jennidog

Hi everyone, I was banded on Dec. 1, 2008 and have had 3 fills since then. I had my last fill almost 2 weeks ago and have had some issues and was curious if anyone had any suggestions. Since the fill periodically I have had the gurgling, and just can't seem to get much food in. I don't have this happen all the time, its spuradic. Maybe one day dinner is hard and when I eat just a little bit I get a tight feeling and the gurgling. I am thinking its irritation, but not sure if it means I am to tight. I am getting a little concerned because I have never had this before with any of my other fills. I am concerned that I'm not eating enough and not sure if this is normal. Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Jennifer

Thanks Kiz - Yah I decided to journal because I really am trying to learn about my eating habits, what's working for me and so forth. I was thinking that I might need a small unfill. What confuses me is its not consistent. I can go a couple of days without any issues and then I have a bad day or 2. That's another reason why I'm journalling because I am hoping maybe I will notice something that is irritating me and then I can avoid it. I decided today to go on liquids for the next day or so and see if that corrects the issue. I've been told if my band gets inflamed and such that going to liquids will resolve that. So I am going to try that and if that doesn't help then I think I will go and see the doctor. The other thing I realized was that I have had some sinus drainage because I have a sinus infection, and others have told me that can make it difficult, so that might be it too. Guess I am just unsure just because I am new and haven't experienced this before so not really sure what to look for or what indicates a problem or needing of an unfill. Thanks! Jennifer

Hi Jack - Yah since the gurgling started I have been recording what I am eating. Getting about 800-1000 calories per day on a good day. If its a tight day and it last all day then maybe 600-800 per day. I am getting 70+ Proteins in each day, which is being done with 2 Protein shakes including the actual solid Protein I eat. Doing good with my carbs and been averaging about 50-80 per day. The thing that worries me the most is on my bad days I really am not eating a lot of solid food. I do more Soups and liquids then solid. Like last night with a lot of struggling I barely got a baked skinless chicken drum in and about 2 spoons of sweet potato's. Then another example is my mom made homemade vegetable beef Soup and I maybe only eat about 4 spoons full. My mom and dad are worried I'm not eating enough, so because she mentioned it I got nervous. I am probably just a little paraniod and being new to this I don't really know what is ok and what would indicate a problem.

Hi everyone, I was banded on December 1st, 2008 and am getting a little frustrated. Wasn't sure if this was the correct forum, so I hope it was. I know I haven't been banded for long and I haven't even had my first fill yet (Jan. 22nd, 2009), but I seem to have hit a plateau. So far since surgery I have lost 20 lbs, but for the last 2 weeks I haven't been able to loss anything, but I haven't gained anything either. I went to a support meeting the other day and a lot of other people who were banded around the same timeframe have lost anywhere from 30-40 lbs. I have noticed my portion size has been cut in half since surgery. I have been drinking a Protein shake in the morning, and if hungry 2 scrambled eggs with a piece of cheese. For lunch most of the time either a hamburger patty only and some steamed carrots or chicken instead of hamburger. For dinner its either fish, hambuger, chicken, or 2 2 oz meatballs plain with no sauce and a steamed vegetable. I feel like I am doing the right things but I just can't get my system jump started again. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Wells guys, Had my first fill last Thursday and for the most part it went well. When I weighed in I finally lost 2 more lbs. I am now down 22 lbs. He put 2 cc in my band and I will be going back in 2 weeks to evaluate things again. Did anyone have any problems with them not being able to find their port? He stuck me once and then took me into the florascope room and x-rayed me and was able to get it the second time. Not feeling a lot of restriction aside from in the morning, which is what I expected. Did anyone see a huge difference after their first fill?

Thanks Tquad64 for the kind words. Your right we each will lose/gain differently. I guess the biggest thing is I feel like I am not doing what I am supposed to because I am not losing as much. However, I have lost inches and not weight during this l period of no losing, so I know I am still heading in the right direction. Yah the fill is right around the corner and I know that will help. The calorie counting is a great idea, the only thing is my doctor hasn't said what range he would like me stay within when it comes to calories or anything for that matter. I will make sure and ask when I go in on Jan. 22. I agree the exercise is key to helping with the weight loss and I have been moving around more then I did before. I bought a pedometer and have been walking at least 2 1/2 miles 7 days a week. Guess I just needed to hear its ok. Thanks again !!!!

Hello everyone, Well I did it, I was banded on Dec. 1st, 2008, after waiting for about 2 years, due to insurance not covering it, my new job's insurance plan covered it in full! So far since the day of surgery I have lost 18 lbs. Wanted to see if that is good, bad, average, etc. Also I am having a hard time eating meats. I think a lot of my problem is I am eating to big of bits and to fast. Not sure and was curious if anyone else has had this problem. I get my first fill on Jan. 22nd, 2009. I have noticed a huge change in the amount of food I can eat. I also have found that I don't crave certain foods and its not all about food anymore. My goal is to lose 140 lbs total, but 160 would be even better. Just want to make a realistic goal. Well just wanted to say Hi and see what others have experienced since being banded and see if anyone has any suggestions. Thanks - Jennifer

Thanks for posting Lucy. Yah I have been paying more attention to my chewing and have slowed down my eating as well. So far things are working better now. I am a little frustrated because I am stuck at a lose of 20 lbs. I haven't had my first fill yet but I have been at 20 for about 2 weeks now and can't seem to get past it. I haven't gained anything back just can't seem to lose. Anyone have any suggestions. Jennifer