OnMyWeighDown

Hi, all! I have had my band for almost four years now. At first it was great and I lost 1/2 my weight in the first year. After that things slowed down and I got frustrated. I had my band tightened and tightened until I just couldn't eat very much at all. It was great because I lost a lot more weight and got within 15 lbs of my goal but it was awful because I could barely eat. Long story short, in the spring of 2013 I had all the Fluid removed from my band to give myself a break. Not surprisingly, I gained almost all of my weight back. In October of 2013 I started getting fills again and now have just shy of the amount of fluid in my band as I did in early spring (at time of removal). My concerns are this - I'm only 20lbs away from the weight I was when I originally had the band placed - I feel some restriction but am able to eat a lot more than I should and I feel hungry more often than a banded person should. Has anyone else been through this? Should I have more fluid put into my band? Is it possible to become accustomed to the amount of fluid? Is there something wrong? Am I just eating through it? What's happening? If anyone else has experienced this I would love to know that I'm not alone and that there are solutions. Thank you!!

Thanks, B-52! I agree that most people when getting their Fluid removed do regain their weight. I wasn't immune and I take full responsibility for not watching what I was eating or how much I shoveled in my face. I fully enjoyed eating like a "normal" person again and now I'm paying the price and starting over from square one. My biggest concern is, now that I'm trying to get back on track, I'm not seeing any progress. Once the fluid is taken out, do people tend to need more fluid in their band the second time around? Or did my lack of conscious eating while without fluid stretch my stomach to the point that I'm going to need further surgery? I can't afford a barium swallow at this time so I'm hoping someone out there can point me in the right direction. I'd LOVE to hear from anyone that's had fluid taken out and has started over.

I've noticed recently that if I'm not sitting up straight the underwire on my bra hits right about where the band is and it makes it tighter. If I eat/drink something I have to sit completey straight or pull my bra away from my body for a minute to let the food pass by. Other than correcting my posture (which I should do anyway) does anyone have any suggestions for ways to fix this? A new type of bra, maybe? I'm pretty busty so need the wire for support and can't go without at work or in public. It's mostly annoying when I'm out with friends (none of whom know I have the band) and have to keep playing with my bra! Help, please!

Thanks, ladies! I will take the advice both of you have given and 1.) work on the posture, and 2.) buy some new bras. Maybe it's time to go get a fitting. I have lost inches around but I'm still wearing the same cup siz as before...I'm hoping that has changed, too! I'd love to loose a little bit from the girls. Thanks, again! I appreciate your help!!

Hi, GuyMontag I'm going in for my lap-band with Dr. Watkins @ Cincy Weight Loss on Fridaythe 13th. You're the first person I've found that went to him, too...any advice? I really liked meeting him and his staff but I'm still a little nervous about the surgery. Thanks!

Is anyone else on a liquids only pre-op diet? I'm soo excited about my surgery on Friday the 13th and I'm self-pay so I'm determined to not cheat no matter how tempting! I am allowed protien shakes, soup and broth, jello, etc. but I'm not sure I'm going to make it through the week :confused: Does the liquid portion get better after being banded?

I just got home from my pre-op appointment and I'm a go for Friday!! I'm very excited and even though I don't want to wish away time I wish it was here already! I asked about the carbonation and was told NONE. It can cause the small part of the stomach to swell and that is what can lead to erosions. They said if you absolutley must drink carbonated beverages to let them go flat before putting them into your stomach...hope that helps! As for the calorie restriction on the liquid diet I'm limited to 800 calories a day pre-op and then unlimited liquids/calories post-op (only because I'll be healing and they figure I won't want much anyway). I'm still going to make smart choices though because who wants a bunch of empty calories when they've just put their body through surgery:tongue2:

Hi, all! I've been addicted to this site for a few weeks now and finally decided to sign up and join the fun. I go for my pre-op appts tomorrow and I'm scheduled for surgery on Friday the 13th! I'm very excited but I still have a few concerns that this is going to work for me. Thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts, feelings, experiences, etc. I don't feel so alone anymore!

Thank you! You're an inspiration for a newbie like me and I appreciate it! I can make it through a few weeks on liquids, I guess...I've had too many years of eating too much so a couple weeks without won't kill me!

Being hungry from recovery on is a huge fear of mine! How did you handle it? Just mind over matter or was there something else that worked for you?

My doctor hasn't said anything about carbonated drinks and his nurses just said to limit them as much as possible pre- and post-op becuase it might cause irritation. I haven't told too many people either...just family, really. I'm with you on not wanting to explain. All of my friends are thin and have never had weight issues. I'm not sure they will really understand why I'm taking such a drastic step. Once I start losing (which I hope is pretty soon after Friday!) then I may tell them about it but we'll see...

That's great! Are you getting excited?? For me it hasn't really sunk in yet that it's actually going to happen. Does your doctor have you on a pre-op diet or anything??