Birinak

Don't worry yourself too much over the stories of shoulder pain after 6+ months. Obviously, people who are afflicted in this way are going to respond in high numbers to sympathize or share their stories, more than those bandsters for whom it hasn't been much of a problem. I too had shoulder pain after surgery. Ugh, I really hated it. Massages didn't help; it just made my shoulder sore after days of massaging it at one spot. I really dislike taking pills (even tylenol for headaches), but I was definitely taking my post-op pain pills regularly for the shoulder pain. Anyway, after reading these horrible experiences that other bandsters were having, I thought that I too would have to live with the pain. I would almost always get the pain after eating a few bites. But, after about 3-4 weeks, it went away. Since then, I've again experienced a very slight shoulder pain only one or two times after eating over the past 5 months, but it lasted for only a few minutes. Left shoulder pain seems to be very common after this surgery, but pain persisting after several months not so much. Hopefully, even if you do get the pain after many months, it'll only be when you overeat. To those who endure persistent shoulder pain a long time after surgery, I really do feel for you.

I think I know which thread you're talking about. If it is that one, then I don't really understand why you'd be motivated to leave because of it. The only thing that I saw was one slightly rude response from one of the tens of people who replied. The response didn't consist of insults or cursing, but just unwanted chastisement. Rude, but not greatly offensive. And so many (the vast majority) of the responses were encouraging and kind. A few people even called that one person out for their rudeness, on your behalf. I've seen a few message boards on other sites and, in comparison, this one is definitely amazingly supportive. After sharing a personal failure with others, if the responder offers unconstructive or unwanted criticism, which they did in this case, you should just put that person in their place without taking the offense so much to heart. Again, maybe that wasn't the thread that you're talking about. I didn't see any other of your threads with a rude response. I've seen some rude responses on the board in general, but nothing that even approaches "the most heartless." Politeness is great, but I don't think that we should all be walking on egg shells when we interact with other people. I feel like people are getting a little too sensitive or take offense too easily. We can hardly have an honest and real discussion without fear of causing offense. I guess I'd just add: judge the board by the majority, as you would any group of people.

Yeah, the nurse at my clinic estimated that 99% of their patients have a hiatal hernia, which is then fixed at the time of surgery. I too had a (medium-sized) hernia fixed. Weirdly enough, I had seen a few different doctors over the past 6 years about chest & radiating back pain, mostly waking me up early in the morning. I was told that it was just gas (or they didn't know what) and it turns out all along it was the hernia! I'd gotten so used to living with the attacks about 2-3 times a week. I definitely don't miss it though!

To those who haven't gotten their periods since surgery: me too! I had my surgery on August 26th. My periods are ALWAYS regular (and heavy). I should've gotten my period a week ago max.. I'm not really surprised because I know that surgery is a large stress on the body and can affect periods, but since this has never happened before, it's weirding me out a little. Makes me feel wary! Plus, I don't even know when to expect the next one now.

I don't understand this misconception. When people skip ahead against their doctor's orders, they always say: "Well, I guess it's okay because I haven't gained any weight" or " because I feel fine." You guys should really, really research more on the lapband (in all areas), so that you don't do yourself harm. The purpose of the post-op stages is not for weight-loss. One reason for the stages are to go easy on your stomach. Scar tissue is supposed to build around your band in order to hold it in place and keep it from slipping later on. You are disrupting that process by making your stomach digest food that it's not supposed to. If you give your stomach too much work when you're supposed to be on liquids or mushies, you may cause a slipped band even a year from now.

A 1000 calorie diet is great! It should be enough to lose 1-2 pounds a week at this point. Most normal-bmi women consume about 1300-1500 calories a day. There is no way we were consuming less than 1800 (more likely 2000+) calories before this, so I think you should just keep it at that until you have restriction. As for carbs, I highly doubt your nurse meant NO carbs. You would die without carbs. Our brains require about 130 grams of carbs to function. The negative effects (slower response-times, worse test results) of not meeting this level become apparent after a week of carb-deficiency (<130g). I think your nurse meant no carbs from the usual grain sources: bread, rice, Pasta, even oats. I think you should try getting carbs from legumes and Beans (lentils, chick-peas, etc.), and other vegetables. As a vegetarian, pre-band, I healthily lost 60 pounds in four months on a low-carb diet on legumes/beans for both Protein and carbs. Of course, as soon as I stopped the diet, I gained it back, but thankfully we have the band to help (when it kicks in). I'm not advocating for you to be vegetarian. You should also eat meat for protein. This is mainly to supply your body with its required carbs.

You had the same surgery day as me. I also had a hiatal hernia. Supposedly, 90 percent of lapband patients have that particular hernia. It's probably because most patients are obese. I also suspect some added swelling at the site of the hernia. Nice to meet you and good luck, Band-Twin!

I'm a week post-op and I'm still not quite hungry. I can feel my stomach growl a few hours after a meal, but then I eat something small (e.g. 1 cup full liquid Soup or 100g yogurt) and I'm fine for another 3-4 hours. I did have a fill during surgery, but people usually need a couple fills at least to get restriction. Are people's stomachs still swollen after a week? Do you think it is possibly the fill that's keeping me satisfied or is it stomach swelling? Also, I haven't gotten sick yet, even after having two cups of cream soup once, so it makes me think the fill wasn't enough to give me restriction. I do sometimes get shoulder pain when I eat (but also at random times). I guess I won't really know if I have restriction until I'm at mushies. So, the main question is: when did you enter Bandster Hell? I'm really hoping that I've skipped it altogether, but I kinda doubt it!

I agree that it's really not their place to scold an adult, especially since it is ultimately your choice what you eat. However, it's possible that they feel that you are making poor food choices and this won't just suddenly stop after restriction. Even the band (under restriction) won't be able to stop the worst foods, only portions. When you say that you "try to watch what you eat (but not perfect)," are you keeping track of how often you slip? When we're in diet-mode, sometimes we mentally emphasize the good days and diminish the frequency and severity of the slips. This especially happens when we take bites here and there. Therefore, we feel like we were mostly good with our choices, when, in reality, our slips/bites are adding up. This used to be a problem for me because I did most of my eating standing up and snacking. Maybe counting your calories up weekly as well will inform you as to your general trend and tell you if you're consuming more energy than you expend. If you are making the right food choices, and it's just a matter of portions, I'd say that's what the band is for, and soon enough you'll be dropping weight. I really hope they don't refuse you a fill when it may be what helps you.

Well, it seems that several people who have had the band for quite a while say that bandster hell didn't start until even 6 weeks post-op and lasted until their third or fouth fill. I.E. they felt fine until several weeks post-op. I'm not sure most people are referring to surgery gas pain, diarrhea, or just the distaste toward broth in the clear liquid stage. I think that's just what's involved in surgery recovery. I think "bandster hell" specifically refers to the period before you achieve restriction and are literally hungry from eating a half-cup to a cup of food only.

I've been reading the posts on this site (but not participating) for a few months so far. In fact, I feel as if I've gotten to know many of you regular posters although you know little about me! Anyway, I'm pretty familiar with the usual bandster terminology, challenges, and experiences. I'm just waiting to see which experiences will apply to me (e.g. I would like to pass on the slipped-band experience!).

Btrieger: wow, I just looked at your before and after pics. That's an amazing weight loss! Thanks, everyone, for your input. I see that many people entered bandster hell after several weeks. I'm still hoping this surgery fill will be enough to stop hunger. My surgeon did say that he gave me what he thought was an optimal amount. Otherwise, I'm set to enter bandster hell during midterms!

Thanks for the encouragement, ConservaChick! Congrats on your great progress so far.

From what I've read, Bandster Hell is the period before you reach restriction. I heard this hunger period can last until 3-6 fills even. Essentially, you're on a diet like before the band, even though you have a band. I.e. You are still hungry after 1 cup of food, but you're eating only 1 cup through will power. Many people say that they can eat what they want still and HOW MUCH they want without getting sick.

I'm not quite in a position to advise anyone on physical activity. However, I asked my mom for advice on low impact/seated exercise. She's amazingly fit and trim, unlike me. I know that swimming is usually recommended as a low impact activity for people with limited mobility or weak/injured joints. Personally, I would love to swim, but at this point I'm too self-concious to be seen in a swimming suit. This may not be a problem for you though. If it is, there may be special times at your local community pool set aside for people with injuries, like how they do for senior citizens etc.. The pool will be more empty then. Also, there are exercise machines that do not require standing or movement of the legs. As one example, how about those seated rowing machines at some gyms? They are excellent for cardio and muscle-building. Of course, sit-ups are another seated alternative. Also, weight-training machines like chest presses can help you burn calories and build muscle (which will also speed weight loss). I'm really sorry for your wife's and your loss. Also, for needing major knee surgery. I think you and your wife need someone you can talk to for emotionally recovery and so that you don't fall back on food for comfort too much. Please don't be upset with yourself. Many people gain large amounts of weight after personal tragedy and mobility-limiting injuries/surgeries. You lost 100 pounds once. You should take it as proof that you absolutely can do it again. Take it slow at first until you get in the hang of things again. In terms of diet, you should probably follow what worked for you the first time as long as it was healthy and sustainable. I'm rooting for you.

I'm not sure if anyone here has seen the Canadian show X-Weighted. On one episode, there was a morbidly obese woman (228 pounds @ 5 foot 1; BMI 43) as the participant. She (not surprisingly) did horrible on her fitness assessment. It turned out she worked as a Fitness Trainer for Curves and she was extremely defensive about the program until the end. That alone tells me enough. Maybe Curves works for some people (somehow), but these kind of circuit gyms are extremely inefficient. Why waste your time when a walk/jog outside is free and faster?