fattyfatty2by4

Hello, I am having the same experience. I was banded 4/30 and have had two fills. I don't have any restriction. My last appt was 7/8/09 and he is out of town early Aug so my next fill appt isn't until the end of August. The only weight I've lost so far has been due to the preop diet. I put 5 lbs back on when returned to solid foods. Since then I bounce up and down 2-3 lbs. I have been at the same weight my last 2 appts. It is very frustrating. I certainly thought I'd see a little bit more in 3+ months time. I have also been discouraged by my doc office, who tells me to exercise and eat right. If I was able to do that would I have needed the band in the first place?

Is this similar to the 5 day pouch test? Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test

I am just about 2 months out (surgery 4/30) and am not losing weight OR inches. I am gaining and losing the same couple of pounds since pre surgery. I had my first fill of 5cc (11 cc band) on 6/8 and am scheduled for my 2nd fill 7/8. I know that everyone differs as far as when restriction is reached, but I am getting very discouraged and as a result, turning to food! I am sure I am eating less than before surgery but I can still eat! During my first fill appt, I was disappointed to see the scale up from surgery but knew this was likely. The person weighing me told me "don't worry about it, you're not that big anyway"....so why did they do the surgery on me?! I did this for weight loss as well as getting rid of the other health issues! When I recently emailed the office to ask about my next fill and again expressed frustration at not losing weight....I was told to "remain diligent with healthy eating and exercise"...if I could have done this to begin with, I would have skipped the major surgery! I don't want to count calories anymore! Right after surgery I did well with my eating. I am now pretty much eating the same types of foods as presurgery. Exercising maybe 2-3 times a week. I realize this takes some work on my part but I need to see some love from this band to get my motivation back! I'm stepping down from my soapbox..thanks for letting me vent :thumbup:

My surgeon didn't have me start taking Vitamin until second week post op. I do take the Bariatric Advantage and like them fine Do some searching for them online, you can find them cheaper than the BA website.

It IS outside of the stomach...it is surgically placed around the stomach....but under the skin. I think the person thought it was an external device.

I had first fill today with Realize Band. Surgeon said this band is a bit bigger than Lap Band and since my surgery (4/30/09) he has actually started adding saline to the band during surgery. I received 5cc today and so far so good. He said to stick with soft foods today and suggested I ease my way back to regular foods towards the end of the week. I am hopeful that this will do the trick. I actually put on 5 lbs since surgery but surgeon told me the goal of the first 8 weeks is to just let the stomach heal. Now that I have a fill, I am to focus on the weight loss.

I was banded on 4/30 and chose the Realize Band due to the helpful website. I don't find it very handy when trying to log food, as I usually can't find the food I am looking for...ugh! I read about The Daily Plate on Livestrong.com and have been using it since. You can track your food (I've yet to eat something that hasn't been on the list and it tracks calories, fat and your protein!) and track your weight. I haven't been back to Realize My Success at all since finding this other website.

Some where I saw a posting about the following website, which says it is for getting back on track :grouphug: see 5daypouchtest.com. Days One & Two: liquid Protein low-carb Protein shakes, broth, clear or cream Soups, sugar-free Gelatin and pudding. Day 3: Soft Protein canned fish (tuna or salmon) eggs, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy. Day 4: Firm Protein ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, lamb), shellfish, scallops, lobster, fresh salmon or halibut. Day 5: Solid Protein white meat poultry, beef steak, pork, lamb, wild game

I was having some nausea post surgery and was told I could suck on oyster crackers. No problems at all!

I did not feel the poster's questions showed a lack of knowledge. The surgeon tells you what is supposed to happen but I feel that most of the information I have obtained has been from "real life" experiences on this website. I have not had my first fill yet so I am hoping my doctor will provide additional information during tomorrow's visit. I think we all get so caught up in the excitement of weight loss plus the challenges of surgery it's hard to remember everything! So I don't think folks should be criticized for bringing their questions here.

I am right there with you:) I was banded on 4/30 and go tomorrow for my first fill. I don't have any restriction at all. Have not had a bit of trouble eating anything and can eat quite a bit. I know I am "supposed" to get to the point where I am "full" with 4oz but my surgeon's office said to eat until full right now. The only weight I have lost is from the liquid diet prior to surgery, which was about 15 lbs. I have put on and lost the same 2 or so pounds since then. Can wait to get restriction!

My doctor suggested bariatric advantage since these have more vitamins specific to banding needs. BA actually has one called VitaBand. I don't like to mess with the protein shakes, etc. so I ordered liquid protein shots from Physical Addictions.com (IDS New Whey liquid protein). They are larger than they appear but it is 42g of protein. I drink 1 per day, about 2 gulps at two different times in the day. Despite reading reviews that say the protein shots taste like kool-aid, it's not the case. They are gross! I just hold my breath and then take a quick drink of flavored water. I know I can get the rest of my protein needs from food.

I used to have a pretty irregular cycle, but have started on the 20th for the past several months, including April (had surgery April 30) but I have not had a period since surgery either. I know I am not pregnant. I wonder if it has something to do with the stress of surgery on the body? Curious to hear if any others experienced this. :party:

I hiccup a couple of times!

I was hungry immediately following surgery (4/30) and am now on mushie foods. It does take less to fill me up compared to before surgery but I don't feel like I have any restriction. I can certainly eat more than 4oz at a time. I also am at a stand still with weight loss since ending the liquid diet. I am hoping this changes with my first fill on June 9! :grouphug:

I was banded on 4/30. I too am lower BMI and have no idea where my port is. I can feel it is on my right just due to the muscle pain...but I have felt around on my belly and can't even find it. I would follow up with doc about this.

I have read that if something gets stuck and can't pass through the band, you will throw it up. Now for my question....what if your meal does pass through the band and due to illness or something you have to vomit. Can the food get up past the band?:thumbdown:

Hello, I would like to find a buddy to help me through this journey I am about to begin! I am 41 and live in St. Louis. I am hoping to lose around 70-80 lbs. Very excited but very nervous too! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Hi Eirruc, How were you feeling after surgery? I have had many weird symptoms since surgery. Started with increased heart rate/palpitations evening of surgery. Day after surgery noticed vision problems, I can't focus close up and I have had no vision problems in the past...I don't wear glasses/contacts. Same day also noticed an itchy red rash all over my torso. Seems to be where they cleaned my skin or had tape on me. I went back to work today (I work from a home office so it's just sitting in front of my computer) and started feeling really funny: nausea, increased heart rate, tingling from head to toe...thought I was going to pass out. Called my husband and made him come back home so I don't have to be alone. Since surgery I have been soooo hungry. My stomach is constantly growling. Was given approval to suck on oyster crackers today. I haven't seen much posted about negative side effects from surgery. The good news is, other than all of the above, I haven't had much pain at all and minimal gas pains. Have you had any symptoms that I have described? Glad to hear this week is starting off better for you!

Congrats Bird, Sounds like you're off to a great start! I hope I am so lucky. Having surgery April 30. I do have a question....you say you knew exactly what and how much food you could eat...what is your post surgery diet? I am two days into my presurgery liquid diet. I wonder if anyone has ever overdosed on popsicles and Jello. It's going to be a looonnnnggg 7 days! Again, congrats!

Does anyone use the 3oz protein "shots"? It seems like they would be so much easier since you don't have to mess with the mixing. Just one of these gives you 45g of protein. I am thinking of buying some but wanted to get some feedback. Thanks!

Hello, I am trying to evaluate the Protein possibilities for post surgery (April 30..yeah!). ProStat64 comes in packets that seem easy to travel with. Would like some feedback regarding the taste. thanks!

Can you describe exactly what you are doing and the position you are in? I am trying to gather as many helpful hints as I can before surgery! Thanks!

At my pre-op testing the other day I was told that since the gas is in your body (and not in your stomach) gas relief medicine such as gas-x and beano won't do anything at all. Although I have seen several posts about the medication helping?

Hello, I am new to the website and just got insurance approval today! Surgery scheduled for 4/30....I can't wait! I am trying to get my profile set up. Can someone help me with posting a weight loss tracker on my profile? Anyone else in the St. Louis area? Thanks!