djmixon

So why did you get banded? Did your spouse, significant other or other relative suggest it to you? If so, how did they do it? What did they say? Did you decide to do it because of health issues? How are you doing? Did you do it to be more attractive to your spouse, significant other, etd? And has it worked?

I lost 10 pounds after the first week and was actually under 300! I was overjoyed... then over the following 3 weeks I gained all that back. Now, I won't even go near a scale because it upsets me so. I have trouble getting to the gym because I share a car and I have trouble feeling up to going to the gym when I do have the car because I have fibro among other things. I spoke to a counselor and she told me that I needed a fill... plain and simple. Each person is different. I wonder sometimes if those who lose so much at first actually lose Water weight during that time. I take diuretics because I retain at the drop of a hat and my heart doctor felt it was necessary. Maybe that is why I am slower to lose... maybe it is because with all the bad weather I can't seem to get out of my coccoon. I just want to lose weight and am tired of being hungry all the time. I need a fill and will get my first one in a week and a half or so...... I am doing what I can until then..........

My girls are no longer as perky as they once were... so my bra band does rub against a couple of my incisions. I don't wear underwire bras and haven't for a long time so I wear soft (as in cotton) bras. I am 13 days out and have only put one on a few times, each time better than the time before. So, I am guessing that like the scars I have from some chest tubes (from 2003), they will desensitize over time. Didn't your surgeon or hospital staff warn you about it? I know my surgeon's nurse has been a screaming you-know-what and completely non-helpful. Without ever meeting me she hated me. Oh well, if I have to change doctors because of her, then so be it. Houston is a very large place. Be well, my friends!

If you have a battered women's shelter or thrift shop in your area..... donate.... donate.... donate.... nevermind the potential tax break., do some good for the sake of it. I was a battered woman when I was young and alone with two babies. I would have loved to have had a shelter to have helped me.... When I left, I left everything. I was just lucky that he left shortly after that and left everything in the apartment... so I got it all back. So, DONATE IT ALL!!!!! I know I am going to.

I reach in from the front and wipe front to the back. Hubby has to wiggle around and reach from the back, but he has other things to contend with. And I want a carwash now.......

Find a Goodwill or other thrift shop - I always give to them. Then there are garage sales - look for ones in medium to upper income areas. Fashion Bug, Lane Bryant and Avenue are all awesome and not terribly expensive. Then there is Plato's Closet... they give you credit for clothes you bring in and you can use that credit for clothes they have in stock that others have traded in. ORRRRR we could do what people who have two different sized feet and organize a swap....

Do you have an FSA as of 1/2011? And is your doctor or his office willing to write those prescriptions? We have an FSA with my husband's employer and found that under ObamaCare / Health Care Reform rules starting this year any OTC (over the counter) items must have a prescription in order to get any reimbursement. I contacted my surgeon's bariatric coordinator (his surgical nurse) by email and asked for those prescriptions. I have had half a dozen emails either asking for information or complaining about the amount of information I gave in response to her request for more information or telling me it is inappropriate to ask for such things and then finally agreeing to giving me prescriptions; but just for the Protein powder/shakes, chewable Vitamins, and liquid pain killers... but nothing else related to the overall change in the form of meds I am on (over 30), which I had no real gas with... since other doctors were responsible for those prescriptions and otc items. So, do you have an FSA, did you know abou the OTC changes, and is your doctor's office cooperative?

Certainly keep an eye on it. I am not a doctor, but I had awful periods. They would seriously last 3 weeks, maybe more (quite often more). The doctor put me on Provera and told me birth control pills and a progesterone-containing intrauterine device (IUD) can help decrease heavy bleeding. I had a DNC done but after a week was back ot my "normal" period. He suggested an endometrial ablation which is basically taking a laser to the uterine lining and cauterizing it. I asked what else he had up his sleeve and he suggested a hysterectomy. I asked how soon we could schedule it. When he did the surgery, they found I had adenomyosis. Basically, it is endometriosis that grows in the uterus wall. My uterus was huge because of these things. I passed clots like you wouldn't believe - basily tea cup sized - and had all my "adult" life. High school was bad enough, but I would pass out at the drop of a hat and had raging migraines. I was 27 when they did my hysterectomy. My cervix had pre-cancerous cells, but now I am clean. I had my three kids early in life and am pretty happy now at 45 with them grown and me just starting the change. Grandkids are a blessing and I still have energy to play. My point is, if you are not happy with your doctor and his/her treatment then fire them and get another. It is your body and there is no reason you should suffer like this.

He Grasped me firmly but gently just above my elbow and guided me into a room, his room. Then he quietly shut the door and we were alone. He approached me soundlessly, from behind, and spoke in a low, reassuring voice close to my ear. "Just relax." Without warning, he reached down and I felt his strong, calloused hands start at my ankles, gently probing, and moving upward along my calves slowly but steadily. My breath caught in my throat. I knew I should be afraid, but somehow I didn't care. His touch was so experienced, so sure. When his hands moved up onto my thighs, I gave a slight shudder, and partly closed my eyes. My pulse was pounding. I felt his knowing fingers caress my abdomen, my ribcage.. And then, as he cupped my firm, full breasts in his hands, I inhaled sharply. Probing, searching, knowing what he wanted, he brought his hands to my shoulders, slid them down my tingling spine and into my panties. Although I knew nothing about this man, I felt oddly trusting and expectant. This is a man, I thought. A man used to taking charge. A man not used to taking "No" for an answer. A man who would tell me what he wanted. A man who would look into my soul and say ... "Okay Mam," said a voice, "All done." My eyes snapped open and he was standing in front of me, smiling, holding out my purse. "You can board your flight now."

My port is between my sternum and my belly button. Fortunately, my girls haven't slipped that far, although they drop farther each year. I only wear soft cup (no underwire) bras and then only cotton ones. But I couldn't stand underwires even when I was a kid. They damage bust tissue, so everyone should get into a good, well-fitted soft cup bra. Be Well

When I was much younger my first husband insisted (and he was very persuasive) and was rough. I had to have reconstructive surgery years later. Then a few years ago, I would allow my current husband to do this and found that with the right partner, tons of lube, and amazing relaxation skills, it is possible to have mind-blowing orgasms this way. He could reach places this way that were imposible to reach vaginally without a curved realistic dildo / vibrator... or an impossibly long male organ (such as my first husband's). Unfortunately, with a male organ that size you might find breathing difficult during sex and when I was pregnant with my two children with him, my cervix was pushed wayyy interior. My OB/Gyn's had lots of comments while they were buried elbow deep trying to feel my cervix. Your experience will vary. If you choose to try this use LOTS of WATER-BASED LUBE. AVOID PETROLEUM JELLY or other petroleum products. Also, know that the rectum and intestine are very fragile and tear easily... which could cause you to bleed out very quickly. So, GO SLOW and if it hurts and isn't eased by relaxing even more, then STOP. If you bleed afterwards, more than just a little, SEEK MEDICAL HELP. Don't put anything up your bum that is larger than a regular sized penis... and even then maybe you shouldn't. Your experience WILL vary from anyone else's... Enough of the TMI regarding this from me. And why is there a man in the powder Room??????

I'm struggling with this too! Day 12

I, too, am noticing a lot of hair in the shower drain catcher. I have a lot of hair, so I will wait to see. I think a few less hairs would be a good thing when you are talking about the amount of hair I have. Not just thick shafts, but tons of hair. It overwhelms just about every hairdresser I have, unless I have been with them for a while. Still taking in tons of Protein and taking my Vitamins...

I am getting 60+ grams of Protein a day and have been having awful cravings. First (5 days in) it was cheesecake (which slides down like magic - if only it didn't stop at my ass and hang around so long), then it was no sugar added ice cream and now today (12 days in) it is sushi. I want it soooo badly..... I bought some and put it in the freezer. I know I can have the mushy foods starting Thursday and will be happy for it. I am already cooking broccoli (and fake) cheddar Soup in the slow cooker. I plan to then run it through the food processor and then the blender if I have to. After that, I am fixing a Texas Spicy chicken soup that will have to go through the same process. So..... how many grams of protein do we need to hold the hungries at bay? The doc filled me as much as he could and still get thinned out barium down me on the day of the surgery. My post-op appt is later this month and my doc's nurse isn't the greatest about answering emails. And my support group isn't until the third Wednesday of each month, if my son isn't using the car and my husband isn't in class. How many grams of protein per day??

Did your doctor put the band in and not fill it at all? Some do that, then you don't get satisfied while you are healing. It would certainly explain your lack of satiety. My doctor put the band in and filled it as well... for the most part I am satisfied... a new feeling, for certain. While the swelling goes down, I am feeling a little less "full" but it could certainly be worse. Now I just have to stop eating real food while I am still on the liquid diet... THAT is my challenge right now.