heatherkipling

Hello everybody I am new to this forum and am patiently trying to find my way round. I live in Durham, UK. I was banded in April 2007 by Chris De Bruyne in Belgium. Had a BMI of approximately 33 at the time (featherweight I know) I was 14 stone 9lbs (5ft 5in) I have lost 5 stone 2 lbs on a good day. I am currently trying to maintain. I am back to Belgium next Sunday for Tummy Tuck surgery on Tuesday. The surgery is not a result of my band weightloss but a result of having children many moons ago. Anyway I hope to be a regular member of this forum so speak to you soon. Heather

I usually make the mistake of eating soft foods because they go down easy, too easy. I overeat on them and are crippled afterwards. This is not a good feeling, soft foods need to be controlled.

Hiya What you are experiencing is normal although not common in everybody. When I used to get a fill I would see the difference in the first couple of days and that would be maintained but the last few I have had have had a slight impact at first then 3 weeks later a mega impact which didn't go away resulting in me having to get de-filled. Most people notice that their period plays a big part in this, it might be what kicked mine off on those occasions but the restriction didn't leave me until I had Fluid taken out. That's why new bandsters are encouraged to take things easy at first because it takes so little to push you over the edge. Keep an eye on it, you will probably find that you are less tight on an evening, most people are, be careful with bread and meat and sometimes Pasta. When I am tight salad and fruit are a definite no no and that kills me because I love my salads. Push your fluids, try not to pb as it will make you more swollen and you will be able to get less down. If you find you have problems drinking use a straw, if you have problems during the night it is likely to be acid which is very common if you get tight, have an extra pillow and avoid drinking for a couple of hours before you go to bed if that's the case. Just message me if you need anything else. Heather

My BMI was around 33 when I got my band done, to be honest I didn't do much to help my weight loss and went 6 months at one point without a fill but shed a lot of my weight in the first 11 months. I let the band do ALL the work. If I had put in some effort I could have lost all my weight by then. The speed you loose the weight is dependent on a lot of different factors, your metabolism, your food choices, how active you are, your age etc the band has far exceeded my expectations. My weight loss has been up and down a bit the last 6 months as I am learning restriction again due to a total defill 6 months ago, my body is reacting different to the amount I have in now so its a whole new learning curve, I get a fill then it is too much, I loose a lot of weight, need a defill then gain again and go back a month later for a smaller fill than the last one etc. I have noticed posts from people on here that are eager to feel restriction which is understandable but PLEASE DO TAKE CARE AND LISTEN TO YOUR FILL PROVIDER, A FILL OF 0.5 CAN REALLY PUSH YOU OVER THE EDGE IF YOU ARE CLOSE TO RESTRICTION. Its better to go back and get more than have to search for an emergency defill which can cost double the amount of a fill depending on where you go then you are further back than ever. Good luck on your journey Heather

Hi Linda Adapting to the band can be difficult at first. I was banded almost 2 years ago in Belgium, I live in England. I am a member of another site too and what I experienced and what a lot of others experienced seems to be different to that of others on this forum. Firstly I have not heard of the Protein Drink that is mentioned and whilst all surgeons have different recommendations I am not alone when I say that I resumed sloppy food very early on. I was on Soups and yoghurts etc from day 3 and by day 6 I was on sloppies. Some people stay on liquids for much longer but it is also common to start on sloppies as early as I did. Your body will soon tell you if it is too early for you. It is a learning curve and everybody is different but there is no need to feel deprived when there are lots of alternative foods available, it can be an adventure rather than a physical endurance test. I am confident when I say this unless there is a huge difference between bands which I think not, I have a heliogast band. Remember everybody is different and what works for one may not for another but I was not alone in my experience. Good luck on your journey, chin up, you will soon see the benefits of having your band. I have never looked back and not once have I wished that I had not had it done, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The band exceeded my expectations for weight loss and flexibility, it got me to target without a lot of work on my part and I have just recently had a tummy tuck (3 weeks today) so I am like a new woman now! I hope my words inspire you or at the very least make you feel better. Bye for now. Heather

Hi Jennifer Don't worry, its quite normal. I know of others who this has happened to. I can be the opposite sometimes, medium restriction then really tight for a week. Make a note of when it happens as you may find a regular pattern. My menstrual cycle affects me, when I am due a period or when I ovulate, also stress is a major factor, these usually have the opposite affect to what you are experiencing however. If you have been banded fairly recently I would say that you may be due another fill. My advice would be to monitor it before seeking a top up. Heather

I got banded at 205lb (5ft 5ins) BMI around 33. I needed help but was considered to be one of the lightweights. My responce to the poll is definately a "yes"

I used to feel restriction straight away from my fills, the last couple however have taken 3 weeks to kick in and boy have they kicked in.