sandyswhisper

I tried so many different things at once trying to tackle this head on. I got a fill in July 2010 to 6cc. I proceeded to lose 20 pounds. I started seeing a naturopath. Did acutpuncture, took supplements for my hair falling out (that didn't work). Did hormone testing and discovered that my cortisol was low. Took supplements for that (that didn't seem to work). I changed my primary MD because she was not very supportive of my efforts. Basically she told me I should ride a bike like she does! haha ! I started couseling and did that for almost a year, in hopes that I might get to the bottom of why I seem to sabotage myself etc. I have to admit that I didn't exercise over the winter, despite having a recumbent bike in my bedroom. Just not motivated. I had my thyroid tested (everything was fine). I had my Vitamin d level checked again. It had gone up some after taking supplements, but as still low. I had my Iron checked and that was fine. I have gained back the 20 pounds I lost and then some. I had my surgery on April 15, 2009. I weighed 202 that day. Right now I weigh 234 . After surgery, the most I lost was 15 pounds... It is so frustrating because I thought "this is it"...this is the most extreme thing I can do ...I guess I was wrong. Right now I have an agreement with my surgeon's dietician to send her my food log once a week. I'm a little nervous about having someone know what I'm eating, but it was the only way I could think to hold myself accountable. By the way, where are you? I live in rural Vermont...brrr!

miss_seeann: I could've typed the same post! I was banded 4/15/09 and lost more weight pre-op than I can account for today. I had a fill (to 6cc) in July and proceeded to lose 20 pounds...then 7 months later...started having problems where I couldn't eat anything. Surgeon took all of the fluid out, sent me for esophogram (which was fine) and sent me on my way. During the time where I was having a "hard time eating' I gained 14 pounds. I must note that simultaneously, I started taking Zoloft in December. IT DID NOT AGREE WITH ME in regards to my weight. I gained 30 pounds in 3 months. My surgeon's office (nurse, dietician, surgeon) never mentioned that the medication could be the culprit. I went to my primary MD and she took me off it if immediately. I would dare say that the anti-depressant has backfired! I am struggling to get back into the groove of exercise, especially being in Vermont in the winter! The roads are finally clear and the the weather is improving. I guess the one thing that I keep in mind despite all of this chaos is that the band is adjustable for a reason, and that's the reason I went with this option versus gastric bypass. I am grateful that when I was having problems, my surgeon was able to simply relieve my discomfort by taking the fluid out!! I too could use support to get back on my feet.

First Bite Syndrome? I have never heard of that...BUT...it sounds exactly what I have been feeling for the past 3 days (had my 2nd fill 7 days ago...did 4 days full liquids/mushies). I take a drink, or a bite and get a pain in my throat...even before the food has actually 'hit' it...then it passes and I am able to eat. Is there a place where I could get more information about this? I have lots of lapband related books and never heard of it. THANKS!! I have been searching the site for HOURS and this is the first post that has given me any idea that that is what it is.

I am having that burning feeling as I type. It's been a long day. As soon as I take one drink or bite of food I feel it. How did you appt go? did you get any information? I'm curious to know if it's serious!

I find that I have time to pace around the bathroom (within shot of the toilet). Not a fun thing...but I try to do a 'mind over matter' thing...and if it doesn't work...I'm where I need to be.

I have read, and know from experience, that hair loss can be a result of hormonal changes (ie: on/off birth control pills, body changes post op). 7 months prior to surgery I stopped taking birth control pills. I had hair loss for 5 months...very freaky! It had finally stopped, I had a couple months off...I'm now 3 months post op, and it's falling out again. My hair dresser had told me prior to surgery that she could see new growth...so, there is hope! Strange part for me post op is that I have not lost a lot of weight (13 pounds) so it's not as if my weight loss is SHOCKING my system!! LOL Hang in there...this too shall pass!

I would agree that my relationship with my 'best friend' has changed since I had the surgery. I have kept her informed of the whole process, my insurance approval etc. She seems very indifferent about the same thing. I had my surgery on 4/15 and have yet to see her. she didn't call to check on my, didn't drive over to see me, even though I was home for 3 weeks. It's discouraging...but I know that she is jealous...simply put. I had hoped to talk to her about HER considering it...she has always been bigger than me. She states that it's the idea of surgery that she 'won't do it'...she seems very disinterested in the whole thing...makes me very sad. I haven't talked to her about it...but feel like I'm building up to saying something. It is definitely NOT what I would've expected. Keep your head up and remember that you did it for yourself...nobody else!

I take the Bariatric Advantage berry flavored chewables. They are easy to get down, BUT after a week of taking them the Iron started causing some constipation. Take the good with the bad right?!!

I have had the 'stuck' problem all day... Can I ask? How long does it usually take for this feeling to go away? Does the food eventually dissolve if you don't throw it up? I'm wondering how much of my discomfort is from the actually throwing up I did this morning, and then again tonight.

I too had my band placed April 2009, and I just had my 2nd fill a week ago tomorrow. I was doing really well with the post fill liquids, but the past 3 days have been tough. I start eating and get this feeling in my throat. Today was the first time I have vomited since surgery. I had a ripe peach cut up with yogurt..I'm thinking it was the skin, but something just didn't go right...THEN, again tonight I had some very tender chicken that has been in the crock pot all day...it did NOT stay down. I keep getting a 'pain' in my chest that seems to come and go. I first felt it when I knew the food was going to come back up. Now it hurts, but I'm thinking it might be from having thrown up. THIS is not fun, and not what I expected. I hope that a good nights sleep (let's hope) will help 'dissolve' whatever might be sitting there. I am sipping on tea for my dinner. I tried about 4-5tsp of yogurt...that came up to. I guess I just need to give it a rest tonight. Is this what restriction feels like?! or, is this simply 'stuck?' Any feedback welcome!

I can play soccer (after 19 years) with children/adults without dying!! It's great exercise!

I agree about the Couch to 5K! I have an ipod and have checked out a couple different podcasts...some with better music than others. I am now on Week 4!! ( 2 mos post op). I am amazed every day that I can run up a hill and not die!! I especially love it when someone I know drives by and 'catches me running'! I like the structure of being told when to run and when to walk! I use an ipod shuffle...cost $52 at walmart...or cheaper at Amazon.com (used)

How long do most docs wait in between fills? I'm scheduled for my first fill on June 4th and wonder when I might get the 2nd fill, especially if I don't feel any restriction.

I totally understand what you are going thru...I am feeling the same way...which is what brought me to the site tonight...I was beginning to wonder if it was just me. Guess not! I'm total PMS which makes me 'not care' to a certain extent. I have been reaching for things that have not even been tempting for me...and stupid me...I made Cookies last night (knowing I would eat them). I won't get my first fill until June 4th and can't wait. I feel like I'm totally healed and ready for the restriction. I'm trying to eat smaller portions and don't even feel full. I almost miss that feeling right after surgery when everything was so swollen and I ate very little. I have been making sure that I get my exercise in. I mainly just walk, but tonight got a bit carried away and actually jogged. I could hardly believe that my body could move that fast!! Hang in there. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!

Cyndi, So sorry to hear that you have to go thru this. My question to you is what were your symptoms to make you think something was wrong? I'm glad that at least you know...and now you can get better. Good luck. Kelly

Carbgrl, I'm glad you asked that question! I am also 3 weeks post op and feel that I am 'able' to eat normally. Granted, I do feel a bit fuller a little bit quicker...I too have about 3 weeks before my first fill...and fear that I could get carried away. I lost 8 pounds the first week, and have maintained that now for 2 weeks. Getting eager to see the weigh start coming off. I look forward to anyone's feedback.

I haven't had my first fill, but my MD wants us to do a clear liquid diet for a couple days after, and work back up to full/solids etc... would that help?

Would an adjustment help at this time? Besides the journal? I'm a new bander...just curious what people think.

I was banded on 4/15. All is going well. I am so greatful for this site, as it's been such a great guide...I feel like the things I have been through (port site pain, gas, insurance issues etc...) are all textbook!! I am seeing my surgeon on thursday. Will start blenderized foods at that time. I'm confident that the swelling in my stomach has gone down because I'm feeling the hunger come back. Won't have my fill for at least another month. I have lost 8 pounds post op. I'm thinking that I need to go back to 'pre op' plan of the diet and exercise, until I have the band restriction...OR, I will start gaining weight. I love that my pants are getting too big. My pre op pants...I tried to pull them off (buttoned and zipped) and it worked!! Only problem is...I can't afford to get new clothes every week!!! LOL

This ranks up there with being critisized for ordering a diet coke with your meal at McDonalds. People comment "drinking that isn't going to negate the calories in your sandwich or fries," MAN....WHAT IF I ACTUALLY LIKE DIET COKE???!!!! I am post op now (banded 4/15) so the soda thing isn't relevant at the moment...but still...I can't stand when people assume that a 'big person' is ordering diet soda our of guilt!

Bariatric Advantage also has a version of these! many flavors to choose from, among other items. They have 25g, or 50g...your choice. I like em!!

Doodlebug...thanks so much for the very last sentence in your last post! I am 6 days post op and it's hard to believe that at some point this pain and discomfort will subside and will be on the way to good health, which was the ultimate goal. I find myself saying..."I signed up for this?" It's good to know that there is hope! I do notice daily improvements. I've been battling with gas pretty bad. I'm trying to follow the guidelines given to me by the dietician, but sometimes things just aren't sitting right. I'm now doing full liquids, which is a relief from the 4 days of clear liquids! I have lost about 7 pounds this week! WHOOWHOO! I'm so glad that I checked in tonight! I have been taking my pain meds only at bed time to help me sleep, but they seem to be having the reverse affect. I sleep good for about 2 hours...then I'm wide awake. I hope that everyone else is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. So far, despite the ups and downs, I am greatful that I was able to have this experience to help me, my life, and my family.

Hi all! I was banded on 4/15 and I feel I'm doing great. I stayed overnight in the hospital and felt great. The drive home (hour and a half) was unbearable...nausea...I made it home and crawled into bed. Since then the pain has subsided by about 20% / day. I'm feeling better and better! I have the dermabond glue on my incisions...I dread when it starts to flake off...ITCH, ITCH! I have not yet weighed this morning, but expect that I'll be in ONEDERLAND....FINALLY!!! It's been a long time coming! I'm so greatful now that I lost 32 lbs pre-op! Today (Sunday) will be day 4 of clear liquids. Can't wait for a protein shake and a yogurt tomorrow!! I'm so happy to see everyone posting GOOD NEWS!!! I'm so happy that I found this site. I find myself lurking around for answers (ie: the gas problem...good to know I'm not alone!!) Good luck to everyone who is having surgery this week. You'll find that being on this site is very informative. I find that I was WELL informed about pain at the port site, gas etc...only by being on here....my doc didn't tell me about that stuff! Have a great day everyone! Kelly

I was banded on 4/15 and have had 'gurgling gas' from my sternum to my bowels. I'm having more trouble with the lower half...it builds up so bad...and then I blow. I have been trying to find different positions to make it better, and I have found that walking helps. I'm still on my clear liquid diet so perhaps my body is revolting!! "Gimme something REAL!"

I'd like to join this forum!! I have read ALL the posts and feel like this is where I belong. My surgery date is April 15th. I live in Vermont and there is ONE surgeon in the state! I have the priviledge of having a couple hours of his time on that day! I chuckled about the 'hiccups' on EKGs!! I went for my pre-op and had major hiccups because I was chewing gum!! LOL.. The tech was freaked out...made me spit it out, and then things looked fine! I am on day 8 of a 10 day full liquid pre-op diet. Have lost 7.5 pounds so far and the hunger has subsided a bit. I have guidelines on calories, fat, Protein, and carbs to follow. I created a spread sheet that I use to make sure I"m getting enough of each. I have found this very helpful for journaling. My surgery will be inpatient, one overnight. I have to drive about an hour and a half and they will call the day before to tell me what time to be there. I find this a bit of a pain, as I have 3 children under the age of 11 who are on school vacation this week...I will have to scramble to figure out a plan for them! I have many supporters who will help me though! I have been very selective as to who I have told, and been very clear in asking them not to say anything to others! If I want others to know, I will be the one to tell them. My father in law asked me the other day "So, how's your stomach stapling going?" UGH...total lack of understanding!! I just chalked it up to "he cares about how I'm doing" even if he has NO CLUE what I"m doing!! I look forward to hearing from everyone the good, the bad, and even the ugly (so that if it happens to me I'll know it's 'normal' and I'm not alone). Kelly