[Doreenviv]

Hello my fellow bandsters,
       I need answers please!! I had my 2nd fill a month ago ( I have 4 cc's ) so far and will have my 3rd fill next week. My problem is that I have gained 5 lbs in the last week and when I eat after the first or 2nd bite it gets stuck ( maybe I'm not chewing enough ) I don't know. COULD my band have slipped or is it that I do need my next fill and need to chew smaller and longer? Oh and I had a floating hiatal hernia  and my surgeon fixed it but my band had to go up higher then normal which is better for me she said. I'm really getting depressed about gaining the weight. A weeks ago I was able to eat 2 burgers buns and all. SHOULD I be concerned or do I just need another fill???? Any suggestions or help would be appreciated!! Thanks.

[muelle]

Try to chew better and see if that helps you get the food down.  If that doesn't work, you may be too tight.  I was always told if you can't get the healthy food down, then you are probably too tight and you end up eating not so healthy food because it usually goes down really easy.  I get stuck after a couple bites of certain foods no matter how well I chew, but I just know not to eat them.  It's usually things like bread, and stringy meat.  As far as gaining 5 pounds this week, that could be attributed to swelling if it is close to your TOM.  I know it is disheartening to have a set back, I was crushed the 1 month I actually gained a pound when I had been losing 10-15 pounds every month.  I just rededicated myself and paid closer attention to what I was eating.  Good luck to you on your journey!!!

[sweetpea61956]

I had my surgery on May 26th and have been lucky enough that I haven't had a fill.  But even at that I have yet to have a hamburger.  They contain a LOT of fat and calories.  Write down what you are eating.  The band is not going to make you lose weight by itself.  You still need to make good choices of what you eat and how much you eat.  Good luck.

[NJGirl32]

Okay-you are mentioning 2 concerns:

#1- getting stuck
#2-still being hungry and being able to eat lots of food

1. Getting stuck-certain foods will have to be avoided or can caude you to get stuck. Sometimes eating quickly or while standing (mindlessly) cand attribute to the stuck feeling. Also, dry meats (that have being microwave or BBQed or overcooked in any way) can cause that feeling. Yes, chew the hell out of your food-and chew moist foods. Pay attention to the food so you don't take a bite that's too big.

2. If you can eat 2 hamburgers you simply aren't at a proper fill level. I was able to eat 2 slices of pizzas (not proud of that) after my 1st fill-not problem. Now I have had my 4th fill and I can't even take 1 bite of pizza-yes I tried and it was a slimming, PB mess!  Even withthe proper fill you need to eat smart choices. Plan your meals and snakcs ahead of time. After this last fill I can not eat cheeseburger on a roll. I can only eat 1/2 of a burger (no bun) and I have to dip it in ketcup, even then the burger is pretty dry for my band.  

Good luck to you!

[sanction]

You dont need another fill you are 1 not chewing well enough 2 eating too fast put you fork down and swallow first then wait a few minutes before you eat the second bite.  Even if you could eat two hamburgers why would you.  Come on you have to do some of this yourself and your not going to lose weight eating two hamburgers on buns.

[Doreenviv]

THANKS EVERYONE I APPRECIATE THE HONESTY AND YES, SOME OF MY CHOICES ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM AND I KNOW THIS, USUALLY I MAKE GOOD CHOICES EXCEPT LATELY   AS I HAVE LOST ALMOST 30 POUNDS SENCE MAY WHEN I GOT MY BANDED. I GUESS I WAS REALLY HUNGRY THAT DAY I KNOW NOT AN EXCUSE! I WILL MAKE SURE I AM MORE AWHERE OF WHAT I'M EATING AND HOW MUCHAS WELL AS CHEWING IT AND TAKING SMALLER BITES. THANKS ALL FOR YOUR INPUT. I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED.

Doreenviv, on September 4, 2011 - 8:58 AM, said:

Hello my fellow bandsters,
       I need answers please!! I had my 2nd fill a month ago ( I have 4 cc's ) so far and will have my 3rd fill next week. My problem is that I have gained 5 lbs in the last week and when I eat after the first or 2nd bite it gets stuck ( maybe I'm not chewing enough ) I don't know. COULD my band have slipped or is it that I do need my next fill and need to chew smaller and longer? Oh and I had a floating hiatal hernia  and my surgeon fixed it but my band had to go up higher then normal which is better for me she said. I'm really getting depressed about gaining the weight. A weeks ago I was able to eat 2 burgers buns and all. SHOULD I be concerned or do I just need another fill???? Any suggestions or help would be appreciated!! Thanks.

[Doreenviv]

Hello, although I appreciate your imput  I noticed that you haven't been banded yet so I'm confused that you could answer a topic that you have no experiance on yet. And how do you know I don't need another fill if you haven't even gotten your band yet? Where does your experiance come from? We all started out in the same catagory ( overweight ) and everyone finds their own way of winning their war and I will find mine. FYI I do chew my food and cut it into small bites and by the way my fork DOES get put down between bites. I'm sure YOU never ate 2 hamburgs at a cook out before RIGHT!!!  Thanks for your reply though.

sanction, on September 4, 2011 - 3:11 PM, said:

You dont need another fill you are 1 not chewing well enough 2 eating too fast put you fork down and swallow first then wait a few minutes before you eat the second bite.  Even if you could eat two hamburgers why would you.  Come on you have to do some of this yourself and your not going to lose weight eating two hamburgers on buns.

[Woodslass]

Doreenviv, I had the same problem for a while about needing to PB right after I started eating.  I think I was doing it just about every day for months, and when I talked to my surgeon about it, he explained it like this.

Your stomach has three strong muscles around it.  These muscles are the ones that contract and relax, moving food through your system (and also cause your tummy to "growl" when you're hungry).  

For a Bandster, we often don't have a lot in the stomach if we are not snacking between meals.  When you sit down to eat a meal, these muscles are eager to go to work and are very stimulated when you smell the food, see the food, and first bite goes in and chewing starts.  The stomach anticipates the food about to arrive and the muscles clench up all the way to the opening of the band.  So if you eat too fast, with bites that are too large, the food can't go down at all and you'll start sliming and usually end up bringing it back up.  My surgeon told me that the first 2 to 5 bites are critical in a meal.

So, what I've done is literally take a pea-sized bite as my first five bites, and take about 30 seconds between those bites with my fork down.  I chew until it's disintegrated, and I'm not really swallowing as much as it just disappears.  Once my stomach realizes that there's more food coming, it relaxes and I'm able to eat and not PB.  

This may not work for everyone, but it took me five months to finally get some answers to this and I have not PB'd since I started doing this except for some scrambled eggs the other morning (which I'm always tight in the morning and usually I don't eat at all).  I also found that definitely not drinking during a meal has helped and was also a cause of PBing - I make sure I don't accidentally drink by not even having a drink next to my plate.  If I dump a bunch of liquid on top of anything I definitely will be seeing it again!

As for the two hamburgers - I haven't been able to sucessfully eat white soft bread since the day I was banded, but that's just me.  With fills, your band opening is about the circumference of your pinky finger - it's not easy to get larger items down it, especially if it swells up.  

Good luck, I hope this helps you as it helped me!

[highland]

I am shocked at what people are eating or trying to eat. Two hamburgers - REALLY? I am 2 1/2 months post op and I can't imagine even thinking about eating those types of foods. The band is only a tool. You must make the right food choices for it to work unless you want the type of restriction that prevents you from eating; via puking and or slimming.  Is that really anyway to live? My surgeon has given me a diet plan and I follow it to a T. I eat eggs, protein powders, skim milk,Greek yogurt, chicken, fish, veggies and a little bit of fruit,That's it. As you can see by my ticker it's a very slow process, but I intend to stick with the program for the duration. High protein, Low fat, low carb, tons of plain water, and low calorie. By the way my band is providing me with satiety, not restriction of food that will or will not go down. No PBing or slimming - that's my goal.  I guess my surgeon looks at things differently than many, He wants me to eat normally without fear of getting stuck.  I choose not to eat burgers, not because I can't, because I could,I'm not that restricted but because it's not a healthy choice for someone trying to loose weight. I'm sure I'll get blasted for not being supportive enough, but I had to get this off my chest!

[sweetpea61956]

I personally think you are being supportive.  You didn't just blast her...you gave details of ways to prevent the undesirable situations!

highland, on September 5, 2011 - 11:41 AM, said:

I am shocked at what people are eating or trying to eat. Two hamburgers - REALLY? I am 2 1/2 months post op and I can't imagine even thinking about eating those types of foods. The band is only a tool. You must make the right food choices for it to work unless you want the type of restriction that prevents you from eating; via puking and or slimming.  Is that really anyway to live? My surgeon has given me a diet plan and I follow it to a T. I eat eggs, protein powders, skim milk,Greek yogurt, chicken, fish, veggies and a little bit of fruit,That's it. As you can see by my ticker it's a very slow process, but I intend to stick with the program for the duration. High protein, Low fat, low carb, tons of plain water, and low calorie. By the way my band is providing me with satiety, not restriction of food that will or will not go down. No PBing or slimming - that's my goal.  I guess my surgeon looks at things differently than many, He wants me to eat normally without fear of getting stuck.  I choose not to eat burgers, not because I can't, because I could,I'm not that restricted but because it's not a healthy choice for someone trying to loose weight. I'm sure I'll get blasted for not being supported enough, but I had to get this off my chest!

[highland]

Thank you.

[jayres14]

highland, on September 5, 2011 - 11:41 AM, said:

I am shocked at what people are eating or trying to eat. Two hamburgers - REALLY? I am 2 1/2 months post op and I can't imagine even thinking about eating those types of foods. The band is only a tool. You must make the right food choices for it to work unless you want the type of restriction that prevents you from eating; via puking and or slimming.  Is that really anyway to live? My surgeon has given me a diet plan and I follow it to a T. I eat eggs, protein powders, skim milk,Greek yogurt, chicken, fish, veggies and a little bit of fruit,That's it. As you can see by my ticker it's a very slow process, but I intend to stick with the program for the duration. High protein, Low fat, low carb, tons of plain water, and low calorie. By the way my band is providing me with satiety, not restriction of food that will or will not go down. No PBing or slimming - that's my goal.  I guess my surgeon looks at things differently than many, He wants me to eat normally without fear of getting stuck.  I choose not to eat burgers, not because I can't, because I could,I'm not that restricted but because it's not a healthy choice for someone trying to loose weight. I'm sure I'll get blasted for not being supported enough, but I had to get this off my chest!

Not sure why you are so shocked... we ALL got overweight by making bad food choices and although we have the band now to HELP us along the way, that doesn't mean our brains have changed and we no longer have the desires and weaknesses that got us to this point in the first place.  Must be nice to have such super powers...

[highland]

Jayrees,
I'm sorry you feel the need to make a nasty comment to me.  Super Powers - yea right, that's how I got to this weight!! Many of you who are banded are much younger than I. I have been on some sort of diet since the age of 8, I am now 54. This is my last chance girl! I have extreme diabetes taking over 300 units of insulin a day! I almost lost a foot this summer due to a terrible bone infection. I have heart disease in both sides of my family, and yes I have all the indicators; high blood pressure, high trriglycerides, and high cholesterol.  I paid for this surgery on my own as my blue cross insurance does not cover WLS. I have had to MAKE myself stick to the guidelines everyday because I do not want my life to end as early as my parents and grandparents. Yes, it upsets me to see people not understanding why they can't get a burger down. I wish everyone had the medical team that I have to help them through this. And NO,I wouldn't wish my personal experiences on anyone to help them with their own will power. I have no super powers, only desperation, feeling this is my last chance.  I am scared to death every single day that this will not work for me.

[jayres14]

highland, on September 5, 2011 - 6:08 PM, said:

Jayrees,
I'm sorry you feel the need to make a nasty comment to me.  Super Powers - yea right, that's how I got to this weight!! Many of you who are banded are much younger than I. I have been on some sort of diet since the age of 8, I am now 54. This is my last chance girl! I have extreme diabetes taking over 300 units of insulin a day! I almost lost a foot this summer due to a terrible bone infection. I have heart disease in both sides of my family, and yes I have all the indicators; high blood pressure, high trriglycerides, and high cholesterol.  I paid for this surgery on my own as my blue cross insurance does not cover WLS. I have had to MAKE myself stick to the guidelines everyday because I do not want my life to end as early as my parents and grandparents. Yes, it upsets me to see people not understanding why they can't get a burger down. I wish everyone had the medical team that I have to help them through this. And NO,I wouldn't wish my personal experiences on anyone to help them with their own will power. I have no super powers, only desperation, feeling this is my last chance.  I am scared to death every single day that this will not work for me.

Ummm, not a nasty comment, not sure why you are getting defensive.  It just does not shock me at all that people can eat two burgers with the band.  If they don't have any resistance, it is pretty easy to get them down.

[highland]

jayres14, on September 5, 2011 - 9:07 PM, said:

Ummm, not a nasty comment, not sure why you are getting defensive.  It just does not shock me at all that people can eat two burgers with the band.  If they don't have any resistance, it is pretty easy to get them down.

Again- I simply don't know why you would sabotage your weight loss that way. Maybe a couple of bites to get it out of your system. If you can't change your diet from pre-band then post-band won't work. No need to respond.  I'm truly just trying to help.

[april323]

say it like it is sis . Its true this battle is fierce , ferocious and food is the culprit it can ultimately kills us. This is an ADDICTION HOWEVER THE TYPE YOU CANNOT JUST DISMISSED BECAUSE WE NEED FOOD TO SURVIVE. AN ADDICT FIGHTS EVERY DAY AND DENIAL SAYS ONE MORE BURGER ,JUST OMNE ,MORE TIME. WE NEED EACH OTHER EVEN IF IT COMES ACROSS HARSH THE INTENT IS WHAT MATTERS. LETS CONTINUE TO FIGHT AND WIN

[123crod]

Everyone go back and re-read her post plese. The only thing most are talking about is eating a hamburger. She did not say they were big hambugers. Maybe kids meals. So forget about that and give her your best advice. She I am sure she knows what she was not suppose eat, But things happen and we all lose control.

I do not think you need another fill unless you are feeling hungry beween meals, (not head hunger) but real hunger as you do not think you can wait till the meal. If you are getting  hungry before the next mealtime then I think a small fill might be needed.

I think you are retaining some water. Might want to up your water intank.

Only you know how you feel. I say get one and if  you need to go back for a small unfill most Dr, don't charge for the unfill.

think we all need  to have out head checked out

I am 2 years out and still have trouble with head hunger and emotional eating.


Cheri

[123crod]

Sorry double post

[Doreenviv]

Thank you the information is very helpful!

Woodslass, on September 5, 2011 - 9:08 AM, said:

Doreenviv, I had the same problem for a while about needing to PB right after I started eating.  I think I was doing it just about every day for months, and when I talked to my surgeon about it, he explained it like this.

Your stomach has three strong muscles around it.  These muscles are the ones that contract and relax, moving food through your system (and also cause your tummy to "growl" when you're hungry).  

For a Bandster, we often don't have a lot in the stomach if we are not snacking between meals.  When you sit down to eat a meal, these muscles are eager to go to work and are very stimulated when you smell the food, see the food, and first bite goes in and chewing starts.  The stomach anticipates the food about to arrive and the muscles clench up all the way to the opening of the band.  So if you eat too fast, with bites that are too large, the food can't go down at all and you'll start sliming and usually end up bringing it back up.  My surgeon told me that the first 2 to 5 bites are critical in a meal.

So, what I've done is literally take a pea-sized bite as my first five bites, and take about 30 seconds between those bites with my fork down.  I chew until it's disintegrated, and I'm not really swallowing as much as it just disappears.  Once my stomach realizes that there's more food coming, it relaxes and I'm able to eat and not PB.  

This may not work for everyone, but it took me five months to finally get some answers to this and I have not PB'd since I started doing this except for some scrambled eggs the other morning (which I'm always tight in the morning and usually I don't eat at all).  I also found that definitely not drinking during a meal has helped and was also a cause of PBing - I make sure I don't accidentally drink by not even having a drink next to my plate.  If I dump a bunch of liquid on top of anything I definitely will be seeing it again!

As for the two hamburgers - I haven't been able to sucessfully eat white soft bread since the day I was banded, but that's just me.  With fills, your band opening is about the circumference of your pinky finger - it's not easy to get larger items down it, especially if it swells up.  

Good luck, I hope this helps you as it helped me!

[Doreenviv]

I'm glad that you are doing so wonderful and remember you wouldn't have gotten banded if your healthy diets worked for you in the past. BTW the 2 hamburgs were slider size and they were from Whole foods which are very healthy and where most of my meets come from. For your sake I hope you don't ever get anything stuck. So please don't be so quick to judge. The whole point to my question was to find out if maybe my band could have slipped. Thanks for your thoughts though.

highland, on September 5, 2011 - 11:41 AM, said:

I am shocked at what people are eating or trying to eat. Two hamburgers - REALLY? I am 2 1/2 months post op and I can't imagine even thinking about eating those types of foods. The band is only a tool. You must make the right food choices for it to work unless you want the type of restriction that prevents you from eating; via puking and or slimming.  Is that really anyway to live? My surgeon has given me a diet plan and I follow it to a T. I eat eggs, protein powders, skim milk,Greek yogurt, chicken, fish, veggies and a little bit of fruit,That's it. As you can see by my ticker it's a very slow process, but I intend to stick with the program for the duration. High protein, Low fat, low carb, tons of plain water, and low calorie. By the way my band is providing me with satiety, not restriction of food that will or will not go down. No PBing or slimming - that's my goal.  I guess my surgeon looks at things differently than many, He wants me to eat normally without fear of getting stuck.  I choose not to eat burgers, not because I can't, because I could,I'm not that restricted but because it's not a healthy choice for someone trying to loose weight. I'm sure I'll get blasted for not being supportive enough, but I had to get this off my chest!