HELP......I am lost.....

[Lostinmy30's]

Hey guys..I haven't been around for a while I know. And that could be one of the reasons I seem to be failing fast here. I have 7 mls in my band ( 2 fills) and another fill due this week and my weight loss is comnpletely static. I feel no difference eating tbh except I choke if I eat fast. I feel like I have changed very little and not had much dietery advice from the hospital. I got a leaflet when I left hopsital re what to eat for the first few weeks, one appt with the Dietician where she said what I was eating was fine (including sandwiches) and that was it. I was back at my GP ( not my usual one) this week who told me if I am eating anything that tastes nice I shouldn't be eating it and that I should only be drinking water....I realise its all going wrong and its me thats making it go wrong. I tried the pouch test and even failed at that....my brain just isn't getting it I feel like I have wasted this massive opportunity and I am totally lost as to what to do next......

 

[jaffa_cake]

I've never heard so much rubbish in all my life.......if it tastes good you shouldn't be eating it!!....what planet does your doctor live on!!! Does he expect you to live on lettuce and water??

What I do if I stall etc...go back to basics, a day on liquid and a day on soft then back to normal, try and get as much protein in you 1st then veg then carbs

Make another app with your dietician and tell her you're not happy and need more advice on what you should be eating etc

Write a food diary and BE HONEST write everything that passes your lips inc drinks and the amount, you mat be surprised at what your eating you could be eating something you didn't realise or eating too much of something!

On the eating too fast..... put your knife and fork DOWN after every bite and only pick them back up when your mouth is empty, you should take 20 minutes to eat your dinner anymore than this and you are either eating too slow or have too much on your plate ALSO are you eating from a tea plate or a large dinner plate?

Good luck hope i've helped a bit

Jaffa

 

[cherry]

didnt want to read and run hopefully some of the experianced banders or bypassers will be able to pass on some helpful hints for you! x

 

[Lostinmy30's]

I eat from a side plate and mainly get my teenager to serve up for me so I don't pile it on ...taking your advice and have pulled out a notepad for the food diary. I'm making sure I take plenty water, no drinking at meals and will try a days liquid and a days soft from monday moving forward...I find it so hard when the kids are home during the summer sticking to any rigid plan...its so silly....

 

[j.u.s.t.l.i.z.]

I eat from a side plate and mainly get my teenager to serve up for me so I don't pile it on ...taking your advice and have pulled out a notepad for the food diary. I'm making sure I take plenty water, no drinking at meals and will try a days liquid and a days soft from monday moving forward...I find it so hard when the kids are home during the summer sticking to any rigid plan...its so silly....

it sounds to me like u have restriction but very minimal and this is showing its there when you eat too quickly, what size band do you have as that can make a difference in what u can and cant tollerate restriction wise, if you have 1 of the larger bands you will need more in it to get the right restriction, ring your team and find out as 2 fills seems no where near enough, if you have a 14ml band u may just need more saline in it x

 

[keeley86]

i dont realli know much about it myself but by the sounds of it i agree with liz it sounds like you need another fill, hope you get it sorted soon and the weight keeps moving,
hugs n kisses

 

[Lostinmy30's]

Thanks guys..I posted this then read a thread about 'why do people not follow the rules...blah blah blah' and I could have cried tbh... Was beating myself up enough and then it just made me feel guilty too. My Mum said to me the other day after lunch ( a kiddies portion of ikea meatballs) 'You seem to be able to eat anything is your band working ?'...felt like jumping out the window..annoyed at myself for eating it and annoyed that she said something but she's right....I'm not sure what size my band is but he whacked 6 ml into it in one go the last time and it was tight a couple of days then not so am thinking its a big one. Back to see Mr Galloway on thursday so I'm keeping a food diary till then - it will be honest I have never lied about these things - and trying to be really strict with myself... I was upset the GP tried to bam me over the head with scary statements but she probably thought she was doing me a good turn. I got myself referred to the local 'Live Active' programme this week so I can go to local sports places etc for a reduced cost and they are starting my programme on the 19th of this month teaching me how to excercise properly and giving me one on one sessions etc.
I've never been sick....not sure what dumping is...and never have pain. The choking when I eat too fast only started after the last big fill and has happened less than 5 times - if i wait too long to eat and try to scoff something fast because I'm hungry THATS when it happens.
I just feel rudderless at the moment and thought you guys could help...and sure you have already..thankyou sooooo much xxx

 

[gaelic girl]

Hi Hun
I was wondering where you had gone. I'm not a bander but you have been given some great advice already. Your gp needs a kick up the you know where what a statement to make to you. Talk to Mr Galloway and ask to be referred back to your dietician you should be getting better after care than you are. I'm actually wanting to start a support group in the glasgow area and stories like yours back up my thinking that one is needed. Good luck and please let us know how you get on. Big hugs x

 

[emmarfrost]

Hello lovely,

Your post rang a lot of bells with me. so thought I would write and say what happened with mine.

I had 4ml in my band on day of surgery as that was what surgeon decided was best.When a few weeks later I went for the barium meal, I was able to eat soft meals in similar quantities as before, I certainly didnt feel as though I had any restriction whatsoever.

At the barium appt, I had a further 3ml put in, which only gave a small restriction, but the doctor said it was unusual to need that much straight 'off the bat', and to come back if I found normal foods were continuing through fairly easily.

I was able to eat decent sized portions, and though the initial 20lb or so that I lost flew off, I found my weightloss slowing, agonisingly so- in fact if i lost weight it was because I was making the concious decision to not eat food, rather than i felt full due to the band.

I went back and paid for another fill, the nurse looked at me and she said she couldnt understand how I needed so much saline in, but she put in a further 2ml (taking it up to 9ml in a 10ml band).That last fill did it.

I now find that i can only tolerate foods in small portions, and feel full quickly.I have now finally managed to reach my healthy BMI, and im chuffed to bits.
After that last fill I also began to move more, started walking, and now jog a couple of times a week- which has really helped with the weightloss.

I felt completely deflated when the weight wasnt coming off, try and get a fill- you may find thats whats needed.Hope all goes well

Chin up xxx

 

[cazbandy]

Hi there,

Do not beat yourself up, it could be a combination of things preventing you from moving forwards.

Firstly what would you eat in an average day?

Meatballs in sauce could be classed as a slider food as they have sauce on them, so makes it easier to eat.

You won't dump you have a band, that is mainly a bypassers things but even then not all get that. Its where you eat something to high in sugar or fat or both and it sends you all hot an bothered, in pain and usually a rush to the loo. Not nice at all but it can work as a great deterrent.

I still get the odd comment from parents but I set them straight saying I did not have jaws wired, so I can still eat and as long as I eat a good balanced and small portioned diet and excercise I will slowly loose weight. They have shut up now LOL.

it does however sound like you might need a small fill, sometime 1 ml more can make a heck of a difference.

Just relax a little, take stock, see the team, maybe get a fill and all will be ok.

 

[dottychic]

Im not a bander so cant help with any useful advice, just wanted to say dont be too hard on yourself, you have just lost your way a bit. The experienced banders here will help you back Good luck hun X

 

[Mazza]

Hi Hun

I agree it does sound like you need a fill, just a small amount could make all the difference.

Food wise try and stick to food that will fill your pouch and keep you full for longer. Here is an example of what I eat, hope it helps x

Breakfast - if at work small portion of musili, or a low fat greek yoghurt with fruit, at weekends a boiled egg and thin melba toasts. I really cant eat much in the morning!

Lunch - if at work, a salad of grated carrot, beetroot, chunky cucumber, cherry tomatos, spoon of coleslaw, small spoon of cous cous and either tuna, hummous or guacamole - sounds loads I know! If at home fish or quorn or tofu with cajun type spices, lots of veg.

Evening - low fat currys with quorn, fish or tofu for protien (I dont eat meant), chilli, or something similar to lunch.

I eat all of my meals at home on my daughters Barbie plate and follow the protein, veg then if I need it carb rule. Snack tend to be soft fruit ie a pear, strawberries etc or the occasional handful of nuts.

Good luck hun, see if you can get another fill and for more ideas on what banders eat check out the daily menus thread x

 

[shelbell]

Hi,

I'm a bypass patient, so don't want to offer too much advice, but I did do a fair bit of research into bands when I was pre-op and deciding which surgery was right for me.

The one thing that strikes me from your post is that you need to learn more about the band, how it works, how to work with it, and the differences between the different surgeries. For example, the pouch test is designed for bypass patients, and won't help you at all as the liquids and soft proteins in the first few days will just go straight through a band and leave you feeling very hungry, so its highly likely you'd fall off the wagon.

Have you looked at any of the WLS books? The WLS for Dummies is often highly recommended, and will teach you a lot more about your band as well as ideas on how best to eat post op to feel full, stave off hunger, and optimise your weight loss.

Its a shame your team and your GP have let you down so badly. I hope you continue to post here and let others support you and help you learn all there is to know about your band

 

[Nicoli12]

Oh my, I cannot believe what I have read, I am the same as you. Had my band done in May and felt some restriction at the begining but later learned that was due to the swelling, had no band fill during op. My port valve flipped upwards so I had to wait a month for surgery and nearly all the weight I lost before my op went back on. I have a 10 mil band and have had 4 mil put in and the last few days I have found that I can eat more ( but not anything like I used to) When I eat too quickly I have had the pain and sometimes been sick. I get on the scales every morning hoping my weight is going down, but as normal it goes up and down:wave_cry: I too think I have gone all through this 2 ops, time off of work for what????
Vanessa Feltz was on the TV this week and she has lost 2 stone!!!!! HOW?
Sorry to gone on, but I know this is my last chance and all I want to do is to shed some weight.:cry:
Nicky

 

[VeronicaT]

As it is so difficult for you while your kids are at home, why not make a game of it. If they sare old enough get them to make all of your meals for a week, and do a proper menu in advance - they must follow the guide lines and keep portions small etc. Weigh before and weigh after.If they help you lose say X number of pounds in the week, they get a treat ( non foody). Just a thought to make it easier for you?
This was on a different thread
Phase 1 – immediately post-surgery for 1-2 days
Clear fluids only,e.g. water, dilute squash, herbal teas and fruit tea, clear broth, unsweetened apple juice, jelly, ice lollies.
You should aim for 1oz (30mls) fluid every hour on day one and progress to 2oz (60mls) every hour on day two, if tolerated.
- Drink very slowly by taking small sips. Try not to gulp.
- Avoid carbonated drinks and drinking through a straw as these can introduce air to your pouch, making you feel uncomfortable.
- Avoid drinks containing caffeine as these act as a diuretic and can contribute to dehydration.



Phase 2 – first 2 weeks
Liquid diet ‑ after phase 1 you will make a transition to a full liquid diet. These liquids must be smooth and able to be sucked through a straw, although it is not recommended that you actually take these through a straw. It is important that you get as much nutrition as possible with each meal and should be aiming for around 60g protein per day.
The types of suitable liquid foods are:
- Milk (skimmed or semi skimmed)
- Fortified milk (2 tbsp skimmed milk powder added to 1 pint milk)
- Tomato juice
- Fruit juice
- Tea
- Smooth broths
- Creamed soups
- Yoghurt and yoghurt drinks (add milk if too thick)
- Meal replacement drinks, e.g. Slimfast /Complan/ Build Up.

It is important to get a variety of liquids at this stage rather than sticking to just one type.


Sample menu plan for liquid diet:
Breakfast Meal replacement drink or glass of fortified milk
Mid morning 1 glass fruit juice/tomato juice/milk
Lunch Meal replacement drink or glass of fortified milk or creamy soup
Mid afternoon 1 glass fruit juice/tomato juice/milk
Evening Meal replacement drink or glass of fortified milk or creamy soup
Supper 1 glass fruit juice/tomato juice/milk

Phase 3 – weeks 3 and 4
Puree diet ‑ at this stage you can start to introduce pureed or blended foods into your diet. This should be smooth and the consistency of baby food.
The following types of food can be included:
- Creamy soups, rice pudding, custard
- Softly cooked and blended vegetables, mashed potato
- Cereals such as Ready Brek, Weetabix, ground rice
- Blended fruits
- Blended meats with gravy
- Blended casseroles and soups

Sample menu plan for puree diet:
Breakfast Weetabix or Ready Brek with milk or yoghurt and fruit juice
Mid morning Low calorie yoghurt or rice pudding
Lunch Blended creamy soup/blended macaroni cheese/cauliflower cheese
Mid afternoon Mashed banana, puree stewed fruit
Evening Blended chicken casserole/fish in white sauce, mashed potato, blended carrots

Remember to chew food thoroughly and to eat very slowly. When you are full, remember to STOP!

Phase 4 – weeks 5 and 6
Soft diet ‑ at this stage you no longer need to blend your food but can progress to a soft consistency diet. These are foods that can easily be mashed or cut with a fork.

Breakfast Weetabix or Ready Brek with milk or toast and low fat spread
Mid morning Low calorie yoghurt or rice pudding
Lunch Scrambled egg, macaroni cheese, cauliflower cheese
Mid afternoon Banana, soft peach/pear tinned without skins
Evening Shepherds pie, fish pie, soft vegetables




Phase 5 – weeks 6 onwards
Normal diet ‑ you are now ready to continue on your long term eating plan. At six weeks your first band fill is usually done and you will start to feel the restriction your band is making around the top of your stomach. Remember, you are not just eating small amounts to reduce your calorie intake and lose weight, but you are aiming for a healthy nutritious eating plan as well.

Six golden rules
Each individual differs in the foods they can eat, but there are six golden eating plan rules to follow if you are dedicated to obtaining the greatest benefit from your gastric band:
- Eat three meals per day – your new pouch at the top of your stomach empties slowly throughout the day and you should be satisfied eating three meals a day without getting hungry in between meals. Beware of developing 'grazing' eating patterns of small snacks throughout the day.
- Eat healthy, solid food – soft food slips down easily and whilst this has the benefit of being less likely to block your stoma, you will likely end up eating more over the course of the day. Many soft foods are also higher in fat or carbohydrates and as a consequence you may be taking more calories than you should and your weight loss will slow down or stop. Choose solid foods without lots of sauce (e.g. small meal of chicken and vegetables) and you will eat less overall and stay full for longer.
- Eat slowly and stop as soon as you feel full – most obese people are used to rushing their meals and as there is a time lag from stretching the wall of your stomach and telling your brain you are full, you need to be careful with this one or risk blockage, pain or vomiting. Take tiny bites (cut meat up to the size of a pencil-top rubber) and chew each piece 10–25 times. At some point you will start to feel a tightness in your chest. Stop eating and if you are hungry again a few minutes later, have a little more.
- Do not eat between meals – you should not need to eat between meals because of hunger if you are eating three sensible meals per day.
- Do not drink at meal times – Liquids speed up the passage of food through the stoma and ruin the beneficial effect of slow emptying of food from your new stomach pouch. If you have a drink immediately before your meal you may also find that your stomach is still full and you can't eat your meal. So avoid fluids half an hour before your meals, and for one hour afterwards.
- All drinks should be zero calories – As liquids do pass through your stoma so easily, calorie laden drinks, including alcohol, will simply add calories to your daily intake. Women need calcium, and this can be obtained from skimmed milk, but avoid juice, fizzy drinks (the gas can also cause considerable pain), squashes and milkshakes.



Daily Menu Plan ‑ meal ideas
Breakfast
200ml coffee or tea with or without sugar or 200ml skimmed or semi-skimmed milk or 200ml vegetable or fruit juice
1 slice brown bread or roll (toasted)
10g butter/margarine or 20g low fat spread
1 portion jam, honey or low fat cheese spread or 50g lean meat or 1 egg or 50g pureed porridge oats

Mid morning snack
150ml x 2 skimmed or semi-skimmed milk

Lunch
1 lamb or pork cutlet/50g poached fish/50g meat in gravy/50-75g chicken breast/1 small sausage/50-75g Quorn/Tofu based product
2 tsp risotto or rice/2 tsp mashed potato/1 small boiled potato
1 peeled grilled tomato/2 tsp broccoli or carrots/small mixed salad
Dessert from suggested choice

Mid afternoon snack
150ml plain or fruit yoghurt
Or stewed peeled fruit

Evening meal
As lunch or:
100g boiled spaghetti with Bolognese sauce
1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese
1 peeled grilled tomato
Dessert from suggested choice
Or 3 small slices of low-fat cheese
1 slice brown bread
Small mixed (tomato, cucumber)
Or 2 teaspoon tuna/egg salad with diced pickled vegetables
1 slice brown bread
1 egg custard with raspberry flavour
Or 50g baked potato with cheese and ham
2 tsp of tomato salad
Dessert from suggest choice

Evening snack
150ml x 2 skimmed or semi-skimmed milk

Snacks
150ml low fat plain or fruit yoghurt or,
200ml semi-skimmed milk

Desserts
150ml plain natural or fruit yoghurt or,
1 egg custard (various flavours) or,
1 portion of soft or pureed (stewed) fruit or 1 scoop sorbet

For more information about the Trust, visit our website www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk

 

[shelbell]

Veronica, isn't that aimed at bypass patients? Just cos it talks about stoma, stomach pouch etc.

 

[VeronicaT]

erm it says gastric banding. Better check on link

 

[shelbell]

Good site, that info is aimed at both it seems, there is another one aimed just at banding, http://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/pdf/post_op_diet_gastric_banding.pdf. As well as http://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/pdf/basic_principles_gastric_banding.pdf

 

[Lostinmy30's]

Ok I managed not to drink with meals today...and stuck to no eating between meals and small portions.....have ordered WLS for Dummies from Amazon (Thanks Shelbel)...willl be here before appt on thursday..and I am going to go with the menus as suggested by Veronica from tomorrow ( when I'm doing my weekly shop)...and I'm cutting myself off from Oasis ( a guilty pleasure in hot weather) and going back to extra light ribena in my water......I'll be here at least once a day guys as I feel very wibbly hope i don't bore y'all too much xxxthankyou again ladies you are wonderous xx

 

[gaelic girl]

Thats what we are here for hun to support each other all the way. I don't live a million miles away from you so if you ever want to meet up for a chat i'm more than happy. Andrea and Jacquie are up for meeting maybe we could organise it for the 4 of us to catch up x