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Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. I have really been having a hard time. I have had a couple episodes of gurgling and vomiting, so I think that the solution may be to have some fluid taken out. The good news is that I am drinking enough water, taking my multi, and exercising like crazy. Typically, I burn about 1,000 calories in exercise a day. I would say the large part of my problem is that sometimes I get pain on the first bite. I then drink a sip of water (I know it is against the rules, but when it hurts so bad you have to) and then I loose everything I just ate. I walk away from the table hungry. So then I start munching, usually on convenient foods, which typically are really bad for me. When I am this discouraged, I find it really hard to make wise food choices. That said, I track my calories and I am not eating more than I exercise out. I understand that I am not following the band rules perfectly, but still feel like my lifestyle is healthy enough that I should not be gaining so rapidly (approx 2lbs a week). I just feel like there is some other component mediating this whole thing. All I know is that I am not in control of my body and it is really scary. I am going to see the Dr on Wednesday. Maybe she will have some good advice. Thanks again for everyone's kind words.

Ok.....confession time..... I have not been logging in for several months, mostly because I have not been losing weight for several months. Between my first and second fill (March) my port flipped and I had to have a revision surgery. I started getting so discouraged about the second surgery. Since then, I have not lost any weight. In fact, I have gained (to the point that I now weigh 2 lbs heavier than I did the day of surgery). I have some restriction but not enough to make me stop eating. I am really having a hard time staying motivated when I am not seeing any results. I am so happy for all you December banders who are doing so well. Does any one have any advice on how to make it through the rough spots? :cursing:

I went in today for a fill and I also have a flipped port. He wants to wait 2 more weeks before doing my revision. I know that we had surgery around the same time...weird!

No, I had no idea. I went in for a fill and that is when I found out.

I went today for a fill and my port is flipped. Surgery again in 2 weeks (I am less than 2 months post-op)

Thanks so much, that was really helpful!!

So for all of you veteran bandsters... I was banded almost a month ago and am still on mushies. I go for my first fill in a couple of weeks. I have no restriction at all. I am trying really hard to only eat about a cup of food, but I feel like I can eat like I did before I had surgery. Is it possible to stretch my new stomach at this point? I really want to make sure that I am doing this correctly, but I am so miserable. Have any of you experienced this? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Moe-- I am turning 25 on Sunday and am planning on eating a little cake too (I don't have any restriction yet)

Hey everyone! I had no idea that Drs. Miles and Schmidt had a page. I was banded by Dr. Miles on 12/14 and am in the midst of getting use to this whole thing. Looking forward to meeting all of you at the next meeting :smile2:

I was banded on the 14th and am currently on "mushies". I haven't lost any weight in the last two weeks and I am having a hard time in bandster hell. 1. I am not getting in enough fluids. I am trying but still find it hard to sip all day long 2. The only time I want to drink is when I eat, which is against the rules 3. I feel like I could (and would like to) eat everything I see Has anyone else felt the need to sip while they eat? I understand that if you drink while you eat then you push the food through the stoma faster and that you become hungry like you didnt have anything. So I am sure that my challenges are all connected. Any one else going through this same thing?

I had a huge hiatal hernia that was repaired during surgery by Dr. Miles. Also, I had the headaches

Does anyone know about cards for people with Realize bands?

I also used Dr. Miles !!

I was a week post-opt yesterday and went and had my stapes taken out. I am still on what my doctor calls "full liquids" (protein shakes, clear liquids, and strained fat-free cream soups). I dont get to start soft foods for another week. I am not really having the "get this out of me" as much as "what have you done to your body". I think that these reactions are normal and my nurse warned me about them. I am sure that it gets better from here!!

I am in Birmingham too. I was banded on the 14th. Who is your doctor?

The incentive spirometer? I have one and have been using it. I have NEVER been able to get it to the little yellow arrow that the nurse set. My surgeon has a support group and I went this morning. I told my nurse about my problems with my breathing. She said that was not normal and made me call my physician (at home). He, of course, insisted that I go to the emergency room to rule out a blood clot to the lungs. Basically I spent all afternoon in the ER to find out that I do not have pneumonia or a blood clot :wink2: Also, he could tell from the CAT scan that my band was in place and doing well. I am still left wondering why I am all of a sudden so winded. :smile2:

Thanks that is really helpful! I was banded Monday (12.14.09) and am still pretty sore. I had a hernia which they found and repaired during surgery. My lungs are really sore. It hurts to laugh, cough, sneeze, etc. Anyone else having similar symptoms?

I had my band placed Monday (Dec. 14th) and I will be 25 next month.

Hey there! I had my surgery the same day as you and I also had a huge hernia. Today marks the 3 day mark for me and I still have a sore throat. My incisions are feeling a little better. My head hurts. For me the worst part is that I have pain when I take a really deep breath. The surgeon said my hernia had pushed my stomach into my chest so there may be some stitches or something irritating it. Just wondering if you were experiencing the same thing. Glad to know that there is someone else out there at the same point with a similar situation.

Nikki, my surgery is in the morning at 8:30. Best of luck to you!! Since we should be going through stuff around the same time, please know that I am here if you need anything :willy_nilly:

My surgery is in the morning :willy_nilly: Wish me luck!!

Hey there! My big day is also tomorrow--8:30am. I am also really scared. Here we go!!

My surgery is Monday and I am really nervous, too. I cried during my pre-opt visit and my surgeon told me, "if you weren't nervous, I would be worried about you". The good news is that we are not in this alone :scared2:

Welcome! I am 24 and am getting banded Monday. Excited for the journey!

Deltamom, My surgery is also on Dec 14th. I am on day 2 of liquids and have somewhat of a headache. I am in school, so I am also in the midst of finals (fabulous timing on my part). I go tomorrow for my pre-opt appointment. Having some doubts and anxiety, but chugging along none-the-less. Just wanted you to know you had a partner in this :smile: