BetsyB

I got stuck on a pill a couple of days postop, too. I haven't yet had any incidents with food---but pills still give me trouble. Gelcaps? No prob. Capsules? No prob. I guess they dissolve before they try to move through. But tablets/caplets? Those hard little pellets still plague me.

I have no idea! I haven't even tried. I'm not yet at the place of good restriction, so I imagine I'd have no problem at all...but I'm not going down that road quite yet. Not because I think they're bad, but because I need to get a better handle on band basics---eating slowly, chewing well, etc. before I experiment with something I know gives many/most people trouble.

I'm with Elfie; my morning tightness is only discernible when I eat. When not eating, I am not even aware of my band--except inasmuch as it reduces my hunger.

Karen, you look amazing! Leigha, my sympathies. I have to say, though, that I've really enjoyed my kids as they get older---there's something really satisfying about the kinds of conversations we have now. Still...car, girlfriend.... Not sure I'm going to like the whole girlfriend thing when it's Preston's time. Bob--ouch! Sorry you got stuck. I just had a near-miss with chicken, which has never caused me trouble before. It was a tragedy narrowly averted. Denise--when do you leave for N'awlins? Do you perhaps need an assistant? A luggage handler? If so, I volunteer.

Different doctors have different philosophies/approaches. Those who recommend the preop diet generally do so in order to help ensure that the liver--which is a storage site for carbohydrate (and therefore fluctuates in size) is as small as possible before surgery. This makes it easier for them to move around inside your belly & install the band. Other doctors don't find this to be critically important. While it was difficult, I am personally glad my doctor did require it--I think it's a safer practice.

I am a HUGE fan of the Inspire Proteins from bariatriceating.com. I have tried forty bazillion proteins in the past--and these are really good. I especially like the dutch chocolate cake flavor. The Pom Razz Sangria (out of stock still, I think) is great mixed with Crystal Light lemonade, too.

Here's a third reason: If you fill your stomach with fluid, you don't have the space for other necessary nutrients. We have finite stomach space, so at mealtime, we need to concentrate on meeting nutrient needs---getting our protein in, getting our veggies, and so on. Liquid takes up space and prevents us from meeting those needs.

To be honest, I don't think it's ever really permanent. Even once you achieve a more lasting restriction, you have to return, periodically, for a "tune-up." As we lose weight, the stomach around which the band is seated becomes smaller, necessitating adjustment in fill. And this can continue for as long as weight loss continues. Beyond that, periodically having a fraction of a cc added here and there is pretty common, too. For whatever reason, Fluid finds its way out of even the closed system making up the band, its tubing, and the port. Or, our bodies shift just a little, and need a tad bit more. But if you're asking what I think you're asking, you're wondering whether this will be the fill that gets you to the sweet spot that allows you to go a good long time before another is needed. I hope it is! It's different for everyone, but this might just be the one that "sticks." Good luck!

How frustrating! I can understand how you'd want to try anything. But really, our bodies cleanse themselves pretty darn well without any help. The acai itself won't hurt--but cleansing can, if it involves diuresis and purging via laxative, which they often do. (If this is the case, then free or not, I'd skip it.) I wonder if your doctor would be willing to extend credit for a fill? You've done so marvelously well that having you as a wonderful success story in his waiting room really must boost the morale of other patients--and their confidence in him! Seriously---I'd ask about this. You're a walking testament to the success of the band (and by extension, the doctor). He may well be willing to cut you a break.

It was March 3, wasn't it? Or am I losing my mind? Anyway, welcome to bandster hell! I was in the same boat----4 ccs seems to be the standard 1st fill with our group. It doesn't stick very well, does it? It gets better--I promise! They're generous with Fill #2, too--and while I'm still not all the way there yet, it's light-years better, and there is a much brighter light at the end of the tunnel. Still, waiting is H.A.R.D. I know what they told us in the class, but did you ask Dr. J himself whether he'd consider another fill sooner?

Not to be snarky--but you asked what we think, so I'll share my opinion: if things like this worked, I don't think that many of us would have bands around our stomachs. I've never known anyone to have good, long-term results from things like this. I'd rather save my $$$ for a fill, and eat lightly in the meantime.

Chris, the gain is temporary---truly. A lot of it is simply bulk---liquids don't hang around in your gut long enough to change what's on the scale. solid food does. But it would probably be a good idea to prepare yourself for the idea that you will NOT be seeing daily losses. The loss rarely is a straight line down. There are fits and starts--and especially for women--times when the scale will inexplicably go up, completely unrelated to what you are eating.

I'm going to answer a bit differently. While I think it's quite normal not to lose during the time when you have no restriction, I don't think that gaining is something to be expected, except in the immediate postop period, when Fluid from IVs and meds is being retained. Yes, the postop period is a time for healing, not losing. Loss is a bonus. But if you're gaining, I think it's time to take a look at what you're doing. It's one thing to supplement the recommended half-cup of food (which simply is NOT satisfying!) with healthy foods that satisfy you more. It's quite another to eat enough extra food that your body gains weight. I understand your fears about whether this was the right thing to do. It's easy to wonder that when you're hungry and seeing little reward. But be careful that you don't stuff that fear down with food your body does not need. It's time to start working on a new relationship with food.

Denise! That is AWESOME! Congratulations!

At this point, my fills (with fluoroscopy) are 100% covered. At this point, I don't even have to pay a copayment for the office visit. After a year (I think), I will have to resume with the copay--which will cover the fills, as well.

What your doctor sees on fluoro as he fills your band is a tiny snapshot of the entire picture. My doctor saw good restriction, too. And I had it--for a couple of days. Then a couple of things happened. First, swelling subsided. Second, the size of the stomach around which the band is seated decreased. This happens with weight loss--and it causes loosening. How long has it been since your fill? There's a good chance you don't have restriction, even if you appeared to when last checked. If that weren't the case, we wouldn't need to go back for incremental fills over time. I hope you reach a comfy spot soon!

May I address this portion? I chose the band because I wanted to learn to live healthfully, and it provided a tool to help me do so. It allows me to meet my nutritional needs in a way that bypass does not (because of the malabsorptive issues the surgery creates). And it does so with the smallest set of adverse effects as tradeoff for the benefits. The sleeve intrigues me, but it was easy to rule it out; it's still considered experimental, and insurance does not cover it. If I ever require revision (something I do not anticipate), I would consider the sleeve. I think that it will represent a great option for many. I prefer longer-term data (and insurance coverage!) though, so I ruled it out. Bypass is a good option for many, as well. It just wasn't the one for me. I am not interested in both malabsorption and restriction; I wanted restriction only. I know many, many people who've had bypass. The difficulties they encounter are harder to manage, IMO. And really, in the long run, they don't seem to enjoy success greater than can be achieved with the band---if you use the band well.

I primarily stick with Protein and veggies, but have found that Beans work very well for me, both in terms of going down easily, and being satisfying as a "carb." (In my plan, they count as a protein and/or veg...but they have that carb satisfaction thing going for them.) My current favorite dinner is chicken chili with black beans. It's got everything I need, and goes down beautifully.

I agree that a 15 cc band is a big one--and that you likely need considerably more fill to get restriction. I totally understand your frustration! It's a shame your doctor has not been more helpful, both in terms of helping you achieve restriction and in terms of providing useful guidelines for eating. If you want a quick online resource that pretty much mirrors my doctor's recommendations, bariatriceating.com outlines an eating plan that is really very effective. Most of the posters on the site have had gastric bypass, but many of us have been banded, and many of our doctors recommend the way of eating they promote. The book Jen recommended is also quite good. I personally am not a proponent of "eating the way I used to, only less"---only because what I used to do very clearly did NOT work for me. During the weight loss phase, I feel that learning NEW habits is really important. That doesn't mean giving everything up. It means making changes that allow you to incorporate old favorites in the context of newer, overall healthier eating. I think this is particularly important during the (way too long!) phase when we don't have restriction. During this time, you can do one of two things: resign yourself to not losing (lots of bandsters do adopt the stance that bandster hell is not a time for losing), or work hard to lose by shifting your eating focus. Of course, the choice is yours--and either is fine. Just don't give up! Ultimately, you will have restriction--and then I think your view of the band will change considerably!

I am able to take capsules--the ones that are Gelatin with a powder or gel inside--with no problem. Caplets and tablets cause me trouble, even though I still have some wiggle-room in terms of restriction. They are the *only* thing I have gotten stuck on. If I had a cough and wanted to take something with a cough suppressant, I'd opt for Robitussin D (the D= dextromethorphan, which is a suppressant) over Mucinex D (same drug combo) because the Robitussin is a gelcap and the Mucinex is a tablet. I'd still take it with lots of Water, and follow with sips of a warm drink to promote the dissolution of the gel capsule. Your mileage may vary significantly from mine---but this is what works for someone who DOES get stuck with pills if not very, very careful. I hope you feel better fast!

What did your doctor recommend? For me, it was 48 hours of clear liquid, and then my diet advanced according to a schedule. For about two weeks, each meal was 1.5 Tbs of pureed Protein. After that, it was moist, solid protein. Over time, the amount increased very gradually. At 2 months, nonstarchy veggies were introduced. At 3, I can add a serving of fruit each day.... Each doctor has his/her own recommended schedule for advancing diet---it's always interesting to see what others are doing!

Are you having hormone assays?

If you are unable to eat nourishing foods--and instead are relying on sliders that are putting on weight--you need to bite the bullet and get a partial unfill. It WON'T make you gain more weight. It will permit you to eat the solid Protein and vegetables your body needs to be healthy and lose weight. Find another doctor---you don't need to see someone you don't trust. But please---get this taken care of before you do serious damage to your body. Vomiting all solids for three years is ....outrageous. You have very good reason to doubt the judgment of any doctor who has not addressed this!!

I thought it would be difficult, but really, it just hasn't been. I am allowed to drink right up until eating, which helps. After meals, I just busy myself with other things. I exercise, I work, I do whatever....and the time passes pretty quickly. It's an adjustment, to be sure--but it's not nearly as difficult as it seems. If you start "practicing" now, you'll likely find that it's nothing to be concerned about.

Whew! I think I'm caught up--and will do my best to respond to everyone...please forgive me if I miss something. I'm still kind of scattered. Bob, first of all, CONGRATULATIONS! 100 pounds is a huge accomplishment. I totally understand the inclination to sort of hold back a little, in terms of excitement. It's kind of weird being in the position where regain just isn't in the cards any longer. (No, it's NOT. I know some bandsters do, but we do not. It's all in the attitude, right?) You sound an awful lot like Mark when discussing your cat. If I didn't occasionally catch him kissing one or the other of them (he calls it "tasting" them), I might take his threats to barbecue them seriously. Elfie, your dog is adorable. I'm so glad you rescued her from a life of neglect. Truman loves to eat snow, too. Then again, Truman likes to eat pretty much anything. He takes after his mother. Denise, WTG on your mega-loss! I wish you felt better, but hey---it did the trick for you, so maybe I'll take you up on the diseased Kleenex. Also, congratulations on your excellent blood sugar! That is really wonderful news---and so, so important for your long-term well-being. Barb--nice to meet you! I'm so glad you're beginning to feel better postop. I look forward to getting to know you. Leigha, I know you've jumped the hurdle, but try to remind yourself the next time it happens (and it will) that 10 days does not a plateau make. That's just a body being a bit stubborn. Plateaus can last weeks. When any of us hit them (and we will), we'll just forge ahead, doing what we have to do....and we'll get past 'em. Somewhere, I have a good list of things to shake things up to bust a plateau; I will have to dig it up and post it. Anyway, I'm glad you're heading downward again--I knew you would! I agree with your assessment that there are different kinds of bandsters. I'd bet most of us are #2s. (That doesn't sound as good as I thought it might!) Again, attitude is everything! Juliansmom--I'm glad you're back! I hadn't seen you on this thread for a few days before I "disappeared." Theknewme--Welcome! Keep reading, and you'll find that, while requiring plenty of planning and dedication to new good habits, the band makes life so much more enjoyable. Bob's right--attitude is everything; those of us who approach the "work" in a positive way (think of the changes as something healthful and good) really do tend to do better in the long run. Plus, it just makes the process lots more pleasant. I just know you'll do fine :frown: Countrychic--By now, you're one of "us"--congratulations! I hope you were pleasantly surprised as you eased out of anesthesia, and are well on your way to recovery by now. Gloria--I always love your guide for using the band as a tool. Amey--welcome! Illuminationlady--If you check in while on your travels, Happy Birthday! I hope Monday's an especially good day for you :frown: Liz--hasn't the taste of spring we've been getting been heavenly? We're getting rain right now, but man, does it ever beat the snow we were buried under for so long! Whew---I think that's everyone! Things here are somewhat calmer. Mark is home and hanging in...we were supposed to return to see the transplant dudes on Monday, but the honcho got called out of town on an emergency, so we go in on the 29th. We were given lots of reassurance that this wait will be safe. (It kind of worries me that this was offered unsolicited...but I may just be reading too much into things.) Anyway, he's feeling okay, knock wood---so we're just living life as best we can... I'm glad to be slipping back into routine a bit more. The hospital commute days were hard, food-wise. The hospital cafeteria was surprisingly easy for a bandster, but I was spending so much time on the road that by the time I got home at night, stressed, getting anything down was tricky. Stress apparently does a number on my stoma. Now, though, I'm much better. The scale is going down in tiny increments--which is fine with me. DOWN is all I care about! I found myself able to wear a pair of size 18 pants I hadn't been able to get over my hips in over 2 years, which thrilled me. And people are starting to notice my loss...people who don't necessarily know I am banded. I like that part! I've got a lovely pot of black bean chicken chili simmering for dinner, and am S.T.A.R.V.I.N.G. Truman and I walked a ton today---and my body is saying, "Feed me, Seymour!" I hope you all have a wonderful evening!