The Lounge

4,946 topics in this forum

The first Pic was taken about 2 yrs ago at my Heaviest, 270 lbs. Since I wouldn't let people take pics of me this is the only one I could find and at the time I hated him for taking it. So now I thought it would be fun to take a similar pic to see the difference. Yesterday we went to the beach.

So yesterday i thought i had hurt something because i hut so bad. I was thinking slipped band, erosion, you know all the bad things. Then i feel this strange and LOUD rumble down deep. :confused: :confused: :confused: UMMMM, excuse me, its just a LITTLE gas. I dont mine letting it fly, even in public (no shame here) but man those gas pains can hurt.! Gas-x hasnt even done the trick. Any ideas on what helps ?????? Before i blow out my insides.

There is not enough love or laughter in the world, so I'm trying to spread a little. Happy Friday, everyone!!! _______________________ NEW DRUGS FOR WOMEN D A M N I T O L Take 2 and the rest of the world can go to hell for up to 8 full hours. ST. M O M M A'S W O R T Plant extract that treats mom's depression by rendering preschoolers unconscious for up to two days E M P T Y N E S T R O G E N Suppository that eliminates melancholy and loneliness by reminding you of how awful they were as teenagers and how you couldn't wait till they moved out. P E P T O B I M B O liquid silicone for single women. Two full cups swallowed before an evening out increases brea…

Hi Every one, this is my first time ever post! Delarla told me about this site... I was at the hopital the same time she was. I am feeling hungry is this nornal?

Last month there was snow on the ground and it was freezing here in Ottawa...today it is over 30 degrees and B~U~TI~FULL!! It makes me want to run out and cook myself in the soleil!!! I got a super short haircut at lunch and it looks like i lost 10 pounds and i might, just might get another tattoo on Saturday :guess I feel light and happy it's so awesome to have hope for the future Have an awesome week-end people!! Chantal

I just wanted to show you guys the new shades I bought, I took this pic the other day with my webcam

<rant> Okay, I'm sitting here, contemplating my caffeine addiction. I had been pretty much off of caffeine for many months - not a conscious effort to avoid caffeine, but a conscious effort to drink more Water and do herbal teas - the herbal teas I was choosing just happened to be caffeine-free. Anyway, the last several months of this fill I got in October I have gotten into the habit of drinking a big mug of hot tea with half-and-half and artificial sweetner first thing in the mornings, and that has snowballed into about 4-5 big mugs of hot tea each day that I am at work. My big mug holds two of those cardboard coffee cups worth. I am only using one teabag pe…

hi bandsters I recently was told that it is normal to have more of an appitite before your first fill but how do you keep from gaining weight, I am so afraid of going backwards, I was scared that when i had my surgery it wouldn't work on me, anyone else feel that way? Thanks Ginny

Hey guys: I am 1 month out, and have lost 20 and am happy. My weight loss has slowed down now.. and I am slowly adding food. I am having great difficulty not drinking (at least something) with my meal...my mouth gets so dry, and I just so want to drink at least a sip... Do all of you truly go through a meal without drinking? I have not been able to do it yet... I guess its a habit I am really having trouble breaking.... Will it really sabatoge my weightloss if I just have a "few" sips during my meal? I would really love to hear from you seasoned Lap Banders.... thanks for your time! Bullit

i started a picture trail a month ago but today i finally had time to scan in some more photos. if you want to see: http://www.picturetrail.com/southernbandgirl i also have kept a profile on obesity help.com if you click on www at the bottom of my post it should take you there. there are lots of great links for newbies! i wont add a 'new' pic till i lose 7 more pounds!

I just posted my first time this morning.... since then I have made my surgery appointment as well as payingf for my flight to Mexico. My heart is pounding, my nerves are all twinkly. I'm very nervous and excited all at the same time! Please everyone, tell me I'm doing a great thing. I've been fat my entire life. I can not control my eating. Will I be able to beat this rotten eating disorder of mine? Have any of you been fat since 3rd grade? Binging for 30 years like me? HELP!

I am looking for people from flint, Mi and surrounding areas. Any one interested in a support group thing??? Email me and let me know if interested email mandigo318@aol.com Mandy Parker

Co-worker Ben just walked in my office to announce his $10.00 purchase of chocolates to share with the office. He told me eat as much as I want. My surgery is tomorrow. I told him to get out! I told him if he comes back I'm buying ENABLER t-shirts for the whole firm, and his will read ENABLER NUMBER 1. Last night my husband, knowing I was supposed to be doing the low-cal preop, made me a sandwich. I refused it, so he cut it in half. I refused it, so he gave me a quarter of it .... gulp. That started my binge. Why don't they get it?

Thought I'd start a chat thread so people can post when they enter the room - if someone's online, but not logged in, they'll get the email that someone's in the chat room if they've subscribed to this thread. How's that for a semi-solution to not having hard and fast chat times? It's 6:16pm PST on Wednesday, 4/21/04, and I'm in the chat room. Hope to see someone there!!

Hi all is it normal to feel really sore from my bellybutton down, sore to touch almost like you have done too much excersie (but i haven't) Upper belly is fine where the surgrey was have been baned just over a month. Also is it normal to have consipation i was as regular as clock work before many have said you could set the alarm by me please help.

Had the second "stab" at my first fill yesterday - and it worked! The other Dr (who I won't be seeing again) couldn't find the port 2 weeks ago. This doc had no trouble finding it, and he used a local too, the other doc didn't even do that, much more comfortable! He put in 2cc's, had me sit up and drink a glass of water, went right down, so he added a bit more...I think I have 2.5 cc's now. Feels perfect, I can sip slowly, and just a teaspoon of cottage cheese last night was enough! AND I lost 3 lbs since I'd been there 2 weeks ago....I thought I'd gained! Yippee ! It's all good!!!! :mad:

Can i ask ya'll a question? When ya'll had your band put in, did ya'll do major surgery or was it done Laparoscopic?

I am new to this site but I just got a letter from the insurance company today dening me for the 3rd time. I don't know which way to turn now. I want this more than I have wanted anything for a long time but I can't afford to self pay, I can't get a loan for that much because our debt ratio is to high. I suppose I will just have to start saving and hope and pray that my health will hold out that long. Do any of you have any other suggestions so that I can stop feeling sorry for myself and be productive? Lisa G :mad:

I have been hovering around 185-181 for ages it seems. actually about 2 months But today i am finally 179lbs! just wanted to share

So i was banded not too long ago .. the 8th of April .. woo hoo. So far everything seems to be going well i am scheduled for my first fill on the 10th of May *nervous and excited*. I just don't know about the amount i am eating. It seems like at first i could only eat a very small amount and now i can eat a considerable amount .. I mean i'm certainly not eating huge meals or anything but more than i should i think and then about an hour or two later i am hungry again .. so this definetly cannot be good. But i hope the filling will solve this problem?! I was just wondering if this was normal or if my band has slipped or what?! Thanks!! This site is so awesome and helpful!!…

Hey I have not posted in a while and today I was diagnosed with Thyroididus (spelling?) any how has anyone got this after the band? Your imput would be appreciated. Jenn -65 lbs

I heard the strangest reason why my band still felt so restricted today. The nurse said one reason may be Spring. The pollen causes some people to fill more restricted then others. Has anyone heard this?? I thought it was strange. I have felt extremely restricted since my 3rd fill over a month ago, I could finally eat meat after 4 weeks. I know I know I should have gotten some taken out, but, I wanted to stick it out and lose some unlost weight. I have had my period for 3 weeks now,(I have PCOS, so before band I would go 6 months without one) and I had always heard that that causes you to feel more restricted, Has anyone's doctor told them a bizarre reason for tigh…

I've been on the internet since the early 1990's and I FINALLY got my first Nigerian bank scam email. There's a really good website somewhere where they guy played along with one of these crooks for a while...but I don't have any current plans to go to Europe. (But now that I have a reason???) Anyway, for your entertainment: From: "Sijuwade Harrison" <sijuharrison@gaza.net>__Add to Address Book To: (me) Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 09:06:17 -0700 Subject: FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION Dr.Sijuwade Harrison Plot 19A ,Osborne Street, Victoria Island ,Lagos. Email:sijuharrison@netscape.net FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION RE:RELATIONSHIP/PARTNERSHIP. It is my great ple…

There was a question in my last thread (first fill - did he miss) that asked about band size, and how much it holds. Mine holds 5cc's. Is this good... bad?? I didn't realize there was a difference in amount they hold. How 'bout you all?

Heres 3 things for those that dont know. For the women: Rasberry leaves make a great tea that can help relieve Monthly BLOATING. I made some for my wife and it helped with in 30 minutes) Pepermint tea: Not the tea bags but fresh or dried leaves not only taste good but work for: relaxing you at night to help get a better nights sleep. helps with digestion. And for those who get alot of headaches, drink pepermint OR spearmint tea daily. It really does help. Red Clover: (MY Favorite) This tea puts your immune system on the roof : I have woke up feeling like the dog used me for a chew thing and drank this stuff all day and never let the cold / flu get me. I ha…

My husband and I have had the lapband about 7 1/2 months now. I'm on my 3rd fill. He's on his 4th. He is curious to know whether anyone has complained about acid reflux since the band?? He did not have this problem before the band but, now does. Does anyone have this problem?? What helps? Also, he has a hard time keeping liquids down, but, has no problem with solids?? I thought that was strange

Just shareing a internet store for "Bandsters" www.wlssuccess.com My wife has been getting stuff from here since she got banded and likes the stuff. hmmm, the link isnt working for me. Heres some more info so it can be found. WLS SUCCESS Support center & Nutrition Store. support@wissuccess.com

I just got my first fill. The Dr. wasn't sure he'd "hit the port"(after jabbing me 5 times with the long needle) He told me I should go home and "test" it by eating some white bread, or pasta. I came home and ate half an almond butter and honey sandwich on white bread, it went right down. This can't be right!! I am soooo frustrated!! I should feel quite a bit of restriction now with the 2cc's he "might" have gotten in there - shouldn't I?? Please, has this happened to anyone else? I could just ball my head off right now:(

Hi all that read this I have been banded for 3 weeks and lost 17.6 pound and feel great that means i have broken into the 200's. I'm really happy with myself, i go for a check up with my surgeon in 3 days hope all is well with me on the inside as i feel it is. I am soooo happy i had the lapband it seems to have improved my confidence already and love the fact that i put my clothes on and they are feeling bigger i don't stretch my tops anymore

Hi All ! Well my Wife had her band put in last year in may, and now its my turn. 1 year later. I must say I almost wouldnt do it because of her problems. The band leaked, The band broke, It had to be replaced. (NOT CHEAP) Ive read stories of "slippage" and "Swelling". But not "Broken bands" Any one else hear of a band breaking ? It broke where the tube goes onto the port. Oh, I'm going to Dr. Rumbaut in Mexico. thanks all.

HI Everyone... I had something happen first thing this morning that really scared the H E Double Hockey Sticks out of me. My Daughter is at her Dad's for her vacation time with him and my Hubby is gone on a fishing tip and I am home ALL alone. :think I was heading down the stairs to make coffee and lost my footing... slid about four stairs down leaving my right leg behind an wrenching my shoulder and 1 month post-op wrist... (If I couldn't do the splits before... I sure can now!!!). I don't think it would have happened at all if my hip and leg weren't so painful with the extra weight. I'm always off balance. First I thought... WHEW that hurt but at least I did…

this is after i lost 61 lbs and the pics are too big so slide the bar at the bottom too see both pics

hi i am new here and would like too put some of my pic here too i was banded aug 25 2003 and i have lost 61 lbs so far

I did it! I quit smoking last friday.Today is day five and i feel awesome! I gave myself permission to eat whatever for the first week but you know what? I did not feel the need as in the past! Smoking was an excuse to not exercise as was my weight.Since the weight is coming off I decided to quit.My thinking was how can I exercise if I can't even breath!Why become healthy while killing myself with cigarettes?Now the weight will eventually come off,my lungs will pink up and I WILL BE HEALTHY! Imagine that!me doing all these things:D

I had my surgery 1 weekago. But I have some numbness in my lower back/left buttocks area. I was wondering if anyone else has/had this? If you can help me out with my question or offer some advice that would be great. This numbness is painfull & very worrisome about permenant.

Is any one out there so filled that they can only eat 2-5 bites of something before it gets so painful in your esophagus that you can't stand it? Then I end up throwing it back up. This has been happening almost daily for about a month now. I have lost about 15-19 lbs., but have great difficulty in not trying to go back after vomitting to try to get some food down. I am going to try to go back to Protein shakes, bars, and some softer foods to try to heal my esophagus. Any one else having that trouble? The only way that I can get any food down is to drink hot tea with my meals and even then sometimes it won't work. Hi Vera. Barb

Hi im new and it has been abit worrying what i have been reading, my Dr hasn't really explained anything to me it wasn't until 3 days ago i realised i had no saline in band ( had surgrey 2 weeks ago), i have to have liquid food for 1 month (not like your 2 weeks) i read the lapbanding book and haven't gotten half things explain happen to me like no xray to see if band is right no diet advise except a vague photocopy that said ring the hospital kitchen for more info ( and if you knew what the kitchen ladies in this hospital are like you wouldn't ring them either) and then all the media hipe about the band i get a phone call at least once a day with people seeing people dyi…

I asked my nutritionist and my doctor about this last week, as I am getting my first fill on 4/21 and was concerned also -- they both said that for the lap band patients small sips were ok, just enough to wet your mouth and throat. They suggested to start a meal with a small sip, then end with a small sip, try not to drink during eating though. Right now, pre-fill, I drink with my meals but am working to cut back on the amount so it won't be so hard after I get that first fill. Hope that helps!

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Hi, I'm from the UK and was banded 6 months ago. I hasn't been a great success for me so far. I had a leaking port which was only discovered 2 weeks ago after 2 unsuccessful fills. I have had my port changed and now have 2cc although I don't feel much restriction. My worry is that having been eating for 6 months normally I have stretched my pouch and I will not feel full when I eat. I have not lost any weight as yet but I am getting concerned that I won't. Most people I know who have 2cc definatley feel restricted and eat hardly eanything Please help!!! Jakkie

I just got back from my first fill appointment and am absolutely devastated. My port has fliped to about 90 degree angle and even though my dr. spent about 90 minutes trying to get to it, it wasn't going to happen. I'm black and blue and sore beyond belief. I started crying right there and cried all the way back to the office. I'm a self pay and this means another few thousand dollars to correct the port. He is looking into doing it in the surgical center to save his patiens some money but that will not happen for several weeks. I have absolutely no restriction, spent so much money and feel so cheated right now. I'm sitting in my office with tears rolling down my face and…

Hi Folks, Had my band fitted in Jan 2004, take a look at my website I would appreciate your comments and support, any of you guys need any support yourselves then give me a shout kind regards Bob

Hi every one. I am going for my 1st fill Monday and was wondering what to expect. Is this painful? Also I was banded Jan 23 so its almost been 2 months and i have lost 19lbs. But i dont feel any restriction the last week. Did others experience this. I remember after being banded a popsicle stuffed me and now I can eat almost as much as before. Or is this just because my stomach has healed? I'd love to hear some input! Mandy

> A friend shared this with me. Thought you ladies would enjoy. > > > I have just been through the annual pilgrimage of torture and > humiliation > > known as buying a bathing suit. When I was a child in the 1950's, the > > bathing suit for a woman with a mature figure was designed for a woman > with > > a mature figure - boned, trussed and reinforced, not so much sewn as > > engineered. They were built to hold back and uplift and they did a > good > > job. > > > > Today's stretch fabrics are designed for the pre-pubescent girl with > a > > figure carved from a potato chip…

http://www.jrogers.doctors.org.uk/BOHx3.pdf

I was banded 2 1/2 weeks ago, and sure wouldn't mind having a cocktail or two. Can this hurt the band? What are some of your experiences with being banded and drinking? I would be sticking to the liquid diet!

ooooops!!!! someone delete this please! i thought i was replying!

Hey guys! I had my surgery 1week ago, and My doc put my port under my left breast. WOW! It has been REALLY uncomfortable! He said the swelling will go down, and that it will not hurt when all heals.. It hurts to sleep and to walk...Other than that... all went very well. The week of clear liquids was not bad, due to not being hungry.. Lost 12 lbs the first week, although I know this was due to no food! My doc wants me on creamy liquids for another MONTH. Did anyone else's doc prescribe this? My friends doc allowed them to start eating soft foods the 3rd week. Would love to hear from you! thanks Bullit

Its like the Elephant in the corner no one wants to discuss. I was banded on 2/27/04. Lost 18 pouds in one week. I am a former college football player that lost a grip on eating. My highest weight day of surgery was 305. I am now 287 8 days later., however I am 6-2 tall. (Trust me proportions sound better than they really are at his stage of my life, lost alot of muscle mass.) Anyway, I really was interested in Gastric Bypass Surgery. My Dr, However felt this was a little extreme for my overall situation, and not being severely obsese. BMI on day of surgery was 40.1, Barely obtained Insurance authorization. I guess barely big enough for gastric banding. How do …

Open letter to family & friends, The reason I am writing this open letter. Is because someone told me I should write Admin(on a different site) about my successful weight lose story and I had someone else send me a personal email telling me I was an inspiration to her. My MAIN goal to have this weight loss surgery was to stop my Diabetes in its tracks from doing any more harm to my body. Which I have done! I have been considered NOT A DIABETIC for almost two years!(My A1C has been normal.) Losing the weight was just a bonus. The reason I do not like to be classified as a mentor or an inspiration is because I feel pretty much that I didn't do anything to lose 160…