tke100

OK so take a deep breathe and remember why you started this process to begin with. All you concerns are valid and justified. I think everyone has some sort of hesitation because it is a big decision, a big life change.... That said, this is a mental game and your head needs to be in it. Obviously you need to work on these issues you have with the addiction to food as well. I had some of the same thoughts prior but I was totally ready. Most of it stemmed from fear. Once I had my surgery I have never looked back with an ounce of regret. My only regret would be why did I not do this sooner. Everyone is different, how they deal and what they can tolerate. I can eat anything and tolerate everything. You just have to see what works for you. Just try and think of the positives and the benefits of losing the weight. I can tell you I feel great and I wouldn't change it for the world. Good luck.

So for the last few months or so I was having a terrible plateau and when I was losing the scale was barely moving down. Had a fill and the same thing, even though I felt more restriction this time! So I have been going crazy because I am following the plan, exercising and have been using spark for my food journal...nothing has changed in that way at all. I have increased my work outs in recent as well! I have notice I am hungry at night and have been making great snack choices, nothing bad! So anyway, I went for a 5 mile hike with my trainer yesterday and we got to talking. She just could not understand after reading my food and exercise journal why this was happening. (and talking how my weight loss has stopped....and actually now I am up four pounds) So she asked me if I take any meds and I said no just Advil PM. She literally stopped in her tracks and said DUH! that stuff will do it to you every time. She said it is an appetite stimulant, you hold Water weight ( I am so feeling bloated which is what started the conversation in the 1st place) and it increases constipation! Anything with with diphenhydramine in it can cause weight gain, when using at night because it slows you down too much, and apparently effects your metabolism! I started doing research and it is all over the net about this exact topic. I found this blog all about it! Cranky Mommy Anyway, I wanted to share just in case any of you use sleep aids or benedryl at night and your weight loss has not been exactly fast or slowing down. I have officially quit taking Advil and Tylenol PM as of tonight! And will certianly update you if the scale starts moving again. I just feel horrible that this could have sabotaged all the hard work I have done, it has also slowed my progress down immensely considering I have been taking this for a few months. UUUGGHHHH at least I figured it out now instead of later....

Update, saw my surgeon today and he confirmed this information was accurate as well. So be careful and midful wehn taking the otc sleep aids and benedryl. It effects everyone differently but this is definitely a side effect people trying to lose weight should be aware of. Had a fill today and was down another pound.

MissyMS - you were absolutely right. My tummy woke me up at 4am and went nuts for over 2 straight hours. All day today I have been feeling yucky, my tummy is a mess and I have a headache. Good news is when I got on the scale this morning I was already down 3.5lbs. All that Water sure did come out! Anyway, hopefully tomorrow this flu like feeling will pass, my tummy will be better and maybe this headache will go away! So tempted to take some Tylenol but just scared to take anything at this point! I guess my body just reacted to taken the Advil PM over time.....it does not like me. LOL Will keep you posted....

Thanks guys will definitely keep you posted and see if the weight starts moving down and if my stiff neck goes away!

Diphenhydramine/Ibuprofen All medicines can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Diphenhydramine/Ibuprofen: Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, and nose; excitability; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach pain or upset; thickening of mucus in nose or throat. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Diphenhydramine/Ibuprofen: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; stiff neck; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; wheezing; yellowing of the skin or eyes. Interesting thing is once I read the side effects I have actually been suffering from a few of these.....huh! I have also had a stiff neck lately and some unexplained dizziness. I guess I am a lucky one who had a negative reaction to this one.

Actually the very first side effect of this drug is constipation. Diphenhydramine Side Effects | Drugs.com I just spoke to a friend of mine who is a nurse and she said she has heard of this before. And one of the side effects are constipation. She also said that the drug does put you to sleep and slows your body down more that if you slept on your own, so therefore slowing you down. And yes I do know your point about trainers not being doctors and such but I have done some research too before I posted this to see if it had any truth to it. Also, the trainer I work with specializes in working with bariatric patients, she has been working with me since day one of my journey and is well aware of my diet and practices. This certainly could have sabotaged my efforts if it has been effecting my body negatively where without it I could have lost more efficiently. Just my opinion but if this does retain Water and effect my bowels....yes my weight loss has been hampered. (especially the constipation part, uuugghhh)

TXSassyGal hang in there! Right now just concentrate on the reasons why you did this and to heal. I started this journey with similar numbers to you and believe me once you get going those feelings you are having now will be a faint memory! I feel great and the only regret I have now is that I did not do this sooner.

Well the title says it all. I was banded 08/31/09 and I was steadily losing until about 6-8 weeks ago. I have gone up and down 2-3 lbs since my last fill on 03/18. I have 5.5 in a 10cc band and my next fill is Thursday, thank goodness. It is driving me crazy....the fill did not make a difference as far as restriction. I definitely feel my self hungrier at times and especially on days I work out really hard. I am probably eating bigger portions but my calorie intake is barely 1000 per day. I am trying really hard to increase the calories because I keep reading about the starvation mode our bodies fall into with not enough calories. I always get 60-80 grams of Protein a day, try to stay between 50-100 carbs and 3o grams of fat per day. I track my food and I exercise 4-5 days a week on average, sometimes more. I just need some advise on tricking my body back into the losing game. OK so give it to me...tell me about your tricks and your plateaus. Thanks

coloradobanding-thanks for all the great tips. I have no idea about exercising at night but it certainly worth a try. It makes so much sense. I cant wait for my next fill on Thursday.....

Thanks for the replies. I knew I was not the only one... It just seems so frustrating when you feel you are following the plan and doing what you are supposed to do. I use sparkpeople.com to track everything. I went back thru my calendar over the months to see if I can see any major changes. I really did not see anything I am doing too differently. The one thing I know is different is that I am hungry at night, so I have been snacking...that said ... my snackrs are things like - some Laughing Cow cheese, or some nuts, or a slice of turkey. Trying to go by advice from my trainer at gym who says nuts are a good fat and a great snack. I think I may try cutting them out and see what happens. BetsyB- you are probably right in your theory and it will happen on its own again. I think that is great advice, thank you. It is so easy to get obsessed with this....trying not to do that either LOL

Hi and good luck with your surgery. Check out Dr Jeremy Korman in Marina Del Rey: Bariatric Surgery | Los Angeles | Orange County He did my surgery and I had the same insurance. He is a center of excellence for them and a provider. Love his him as well as his staff.

HI I just thought we could check in with one another and see how everyone is doing. 5 months post op and things are still going well but I feel like the losing is much slower these days. I think my weight loss is on par but would love to hear from others to see where you are. How is everyone doing?

Hello, I was banded 08/31 and so far so good. Getting the protein shakes down but having a hard time getting 64oz of water down. Had a few small minor bouts with nausea but was able to fight it. So far I feel pretty good but tired and little off. I just feel kind of weird hard to describe....anyone else feeling strange? Gas is still around and have not pooped yet!

I just got my first fill yesterday and they gave me an instruction sheet at my fill and said if you feel tight in the morning try drinking warm liquid before breakfast. Such as decaf coffer or tea. It says it is very common to feel tighter in the morning. good luck

Hello..Has anyone felt weird after their fill? I had my first fill today and driving home I got this weird taste in my mouth. And I am not feeling well....very tired and achy. I don't know if this is a coincidence or what. I just don't feel well. I just feel weird...hard to explain....hope i am not getting sick.

lingra- I am so glad I am not the only one! This is so strange...I did not even have the energy to work out this afternoon Hopefully I will sleep well tonight!

I got a 2cc fill. I am drinking fine so I know it is not that....oh man I hope I am not getting sick! I feel tired and achy! I also googled side effects of Lidocaine This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: drowsiness, mental/mood changes, ringing in the ears, dizziness, vision changes, tremors, numbness, headache, backache.

OK...I was always regular before the surgery but now nothing and way more difficult to move out. It is like little bricks and pretty painful! I drink 40-70 oz of Water but doesn't seem to help. So I called my Dr last week and they advised to take dulcolax at night before bed. Which I did and have been for the last week! The following morning I would go several times and get it all out. Today I woke up at 3:30am with horrible pains in my tummy and then the flood gates opened! All day today my tummy is killing me and I have finally stopped going early afternoon but I am still crampy. Even now at 7:30 at night! So I spoke to my Dr's office and it turns out I have been taking the wrong thing. I was taking a "gentle" laxative when i should have been taking the stool softener! DOH She said just get the water in because I am probably dehydrated at this point, uuuggghhh! Does anyone have severe constipation and able to eventually correct it? I am scared I screwed something up inside since I am still hurting and of course now can't go anymore and feel like I have to! I guess tonight I just take the softener and hope these cramps go away? Anyone have any advise? Banded 08/31

mbranham0306 - Do you have relief now? I found the balance with 2 softeners nightly and eating Wheat Thins Fiber Selects everyday! They are really tasty too so easy to eat!

whyw8-I take the little gel caps and have no problem thus far but I have no restriction yet. I buy them at Costco which seems to be most cost efficient. Good luck!

Me too, I am trying not to weigh myself every darn day! LOL I am tracking everything too and I think it really helps. Glad everyone sounds like they are all off to a great start! We can do this!!!

Hi, I am in the LA area too I went to Dr Korman in Marina Del Rey, check them out Bariatric Surgery | Los Angeles | Orange County I am not sure what cash pay is because my insurance covered it. But I will say they are great and from what I understand the cost covers everything including fills.

HI, I was banded on 08/31 and doing OK. I don't get my first fill for 3 weeks! I have plateau for the last two weeks since I am on solid food and it is very frustrating. I am sticking to the plan and exercising, so I hope my body adjusts soon and i start losing again. Just very frustrating in some ways because it seems we woulds lose when eating so little. I am trying hard to build up my calorie intake which seems to be what people are saying gets your body out of starvation mode. Bandster Hell lol But I am grateful to be able to do this and that I have lost 17 lbs.

OMG finally a little relief. I took 2 stool softeners, Sat and Sun night plus I ate Wheat Thins Fiber Select. Those things did the trick. A new product a friend told me about and very thankful! They are delicious too, even plain!