Brian

Hi, You've spent a lot of money and had a significant surgery so calling the office is best. After my banding, my esophagus felt like it just hadn't been stretched very much over the last month due to the pre-op diet, liquids, mushies, etc. Swallowing just seemed to be a tad uncomfortable. I was unused to the very small portions, and slow eating. I soon got over it. A fun thing you will discover is just how long it takes for food to get from your mouth to your band. I thought it would have been faster, like it dropped down or something. Because of the slower than expected transit time to the band, you can get gradually stuck- it sneaks up on you. So now, you have to be very careful about that. You have to avoid stucks and stresses at the operative site. This is why the nurse who talks with you can ask all the right questions and give answers that are best for you and your case. I called once and learned that the doctor put in a small fill during the operation. I was wondering why my band was acting so unforgivingly and quickly returned back to a liquied diet for a couple days to give it a rest and just did a better job with instructions. I have been banded for 5 years, have done very well, and had absolutely no complications. The relief from my terrible heartburn (despite all meds) has been worth the cost of the surgery. I have #20 pounds left to reach goal. Started #325. Hope this helps. Brian

Hi, I was scared to death of drinking pop because I'd heard the same thing and was ready to give it up. It turned out to be very healthy and broke me of a lot of bad habits. It was a year before I drank anything, and that was some bubbly on New Years. You would have thought I was drinking poison- I was so worried and took the tiniest of sips. It wasn't worth it. I think if someone has rather tight restriction, then the release of the carbon dioxide gas from solution expands the stomach and for some reason, there is no burp- as we would normally do. The pressure, I recall one bandster saying- sent her to the ER. I have fairly loose restriction, and have cut myself off of all soda- except diet root beer (the least favorite) giving up all my favorites so I don't drink much anymore. No more trips to the 7-11 for a gazillion ounce Big Belch. I'll pour a glass of root beer on special occassions. I think there is so much in the press these days about insulin, artificial sweeteners, etc, that just that alone would steer people away from sodas. If you are a recent bandster, I would not start drinking soda- even if you can without problems. I can't give you specific advice on your question, but as a newbie, I found it very empowering to follow my doctors orders precisely and that gave me a sense of power over my addiction that I sorely needed. I'm not nearly as strict as I was, and then again, am still about 15 pounds from goal...... 3 years banded, down #80 lbs.

Hi, I had a small fill at surgery and I did just fine for about 2 years, 75 pounds lost. I went back at that 2 year mark for 2 fills. Nurse says that as you loose weight, the band can and does become a little looser, so to keep the past restriction level + a bit more, I had 2 fills. I've never had a lot of restriction, but I'm 13 pounds from the (doctors) goal. I hope this helps.

HI, One of the biggest surprises I have had since being banded June 2008, has been the ability to keep the weight off. Unfortunately I'm stuck at about #20 pounds from goal, but am down 70-75 pounds. I lost all my weight in @ 14 months. I have modest restriction, but enough to remind me of "stucks" and "sliming". Like you, I'll keep track of any weight gain, and then go back to "first principles" of the band. When I hit my plateau I got another 2 fills. It didn't do much. Sadly to say, I've not pursued the fills and have not kicked it up to the next level, but I'm working on it now. Treats around the house don't seem to matter. We live with 3 teen-age boys. It is best when I totally eliminate eating many of the treats,, (like the cheese cake in the fridge), and limit myself to small portions of my favorites, like maybe a cookie or a small brownie. I'm more of a volume eater. One thing I don't do anymore is make the rounds of the fast food places. That is certain death. I don't ever have "total pig outs"; it is like psychologically giving up. You may want to decide what 3 or 4 "first principles of banding", have helped you the most, and go back to them from time to time. It may be waiting 20 minutes to feel full, no drinking for 2 hours, no soda pop, record keeping, meal planning, lots of regular exercise, or trying to psych yourself out for "looking good' at the next family gathering. I do think you are on the right track with the regular weights and self-evaluations. My friend who gained back over 100 pounds, just stopped keeping track, and stopped thinking about what he was doing, and it was very easy gain weight. He also quit his daily walking, and his wife gained back her weight. Vigilence is the price of weight loss, and maintenance. Personally, the greatest tool for weight loss, has been a calorie diary, and planning. I've quit doing that, (until now), and things will change. There is a great satisfaction with total control. It is very empowering. For me, it lasted about 14 months, but the weight maintenance has been nearly as fulfilling. Good Luck, Brian

HI, I notice you've been a member for 3 years. I was a fence sitter for over a year and finally understand that I wasn't going to lose weight- ever, and saw my health deteriorate. I've gone from 322 to 250, hit a major plateau, but doing well. I have no regrets. On the other hand, no complications and I've been moderately successful. But here is the deal: you have to be READY, and that for me was hitting rock bottom; being humbled! I knew that even if the band didn't work as expected, I had to ready to eat better, exercise, and carry-on until the band did become helpful. You can sabotage your band, and your "diet", so easily. I had to have all those issues resolved before I started this journey; and it has been wonderful! (banded June 2008)

There are times when I can 'feel" the port, sort of a pressure, not really pain. This happens if I'm out in the yard doing a lot of work like chopping and stacking wood and doing a lot of bending. I wouldn't say I am "paranoid", but my exercises, (i.e.elliptical) are all geared to avoid stress on the abdominal fascia to which the port is sutured. Far more important, is my concern not to stress the band itself and risk slippage. I have the Lap-band and I prefer the method of attachment that the alternative; so does my surgeon and that closed the deal. Finally, I would not do abdominal crunches, nor sit-ups. Remember that a lot of abdominal surgery consists of sutures, such as the repair of my hiatal hernia. Thus sutures in the abdomen for the port are not a unique or risky procedure. Banded June 30, 2008, weight loss #75 lbs, and feeling great.

I'll join the club. I was banded June 30th, and down 51 pounds, no fills, and really no true restriction, very mild really. My "gas tank", seems to be filled eating about 1/2 of my usual meals and that maybe is 1 of 2 saving graces. The other, I've sworn off a lot bad foods, and if I splurge, eat only something like a 1 inch square of cake. I do figure at some point I'll back-slide and will need to put the band to use with restriction, like I thought I would right off the start. I've been pleased that either my will-power is high, or the band is lurking and working behind the scenes- probably both. It seems that one way or the other, self-control still has to be a major component to success. What I'm doing now truly seems preferable to major restriction. Unfortunately, I've lost weight before and didn't keep if off. But my motivation increased this week, when the results of my last echocardiogram showed mild LVH and mild bi-atrial enlargement. Yuck. In the end, I'll do whatever it takes to get healthy.

Hi, Google "telogen hair loss" and you will get a lot of good info. In short, it can be caused by the stress of surgery(s), or most other pronounced stresses on the body- physical or emotional. You may feel better consulting with a dermatologist. Zinc tablets and zinc shampoos are commonly used. For bandsters, consider low intake of protein as a cause, or perhaps medications? I think I'm having some of it and my surgery was 4 months ago. It often starts about 2 months after surgery. Consider a check of your thyroid and other metobolic conditions- that is why the MD appt is good. Good luck!

No fills yet, so take this into consideration, but I do lots of salads, especially at work, at lunch. I drink a lot before the meal, then make sure I have some canned chicken or tuna or something like that in the salad, or maybe some other meat. The meat slows the transit time into the stomach. I've even tried first the meat separately, then the other stuff- that works too. The lettuce "flows" throught the stoma, esp iceberg, and if you aren't careful, you can eat a ton of salad, tomatoes, onions, etc, and really not feel too full, until you are too full and feel crampy and uncomfortable. With the meat, I feel like I've had a meal and stay satisfied. Cottage cheese tastes great, but is rather high cals and isn't really fillilng, but I eat it. I have to use a measuring cup or I take too much! I do the bacon bits, or turkey bacon, or Salad Fixins. With salad, I also like the Egg Beaters, (Costco brand is fine), microwave 1/2 cup, with onions, top with tomatoes, etc. You can put the omelet on a 30 cal slice of sourdough crisp bread, (buy at store with rye crackers, etc). That way I feel llike I've had a "sandwich". The crackers go through good, bread is little sticky and I've sworn off bread anyway. Top with a tsp or two of hummus, or a taste of garlic pesto, and is delightful. for me, I have to keep nothing but fat free Italian, (or similar) and the 15 cals/per 2 TBL is fine. The Kraft Zesty Italian is my favorite or the Free Caesar Italian (25 cals) is great, or the Vinegriatte etc. Pickles are always great, but watch the sodium. I've had to stop the olives- too many calories for routine use. Fresh sliced tomatoes are good, with a bit of salt and pepper, and with fig balsalmic vinegar is heavenly, absolutely wonderful. I've peeled my tomatoes, but if i'm careful, I do OK, too much work peeeling. A nice snack is tomatoes with a dab of Italian salad dressing. I also like to keep some cucumbers and onions in a jar of vinegar. I've tried different vinegars, but the cheap stuff is just as good, though the exotic stuff like champagne vinegar or pinot grigio is fun. Happy salads!

One way or the other, we have to make decisions and choices how we are going to lose weight, band or no band. Yes, I suppose you could say that I can (swallow) anything, and this, for now is by design. But I'm doing well, down #50 pounds in 4 months, so I'll keep doing what is working. I