uscgal97

When I made the decision to get banded in April 2010, I was determined to do what I needed to do to lose this weight once and for all. I'm just back from my fourth fill today and my doctor was throughly dissapointed in me - more importantly, I'm dissapointed in myself. In the past 3 months, I've actually GAINED six pounds. And, he noticed that my esophogus is stretching a bit as a result of eating too quickly. I know what I'm doing wrong - this isn't a "i don't know what's happening - i just can't seem to lose the weight..." this is a situation where I know EXACTLY what i'm doing (drinking too much liquor/wine, not exercising enough, not eating the right types, eating too much food). I guess, the thing that is frustrating is that this is exactly like a diet to me. No, I didn't expect the quick fix either - I knew it was going to be challenging. I guess the issue for me is that I'm at the challenging part and it's way more difficult than I ever thought it would be. I'm seven months into this band, I have no idea what the restricition is everyone is talking about - and I just got my fourth fill today! And, I'm sick of hearing myself say I want to lose the weight but not do what I need to do to make it happen. I'm hoping this fourth fill will be the thing that will help propel me into being able to really get this weight off but I'm really scared that this is yet another expensive failed diet and one that I actually have real scars to show for it. This SUCKS.

Great question. First, I'm willing to limit the wine - I have to if I want to be successful. Its very clear that this is a huge barrier between me and the body I've always imagined. I'm also willing to give up the way I used to live before - and truly adopt the banded lifestyle. If I'm honest with myself, I don't know that I ever really got onboard with the plan. I thought I would figure it out and once I saw the weight come off it would be easier for me to adjust. Well, the weight never really came off - lost about 30lbs in 7 months, not bad...but not great. If I can put my head in the game, I know I can be successful at this. But, I guess that's the thing that's really hard - I shouldn't have to force myself to do this. I say I want it and I do NOTHING to get there, I had MAJOR surgery to get it and now, it's like I’m back to the same lackadaisical attitude I had 7 months ago. I feel like I’m bashing my head into a wall. With any luck, this fill will be what I need to get some restriction and really jump start my adoption of the program - including limiting the wine intake.

Howdy all - I had my third fill on Wednesday, bringing me up to 5.2 ccs. I thought this would be the magic fill when I would get my much needed restriction and begin to escape bandster hell. Wednesday after my fill, I did Clear Liquids only - it was actually a little tough to even get down some of the Water. Yesterday, full liquids. Not much of a challenge and things were going well. Today, I move to mushy foods (yay!) because my tummy was really starting to growl. So, I had some oatmeal. I ate slowly, took me about 20 minutes, and by the time I was about halfway through, I thought - geez, i'm really full. I threw the rest away. 30 minutes later - stomach is growling again. So, here are the questions: 1) does this mean I still haven't reached restriction? I haven't had solid food yet but i'm pretty bummed that my tummy was growling 30 minutes after eating. 2) do you think its because I didn't include carbs? 3) how many fills did it take you to reach restriction? Thanks all! :thumbup:

Ugh! I ate WAY too much and now feel like I'm gonna burst - like, thanksgiving dinner full! Any advice on how to get rid of that overfull feeling? Thanks.

Hey Nina - Like you, I'm a thirtysomething single gal who is trying to navigate dating with a band. I have to agree with you - I wouldn't tell him for a bit. You don't want to get into it in the first couple dates. This is the time to be fun and flirty and have butterflies in your stomach. So, I would hold it close to the vest for now - and in a few dates when you're both feeling more comfortable, you can share it with him. This will sound REALLY corny but, with one guy I went out with who I really liked, I told him that he was making me nervous and couldn't eat anymore. hahaha. You'll think of something. You can also just eat REALLY slowly and be deeply engaged in the conversation. Have fun.

I'm excited to get my second fill this afternoon. But, I'm feeling a little anxious about it as well. My weight loss has stalled a bit - i'm ready to begin the journey of losing this weight in earnest. But, I also like having my band that restricts the food intake without the terrible side affects - pbs, getting stuck, etc. Fortunately, I haven't experienced any of these things yet but I'm afraid that this second fill may actually take me to the next level where I'll really have to confront my food issues and slow down my eating. While I know the benefit will be weight loss, the fear of losing normalcy in my life is taking over a bit right now.

I'm back from my fill. It's amazing how easy that process is. I got another 1.5 cc's for a total of 3.9 in my 10 CC band. It's TIGHT right now. I'm sure it will loosen up as the swelling goes down a bit. I'm still anxious about how to make my way with my new band but I appreciate everyones words of wisdom. My mind tells me - if everyone else can successfully navigate this band, I can too - I'm just a little apprehensive and a bit of a worrier. I'm sure it will be fine. Thanks all.

I was banded on April 29. I've lost about 20 lbs since banding - a little more if you count the pre-op diet. My weight loss has essentially stopped - I haven't lost weight in over a month. I don't have any restriction and as a result, i'm not getting the help the band promised. I've only had one fill (2.4 cc's in a 10 cc) and I've been pressing my doctor for another - i'm waiting for a call back to schedule since I need to have mine done under floroscopy. It's just annoying that i've gone through this process and the weight isn't coming off. Moreover, I'm have these nagging pains in my belly - they almost fill like stitch pains - and I don't know what it is. Is the band slipping, am I eating too much so its hurting, is it gas? I just have no idea. I'm so concerned about the thing that I'm scared to make bad decisions about anything, and I have these occasional aches and pains - and don't even get me started about the gas - and this weight is stuck on my body. It's very frustrating. I don't know what to do. It just seems like I went though a lot and it's not working out as I would have liked. Big bummer. On the other hand, I get lots of encouragement from this site and seeing other people's successes. Hopefully, one day, i'll have the same success as well. Thanks for listening.

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate all of your words of encouragement and insight. My doctor is fantastic and I do have great communication with him - he is just a little less aggressive than some others when it comes to the fills. All of my adjustments must be done under floro because I have a low profile band - therefore, it takes awhile to get the appointments. But, as several have suggested - I will call again on Monday. Also, someone mentioned losing 5 lbs a month that would be amazing! I'm not losing. That damn scale says the same thing EVERY WEEK! Hasn't moved since June 9. It's just really frustrating to think I've just been cut open and had a foreign object put in my body and at the end of the day, I'm eating less food -exercising the same amount and STILL not losing weight. I know, I know, i'll get restriction, it will be better but it's beginning to get difficult to see the forest for the trees right now. You guys are great. Thanks again for the words. I'll refer to your remarks when I get down on myself. In the meantime - time to hit the gym.

Hi All - I had my first band adjustment in June and I'm wondering when the second one should be scheduled? How many months apart do you have your adjustments? Please share. Thanks!

Forgot to mention...no bun with the burger. Ate it protein style. It was delicious too!

Thanks for the feedback. I had my first fill on 6/8. I have decent restriction - I am full for 3-5 hours between meals depending on what I eat - but, I don't have the limitations in terms of volume. For example, tonite I had a homemade sirloin burger with all the fixings (lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado) and a corn cob. I'm full now but, compared to others on here, it sounds like that's too much food. Some people don't have more than 1 cup of food - this was clearly more than one cup. And, although I'm keeping with the plan in terms of what I'm eating, the scale really isn't moving. I've lost maybe 2 lbs since the first fill. That's why I'm trying to determine if I need, and can I receive, another fill - how long in between fill appointments? Would love any other insights. Thanks.

Hi all - I'll be six weeks post-op on Thursday and will then be able to exercise without restriction. My question is, whenever I've just jogged or walked kinda quickly, i notice that my incisions are still a little tender. Even when I touch them they hurt a bit. Did this happen to you and if so, what did you do to begin working out without the discomfort? One of my friends mentioned getting those workout abdominal wraps so it provides some support while running. Any other suggestions? Thanks!

I'm with you guys on the hunger front. My tummy is definitely growling up a storm. I had a little Water and some creamy soup and it was delicious but, i'm trying to take it easy. We can do it. Just two days then we get more mashed potatoes again! :tongue2: BTW, how far are you guys out from your surgery. I was banded on 4/29. This thursday will be my 6th week which means its time to start hitting the gym. Have you started working out yet and if so, how's it going?

Hi There - I had the usual full work-up of tests prior to getting my band including the upper GI and a chest x-ray. No hiatal hernia was diagnosed. I went in to have my band, they gave me the anesthesia and when I woke up, the nurses told me I had a giant hiatal hernia. When I saw the doctor later in the day, he said it completely surprised him because it was completely undetected in any of my other tests. He said it was one of the largest he has ever seen. The weird thing is that I also didn't have any symptoms. I had occasional reflux and heartburn but nothing too major. So, the answer is yes this is something that can go undetected until the operation - it happened to me!

Hi all - I'm back from my first fill also and that was easy peezy! Definitely feel tighter. Drinking water is a challenge - I am definitely sipping slowly. I'm also on liquids for two days then mushies. He only put in 2.4 ccs. He tried to put in a little more but it was definitely way too tight - I could feel that barium sitting in my throat. yuck! So, I think I'm about at the right fill now. Hopefully the weight will start flying off! :tongue2: A girl can dream, right?!

I get my first fill tomorrow too. I'm so excited. Scale hasn't moved for more than 2 weeks so I'm ready for it. Also a little nervous but we can do this!!!!! Write back tomorrow and let us know how it goes.

Hey Heather - I get my first fill tomorrow also. I'm SO excited - can't wait to see that damn scale get off of 165.5!!!!! It's been that same number for 2 straight weeks. Anyway, my doctor advised me not to eat or drink anything 5 hours before my fill. So, absolutely don't do it - just in case. Also, not sure about you but mine will be done under an x-ray as well. I'm a tad bit nervous but everyone says that the fill isn't a big deal so, I'm hoping he'll put in LOTS of saline and it will go off without a hitch. Write us back tomorrow and let us know how it goes.

Hi Amber - I saw this post a few days ago and have been experiencing similar port-area pain as well and came back to see if you had any responses. I think you are right about this being scar tissue forming beneath the skin. I was banded 6 weeks ago and my pain is slight, feels almost like burning/itching but not on the skin...on the inside. Is your pain similar? Please send an update after your appointment next week.

I'm so excited to get my first fill next Tuesday. I can't wait. But, I'm concerned because I'm scheduled to go camping on Friday for the weekend - about 2 hours from my surgeon/hospital. I have a multi-part question: 1) Have you had issues a few days after your first fill - to the point where you needed to have some saline removed? 2) If you were me, would you go 2 hours away from your surgeon only 3 days after your first fill? (The concern is that my Dr. said if there is an issue - I would likely need to get back to the hospital that did the surgery as other hospitals will be hesitant to remove saline that they didn't insert. I welcome your thoughts.

Interesting conversation. I don't have anything to contribute as I'm only one month post-op and haven't yet had an adjustment. However, just wondering for those who have been stuck - how long, in general, does a stuck episode last? I see you're all able to identify the offending foods immediately, how long until it passes. Getting stuck is my greatest fear. I almost didn't get the surgery because of it. Others on the message board said that while it is painful, it's not so bad that its worth not having the surgery over. So, i'm curious about the "stuck" experience.

Hi all - I know my first fill is covered by my insurance but I was interested to hear if, in your experience, subsequent fills are also covered? I will call to confirm but just wondering as I have heard conflicting this about this. Thanks in advance for the input.

You should call your doctor to Make sure. My doctor advises no food or drink 5 hours before the fill. But, touch base with yours to make sure.

You can also try drinking a glass of milk between meals when you get really hungry. About 120 cal and a great source of protein. It can usually tide me over for a few hours till I can eat.

Howdy fellow bandsters. So, I'm three weeks post-op and moved to mashed/pureed foods about three days ago. I haven't been very adventurist, just one soft scrambled egg and a little avocado for breakfast, some mashed potatos for lunch and a yogurt for a snack. Last night, I had some hummus and a slice of tomato for dinner and my stomach hurt so badly I almost cried. Today, I had the exact same menu but no dinner yet and my stomach is killing me. I can't tell what it is - I feel fine all day until the evenings. Is it sharp hunger pangs? Is it something I'm eating? I don't have a fill yet so its not a restriction issue.I suppose I should add I've been consuming a lot of benefiber because I'm not having proper bowel movements. Its been 18 days and I can't seem to go. Maybe the additional fiber is the problem? I would welcome any thoughts. Thanks!!! :thumbup: