2BtinyinTN

I was banded in May with the Realize band. I would like to hear from some of the patients who first had this band inserted last year as it was approved and their success or unsuccessful stories.

I had a penniculutomy (TT) 3 weeks ago and today they took out one of my drains because it had slowed down enough; however, they left the other one in since it was still draining more then the 30 ml in 24hrs. Now, ever since leaving the doctors office the drain they left in has quit draining. Should I be concerned about this?

My nutritionist and Dr's program says 3 meals a day/no snacks. All my life I heard it helps to have small snacks to keep your metabolism going. I am noticing as people post their meals most bandsters are having snacks. I would like to hear from you...snacks or no snacks?

For me...I was excited about the new change I was going to endure and most of the people who I work with have seen me struggle up and down for years (been in job 7yrs). Although, NOT everyone was supportive. The ones who struggle with their weight have been the least commentive/supportive about it. I also see others with weight problems loose and gain and repeat the viscious cycle I have been on. I hope to be encouraging for those when they see I can keep off the weight with the band. So far, I don't regret telling a soul!! Your right telling is not for everyone.

Hi Karie, I am from Nebraska (Graduated from Kearney High) but live in Tn currently. I was banded in May. Keep that will power...it will pay off! I learned early on...it is easier to say no then it is to take the first bit. AFter the first bite it is all over! Keep up the good work...it will pay off!

I asked my NP this on my last fill and she said it is very unlikely. I have also asked my surgeon and my NP about the inconsistant restriction and they said it is all a mystery. Although, they said the reason for it being tighter in the morning is due to sleeping.

I had my 5th fill yesterday. I have 7cc in a 9cc band. Last night I couldn't sleep because it was if I was going to asperate on my own saliva. I kept having a mouth full of it! Will this pass in a couple days or should I have them take some out. Could this be the sweet spot...if I wait it out?

My doc recommends liquids but not clear after a fill...which I obided by. After not being able sleep and worrying about choking all night, feeling like I was going to throw up...I decided to go for an unfill. It looked like the NP put in 1.5 cc so the doc took out 1. Just had lunch and all feels well. Thanks for all your in put!!

I had my 5th fill yesterday which put me at 7cc in a 9cc band. I was awake all night with the foaming thing going on thought I was going to asperate on my own saliva. I have been tempted to get a slight unfill. Should I wait and this will get better or should I be safe?

Just to add...I have had my REALIZE BAND since May...and I am loving every minute of it. I may not be loosing fast but I am smaller now than I have been in 15yrs...that says something! Wouldn't trade it for anything. All you Realize Bandsters...keep your chin up and don't let that crazy freak detour you from thinking you have made the right decision for you!!

I'm glad to hear my body isn't the only one that does this. It is very strange though! Thanks for all the great responses.

Does anyone find that when their pouch gets full they get stopped up in the nose. I find this very strange. As the pouch empties, my nose clears. I was wondering how these two things are coorelated. Thanks!

I was banded in May with the Realize band. I love it. I just had my 4th fill last Tuesday which puts me at 6cc's. I think I have reached the sweet spot! Although, eating slow and chewing good is KEY! If I don't it is PAINFUL and end up hiccuping and PB'ing and slimming! I haven't lost real fast but steady. I am so glad I did this!! Good luck to you all!

I live in Tn. At my fill appts my surgeon retracks all of the fluid and says the reason why they do that is to be sure none of it is leaking out. So far each time they have retracked all that has been put in. I am now up to 7cc's. I think I am very close to the sweet spot. On the other hand...eating slowly has been a big challenge for me so it scares me a bit the closer I get because I know the likelyhood of slimming and PBing will happen easier if I don't SLOW DOWN!! How is everyone else with eating slow?

I was banded 5/09 with the Realize band. Had my 4th fill yesterday to put me at 6cc's. I think if this isn't the "one" I am very close! I have lost 30pds since surgery and the NP said I am doing better than average for most at three months out. I was happy to hear that...as I thought I wasn't doing well at all. Good luck to everyone!!

Gosh...I guess there isn't anyone out there reading these posts. Maybe I should rephrase and just ask who has met goal with a band has had kept off or not. Would love to hear from those...

CTerry-I am sorry to hear about your situation but I can totally relate! I had to do the same thing. Loose the 10% and then it put my BMI at 37 or 38 and BC denied me. I gained about 10-15pds back and then they approved me. Go figure! Don't give up all hope yet. I too didn't have anything medically wrong with me except for slight hypertension.

I am being banded on May 9th. My surgeon is being proctored on the Realize band. I am excited to have something new. (New here/old in Switzerland). Any other May bandits getting the realize band?

I was banded on 5/9 and several times a day I get this full painful feeling in my chest. It almost feels like I need to burb but can't. It lasts for a second or two and then goes away. Does anyone else have this?

I have BC of Tn. Basically to me it was a game I had to play with them. Thier first requirement is that you have lost 10% of your weight under doctors care within the past 2 yrs. If you have a BMI over 40 you don't have to have any co-morbidities. If your BMI is under 40 then you have to have 3 co-morbidities...like High B/P, Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, etc. For me my BMI was over 40 with no co-morbidities. I had to go on the 10% diet. Lost the weight then my BMI was less then 40. The Dr's. office submitted it and I got denied because I don't have any co-morbidities. I gained some of that weight back within a couple of months...they resubmitted it and I got approved. Go figure!! I love my band!! Good luck. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I get the hiccups if I have eaten to fast and something is usually partially stuck. Although, they usually stop for me within a minute or so.

Glad they got you taken care of. Hopefully, with your next fill it will a breeze. I have had 2 cc fills and don't really have a lot of restriction either. I go Tuesday for another. I hope it makes things noticeable. Good luck to you.

When I was banded on May 9th. Full was always in my upper chest and I knew I was satisfied when I felt a slight lump in my throat. Now 2 months later, 2 fills later, I feel everything down in the bottom of my stomach like I used to. Is this normal? Also, sometimes I can eat to fast and get something stuck but at the same time I don't feel like I have restriction. When you get the "sweet spot", where do you feel full? I just hope something hasn't happened to my band.

At my last fill appt I asked for more and he refused because he said if you put to much in then it you pretty much have to take out more then you put in and it is like starting over. He likes to sneak up on it...basically. I am hoping he will at least put in another 2cc's next week.

I too was banded on May 9th. I have had 2 fills and will have another on July 18th. I don't have any restriction either. I just got back from a 10 day vacation and am glad to say I only gained 2 pds. First time I have not gained 5-7pds on vacation. The past couple days I have felt like some of the old demons have been coming back out...but am going to get them under control immediately! I do not want to go backwards. I do wonder if anyone has ever maxed out thier fills and never have restriction. Ever heard of this?