2muchfun

I just posted this(see below) on another thread and seems like it might fit you as well? We're about 1 year apart in being banded: My experience was very similar to yours. I was banded a little over a year ago(11/28/11). I lost 12 lbs the first two weeks and then nothing for the next 3.5 months. My band did seem to give me a sense of being full quicker than before surgery but I fought the hunger(Bandster Hell) every day. Then I got my 3rd fill at around my 4th month being banded and met with my nutritionist. The weight began to fall off after that. Relax, what you are experiencing is very normal and has happened to many of us. Seems like I was hungrier after the surgery than ever before. But, I was a good boy and ate healthy foods, but maybe not the 1/2 cup I was told to eat. Sounds like you could use another fill and I strongly urge you to speak to your nutritionist/dietician as soon as possible. She helped me so much. tmf

My experience was very similar to yours. I was banded a little over a year ago(11/28/11). I lost 12 lbs the first two weeks and then nothing for the next 3.5 months. My band did seem to give me a sense of being full quicker than before surgery but I fought the hunger(Bandster Hell) every day. Then I got my 3rd fill at around my 4th month being banded and met with my nutritionist. The weight began to fall off after that. Relax, what you are experiencing is very normal and has happened to many of us. Seems like I was hungrier after the surgery than ever before. But, I was a good boy and ate healthy foods, but maybe not the 1/2 cup I was told to eat. Sounds like you could use another fill and I strongly urge you to speak to your nutritionist/dietician as soon as possible. She helped me so much. tmf

Here's the video again. I seldom sip anymore but I do drink before and after a meal. The entire series is very helpful but if you go to about 6 minutes into this video you'll see why they think it's OK to sip now.

"Has anyone here felt there band was totally useless in the beginning and still gone on to lose lots of weight later?" It has nothing to do with what you feel or your emotions. I guess no one told you that this is how it usually goes with most all of us. Most successful and not so successful bandsters all experienced the bandster hell phase and some of us took up to 8 fills(adjustments) before we found the green zone. It took me 3 fills to find some restriction. You'll only lose your $15 grand if you give up now. tmf

There is no standard for the questions you ask? Your insurance will determine what you do next and how long it will take. Also, your doctor has a say in when you have surgery. If you go to a seminar and I suggest more than one, settle on one doc and then schedule an appointment. But first, make sure your insurance covers bariatric surgery? tmf

I can see the 1 CC part, but not giving you a fill if you lose 4 lbs or more is silly. If you've gained weight, it must be time to get another fill? Look into other docs for fills in your area? You may have to cough up some money out of your pocket to have someone else do your fills? Most docs won't take you in but I know here, in Denver, there is one doc who takes in clients from other bariatric centers. tmf

You'll be in "bandster hell" until you get the fill that gives you enough restriction for the band to work it's magic. That may be 1 fill or 6. No one knows. Till then, like our esteemed forum member B-52 says, "Until there's restriction...It's just another diet" tmf

You'll be in "bandster hell" until you get the fill that gives you enough restriction for the band to work it's magic. That may be 1 fill or 6. No one knows. Till then, like our esteemed forum member B-52 says, " "Until there's restriction...It's just another diet" tmf

Another easy one is just ham with a smear of lite cream cheese rolled up. Add some veggies to it and it's a meal.

4 weeks for me.

Only a doctor can know and so sorry you may have a slip. Vomiting can cause that so they may deflate you completely for a while? tmf

I can't imagine any doctor would skip this procedure? How else would it stay in place?

That's unfortunate. Of course, you now know that dry chicken and turkey are not very compatible with the band unless it's in fingernail size portions 1 minute apart. And I guess some doctors bedside manner reflects how they parent too? My doctor is more on the nurturing side and I like that. If I make a mistake he seems to understand. After all, it's the patient population they chose and should be well aware of our weaknesses. Find a diet that you've had success with in the past and utilize it till you get a fill that gets you back to the green zone. It's so easy to fill up and be satisfied if you stick with lean meats, veggies, salads etc. I've found that I love Salmon more than ever now. I also cooked up some great red stuffed peppers. So easy and if you use a real low fat hamburger it's only about 300 calories per serving. Get involved with one of your favorite low cal recipe books and rediscover how good healthy food is again. And, see a nutritionist. tmf

Some doctors push hard on the port so that it doesn't move around and that can cause some bruising. tmf

Please fill in your profile so we know you better and can better advise you? It's so hard to comment if we don't know when you were banded? tmf

You're in "bandster hell". That's where your band opening(stoma) is still fairly wide open. So, until you get enough fills to find some restriciton, you're basially on a diet. Sorry, I wasn't told either and I was starving for 4 months till I got my 3rd fill. Work with it and try to eat very healthy foods in this time. Just don't eat junk. tmf

For those of you who state you vomit, please be aware that vomiting is not recommended. Regurgitating food or what we call PB(productive burp) is expected. But a full blown vomit causes your stomach to contract, expand and then violently force food back up through your stoma(band) and into your esophogus. It's not just your new pouch that is rejecting the food, it's the entire stomach. This can cause your sutures that wrap around the band and hold it in place, to rip away and could cause your band to slip. So, if you can control the vomiting, I would highly recommend it! BTW-this is true for new bandsters and old ones too. New bandsters sutures are probably more easily destroyed though. And, juju's swelling was exacerbated by the vomiting most likely. tmf

That will vary from patient to patient? Depends on your threshold to pain and how badly you're stuck. For me on a scale of 1-10 it was maybe 2, 3 tops. It's mostly just uncomfortable for me. tmf

I use my scale to weigh ingredients the first time or two so I know how much to pour, measure or grab for future meals. Then I just eyeball it.

Sometimes you have to be assertive with your doctor. If he's getting paid for each fill, he may be behaving like a chiropractor and is milking the insurance company for every dime he can? Stand up and demand at least 1 cc(or more) till your start getting some restriction.

Google a nutritionist near you and make sure she/he understands the band. As others have said, find a bariatric doctor who will help you. tmf

Doesn't sound like any stuck episode I've ever had. tmf

Not sure what you are asking but to track your meals and calories I recommend myfitnesspal.com. tmf

Sugar and all simple carbohydrates have no nutritional value and should be avoided. Most of us became fat due to excessive simple and complex carbs combined with fats so it's a no brainer, don't consume sugar if you want to continue to lose weight. tmf

At the top of this page is your name "doxiegirl". Click on the down arrow next to your name. Click on "my profile". On the right side of this screen click on "Edit Profile". The first option is Change photo. "RIGHT CLICK HERE" and then click on open. Find the picture and upload it. tmf