vlp1968

Maybe you should go in for a small unfill. Even less than a cc can make a big difference. It's not good to be throwing up all the time for sure. I would call your doc. and tell them what's going on.

Wow- sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. Take it one step at a time- at least they are able to keep you banded. Good luck!

It is difficult being in bandster hell. I suggest you eat the right foods (low fat, high protien, low carb) even if the portions are bigger than what you will eat once you have restriction. Hang in there, it does get way better. I also suggest you begin excersising if you haven't already. It does wonders for weight loss.

I know the feeling. I have had trouble with even protien shakes after my last 3 fills. I tried to wait it out, but for 2 of the fills I went in for an unfill. I totally agree you forget how miserable it is. For this last fill, I ended up feeling much better without going in for an unfill. I am a bit too tight in the morning, but it's worth it to have good restriction the rest of the day.

Even though I have restriction I only stay full for 2-3 hours generally. I eat 2 snacks a day and have been loosing steadily. I eat low fat cheesesticks, cottage cheese, berries, almonds for snacks. I know many people have been told no snacking, and I am really not sure why. Good luck! You are taking a huge step towards a healthier you.

I agree that your doctor is not being helpfull. There are good doctors out there. Mine is great. He listens to me and then decides how much fill to do. Even though I have lost weight he still does a small fill. I have had restriction on and off since the third fill. You also state you eat for emotional reasons. Unfortunately the band doesn't change whats going on in your head. You may want to check out overeaters anonymous (it's free). Or if you have insurance think about going in to see a therapist. Either one may help you find better ways of dealing with your emotions than overeating. You can do this! Please don't give up. Oh, great job excersising- keep that up for sure!

Congrats on being banded. I remember how excited I was to get off my BP meds, as well has diebetes and high colesteral. Keep up the good work!

I agree with you, you need to slow down your eating for sure. I believe acid does come up, even if it's from the pouch. It can burn your esaphugus on it's way up and also rot your teeth. I would work very hard to slow down the eating and chew more. If that doesn't help consult your doc. It is deffinatley not healthy to be vomiting so often.

You go girl! Keep up the awsome job!

I miss the nice full feeling after a large meal (but not so large you feel sick). I find it's a little uncomfortable to eat since my last fill. I am not getting sick but feel like I could sometimes. I too am not enjoying eating like I used to. It's both a bleasing and a curse I think.

I totally understand your frustration. You don't say what your eating, is it low carb/low fat? Are you working out? If not, I highly reccomend it. It has made all the difference for me. I wouldn't worry about how much fill to get. Talk with your doc. about exactly how things are going and he/she should know what to do. I don't think your hurting your band. I think it's pretty hard to stretch the pouch- it has a lot of give to it. Plus what your eating is probably going right into your big stomach since you have no restriction. Hang in there, it does get lots better. Restriction will happen.

My doc. offers a monthly support group run by the psychologist. I find them very helpfull. There are a group of vetrans (18 month post-op for more). They read an article and discuss it. For the second half it is open to the non-vetrans.

You have done great! 38 pounds since May is awsome. Yes, your period probably has a lot to do with it. It is probably water retention. You should see a drop in the scale when it's over. Keep doing what your doing and it will come off. I hope the fill helps. It took me 3 fills to feel restriction. Best wishes!

Awsome job! Keep it up!

You are doing great! I like your attitude. Keep it up!

I took prednisone for my skin several times and it made me incredibly hungry. Next time, maybe raise your concern with your doc. and see if there isn't something else you can take. I hope your appetite has subsided.

You sound very determined- that's what it takes to succeed. I did weight watchers, I think it is a very healthy program. You could continue it even after fills give you restriction. I found the meetings really helpfull. My first fill didn't help at all, it took 3 for me to feel restriction. Hang in there through "bandster hell" and know it will happen.

lots of good advice in the previous posts. I would add looking into therapy- hopefully you have insurance. You can look into the emotional reasons behind your eating and come up with productive alternatives. One is excersise which brings me to my next piece of advice. Start a excersise program! It will help with stress and really help with weight loss. It keeps your metabolism running higher all day long. I was at a stall in weighloss for about a month. Kicked up the intensity on the treadmill and the scale is moving again. You can do this! You are worth it for sure!

I agree, it is a tough time until you get restriction. One option would be to not worry about loosing, but of course you don't want to gain. The other is to continue to eat like you have restriction (high protien, low carb,low fat). Also, once your doctor clears you start working out. That really helps in weight loss. Start off slow and gradually increase intensity and/or duration. Best wishes! Keep us posted on how your doing.

My doc. says 24 hours clear liquids then reg. food. Like others have said, you need to be carefull. Take small bites and chew chew chew.

I have had inconsistany just like you. It seems like I eat small bites and chew well all the time. Maybe that is not the case. I am particularly tight in the am- I just do a protien shake for breakfast. Talk to your doc. and the 2 of you can decide if you need a fill. Best wishes!

Sounds like you are doing great! Good luck in your journey.

Super job! Keep it up!

I have had to go back for an unfill the last 2 fills. I just had one recently and have had some trouble, but today has been good. I am hoping it was swelling that is subsiding. I know how frustrating it is! I went from being very hungry to way to tight.

Don't let others get you down. You made a decision based on what was best for you. I agree that gastric bypass is to invasive and more risk for complications. You may want to have a talk with these friends and explain you need support. Or at least they can say nothing if they don't have anything positive to say.