oreo4972

Well, I'm definitely relieved that I'm not the only one here that has had a "moody" band. I got a .5cc fill on Friday. I had no problem eating or drinking all weekend and this morning I woke up soooo tight that water wouldn't even go down. I PB'd, slimed, and regurgitated about 4 times over the course of 3 hours before I was able to take sips of water and eat a 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. As the day went on, my "moody" band has loosened up, but, boy, was that an experience! I'm on mushies now, and plan to stay on them for the next few days. I've been banded for 2 years this month and am used to the loose then tight "thing", but never so tight that water didn't wanna go down. Anybody else have this problem? Could it be because my tummy has to get used to the tighter band? Wonder if it will ease up or if I'll have to get a teeny unfill...ugghhh!!

If you like coffee (I LOVE the stuff!), I've found an espresso protein powder called Click. I enjoy it when I'm craving a coffeehouse drink, it gives me a little extra protein (14 grams), it's only 120 calories for a 14 oz. serving, and it tastes great!!! I have it hot or cold (mostly cold), and they have mocha and vanilla flavors, as well as decaf. When I'm really watching my calories, I mix it with water, but as a meal replacement, I use skim milk, ice, and sometimes a shot of SF French vanilla or caramel syrup for a flavor boost. So far, my favorite protein shake, but looking for others that don't have the "protein taste".

I've been banded for 2 years this month. It took about 8 months (with next to no weight loss) and 3 fills before I finally felt restriction. Since my surgery, I've lost 60 lbs. (from 245lbs to 193lbs) and want to lose 25-30 lbs. more. However, I've hit a serious plateau and my weight just doesn't want to budge!!! Uggghhhhh!!! I work out for 40 min. 3 times per week and walk 20-30 min 2 times per week and have been doing so FAITHFULLY for the past 7 weeks. I currently have 7cc's in my 10cc band. I'm noticing that I can eat more than usual and am getting hungry between meals more frequently (I'm starving in the morning). I want to get a "little fill", but am a littled worried because a) I'm embarrassed because I haven't met my goal yet and because I still have occasional "stuck" episodes/PB's and am afraid It'll happen more frequently. My husband doesn't like the idea because he doesn't like to see what I go through when food doesn't want to go down. But I'm getting discouraged by my snail like weight loss. Any suggestions? P.S. Sorry for such a long post.

Well, I made an appointment on 6/29 to get another fill and I can't wait!!! I hope this fill will bring me back into the "green zone" as I've slowly slipped back into the "yellow zone". My PCP told me that my band may be a little looser due to the weight that I have lost, resulting in my ability to eat more and not staying full. Guess I'll find out after next Friday. I've been making myself be more conscious as I eat - taking even smaller bites and chewing even more thoroughly as I am fully aware that I'll be a little tighter and will need to be more careful when I eat after my fill. Hope the next week goes by quickly!!! Lol.

KimJ384 you've made me feel sooo much better. I talked to my husband and we've decided that I'll go for another fill. I'll be the first to admit that I could take smaller bites and wait longer between bites. I am definitely guilty of eating too fast because I'm always hungry! Hearing of your weight loss after your fill is very encouraging. I'll definitely be making my appointment tomorrow. Singingmom, PB'ing is "productive burping".

Don't feel bad. I, too, have also lost (only) 40 lbs. and I am 9 months post banding. Same as you, I have to try to make myself stop saying "only" 40 lbs. I feel better than the heavier me, and I'm looking better - slooooowwwwwllllyyyy (lol). I have 8cc's in a 10 cc band and eat between 1 - 1 1/2 cups of food at mealtime. I eat 3 small meals and have 2-3 snacks per day. I have only recently (within the last month) started a 3 day per week exercise program and try to walk at least three days per week for 20-30 minutes. Eating small, healthy portions is not a problem for me. I am a nurse and am on my feet for 7-9 hours per day, 5 days a week, so when I get home, usually the last thing on my mind is exercise! However, I push myself through it. Getting another fill anytime soon is not an option for me right now. I am already pretty tight. I have to chew, chew, chew and eat very small bites. Some days, I don't seem to want to eat much, then other days, it seems like I'm hungry every 2-3 hours. I try to drink more on my "hungry" days. I am trying to learn to stop comparing myself to other "bandsters" and stop beating myself up because I haven't lost a HUGE amount of weight and be thankful for what I HAVE lost and that it is because of what I HAVE lost that I have been able to come off of my blood pressure medication, that my cholesterol is back down, I haven't had an asthma attack in over 5 months, I no longer have acid reflux, nor do I have to sleep on my CPAP at night. Not to mention the fact that I am down 4 dress sizes and I don't look sick, tired, or ragged due to extreme weight loss. It took me 14 years to gain almost 100 lbs., I don't intend to lose it in one year! I get frustrated, but NEVER regret getting banded. It is still a learning process for me and I am glad and thankful for having it. It has definitely become a tool to help me avoid overeating. I wish you the best of luck. Keep your head up and keep on trying. Everyone isn't the same. We all gained the weight at different rates of speed and time, and we will lose it the same way. Take care and keep up the good work.

First of all, I must correct my surgery date which was not June 2010, but July 2010. I started at 235 lbs. day of surgery (240 lbs. when I started my one week pre-op diet). I just got my 5th fill last Monday (1/10/11). I am currently at 7cc's and can eat anywhere from 1 - 1 1/2 cups of food at each meal. I am eating 2-3 small, high protein snacks in between meals and no longer feel hungry between meals (unless I skip a meal). Since my fill last week, I've lost 6 lbs. and am down from 215 lbs. to 209 lbs. I finally made my 30 lb. weight loss goal! My new mini goal is to be under 200 lbs. (I have 10 lbs. to lose to meet that goal) by the end of February. Wish me luck!

I was banded in June of this year. My starting weight was 235 lbs. To date, I have had 3 fills (6 cc's in a 10 cc band) and have very little restriction. Not too many foods give me a hard time where most of my banded friends complain that they can hardly eat anything without it gutting stuck (bread, rice, pasta, beef, chicken). So far, the only things that have given me a problem are fresh white bread, peanut butter, chicken breasts, and raw celery. Everything else is pretty much fair game. I DO have to chew my food VERY thoroughly and take smaller bites, but I can still eat a regularly portioned meal (on a dinner plate). All of my other banded friends are eating the amount of food on a salad plate or less! When I get my fills, it seems as though I am restricted for about 3-5 days and then I am right back to being able to eat a dinner plate portion of food within about a week. If I try to cut back on my portions, I get SOOO hungry between meals (generally within 1-2 hours) and get light-headed and get headaches. Since my surgery, I have lost 20 lbs. and that's it. I can FEEL and SEE a difference in my clothes, and I do have more energy, but I am just SOOO FRUSTRATED! I want to find my "sweet spot", too! My next appt. is on 11/1/10. Hopefully that fill will bring me closer to where I want to be. Wish me luck! :thumbup:

I was banded on July 21, 2010. My surgeon didn't give me my first fill until August 28th. At that time, I was given 3cc's. I could tell that something was different when I ate, but had VERY little restriction. I could still eat a nice sized plate of food if I was hungry. My starting weight was 240 lbs. (I am 5'1"). I got another fill in September (1cc), another in October (1.5cc's), and another in November (.5cc). Between my first fill and my November fill, I went from 240lbs., to 220 lbs. Over the holidays, I yo-yo'd 5lbs. So, I went back to my surgeon on January 10th, 2011, and although I was down from my previous 220lbs. to 215lbs., I was very upset that I was still able to eat pretty regular portions. Although I could no longer eat seconds, I still wasn't feeling the restriction and satiety that I was looking for. I was given another 1cc, which now has me up to 7cc's (I have a 10cc band). I think I have FINALLY hit my "sweet spot"! I have lost 6 lbs. since last Mondays appointment (down to 209 lbs. - yeaaahhh!) I am now eating about 1 - 1 1/2 c. of food per meal. I do eat 2-3 small high Protein Snacks per day. My surgeon and dietician don't require their patients to go on a liquid diet after fills. They don't believe in liquid diets at all. I was eating soft (mushy) foods 2 days post-op, and eating a full diet by day 5 post-op and have had NO problems whatsoever. I have been given no "off limit" foods, but of course, have to use common sense if I want to lose weight and make sure I get enough nutrients. I either have a cup of oatmeal or Cream of Wheat or a scrambled egg and two pieces of turkey bacon for Breakfast (with coffee - gotta have it), a salad or a small portion (about 1 1/2 c) of whatever was for dinner the night before for lunch, and then I have a balanced dinner (on a salad plate) with my snacks in between. Snack are usually, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese slices with apple or pear slices, nuts,or hummus with celery or pita chips. I also take a chewable Multivitamin every evening and 2 Tbsp. of liquid Calcium with Vitamin D (1 Tbsp. twice daily). I, too, have felt the frustration of hunger after the first initial fills. Trust me, you will get to your "sweet spot" and you will know when you're there and it'll feel sooo good. Be patient, communicate with your surgeon and dietician, and make sure you're getting plenty of protein and an adequate amount of Fiber. Sometimes it takes several fills before you get to the point where you're satisfied after a few bites. Also remember that it is very, very important to chew, chew, chew very good. Often times, banded patients say "I can't eat this" or "I can't eat that" when more times than not, they had a hard time getting certain foods down due to heavier, chewier, or drier textures because they just didn't chew, chew, chew (or took too big of a bite). I'm not only a patient, but I'm also a nurse. I wish you the best of luck and MUCH SUCCESS. You WILL get there. It takes time. We didn't get the way we are overnight. It was a long process for us to become overweight and out of shape. It takes time and effort to reverse some of the damage we've done to ourselves. It IS possible. The band is the tool we needed to help us with our unhealthy eating habits. Again, good luck!

I was banded in June of this year and have had three fills so far. I am currently up to 6 cc's in a 10 cc band and I have VERY LITTLE restriction. I understand your frustration as I have (only) lost 20 lbs. and can still eat a plate of food (not heaping, just regular portions). I am satisfied after one serving, but I get hungry frequently between meals. When I try to force my self to eat much smaller portions, I feel like I'm starving and want to eat everything!!! Some of my friends who are also banded tell me that it takes time to find your "sweet spot" and that once you do, you'll be on a roll. I just wish that I, too, could get full off of a salad plate portion of food. Hopefully, we'll get there soon! Good luck. :thumbup:

I was banded on July 20th. My surgery took about an hour and went very well. I also had a hiatal hernia repair. Surgery was over before 10AM and I was taken to my room shortly before noon. I was up and walking before 1pm. Walking REALLY helps with all of the gas discomfort. My surgeon only put in 1cc of fluid. I had a liquid lunch and liquid dinner on the day of surgery and tolerated that very well, so I was advanced to full liquid today when I was discharged. I had Cream of Wheat and some V8 Fusion juice at lunch. My dietician told me that I can advance to mushy food by day 7, then slowly advance to the next level as tolerated. The only pain I really have is the largest incision site (my port is there). My abdominal muscles are very sore (like I overdid it on some ab exercises),but I'm getting around very well (again, moving helps to get rid of the gas the put in your belly). I actually felt hungry this evening and had some butternut squash soup with some protein powder in it and some Crystal Light in water (8 oz.) Anyhoo...I hope that by sharing my experience, it will help with any curious questions anyone may have. Good luck to all bandsters!:thumbup:

My dietician advised me to advance as tolerated and told me that I could begin soft foods before Day 7 if I found that I was staying hungry and as long as I could handle4 it. Yesterday morning, I had 4Tbsp. of scrambled egg whites and 3Tbsp. of corned beef hash for breakfast and did very well. I've been making protein smoothies 3 times a day(between meals) with the Unjury unflavored powder and a stick of unflavored Benefiber. Lunch and dinner has been creamed soups or Cream of Wheat. I have also put some bean soups (like bean w/bacon or split pea) in my food processor to break it down a bit and have had no problem. I usually eat about a cup of soup then have a yogurt or Jello-O.

Well, I'm four days post-op now and feeling pretty da*n good! I'm still a bit sore on the right side where my port is, but my swollen belly is going down finally! Yeah! I can see my toes again! Still having a little gas pain here and there, mainly right smack in the middle of my chest. Walking and standing with my arms over my head usually helps and usually ends with a huge belch (was that TMI?). Went school shopping for my sons today. Did good, but getting in and out of my Jeep became a pain after about 3 hours. I haven't used my pain med in two days but seem to be living on Gas-X strips. My surgeon used skin adhesive, so I'm able to take a quick shower each day as long as I don't let my incision sites get soaked and I pat them dry real good. And boy, are they itchy!!! I've been wearing an abdominal binder during the day to support my muscles when I sit/stand or lie down/get up. It really helps. My abdomen is definitely less sore at the end of the day. As for my diet, my surgeon and dietician had me on clear liquids on Day 1, then full liquids after that for a week, but I was given the okay to advance slowly as tolerated before the week is up if I stay hungry. I've been doing great on the full liquids, and drinking protein shakes 3 times a day, but find that I am feeling hungry after 2-3 hours. I may try some soft scrambled eggs in the AM. I go for my first follow-up next Wednesday (7/28) and hope I can get my first fill since I only have about 1 cc of fluid and feel no restriction at all! So far, my experience has been awesome. I can't wait to see how I'll feel (and how much I lose) in the next month or so. Will keep you posted. Good luck to all of you.:smile2:

Hello! I've been on my pre-op diet for 12 days and although it has been difficult at times, even these last 12 days have been rewarding. I've lost 6 pounds, which I know isn't a whole lot, but I can feel the difference in my clothes, and I have felt less sluggish. My surgery is scheduled on 7/20 with Dr. Javier Herrerra at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL. I'm geting a little nervous, but soooo excited to begin this new chapter of my life. I am a 38 year "young" mother of two sons ages 14 and 9 and have been battling with my weight since after the birth of my first son. In the last fifteen years, I have been married, had two wonderful sons, become a nurse, gotten divorced and gained nearly 100 lbs. I went from 140 lbs. at age 23 to 235 lbs. at age 38. I look forward to living a healthier, more active life without blood pressure meds, GERD meds, elevated blood glucose levels, and maybe even without my CPAP machine! :smile: