kelli

Isn't it crazy that a little fill can push you over the edge? I know just how you felt! It's good that you are giving your tummy a rest. Best of luck with the refill, let us know how it goes! Take care, Kelli

Hey Elizabeth! Hope you are doing well. From what I can tell the tightness during TOM seems to be caused by several factors (stress, Fluid retention and swelling), but I think it also seems to be related to how long I've had the band (almost two years). Anyway I'm doing fine now. It seems unreal that I have lost that much weight, and even more unreal that I am this close to goal. Definitely something I need to try to get my head wrapped around, as mentally I seem to be fighting it. Doesn't make sense I know, but it's almost like I'm more comfortable atleast being a bit overweight as that's all I've ever known really. Anyway, I hope you are finding your sweet spot with that fill, and that you are hanging in there! Take care, Kelli

Thanks so much, I'll be sure to try all of it! I have not been very good about exercising in the past few months now that I think about it...I wonder if that is the trigger??? I really appreciate your response. Kelli

I have had the band almost 2 years, and during the last three months (for the first time ever) when my period starts my band completely closes up! I mean for a couple of days I can barely get hot liquid down. The first two months I went in for an unfill and had immediate relief, but it was really frustrating because I was then too loose and eating too much. :/ This last episode I could tell was not quite as bad, I called my doc's office and they advised that it unfortunately does happen (why all of a sudden I wonder?) and that relaxing about it helps you get through it. Well, I did just that and it has slowly, slowly, slowly gotten better...I was so excited to get some thin mashed potatoes and a protein drink (room temp) down today. I was feeling really weak, and with three babies to keep up with (8, 4 & 2) I need my energy! Does anyone out there have suggestions, tricks or tips? Is there something I can do the week before I am supposed to start to make it not happen? I, for the most part, have been a bandster who eats lots of salad and protein and the occasional "naughty" treat...so I am hoping my stomach will heal and I'll be able to get back to the healthy eating soon. Thanks so much for any help you can offer! :confused2:

Hi there. Just wanted to check in and see how you are doing? I'm so sorry about your Grandmother, I sure hope you have family support while you grieve your loss... It sounds like your band has calmed down, I'm so glad! I've had the band for almost two years, and in the last three months my band has started completely closing up on me on the day my period starts??? The first two months I had to go get a slight unfill, but this month I could tell it wasn't quite as bad so I called and got advice from my doctor's staff and rode it out. It was not fun the first two days, but I COULD swallow my spit so not anywhere near where you were!!! I'm going to try just really easy foods the week before my cycle starts next month and see if that helps? If anyone has pointers on this experience please share! :wink2: Ok, back on topic...your weight loss is wonderful! Every single pound down counts, and the band isn't a quick fix...it's a great tool that you need time to learn how to use. So give yourself time and patience and keep at it...YOU ARE DOING GREAT! Take care! Kelli

So true! We are waging a war! I think it's key to think of any weight-loss surgery as a TOOL and not as a CURE, you still have so much work to do. I am amazed to be over 100 pounds down, and still battling my food demons. For some reason I thought once I got so much weight off it would be over...silly me.

So sorry about your grandmother. :angry_smile: Hope your restriction is easing up too. Take care.

I made it! Yay! Still have a ways to go, but over 100 pounds loss is a life changing thing.

Marys-Hang in there, it sounds like you are on your way to a solution...

Marys-I sure hope it works, the thought of maxing out on fills and having nowhere else to go is terrifying to me! If you don't mind me asking...why did you get an unfill?

Marz88-You and your family have been in my prayers. How is everyone doing? Your precious nephew? Your brother-in-law?

3Loaves-I have an Aunt who lives in Edmond, and quite a few other family members who live in OKC...I'll ask them what areas they recommend! When I was a baby my Mom and I were in a tornado, it tore our house up but Mom was able to crawl out of a window once it passed and we were fine. Scary stuff! I'm sorry you've been struggling with food issues, it is a constant battle. I just went for a fill and I think it will help me kick into high gear. I'm glad you are going for a fill, I know it will help. Hang in there!

I have read where some people, once maxed out on their fill, have all of the fill taken out and then let their stomach "rest" for a month or two...then start over again. I'm fairly certain it worked well for them. Hang in there!