To Unfill or Leave Alone............

[Lulu 0]

My first two fills did very little, so last week Monday I asked the doc to make it a good one! Ever since then I'm REALLY restricted, which is great, but I've been PBing every day and this worries me. Some of you indicated that it takes a few weeks for a fill to "settle" and I'm hoping this will happen to me also. I really don't want to get some taken out and go back to where I was. Any thoughts??????

Thanks, my friends!!!

[bbrecruiter2000 1]

Hi Lulu,

We need more information. Are you able to get fluids down easily or this a problem too? Are you cutting up your food in little bites, the size of a pea and chewing it to a pulp? Are you eating solid Protein or soft foods? THere are so many variables here and we need more information to help you. If you are able to get fluids down, then you probably could wait it out a little longer. If you are not, then I would get an unfill. I had a fill last week and I am now at 2.25. When I drink liquids, they gurgle going down and I really have to chew chew chew everything and take my time eating now (usually about 1/2 hour to eat 5-6 oz. of protein) Keep in touch and let us know how it is going.

Babs in TX

334/247/180

-87

6/23/03

[Lulu 0]

Hi Babs,

I have no problem with fluids, and usually have a Protein shake in the morning. I try to remember to take tiny bites - but that may be the problem right there. After a lifetime of scarfing meals down in a hurry it's a real adjustment to slow down. Veggies go down easily but meat takes forever. After a few bites I get the golf-ball in my throat. I think you hit on the key - cut all meat into pea size. It's so much easier to do at home. When at work or when eating with others and conversing at the same time I have a tendency to forget and starting eating "normal" - or what used to be normal!

My biggest fear is that all this PBing may have damaged something. While I have no pain and don't feel anything unusual, it sure would be nice to have a transparent frame to see how things are really working on the inside! I'm going to try cutting all my food before eating any of it and see if that does the trick. Thanks a bunch, Babs!

[BEBBLY 1]

Hi Lulu,

It sounds like your restriction is fine, it's the habits that are doing you in. I started with a 5 cc fill and just 3 weeks ago had some taken out because my stomach opening closed off after taking Advil. But I had the same restriction as you for about 5 months. At the time I had the unfill I was only 10 lbs. from my goal weight.

I would stick to the fill and try changing the eating habits. A new eating habit is what we need to reach and maintain our goal weight. I think you will do fine if you slow down and chew, chew, chew. After all this is what you're supposed to do after being banded.

I know it's difficult and sometimes frustrating to go through the pain almost at every meal. I know because I've been there. But trust me when I tell you what gratification you get once you are closer to your goal. Just stick with it and keep reminding yourself to slow down. It does get easier with time. And soon it will become second nature.

Mary:)