FrogStar24

I've seen a lot of threads that were started years ago, but I thought I'd see if anyone came onto this site a little late like I did and would be interested in some sort of support group. I live in the Valley, but I don't think this group has to be that specific. Let me know if there's any interest and we can pick a date and time to meet.

Sounds great! Let's wait a few more days to see if there's any more interest, but otherwise maybe we can make a plan for early August? I know the 1st is a Sunday, maybe we can make something work for that day. Looking forward to it!

I'm in Sherman Oaks, so it's not too, too far.

I seem to be very late to this thread, but after being banded 11/2008 I'm realizing now that I need some support. If any of you are still out there and reading this, I'd love to do a meetup. I live in the Valley, but am amenable to driving over the hill. Thanks.

It's not so bad eating with others. Like was mentioned above, certain things I stay away from (rice, bread) but otherwise I can usually find something from a meal to eat. My biggest problem is that I eat so slowly that others get antsy and I usually just say they don't have to sit and wait with me to finish. In terms of food, however, you'll find a balance! Good luck.

I had an overfill back in March and ended up going back to the doctor a week later. I couldn't keep anything down, and lost 7lbs in a week. As great as weight loss might seem, in terms of numbers, you do not want to be losing weight that way. Don't worry about losing more quickly, this is a marathon not a sprint. It's easy for me to say that to you, of course, though sometimes I wish the scale were going down more for me too. If you're uncomfortable it'll be harder for you to stick to your goals, plus you might not be getting proper nutrition. Good luck!

I kept having the same problem as you. In the mornings I could barely get a glass of water down, I felt so tight, and then by the middle of the day I felt like I couldn't get full and could eat way more than I should have. I was so afraid that I had stretched out my pouch, but when I went to go see the doc that wasn't the case. The doc explained that your stomach is stretched around the band so it wears down a little and that can lead to the opening getting bigger. I'd suggest making an appointment for a fill if you need one. Personally, even though I obviously wanted to lose weight, I found I would eat more than I knew I should because I never got that "full" feeling, and that's what I came to expect from my band! Good luck!

I'd been told by many people they were fine in a couple of days, so I'd only asked for a week off work, but it actually took me two weeks to get back to work. I had to call in the following week because I just couldn't sit or stand comfortably (I sit at a computer all day), and I couldn't put on regular clothing (like a bra). This could, however, be because I also had hernia surgery in addition to the band.

My doctor recommended 30 minutes, and I usually keep to it. After a while (I got banded over a year and a half ago) you'll learn to listen to your body. I'm not sure about how Water pushes food through faster or anything, but I'll tell you that if I take a sip right after I eat, it hurts like heck! If you take a sip after 30 minutes and it doesn't feel like it goes down right away, then wait. However, my doctor also told me if you absolutely need a sip that a good idea is to roll an ice cube, or a little bit of water on your tongue. It'll help you feel more hydrated. Good luck to you!

Hello fellow Bandsters, I haven't been to this site in a while but I figured it's the place to be considering I've hit a rough patch lately. I'll try to keep it simple. Sometimes I wish I weren't banded. It sounds silly, and maybe even shallow, but there are times I just want to be able to eat something without thinking about it, or eat and drink at the same time. (Sometimes I'm thirsty when I'm eating!) I still feel uncomfortable when I go out to eat with my friends and the waiters/waitresses constantly ask if there's something wrong with my food since it's not all gone yet. I've scheduled my 3rd fill for a week from Labor Day. I didn't want to do it before the holiday because I'm going back east to visit my family and didn't want to feel ill while I'm there. I hate feeling like I'm making concessions to my health because I can't shake my habit of eating. I've been banded since Nov 08, and I sometimes can't believe that I still haven't been able to reprogram myself to not eat just because I'm mad, or sad, or bored. I figured a fill would be the right choice because sometimes I eat WAY more than I should (of course there's still the fear I've stretched my pouch, though when I feel pain I ALWAYS stop.) but some mornings I can't even get yogurt down. I try to drink some water in advance, when I know I'm going to eat soon, to loosen it. I just hate feeling restricted (in this way) by my pouch. I've been pretty good. I gave up caffeine and sugar before my surgery, and haven't slipped on that. (Mostly I mean sweets and desserts, I know there's sugar in ketchup then sue me for eating it ) Sometimes I feel like I'm making myself crazy trying to be perfect, and other times I think if I actually were perfect then at least I wouldn't be wanting to eat Chinese food and french fries all the time. Sorry for the ranting. Anyone else make it through rough patches like this? I know that the joy of being thinner should outweigh my want to eat, but what can I say... Old habits die hard I guess. Thanks for your support!

Thanks for your response, I appreciate it. I know it takes a while to reprogram, I just feel like it's already been so long, ya know? I have mainly good days but some days, like recently, work is tough yadda yadda yadda and I just want to eat! Thanks for the support.

Hey, congrats on your banding! I was banded a while ago, but I do remember being very hungry when I started my mushies. Once your swelling goes down, you don't notice the band. My doctor even warned me that a lot of people ask "are you sure there's even a band?" You will feel no restriction until your first fill. It's just like it was before the surgery. That's totally fine and normal. Keep eating slowly and chewing well (if nothing else, it'll be practice for when you get a fill). Eat when you're hungry, a few small meals a day. I'll admit, the one thing I still have a problem with is that I always want water while I'm eating! That's the one thing that really bugs me. Every now and again I'll take a sip during a meal if I really need to (sometimes I really need to!) Sounds like you're getting your proteins in and everything though, so that's great. I'd recommend getting protein in other places too, when you're ready to try it. For example, instead of wheat toast - I like eating Akmak crackers (it's a brand - they're sesame crackers) with my eggs, or in general when I want a crackery starch. They also have protein in them. I also love Greek yogurt (I add some vanilla protein powder and berries to mine because otherwise it tastes like sour cream). I'd recommend Greek yogurt over regular yogurt, if you haven't tried it, because it's thicker and will help keep you full longer. As for exercise and self control--- I say try one thing at a time. Yes, exercise is important, but only do what you can for the moment. I know personally it's easier to tackle one life change at a time - so I got my eating habits down, then I started an exercise program. I hate going to the gym so I play tennis and softball, and sometimes I walk. I just recently started going to a trainer to help me lift weights because I've lost enough weight that I want to start firming up. Don't be hard on yourself. This is a huge step for you, and you're already on your way! It's a life change, not an overnight one, so just go at your own pace. You're doing great, keep it up! I'm happy to answer any questions you can, hopefully you found these answers helpful!

Congrats! You're only two weeks out but it sounds like you are upbeat. It's been a while since I was banded (Nov 08) but I do remember the first few weeks. I'm surprised you were on only a clear liquid diet for the first couple of weeks. I was on clear liquids and protein shakes - my doc said protein helped heal quicker. Here's what I say, and no I am not a doctor, but if you can't eat solid foods no one says you have to. Have protein shakes instead of solid foods if you can't get solids down. One of my favorite protein subs is greek yogurt (plain) but I throw in some flavored protein powder. It makes a great vanilla or chocolate yogurt! Fish is also great, and pretty mushy. My doctor also recommended only adding one new thing per meal to see if I could handle it. That being said, maybe stick with the foods you know you can handle. There was some stuff I couldn't eat immediately after my surgery that I am back to eating again just fine. Don't worry for right now about getting in too much variety. As for the general lack of hunger, I felt that too. I had no idea how I'd get in any of my food or my water with the amount I felt I could consume, because I couldn't possibly take in more. Once the swelling in your belly goes down, it'll loosen up a bit and you'll be able to take in more. Are you taking vitamins? Those will be important especially if you can't get in all your foods. I still take mine every day. It sounds like you're doing great! Everyone's got questions, but it does sound like you're overall upbeat about your banded life so far, and I'm happy for you! Just remember you can only do as much as you can do. This is all new to you and you're getting your bearings. Soon it'll become just a regular part of your routine. Best of luck to you, and I'm here for you!

I know this is a bit late considering your post was a week ago... I hope the fill went well. One thing I try to remind myself is that you can start anew each day. As much as I beat myself up, there's no reason to let the hard work I've done all slip away because I feel silly talking to my doctor about it. My doctor commented last time I was in there that I'm not losing as much as he'd like. I was angry about it, after all the hard work I'm putting in!, but now I try to remind myself that at least I'm still losing. So you gained some weight back... not all of it. Hopefully the new fill helps, and find something you like to do at the gym. I rarely make it there myself, but I play tennis, softball, and try to go for walks if I can. I find the days I have more troubles with the band are the days where I force myself to do stuff I'm "supposed" to do. There's a part of me that will always self-sabotage. I know I should have more dairy or drink Soy Milk... but guess what, I don't like it. I'm much happier now that I'm not forcing a glass of soy milk down my throat every day. Take small steps. Maybe get your eating habits back in check before you start an exercise regimen. I do better with one thing at a time. Best of luck.

I've been having a similar problem, but as everyone else before me has said, slower is better. It's definitely true. NiteRun had the suggestion which is what I do when I'm feeling down on myself... Try on something old you couldn't fit in 28lbs ago. I don't weigh myself between doctor's visits, and I know in my head I'm smaller, but not necessarily in my eyes or in the mirror. However, I fit into a pair of pants I bought for a work interview 3.5 years ago, and THAT tells me that I'm doing well. I was doing that before I signed on here, just trying on old clothes. It's like a new wardrobe, but you don't have to pay for it. Also, like people before me mentioned, don't listen to anyone else's opinion of you. As I say to people sometimes, "When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you." You are in a big transition in your life and you should only be surrounding yourself with people who are supportive! I told no one outside my parents, sister, and boss about my surgery. I only told my boss because I needed 2 weeks off for it. It is no one else's business because I am doing this for myself. People have noticed the weight loss, and I chalk it up to a New Years' resolution. I'm not ashamed of the band or embarrassed about the surgery, but when it comes down to it my body is no one else's business. Neither is yours. I have drifted away from some people recently that I realized weren't healthy presences in my life. When a person frustrates you and makes you want to eat, or someone judges the way you look, then they are not conducive to a healthy you. Coworkers are tougher because you probably see them more than anyone else, but if you need pointers I can help you perfect my "death stare." Best of luck, though it already sounds like you're giving everything your best!

You're not alone. I couldn't drink as much as I was supposed to in the beginning either. Definitely had that full feeling. As for a Crystal Light suggestion, I froze some pink lemonade into popsicles and that was yummy too! Helped me when I was thirsty but didn't want to/couldn't drink as much as I needed.

I sort of jumped into real food. I had chicken and veggies almost right away. The thing about adding real food is that you don't have to just give up the mushies. I still had eggs for breakfast and yogurt as a snack. My doc recommended only adding one new thing per day. I'd say don't jump into a crazy, exotic meal from the getgo, keep it basic. I started off with chicken, but made sure it was juicy and not dry, and I had some broccoli. When I cook for myself, I always add chicken broth to everything to make sure nothing dries out, it's yummy. (I add it to potatoes, chicken, veggies, beans, whatever!) And I learned by adding foods slowly that there are things I can't eat now that I never had problems with before. The good news is if you're only adding things slowly, it's a lot easier to pick out the problem food because it's only one of a couple of things you could have possibly eaten. Also, I'll just tell you about my experience before my first fill. Since there was no restriction, I was pretty hungry. I kept thinking something was wrong, even though I'd heard the warnings and stories of other patients asking "is there even a band?" I kept eating healthy foods, but I'm sure I was eating more than I was supposed to. Again, the problem was I was hungry! I was so worried that I had gained weight by my first fill, or worse yet I'd stretched my stomach. Neither happened. The doctor assured me that once I had more restriction that I would start feeling better and he was right. Even after my first fill I could see I was done eating earlier than I had been even the prior week. I tell you this to reassure you, not to worry you! Just keep making good choices, eat slowly, and chew your food well. You will be hungrier in the weeks leading up to your fill than you might think, at least I was. Don't starve yourself, make sure you get plenty of protein and fiber to keep you full. If you're hungry between meals, try drinking some water first, if that doesn't help then have a small snack. One of my new faves is greek yogurt with protein powder mixed in. It's nice and thick, and helps me feel full! It's okay to eat when you're hungry, but again, it's up to you to make good choices. Another thing, I find that with chewing so much and eating so slowly that I've been losing interest in eating. I haven't finished a full serving of something and I'm just bored and can't eat another bite. Whatever gets you through, I guess. Good luck and you're going to do great!

I was absolutely that miserable right after surgery. I remember the hospital pain chart, where it said 10 was crying and moaning, and I didn't think you could express pain that way, but that's how it was. I couldn't do anything but cry and moan. I wanted to smack all the people who told me they were up and about and back at work in a few days. My father was here helping me, and I was hysterical. I wasn't comfortable sitting up or standing up, and could not walk out that air bubble in my shoulder for a couple of days. I wanted to give up and hated myself for doing something so stupid. However, I want to tell you... You did not make a mistake! This is one of the most difficult parts! You are strong and will make it through, look how much other stuff you have overcome! I couldn't sit up, sit down, lie down, or get out of bed on my own for the first few days. After my first night back home, I woke up super early and had to go to the bathroom. I couldn't get out of bed. I yelled for my dad, but he was sleeping and didn't hear me. I started screaming and crying, it took him half an hour to wake up and hear me. I couldn't help it, I was in so much pain and couldn't move myself - it was an extremely scary situation for me, I'm not used to being dependent on anyone else. Let me tell you something. On day 4, when I sat up on my own in the morning (while holding on to the side of the bed and a nearby bookcase), I felt so damn accomplished! It took something I've done at least once a day, every day, for my entire life to show that in just those few days I'd made some sort of progress. Not necessarily in weight loss, but in my inner struggle to overcome something I hadn't been able to do the day before. There will be bad days, and you will overcome those as well. Please be patient, kind, and loving with yourself (stuff I couldn't do for the first few weeks, so I understand how hard it is) but you will be fine. Best of luck, we're all here to support you!

I'm nearly 3 months out, and 6 weeks since my last fill. I'm going for another one in a week and a half. Now, I know my band isn't as tight as it could be, or as it will be. This is because I nearly passed out during my first fill. The doc told me he kept the band a lot looser than it could have been because he didn't want me having any more problems like that. (I think the real problem is I still get uncomfortable in hospitals!) My paranoia stems from the idea that I have stretched out my stomach. I know it takes a while to do that, and it's not like I'm eating whole pizzas or anything, just some extra veggies here and there. While I (hope!!) don't think this is likely, because my band can't be that restrictive, I am having a problem eating smaller portions. I eat really slowly, and chew everything super well, but I keep finishing everything on my plate. The doc said I should take an hour to eat meals, but something else I read said you shouldn't eat TOO slowly, and your meals should take half an hour. Maybe since I'm eating too slowly, my food is digesting by the time I reach the second half of my meal and that's why I can keep eating? I don't get full, is the problem. I should probably make less, because I won't make more food once I'm done eating, but I'm having a hard time measuring things. Also - maybe a silly question, but since I'm on the subject - if you're supposed to have 3 oz protein and 3 oz veggies or whatever, is that all by weight? That's my biggest problem. Protein is easier to measure by weight, but what about broccoli? one stem could take up half a measuring cup, but it doesn't weigh a lot. Maybe I'm making up my own rules as an excuse to eat more. Anyways, is anyone else going through this? Sorry for all the rambling, but I feel like I'm back to the stupid habits I had in the beginning of this. I also weighed myself this week and have only lost 7lbs since my last fill 6 weeks ago, and that's discouraging. I just hope that it's because I've been building muscle from working out. I know everyone loses at different paces, but I was secretly hoping to be one of the people who lost 50lbs in the first few months, and I'm only down about 35 at the mo. Maybe it's a question for a shrink, but I hate being aware I might be eating too much, and I hate even more that I continue to do it. It's like I'm sabotaging myself, and I've worked too hard to do that. Oy. I guess I'm just looking for some kind words of encouragement from anyone who's felt like me. Thanks, and happy almost Friday!

I had the same surgery. Found out about the hernia when the doc came in just before surgery. I don't think it impacted my healing in any way. Both of my parents have had hernia surgery on its own and said the recovery was the same as mine was for both.

I agree with them, it is bandster hell. When I was in that phase I was convinced I'd stretched out my stomach because how else was I so hungry all the time when I just had surgery. Stick in there, you're doing so great already! Try drinking liquids when you're hungry, but maybe change it up so it's flavored tea and isn't as boring as water. Jello might help feel like you're "eating" if your stomach needs something. I went through the same thing, but in between my meals as a snack I'd have a protein shake, or as is my personal favorite now, I put protein powder in plain, lowfat yogurt (or greek yogurt). It'll get better with an adjustment, because then you shouldn't get hungry between meals. Again, hang in there. It sounds like you're on the right track. We were all there, and I know I made it through and you can as well!

Hey, Welcome! the pre-op stuff is a bit nervewracking, but it's also kind of exciting. I'm 3 months out. I'm getting more excited each day. People at work have been commenting on how good I look, and instead of being embarrassed I'm actually enjoying getting this kind of feedback. If you make your mind up to stick to this, it'll really help you. Good luck, and I'm happy to answer any questions you have. (I didn't have the same insurance, sorry.)

My surgeon told me I could start after my first fill - that was at 5/6 weeks. I don't think that getting a jumpstart on it quicker helps any. I've been treating mine for a month or so, and they're much softer anyway. I'm 3 months out. Definitely wait for them to heal, and ask your surgeon.

I have two differing views. First off - I'd say listen to your doctor and what they asked you to do. However - if your body isn't feeling right, you should listen to it. If you're not hungry anyway, then don't worry about forcing shakes and vitamins, but if you are then you should start taking in more. My doctor beat it into my head that I should take vitamins the second I get home from the hospital. I never took them before banding - just started them like a month or so before surgery. An example of when I did NOT listen to my doctor - I was having a problem getting in all my water. My dr said wait 2 hours after a meal to drink. Problem was, I was hungry again by the time I could drink. I went on here and a dozen or so people told me that they were told half an hour after meals, so I started going with that. I figured if enough other people heard the same thing, then somewhere it was acceptable, and it worked a lot better for me too. Use your gut. If you're hungry and not feeling right, maybe you should start vitamins and protein shakes. My surgeon STRESSED the importance of protein in healing after surgery. I'm not a doctor, but that seemed like a crucial part of post-surgery procedure. I'd recommend soy milk because it won't be as thick as real milk if you're worried about it going down, but also just take small sips. Your band isn't tightened after surgery, your stomach is just swollen from surgery, so more will go down than you think - at least with liquids. Anyways- hopefully some of that made sense, but if not - I'd say trust yourself. I did this exact stuff after my surgery and haven't had complications from that. 2 weeks with no substance other than clear liquids does not sound healthy. I was told clear liquids in addition to 3 protein shakes a day. If nothing else, a chewable vitamin can only help, I don't see how nutrients would hurt you. Hope that gives you a frame of reference. Good luck!!

Well, I actually didn't know the stomach lies to the left, so thanks because that does clear some stuff up for me. I think I know what pain you mean, but maybe it's not the same. Every now and again I get some sort of stabbing pain in my left side, just below the rib. It sort of feels like it's on the inside and the outside at the same time. I figure I just ate fast or ate something I shouldn't have. It usually just happens when I'm sitting, so I'll try to straighten out, or stand up. Sometimes, it's not really a solution, but I'll just press my hand on the part that hurts, or rub my stomach a little to make myself feel better. I can sympathize, but other than that I have no solution for it other than letting it pass. Is yours constant, or like mine and just random and sharp? Could it be gas? Also, I have some pain where the port is. I have problems bending to the left - putting on socks, tying shoes, stretching. I was told that's just because of the scar tissue, but maybe that's some of what you're experiencing too. Sorry for your pain :eek: