band bulge

[WoodenHearts 29]

hey guys,

so im almost 4 weeks post op, feeling a bit dissapointed that ive only lost 7lbs, definetly thought i would of lost more.

also, after i eat i feel like my band gets tight, if i just touch my stomach i can feel the band under my skin and it feels quite hard/tight, its not painful but just wandering if this is normal.

has anyone else experienced this?

thanks

[CherieRyde 227]

At 4 weeks post op, you are still on mushies, correct?

Also, I can feel my band, but it's difficult. The port is easier to find through. Where exactly are you feeling it?

[B-52 7,113]

I doubt you can feel your band, but I guess some people can? I can't. My port sticks out like a golfball under my skin.

4 weeks post-op has nothing to do with loosing weight.....theoretically, the band is not even "Working" yet. It has not been activated, just installed.

It took me at least 12 weeks and 3 good fills before things started to fall into place....in the meantime I had to count calories, measure portions, etc....in other words I gained weight because I cannot diet....that's why I had to have surgery. As a last resort.

Give it time, get through this phase then move onto the next phase. The next phase can be very frustrating, AKA as Bandster's Hell....

But that's another story.

This is a lifetime change, process ( I loathe the term journey)......not an overnight fix.

And remember, this thing DOES WORK!

[gowalking 10,790]

That's your port you're feeling...not the band. My port also sticks out like B-52's does. It won't after September though. I'm revising to a lower profile port and the surgeon is stitching it to the muscle to tuck it in further. It shows when I wear certain items of clothing and it bothers me when I wear a belt. Good luck @WoodenHearts. You'll do fine..it's early in your journey and you still have to get a handle on living the banded life. Once you do, all will be well.

[CherieRyde 227]

I agree with the other two posters. Your band is right under your sternum. You have to push down rather hard to actually feel it. The port is MUCH easier to find and will eventually bulge as you loose weight. My surgeon explained these things to me, so I wasn't surprised when I was able to locate both the band and the port.

[lisacaron 5,075]

hey guys,

so im almost 4 weeks post op, feeling a bit dissapointed that ive only lost 7lbs, definetly thought i would of lost more.

also, after i eat i feel like my band gets tight, if i just touch my stomach i can feel the band under my skin and it feels quite hard/tight, its not painful but just wandering if this is normal.

has anyone else experienced this?

thanks

As several people above mentioned you are not so much feeling your band as you are feeling "full" in that area and perhaps even more than a bit sore right now.

These early months are all about healing you did have major surgery ya know So take it easy and use the time to practice all the good band eating habits and start adding in some exercise by increasing your walking taking it slow and steady.

Try to make good choices in the items you eat, and if you are still on mushy foods don't lean towards things like ice cream and chocolate. Steer toward sugar free ices, yogurt, turkey chili, and some hearty Soups you can blend up. You want to keep the Protein high and the carbs and sugar low. This will help with losing weight as well as help you making choices of what to eat and not eat for fueling your body.

Take at least 20 minutes no more and no less to eat your meals. Sit and enjoy the food and try not to mulit task while eating if you can help it. If you are eating past 20 minutes you are eating into your next meal, if you are finishing your food before 20 minutes slow down.

Practice getting in all your Water for the day, if your drinking your not eating...and if your hungry try drinking some Water first and then waiting 30 minutes before going to that snack or next meal if it's been less than 3-4 hours since you last ate

So many tips and tricks that will help you as you get your band filled that you can put into practice now and all these will help with the ultimate goal of losing weight and getting healthy!

[CherieRyde 227]

Take at least 20 minutes no more and no less to eat your meals. Sit and enjoy the food and try not to mulit task while eating if you can help it. If you are eating past 20 minutes you are eating into your next meal, if you are finishing your food before 20 minutes slow down.

Practice getting in all your Water for the day, if your drinking your not eating...and if your hungry try drinking some Water first and then waiting 30 minutes before going to that snack or next meal if it's been less than 3-4 hours since you last ate

So many tips and tricks that will help you as you get your band filled that you can put into practice now and all these will help with the ultimate goal of losing weight and getting healthy!

Exactly what was said here. There are iPhone apps intended to help you eat slower called "Eat Slowly", and "Chlow". I'm planning to try Chlow this week while I debate on ordering the 10s Fork ( http://shop.slowcontrol.com/index.php ). I mean .. the fork is a $77 piece of equipment while the apps I mentioned are free.

There are also several apps designed to remind you to drink your water throughout the day. I use "Hy". It really does help, and I've noticed a HUGE difference in the way I feel.