Advice please

[LapbandKAB 22]

Hi all. I had a Dr appt and because I had been vomiting/PBing a lot, the Dr removed all the Fluid just to see what I definitely had in there. I had to switch Drs due to insurance so this was my first visit with the new Dr. I had 7.3cc in there (I thought I had 6.5cc, not that the amount matters). He put 7.1 back in because 7.3 was too much. Well, I'm no longer vomiting or PBing but I definitely don't feel any sort of restriction at all. So, I obviously need to have some more added. I'm wondering though if going from 7.3 to 7.1 is really that much different. And, if I go back and tell him I'd like him to up it to 7.2, would that make that much of a difference? Could it be that 7.1 is not enough and 7.3 is too much and that 7.2 might be the green zone that has eluded me to date? In your experience, can small amounts like this really do the trick? Thanks!

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Not sure now far post op you are but I was banded 6 months ago next week. I have had four fills and my last two were 0.25 each as I creep toward green. Some days I feel like I have little restriction. Some days lots. Mornings are tighter than evenings. If my food choices are lousy for a few days (carbs, sliders, fried foods) my restriction doesn't work as well afterwards. If my food is clean (solid Protein, no snacking, low carbs) for a day then my restriction seems to magically come back.

I do not understand this at all but I am learning to listen to and obey my band better. I've only lost half the weight I want to lose, and I'll be darned if I'm going to wuss out now.

My advice is to sit with this level for a month while keeping your food clean. See if that makes a difference. I fear going too tight and creating stuck and PB problems. I want this band to work for the long haul without erosion or other troubles I might have prevented with good habits.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Edited September 10, 2014 by JustWatchMe

[2muchfun 8,927]

To answer your question about .2 CC fills, yes, a very small amount can take you into the green zone if you're already feeling some restriction/satiety.

What does a daily meal plan look like for you?

[LapbandKAB 22]

Hi again. My typical day consists of a 35g Protein shake for Breakfast. For lunch, usually 1/2 to 1 cup of tuna with light mayo or egg salad with light mayo. Maybe a wedge of laughing cow cheese. For dinner, I usually like a salad with a Protein it in (either chicken or turkey breast sliced very thin or a few shrimp). I was really losing a lot when I was in a vomiting/PB mode but I knew that wasn't a good thing for me. So, when he removed some, I thought it might be just right but I don't feel any restriction or satiety right now. I really have to be careful that I don't overeat. So, obviously I need some more added to the band but I just wondered if such a small amount could make a big difference. I don't go back for my follow up until 2 weeks from today so I'm trying to stick to my meal plan even though I feel as though I'd have no trouble eating more.

[Bandista 7,466]

My surgeon is of the small frequent fills school so I had several fills -- each time I had to let it settle in before I felt different, but that's just me. And he doesn't share the amount as he doesn't want patients obsessing over that (guess he's got my number alright!). Recently I had to have a little taken out for the first time. May have been congestion, allergies, hormonal stuff -- who knows. But I could tell I was a little too tight. Good luck to you -- it's this nuancing that is difficult but so worth it.

[2muchfun 8,927]

Just a recommendation? Consume more natural Protein like ham, seafood, hamburger, turkey sausage, omelets, steak(tenderloin goes down easiest). shakes are a slider food and give very little in the way of satiety. Likewise with salads, tuna salads and even egg salad.

It's the solid foods that seem to trigger the valgus nerve giving you that early and sustained sense of satiety. Don't treat this like it's a diet. Eat normal foods.

I still eat a couple slices of bacon each week. I enjoy turkey sausage crumbles on my egg omelets. I have regular egg omelets and egg beater omelets when I want to get serious. For lunch I'll have oroweat flatbread with a couple slices of mesquite smoked turkey and/or ham with a slice of cheese. It's still only 300 cals.

If you treat this like it's a diet, you're going to feel deprived just like we did on all other diets we tried over the years. Yes, you may lose an extra lb or two each month if you diet, but you're going to feel deprived and unsatisfied which can lead to giving up or bingeing?

Let the band work for you. It's a tool, not a nanny. Of course this is just my opinion and I'm still about 23 lbs from goal but I'm enjoying the trip so far.

tmf

[Lady VS 1,147]

Wow! Your story is my story and the answer is YES!!! I'm at 7.1 and have been since August of last year. Don't need another fill or unfill. I'm right where I need to be Green!!!! Best wishes

[LapbandKAB 22]

2muchfun - I'll try your way and see if eating more solid types of foods gives me the feeling of satiety. Right now, I don't have it at all. It's been 2 weeks since my slight unfill and since then, I've not lost. In fact, got on the scale this morning and I've gained since that appointment. I do think I need a slight bit added but I'll try and see if eating more of the foods you eat make any difference. Thanks and may we all remain happily banded!

[2muchfun 8,927]

A small fill may not take you right to the green zone but many of us nibbled our way there. Tweaking is definitely a part of the process.

[SandyM 1,956]

I think sometimes we are in the green zone and don't realize it as we are eating wrong foods. The green zone has a fade in and fade out stage where as you are loose green or tight green if you get my meaning. Loose green is where I prefer to stay. I can still tolerate most foods but can control my eating if I eat the right foods. It's tweaking when you get here.

[BeachBish 123]

Just a recommendation? Consume more natural Protein like ham, seafood, hamburger, turkey sausage, omelets, steak(tenderloin goes down easiest). shakes are a slider food and give very little in the way of satiety. Likewise with salads, tuna salads and even egg salad.

It's the solid foods that seem to trigger the valgus nerve giving you that early and sustained sense of satiety. Don't treat this like it's a diet. Eat normal foods.

I still eat a couple slices of bacon each week. I enjoy turkey sausage crumbles on my egg omelets. I have regular egg omelets and egg beater omelets when I want to get serious. For lunch I'll have oroweat flatbread with a couple slices of mesquite smoked turkey and/or ham with a slice of cheese. It's still only 300 cals.

If you treat this like it's a diet, you're going to feel deprived just like we did on all other diets we tried over the years. Yes, you may lose an extra lb or two each month if you diet, but you're going to feel deprived and unsatisfied which can lead to giving up or bingeing?

Let the band work for you. It's a tool, not a nanny. Of course this is just my opinion and I'm still about 23 lbs from goal but I'm enjoying the trip so far.

tmf

***********************************************************tmf...

when you eat meant how much do you eat at one time? 2 bites and I am done...is this about the normal amount? I was told a total of 4 oz. at a meal. This seems like very little food; maybe this is all the pouch can hold at one time. I don't think I am to tight as was told if you are too tight you will have night coughs !?!?!