Enchanted

Things have mostly worked out for me, Penny. I've not lost any weight for a number of months - and even gained a bunch (12 pounds) in May. It's about food choices and I'm on the right track once again. No complications from the surgery itself. xoxo

Sounds like you're doing everything that you should be. I'd suggest doing lots of reading, asking all of the questions, and generally getting your head into it before your surgery. xoox

I'm sorry you're having such trouble, Jeannie. It must be frustrating. Hopefully, someone will be able to post about possible solutions. xoxo

That clawing sensation (good way to describe it!) is usually a good indicator that you're not chewing well enough, your bites are too big, or you are not hydrated well enough. You can either try to improve your habits and see if that makes a difference, or go get an unfill. Of course, if you're having trouble swallowing liquids or if you're throwing up, you should definitely go back right away.

You should ask your surgeon's office about your post-op diet. Most have strict guidelines that should be followed. I'm supposed to be eating around 600-800 calories per day. Less than most people here, I think.

It will change. Be diligent about keeping your appointments for fills. You may not be able to appreciate a change until you've had a few fills.

The pulling sensation you are experiencing may just be from healing or the swelling post surgery. Most people are on a liquid diet for at least some time after surgery. The stomach moves around to digest foods and some (most?) believe that after surgery, the gut should have a rest and be allowed to heal without all of the movement required for digestion. liquids don't have to be calorie-filled. The shakes I drink are around 100 calories and post-surgery, I was getting in 2-3 each day. Maybe give your doc a call about the sensations. Ask them if it's normal or if you should come in and be looked at.

I could not agree more with Bambam. Get into good band habits before you have restriction. It's a challenge to eat slowly, take small bites, and chew well - but getting stuck is even more of a challenge. xoxo

My surgeon says he won't do the surgery if you don't lose every pound. However, there are several in the support groups who have been within a couple of pounds of that and still had the surgery. But..I wouldn't want to take any chances with it. Increasing exercise and Water intake is what I did when I was close.

No pain unless I am not chewing well enough or eating too fast.

I have no idea what a nutcracker esophagus is, but many people have hiatal hernias - these are sometimes repaired in surgery. Since you're not sure what to do, maybe you should go back and talk with the doctor to get more information about these conditions and weigh the pros/cons?

My surgeon's office has said a zillion times - if you're throwing up, you have a medical emergency and we want to hear from you right away. Call your doctor and let them know right away. If they are not hearing you, go to the ER. xoox

If your band is filled in surgery, you may feel some tightness from the band due to the air pressure in the plane. For this reason, I do not eat for a couple of hours before flying. If the flight is long, I will have a light snack mid-flight.

So glad to hear that you didn't give in to the anxiety. Good for you!

I can't speak to the Coke, but I know that nearly no one on these boards are cleared for drinking soda. As for giving the stomach a rest. I have gone to liquids only for a day or two after getting stuck or vomiting and I always end up feeling better having done this. Though, maybe I would have felt better anyway. Reflux at night is definitely a sign of too tight. My doctor treats this as an emergency and insists on seeing his patients right away. If you're still having symptoms, maybe you should try to get in before your appointment at the end of the month.

I am so in! NAME........SURGERY...START....CURRENT....TO GO Hdsantoni.......252.........187..........187...........15 Wyomingirl......376.........283..........283...........15 Aivey.............270.........265..........265...........20 Enchanted......241..........187..........187...........17

Echo...I've not lost anything for months. I even regained 12 pounds or so in May. If you're someone who likes to look on the bright side...in these months that you've not been losing, you've not regained everything either. I think I lost my weight loss mojo when the weight loss started slowing down. I'm back on track now, though. I suggest that if you've not been going to support groups and not seeing your doctor on a regular basis that you start there. You can also start by giving up just one of the treats you've been having and replace it with something else - like a walk in the evening? Sims..you probably need a fill. xoxo

Normal was probably three weeks. Be sure you're getting enough rest. Would hate to see you bite off more than you can chew (I'm so punny!) and end up exhausted or hurt. xoxo

I probably had discomfort around the port for 3 weeks or so. I still do on occasion. When did I start exercising? Last week. (Not really, but I definitely didn't so when I could have.)

I used to take the Viactive, but there are some serious calories in those - especially if you're taking the calcium supplement too. They are tasty, but not worth the calories to me.

I'm positive that the transfer of addiction thing is real. A formerly fat friend (bypass, not lapband) is drinking too much and meeting waaaay too many men. I'm sure some of that is the liberation of losing so much weight. But dang.

It's hard...we all make mistakes. You're in the weird stage of things when you are probably not restricted enough. It will come. xoxo

I would add Liquid Tylenol - for when the pain isn't so bad that you need something stronger.

I once sat next to a woman at support group (pre-ops are required to attend two meetings) who was a nervous wreck. We talked a bit...and I really think she was nervous because attending the group was making everything more real for her. She kept saying, "Can I really be doing this?" "What am I doing here?" So..maybe it's the big leap that has you nervous? You could try some self-comforting techniques. Telling yourself in a reassuring voice that everything is ok...that you have the option of leaving if you're not liking it..that while this is a big step, it's a positive step. Good luck tonight. xoox

I don't want to minimize anyone's suffering ... but, seriously, if you've had a baby, you can handle the lapband. It hurt. I was not comfortable. I wouldn't wish for the pain. But I'd put up with a lot more to have lost the weight. xoox