10 months into this...

[SoCalKid]

Hey All – I have followed most of you but this will be my first post. I was banded in March of 08. At the time, I weighed 273 lbs and am 6’5 feet tall. I decided to go for the band as a proactive move against a potential obesity problem as I aged. I have always loved eating tons of food, but I am very active as well. I run/walk, swim, surf and weights occasionally too. Cholesterol and BP are in check via meds. By June, I had lost roughly 30lbs but have managed to put back on 15lbs. The net of the operation is this; I am a leaner, healthier guy than I was and this makes me feel the procedure was a success. This being said, I’m a little disappointed at how the band has worked. Granted, I also feel that I eat poorly and drink to much wine (I love cabs) hence the return of some of the weight.

I want to share some thoughts and questions and feel free to comment.

Sometimes I feel a restriction and sometimes not which leads to me being able to eat a large amount of food. I think I feel the restriction if I eat the right foods first (high protein first followed with clean carbs like a salad) but not as much as I was expecting. Should I tighten the band? Only sometimes do a feel food get stuck which can lead to a dry heave.

Remembering this is a tool to simply “help” is important to remember.

At time after I eat, I feel tightness in my upper chest. Is this the band?

I run often so I drink lots of water. I also drink water with meals sometimes. I love carbonated waters also like Arrowhead.

I try not to snack but I get very hungry

The bottom-line is that I’m very active but still eat like crap. If I address the poor eating habits (much easier said then done) and get a fill, you think this will make a difference?

SoCalKid

[2fat4me]

I am 9 months into this adventure. I had lost 40 lbs and many inches until about mid Oct. when my band just got way too tight (like it closed up). I couldn't even keep water down, literally, nothing. I would throw up a sucker. So I had to have all my fill removed and start over. I gained back about 10 pounds. I seemed to have kept my size, but can't seem to shake those 10 pounds and get back on the losing track.

Yeh, yeh, it's a tool, I get it. But I am still facing many of the same struggles as prebanded days. I have been a bit disappointed too. I need a fill for more restriction. I have been to that before and beyond, so I know what it is really like to not just want to stop, but have to stop eating. I want that point again. Maybe after the holidays I can financially afford another fill because I can eat and drink with the best of them.

From what I have felt, the pain in your chest can come from your band. I am glad you continue to be active...you're ahead of me!

We will all get there one way or another...one day or the next.

[Amanda2008]

I'm no expert, but maybe you stretched out your pouch. This can happen from overeating when already full, or eating and drinking at the same time. Carbonated beverages can also stretch it out.

When was your last fill? Did it get done under fluoroscope?

[nothereanymore]

So it looks like you weigh 258 with a BMI of 30.5 which is considered Increased Risk, but its not bad. You’re exercising which is great, but you’re breaking some of the cardinal rules which is not so good and they are easy one’s to keep.

Have you tried drinking a protein shake in the morning – something like Isopure with low cards and high protein to kick start your day? This might help you curb the cravings for the bad food and help turn more of your work out work to muscle and could help you lose more weight.

You also have got to stop drinking while eating, it not only can wash out your food, it can stretch your band. You should be OK with carbonated drinks; you’re past 6 months – just not during a meal and up to an hour after – (the same with any liquids). Just move them out of the way when eating to break the habit. Drink a lot throughout the day – just stop when eating and an hour after - **multiple repeats due to the importants of this**

The tightness is most likely you’re new “I’m full – don’t eat anymore” are you listening to it? If not you could put too much in there and also stretch the band. When you dry heave which is not good and can slip your band are you chewing your food right? Start working with your band and get to know it – know how it reacts to what you are doing – it makes life much easier.

You also most likely want to get a fill and have your pouch looked at under flouro, it sounds like you’re do for one and a good checkup can’t hurt. Also start tracking and measuring your food and caloric intake, if you’re into exercise just think of this as part of the exercise program and you can really get into it.

Cab only has 95 calories per glass – and anti oxidants – its better for men than women – just chuck out some of the junk food and keep the cab – that’s what I’d do….

So after this long drawn out response - simply yes - if you address your poor eating habits and get a fill, you will kick some butte' and lose the weight...

Good luck and it’s never too late to start using your band! You’ve got it for life you know!

[SoCalKid]

So it looks like you weigh 258 with a BMI of 30.5 which is considered Increased Risk, but its not bad. You’re exercising which is great, but you’re breaking some of the cardinal rules which is not so good and they are easy one’s to keep.

Have you tried drinking a protein shake in the morning – something like Isopure with low cards and high protein to kick start your day? This might help you curb the cravings for the bad food and help turn more of your work out work to muscle and could help you lose more weight.

You also have got to stop drinking while eating, it not only can wash out your food, it can stretch your band. You should be OK with carbonated drinks; you’re past 6 months – just not during a meal and up to an hour after – (the same with any liquids). Just move them out of the way when eating to break the habit. Drink a lot throughout the day – just stop when eating and an hour after - **multiple repeats due to the importants of this**

The tightness is most likely you’re new “I’m full – don’t eat anymore” are you listening to it? If not you could put too much in there and also stretch the band. When you dry heave which is not good and can slip your band are you chewing your food right? Start working with your band and get to know it – know how it reacts to what you are doing – it makes life much easier.

You also most likely want to get a fill and have your pouch looked at under flouro, it sounds like you’re do for one and a good checkup can’t hurt. Also start tracking and measuring your food and caloric intake, if you’re into exercise just think of this as part of the exercise program and you can really get into it.

Cab only has 95 calories per glass – and anti oxidants – its better for men than women – just chuck out some of the junk food and keep the cab – that’s what I’d do….

So after this long drawn out response - simply yes - if you address your poor eating habits and get a fill, you will kick some butte' and lose the weight...

Good luck and it’s never too late to start using your band! You’ve got it for life you know!

Wow lisal and all - Thank you so much for the valuable feedback! I wonder if I have done damage to the pouch? Can they "stretch" back to the original size? What about the stomach flu? If you get the stomach flu, can you still get sick? Seems like it would not be able to exit, ya know? What is "under flouro"? I hope my pouch is OK...

SoCal...

[nothereanymore]

You most likely haven’t stretched it and if you have you they will put you on liquids for a while to see if you can shrink it back down, if not surgery may be required. Only you’re doc will know when he checks you out.

The doctor can check your band under fluoroscopy to get a better understanding of your pouch size and make sure that you have accurate fill. (Its carried out in the X-ray department so they can see your pouch and watch the liquids pass through)

People get the flu, most of us try hard not too, and in general we’re good about getting flu shots and focus on staying healthy. We also have anti nausea meds with us – I have prescription and OTC ones so I don't throw up. (Ask your doctor – or just search anti nausea medication and you’ll find one online)

Where did you get your band?

[SoCalKid]

You most likely haven’t stretched it and if you have you they will put you on liquids for a while to see if you can shrink it back down, if not surgery may be required. Only you’re doc will know when he checks you out.

The doctor can check your band under fluoroscopy to get a better understanding of your pouch size and make sure that you have accurate fill. (Its carried out in the X-ray department so they can see your pouch and watch the liquids pass through)

People get the flu, most of us try hard not too, and in general we’re good about getting flu shots and focus on staying healthy. We also have anti nausea meds with us – I have prescription and OTC ones so I don't throw up. (Ask your doctor – or just search anti nausea medication and you’ll find one online)

Where did you get your band?

Lisa - Are you saying that you cannot get stomach flu? I waonder what happens if you/me do?

[nothereanymore]

Hello SoCalKid,

Nope, I'm not saying that at all, we're just normal people and we can get whatever someone else gets.....

What I'm saying is that we really try harder not to throw up - it can cause the band to slip. That's why we take anti nausea meds. Normal protocol for bandsters.

But it looks like you read the other post, so you're good to go and know what happens!

I'm getting ready for vaca, good luck getting this going again.... Hey and by the way were you banded at the OCC?

Lisa