That's essentially what my surgeon told me when I called this morning to ask for his opinion. He wasn't quite so harsh about it, but I wouldn't say he was overly sympathetic. I told him I could only have liquids right now, that the ricotta cheese/spaghetti sauce concoction went down quite grudgingly last night.
"That's not entirely a bad thing," he said. "I'm not going to open you back up so you can eat. I'm seeing you in, what, three weeks? It'll loosen up. As long as you're not dehydrated and not totally miserable just stick with the liquids."
At first I was pretty pissed about this. I mean, the whole point of the band is that you can eat, just less than before. But the more I thought about it, the more I figured, why not just go with it for a few more weeks? I'm not having reflux, I'm not throwing up, I am just really restricted. I won't stay like this forever because the band always loosens up as you lose weight. And oh boy am I losing weight.
I've lost six pounds since last Sunday. Some of that has to be fluid, but still... there are worse things. I'm going to a friend's wedding in a few weeks, and some bonus pounds lost would be great.
So for now at least, I'm going with it. I had 2 oz of yogurt for breakfast and a cup of blended black bean soup with a dollop of sour cream for lunch. Lots of protein. I'll do my mashed up avocado later to get at least a little veggie in there.
We'll see how it goes.
Hang in there Kristin - it does loosen up a bit. My dr. basically told me the same thing. I stuck to soups mainly. It's hard but you do lose weight so I guess that's the upside. Be sure to get in your protein (shakes?) so that you don't start losing hair again like I have.
ReplyDeleteMy whole month of February was too tight but then March was just right. I lost 18 lbs. in Feb and only 4.5 in March. lol - Just try to go with it. Coffee, tea and soups will be your friend right now.
Being too tight was very painful for me, I would not have been able to wait it out. But, I couldn't swallow water so that was extreme. I usually have swelling the first few days following a fill and then it goes away.
ReplyDeleteI just had a post about the SAME THING :) I am also debating if I need an unfill or if I should stick it out, because I can tolerate liquis, protein shakes, and soft foods. It will be interesting to see where you are in a couple of weeks. When was your last fill??
ReplyDeleteOne of the PAs told me the same thing when I was concerned about going out of town right after a fill. However, he knew it would only be a little under a week. They don't like to keep you in that mushie stage long b/c so many people start doing bad liquids. However, as long as you have energy and stick to your high protein items this might be great jump start!
ReplyDeleteTHat's scary. I really never want to feel so tight I can only do liquids. That is not what I had in mind when I got the band. So I'll be interested to see what happens for you. Keep us updated.
ReplyDeleteInteresting; I'll be watching how it goes with the Doc if you're still this tight next you see him. My level of restriction didn't change one bit for 5 months...so things don't always 'loosen up' very fast at all (but often they do). Make sure you're getting in all the NUT requirements with the liquids even if you have to eat more often.
ReplyDeleteWow that's crazy.. Keep up with those protein shakes and maybe this will be a nice few weeks of dropped lbs..
ReplyDeleteBut your right.. I don't plan on getting this band to drink my meals for the rest of my life.
I'll be following to see what happens at your next dr's visit! :0) enjoy the low numbers!!
That guy sounds like a bit of a dick! Sorry that he was :( But I guess, as long as you're aware, and not only eating like, shamrock shakes, you'll be ok. But I still think your Dr. sounds like he needs a smack. xo
ReplyDeleteHmmmm...very dicided here....on eone hand I would like to slap your surgeon but as long as you are not in pain I get it!!!! Be careful and take it easy
ReplyDeleteI am going through a similar thing and posted over on Melissa's blog...I was super tight and only on liquids for a week after my fill (I couldn't get fill out because of my surgery!), slowly it is getting a little better and I can do about 1/4 cup of mushies and about 1.5 litres of water a day....great for some quick weight loss but over time will not be healthy. I am giving myself another week or two and if it doesn't get any better I am going to see if the doc can take a smidge out....let me know how you go.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gilly-- your doctor sounds like a total DICK. WTF? His advice (in my humble opinion) is DANGEROUS. He should not be forcing you to be so tight at the expense of your ability to take any solids.
ReplyDeleteI understand that you're losing weight quickly, and it is totally up to you as to whether you can bear up.
But if you're uncomfortable-- I would suggest standing up to him (write a letter if you can't do it verbally) and telling him you need some relief. I doubt his advice is the standard of care in the slightest. You could always seek a second opinion if you don't know what to think. Dr. Ren is around the corner from you more or less...
It is TOTALLY up to you-- but how about someone sews his mouth shut and tells him to bear up for a few days. That's the point of the surgery, isn't it????
I am furious for you. He is an ASSHOLE. Is there someone else in the practice you can talk to?
Sorry.
I agree with Dinnerland....I cant believ your doc told you that. It is all up to you though.If you cant get any solids down I would go back
ReplyDeletewow...that's crazy! hopefully you can work through it!
ReplyDelete