Sula

Hey all, there seems to be someone from our January group that needs some support...well, more than one..check out the listings under our janaury monthly support group..you'll see who I'm talking about. Well, good news from me...I lost a pound. Practically unheard of given the holiday!! But I do believe that the reality is that I got stuck yesterday at noon and wasn't able to eat dinner. Soft foods for me today!! oatmeal with Protein powder for breakfast!! YummY How did you all do?

Did you get a ID card with the serial number of your band when you had your surgery? That should tell you more. It is also possible that you have stretched your pouch if you are nearly full and still able to eat anything. From what I've read, they just unfill you, let your pouch shrink again, and start over will incremental fills. I would really suggest that you find out what kind of band, how much fill it holds, that way you will be able to know if your fill is being absorbed or leaked out...and then I'd start in with your Dr to see what it going on. To me, you need to be more proactive as far as working with your Dr. You also need to know what is going on with your body and band. Did your fill Dr. do the surgery? Is there any support groups in your area? Don't give up...consider this just part of your journey, but you have to willing to work as well.

No jitters here from those pills either. I know Audree said they gave her energy, but I didn't have that either. Just a lack of appetite...not in a bad way...but like I had to think about eating. I'm so programmed...three meals a day...regardless of if I'm hungry...clean plate club... I do well when I have a cup of soup for lunch...doesn't have to be a big meal...dinner can be simple too...but...I'm working on that one.

Hi...welcome back. We would love to support you of course. Juno, how about a workout buddy? Got anyone who might be willing? I find that making a committment to someone helps me, even if it is just asking my DH to come with me. Mostly tho, I do have to do it myself. I live out in the country and have such weird hours, it is hard to find someone to work out with. The best thing that I've done for myself was make myself get up an hour early in the morning for a walk or work out on the elipital...I will admit that it has been a while since I've done either. I'm bad this month...but am psyching myself up for Dec. I'd like to knock off a few more pound before my anniversary as well. Norgaw...What kind of band and how much fill do you have in it? Have you been filled so that Water flows slowly through? I don't think you can eat anything if you're properly restricted. I just had a PB on some turkey... You might want to get checked under floro just to be sure. Good luck gang!

Hi Tonya Boy, what a rough time. I was just wondering why you initially felt you needed another fill? It seemed like you were doing okay without it? Just curious. Hope that you will heal up soon and get back on track. Maybe focus on taking the quickslim stuff!!

I'm not an old timer with the band, but thought I'd comment anyway. I think the best part is that you're back here and asking for help. And this is the place to get it. But also, it's time to be up-front with your Dr. because s/he is part of your team and you need him/her to be working with you. I'd get rid of the foods that help you circumvent the band...eat according to the band rules, find other ways to reward your successes rather than food, etc. You actually do know what to do...so today is the new day that you can start again. If you are like me, I've started over on diets a jillion times....and the only failure is to not try. You are not alone in this situation either...I just read another post from someone that sounded identical...they are starting over as well. Good luck,

Tonya, I wouldn't wait. The PB'ing causes swelling and the more of that, the doc will probably have to remove all the fill and then you'll have to wait awhile for a refill. You may have to do some IV fluids. BE CAREFUL

Hi Dreno, When I first got the band, I estimated when I needed a fill by how I was losing weight....say, 1-2 pounds per week. When that slowed down, then it was time...I usually waited about 6 weeks between them. I have had four fills, the last was in August....and felt like I probably wouldn't need another fill for some time. I had fairly regular (1-2 weekly PB's) but for the past two to three weeks, that hasn't happened. My weight loss has slowed considerably but I guess I'm eating about a cup to 1 1/2 cup of food per sitting (at max) I'm generally tighter in the morning and during my TOM. I'd check how much Protein you're eating, how long between meals, etc about the hunger at night. I know for me, that is historically my grazing time...I just have more down time in the evenings...especially now that the weather is cold, so I consider that head hunger and bad habits! If I'm minding my self, I will focus on drinks, tea, Water, etc. Oh, I also trick myself by saying I need to pack on more weight in the winter to stay warm...so I need to eat more!! Darn old habits. But I'm holding the line. I LOVE MY BAND!

I have UHC and didn't even want to go through the BS..so I went to Mexico. I just assumed they would deny. I don't have much co-morbid problems with my BMI of 40 but we all know that carrying around that extra weight, it's just a matter of time before other problems start. They are just trying to save their money so they can give bonus' to their bigwigs. I did try to get them to pay for the fills and just got the reject notice..well, they didn't ever respond..they just posted it on the website. If they're not going to pay for something, they why do they even bother requesting the Dr.'s notes. I work with insurance companies all the time and they are not real high on my list, lemme tell ya! Keep up the fight. Keep us posted. I agree, every win helps those that come after us!

For all of you considering this and being afraid...I know there are complications sometimes...but very rarely. But for most of us, the first week is the toughest and then you're off and running. Some trial and error but it isn't really that hard!! Way to go Molly...for me, I was banded in january and use this board daily for support and motivation...and sometimes just some good laughs. It has been 10 years since I've seen my current weight, and that was with Phen/fen. It didn't stay off long.

Nope, not alone!! Just feeling punk...but I took the night off from work and am home early. I didn't feel like feeding my four legged brood in the dark, so I'm done with that and inside. I hate having a cold and am trying to shake it before my folks come over tomorrow....probably not much luck at that, but I can be optimistic. It isn't fair to have this cold come round twice in two weeks. No more kissing the DH!! You guys know how women who work and live together start cycling together...well, I wonder if the same is true of us on here...I'm due to start as well!! I'm down 52 pounds and one pant size...how is that fair? I'm in loose 18's. My lovely brother says that just goes to show you how tight your 20's were! Said with love of course...he is very proud of my loss. It is going to be very cold tonight here in Montana....I plugged in the car and bought winter wipers for my car! And I have the pellet stove riproaring hot!! I do like it sometimes when my DH is on the road (usually one night a week) and I can just toast up the house! He constantly asks...do other lapbanders freeze!! YUP! I have gotten all my sweaters out and am wearing them. I'm worried at how I'll stay warm when it get really cold. I usually wear t-shirts with a long sleeve shirt over...and then I peel down off and on during the day. Not so now! Anybody doing family gatherings and cooking for Thanksgiving?

Audree..way to go at the gym. I need some of your energy!! I've re-caught my cold...my DH and I are passing it back and forth...argghhhh!! Tonya...I am flabbergasted..wearing a size 11? Wow! I don't ever recall wearting that size. This cold is sapping my energy. I probably would feel better if I worked out some...but...can't get myself going. I've given myself permission to take care of myself this week and try to get permanently over this, then start hitting it next week. We are having company for thanksgiving and I did spend the weekend cleaning house, shampooing rugs, etc. So, I've not been a couch potatoe but we all know, it isn't the same as raising the heart rate. We got our first snow!! About 2-3 inches. It is the sort of day I'd like to stay home in front of the fire, but work calls!! Hope you all have a great Monday.

Hi all We are all avoiding the scale. I have come to the conclusion that weighing once a week works best. But sometimes when I'm making good downward progress, I can't help myself. But that has been a long time ago. I am pleasantly anticipating Thanksgiving. I know that I won't be overeating and we will be having the typical dinner with side dishes. I am thinking pumpkin cheesecake for dessert (my folks are joining us) but again, I don' t think I'll over do it. None of this stuff is the kind of things that I can eat unlimited quantities...(cookies and brownies, yes!).

I agree, everyone should do their own research. Part of research could be reading these boards. But even then, things go awry. I am not a patient coordinator. I was just telling of my experience.

I had the same problem with Belighter. I didn't sign up with them..contacted Dr. Sanchez' directly, and his anesthesiologist made a gal, Anna Marie (I think that was her name) my liason. She had health problems, trying to not have premie triplets....but I get to Monterray, no one at the airport. I call the gal in the hospital (after I borrow a phone because I didn't know I had to do the international thing) and she wants me to call someone else. I'm in a panic and insist she take care of business..which she did. I catch a cab to the hospital, where Dr. Sanchez' son, Rudopho meets me and says they weren't expecting me until friday (it was Monday, surgery planned for Tuesday). It was all taken care of and I had a wonderful surgeon Dr. Chapa. BTW...I scheduled this in December 06....Dr. Sanchez was murdered in November I think, and no one told me. I found out on the boards. And, I was supposed to get reimbursed for my expenses (the taxis) and never saw that 25 bucks again. I also used a card to pay for the surgery (to rack up some skymiles) all pre-arranged, however they charge an additional fee to use it...never mentioned. So, I would steer clear of Belighter!

Sherilynn---I definately hear what you are saying. I am laxadasical about exercise. I justify it by my already having a super busy life that that should qualify for working out. I know it is not the same thing. I am doing a mental workout to get psyched up for regular workouts in December. I did so good in October and sort of fell into a comfort zone in November. We've gotta get after it. For me, it is all about my self-talk. I would not want any of you who have had larger weightloss to not post about it. While I think some of us get envious, it is also a motivation for me to think of what is possible. So keep it up...I'll keep trying! Tonya, just like you, I've worked on the mental frame that it will take longer to lose this last part. For me..47 or so...But I'll just keep after it. I don't know for sure what my goal weight will be...I had an idea of 160-170 but I never set it up as the end goal. I need to get down there and see how I feel and look. Have a great day all.

Hey, quick question...do any of you know of an online support group, like this one for bypass patients? I have a client and I think she is on an email group, but would like something easier like this one to use for support.

the gas x helps the pain in your stomach cavity. They use gas to expand your innards so they can do the band. Then zip you up and all the gas is inside until it is absorbed. That was the worst pain...not the incisions! It doesn't take very long to feel better than the first two days. Just hang in there. A heating pad was a real help for me. Keep liquids readily available wherever you ares sitting and sip, sip sip. I liked warm broth, warm Water, tea, etc. Take your medication as prescribed..don't try to tough it out. I also had chewable tylenol...that would work for the headaches. I quit caffine several weeks before the surgery so I didn't have that problem. Walking helps as well. If you are feeling hungry, walk a bit, then have some broth. It is VERY important that you stay hydrated. Be patient with yourself...give yourself time to heal. You will love this journey.

I had a lenghty visit with his son, Roberto, who told me his father was going out to one of their ranches to pay the employees. His anethsiologis was with him. He got out of the vehicle to open a gate and was ambushed, shot and robbed. The other Dr. was able to get him back into the vehicle and drive the 1 1/2 hour back to town, but by then he had passed away. In January, they cops were following a few leads, but had not identified any suspects. Roberto had some ideas of who would want his father dead.

My weight went up on pound. I think that must be the new pattern...but I also don't monitor what I eat on a constant basis. But it seems like I don't eat much. Dinner was pretty salty last night tho...DH cooked. I am quite envious of those of you who are so near your goals. I still have about 45 pounds to go but I guess I am on the two year plan. And that is okay. We are all different. Your success just helps me know it is possible. Renee, what a wonderful job you have done in your weightloss.

Audree, Way to go. Only a few more and you're at goal. What an accomplishment.

Tonya, That is just terrific. I'm so happy for you. And I know how hard you have worked for it.

I have learned that I do have the ability to lose weight with this band. I know that I will not gain if I follow the rules. I know that I need to eat right and exercise to keep the the loss going. I know that, without the support here, it would have been a lot harder and I wouldn't be as far along!

Oh, one more thing...you must understand that this is a healing time for you for about 6 weeks and it isn't really set up for weightloss,altho many people do lose weight. I considered it my practice stage for when I do have restriction...trying to eat right.

I was told, and believe it to be true, that Protein keeps the hunger away. Carbs/sugars trigger cravings and fluctuations in blood sugar. A baked potatoe isn't going to be the end of the world...I've lost weight eating potatoes for dinner! But I'd suggest protein first. Then if you have room, try the spud. My doc said protein first, then veggies, then fruit then carbs...not that I always do that, but I try more times that not.