BandedBanker

Is your port a free floating port? For instance mine is actually sewn to a piece of surgical mesh and floats

Ok kids...so it's not the most glamourous topic but I'm just going to throw it out there... Constipation. I am 30 months out and have recently been having a lot of trouble going to the bathroom. I am well adjusted and have no other band complaints at this time. I drink 1-2 gallons of water a day...nothing else ex. coffee, tea, etc. Fluids don't seem to be an issue. I only eat 1-2 solid meals a day that are a maximum of 1/2 cup. I just don't feel hungry and have decided not to eat just because it seems like it's time to or everyone else is doing it. I think the lack of food is the reason for the problem. My mother and father also have a lap band. My dad doesn't have any of these issues, but my mom does. She is to the point of using suppositories and stool softeners daily. I have tried softeners just to ease some of the pain from straining, but don't want to become as reliant on them as she is. The bottom line is I have gone almost a week at a time without a movement and that just doesn't seem good to me. Also, I have so much pain trying to go and often feel like I have to go, but must strain to the point of drawing blood. I am looking for ANY and I do mean ANY suggestions!

I have been alternating between Jillian Michael's 30 day shred and "this is Taebo" by the famous Billy Blanks. Both are very difficult and have varying levels of intensity. 30 day shred requires a lot of strength training so it's not good to do it every day. I will sometimes throw in a bike ride or a jog to throw by muscles for a loop too.

love the description of "furby sounds" My hubby usually calls it "Zuel" from the Ghostbusters

I know exactly what you mean! I felt like that soup commercial the other day when I came home and explained to my hubby that I got a size 10 capris at JCPenney. He just said good...I needed to talk to a woman. LOL You will continue to find it too weird to be in a different section of the store. My brain still defaults to thinking I need to look for the biggest size possible when I find something cute on a rack in the store. I don't know how many times I have had to take things back since I just bought the XL.

It sounds like you really need some help...both emotional and from a lap band doctor. First things first, you are not a failure, but you did risk your life for this thing inside of you so you need to get some things straight. It definitely sounds like you need to see a surgeon for a fill! I was the same way, got a good fill and now I'm losing like I should. Next, you need to find some way to deal with the stress and anxiety you're feeling. Take 20-30 minutes to yourself everyday to do somethings you like. Read the paper, magazine, book, try meditation, a warm bath with a cup of tea...whatever it may be. No one can help you until you help yourself! I will be thinking and praying for you! Good luck and God bless!

It seems like you need another fill. I was the same way. With the larger band it seems to talk longer to get to the "sweet spot" I got really frustrated and depressed because I wanted to always eat and never felt full. I felt like a failure too! I think everyone's been there at some point post banded. Just let you surgeon know...I'm sure he or she will give you another fill and put you back on the right track. Seems like you're doing well though...with weight loss...according to your tracker!

I'd like to share my story with you. I was scheduled to have my surgery on Feb 9, 2009. On Feb 6, I was told I had a rare bleeding disorder and my surgeon and hematologist would not clear me for surgery at my small local hospital. My surgeon suggested another hospital 2 hours away. I was terrified and went into total denial and depresssion. I was scared I would bleed to death all for the sake of vanity. I just decided I would be fat and unhealthy and that would be the cause of my death. For about 5-6 months I was the most unhappiest I'd ever been. Finally, I sucked it up and decided to see the doctors in Pittsburgh PA. They cleared me and I scheduled a surgery date again, but completely planned to cancel it. I didn't. I won't lie...I was scared to the point where I cried in the pre-op room where they administered the clotting medicine. On September 9, 2009 I was banded (without any complications) and I don't regret the decision one bit. What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger!

In the recovery room the nurses put an abdominal binder on me. At first I thought it was tight and uncomfortable, but when I got home it was my best friend. Especially when I went back to work. It really helps you feel like you're not falling out all over the place.

It sounds like you might still need a little bit of a fill. No restriction=not able to use the band as a tool