ambermar

I am about 4 1/2 months post surgery. I have lost 45 pounds, and my BMI has gone from 37.4 to 30.2. So, I am making progress. My question to you more experienced bandsters, how do you eat out, with out over doing it....or if it is one of your favorite meals...how do you stop? I find that when I do go out on occasion, that I overeat. I regret it, and promise to never do it again...because I pay for it...I don't get sick and throw up, I just feel like I ate Thanksgiving dinner pre-LAP-BAND®! I went out this evening with friends to a cook-off. We got there late and had to stand. I ate my dinner, and socialized with frinds, while doing so, and ate too fast and didn't listen to my band. It is an hour and a half later, and I still feel stuffed. I am paranoid that I have stretched my pouch. How do you tell your brain to stop!!! I feel like I have not gained control of this part of band life, and I do not want to ruin my band. Thanks, Amber

Hi guys! I know that this topic has been discussed in length on this board. I just really need to know...how long does it take for your hair to stop falling out? Please tell me that even if it doesn't stop soon, that it will at least slow down. I have been dealing with this problem for about a month, and have already lost about 30 to 40% of my hair. I cry every day because of the amount that is coming out. I have added zinc, biotin, folic acid, and nioxin shampoo to my daily routine. I have also added in extra protein. I am not new to hair loss...my hair loss after I had my twins was quite a bit...or so I thought until this started! Please tell me there is a light at the end of the tunnel, because I am so upset. Amber

Thanks ladies, I truly hope that it slows down soon. I am trying not to worry about it...but it is hard when a full handfull comes out just from brushing it! I have it tied back so I wont think about it as much. Crossing my fingers!

Hi guys, I was hoping that someone can give me some advice. I was banded 9 weeks ago, and so far so good! Recently, (for the past 2 weeks) I have been having pain in my port area. It isn't severe, but I can't sleep on my side, or bend over without pain. The incision isn't red or warm to the touch. I am the mother of 1 1/2 year old twins, and am constantly lifting them or being jumped on! I am not sure if it scar tissue forming, and that is the pain, or if it is something else. I called my drs. office first thing this morning, but they never returned my call. Do you guys think that I shoud be concerned? (I have an appointment next week Wednesday.) Thanks in advance for any advise. Amber

Ok, you asked for an update, so here it is! I went today for a fill. The dr. said that some people tend to have more pain than others. He said that it is attached to smooth muscles, and that some people are sensitive. He wants me to keep an eye on it and let him know if it gets any worse. When he did my fill, he told me that I have a large amount of scar tissue around the port, and that it has caused it to tilt. So, if you ask me, I still believe that the pain is from scar tissue forming and pulling. I hope that everyone else is feeling some relief.

Any advice please?!?!

Just a little background info. I was banded in 3/29. As of last week, I have 4cc's in my band. I have been feeling great, and haven't had any major issues until today. This morning when I woke up, I didn't have time to make my egg, so I grabbed a piece of deli turkey breast and took one bite. Oh my, it felt like it took 5 minutes for it to make it to my stomach. I also got a horrible stabbing pain in my upper back/shoulder. I just figured it was morning restriction, and gave up on breakfast. I didn't feel stuck (I have had it happen once on a bite of rice.) 10 minutes later, I took a sip of water to take my achiphex, and it felt like it was sitting there like a rock in my stomach. I didn't attempt to eat anything until lunch. Lunch went down, but again it was just a strange unsettled feeling...like if I moved the wrong way I was going to throw up. I drank water all day and things were fine. Tonight, I had a mouth full of tuna and got that horrible rock in the stomach feeling again. I am really trying not to throw up, because I don't want to damage the band. I bought pineapple juice and have been sipping it. I was just wondering if any of you more experienced bandsters could give me a word of advice. A friend of mine who has had the band for a few years thought that maybe I had a lower block...not sure. Any advice would be greatly appreciated...the back/shoulder pain is so bad that it hurts to take a full breath of air! Thanks in advance. Amber

Hello, I am new here. I was banded 3-29-10. I went today for my first fill...what a strange feeling!! I already had 3 cc's from my surgery. My dr. gave me 1 more cc today. My question is how many cc's did you require to feel restricted? I know that everyone is different, but I just wondered what your norm is? Also, could someone fill me in, as to if there is a difference between the lap band and the realize band? I have the realize band. Thanks in advance!:scared2:

Thank you for answering my questions. I am not sure what size band I have. I am thinking that it is a 10, because he told me when I first met with him that was what he would do. I will have to ask for sure at my next appointment.

I too am almost one month out. Last night I was starving and ate way too quickly! Well, I got stuck on a mouth full of rice. (I know rice isn't recommended, but I haven't had any problems with it...until last night) I was able to drink water and bring it back up. It was the worst feeling! I am still hoping that I get a fill on tuesday. Not that I am happy that we got stuck...but it is nice to know that there are people in the same boat as myself! Amber