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Slimmap, according to my doctor, it's the weather around here, and they seriously think that's what starting causing it. The barometric pressure in the air, as it drops, it can cause the band to restrict. After getting more fills, then having too much -- as the yo-yo started, I realized that I wasn't stopping eating at a 1/2 cup. If it was there, I was eating it whether I felt full or not (I usually did feel full). So I was overfilling the pouch and that can cause it to stretch out and ultimately cause a slip, where it's wanting to basically "spill over" and lay over the band. Just before my revision surgery, I knew something was wrong. I found myself drinking a lot of cold Water to see if I could feel it going through. When it was normal, I can feel cold going through the band. For the longest time, I couldn't feel that. When I went in and they checked it under flouroscopy, it was not only stretched, but had started to go over the band -- so since it wasn't "straight", things were just barely dripping through. That's when the dr. said it was time to do a revision and basically start over. But I know now, that this is my last chance for this -- for several reasons. One, is we no longer have the insurance we had when I got it in the beginning and had revision surgery in April. My husband changed jobs and we can't afford their insurance, plus from what I understand, insurance companies won't pick you up and cover previous lapband procedures. Also, I know that the stretching was MY fault. I allowed myself to go back to bad habits instead of babying my band and treating it right. I know my biggest issue is overeating -- when I feel full, if I still have food on my plate, I want to eat it regardless. So that's why I've joined OA to help get a grip on that -- it's basically a disease and I have to learn how to control it. So if you don't think it's the weather where you are affecting the band, could it possibly be bad eating habits? That's why a lot of us are overweight to begin with and were able to get the band. If your band feels fine for a while, then it's suddenly giving you the restriction problems, then there's got to be another factor that influencing it and causing the restriction -- i.e. weather (you may have developed a sensitivity to it) or even hormones, that time of the month, stress, etc. Start a journal and see if you notice if things are happening around the time you start having the trouble. It's worth a shot. I had my fill Saturday. I'd gained 10 lbs. since April and I'm almost within 30 lbs. of where I started when I first had the band. So I'm ready to do things right and figure out why I don't want to stop eating, why I depend on food so much, etc. I've done everything to a "T" since Saturday like they told me. I've been cranky and testy and I know that is why -- it's hard to give up a vice you've depended on for so long. But I have to realize that I only need food to sustain my body -- not for anything else. That's a tough lesson and it'll be a life-long lesson. I wish I could give you more answers -- just realize you have to figure out what the outside factors are that can cause your band to tighten up one day, when it was fine before. This is a foreign object placed inside our bodies, and since everyone is different, it could be anything causing your sudden restrictions. When it happens, go to clear, warm liquids for a couple of days and see if that helps. Also, as I mentioned before, try journaling and see if you notice any patterns, etc. Good luck, sweetie and let me know if I can do anything else for you!

Anyone >2 or 3 months out from sleeving? I'd really like to know long-term energy levels, since I'd really like to start weight lifting again (and back in my day, I lifted HEAVY) once I'm healed up. Wondering if I'll be too tired and sluggish from caloric restriction to do that. I would REALLY like to avoid losing too much muscle mass with the fat! My sleeve date is 5/6/10.

Katie Bear... at a month out it would be good to start transitioning away from so many protein shakes. It doesn't have to be immediately.. a good way to use them is eat 3 meals and a snack, and use the shakes to fill in any deficit. If you want to change your sleep schedule, the best way to do that is by using an alarm clock. Wake up an hour earlier each day. 10 hours before wake up, turn off the screens.. computers, tv, phones, and minimize your house lights. Soothing music and a warm bath (when permitted for your incisions) can help set the tone for sleep. Reading something boring can help too.

you looking amazing!! what an incredible job you have done with the weight loss I'm having the sleeve at Cedar Sinai in LA. Dr Cuneen is my surgeon. I would love to hear your words of wisdom on this journey ! GSV surgery date 9/19/26

I was sleeved on 9/19 @ Cedars. they have an incredible program and I cannot be happier. Dr Cunneen is my surgeon and one of the best! I'm in Orange County and less than a month out but please feel free to contact me and I'll help in anyway that I can GSV surgery date 9/19/26 The program is amazing. Dr. Burch was my surgeon and he's been an incredible support. Great follow up. I'm 2.5 years post surgery and maintaining a 130 lb loss Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am almost 10 months out, reached goal in just under five months and at 6 months I was five lbs under goal. Now I am 12 lbs under and work to not keep losing. I still weigh and measure my food. You are doing great! I agree, we need to know what you are eating and how much. I never counted carbs, that is not something my doctor and dietitian has us do, but I do an on line log that keeps track of my protein and calories....it also tracks the carbs. I look at it but don't worry. I watch calories and protein. My concern was not losing my hair. A girl has her priorities, right??!!! Right now I can eat a half cup of cottage cheese, I've been able to eat a half cup for a few months now. I was worried at first but after some reassurance, I realize that as time goes on, it is normal to be able to eat more. I do still feel quite a bit of restriction, but I can definitely eat more than before. Give us more details!! As far as RNY - I'm the only one I personally know that has had the sleeve. Two friends are banded, one kept it for 6 weeks, had severe problems and had it removed. The other one is going on five years and started regaining a year ago. I know 12 people from my home town that have had bypass surgery....ONE is doing great. The others.....some never reached goal, the others have gained some of the weight back. Some more than others. I think it may be great for some, but I didn't even consider it because of the ones I personally know. Just sayin'

I'm in that three year place and yeah it's more of a struggle to maintain for sure. I've gained 10. No more. And gone up and down those 10 for about six months and am trying to decide whether those 10 are worth the struggle. I'm still a size 4, I can still do everything I did when I was 135. My original stretch goal was 150 so I'm still 5 lbs below that. But damnit I liked 135 better. As for brachioplasty... Please don't assume people aren't giving the straight scoop. Just like with WLS we are all different. I had itching, but very little pain and no burning. Not sugar coating it. That just honestly wasn't my experience. I was back to mostly normal 2 weeks post op and had brachioplasty, tummy tuck and Breast lift/aug. I guess I'm just a good healer. I'm very sorry that hasn't been your experience

Check yes yea for you..... You go girl hope to join you all soon. Big set back for me tripped and fell this weekend messed up my ribs big time. I can barley breath let alone work out and man am I upset. I hate set backs. But this is all about you guys that made it to onederland. Sooooooo happy for you both. 3/11/10

how did it go for you? I had my first fill today too - it was a piece of cake - i was a bit nervous - but it went very easy - i got 4.5 cc in a 10 cc band - i have the realize band - he numbed the area - and i felt a little prick but nothing even close to pain - then put in the other needle - no pain - i could feel a little pressure when he pulled out air/saline and a little pressure when he put in saline - but again it was just a sensation no discomfort - i drank water no problem - about 20 min later i was on my way to get a milkshake - its a liquid right i felt a little queezy but i was able to drink a small shake (8 oz) - i'm on liquids today and mushies tomorrow - i haven't been hungry - but do feel a bit queezy still - how did it go for you??

I don't eat anything before a morning workout. Even for long training runs (10+ miles), I wont have anything before hand. I was like that pre-op and it still works for me post op. I have Protein immediately afterward, either a shake or eggs. How about half ripe banana with some Peanut Butter?

my fiancee is using DeWhitt and he seems to have a really easy pre and post-op program. I used Weinstein in Mobile and his was pretty hard on my will to comply (darn McDonalds) DeWitt's program was low carb starting at 10 days before and clear liquid at three days prior. Recovery was also faster at 1 week of puree food instead of my doc's recommended two weeks. I'm sure everyone is different. Down side to Dewitt (for me) is if I want to use him when I move back to Montgomery, he charges $100 and doesn't file any insurance for fills. btw, I'm new too. banded 5/1

I have been a pretty slow loser. I lost about 33 pounds in the first 4-5 months. I had problems with reflux and had to get unfilled, then we visited with family for a month befre moving to another state. I went 3 months without being able to see a doctor to get adjustments. Once I found a doctor up here in MT and was able to get to a good place, I have been losing weight at a pretty good pace. I seem to lose it in spurts, but I think that is my bodies way of dealing with the lose. In Novemeber I lost 14lbs. in 3 weeks, but then I stayed the same for 2 weeks, then went through another spurt and lost 10 in 2 weeks. Oh, it took me about 5 fills (2 unfills in there too), to get to what I believe is my sweet spot. I, personally, believe that our bodies need time to adjust to everything that is going on with it. Surgery is a big thing and so is weight loss. Hope you get the restriction you need soon! Karyn :tt1:

I had to do the 6 month diet attempt. It was required by my insurance. During that time I read everything I could find about the band, joined this web site and obesityhelp.com. By the time I had surgery I could almost perform it myself! (just kidding) My insurance paid the entire hospital bill, but for reasons unknown, they do not cover fills, after the 90 global period, where everything was covered under the surgery. So unless you have $10-15,000 sitting around doing nothing (you could send it to me--really :biggrin2:) you will have to jump through the required hoops. I also started going to support group long before surgery. A good place to learn the good, bad and maybe ugly.

Not ignorant at all, children are a blessing. I guess you probably would have 10 kids if you didn't go to the clinic. For you to be so shallow to just blurt out abortion is ridiculous. I'm done with this. I said what I had to say. Sent from my SM-N920T using BariatricPal mobile app

I've heard many say that it smetimes takes a week or so for the fil to be felt....don't ask why, that's just what they say!! I have a 10 cc band, have had 2 fills but haven't had one since july....all of a sudden I am getting seriously hungry so I know I need a fill.

Hi, I had lapband surgery on 12-19-07 (4 days ago), I noticed a rash on my stomach which is itchie. It is not by the incisions that were made its like hip to hip at the bottom of my stomach. Is this normal? I've put some cortizone type creams on it but it didnt do much good... Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?:help: Thank you

i m scheduled for surgery in 5 days(mar.11),now I m starting to come down with a cold after 10 mos. of preparing for the surgery. This happen to anyone else and did you have to delay your date?

I am glad to hear that you are on the mend. I hope you can track down the cause of your blood loss. A few years ago my mother began to bleed internally and she required a blood transfusion. In her case she had been using Excedrin (which contains aspirin and is a NSAID) on a daily basis as a pain reliever. She was taking about 10 times the recommended dose of aspirin on a daily basis for several years. We cut her off the Excedrin and the problem healed up.

So i started my pre op diet this day last month. I took measurements before and today. So far Last Month THIS MONTH Neck: 19" 18 1/2" Chest: 53" 50" Bicep: 18" 17" Waist: 53" 51" Hip: 58" 56" Thigh: 37" 35" Calf: 18 1/2" 16" WEIGHT: 317lb 285lb

Hi my name is kim. I just came back to this site and posted my first post in 9 months. Then went to read through post and found this one! So funny how this works out! I will paste the message I posted on the main page. Id love to stay in touch with you and we can maybe be a support to one another since going through the same thing!!! Heres my story.... I'm baaaack!!!!!! So I was banded on July 7th last year, and three weeks later didnt think I was healing very well so I went to the dr and found out band was ok, but I was 8 weeks PREGNANT! So yes, I was 5 weeks pregnant when I had surgery. 13 years of never being able to concieve then SURPRISE!!!!!!! Thankfully my baby survived surgery,xrays, lots of test, rapid weightloss, b12 absorption issues and extreme anemia, oh and pre-eclampsia. I did not have a fill after my surgery, because of the pregnancy. It was left with the small amount that was put in during the surgery. I had no problems eating whateer i wanted. I did feel full quicker but also got hungry quick too. After I delivered my little miracle baby, within a day I noticed a huge difference with my eating. I started feeling really full really fast, couldnt eat bread or eggs without getting stuck, and couldnt drink while eating without feeling really uncomfortable. I talked with my OB about it and he said that during pregnancy the blood flow is so increased that digestion speeds up, so that is why I probably didnt have a problem while pregnant. My baby girl is now a month old and I have lost 35 of the 55 pounds I gained. (I lost 35 pounds my first trimester) so I am 10 pounds less than my surgery day weight. I am excited to finally getting to utilize my lapband, but very nervous!!! I have not followed any of the lapband rules, and I am scared I wont have the results I may have had if I had had time to work the band before hand. But I am ready to give it my best. I look forward to seeing my surgeon May 3rd, and hope I will get my first fill and start seeing results.

Today is the first day of my pre-op diet. My physicain didn't give me a specific number of pounds he wanted me to lose. I have to do this for the next 12 days (until 9/18) then on 9/19 I have to do all Clear Liquids as my surgery is on 9/20. These are his instruction: 4 to 6 cans of Slim Fast per day (approximately 190 calories per shake) or 3 to 4 cans of Slim Fast per day and unsweetened applesause, or sugar free/fat free pudding, or Dannon Light & Fit yogurt. I hope this helps. I'll keep you posted on how much I lose on this diet. All the best, Nicole

Stop whining about so-called stalls.... Did you know Diana Nyad eats up to 9000 calories per DAY!!! now admittedly, Diana is an extreme example, however, the formula remains the same.... If you are working out 2 active hours in the gym as some claim, you are doing your health a MAJOR disservice by trying to survive on 600, 800 or even 1000 calories. Stop worrying about a so-called Stall..you WILL lose if you properly hydrate & fuel your body. It isnt actually a STALL, your body is holding on to Water & glycogen for its dear life.... EAT THE food, MOVE YOUR BUTT and you WILL lose! ( which is why when some folks add in good fats that so-called stall is broken) By design, most VSG patients, let alone most non-surgical patients do not have the physical capacity to eat that much a day... you have to be SMART about your high caloric intake... Protein FIRST BUT CARBS ARE NOT YOUR ENEMY!! ( and I am SURE some folks will come reply or start a new thread indicating that because you are a VSG patient, you are some kind of special snowflake & this doesnt apply to you) Quotes to think about: It's probably true that inactive people don't require much in the way of carbs. But inactive humans simply aren't metabolically normal, so the correct solution isn't to go low-carb, it's to increase your activity level to the point that you rquire carbs. Don't fear eating carbs, fear not moving enough to not need them. (Melkor) - you do not need to train to swim to break Nyad's records...nor even train to participate in triathlons, duathlons. etc.... BUT YOU NEED TO MOVE, IN A MAJOR WAY!! I lost 100% EWL in 10 months.... I was 280 pounds pre-op. I am 153 pounds today... From size 22 down to size 6... basically 1 year post-op. the first 3 months were HELL... I was used to drinking most of my calories in a sugary way... I had trouble staying hydrated or eating enough food... I was re-hospitalized twice....Once I gave myself time to properly heal, it was ON!! I moved my body... and I ate the food required to do so... your needs will change as your weight and exercise changes.... At about 6 months, I was eating/drinking 1400 calories PLUS exercising 2 hours per day, 6 days per week.... 3 days of HEAVY weight lifting, 3 days of swimming, 3 days of running, 3 days of biking.... I eat fat, carbs and even sugar at times... My daily staples include chicken salad made with real mayo and cole slaw ( because Id rather eat the slaw and have regular bowel movements then to need laxatives to get & keep things moving) Despite all of that, on the weeks I did not make my caloric and protein & hydration goals, I did not lose....and by not meet, I mean, the weeks I ate LESS than 1300 calories.. Most of 2013 I was in training for triathlon...I stopped training in July when I was prepping for 2 surgeries... both have since been postponed/cancelled so Im back in train mode trying to get a race or 2 in before it gets cold on the East Coast.. Now that I am in maintanence, I eat 1600 calories a day when I do NOT exercise, more if I do....I cut back on training in prep for a surgery that has since been cancelled... I plan to bulk this winter so for next 8 weeks I will cut back to 1300 calories per day to get down 10 pounds... Once in Bulk Mode, hopefully before Thanksgiving, I will go to ~2400 calories ( adding in 100 calories per week) then only workout once per day, 6 days per week.... 3 days heavy lifting and 3 days cardio til I get to my new goal ( which is a size, shape goal rather than a numerical goal)...I currently wear a size 6.... too skinny for my liking....I want to be more muscular.... My plan will likely require some tweaking to get there.... More info on Diana Nyad, my Shero of the week: http://espn.go.com/espnw/features/article/6783740/how-diana-nyad-fuels-body this article is 2 years old and her needs have probably been adjusted some by now... another article: https://healthylivingmagazine.us/Articles/150/ Every hour and a half (or up to an hour and 45 minutes if Nyad keeps swimming until the second "come in now" whistle is blown) the boat idles and Nyad swims over. Bonnie Stoll, Nyad's best friend, business partner and "head handler," gives her the tube from a hydration pack filled with a carefully calibrated mix of water, sports drink, electrolytes and "predigested protein." Done with the fluids, Stoll hands over a tube of energy gel, then a single Clif Shot Blok. Then, a spoon with a bite of banana slathered in Peanut Butter is passed to the swimmer, who would invalidate the record she's hoping to set if she touched the boat. The bite doesn't provide much nutrition, Nyad explains, but even this small bit of solid food helps to coat her stomach when so much of her nourishment is coming from energy-compressed liquids and gels. But staying hydrated -- and properly fueled -- will be of the utmost importance ... Luckily, we know a lot more now than we did in the 70s. "You see pictures of when Diana did this 30 years ago and she'd stop and drink a Coke and eat a piece of cake," said Mark Sollinger, one of Nyad's drivers. "It's come a long way." Finding the right formula still took trial and error. What works for a marathon runner or cyclist doesn't necessarily work for Nyad. First of all, she's spending five, 10, 20 and eventually 60 hours in a prone position. Speaking of Snacks, her daily calorie count during training is 9,000 for non-swimming days and 3,500 when in the tank. Think it’s fun to be able to eat to one’s heart’s content? Think again. “It’s just too much food,” she tells a reporter. “Your stomach doesn’t want to take it in. I try to do some of it in Protein shakes and large three or four servings of Pasta for dinner.”

Congrats to you.good luck to you surgery 10/09/2012

I was discouraged from telling anyone about my surgery beforehand. At first, I told 2 or 3 people and got some pretty mixed reviews, so at the suggestion of my surgeons coordinator, I stopped telling anyone. I have a huge supportive family and another huge group of friends that have known and loved me for many years. For that I am super grateful. Of my family, I told one sister, and of the friends, I told 3 or 4. My husband was freaked out, but became more and more supportive in the months leading up to the surgery. After surgery, as the weight started to come off, and people noticed, I started telling people, not only that I had had a surgical weight loss procedure, but that I had gone to Mexico to have the surgery done. I also told people I went alone. I only told people what they asked, so not everyone got all of the story. They all talk amongst themselves, so I figured they would all put it all together, or not. Anyway, I've been very open about the surgery. Fast forward to now...nearly 10 months later, and I've been feeling a little guilty for not telling all of my loved ones before I headed over the border for a huge life-changing surgery. I have been thinking about how I would feel if my Mom or Dad, one of my kids, or a sister did the same thing. I also have heard the opinions of others, that "she wasn't really that big" or "she really didn't need to do that". I've let it mess with my mind a little. This weekend it's all come full circle...My husband is laid up after having a knee replacement and we have numerous flower beds and a veggie garden. I've never been much for taking care of them in the past, because it seems like just looking at a rake would make my back go out and make me fully crooked for the better part of the following week. I couldn't get down on all fours and work, then get back up very easily, and I would just get too tired. This weekend I dug grass and weeds, as well as fully dug, tilled and replanted 2 perennial beds. Hubbie was there to help a little, but for the most part it just drove him nuts to not be able to do much. Anyway, I have spent hours this spring in the gardens and finally, all I have left to do this Memorial Day is mow the lawn. My feet don't hurt, my back doesn't hurt, I can get down on the ground and back up without a second thought, over and over again. I can run and grab something that my husband hints at, because a hint is a sure sign that he's going to go get the tool on his own, and he just shouldn't do that yet. Then I can cook all the meals, clean up, do laundry and all the rest, all in the same day....WOW!! It took me the better part of 5 years to put on the extra 85-90 lbs. I kept it on for 20+ years. Yes I looked ok, my health hadn't completely deteriorated, but was moving that direction. I look around and I see that having 30 -50 extra pounds is pretty normal for women my age. Still, the negative self-talk and the fear of diabetes, a heart attack or stroke were ruling my life and making me sick mentally and emotionally. Never in those 25+ years could I have known how much of an energy suck the extra weight had become. How while I tried to be normal, riding 50+ mile bike rides, hiking, skiing, playing softball on rec teams, I was working many times harder than the more normal weight men and women around me. Now I'm glad I took the advise of my coordinator and only told those closest to me. If any of the others had talked me out of doing it, I would have never known. I would be sitting on my porch, looking at my overgrown gardens, watching TV and wishing I had moved forward with the surgery. Make sure the surgery is the right thing for you, and go for it, don't look back. You deserve to feel great, to look great, and to give your family your very best, which I now know was impossible before the surgery.

i have this post going on another site, but would like to know if any bandsters here want to contribute. question: does anyone have body image issues? i mean, i started out at 188 and a really tight 14 and a tight 16. i was banded on 6/29. i am 5'3. now some may think 188 is not that bad, but it is when nothing you do to lose weight works and you actually gain! so, i was banded. now, i am about 150, my goal weight was 140-145. now i am in an 8/10 very comfortably. tight clothes are gone. the scale is down, other people comment on my weight loss, but when i look in the mirror, i see the same 188 image.my husband says i clearly don't see myself how others see me and that i have issues. he is afraid that when i get to my goal i will be dissatisfied and get on the pursuit to lose more.