tmaiello

Hey Electricwoman and everyone, We are going to have times when our weight will fluctuate. My dietician told me it is perfectly normal for my weight to vary 10 lbs in either direction so, this seems perfectly normal. I also think that a new medication could be the cause. Does this medication cause water retention, or increased appetite? This could be another reason. If water weight is a side effect, then a low dose water pill could help. If increased appetite is a side effect, then this should subside after your body adjusts. In either case, its just a matter of adjusting. So, no need to panic, just give your body what it needs and don't panic!!! I hope all is well with everyone and just keep the course! We've gotten this far and I hope we all feel so much better after the life changing surgery we all had!! Good luck to all Anthony

I haven't been out to eat with friends in two years. I cannot in any way shape or form eat in front of others. Even my 8 year old daughter asks what my problem is when Im eating. If your band was filled correctly, eating out should be a treat and well tolerated.. You may not eat as much as everyone else, but, as long as you eat slow and in moderation, you should be able to tolerate any foods. Maybe I've just been WAY too tight for too long. I cannot eat meat at all so the protein thing is out the window. Doesn't matter how small - ten minutes later I am throwing up. It appears that your band is wayntoo tight. I am not saying to empty it completely, but backing off .5cc's at a time is a great start to getting the proper fill. You have to be conscientious about getting this right. One side effect of having it too tight that Drs need to be aware of is esophageal reflux. That can damage your esophagus to the point of erosion. I assume you are on something like Prilosec/medium for this also. I find myself eating fattening stuff so I dont starve. I make alfredo sauce and put it on fresh veggies like red/orange/yellow peppers only to get it to slide down. You are using high fat foods to allow the food to slide through the band. That means it is way too tight. So my question is to everyone? Are you able to eat in public without people knowing you have the band? Maybe I'm just too tight? What exactly do you eat? Did you give up sweets entirely to get to this type of goal? What type of exercise did you do? Did you follow a complete under 20 carb diet which is basically Adkins? I eat in public and have no issues. I don't eat just salads either. Anything in moderation is the key. I hit my goal weight late last year and have no issues with feeling like I am in danger of gaining it back. I eat sweets also, the nutritionist in my group wants me to not limit any foods. That is just not a sign of eating NORMALLY. That really is the key to keeping it off!!! I chase an 18 month daughter all day. That's plenty of exercise for me, but I'm sure that isn't for everyone (LOL). I did in the beginning after the three weeks of only liquids that jump started my weight loss. The Atkins type diet after that gave me some structure initially. Then, after that, moderation of all foods was the key! Please anyone reply.... I have been miserable for over a year because I can't eat. I really thought when I got this it would just allow me to eat and because my stomach was smaller I would be full much faster. I can't get full because I can't eat anything without throwing up. I would say at least once a day I throw up something that has gotten stuck! Throwing up every day is a sign of a problem with the band being too tight. I only throw up when I overdo it or when the foods/medicine that I took prompts me to do,so. Stay with it !!! You went this far and you should do what you have to In order to get the result you want. Keep exercising also, but you need to get the nutrition that your body requires to get the results you deserve! Hang in there and if you need anything else from me or the rest of the group, please keep posting so you can get some validation/support. Anthony

New Joy and all our bandsters, I still keep track of this thread. New Joy, stay with it. Getting a fresh fill and going back to the basics (i.e. start with liquid again) will renew your resolve and will get you to your goal. It took me a year and a half and I too went back to liquid to jumpstart my second attempt to reach my goal early last year and it worked. So, I have no doubt that you will get there! If you need someone to talk to, please post. I will respond. This system works and sometimes, all you need is a little support. My dietician was the greatest ally I had! He always called back and kept me on track. He left the clinic I used last year and I really miss his help. The other dietician talked to me also and she is just as great!!!!!!! Stay with it everyone! Sometimes you just have to start over to get to your goal! Anthony

Wow, what a great pic......yuo've done very well. Hope I can get brave enough to do that. (Yes ladies, even us men have body issues! I've told my group sessions I'm ready to consider a tummytuck. Let's be honest, you know guys are vain!) Keep it going guys! Anthony:thumbup:

That's got to be the hardest place to be stuck on a plateau....staring at 200 and not being able to break it! I would definitely get the fill. As you already said, there is ALWAYS going to be something going on, so, just get used to making excuses for the weird diet (a 24 hour virus thta won't go away, a minor stomach irritation that doesn't do well with solid foods, etc....I know, it takes a man to lie hahaha). But no matter what you do, exercise won't do it alone as you can always eat what you work off. Good luck on whatever your choice is! Anthony

Hey Tracy, I hit a plateau for almost 2 weeks and then the weight came off again. There is no trick to handling it.....just perserverance. You have to keep the same habits you had b4 the plateau that were working for you. The weight loss just magically starts again! You're doing real well, keep up the good work. This really goes for everyone, I am so happy and proud to be part of this group! Anthony 2 1/2 years to get insurance approval! Surgery 12/3/09 Weight Loss after Surgery Overall Weight loss since 11/2009

Hi Chickadee, You'd be surprised how much inaccuracy is involved in filling and refilling these bands. Just because they pulled out less than what was in there before, there is really no cause for worry. They can be off a cc and it can remain in the band or tubing. (The syringes they buy are disposable and hardly perfect themselves. Some have a perfect rubber seal and get good suction for draw and some are less than perfect!) Keep your mind on the prize and don't let something like this worry you. These syringes are .10 cents each in bulk and definitely not perfect! I'm sure your band is not leaking or more than that would be missing! Anthony 2 1/2 years to get insurance approval! Surgery 12/3/09 Weight Loss after Surgery Overall Weight loss since 11/2009

Wow. I think mine is a woman.....she tells me what to eat, when to eat it and how much more work I have to do on my honey do list. (hahaha). I can't quite give her a name yet, she hasn't finished showing me her personality. As far as sushi is concerned....rice expands too much in my stomach and I'm uncomfortable with it...Same thing for Pasta, but not for bread. Go figure! Again, thanks for all the well wishes....I'll catch up with you all later in the week! Anthony 2 1/2 years to get insurance approval! Surgery 12/3/09 Weight Loss after Surgery Overall Weight loss since 11/2009

Dottie, Happy Bithday and welcome to the 51 year old group of happy people. I think that being a cheap date and just plain cheap are definitely 2 different kind of women, so enjoy your husband's compliment! I am glad you are getting out and trying the "normal" way that people eat on the road. Dried foods (jerky, dried fruit, etc....) may help you on your trip!! I usually resort to that when we go to my daughter's house 8+ hours away! I hope you enjoy your day and have a safe trip! Anthony 2 1/2 years to get insurance approval! Surgery 12/3/09 Weight Loss after Surgery Overall Weight loss since 11/2009

I had the same thing happen when I changed scales, but I think I wore the first one out!!!:thumbup: Keep going and don't worry about adding the 2 to the starting weight just because you changed scales. You're still getting the weight loss and that's what matters the most! Thank you all for the kind words and I'll check back after Wednesday when I get home! Anthony 2 1/2 years to get insurance approval! Surgery 12/3/09 Weight Loss after Surgery Overall Weight loss since 11/2009

A quick report to my fellow december bandsters! I have had a run of bad luck physically and have got a little setback so, here goes the short list; 1) I have rotator cuff surgery scheduled for Wednesday (3/17). This should also be an overnighter, so back to the liquids (better than regular hospital food....and I won't be in the mood to be packing and keeping up with it myself, probably). Please keep me in your prayers and thoughts that day. It's St Patty's day and I don't have to think about drinking alcohol! 2) 2 weeks ago, my potassium went very low and my heart went into A-fib. (pulse about 190) so, a lot of tests and was told to stop exercising. All sorted out now or I wouldn't be on the calendar for surgery! 3) Tuesday morning I fell on my right knee and tore my lateral ligament on the inside of my R knee. back to no exercise for a while again to give this a chance to heal. My weight loss did resume, albeit slow and steady.....but I'm sure this will stop it again until I can get back to an exercise regimine at rehab on 3/24. It sure looks like quite a few of my fellow bandsters are reporting some steady losses......let's try to get into some nice summer clothes and really be happy this summer. I'm still looking for my yellow polka doty bikini!!!! Keep the positive attitudes and food watching (calorie counting as well!) Anthony 2 1/2 years to get insurance approval! Surgery 12/3/09 Weight Loss after Surgery Overall Weight loss since 11/2009

Well, I believe that I've fallen prey to the same scale you're using. Mine hasn't moved down in 16 days....(Hasn't gone up either so I'll call that a blessing!) I feel the same way you do, I've taken solice in seeing that I've gone down 5 pants sizes from a men's 54 to a men's 44 and down to a large instead of 2xl shirt. Any way you look at that, it's a BIG win. From your quote above, I know you feel how I feel. Now to stay the course and let my metabolism take over so I can continue the downward progress. I hope we all keep making good choices and continue the progress I've seen here with my fellow December graduating class!!! Anthony 2 1/2 years to get insurance approval! Surgery 12/3/09 Weight Loss after Surgery Overall Weight loss since 11/2009

Well, it's been 2 weeks since my first fill and now it feels like I never had one. The doc said he put 5cc in and I felt restricted the first week. Now, not so much at all. Today, I've been hungry all day since I'm on some sort of PMS rollercoaster, and although I've made healthier choices than I would have in the past, I feel like a bottomless pit. Just needing some encouragement, I guess. Hope all is going well for all of you. Kimmie, I don't think any of us can say that even when the band is adjusted optimally, we never feel hungry. That just wouldn't be human. We all need extra patience to accept what we are doing as necessary and now MORE controllable than before. If you feel that there is no restriction (you never reach full), then you need a little more. If you reach full, see how many ounces of what types of food it takes to get you to that point and then discuss it with your RD (dietician). The dietician will help you with your choices and will suggest what is the next step for you. My dietician is a saint. He really goes the extra mile and was the missing part of the puzzle for me! Keep going Kimmie.....you'll make it! Anthony 2 1/2 years to get insurance approval! Surgery 12/3/09 Weight Loss after Surgery Overall Weight loss since 11/2009

[QUOTE=tmaiello;1404717]Well, it seems we all had similar experiences on the first fill. My Dr. did it under floro, but didn't use it to locate the port so, he missed the first time and got it the second. He used the floro to ensure I got the best tightening and that didn't work either. I am still not very restricted and now will have to schedule a second fill. I guess this is where the LAP-BAND® patients don't do as well as Gastric bypass as we have to go through a few fills to get the right restriction, so we don't lose the weight as fast as they do. Well, I guess I'll have to take it back, he chose the right amount for the fill the first time. I was worried it wasn't tight enough (6.0 cc's), and that I wouldn't lose weight. Since the fill, I lost another 10 or so lbs. for the three weeks and even went on vacation. I definitely was wrong. I was originally thinking I'd be happy if I got to 240lbs. I cannot tell all of you how excited I am to say the the 225 goal weight may also be too early. I have about 38 lbs to go and I am thinking about going for 215. I haven't been that small since early high school. I hope all of you are as excited as I am and are seeing as much progress. I need to get more exercise in, but that doesn't seem to stop me from losing. I must be making that up in other activities that I don't even notice the increase in! I still wish all of you continued sucess! Keep at it, we're gonna make it! Anthony 2 1/2 years to get insurance approval! Surgery 12/3/09 Weight Loss after Surgery Overall Weight loss since 11/2009

Quick and easy lentils .... 1) 2 and 1/2 cups of water 2) 1/2 cup of lentils 3) salt & pepper 4) Olive oil 5) Hot sauce. Put the lentils and water in a pot and bring to a full boil, lower to a simmer and add 1 tsp olive oil, salt pepper and hot sauce to taste. Continue to cook until lentils are soft and water turns lentil colored (if water completely evaporates, add 1/2 cup water and continue to simmer until water changes color. Have fun.....I used to put these over pasta....but after the surgery, I found that I liked them alone! I am sure you will too! Anthony 2 1/2 years to get insurance approval! Surgery 12/3/09 Weight Loss after Surgery Overall Weight loss since 11/2009

Well, it seems we all had similar experiences on the first fill. My Dr. did it under floro, but didn't use it to locate the port so, he missed the first time and got it the second. He used the floro to ensure I got the best tightening and that didn't work either. I am still not very restricted and now will have to schedule a second fill. I guess this is where the lapband patients don't do as well as Gastric bypass as we have to go through a few fills to get the right restriction, so we don't lose the weight as fast as they do. We have to keep with it, so, Good luck to all and keep being persistent! Anthony 2 1/2 years to get insurance approval! Surgery 12/3/09

If it goes in your mouth, it counts, as I was told. Water to swallow pills counts.....your stomach is real small now and swollen inside so the volume is real small! Be careful on the jello also, it doesn't melt down in that pouch like a fluid, it takes a little time. You'll get the hang of it. Be well

Relax......poop sounds right and the drugs plus whatever blood is in your digestive track will color your stool. You should have gotten the pain meds at any cost, but you won't need them after next week. I think your Dr's office should have been a little more specific with fluids and time periods to consume them. My Dr. sent me home with 1 ounce medicine cups and had me measure my intake (supposedly for three weeks, that gets old quick!) and I needed to for the first week for sure. The instructions were 2 oz protein drink, 1 oz broth, 1 ounce water, 1 ounce watered down juice and do this at 15 minute intervals (no more than 5-8 ounces an hour.....only every 15 minutes!!!!!). That really helped me get through the first 2 weeks. I forgot one morning in a daze, drank half a cup quickly and found out that it didn't hurt or anything, so there is a light at the end of the tunnel and the tunnel is short. Good Luck!

I'm Fricken Freaking out! I was banded 12/4, lost 11 pounds in two weeks, and now I feel no restriction! I went to my 2 week follow-up, and my doc said not to worry, and that when my band is filled on 1/17 I will feel a difference. I'm still freaking out! I can eat! The only issue is that I get the hiccups everytime I eat. I don't want to GAIN weight! Help! I feel like I could still eat. I don't feel like eating bad, in fact all I crave is Chicken. But I did this so I could feel in control, and now I'm not so sure. Am I crazy? Juke, You are not crazy. Less than 2 weeks post op, I felt NO restriction and could drink for hours on end. It's how you heal, not a failure in the surgery. I promise you will feel better when you get your first fill and "realize" that the band does work. I was banded 12/3....so I really feel your issue now! I am in your shoes right now and work hard to slow myself down eating. I have lost a few pounds from just dieting on my own, per my dietician's advice (clear liquids and protein drinks only for 3 weeks! Boy, that is real hard!!!!) Try your best to follow Dr's and dieticians advice b4 the fill. It WILL make a difference! Keep on the path, you will make it! Anthony :thumbup::w00t:

Hi All, I am new to the board and have just had my surgery on 12/3. I left the hospital the next morning due to insurance regs...(Medicare! Wow, I didn't believe that they wanted me to stay overnight when the surgeon and nurse said I could go home the same day!). I'm on a 3 week liquid diet 3-4 bottle of protein drink a day, water, decaf coffee, tea, broths, sugar free ice pops and watered down juices. Everything was fine when I left and all seems well now. I am a little chilly at times during the day, a little sluggush now and then, but overall, feel as if I wished I did this 10 years ago! I left the hospital 12/4 @ 314 lbs and was 295 this morning...I didn't have to go on liquids before the surgery and only was on a low fat diet the week before to help shrink the liver. I wish the best of luck to my fellow bandsters and hope that we all stay well! I'll keep updating as I go along and hopefully won't have too many problems!:willy_nilly: Anthony