Question:
I am gaining weight and don't know what to do help!

I had surgery July 15,2009. My first adjustment was 2 1/2 cc of solution I have the Realize Lap Band. I went back still hungry ask for more solution now I have 6 1/2 cc and I feel no restrictions and I am still hungery. I drink Injury protein drinks I eat lunch and I have gained I pound maybe more now what am I doing wrong.    — patricia55 (posted on September 29, 2009)

September 29, 2009
you need to contact your surgeons office and go see them maybe your band slipped or leaks
   — nursldyjen

September 29, 2009
I'm sorry for your frustration. I was recently at a seminar and the surgeon showed slides of a couple of cases he dealt with to correct problems for patients from other surgeons. In once incident it showed that the band clip wasn't connected - thus the fill was making the band larger (since it was filling with saline) but there was no restriction since the ends basically weren't connected to tighten the band. Does this explanation make sense? I don't feel as though I'm explaining it very well. You'll probably have to insist that your surgeon do an x-ray, CT scan or the procedure needed to see if indeed your band clip is connected, in place, and working. The seminar surgeon showed current photos of the patient and she's losing on schedule now, as she should be. Hope this helps. Keep your chin up : )
   — tonidaniels913

September 30, 2009
some people never feel any restriction at all with the band. it has something to do with the nerves in the area where it is placed. unfortunately you don't always hear that during the seminar.
   — greenpunchbuggie

September 30, 2009
How often are you seeing your surgeon for follow-up care? The first year post-op I saw mine at least once a month and got a "fill" almost every visit. I am currently 5 years post-op and still see my surgeon about every other month. We all have plateaus, relapses of unhealthy behavior (with the weight gain that follows), and I've also had other health issues that interact with the fact that I have a Lap-Band. Even though I'm at my goal weight, I know how important it is for me to stay in contact with my surgeon. This is a lifetime journey toward maintaining good health, not just a quick fix to being over weight. I noticed that you said you take protein drinks. Why...is this something your surgeon instructed you to do? If not, I'd recommend that you not do that. You should be eating (not drinking) your meals. Solid, not soft food, helps you remain full longer. Fluids just wash the food through faster, causing you to be hungry again sooner. Return to the basics. Eat only when hungry and stop when you are full (2-4 times a day). Take small bites, chew thoroughly, and wait 3-5 minutes between bites. It takes your brain about 20 min. to realize that you are full. Drink about 2 qts. of water daily, but don't drink with meals (or for about 30-60 min. following). You want to leave that food in your pouch instead of washing it through. Eat for nutrition as you are being restricted on the amount you can eat by your Lap-Band (unless you have a problem with the band itself). At least half of your meal should be protein, and the other half should be fruits and vegetables. Take your vitamin supplements and exercise as much as tolerated and appropriate for your health. Finally, join a WLS support group. You'll get encouragement and advice from peers who are going through similar struggles and successes as you. You'll get good information and tips, and you'll get your questions answered. I hope this helps...good luck with your journey toward a healthy life. God Bless.
   — KimM

September 30, 2009
I didn't really feel restriction until 8 cc's was put in my band. Oh Boy... You don't know restriction until your first meal after the 3 day liquid diet... I still have to watch the amount I eat and drink. I have other physical signs of feeling full. I get a real deep shiver in my body or the hiccups right before I am full. I am also noticing that I get tired of eating certain foods more quickly than others.
   — reggi_67

October 3, 2009
know how you feel I felt that way in the beginning it has taken me 9 months to lose 30 lbs. I was getting upset I wondered what I was doing wrong. I was filling restriction but I felt it was not enough because I was not losing pounds only inches. losing major inches but that still was not enough for me. I currently have 8cc's in my 15cc band and I am sch for another fill next week. The way I look at it is my band is half full and with this fill I will get the restriction I need for my body. Please don't be so hard on yourself if you gained a pound it could be from water retention. I know it is hard but in the end we will win this battle
   — sawwas