Melissa Cotton

Your body does weird things with alcohol after surgery. You get drunk fast and sober really fast which leads to more drinking. Many people become alcoholics because of this. Be careful. Many people in my surgeon's support group have experienced this so no alcohol is suggested.

I had my surgery in July last year, but to be honest I don't even remember the specific date. I'm sure they are proud and happy about your weightloss, but don't remember the specific date of your surgery.

I'm about a year out and rarely feel the same "full" feeling I felt before. Which now I can identify as being too full. Its more of an absence of hunger now. Which is part of the reason eating slow is so important. It was much harder for me to identify this new full feeling at the beginning probably due to my stomach needing to heal.

Down a little more than 100lbs. Still losing,but it's slowed a lot. I've found myself slipping with my diet now and again. Its hard getting all the protien in with out supplements, but I can't handle anything with artifical flavors anymore. Lots of fresh meat and veggies.

It also washes the food through the pouch quicker and you feel hungry faster.

They took my band out as part of an emergency procedure. I had a very bad abdominal infection that probably started at my port site. I was on iv antibiotics for weeks after my hospital stay which included gallbladder removal, abscess removal, band removal, and blood transfusion. My Dr. said I had scar tissue from the band even before removal. It didn't matter if I waited 6 months or a year the scar tissue was already there. I will say for my recovery from RNY was much easier than the band. I'm losing about 2 lbs a week. I'm 5 1/2 weeks out and down 24 lbs. Not crazy fast, but I'm ok with slow and steady.

After surgery it could be difficult to taken in enough vitamins, minerals,and position to keep both you and the baby healthy.

I waited a year, doctor recommended 6 months,but the circumstances around my removal was very traumatic on my body.

Band converts trend to lose slower than straight to bypass patients. 52 lbs in 7 months isn't super fast, but seems acceptable. I wouldn't stress about your doctor's goal as long as you are doing everything how you should be.

I feel like I can now taste all the chemicals in the protein drinks and they make me sick. It's strange how our bodies now react different to food.

I just started pureed food today. I started with a scrambled egg. It was very cold by the time I finished. Is there a way to keep food warm with out microwaving it between each bite?

They originally had me scheduled to spend two nights in the hospital because my surgery was more complicated than typical. The first night I was in the room by myself. They put another bariatric person in the room during the day the second day and she was moaning and complaining whenever she was awake (i never saw her walk). Thank goodness they decided I was doing so well that they let me go around 6pm and I didn't have to spend the night with her.

Yes, I have a similar ripping pain in the same location. Talked to my Dr about it and he seemed to think it was pretty normal. He said that's where the stapler goes in and that they usually put a stitch in and that's what I'm feeling.

I had my RNY on July 21st doing great. I even went to Disneyland with the family (no rides). I noticed some of you are eating actual foods? My Dr has us on liquid for 3 weeks and pureed foods for 3 weeks. Is this not typical?

Could the pain be from the hernia? I have a hernia and it sometimes hurts like hell if I lift wrong or if I twist wrong.

I had my gallbladder removed at the same time as my band, but they hospital billed my insurance for $63,000.

I lost restriction, but it was near the holidays and so I ignored it just assuming I would go and get a fill in the new year. On Jan 2nd. I started to get a bulge near my port and called the Dr. they said to give it a week and if it didn't get better call again. Today, I went in because the bulge is bigger, hot, and pink. They think my band eroded and that my port got infected because of the erosion. I think its better to be safe than sorry. If you suddenly lose restriction go to your Dr. and ask for an upper GI.

* My default excuse to not do things. * Hatrid of flying. * Joint pain

I think this is a great example of how different surgeries can be right for different people. My roommate had gastric bypass six months before I was banded. Today, we have lost an equal % our goal weight. I started at 280 and am at 185. She started at 230 and is at 167. We both have a goal weight of 140. I am happy with my choice, I haven't had any complications, yet. She struggles with acid reflux. But she eats crap all the time, Oreos, chips, and bags of chocolates. I don't eat simple carbs or refined sugar. If i ate like her, I don't think I would be successful. She picked the right option for her and I picked the right option for me!

It is interesting to me that some people get to pick. My Dr. uses both Lap and Realize bands.. they bring them all into the operating room and than pick the one that's the best shape and size for your stomach once they are in there and get to see it. Seemed like the best way to decide to me!

I didn't feel any restriction at all until I reached 7cc in my 11cc band. Even now I don't have a lot of restriction, but I feel it working and it keeps me in check. However, one thing my Dr. told me that i haven't seen anyone here mention is that while he put 7cc in, I only have 6.5 in the band. He told me that .5 is lost to the tubing on the way to the band. So I don't under stand people who say the have a 11cc band with a max fill of 10cc. That would only put 9.5 in the band. odd

my band holds 9cc and they put in 4cc

I have had 3 pregnacy tests in the last 6 months, although all my doctors know i'm a lesbian. they tell me they have to do it, its just part of the process. It seems like a waste of money to me, but its the insurance company's money not mine.:thumbup:

Hey, This is my first post, i've been lurking around and reading the forums. I just got my 1st fill yesterday. I wasn't feeling any restriction before my fill, and so far, I'm not feeling any of this 4cc fill. Hopefully, its just delayed which i've heard can happen. Well look forward to losing weight with you all. Surgeon: Dr. Francis of Litedimensons 12/09/08

WOW! I'm so excited. I too had heard no lettuce and I loved salad before I was banded. Too bad i had a fill yesterday and am on mushies or i'd run out and get a salad right now!