We often talk about lap band fills, but this week I had and unfill. I realized that I am still learning how my lap band works and how to listen to what my adjustable gastric band and my body are telling me.
For me, one of the greatest features of my chosen weight loss surgery is that my lap band is adjustable. I’ve always been amazed at how just a few drops of saline can make the difference between whether I am hungry, and feel like I’m on a diet, white knuckling it, struggling to find willpower, or comfortable and satiated with a small meal.
Over the years, my surgeon and I have learned that I am very sensitive to a very small amount of fluid. I’ve come into my surgeon’s office frustrated and ravenous and by adding a bit of fluid to my lap band access port, I’ve been able to find that comfortable place, where I don’t feel like I’m on a diet; instead I feel like a person with a normal appetite. What a difference a little saline can make!
About three years ago I was too tight; it was a pretty black and white case of being too tight. Trying to eat was painful; I kept trying and became irritated to the point that it was difficult to even take in clear fluids – pretty scary. I had an un-fill, and was more than relieved to be able to eat, and drink again. But like most people I was afraid of that unfill, afraid that I would be hungry again, afraid that it would be too easy to eat too much, afraid that I would gain weight. I guess I’ve learned that fills and unfills come with the territory and it is my responsibility to listen to my body and seek to understand whether I am too loose, too tight or just right (also known as the “green zone”).
Over the course of the last month, as I am coming up on my five year lap bandiversary, I’d been having heartburn, coughing at night, and feeling like I have a lump in my throat. This has been anything but a clear case of being too tight for me however because my band feels pretty loose; I am able to eat larger portions including plenty of fresh fruits and raw vegetables, yet I had symptoms that suggest I might need an unfill. My doctor ordered an esophogram. I was relieved when he told me that my band was in perfect position, and that I had no dilation; everything looked good. After going back and forth we decided on a small unfill to help with the symptoms. I knew in my head that it was the right thing, but I was desperately afraid of losing satiety. Last week I had a small un-fill. I was scared that after the un-fill I would be ravenous; but I’m happy to report that it wasn’t the case. As a matter of fact since removing some fluid from my band my symptoms have resolved and I actually feel like I have a greater sense of satiety than I did last week.
I put my unfill to the test the morning after having fluid removed. I had promised to take my kids to breakfast the morning after my unfill (poor planning on my part). I was afraid that I would want to eat everything in sight. As my kids ordered their crepes, I ordered an egg white omelet, made with cooking spray, and veggies, no cheese, with lettuce, and sliced tomatoes on the side instead of toast and potatoes. I enjoyed my omelet, enjoyed my kids, but worried about how long it would be until I was hungry again. I’m happy to report that after that breakfast I was not hungry for another 4.5 hours. I’ve been doing really well all week since the unfill. Wooohoo!
I guess the moral of this story is that I’m still learning how to use my lap band tool. I’m still learning to listen to what my band and my body are telling me. I’m still learning about fills, unfills and the “green zone”. I also understand that as long as I have this gift of satiety, I am able to make choices to use my tool to maintain a normal healthy weight. I’m still learning that maintaining my weight is not about having a “hard stop,” about how much I can eat, but about making good choices and feeling satisfied.
How do you define the green zone?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Gloria,
You said that you ate eggs, lettuce and tomatoes for breakfast? I’ve been to support groups where everyone who was in the “green zone” has told me the only thing they are able to have first thing in the morning is a protein shake because the band tightens up too much overnight. I know I still need a fill, but I find lettuce and tomatoes too tedious to chew any time of day, even at night when my band is looser, yet you could eat them in the morning…. I know the band is different for everyone, but it seems like yours is differrent from anyone I’ve ever heard of.
Hi Shary,
We are all different, as you pointed out. Once I got passed my first 6 months or so, I’ve always been able to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and I’ve never kept my band very tight. Many people I know are able to eat this type of meal. As far as the morning goes, I usually have hot tea first thing in the am; I find a warm drink opens my band. I often have tea and sometimes a protein drink in the early am, and have solids for a mid morning snack. In the case that I just blogged about, I was up at about 7 am (on vacation, and saw my original surgeon on the west coast while visiting); I drank tea as soon as I got up as usual and headed out for breakfast at about 9. This is a pretty typical scenario for me.
We all need to learn what is right in terms of the “green zone”. I find that for me the most important factor is the sense of satiety I get, not a hard stop. Thanks for asking; it’s a great question. Please stay in touch and come join us at http://www.bandedliving.com where we have a great community of folks sharing their personal experiences.
just got the band over a week ago. lost over 7lbs but seem to be struggling to loose more weight. My doc told me that u loose a lb a wwk. I said really. He wants me on soft food til thursday then, I am to start eating regular food. He said not to believe everything on the net. I can not wait I want some mac and cheese and fish. I am looking forward to properly healing, so I can really exercise, swim and walk. I am ready baby.
I had band placed August 2007 Have small band have never gotten past 1 1/2 cc Have had to have saline taken out periodically after experiencing difficulty. Have maintained 60lb wt loss. In April 2011 had to have all of saline removed have gained abt 17 lbs Want to go back and try small fill but am embarrassed and afraid these months of unrestrained eating may have damaged band Was wondering have others had similar problems. The doctor has mentioned scar tissue buildup could be cause of flare ups. Anybody heard of this?
LaVerne,
I have experienced what you experienced. I was banded in April of 2008 and have lost 40lbs. Everyone swears I lost 80lbs. Lol. I’m 5′7 and have a nice shape. I was told by another bander, that the band has a mind of its own. Your weight will fluctuate, so don’t worry and please don’t be embarrassed. I just recently got a fill and I’m at 2.8cc’s, the most saline I’ve had since being banded. I lost 10lbs in a week after my fill. Its funny, my band opens after 5pm and stays open for about an hour or two, which means I’m not eating during the day. I’m sipping on water and juice. I feel fine, but because of my addiction to food, I want to eat but I’m not hungry at all.