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I've brought this up before, but want to know what more people think about my situation. 1) had 3 fills 1st-1cc, 2nd-1cc=2cc, 3rd-lost .3cc so back up to 2cc I do not feel any different than before and have lost no weight since right after banding in April. I had upper GI done last Monday which showed barium going right through (rather quickly I might add), so even the radiologist knew right away I did not have enough restriction. My dilemma is....should I ask for another fill free or at reduced price? I feel like I paid for the same fill twice. He never took me over 2cc. Even if at my 3rd fill, he had taken me to 2.1cc, I wouldn't feel this way. Also, is .3 loss after 4-6 weeks normal?

I'm three weeks post op and have a rash going on too. I saw my doctor this past week and he didn't know what it was but put me on antibiotics just in case. He told me not to put any lotions on my stomach but to take Benadryl instead. It relieves the horrible itching but also makes me very sleepy.

When I woke up from anesthesia, I was hungry, I didn't feel sick I wasnt sure if that was normal... You are soooo lucky. When I woke up from surgery all I could think about was the stabbing gas pain in my left shoulder. You got off easy! LOL I am having a hard time differentiating between head hunger and real stomach hunger. I am trying to sit with the feeling but when a person has eaten to "complete fullness" it is hard. All of us bandsters know how hard it is to make the changes necessary to reach our goal. Some are better at overcoming our old habits than others. I would suggest that you keep trying and pay attention to what works for you. Don't compare yourself to others and don't sabotage yourself by beating yourself up when you don't "measure up." Remember that each of us is on our own personal journey. You will lose as fast - or as slow - as you are willing or able to. It does require sacrifice and perseverance. "Bandster Hell" is just down the road for you. Read up on it on this forum so you know what it is when it happens and understand that it is a "temporary state". You will get better with the "head hunger" and "stomach hunger" the closer you get to your sweet spot. Please know that getting there can take several months and many fills. (But that is not written in stone - it depends on the person and how liberal their doc is with fills. You just might be one of the lucky ones.) I am bombarded with sights when I go to the store, tv ads about food everything seems amplified!!! How about you fight fire with fire and start doing some reading about changing your diet, achieving better health, exercise and overcoming emotional eating. If you can be effected by the sights you see at the store and tv ads, why can't you be effected by things that will make your lapband journey successful? YOU have the power to change what you see most often. Bet there are no ads for Cookies and cakes in an exercise video. Did you know that if you travel around the outer rim of a grocery store you will find that, that's where the vegetables and grains and dairy and Proteins are? Take a look. The cookies and sweet cereals and stuff like that are almost always together. You don't HAVE to go down that aisle at all. YOU ARE IN CONTROL - accept it. This band is a "tool" that can change your life IF you are willing to do your part. I have never realized how much my life revolves around food! I cant keep my mind off it. I bought a small note book to log what I eat. I am still recovering but I feel like I am "when can I eat again?" Look at you! You are learning already. YAY! That feeling of "when can I eat again" will subside when you are thinking about food differently. That will take time but you can get there. While you are logging what you eat try writing what you are feeling as well. After some time has passed go back and read how you were feeling when you ate a particular food and see if you still feel that way. Make note of the changes you are seeing in yourself. Take a risk every now and again and don't give in to the urge to eat something that you KNOW won't get you to your goal. Write about how you are feeling. And, most important, when you don't give in to the urge for something unhealthy, give yourself credit for changing and recognize that YOU have the power to change yourself. You can do this! And the band can be a great tool to get you there. And finally, three things: 1. Remember, the lapband is a "tool" not a miracle worker. You get out of it what you are willing to put in. 2. Don't beat yourself up. When you falter, start again. As you get restriction you will have fewer slips. 3. Read this forum, it is full of useful information and great people. Use this forum to your advantage. Take what you can use and leave the rest behind. (That includes my post too! LOL) All the best to you on your journey. Keep the faith!

Two things happened today! We paid for our procedures. So it seems like the surgeries are REALLY going to happen now. And we had to start our 2 week low-carb diet. I can go days without eating meat. Just give me potatoes, bread, rice, and pasta! So this is a big adjustment to me. I can't have sugar. And I can't have fruit! Just meats, cheeses, and veggies - excluding corn, peas, and taters, of course. Thus far, my co-worker sitting 5 feet away from me who knows about the surgery has taunted me by eating popcorn, a big bowl of fruit, and an ice cream sandwich. I want to throw things at her! Not even 24 hours in and I'm already being a big 'ol baby! Does anyone have any tips on things I can bring to work to eat for lunch and snack on? I have to eat at my desk and get about 5 minutes max to heat things up, so I'm at a loss on what to get, especially with fruits being out. What did you eat on the low-carb diet, if you were put on one? Sorry, just had to whine there for a bit! :smile2:

Sounds like general post-op swelling but if you're not getting any liquids down, you really should call the doctor. Don't drink then go lie down. It will come back up and you will not enjoy it. Take smaller sips instead of doing half a glass at a time. For the first few weeks after my surgery I could feel and hear the sloshing sound of water sitting above my band in my stomach when I walked.

Hello! I'm so glad I found this form! I been reading for a couple week. I've talked about having weight loss surgery for the past 2 years and the last couple months I guess you would say I've hit rock bottom. I attended my first seminar class and it only pumped me up even more. I'm still waiting for the doctors office to call me back with a consultation with the surgeon. Luckily they have been wonderful with trying to fit all my appointments in on one day since I'm traveling 4 hours. Before the seminar I was dead set on having the lap band because I was terrified to have most of my stomach removed. I had this thought that what happened if I get sick and something bad happened a to the remaining part of my stomach. After the seminar I felt lead to do more research on the sleeve. Even though my mind isn't 100 % made up I still feel lead to have the sleeve! A few questions I wasn't able to find is with my insurance BCBS TN they require you to lose 10% of your weight before they do surgery. I'm very nervous because I feel like that will be the only thing holding me back. I haven't met with the nutritionist yet so hopefully she will be able to help me. Any advice so I can start?? Thanks in advance! I'm sure I will have more questions!

Hey there - you and I share surgery dates! It must be normal (or not uncommon) to have a stall at this stage. I just recently had what felt like a nearly 3-week stall where I was hovering at 280, maybe up or down a pound on any given day. That finally broke about a week ago - which is also when I had a follow-up appt with my surgeon. He said it's to be expected to happen from time to time as your body goes through phases of 'relearning' where it is, and will go through periods of stalls to try and maintain a normal state based on your current metabolism. So that was probably about a week and a half ago, and as of this morning I was at 270.5.. hoping I can kiss the 270's goodbye tomorrow morning. I was getting pretty bothered by it too and tried to uptake my Water - that's one thing I'm really bad about... if I'm not hungry, then I don't think about consuming anything.. but if I am hungry, then I'm not supposed to drink anything for 30 minutes pre- and post-meal. See if you can up your water. I don't know if that helped break it or not but it's something you could try.

Today marks exactly two weeks since I became sleeved. But, I seemed to already become 'stalled' in my weightloss. I have only loss about 25 pounds since I started my two week presurgery liquid diet to today. Not sure if this is normal - but it certainly is frustrating! Guess I was expecting more at this time since I am basically still on a liquid diet. I have however, been having a problem getting down enough protein. I have tried various types - but not found one that I could use regularly to get all that I need on a daily basis to increase weightloss. Does anyone have any tips, suggestions for getting in enough protein? What liquid supplements do you recommed that are palatable? Tried 'Whey New', not a fan. 'Premier Protein' is not bad. Please share your suggestions. Thank you!

My roommate at the hospital had a hard time urinating. Drink your three mini cups an hour and with your iv drip out should come. As for pain on the left side yep I got it and gas just walk it out. Three days after surgery I'm still getting rid of gas although it doesn't hurt anymore

Ive had 4 out of my six monthly visits to the bariatric surgeon. Have my psych eval scheduled for this saturday sept 21st. And picking up my letter of necessity next week from my primary then my 5th appt is on oct 9th. Last one is my pre surgery labs and ekg then surgery we are pushing for surgery date no later than nov 20th. Soo excited.

I am 4.5 weeks post op and my right side is really hurting me. It feels like someone has kicked me in the ribs. I've also been having trouble eating even 1/4 of a cup of food (as my nut says I should be able to eat now). Has anyone else had this experience?

Ok, replying toy own thread. LOL! Dropped 5 lbs this week! I will be going on more bike rides ASAP! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

Have you talked with your doc about this? Our doc has a comprehensive approach to the band. This involves regular weigh-ins with a nurse consultant (who has had the band surgery herself and lost and kept off +100 pounds). At those weigh-ins, I bring my food journal. She reviews it with me and makes suggestions about what to do. for example, I went in today and had lost only 2.5 pounds. When she looked at my food journal, she suggested I replace my sugar-free fudge pops with more dense Protein as a snack. This will hopefully help me not to overeat at dinner as I will have some of that dense protein (hard cheese, almonds, etc.) in my pouch when dinner time hits. She also scheduled me for a fill in 1 1/2 weeks with the hope that eliminating the slider Snacks will prompt a larger weight loss prior to that fill. The comprehensive approach also includes monthly support group meetings, online support through the doctor's office, and discounts at local gyms and local dietician's offices. I have found this approach invaluable as I know I can't do this on my own. None of this is required, but I know that those who take advantage of the resources do MUCH better than those who don't. I'm down a total of 50 pounds (9 pounds pre-op and 41 pounds since surgery on 6/29), and I am sure that this comprehensive approach is what is going to get me to goal! If your doctor's office doesn't offer anything like this, I'd ask him for his advice. He is your doctor, and you need to be getting what you paid for! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

You might be just a bit too tight, so you're compensating by eating easy to eat foods during the day, which leave you famished by dinner and snaking in between meals. Just a slight unfill of .2cc might make the difference, but then you're also going to have to work on eating more solid foods and fighting the urge to snack that you've re-established. If feel like you have the right level of fill, and the tight daytime restriction is normal for you, it's going to be important for you to find foods that stick with you during the day, but aren't hard on the band. One soft food that works for me is Greek yogurt with all bran Cereal mixed into it. Adding the cereal makes a world of difference on the level of satiety I get from that simple snack/meal. (I found myself overdoing the Snacks..I mostly ate healthy snacks, but the calories were adding up..when I wasn't quite at the right fill level. I had to make a point of turning off my head hunger and let the band do it's "magic". Once I was eating properly and at the right level of restriction, it wasn't hard to get back into the groove of three 1/2 cup meals/day + one healthy snack.) Also, if you have several hours between lunch and dinner, a healthy Protein heavy snack might be in order at that time, only if a snack is included in your plan, since some doctors recommend larger meals and no snacks.

SO being 3 weeks out hubby wanted to go out- went to Carrabas...THeir soup is too spicy so I was worried there was nothing I could have- I can only do soup consistancy and yogurt like thickness.. Thought about getting mannicotti and eating cheese but opted for a bowl of sauce baked with mozzerella- OMG it was delish- Waitress didnt make me feel bad, weird or anything- I was only able to eat like 5 tablespoons but it was THE MOST flavorful thing I have eaten since before surg!! so 2 thumbs up for Carrabas!!

I'm going to be banded Nov 2 by Dr DeBarros. He is so nice and goes over everything with you. My first visit he spent at least an hour or more talking to me and today another hour! I'm on the 2 week liquid diet now. I'm so excited to get this done. My insurance approved me in one day! Diane

I'm still on soft foods and still trying to figure what foods I like to eat

I lost 140 lbs. doing a basic Weight Watchers plan. It worked for me and even now that I'm more than three years banded, I still measure my food at home to make sure the amount isn't creeping up. Good luck and see if this works for you too.

Hello Everyone! I'm Michelle but many of my friends call me Angel... Don't let the Dark Angel part scare you, I'm not satanic or anything like that, it's actually a nick name my father gave me when I was little and it just stuck... I'm 39, widowed almost 3 years now and the mother of 2 wonderful young men, 15 and 8 My husband passed away from an accident while trying to learn how to skateboard to spend more time with our boys back in March 2008 and since then, the reality of me being all they have left really hit me hard when my youngest said, "Mommy, we don't want you to die too, please" and it was cause of my weight. I've spent my whole life battling my weight, the roller coasters and emotions are too much and I just know that once I get banned, there will be no more battles, only a war that's been won once and for all. I will be starting my preliminary doctor appointments the first week of Sept and just know that my husband will be on my side guiding me through this from above. Thank you for making this forum available and allowing me to educate myself more before my actual banding comes.

Those who have had your second fills, are you noticing any difference? I have my second one next week and I'm really hoping for a big change. I can eat as much as I could before the band most of the time. What makes me mad is that when I eat junk food (chips and such) these things fill me up quickly but when I eat the stuff that is good for me and that I am supposed to be eating such as oatmeal, protein, etc, I rarely feel full. What's up with that? Well, I was just wondering if your second fill helped more than the first for any of you. Thanks.

I had a 2nd fill in Nov. and lost the restriction with in 2 weeks. I go for another fill at the end of the month. Hope that this time it will last longer. Doc feels it will. Chris

I haven't had a fill yet. I am still loosing 1-2 pounds a week which is fine with me! We are going to re-evaluate 12/28 and see if I need a fill then. I can eat whatever I want, but stick to the bandster rules and fill up on protein first- very little carbs. I have only had 2 episodes were I ate a little too much and had some chest discomfort (should have stopped with half that stuffed bell pepper!) Unfortunately, my eyes still think that my stomach can hold more that it does.

Hey everyone! Had my surgery on September 4th. I'm 37 years old and I weighed 445 lb 2 weeks before the surgery. Lost 11 lb by d-day. Surgery done, doctor said my kidney was so far from my stomach so much so it all went perfectly well. Now, come to day 4 and I still have pain in my upper chest it feels like someone is stabbing me. it's not constant, it comes and goes but when it comes it's painful, not extremely severe but pretty damn painful, ESPECIALLY WHEN I BURP which is happening quiet a lot eventhough I'm regularly releasing wind (aka farting) is this normal 4 days after the surgery? I read in most cases the pains will go by the second day or so. Also, the wounds where the cuts were made feel oddly itchy today which wasnt the case before, could it be that they're healing or did I not clean/dry them well after my first post-op shower today? And lastly, what's up with sleeping? does anyone else who did the surgery in my weight feel like they're unable to lay down anymore from the discomfort of their big belly? I feel like not only is it painful to sleep on my tummy or sides but even when I sleep on my back I feel an enormous pressure from my tummy pushing towards my inner stomach and way to my back which gives me the feeling of choking and I'm unable to breathe. Let me know what ya'll think. Thanks!

Yes, if the pain is troublesome definitely call your doctor. It would help to know when you were banded, I had various pains for about 1 1/2 -2 weeks which is normal. For the first few days, incision pain while changing positions is very normal. Port incision pain will be the worst and last the longest.

Welcome Congrats on your new journey this will be the best decision you have ever made. Don't let this scare you but this will also be the hardest thing you have ever done. The weight will fall off after surgery then you will hit a stage where you won't lose any weight for days or weeks no mater what you do. This will pass. There's more advise I could give but if you have been reading post you already know most if it. If not just ask there are a lot of very smart people here that are living the life after WLS. Good luck on your new journey and keep us posted