MellieW

Thanks, eko and Jen, for your replies. You're right, Jen, this band can make you feel like you're losing your mind at times, so it's nice to know I'm not the only one experiencing this phenomena. It was just a bit unsettling that I was completely open yesterday after being completely closed off for the better part of 4 days. It's just scary to think after 7 months and 5cc's that I still don't have any real or lasting restriction. It seems I'll never find that ever elusive "sweet spot" other bandsters speak of.

So I've decided my band is possessed. I'm 7 mos post op and am finally feeling restriction with approx 5 cc in my 10 cc band. I went in last Friday for a small fill (between 1/4 cc and 1/2 cc) and since then I have been very tight.... so tight, in fact, I seriously considered going back to get a slight unfill Monday morning because I was getting stuck on my Water and bringing most everything (mushies or liquids only), including my water, back up. I decided to give it a couple days though thinking swelling could be contributing to the tightness as well as the small adjustment. Because the last couple days were so rough I decided yesterday morning that I would stick to liquids only. While I was able to slowly get my water in, I wasn't able to eat until late afternoon/late evening and then it took me over an hour and a half to get down a can of chicken noodle Soup (without the noodles) and about a hour to get a Protein shake in. It was a fairly miserable day but I didn't bring anything back up so I felt triumphant. Today, however, I'm completely wide open! I woke up this morning and, as I normally do, got my water bottle and started very slowly. I took small sips to test my band and I could feel that it was draining slowly but it was going down. As the day has progressed that clogged drain feeling as completely subsided so I thought I'd try eating. I started very slowly with yogurt and again, that went down very easily. So, this evening I thought I'd give dinner a try and, miraculously it seems, I had absolutely no issue getting anything down! Although I took small bites I didn't have to take itsy bitsy bites as I've had to do over the last few days and I was able to eat 2.5 oz of chicken and a small side of okra in about 25minutes with absolutely no problem! It doesn't feel like I've even had an adjustment now! Has anyone else ever experienced this?? I'm completely baffled how overnight I have literally gone from bringing up everything I take in to being so open that I can eat solids as though I don't have a band! What the heck? I'd love to hear from anyone who has experienced this as well. I guess I'm a little nervous about whether this is "normal" or not. I was terribly concerned about all the throwing up I'd been doing over the last 4 days so now I guess I might be worried something has happened to my band although I know that's not likely, as I'm not having any pain or symptoms of a slipped band. I guess I just need reassurance that this can happen and all is well. Anyone else have this bizarre band experience??

I don't see where you say you are struggling with hunger. In fact, you admit that you have decent restriction. I can tell you, as many others can, that being too tight isn't much fun. I'd recommend hanging out with what you have for a while since you are consistently losing at a really good rate and not struggling with hunger. I wouldn't judge your restriction by what others have in their band because the "sweet spot" is different for everyone. I only have 3.75cc's (in a 10cc lapband) and I'm at what I would consider my sweet spot, but for someone else that may be 8cc's. I would agree with the other posters who say keep doing what you're doing for now and trust your doc. When you start struggling with hunger then go back and have the conversation BetsyB recommended if he still refuses to give you a fill. BTW, congrats on the great weight loss, you're doing a fantastic job! :thumbup:

I know every Doc is different, but that seems pretty aggressive to me. My surgeon won't give the first fill until 6 weeks post-op and then it was just 1cc. My fills have been 1cc, 1.5cc's, and 1.25cc's and I have great restriction at this point. It seems that those with less conservative Doc's tend to have more issues short term and I wonder how that will translate long term. I know we all want that restriction, but maybe you could talk to your surgeon and ask for less aggressive fills in the future. I hope you feel better soon!

I love my Wii Fit Plus! I also have the EA Sports Active and have asked "Santa" for Zumba and Just Dance 2. I love the yoga on the Wii Fit Plus, it's a great 30 min. warm up.

I had a similar problem with a new scale I bought prior to surgery. It would fluctuate 4 or 5 lbs in a matter of minutes and, although it was fluctuating on the lighter side, I knew I hadn't lost 9 lbs overnight. I finally exchanged it for the WW Glass Body Analysis Scale and it seems to work well.

I think it's wonderful that you are happy with your decision to have bariatric surgery and want to share your experience, but unless someone asks, I think it's rude to just go up to a total stranger and suggest they have bariatric surgery. It's difficult enough to feel good about ourselves when we are overweight without a total stranger commenting on it publicly. Personally, I'd be terribly offended and would likely tell you off over my scrambled eggs and bacon. Perhaps you could have a shirt made up that says "I lost 77 lbs and feel great! Ask me how!" and let those who are interested ask. Otherwise, I wouldn't presume total strangers want my opinion on their weight.

I love tacos(!!!) and we have them every couple months. Because I try to eat low carb, I allow myself 1 tostada shell (55 cals and 6 carbs) and I'm usually satisfied. But, if I'm still hungry I'll have a small taco salad. Life without Mexican food just wouldn't be worth living.

Hi everyone. I thought I'd join in since I was banded on Sept 21, 2010. I hope everyone is happy and well. 1. how many cc's you have in your band? I had my 3rd fill last week bringing me to a total of 3.75cc. 2. do you feel you have restriction- what does that mean for you? I do have restriction...maybe too much. I'm having trouble getting solids down and getting stuck quite often. I have another adjustment appointment next Wed and instead of a fill I may get a slight unfill. 3. are your calories tending to stay below like 1600? (or what are your calories generally.) I keep my calories between 850-950 cals and my Protein at least 80 grams. 4. what is your weight loss like? It's been steady. I lose an average of 3 lbs a week and I'm happy with that. 5. are you hungry between meals? Not since my last fill, but until then, yes, I was hungry about 2.5-3 hours after eating. 6. are you exercising, and how much? I exercise at least 3x a week. I'd like to work out more often, but I have trouble with my right knee so I'm trying to find a schedule that will promote weight loss but not cause pain to my knee. Right now I'm doing a combination of wii fit yoga and the treadmill. 7. how much Water are you drinking? Not nearly enough. I'm averaging about 32 oz a day. I'm trying to get more in but I can't seem to do the 64 ounces.

Yuck! That sounds miserable! I got a fill last Monday and have been almost too tight since, though I can keep food down, and I know I'm frustrated trying to eat, so I can imagine how you must be feeling dealing with months of that. Is there anything your surgeon can do about it? Could it be the positioning of the band? Either way, I hope things get easier for you soon.

I use the one on myfitnesspal.com. It seems to be fairly accurate.

I stay between 850 and 950 and seem to lose well there, but I also eat low carb. I log everything at myfitnesspal and it's a huge help keeping track of everything that passes my lips.

I'm almost 11 weeks post op and still have port pain from time to time. I've spoken to the PA at my surgeons office and she said that's fairly typical at this point but should lessen over time. If not, then he may have to relocate my port. I recommend you talk to your surgeon or PA just to make sure the level of discomfort you're experiencing is normal. I'd hate to see you go on thinking it's typical at this stage of post op when you may have a problem that needs to be addressed.

I love both www.bariatriceating.com and www.eatingwelllivingthin.wordpress.com. Linda's recipes have been a life saver for me since having surgery. Youtube is another great resource. I also peek in on www.obesityhelp.com from time to time, although they can get a bit snarky for my liking.

I was only given 1cc at my first adjustment appointment and I had to wait 6 weeks post op for that. Typically, they don't like to give adjustments any sooner than every 4 weeks, but the way the holidays have fallen I've gotten mine about every 3 weeks. My first adjustment was 1 cc, the second was 1.5cc, and my last adjustment was 1.25cc's, and I seem to have great restriction with that. My surgeon doesn't give fills during surgery either because he believes tightening the band around an already swollen stomach can lead to erosion. The fact that he's a bit on the conservative side is, in part, the reason I chose him. I agree with msdeevee, slow and steady works for me.

I have about 3.75 cc and I'm almost too tight. I just got another fill last Monday (6 days ago) so I'm hoping it'll loosen a bit and I'll have just enough restriction.

I had an EAS protein shake at 5:30 this morning, as my band is very tight in the a.m, and 2 hard boiled (deviled) eggs and 2 jimmy dean turkey sausage patties at noon.

My doctor recommends this same way of eating, Elfie. The only time I eat just 1 cup is if I'm having Soup (with very little/no broth) or refried Beans and cheese for lunch.

I agree with others that pain is relative. I didn't have any pain at all and the gas in the shoulder didn't start for me until day 4 and even then it wasn't that bad. But, I also understand not everyone will have the same experience I did. I think if you find you need pain meds you should take them. There is no point in needless suffering. I hope things get better for you soon.

B~ EAS strawberry Creme shake AM Snack~ 2/3c chicken salad L~ 4 oz of leftover BE Orange Chicken D~ 4oz BE Chicken Cordon Bleu and 1/2c steamed broccoli 942 cals 49 carbs 43 fat 81 Protein

I sincerely hope I don't get any colder after weight loss. I freeze now, as it is! Because I can layer and layer and still freeze, I've had my thyroid tested many times over the years and they always tell me everything seems normal. My poor husband disagrees. He tells me all the time it isn't "normal" that my hands and feet feel like ice blocks. I just can't imagine being any colder than I am now. :thumbup:

I've always had a weakness for Kettle brand Baked Salt and Vinegar chips. I have only had them once since I was banded and I allowed myself 6 chips. It was enough to kill the craving and didn't seem to affect my weight loss at all. :thumbup:

Ahhh, what I'd give to be in Onederland again within 6 months! It must feel great! Keep up the hard work and you'll be at goal before you know it! :laugh:

That's fantastic, cynpatt, and so inspiring! Keep up the great work! :laugh:

I was banded 9/21/10 and mine are reddish purple. I also use Vitamin E oil but I was told it's not so much about what you put in them, it's just the act of rubbing them a couple times a day that makes them heal nicely.