KrrnCan

I too had a gastric plication in 2011....went back for a touch up bc a stitch "let loose". I lost a total of 65lbs since the original surgery date. Starting weight 247, lowest weight 187, and now hovering around 200. It is now late 2014' and I am considering not only a revision but a switch to a VSG. Since the adjustment, I have battled acid reflux and need too take OTC acid reflux on a daily basis just to sleep during the night without incident. I am really discouraged as well as my husband and completely confused as to the next step to take. It is very expensive to keep returning for adjustments. Honestly, I was really hoping for a better outcome, since I have also been battling a knee injury from two car accidents (and my physician here is encouraging weight loss as the best solution). What a delimma!!!! I have contacted the OCC for advice and am waiting for response. Anyone else experiencing the same type of issues?????

I have been experiencing heartburn and acid reflux too. Most people I have spoken with tell me that this will disappear eventually. I guess if you think about the stomach being folded and much more smaller - it makes sense that there might be some adjustment. It is miserable, especially at night. I am taking an acid reducer twice daily OTC and it seems to control it somewhat, but I still feel it throughout the day. I try to avoid spicy foods, foods with pepper and eating after 7 or 8 at night. I sleep propped up on pillows but my sides get sore from this usual position. Raising the head of the bed is out of the question because of my dear husband. Although, I wouldn't wish this on anyone, it is comforting to me to hear that others are in the "same boat". My husband told me that the Doc's talked about this when we were at the OCC. I was drugged for surgery and don't really remember what was said. My husband isn't the best at communicating information either and he was there. When I started to experience these symptoms I began to worry that something was wrong. It was then that my husband had an "A-Huh" moment and remembered that the Doc's had mentioned this. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

WoW!!! I can see why she may be frustrated. That has to be really hard. Tell her to hang in there ... to keep communicating with the Dr's both at the OCC and at home. Once she finds the true reason she may start to lose again soon! Did you also have the plication surgery?

Thank you so much for this very nice example of what you have been eating....it has helped so much to hear from you....words cannot express my gratitude! I will try some of your suggestions/examples for sure and see how it goes and I will keep you posted. Hopefully any one else experiencing the same difficulties will read what you have here and benefit too! Thank you so much for taking the time to write all that down for me...I hope to one day return the favor to you if I can. Of course, if you have any other suggestions or comments please write to me again either here or karensestar@gmail.com Many, many thanks to you ktb2904!!! You rock!!!

Thank you so much for this!!! I have really felt alone and trying to figure this whole thing out. I cannot remember a lot of the details discussed by the doctors for whatever reason. When I met Dr. Ortiz in person - I was so high from the meds (i even apologized to him because i thought i was slurring my words) that i am now positive that i missed some key information from him. Everything was so fast for me, when i was there. It seems like a dream now - but I have the scars to prove it really happened. Yes! I totally agree with a "full feeling" with meals. That is what I am experiencing too! I will keep a journal from today forward (I haven't so far). These may be a stupid questions but here goes - you said you measure your portions, how much are you allowing yourself with each portion? I do remember the portion being 1/3 to 1/2cup per meal. Are you still using protein shakes? If you are, are you counting the liquid as part of the 64oz's per day? I didn't even remember that calorie intake limit!!! I guess in some ways - I feel that I could have benefited from a week's sample food plan?!?!?!?!? I so wish to hear what other plicators are experiencing with meals, their challenges and tips and techniques. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this insight ktb2904. It has helped me to have your support and wisdom. Hope to hear from you again real soon!:-)

Who should I contact there? Dr. Miranda?

I am 47 years old and 5'2". My entire working life has been spent on my feet. From last March until the accident in September - I was involved in an intense boxing workout with running, weights and resistance training for an hour and one half each week. My husband and I own two businesses and are very busy(i Know,i know). Since the accident, I have been helping to take care of my husband who was also in the accident and trying to regain the business we lost while we were recouperating. It has not been an easy time for us. I am scheduled for an MRI on my knee soon, just waiting for the appointment time. There is pain there intermittently and after exercise it really hurts. It gives out on me at times. I also found out this week that the accident injured a nerve on the right side of my abdomen causing my right lung to be shorter. Thank you for your thoughts on the food journal - I will start that today! I will also look into low impact exercises. Walking may be causing further injury - I just don't know yet. I have been watching calories etc. with everything thus far, but there has to be something that I am doing wrong. I am afraid that I have stretched the pouch, although i am not sure how i did that either. I really wish that there was more post op diet instruction, even a "meal plan" to follow - the books I have purchased do not seem to have the information that I need. They target bypass, or band and not plication and I realize the reason is because plication is a fairly new procedure. I just wish there was more info from the start. What are all of the recent plicators eating once they reach the solid food stage? This is what I would really like to know!!! Are you still feeling the restriction? I appreciate the info from those who have had a lap band but I just don't think they really understand completely. But I do listen to the comments anyway. Are we still to taking the vitamins, we were on pre op? Here's a question - should I still be taking protein shakes? and is this included in the daily water amount? All answers welcomed!!!!

I am really discouraged following my plication Feb.9th. I was really hoping that this would be the answer. 1.) I remain uncertain of what I should and should not be eating. I know that 1/3 -1/2 cup per meal is acceptable and that is what I have been eating. I eat my protein first and veggies. I stay away from pasta, bread and rice, I assume because it swells. I have a high protein drink in the am and a high protein meal replacement bar at noon (nothing states that this is not acceptable)or soup. For dinner, I have a very small piece of chicken or fish with salad or veggies. 2.) I am walking daily (despite a knee injury from an accident in September) and working full time. I have lost about 23-25 lbs (18 prior to surgery)since the surgical date. I have contacted Dr. Miranda about my concerns and she told me that it was probably a plateau and that I would hit a plateau every 20 lbs. That was about 3 weeks ago. It has been quite some time hovering around 223-225 lbs with NO WEIGHT LOSS for about 4 weeks. WHY am I stuck here and not seeing any results? I am so discouraged and disappointed, I don't know what to do anymore? My husband thinks we chose the wrong surgery and spent all that money for nothing! Not to mention how friends and family keep asking about my progress and I haven't really lost much post surgery!!!!! Please OCC help me! What am I doing wrong? Could this be hormonal? I cannot think of a solution anymore.

My goodness....I did not expect such a great and supportive response. A special "Thank you" goes out to all of you who so quickly replied to my post. I am so appreciative and floored that y'all care so much about total strangers here! I admit that it has been hard to get the walking in that I should be doing. The snow has been so high and plenty .... it hasn't been safe to walk anywhere. So I have made a plan to join the local "Mall Walkers" which is generally for senior citizens....but who cares?!??! Thanks again for the advice and .... does anyone know approximately how long it will LAST?

As I was writing this post - Dr. Miranda emailed back her response!!!! Apparently, every 20 lbs we lose, we can expect to plateau. She thinks this is what the problem is. GREAT! So now my questions to all of you are: 1.) How long does a plateau last? 2.) How do you overcome it, is there anything you can do to power through it? Any help would be greatly appreciated by anyone with any knowledge of how to get through this gracefully or not? Thanking you advance for the advice! Karen. ........................................................................................................................................................

I am very discouraged - I had the plication on Feb.9th. I lost about 18lbs pre surgery and another 3 lbs post op and in 2 weeks I have stayed the same. I am so frustrated and I keep thinking that I am doing something wrong. I have a 93 ml(70 cal) drinkable yogurt in the am, high protein Boost, creamed soup(low fat/low sodium) or beef/chicken broth- 2x 125 ml servings, a homemade protein shake and water - somedays I have a V8 (90 cal) when I feel like I need something else. Is this too much? Can anyone help me figure this out? I am supposed to start soft foods on March 2nd and if I am not losing now what is going to happen then! I feel like I am the only one NOT losing weight!!! I was weighing everyday when I first got home and have tapered that off to once per week now. I weighed this am and again no change!!! I sent an email to Dr. Miranda a week ago and she told me not to worry. So I tried to relax and continue on plan. Early today I sent Dr. Miranda another email early today and I have not heard back. I would really appreciate hearing from those who have recently had surgery and what kind of "Menu" they are following. Any insight would be really appreciated!!!

I have found the best blender! This blender is by far the best blender when you are in the full liquid post op stage. The Name: Montel Williams - Health Master This gem will not only blend any solid food to a creamy consistency, but it will also heat it up all in one step!!!! How great is that!!! I highly recommend this blender and purchased one in red!!! It even has a booklet with recipes to "Super Slim Me"

Did you guys call the OCC coordinators or the OCC itself to try to find a solution? One of the nurses there had the exact same thing and might be able to offer some advice. She is really helpful and nice and I just know that she would love to help both of you! Good luck and let me know how that works for you! K.