Banded Jan 2011 and struggling...

[quileness 0]

Hello everyone. My name is Brynn and I am 32 years old. I was banded this past Jan after struggling to lose weight naturally since, well, forever. I remember being very excited and motivated when I started this process. I thought it would be easy: have surgery, lose weight. I knew I would have to put forth an effort, but I didn't think I was going to struggle with weight loss as much as I had before...

Before having surgery, I weighed 247. I now weigh 249...ten months later. Initially, I had to have all of the Fluid removed from my band due to swelling. I stuck with my post op diet for about a month and only lost 4 pounds. Considering how little I was eating, how hungry I was, and how much weight I was NOT losing, I became discouraged and gave up again (story of our lives, right?). When I finally was able to have my first fill about 3 months post op, I was (literally) ridiculed by the PA on my lack of weight loss. He put in 2ccs and pretty much insulted me the entire time. I headed home feeling worse than I ever had about my weight. I mean, who goes so far as to have a lap band done and still can't lose weight? I was embarrassed and disappointed in myself, and felt as though nothing was ever going to change. I cancelled my next two fill appointments since I didn't feel like seeing the same guy again, and I certainly didn't diet. I felt no restriction whatsoever, and decided this lap-band thing was a joke. I ended up back at 258 pounds, which is my highest weight ever.

Finally, in August, I decided to go back in and see someone else. She was very nice and supportive; we spoke for a long time about where I was mentally and emotionally and it helped renew my resolve. She added 2ccs (putting me at 4 total) and sent me on my way. I began dieting again, but still felt no restriction and no relief from hunger. I was always hungry, and when I slipped, I was able to eat just as much as before being banded. What I always felt I needed was discomfort...I thought the lap-band would make me physically unable to eat larger portions of food and therefore, as much as I would hate it, I would lose weight. This just isn't the case. At 4ccs, nothing had really changed for me--I felt exactly as I had before surgery. As of yesterday, I had managed to bring myself back down to 249 and headed in for my third fill. She puts another 1cc in. No big deal, right? I left expecting more of the same for awhile.

Well, today I wake up and eat three Pork rinds (I'm trying to do the Atkins induction, so this is one of the few Snacks I can have). I chewed them well, but I started feeling very uncomfortable and stopped eating. My chest began to hurt...a lot...I figured something was stuck and tried to move around, drink Water, etc. I began gagging and vomitting up anything I tried to drink. I can feel it stop in my esophagus and there's no where else for it to go. The pain was quite severe. I put in a call to the doctor but they have yet to get back to me. So here I sit, unable to eat or drink, wondering why I can't seem to find happy ground anywhere. I'm definitely in need of some support from others who can relate. I don't know what to do if 4ccs feels like nothing is there and 5ccs makes me vomit liquids. I'm just so beyond frustrated at this point.

I would really appreciate hearing from people who have had similar experiences, or some advice on how I can make this work for me (and how to get things unstuck!). I'm tired of failing at this process...

Thanks for reading.

[picnic 0]

Hello everyone. My name is Brynn and I am 32 years old. I was banded this past Jan after struggling to lose weight naturally since, well, forever. I remember being very excited and motivated when I started this process. I thought it would be easy: have surgery, lose weight. I knew I would have to put forth an effort, but I didn't think I was going to struggle with weight loss as much as I had before...

Before having surgery, I weighed 247. I now weigh 249...ten months later. Initially, I had to have all of the Fluid removed from my band due to swelling. I stuck with my post op diet for about a month and only lost 4 pounds. Considering how little I was eating, how hungry I was, and how much weight I was NOT losing, I became discouraged and gave up again (story of our lives, right?). When I finally was able to have my first fill about 3 months post op, I was (literally) ridiculed by the PA on my lack of weight loss. He put in 2ccs and pretty much insulted me the entire time. I headed home feeling worse than I ever had about my weight. I mean, who goes so far as to have a lap band done and still can't lose weight? I was embarrassed and disappointed in myself, and felt as though nothing was ever going to change. I cancelled my next two fill appointments since I didn't feel like seeing the same guy again, and I certainly didn't diet. I felt no restriction whatsoever, and decided this lap-band thing was a joke. I ended up back at 258 pounds, which is my highest weight ever.

Finally, in August, I decided to go back in and see someone else. She was very nice and supportive; we spoke for a long time about where I was mentally and emotionally and it helped renew my resolve. She added 2ccs (putting me at 4 total) and sent me on my way. I began dieting again, but still felt no restriction and no relief from hunger. I was always hungry, and when I slipped, I was able to eat just as much as before being banded. What I always felt I needed was discomfort...I thought the lap-band would make me physically unable to eat larger portions of food and therefore, as much as I would hate it, I would lose weight. This just isn't the case. At 4ccs, nothing had really changed for me--I felt exactly as I had before surgery. As of yesterday, I had managed to bring myself back down to 249 and headed in for my third fill. She puts another 1cc in. No big deal, right? I left expecting more of the same for awhile.

Well, today I wake up and eat three Pork rinds (I'm trying to do the Atkins induction, so this is one of the few Snacks I can have). I chewed them well, but I started feeling very uncomfortable and stopped eating. My chest began to hurt...a lot...I figured something was stuck and tried to move around, drink Water, etc. I began gagging and vomitting up anything I tried to drink. I can feel it stop in my esophagus and there's no where else for it to go. The pain was quite severe. I put in a call to the doctor but they have yet to get back to me. So here I sit, unable to eat or drink, wondering why I can't seem to find happy ground anywhere. I'm definitely in need of some support from others who can relate. I don't know what to do if 4ccs feels like nothing is there and 5ccs makes me vomit liquids. I'm just so beyond frustrated at this point.

I would really appreciate hearing from people who have had similar experiences, or some advice on how I can make this work for me (and how to get things unstuck!). I'm tired of failing at this process...

Thanks for reading.

[jessyM 2]

hey i was banded in may and had been stuck at the same-ish weight for about 3 months. ugh. i went in for another fill a couple weeks ago and now i'm feeling something similar to what you are, i think. i cant really drink in the morning, let alone eat. warm liquids tend to loosen the band so i have a cup of hot tea and then the first thing i "eat" is a Protein shake (generally home made or made at the health food store b/c store bought taste like poop)...

my weight is FINALLY starting to come down. but if i deviate from having liquids in the morning and very soft foods in the afternoon (my slow cooker has become my best friend, along with Soups and turkey chili) then i get stuck, like really... REALLY stuck.

i think it might be an over-fill, but my stupid fat body doesn't want to lose the weight so i'm just sticking with it and doing mostly liquids and soup-y food. i know it can't last forever, but this along with working out at least 3x a week has finally started getting my weight to go down.

it's probably not what you want to hear. sometimes i read about people who lose 100lbs in the first year and i want to hit them in the face.... but we're all different and hopefully this will help you. always remember that warm liquids will help loosen the band.

good luck! let me know how it goes!

[picnic 0]

Hi Brynn,

I really love your name. I have been having similar issues, but I do feel restricted, The horrible feeling you feel, which makes you vomit is the restriction.

Even though I feel restriction, I seem to get the calories in which make me not lose weight. We can chat more if you like, but I want to make sure you get this, so all the effort is not in vain. I am in CA, so different time zone I am sure. let me know if you get this! hang in there!! Vivian

[jessyM 2]

oh! also! F that PA of yours... i had a PA that would poke my belly like i was the pillsbury dough-girl.. and make cracks about my weight AND surgeon.

funnily enough he just disappeared one day... i hope one of the other bandsters did what i never had the guts to do and sat on him.

[angiewin 0]

Aren't you supposed to go back on liquids for a few days after a fill? I haven't had my surgery yet, but when I went in for my consult with the dietician, she told me, and gave me written instructions telling me to go back to liquids for up to a week after a fill due to swelling. This might be the reason you're having your current problems.

Ten years ago, I probably would have reacted the same way you did with the PA. Since you're only three years younger than I am, I can't say age has anything to do with it. It must have to do with having an autistic child and getting the run around for years that has made me less sensitive to what other folks say. I might not have said anything right then because I tend to mangle what I intend to say when I'm upset, but I probably would have went home, collected my thoughts, and called to complain. You and/or your insurance company are paying good money for these services, and you have the right not to be treated like crap.

Have you sought out a support group. Like I said, I haven't had my surgery yet, but I've gone to several support group meetings. My surgeon even has one at his office once a month. Chances are someone who has been in your shoes will be there, and can give you some advice first-handed.

Good luck to you!

[ndandlou 0]

Hello everyone. My name is Brynn and I am 32 years old. I was banded this past Jan after struggling to lose weight naturally since, well, forever. I remember being very excited and motivated when I started this process. I thought it would be easy: have surgery, lose weight. I knew I would have to put forth an effort, but I didn't think I was going to struggle with weight loss as much as I had before...

Before having surgery, I weighed 247. I now weigh 249...ten months later. Initially, I had to have all of the Fluid removed from my band due to swelling. I stuck with my post op diet for about a month and only lost 4 pounds. Considering how little I was eating, how hungry I was, and how much weight I was NOT losing, I became discouraged and gave up again (story of our lives, right?). When I finally was able to have my first fill about 3 months post op, I was (literally) ridiculed by the PA on my lack of weight loss. He put in 2ccs and pretty much insulted me the entire time. I headed home feeling worse than I ever had about my weight. I mean, who goes so far as to have a lap band done and still can't lose weight? I was embarrassed and disappointed in myself, and felt as though nothing was ever going to change. I cancelled my next two fill appointments since I didn't feel like seeing the same guy again, and I certainly didn't diet. I felt no restriction whatsoever, and decided this lap-band thing was a joke. I ended up back at 258 pounds, which is my highest weight ever.

Finally, in August, I decided to go back in and see someone else. She was very nice and supportive; we spoke for a long time about where I was mentally and emotionally and it helped renew my resolve. She added 2ccs (putting me at 4 total) and sent me on my way. I began dieting again, but still felt no restriction and no relief from hunger. I was always hungry, and when I slipped, I was able to eat just as much as before being banded. What I always felt I needed was discomfort...I thought the lap-band would make me physically unable to eat larger portions of food and therefore, as much as I would hate it, I would lose weight. This just isn't the case. At 4ccs, nothing had really changed for me--I felt exactly as I had before surgery. As of yesterday, I had managed to bring myself back down to 249 and headed in for my third fill. She puts another 1cc in. No big deal, right? I left expecting more of the same for awhile.

Well, today I wake up and eat three Pork rinds (I'm trying to do the Atkins induction, so this is one of the few Snacks I can have). I chewed them well, but I started feeling very uncomfortable and stopped eating. My chest began to hurt...a lot...I figured something was stuck and tried to move around, drink Water, etc. I began gagging and vomitting up anything I tried to drink. I can feel it stop in my esophagus and there's no where else for it to go. The pain was quite severe. I put in a call to the doctor but they have yet to get back to me. So here I sit, unable to eat or drink, wondering why I can't seem to find happy ground anywhere. I'm definitely in need of some support from others who can relate. I don't know what to do if 4ccs feels like nothing is there and 5ccs makes me vomit liquids. I'm just so beyond frustrated at this point.

I would really appreciate hearing from people who have had similar experiences, or some advice on how I can make this work for me (and how to get things unstuck!). I'm tired of failing at this process...

Thanks for reading.

[quileness 0]

hey i was banded in may and had been stuck at the same-ish weight for about 3 months. ugh. i went in for another fill a couple weeks ago and now i'm feeling something similar to what you are, i think. i cant really drink in the morning, let alone eat. warm liquids tend to loosen the band so i have a cup of hot tea and then the first thing i "eat" is a Protein shake (generally home made or made at the health food store b/c store bought taste like poop)...

my weight is FINALLY starting to come down. but if i deviate from having liquids in the morning and very soft foods in the afternoon (my slow cooker has become my best friend, along with Soups and turkey chili) then i get stuck, like really... REALLY stuck.

i think it might be an over-fill, but my stupid fat body doesn't want to lose the weight so i'm just sticking with it and doing mostly liquids and soup-y food. i know it can't last forever, but this along with working out at least 3x a week has finally started getting my weight to go down.

it's probably not what you want to hear. sometimes i read about people who lose 100lbs in the first year and i want to hit them in the face.... but we're all different and hopefully this will help you. always remember that warm liquids will help loosen the band.

good luck! let me know how it goes!

Hey Jessy. Thank you for these tips. I will take it easy in the mornings and start with tea or coffee. I began sipping some Water later this afternoon, and it appears that whatever was stuck is now unstuck, but it sure was painful. It's hard to imagine going from no restriction to too much restriction with just 1cc, but hopefully this is what I need to really start changing my habits. And perhaps I simply started with solids too quickly afterward, as others have suggested. I'm sticking with liquids for the next couple of days.

I know how you feel about those that lose 100 pounds in the first year. I'm happy for them, but also a bit jealous. Obviously, I haven't been giving this my all...so I know my lack of weight loss was my fault. I just expected so much more from this surgery. All that bull about not feeling hungry, feeling full faster, etc...it just isn't the case (at least for me). Even if the band doesn't allow me to eat, it certainly doesn't make me feel less hungry. And the new "full" feeling is not what you're used to. It's not satisfying, as I had expected it would be. When I spoke to the surgeon on call today about the blockage, he mentioned that none of his patients ever really feel full or not hungry...I felt like yelling, "WELL PUT THAT IN YOUR GUIDE AND STOP TELLING EVERYONE THEY'LL FEEL FULL ALL THE TIME BEFORE THEY HAVE SURGERY!" Hehe. I mean, I don't care how crappy it is as long as it ends up working, I just felt disillusioned.

Either way, I'll definitely be using this site more. It feels good to know that others understand what I'm feeling. Thanks again.

[quileness 0]

Aren't you supposed to go back on liquids for a few days after a fill? I haven't had my surgery yet, but when I went in for my consult with the dietician, she told me, and gave me written instructions telling me to go back to liquids for up to a week after a fill due to swelling. This might be the reason you're having your current problems.

Ten years ago, I probably would have reacted the same way you did with the PA. Since you're only three years younger than I am, I can't say age has anything to do with it. It must have to do with having an autistic child and getting the run around for years that has made me less sensitive to what other folks say. I might not have said anything right then because I tend to mangle what I intend to say when I'm upset, but I probably would have went home, collected my thoughts, and called to complain. You and/or your insurance company are paying good money for these services, and you have the right not to be treated like crap.

Have you sought out a support group. Like I said, I haven't had my surgery yet, but I've gone to several support group meetings. My surgeon even has one at his office once a month. Chances are someone who has been in your shoes will be there, and can give you some advice first-handed.

Good luck to you!

Hi Angie. I think you're probably right. I was advised soft foods only for the next 48 hours, I just didn't expect that after having ZERO restriction for months, 1cc would do the trick. But I did swell after surgery so I suspect I may swell with each fill as well. I definitely plan to be more careful from here on out. Hopefully this is what I've been needing to see results. I don't really have easy access to a support group where I am. My husband is military and we're in the middle of nowhere near a base. I think I really do need support though, as I haven't felt comfortable telling anyone other than my husband about the surgery. I'm hoping that using this site more will help me through everything.

Are you scheduled to have your surgery yet, or still waiting for approval? I wish you the best.

[jessyM 2]

hey i just had a 2cc fill and that's what gave me crazy restriction. also - i did my usual not eating much all day and then at 6pm i had an omelet and i must say - i am full and comfortable and totally satiated. but i'm almost always head-hungry.. i think most of us are. once we can get a little control over that, i think this becomes a lot easier. i am still very much struggling with it.

also, yeah my doc has me on 48 hours of liquids and 2 days of mushies after a fill.

[schell75 1]

Hello everyone. My name is Brynn and I am 32 years old. I was banded this past Jan after struggling to lose weight naturally since, well, forever. I remember being very excited and motivated when I started this process. I thought it would be easy: have surgery, lose weight. I knew I would have to put forth an effort, but I didn't think I was going to struggle with weight loss as much as I had before...

Before having surgery, I weighed 247. I now weigh 249...ten months later. Initially, I had to have all of the Fluid removed from my band due to swelling. I stuck with my post op diet for about a month and only lost 4 pounds. Considering how little I was eating, how hungry I was, and how much weight I was NOT losing, I became discouraged and gave up again (story of our lives, right?). When I finally was able to have my first fill about 3 months post op, I was (literally) ridiculed by the PA on my lack of weight loss. He put in 2ccs and pretty much insulted me the entire time. I headed home feeling worse than I ever had about my weight. I mean, who goes so far as to have a lap band done and still can't lose weight? I was embarrassed and disappointed in myself, and felt as though nothing was ever going to change. I cancelled my next two fill appointments since I didn't feel like seeing the same guy again, and I certainly didn't diet. I felt no restriction whatsoever, and decided this lap-band thing was a joke. I ended up back at 258 pounds, which is my highest weight ever.

Finally, in August, I decided to go back in and see someone else. She was very nice and supportive; we spoke for a long time about where I was mentally and emotionally and it helped renew my resolve. She added 2ccs (putting me at 4 total) and sent me on my way. I began dieting again, but still felt no restriction and no relief from hunger. I was always hungry, and when I slipped, I was able to eat just as much as before being banded. What I always felt I needed was discomfort...I thought the lap-band would make me physically unable to eat larger portions of food and therefore, as much as I would hate it, I would lose weight. This just isn't the case. At 4ccs, nothing had really changed for me--I felt exactly as I had before surgery. As of yesterday, I had managed to bring myself back down to 249 and headed in for my third fill. She puts another 1cc in. No big deal, right? I left expecting more of the same for awhile.

Well, today I wake up and eat three Pork rinds (I'm trying to do the Atkins induction, so this is one of the few Snacks I can have). I chewed them well, but I started feeling very uncomfortable and stopped eating. My chest began to hurt...a lot...I figured something was stuck and tried to move around, drink Water, etc. I began gagging and vomitting up anything I tried to drink. I can feel it stop in my esophagus and there's no where else for it to go. The pain was quite severe. I put in a call to the doctor but they have yet to get back to me. So here I sit, unable to eat or drink, wondering why I can't seem to find happy ground anywhere. I'm definitely in need of some support from others who can relate. I don't know what to do if 4ccs feels like nothing is there and 5ccs makes me vomit liquids. I'm just so beyond frustrated at this point.

I would really appreciate hearing from people who have had similar experiences, or some advice on how I can make this work for me (and how to get things unstuck!). I'm tired of failing at this process...

Thanks for reading.

So sorry for all your problems. I was banded in December 2010 and it took me 8 months to get to that sweet spot they talk about. I had the opposite experience and was filled during surgery, which caused restriction right away and then my first fill the surgeon overfilled me causing me to not even be able to drink a sip of Water for 24hrs. So then un-filled totally for 3 wks. to start all over again. When I started to get fills again it took a couple months and then I started to lose about 2llbs. per month average. Not alot but consistent. I eat about the same I did before, but very much smaller portions. I feel full and satisfied now and don't really need to snack in between meals. I of course can't eat everything I used to. More moisture rich foods seem the way to go. I can eat Prime Rib and marinated meats, chicken, if at all dry don't work. Small bits and chew, chew chew and take your time. During the day when my kids are gone I do really well, but during busy time with kids and family you tend to eat fast and that doesn't work for me at all. So these are just some things I have learned that work for me. I know I can never eat like I did before and I have to slow down and concentrate on my eating. I can't unconsciously eat like I used to, I get things stuck that way or throw up.

Good Luck to you and hope things start looking up

.

d to

[quileness 0]

So sorry for all your problems. I was banded in December 2010 and it took me 8 months to get to that sweet spot they talk about. I had the opposite experience and was filled during surgery, which caused restriction right away and then my first fill the surgeon overfilled me causing me to not even be able to drink a sip of Water for 24hrs. So then un-filled totally for 3 wks. to start all over again. When I started to get fills again it took a couple months and then I started to lose about 2llbs. per month average. Not alot but consistent. I eat about the same I did before, but very much smaller portions. I feel full and satisfied now and don't really need to snack in between meals. I of course can't eat everything I used to. More moisture rich foods seem the way to go. I can eat Prime Rib and marinated meats, chicken, if at all dry don't work. Small bits and chew, chew chew and take your time. During the day when my kids are gone I do really well, but during busy time with kids and family you tend to eat fast and that doesn't work for me at all. So these are just some things I have learned that work for me. I know I can never eat like I did before and I have to slow down and concentrate on my eating. I can't unconsciously eat like I used to, I get things stuck that way or throw up.

Good Luck to you and hope things start looking up

.

d to

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I am beginning to feel better with the 5ccs. I'm definitely still hungry all of the time, but I'm noticing now I can't do the mindless eating thing, which is good. The other night I was fixing dinner for the family and, without much thought, threw a piece of food into my mouth to test it. Didn't chew well, had some pain, etc. At least now I feel the band's presence, and I'm really hoping I can start shedding the weight. My next fill is scheduled for December and hopefully I'll have adapted to my new eating habits by then and be able to have more Fluid put in. I'd really like to get to the point where I don't feel hungry all day!