4 Months In, Need a little bit of helpful advice

[licoricemoratorium 0]

I had my surgery on December 17th with no complications and have thus far had three fills and two fluoros. Both fluoros showed that everything was fine. I saw the surgeon and nurse two weeks ago and was informed that I was right on track for weight loss. My only problem was that I was regurgitating far too frequently. I was commanded to cease and desist and I have moved heaven and earth to avoid getting stuck as much as I possibly can. I still get "mini" stuck frequently, daily even, but can almost always "wiggle" it through by walking around with my arms on my head or just simply waiting. I have only thrown up twice in the past two weeks.

But my problem is this: I was at one point feeling pretty much in the green zone and was losing at a slow but fair pace. I am now hungry every two hours (too frequent). I have also gained two pounds in two weeks. I have not had weight gain at any other time in this process. I suppose I am confused about this topic. Can I be getting stuck and "feeling tight" and not be tight enough? If I'm voraciously hungry and can eat too large of portions too frequently, but am still feeling pretty tight, then what do you think is going on? I definitely always eat more than one half of a cup of anything and I definitely feel that the food is quickly moving from the pouch to the bottom. The fluoros did not indicate any pouch-stretching or anything of that nature. I have been told that my band "lies flat" and that they usually do not look like that, but the surgeon says it's perfectly fine.

Any ideas? I have an appointment for Thursday but I always feel like a deer in headlights when I get in there. I either can't get helpful answers or I can't think straight enough to ask them or they look at me like I'm a rare species. It is my greatest fear that I am some kind of LAP-BAND® knucklehead and have blown an enormous amount of money.

Edited April 21, 2010 by licoricemoratorium

[jensmallwood 0]

Are you eating around your band, since you're trying not to get stuck? I think if I got stuck that often I'd be much more prone to drinking milkshakes than eating food!

I'm sorry you're having such difficulty.

[JoJo1 0]

You need to eat mostly Protein, and no slider foods. Sliders, will leave you feeling hungry. Stay away from sweets, and for awhile even cut out carbs because they will stimulate hunger. You will find it is much easier to feel full if you do this. Eat very small bites, and chew chew chew. I still struggle with the small bite thing. I keep thinking if I chew it enough, it doesn't matter how big it is. Every time I try it, I get myself in to trouble. Bites should be the size of one of those ice cubes you get in your cup at the convenience store. It takes time, but it is worth it... Trust me..... Hugs!!!!

[BetsyB 9]

I wonder the same thing as Jen---are you finding that you're choosing slider foods that go down (and stay down) easily?

If you find that "regular" food--the dense Protein, veggies, etc. that are the foundation of a healthy diet---cause you problems, a little UNfill might help.

I know this sounds perverse---and probably is not at all what you want to hear when you're HUNGRY. But if you have to rely on foods that move through easily, then your band may be too snug.

It can be SO frustrating! I hope you reach a great spot soon.