably won't do it again any time soon, but we did have a great experience! Not the best food choices by far, but I am glad that I was still able to indulge. Back on the band wagon today, has a small omelet and sausage for breakfast.

I agree, take it slow. I have not had any pbing, up chucking, etc. on purpose because I am being extra cautious. While I may not be loosing as much as others who had surgery around my date, I am very happy with where I am and how much I have accomplished. I am due for a fill, actually for about two weeks, but I am going on a cruise next week and do not want to have any issues so I will not get a fill and just be aware of what I eat. Good luck and hang in there.

The anesthesia definately has an effect on your mood, so hang in there. The first couple of days there are some changes going on with your body. Some people can't eat everything, so be careful. I always tell people to remember the basics, chew, chew, chew, cut all food into small pieces (the size of a dice) and don't drink with your meals. Good luck on your journey.

I am going on my 8 month of being banded. I have not had any problems with food choices (I can eat anything only smaller portions). I have 4 friends that have had problems with anything from chicken, rice, popcorn, cheese, etc. My surgeon says that I am an exception to the rule, ususally people find something that they can not tollerate. My motto is chew chew chew, keep all pieces of food smaller than a single dice, and remember to taste the food you are eating. I hope everyone has as much luck as I have had.

I came home after surgery 5 lbs more than when I went in. They fill you up with fluids in the hospital. It is probably water retention. Watch you sodium intake. And remember, the first 4 weeks are for healing and not weight loss. You will be much better off if you heal quickly. Good luck and don't get discouraged.

These side effects post surgery could be anesthesia related too. Give it time and I am sure your body will adjust.

Good job, keep up the good work!

Try putting your meat in a food processor to chop it up. Then use a baby spoon to eat it. This may sound drastic, but it will help you get Protein in, get you to adjust your eating habits to small bites, and hopefully help you in being able to eat something other than salad. Also, try small pieces of cheese, they are filling and soft so it may help in filling you up with a smaller amount of food. I think you are in "bandster hell" and you will benefit from being patient and trying many different things to get you through this. Use this board as often as needed and I thnk that will help too. Good Luck.

Okay everyone, I am in the same boat. I am about 10 weeks post op and I started loosing more hair than usual about 2 weeks ago. I have been diligent at getting all of my protein and then some (about 100 g a day) for the entire time. I take vitamins, and have been trying my best to make good food choices and I am still loosing my hair. I honestly think it is due to the anesthesia/surgery. Like many of you, I have plenty of hair and no one can see what I am seeing. I did get some Biotin and I will mention it to my surgeon on Tuesday. I am also attending a support group meeting that night so maybe others will have some input too. Good luck to everyond.

I had my first fill yesterday, 2cc in a 14cc band and although I could only have mushies today, I actually felt full enough to hold me over after having only scrambled eggs for breakfast (I wasn't hungry for lunch). I do make an extra effort to eat more protein and it does seem to ward off the hunger pains. Although, I am more constipated since changing my eating style, so I take a stool softner about 2x per week. I agree with the other post, try more protein and see if that helps. Good luck.

Ask if he uses staples or glue/steri strips. My scars from the staples are my biggest disappointment. My surgeon said they will fade, but I am really starting to wonder. I wish I had asked this before hand.

I deal with insruance companies for a living ( I am the director of hospital admissions/scheduling/pre-certification and billing) and I can say that this is ALL a game of delaying payment. IMHO, if a PCP has approved the care you are seeking (which is his job) then no claims should be denied for "medically necessity". Obviously it is necessary if he/she approved it. I see this at least 10 times a day. I feel the pain of every patient that calls to complain "why are you billing me" when all I can tell them is that their insurance company has told me to bill them. It is very frustrating on the end of the provider as well. All I can tell everyone is know your benefits as every plan is different and appeal any denial to every level you can. Good luck to everyone!