weightinggame

Hi George OG, I’ve finished my interviews now but thanks so much for replying.

Hello Gents, Really appreciate this is a guys only forum and will not be contributing to posts and won't post again other than to respond to replies. I am here purely as a researcher. Please see a snippet of my original post below. I was wondering of any of you would be willing to speak or communicate with me on this? I have so far had all ladies responding to my general post and I think you might have a different angle which I am really keen to capture. Would really be a shame to miss out such an important view point. Takes only about half an hour via call, mail or Skype - at my cost and is fully anonymous. You can pm me on here or reply to the post and I'll be in touch. Really appreciate your help, thanks Rachel. "I was banded 10 years ago and have been a member here since then. I am still maintaining my weight despite having the band removed which I know is unusual. As a result I have developed a real interest in what happens to people's identity following all types of bariatric surgery, so much so that I am formally researching this issue as a Masters level student pre PhD in Psychology. I experienced some really interesting changes as a result of my surgery and have seen many people have struggles and succeed over the years. I think understanding that process better may help others - including support services, to navigate their journeys, through what can be an exciting but equally as tough time personally and that's why I am doing this. Our very kind forum founder Alex Brecher has given his approval for me to carry out my research on the forum".

Hi everyone, I was banded 10 years ago and have been a member here since then. I am still maintaining my weight despite having the band removed which I know is unusual. As a result I have developed a real interest in what happens to people's identity following all types of bariatric surgery, so much so that I am formally researching this issue as a Masters level student pre PhD in Psychology. I experienced some really interesting changes as a result of my surgery and have seen many people have struggles and succeed over the years. I think understanding that process better may help others - including support services, to navigate their journeys, through what can be an exciting but equally as tough time personally and that's why I am doing this. Our very kind forum founder Alex Brecher has given his approval for me to carry out my research through this wonderful forum membership. I am looking for people who are willing to talk to me about their journey and answer a few questions just in a conversation. This is expected to take around 30 minutes and can happen in the most convenient way for you including Skype, phone call, messaging or email, wherever you may be in the world, all of which are at my cost of course. You can remain anonymous, the contributions will generate results which will result in an academic paper but no personal details will be divulged. I know I have received a great deal of help and information from this site over the years and I would like to pay back and contribute to that going forwards, it would be really great if some of you could help me to do that too by giving me half an hour of your time. Please respond to this post or message me directly if you are interested and I can give more information and organise some time to talk. Thanks so much for reading this and please do share your story with me. Rachel AKA Weightinggame.

Any post op level is good, thanks.

Thank you so much to everyone who has an still is responding, you are such a great crowd! Wondering if any guys out there would be willing to have a chat......we need your voice too

Wonderful, will send you a pm, thanks.

Thank you, will drop you a pm.

Wonderful, thanks so much. I have sent a pm to your inbox.

Thanks so much, I've sent you a pm.

Thanks so much Apple203, I have sent a pm to your inbox.

Hi Brightfaith, Yes, at any point post surgery.

Thanks so much frustr8, have just sent a pm to your inbox.

Thanks so much for being my first respondent, I’m really excited too! Be in touch very soon.

Hi, I had my band in 8 years, removed 2yrs ago. Have had lots of stomach problems post removal even though my surgeon said it was all "clean" when he removed it. I've been treated for ulcers, ibs, food intolerances and now gastroperesis is being considered. I think it fits, constant nausea, pain, bloating and that's even when eating band size portions. Has anyone considered this for you? I'm sorry you're so unwell and hope things improve for you.

Well I promised to post after it went. I was listed for a none emergency removal but didn't get that far. Before the weekend I flew to Milan. Ate with no major problems, (well not on top of what I was already having of course) on the Friday. On Saturday threw up the quarter of an omlette I had for Breakfast and it went downhill from there. Couldn't keep much of anything down for the following days and by Weds I managing only sips of Water So off to the emergency dept Thursday mornng. Very dehydrated and. Fluoroscope that showed the narrowing of my oesophageal only inside the band to the width of a piece of paper. That explains nothing going down despite being completely deflated! The was a slight bulge above and that was from the days were I had obviously eaten despite having no means of passage. They said it wasn't a true slip. This has been brewing for sometime but my fluoroscope 6 months ago was all clear. So was put on the emergency list and I had it out at 7pm last night. I've been suffering with a low BP and so apart from it ending up in my boots at 69/50 I am well. I can't tell you how wonderful the relief of that pressure feels. To be able to drink a cup of tea in minutes because I'm thirsty is even more wonderful. They made me eat in the night because of the low BP but I have a milk allergy which makes it difficult so I ended up with a pear to eat. I thought I was supposed to stick on mashies for a few days but they said it wasn't a problem. I normally try to stick to a paleo diet and limit the fruits so you can imagine just how sweet this pear was, actually it tasted sickly sweet but I ate the whole lot, fibrous skin and all without any issue. I had no restriction, no pain and it just slid down without event. I haven't very clear Plan for my eating when I get home and will eat paleo still but closely monitor my calorie intake to remain under 1200 to begin with so as I'm sure not to gain. I intend to keep this weight down where it belongs! Anyway it's 5 in the morning in the UK and I'm still surgery drowsy so will sign off but will update you on my progress. My bands pet name was Antonio Banderos and it is with some sadness but also lots of gratitude that I had the opportunity to learn how to fix myself, that I wave goodbye to my Antonio. Xx

Thank you x

Days 5-9. I gradually reduced my once a day paracetamol and took no more after day 6. I'm still taking omeprazole to make sure the esophagitis clears up but this is only needed until 2 weeks post op. I was working by day 5. It's a desk job though. The pain and stiffness went away very quickly. My wounds are fantastic. The glue they now use makes such a difference. It's waterproof and reduces the chance of infection. You really wouldn't know it's only a week and a half since it came out. I've had to make sure I'm eating enough fruit to "keep things going" post surgery. There was nothing for 4 days and I was getting stomach gripes but it's getting back on track now. All a bit odd colour wise, bit like a rainbow lol (sorry for tmi) but I guess it's because they move your liver and the stomach is near your gallbladder which upsets things. Anyway I'm almost back on track thankfully. My thirst has reduced but I'm sticking on my 1.5 liters Water plus Hot drinks minimum and sometimes do 2 liters. What about food? It's fantastic. I'm eating healthier than ever in my life having at least 6/7 portions of fruit and veg a day. Have lost 7 pounds since it came out and am back down to my lowest preferred weight of 114 pounds. I am watching my calories and eating no processed carbs which means I don't get those incessant food cravings. I'm keeping my Protein above 60 grams but usually having more than that a day. I've eaten out twice and have ordered what I always used to order with my band in, which is usually 2 starter portions of protein or a protein and veg. I've felt full and satisfied on the same amounts but I have absolutely no restriction so can't have been too scarred internally thankfully. The big difference I notice in eating out - I can drink 2 or 3 glasses of sparkling water or diet soda before I eat or with my food and I have no need for anything else. It feels great. I don't know if this is just the honeymoon period or if it will last. I know processed carbs turn me into a complete food obsessive. The stuff I've read on insulin makes such sense. I have no need for that kind of "non food" and when I have eaten something like that (in the hospital and at a friends), I've seen it as just one of those things and eat some protein soon after which gets the insulin straight back in check. I can't believe the energy I now have not being dehydrated and getting good nutrition. I feel liberated. I feel like I have been given a second chance to get this right and I'm going to! My advice from the last few days. Drink lots of water and keep your protein up. Avoid processed food and move around a bit. In the past I would have completely confused my thirst and hunger signals, eaten processed rubbish which would drive my cravings and hunger even further and made me feel sluggish too. I'd have been stuck on that wretched cycle again where I felt I had no control and couldn't stop it. Not anymore my friends !!!!

Days 3 and 4, I have woken up headachy, stiff, nauseas and very dehydrated both mornings. I'm making my aim to get hydrated as I can't seem to get enough Water in at the moment. I think it's the most important thing for repair along with Protein. I've slept ok, over 8 hours each night. I guess I'm chronically dehydrated and my body is fixing itself so I'm trying to help it. I'm doing the old colour of the urine test as a guide and it's definitely taking me 2.5 litres to stop feeling this thirst and get it back to straw coloured by the afternoon. Not really interested in food at the moment. Had my first proper band free hunger pang yesterday. It growled so loudly everyone in the room laughed! Am making sure I eat some protein and veg each day which is great to be able to manage without fear but I've lost 5 pounds since the surgery. All I can say is the band was driving some poor eating because I was so malnutritioned and hence craving sweets all the time. They were really all I could get down in the end along with Soup. The lack of pressure and pain is a relief I feel every day. I'm taking only 2 paracetamol and one omeprazole upon waking. Don't think I'll need either by the weeks end as I'm moving about taking small walks frequently which helps to keep that Fluid moving. Only on occasion can I feel something in my throat food wise and that's if it goes down at a funny angle but the surgeon said the oesophagitis could take up to 2 weeks to resolve and it does still feel a little sore and swollen. My port site was a hard lump on day 3 but has softened on day 4. I am lucky, I have very clean scars and no bruising even though I was warned the port site at least would be a hard raised bruised mess. I'm guessing my appetite will return at some point but I'm sticking on small portions so as not to re stretch my stomach and making sure my food is real food, not processed floury, sugary, carby rubbish. We will see how that works for me in good time I expect. My best advice...drink lots of water, eat clean and keep moving. It's not been anywhere near as nauseating as having the band in and I've had no food restrictions either which has made things easier of course but I know that's not everyone's experience. I hope this helps people to read from a personal experience perspective.

Thanks Parisshel. Day 2 today and I feel a little stiff and sore. Came home from the hospital yesterday afternoon and so was out in less than a full day since the op which is great. They let me go even with low blood pressure because I felt fine. The surgeon managed to use my previous port scar to get it out but I have 4 new wounds from then lalprascope, my stomach is starting to look like a map of England's road network lol. My port site is the most sore and the surgeon warned it would be very bruised and raised as they kind of have to "dig it out" Ouch!!!! The other wounds are fine and no bigger than half an inch each so hopefully they will fade. Eating - well all I can say is, I hadn't realised just how much pain I was in and the amount of pressure the band was putting on my eosophagus. I've eaten very carefully but have been so desperate for salad and dense Protein. My son says I was mumbling in my morpine post op phase about tuna, hilarious, I'd got so bad about not being able to eat protein that I was dreaming about fish. In my my first thread about the band coming off I was talking about craving salmon! So yesterday I ate half a slice of toast for breakfast as that was all they had to offer, I ate 3/4 of a chicken fillet and 2 spoons carrots for lunch and I ate a bowl of salad in the evening, my goodness they were then best meals I have eaten in forever. I think my body is trying to reverse the chronic dehydration as I've been drinking gallons of Water. I keep taking sips and waiting for the reflux which doesn't happen of course so then I take a big gulp. I feel a little kind of bulge when I swallow a big gulp but the surgeon says it is like when you have had a ring on your finger for years, there will be a slight indentation for a while so I guess it's that. I'm just happy to feel well again so quickly even after surgery. I will never take plain old water for granted again that's for sure, there's nothing worse than not being able to even get that down. Speaking of which I'm just going to grab myself another glass ...... :-)

Almost 7 years since banded and I am awaiting removal. I've learned a great deal. The band has been a tremendous tutor. I'm not sure I fully knew or considered what it would be like to have the band when all the weight was gone and after so many years. My nurse did tell me they didn't really know how long bands lasted and that there was little research past 10 years at the time and so I was aware of that but it's tough to think so far forward when you are so anxiously consumed with getting your weight off. I think I still would have gone ahead even if they had told me I only had 5 years in it to be honest. I lost all my weight quickly. I have been completely unfilled for about 4 years but about 18 months ago I started having some vague abdominal problems and the band started to behave erratically with some days feeling as tight as being filled and others wide open. It actually created maladaptive eating as I would eat sliders in order not to drop below 112 pounds, even though it made me feel physically sick. I had a few investigations but there was nothing showing up and I just tried to carry on hoping it would resolve itself. About 6 months ago the acid reflux started, pain at night, constant nausea, sliming without eating, every mouth full of food sticking in my throat before it even got to the band and just an immensely sore chest. Medication only helped a little. My Barium swallows were all clear. Finally had the scope last week. I have severe eosophagitis and reflux, no erosion thankfully but they know they can't get the eosophagitis under control with the medication and it's just not resolving. I had never had reflux pre banding, it does seem to be a common complaint but that's not to say I wouldn't have had it anyway. It's been great but the advantages are now being outweighed by constant pain and discomfort and so we have decided it's time for removal. I'm quite stoical about it. I've spent the last 18 months testing my various hypotheses about my eating as I knew it would need to come out somehow. Things I know are 1. I underestimate calories and overeat when not monitoring so need to be vigilant 2. I have developed maladaptive eating to counteract the inability to eat decent foods 3. If I vomit or can't eat, I crave sweet foods intensely, if I don't eat sweets I feel so much better 4. My maintenance calories are 1250 a day (I'm small and have a desk job) 5. The more I eat when I don't need it, the greater my capacity to eat and hunger pangs are 6. I want to nourish my body not feed it non food stuff which is more for my head 7. I miss solid Protein, salad and veg more than I ever imagined I could, I dream of salmon! 8. I need to keep moving 9. I'm still at risk of telling myself quite a lot of bs prior to eating stuff I don't need and so need to keep saying it out loud before it hits my mouth to check its not bs lol 10. Band eating rules are the best for health and maintenance, banded or not. My husband lost and has kept off 45 pounds independently just following them - no surgery. We now have to wait and see if the application of that knowledge helps me to keep off the weight post un-banding. My whole life has changed since the band. I have a fabulous supportive husband and family who have confidence in me and want to help. I expect it to be an enormous challenge, I expect to be hungry and gain some back but point blank refuse to let it go past a certain point. I will not waste the £15k spent on my band and the plastics, that's just money I can't afford to lose, so wish me luck.........we will see! x

Thank you that's very kind and it has been an enlightening journey! I certainly will keep you updated.

Well you'll have to get used to managing that anxiety it will tighten your band up all unexpectedly! :-) Don't believe it's easy but if you have a good surgeon who knows his stuff and places it well, get good regular aftercare and respect your bands rules it can just become a way of life after a few years. I read about so many people who struggle with the psychological aspects of it so much and I think all of us who have bands will get that because it does require such a big change but it is really the best thing that ever happened to me and I've never looked back. Good luck to you x

Long time no post, just wanted to say hi. I haven't been by for a long time but I'm 6 years post banding and I still weigh 116 pounds. I forget I have my band in for the most part. I did put 4 pounds on recently and when I looked at my diet I knew exactly why. My advice is to look out for those things that become habit, your head has a way of forgetting you've eaten or drunk them because they are routine. As soon as I stopped having that morning latte and the weekly hummus and pitta, it dropped right back off. I'm sorry others don't have such good experiences though. I love my wedding photos, still can't believe that's my waist!

Ah don't be anxious, it can make your band tight I would just say to be calm about it, start listening to your body not your head and remember the band can make you make you very unwell if you don't respect it so you definitely need to take care with your eating from when you get it. It's not always easy but after a few years if you have had a good surgeon and good aftercare, it becomes your way of life. I have no fill in my band and haven't had for over 2 years. It still reminds me it's there occasionally though. Good luck x

Hope it's going well for you! :-)