suzking

I had my surgery on Sept. 9, 2008 and had my first fill on October 8, 2008. He had me drink water while filling so that I could see when I felt restriction. To be honest it all felt odd to me. Anyways, I ended up with 1.5cc. I noticed a differnce when I eat but sometimes it's painful. I haven't thrown anything up but sometimes it seems like no matter what it feels like it's sitting there in my chest/throat. Is this feeling normal. I feel like I chew forever and try to take small bites. Is this how it's suppose to feel?? Is my fill too much, am I doing something wrong or is this just something that happens no matter what. Then there are other times that I just make myself stop eating because I'm afraid I am going to overeat. but I've heard others say that it was impossible for them to overeat after having the right fill. So, How about the fill? (is it average) Just a little confused.... Thanks.

Carnie had a baby since too right?? I'm not sure. I would definitly have to chalk it up to poor eating habits..... It's so hard to change after eating whatever you want whenever you want. I think that we just have to be careful. It's probably also a matter of the weight just "coming off" then getting comfortable and not realizing the limits and starting to nibble here and there. The next thing you know, it's back to square 1.

I haven't touched a cigarette since my surgery on September 9. It hasn't bothered me yet. BUT I haven't had any "drinks" either and I'm sure it will then but I'm going to try to stay strong. Anyways, my Doctor told me that other than the obvious reasons for a person not to smoke he said that it can also cause your stomach to erode. He explained if that were to happen it could cause a major surgery to repair. I told him that a only smoked a few cigs a day (which was true, I used to be a pack a day smoker, I got pregnant then quit, had the baby and eventually started up again but kept it to a minimum) he said that I still should just quit. So, I figured it the way everyone else has. If I'm gonna go through all this to lose the weight, why would I keep smoking?? Good luck to you !!!

My port is located directly under my bra ( I guess you would say that it's below my breast bone) I am actually able to feel it. that is my largest scar. I knew that was where mine was being placed. My surgeon said that he prefers it there due to the large amount of people that want a tummy tuck after weight loss. That way it's not in the way. But I also had a lump under the scar that is in between my port scar and belly button, it is going down though. I had my appointment Tuesday and my Doctor said that it was all healing nice. I don't know if that helps or not. It was my understanding that the largest scar is the placement of the port. You should have been told where it would be placed by your doctor, If you are really worried about it , I wouldn't hesitate to give them a call. That's what they are there for :bolt:

Hi, My name is Susie and I was banded on 9/9/08. Within the first week I lost 13lbs which is to be expected considering the drastic drop in daily calories..... but I'm sure everyone here knows what I am talking about. I have found lots of interesting things to read but I wondered if someone that has been living with the band for a while could answer some of my questions because I question sometimes wether or not I made the right decision. I have approximately 90 pounds left to lose. My biggest question/fear is .... do you still live a "normal" life?? I realize there are changes that have to be made and I can accept that. But do you have to give up everything that you enjoy?? Meeting friends for drinks?? Having a hamburger at a cookout (even if it's only a portion of one)?? pizza and movies?? those kind of things. I UNDERSTAND that these can't be part of everyday life. My question is on those occasions when these things happen.... are you able to partake and enjoy in moderation??? I know my thoughts are probably crazy but I'm sure as everyone banded knows, it's a lot to take in. My first fill is on September 24 and I am SUPER nervous about that but I am so ready to drop this weight and become a new person. But on the flip side some of this can be a little depressing. I hope somebody understands what I am trying to say. Thanks, Susie

Thanks again ladies I appreciate the explanation. Restless Monkey.... if you read my reply it said "I THINK I know why" that's not the same as "KNOWING" why. I was basically wondering how do people deal with that when they are used to drinking with their meals..... just looking for tips. But I've got it!!!!

Thanks restless monkey... that was a nice pick -me- up, just when I needed it. I read somewhere that you are suppose to wait 3 minutes between each bite of food. That's what I was refering to. To be honest I have found more information on this website then I had before surgery, I guess I thought it would be easier than this but I think I'll be ok. I am an extreme overeater and I think once that ability was taken from me then my mind started to panic. Of course it's like any other addiction it takes time and commitment. But I have 3 children that I want to be around a long time for, so I'll make the adjustments and I'll be ok. Thank you so much for your kind words.

Ok I'm getting some really great responses and feeling a lot better. But can anyone help me on the "no drinking while eating" thing. I think I understand why it's that way but It's really gonna be tough when I'm on regular food... I really appreciate everyone's help!!!

I certainly can't offer any help. My surgery was on September 9th and my fill isn't until the 24th but when you said you were starting to feel like it wasn't the right thing to do.... well, I'm wondering the same thing myself. I want to be healthy, but all of this "small bites, chew on it forever, wait 3 minutes, don't eat this, oh you can eat that , and another thing...DONT drink" (but even with following the rules your food still might come back up anyways!!) ugh..... will it be possibe to sit down and enjoy a meal??

Thank you so much for your replies and yes you both totally understood what I was saying. I certainly never meant that those items would be part of my daily intake (since compulsive overeating is what has gotten me to this point) but When I started to think that I could NEVER enjoy any of it again.... I was panic stricken.I mean what's a cookout without a burger (as small as it may be) from the grill !!! I know that everything takes time it's just nice to hear thoughts from others on the subject, I feel relieved though. Another big adjustment that I think that I'll have is the whole eating without drinking anything...... any tips on that?? Thanks again!!!!!