AngelaAnn

Hi All,

Thank you--I talked to Dr. Acosta and he said that it sounds like I haven't been eating 'normally' since my SECOND fill and that I will just continue to get tighter until nothing can get through. I'm getting a complete unfill tomorrow morning--I wish they wouldn't take it all out because I know that I still can't be trusted around food--even after 8 months. I'm scared of being hungry again. I'm scared that I will gain a bunch of weight back in the interim and sad that I have to start over again with the fills. I'm crying as a write this and I don't know why. This has not been a good day.

Hi All,

I had my third fill in February of .2cc's-- almost 2 and a half months ago. I've had a love/hate relationship with this fill. Lost 14 lbs., but PB'd a lot. Well, lately the PBing went away but since Monday night, I've had terrible heartburn and I know from the paper that the OCC gives that this is a sign of being too tight. I don't feel too tight and I can eat and drink just fine, but this heartburn is killing me.

Some points to consider:

1. Money. Lame ass excuse I know, but $100 to unfill and then another $100 in a month to put that same .2cc's back and I'm pretty strapped for money right now.

2. It's the week before my period and the band generally does weird things before it.

3. Upcoming finals= Mad amounts of stress. Don't know how to stress manage either.

I honestly don't know what to do. Any advice would be helpful. Has this happened to anyone else? I mean after 2.5 months?!

Look at it this way...you are almost half way to your goal!!

LOL! True! And its taking its time coming off! My goal weight "time frame" is still a year off. I just want to be in the 160's by my graduation next May.

I've been stuck at 212-214 for the last three weeks! It feels like the one hundreds are so close, yet still so far!

My daughter was banded on 3-09 and had her first fill at OCC on Friday (1.6 CC). Today she returned to eating solids after the required 3 days of liquids. She is depressed because she says she feels nothing...no restriction, no fullness, just normal! The fill doctor (I dont know which doctor it was, but young and dreamy of course!) said it could take 2 or 3 weeks to feel any restriction. Ive never heard that before...anyone have any experience with this wait? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Most people don't feel restriction with their first fill--I had 2.0cc's in a 4cc band and I felt nothing and could eat like I always did pre-band. I went back 4 weeks later for a second fill for a total of 2.8cc's. It was only when I had my second fill that I felt restriction and I knew what everyone was talking about. My second fill lasted about 3 months and then I had .2 added in Feb. for a total of 3cc's and I have super restriction now, sometimes too much depending on time of month.

I had my first fill about 10 days ago by Dr. Acosta. I got a 1.2 fill. I think I need more of a fill. I'm not feeling a difference. Is it too soon to go back?

I was told 4 weeks between my first and second and 8 weeks between my second and third.

If it was a "violent" PB then I would definitely do liquids for 24 hours or so--if you just opened your mouth and the bollus (ball of food) just came out then you're probably okay to continue on with your day. I still have issues chewing my food until its liquid--you really have to be conscious of it with every single mouthful. Also, don't have a conversation with someone while chewing 'cause you won't chew enough times. It almost has to be a religious experience. LOL. Good Luck and welcome to restriction.

Yup. The period makes my restriction funky, too.

I, too can only eat thin crust pizza and only one slice SUPER SLOW, otherwise I'm asking for a PB. I can eat one slice and then sometimes I'll eat the toppings off another slice or just the toppings. Lately, I've been steering clear of bready-carby things as stress at school sometimes makes me super tight.

I am also very pleased with this topic. I had a fill last Friday. On Friday I could eat. I asked the nurse practioner about having liquids after the fill and she said that she didn't see any reason why I should (she has a band also). So I ate, everything was fine. That night I PB'd for the first time. I have PB'd several time since and I have also had a hard time taking my medication which I take twice a day.

I honestly can not eat anything without it hurting. So I stop. I am also having difficulty getting liquids down. It has only been 6 days since my fill so I am trying to give it a little time.

Before this I had been eating really healthy, but I am having a problem with hair loss.

Yesterday I was driving to my hairdresser's and had a PB'ing eppisode while driving. Has anyone else experienced this. It comes on so fast.

Thank you for any input.

Yup, I've PB'd while driving--especially the first month after I got my third fill for 3cc's in my 4cc band. I finally realized that I can't eat and then immediately get into a car or I get a weird feeling of car sickness (which I've never had) and then I PB--I started keeping plastic bags in the car, but now that I know what it is, I don't eat before driving or I make sure to eat an hour before having to get into a car. I'm glad I'm not the only one this has happened to.

Does anyone know of a cheap hotel close to the Airport in San Diego? I am thinking of heading down to the OCC for a fill. My fill Dr locally is away till May 15th and I need a fill. I've had 2 fills for a total of 2.5cc in a 4cc band but still don't have restriction and each fill has only lasted a week or to so I figure it is probably worth the trip to ensure everything is OK and get a really agressive fill.

Anyway I thought I might stay in San Diego for a day or two but I am not sure where the best location might be and how easy it is to get around without a car. Any suggestions?

Louise

It's not that easy to get around without a car--we have public transportation and such but it's not always that great or reliable. You can stay downtown in the gaslamp, but I'm not sure how cheap that would be but there are many things like shopping and restaurants within walking distance like Seaport Village and balboa park/zoo are close as is the trolley which you can take all the way to TJ if you want. It's also close to the airport.

It's uncomfortable. I don't drink beer, but I had a soda at about 7 months post op and the carbonation wasn't exactly painful, but it was almost like I could feel it expand my pouch. I think this is especially true if you have good restriction already.

Angela - I so hear you on this! When I read the threads and the replies back, my jaw just dropped! I couldn't BELIEVE how these folks think it's ok??? It just goes to show you how Dr Ortiz is adamant in following his regime in losing weight. His staff is prepared, experienced, and knowledgeable about the lapband, and are committed for the utmost of your health and benefits of the band for your life.

It's been over 8 months since I've had a soda pop and you know what? I don't miss it! There are other drinks that benefits me more than drinking carbonated drinks constantly. I know that I can now have one, but I am not interested in them. I like NOT having a bloated stomach, NOT having the sugary substance in me, NOT having the headaches, and so on. Having one occasionally is ok if I want one but it's not in my near future right now. All I can think of is plain water, hot cocoa, crystal light, fruit juices, coconut water...

As far as the food goes, it's amazing their pouch can withstand what they are eating?? I mean, we have a addition smaller new stomach now, and since I've never tried it and stuck it through thick and thin, HOW can you eat all that and not upchuck it all?? I don't have room for what they all eat! BUT, then they don't have restriction either and I guess they can eat it and not feel it. But still!! The whole purpose of the band is to eat smaller portion...right?

Anyway, I stopped reading further and didn't leave a comment on that thread for fear I would be bombarded with all the nasty replies of being a 'miss goody shoe shoe'...no thank you! I am in this band journey for me and will share my success with others, who wants the same goal as I am and is determine and serious to "get going and pump up!"...like to all of youse! (smile)

I'm with you Jude--I am not the poster lapband child by any means with my constant battle with sugar, but I just didn't feel that I should leave the comment I wanted to--so I just left a "nice" one.

That is crazy! I am 6 months out and I am not planning to ever pick up a soda again. I feel If I can give it up a month before surgery, and still haven't drank it..l can do without it. It is SOOO bad for you anyway, even without the band! Did you post anything?

I used to drink soda like water--and I think I've had one at about 7 months post op. It hurt to drink and tasted way too sweet. So, I just stick with water and a couple of cups of coffee a day. I did post something as nicely as possible that in my instructions I was told to not have carbonation for the first six months and to please be careful with what he eats as he is still healing. Truthfully I was so shocked that I didn't know what to say...cause what him and his doctor needs are slaps upside the head in my honest opinion.

Okay,

I decided to see what else was out there for forums and I was shocked at what some of these people are posting one month after surgery! Drinking carbonation and alcohol and eating all of this crazy food? People giving advice saying that it is okay to drink carbonated beverages as long as they are diet and that this person is not hurting their band by doing it? WTF? I have a sick feeling that many doctors in the U.S. are NOT preparing their patients for the lapband--can somebody help me out with this? I cannot believe how shocked I am. Sorry for the rant, but I can't believe someone was drinking beer and eating chicken wings less than a month after surgery. Isn't their body still healing? How is this possible?

Hey everyone! So, my weight is starting to drop again, but not as quick as I want. I work out with my trainer 2 times a week so I can't afford a gym membership. So, just wondering what all of you are doing. NO, I don't have Wii, so Wii fit is out. Are any of you using a DVD series? What are all of you doing at home? I feel I am getting enough weight training but I need some cardio ideas. I also have an elliptical here at the house (maybe I need to increase doing that too). Anyway, I used to have some exercise VHS tapes and I enjoyed it. I want to buy something to pop in and do before my hubby gets home from work. Thanks to all of you, yall are great!

I got those 10-minute trainer videos--it was about $70 and it comes with 5 different 10-minute videos targeting different areas of your body. I used to do 2 a day before I started going to the gym and wow! Let me tell you, in 20 minutes you really work up a sweat! Especially if you do one of the cardio ones coupled with the yoga one. The yoga one is hard but sweaty!

I love to hear that when we stop thinking about losing the weight it just comes off! What an insperation you are to me!

Thank you for you post and keep up the great work!

Jenelle

I don't know if I'm the inspirational type as I am sure that if I was able to cut the sugar out of my diet, I might have been down 50 lbs. by now--I am just happy that it's coming off and I don't have to completely give up chocolate. It's funny--I can't eat pretty much any carb except maybe once a week and I was okay giving up my bread addiction, but the chocolate is a lot harder.

And it's true--once I had great restriction and stopped obsessing about every single thing I put in my mouth or how many calories I was burning on the elliptical--the weight just started dropping on its own accord.

Hello All-- Hope you are having a good Tuesday.

So, I've mentioned on here that I still harbor a sugar addiction that I'm constantly battling almost 8 months after surgery. Chocolate is my downfall. Needless to say, all of a sudden after losing practically nothing in the months following surgery my body is starting to shed the fat. I had my third fill in February and have a total of 3cc's in my 4cc band, but it wasn't until I got on the scale this morning I realized that I've lost almost 10 pounds and those have just come off in less than a month. How is this possible? Was I on a plateau for all those months? All I know is I feel pretty good and I haven't been 212 since junior high. Is it true? Maybe I'm not destined to weigh 200+ pounds forever. Maybe I won't be the "fat friend" in a year...interesting.

HI Angie,

I just had surgery in March. I know how hard it can be to do the pre-op diet. You are working on will power and once you have your first fill you will be on BAND power! I know many have said they havent heard of anyone not getting the surgery but I HAVE! In my group there was a woman who was to be banded the day before us. She didn't lose enough weight. So they had her weight and put her on a restricted diet for a day and had her do a bunch of walking so that she would drop a few more pounds. But they still werent sure if it would go. She did end up losing enough weight. She had the surgery the same day as my group and unfortunately had to get on her plain the day after surgery because she couldnt change her flight.

My down falls were similar to yours with it being around dinner time with the family. I would look at what they were having and REALLY want it. So I started buying lean cuisines to mimic what I was giving my family if they were having mexican so would I just in lean cuisine form. Before you reach your down fall point have a big bowl of greens with salad spray...fill yourself up a bit. Plus keep your water on hand. Often we feel hungry but are actually thirsty.

There is a Chocolate Mint water by MetroMint waters that I absolutely LOVE!!! The water reminds me of Girl Scout cookies (Thin Mints). The water has ZERO calories and yet is soothing and takes the edge of my need for chocolate. Another thing you might want to consider is stopping yourself and try and listen to your body...is your body hungry or is your MIND hungry. More often than not it was mind mind that was hungry.

I wish you all the willpower and success until you get your band!

I would like to try that water! It sounds amazing! Where do you buy it?

So,

someone has taken to spamming my personal folder--how the hell did this happen? I blocked the person but want to ensure that this doesn't happen to you all by reporting it to a moderator. The member's name is mignulikz or something and don't click on anything in the message!!

I had the lapband surgery 6 months ago and have lost 48 pounds. I have returned to munching throughout the day instead of sticking to eating, waiting 1 hour, drinking water. I can't seem to get back on track. Does anyone have any suggestions.

Are you due for a fill? That definitely helps with the hunger...or is it the dreaded "head hunger" that plagues you? I know I still have issues with that.

Good Luck! I can't wait to see photos--I'm pretty sure that I'm going to need the boobs done as they're starting to look flap-jacky.

I have had my 2nd fill now (about a week ago) and this started after my first fill. The only food I have problems with are potatoes! It hurts to eat french fries, mashed potatoes or potato chips. no matter how much I chew them. I can still eat bread with 3cc in my 4cc band, which shocks me, but i cannot eat the other items i listed above.

Anyone else have problems with this food? I have never heard anyone else say that, usually just the bread and rice, etc... I know, I am not supposed to be eating fries, etc but i was picking off of my bfs plate and couldn't get it down without pressure in my chest.

Just curious.

Christy

TORTILLAS!!!! They are the devil!!!!!

As for potatoes, I can do them anyway but fried. Mashed are cool, boiled, or baked in super small amounts, but french fries or fried up anyhow are not my friend. I think it may be the grease/oil.

OK, so on March 9th I got 1 more CC so now I have a total of 2.5. I was tight before, but this week (after TOM, I might add) OMG I am so tight I don't know what to do! Yesterday, I was so hungry and could not keep much of anything down! I started as usual with my coffee and it was fighting me, it took me about an hour to drink one cup and I was constantly microwaving it! A couple hours later, I tried one of my muscle milk premades and it was 10X's worse than the coffee, so I only drank about 3 oz. Then about 3 pm, my husband wanted a Taco Salad so he goes up to our favorite place and gets me a side of refried beans. The first bite felt tight, second bite, I started sliming! 2 hours later I was able to heat up a Soup at hand by Campbells, Creamy Chicken and got the entire can down by sipping. Then a few hours after that, I try a jello pudding snack....PB'd for 45 minutes. Water hurts going down, but it doesnt come back up. At this point, it looks like I am going to be living on Creamy Chicken in the can! I am going to try another protein shake for breakfast. BUT, I was so miserable yesterday that I neglected my body. I did not have enough water or fluids for that matter because everything was painful going down. I see after yesterday how people can become dehydrated & sick!

I do not want to get an unfill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If I can eat soup and shakes for awhile I am going to. Sitting on 2 1/2 months and NO weight loss. I am working my butt off too, sometimes the scale doesn't make sense. GRRRRR!!! But, on a positive note, I can tell the working out is changing my body and I am losing inches. AND it is looking FAT that sucks! If the fat goes away in inches rather than lbs for awhile so be it. I am staying focused with my workouts!

Anyway, just wanted to share what is going on with me! Today's focus is getting enough protein and water in me. Yesterday, I did not! I was able to get down my 8.5 ounce muscle milk this morning, it took me a couple of hours. LOL

Taken Yesterday, 45 lbs gone. The last photos were at 35lbs gone.

Hi Dana-

I hope you feel better soon. I have the same problem as you and my band super tightness all revolves around my period. The 10 days before I can eat normally and sometimes a lot and then the week after I'm really tight, just like you. I just wanted to say that you look fantastic!! Your face looks totally different--how much a difference 45 lbs. makes!

Shoot - I love the elliptical, but after 99 minutes on it they would have to call a fork lift to get me back to the locker room because my legs would not carry me. They feel kind of funny after 45 minutes.

On Friday mornings I do a spin class and we typically go for an hour even though it is a 45 minute class. I spend the rest of the day limping around and walking like an old woman.

Some people are addicted to exercise which has the potential to do more harm than good. If you see her there again maybe you can find out her motivation for working out that long.

I know, right? When I get off after 45 minutes I feel a bit wobbly--today I felt high. It was the craziest feeling--if I knew that I didn't do recreational drugs anymore, I would have sworn I was high. Maybe the endorphin rush ain't no joke.

Actually, today was the first time I saw this woman. But it was obvious she was no stranger to exercise--maybe I will ask her if I ever see her again. 'Cause I am curious to why people do the things they do. (Of course, I will do it in a nice, casual way so I don't just sound nosy.)