Lovinglapbandliving

yes the first fill is where we all hope to break out of bandster heall and start some consistant weightloss. As our bodies adjust to the fill amount and the pressure of the band we will plateau again. this will happen over and over until we hit the "Sewwt spot" this is the goal for everyone. some say it takes 4-6 fills to find it. But it is different for everyone. Good Luck!

This is an Great thread! Like so many I have struggled with the chains of Obesity, Gluttony, guilt, and obsession. God is awesome! and he will never forsake us in our times of need. I see the lapband as a tool us meeting Him half way! Thank you all for this thread to remind eachother if this.

This weight gain is normal. But different for everyone. Week one weight loss was 8lbs week two- 4lbs week 3- 2lbs gained 9 this is where I decided to go on the 5 day pouch test until out of bandster hell.) week 4- 2 lbs re lost plus 2 pounds week 5- 2 pounds lost- First fill at the end of this week still little restriction so I will continue on the 5 day Pouch test on monday. 16 pounds lost total in 5 weeks. every body is different but this is what I have experienced.

Since my first fill I have had some weird nautious spells. After I drink water, soup or whatever it goes down fine but shortly after i start to feel sickly, lightheaded kind of dissy, and I break out in a sweat! totally wierd kindof like a very carsick feeling. It goes away with some deep breathing and a little bit of time. Has anyone else experienced this? what causes it?

5 weeks post op and I had to have a second surgery because the port had turned to the point where it was impossible to get to to fill. So far I have paid $100 in transportation for 2 trips to the Surgeon, $415 surgeon fees and I finally have my first fill of 1.5 cc. I didnt realize the lapband was going to be so expensive to maintain but thru it all I still feel it is totally worth it! I have lost 16lbs in 5 weeks. Eventhough I have little restriction I am loosing weight because I decided to partake in the 5 day pouch test monday thru friday until I have reached the all elusive "Sweet Spot". I refuse to gain weight thru this "bandster hell" My family is very supportive, my inlaws are not and I WILL NOT allow then to think even for a second that this is again another waist of time and money. I have spent so much thru the years trying to Battle Obesity on my own! With the lapband I will not fail. MOVING FORWARD! The 5 day PT get a little easier each time. And I really Like fish so this is a great one for me. Has anyone heard of ISOPURE??? I have heard it is the BEST protien drink with 40 grams of protien 0 carbs in a 20oz bottle. But it is $3.?? per bottle at the Dr.s Office. Does anyone know of a cheaper place to get ISOPURE??

Round 2 - 5 day pouch test at an end. I have lost 2 lbs this week and I feel more in control than I ever have. It is a great feeling to in your heart know we have the power to choose. It is NOT easy but acheivable! WAY TO GO EVERYONE FOR RISING TO THE CHALLENGE of the 5 day pouch test! See you next week! I will continue with the weekly PT until the Sweet spot has been reached!

Jumping Back on track when we slide, that is the point! You are doing good! your body tells us we are helping it along, we can feel the difference! IT IS A TEST! NOT EASY! We are all here for you. And as I am finishing my 2nd PT it does get easier. Find your own personal YUM! :thumbup:

Way to stick too it! it is hard when there is no restriction, the whole reason for getting the lapband is to have some restriction, but a everyone knows it takes time and tweeking to find that sweet spot we all are looking for. Boiled eggs are great! they really help me feel full and stick with me longer than other things. Being in control of our eating is a great esteme booster. BREAKING THE CHAINS OF OBESITY! WOW, YEA!

my port has also turned/flipped. I too would like to know the cause of this so I can avoid it happening again. I dont have a regular exersize routine. But I walk ALOT always working around the house and garden with the kids. How can we avoid this?

I am Thankful for such a forum. many say bad things to those who have had WLS. I was asked..."Isnt my faith better than that?"

Round 1- 5 day pouch test... I really learned I have some BAD habits I need to kick! 1st if snacking. MAN IT IS HARD! This pouch test has really helpped me to see the patterns I had created! AND YES, it does give us a chance to overcome carbs, snacking, and a great tool to gain pride on the control we have over our stomacks. I lost the 2 lbs I had regained since I am still in "Bandster Hell". With No Fill. I have tried to get the first fill 2 times and the first time they couldnt get it so I had to schedule a exray and I found out the port is tilted.I went back hoping now knowing which way it it tilted we could get the fill but still no go.... So I am looking at having to get the port repositioned. Has anyone else had this happen? I probably tore the stitch when lifting or carrying my 18 month boy. I know for the first week I didn pick him up once but after that my mom left and I had no choice. Ok, back to the Pouch tests- I will be doing the pouch test every week m-f with the weekends off until my prot is fixed. I just cant allow myself to gain weight again. It will be hard but I feel like I have no choice. IF ANYONE WANTS TO JUMP IN WITH BOTH FEET AND LIVE A CHALLENGE, here we go.... one week , one day, one drink at a time. We will empower our selves and eachother to over come our cravings, habits, and learn to listen to the tool our lapbands have created. The pouch will show us how to respond and become healthy. Banishing those SLIDER FOOD! :blushing: Today is day one of round 2- 5 Day PT. Breakfast- warm soymilk w/ creamer- mmmmmm for those who dot like coffe it is great on a cold morning... lunch- soy milk- head hunger really kicking in now. I am thinking I should go make a fruit smoothy but that gets us off tract with the low carb kick, but its liquid I wonder if it is allowed. I should look into that. Maybe I wil make some creamy egg flower soup. mmm that sound good. here is how I do it... 1 can cream of muchroom soup, 1 qt chicken broth (mix well) saute 1 slice of onion and add liquids bring to boil and add 1 egg stirring constantly. salt & pepper to taste drink when cooled down..... mmmmmmm

Hi Jennifer, Welcome. I am just ending day 5 of my pouch test and here are some things I have see... 1) It is not as easy as I thought it would be. I had turned into quite the grazer. 2) Getting reaquainted with the pouch signals it a great training tool, I too was using slider foods to keep from discomfort. 3) I have found i really like the Protein in the morning. Without it I feel very tired. 4) re lost 2 pounds that had snuck up on me in the previouse week. YEA Favorite Reciept so far- 1qt chicken stock in a box 1 can cream of Mushroom Soup (wisk or shake together) Dice and saute 1 slice of onion, when saute'ed add above soup Bring to simmer and wisk in one egg. serce when the eggs is done. YUM YUM

First fill was again a bust!!!!! port is turned pointing to my left shoulder. I had hoped he could hit the spot but it just wasnt working. SO I HAVE TO HAVE THE PORT RE POSITIONED!!! UGGGG So now I dont know which way to go. My options are to do in her in the states, I ave no Idea how much that will cost.... Or back to my surgeon. He said he will fix it and fill it for free I just have to get there. So I am looking at getting the passport- $45, Plane ticket thru Orbitz.com- $355 , and I am checking out one nights stay in a hotel while In TJ. So far it is a $400 bill but that really sound fare to me because if I were to get a fill here in the states or $150 plus the $450 for the flouro (this was just raised) then I would be totalling $600 so financially Mexico still makes sence. My issue is the kids!!!! I have 3 and the youngest is 18 months. Last time I left he developed and really bad fit throwing habit and we have been working thru it. FOr the most part it is fine (but he has is moments) maybe I can get him a passport and take him with, but when I am in the surgery who would care for him, Everone would be a stranger! I think if I can get grandma to watch him and My girls who are 9 years old that would be easiest. But my mom lives in New york and My mother in law doesnt want to be involved with my lapband. She doesnt believe in it. So I havent asked my husband is home on the weekend.. I will have to ask my Dr. if he is willing to work on the weekend. So I guess I have more questions than answers...

Great posts everyone, I was banded 5/19 and am going to get filled tomarrow. I cant wait for some restriction. I will keep you posted

Thank you for your post! it seems the all alusive "sweet spot" Is the big goal. What are some sure sign indicators you have hit it? Are you only able to drink liquids and eat mushies? Of is real food allowed. I am going in for my fill tomarrow. It hopefully will go well and it will be my first so I am wondering will it be kindof like I fill until can just drink then when my body looses up again I fill again, over and over until my body has found a place where it wont loosen up. Is this in out field????

HEY ALL, Checking in at the end of day 3, I am thankfull for the protien! LOL :wink: Fish never tasted so good. MMMMM I have been doing ok, It seems the day starts strong and I do fine through lunch but by the time it is dinner time and cooking for the family I am TOAST! So I have allowed about 1/3 to half of cup of what ever the meat is at dinner time and it really helps. Other than that the carb headaches have gone GOOD BYE< Thankfully! And I have lost 2 pounds. I know I am not supposted to weight but it is just so hard to walk past the scale.... Other than this life is pretty normal. Things are going really good I have lost 14 pounds so far. At this point I dont have any restriction and I can eat what ever I want just smaller portions. I am going in tomarrow for my first adjustment. I get to inflate the band a little bit at a time, "the Sweet spot" is where I will be hungery only every 4 hours or so. This is the goal. Right now I am doing good if I can last 2 hours with out munching. The 5 Day Pouch test has realy helpped with this. I had'nt realized I was such a grazer. Not so healthy. So my weight is 226 so far. I know it will take time to loose all of the extra weight. The lapband is a tool not a miracle pill. I think I was expecting too much at first thinking I could loose 5 lbs a week. Loosing that much wouldnt even be healthy. So we have been doing life as normal. We were given a cherries, a whole trees worth! so the girls have be having lots of fun picking and making stuff. so far we have made pie, and jam. MANY didnt make it out of the field. LOL :sneaky: It has been hot here, we are going camping with the whole big family this weekend so I have been getting things together, I cant wait! Well, I better get off this thing morning starts really early. Good luck every one. After friday When do we want to start a ROUND #2 For the 5 day GROUP pouch test for all of those who want to get involved but were not ready to start on last monday...... How about Monday 22nd? LET US ALL KNOW AND WE CAN INTRODUCE OUR SELVES HERE AND Get STARTED. In introducing ourselves lets share our favorite receipts!!!!!!! Love Ya, Leah

o far so good, I am really working to stick to this whole liquid thing. Isnt that why we get the band so we can have the restriction and stop dieting. WELL, Until we hit our sweet spot it will take much more work than I thought. But I am ready for it. I know a $5500 dollar surgery is probably the expensive way to muster up some self disipline but I will do what every it takes to regain healt and prove to my family an myself that I can be diligent and over come this battle with OBESITY! I know now it takes time and work. Today is day 1 of my 5 day Pouch Test (PT). So far so good. I had rediscover the habbit of grazing all day and this PT has helpped with that. I am actually tummy grawling hungery, it is reminding me that this is a good feeling. When I had a bad headache from carb withdrawals I did eat a 1/4 of a banana. The site allows this thankfully. But other than that I am very thankful for the Jello. So ow I am wondering how I am going to cook Fajitas for the family and NOT munch! Well, time to cook wish me luck!

lets start a GROUP pouch test. I am starting monday who wants to join me and compare feelings and results? I started a thread for us all to get together on.

Here is a link that tells all about the pouch test Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test basically it is a tool to help us reconnect to how the lapband works and "feeling the pouch" Liquids are only 2 days... Check IT out! :tongue_smilie:

yes, this is normal for many, some call is "Bandster Hell" this is when you are working of finding the right amount of restriction for success. Some of us who are also on a plateau are going to try this... Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test I have heard it really helps get things moving. I am going to start this on monday, if you would like to join me that would be great! I am cureous to see how many of us being at different stage are affected by following this 5 day plan. I will go start a thread so there is a place we can all connect on.

Dont give up girl, you will make it! have you tried the 5 day pouch test? This a way to help us get a jump OFF a plateau and relearn how to listen to our band. I have been trying to kick it up since I am unfilled. The challenge for me when it comes to intake is 64 oz of Water & 40-55 grams of protien. I found that focusing on what I need to eat instead of what I cant eats helps me with the cravings. the pouch test is 2 days liquids, 1 or 2 soft meats(fish), regular meats. i dont remember the spec.s here is the site for all of the details. Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test i am going to reread it and start it monday. hey, maybe we should have a 5 day pouch test party. everyone who wants to can share the experiance together and see how it affects our progress at all of our different stages. good idea? Maybe someone can start a pouch test thread, I will go see if there is one already........ brb

THIS is an GREAT way to look at it! YES, the journey is just that! At time we rejoice, and others we kick a little dirt. The Stages are right on. I too am at that waiting for a fill stage. I know I had some HIGH expectation when I first got my Lapband. I thought I could loose 5 lbs/week. well, I think not. I will adopt the moto of SLIMCITYHEREICOME if that is ok. "I will lose it at the pace I am suppose to lose it, no faster no slower" As long as we do our own personal best, we can always be proud of our selves.

Yep, this is right on! We cant compare ourselves either mentally or physically. Your sister may not see why you need the band but that is ok. Relly, anyone who has never been 50-150 pounds over weight for a prolonged amount of time cant truely UNDERSTAND what obesity is like. Those are the kind of people we just let them slid on what they cant possibly comprehend. Most of my family is like this too. I TOTALLY understand. IT IS SO HARD not to get in thier face and just GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. but then you will just fell worst. The goal is focus, FOCUS. :drool: We BANDSTERS know it is not an easy fix, it is a JOURNEY. THat is why I am thankful for places where we can encourage eachother. Seek out positive influences in your life and just look forward. STEP BY STEP- Success WILL be YOURS. We all mess up. Just duest your self off, make sure your responding to the Q's the band is giving you and look forward knowing tomarrow ALWAYS comes. We get a do over every day. HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH.

Thank you canadagirl33, I am glad you can see I mean no harm to anyone. I have never been profane. And I know I dont spell well, expecially when I am in a hurry and using the few minutes I have between helpping the needs the kids and everything else. It hurts to be called a lier, or a thief. I have done neither. And my being here has nothing to do with money. If I had mis led anyone I am sorry. Let me know specifically what I have done and I will learn from it. Being human, I have learned from many mastakes and I pray that I never stop learning! Again Thank you for seeing how things have unduely escalated ( I am sure that is miss spelled) LOL :drool:

Congrats! It is an awesome Journey, challenge, and transformation. There are many people here who have more experiance than I do but with what I have experienced so far my first changes have been mental and emotional. I didnt realize how much of my family interaction has revolved around eating! So we are all revamping. My husband seems to be a little relieved. The way I use to cook was one for my family and some "healthy" experiment for me and they can have it with thier hamburger. His most common dinner request was something "NORMAL". With the lapband I feel like I have been freed from the guilt of eating "NORMAL" foods in excess and the Splurge we are all accustomed to. food is no longer the enemy and we are as a family rediscovering "YUM". Taste is good. This is my first great relief. Eating lapband portions really how much damage can I do and still be able to keep it down... :drool: THe lapband is a great tool. So far my biggest challenge is to relearn how to eat. I didnt realize it but I had the BAD habit of eating too fast, and NOT chewing enough. Now the band reminds me when I need to SLOW DOWN and CHEW< CHEW< CHEW... This is a hrad habit to break! GOod luck, we are here for you.