Jenn1214

We went out to brunch with a friend of ours on Sunday. Everything was going fine until I took too big of a bite of something...I was talking and not paying attention, and I didn't realize until it was too late. Seconds later I was in the bathroom and I'm sure I don't need to explain the rest. Uncomfortable, painful, and oh so embarrassing! Needless to say it was a big wake up call and a reminder to never, ever be complacent with this band. I never want to go through anything like that ever again!

Now of course this morning I stepped on the scale and lost 2 pounds...I don't get it! It couldn't hurt to get my thyroid checked again though...I'll have them run a full panel and won't take no for an answer!

Some people can drink soda with no problem...unfortunately I am not one of those people. I was at a party and the host gave me a drink but failed to mention that it was carbonated, and I was in agony! It's just not worth it for me to try.

This happened to me after my first couple of fills. One time I convinced myself that my band had slipped and I called the surgeon's office freaking out! Obviously they get a lot of calls like that because they reassured me that it was nothing to worry about and to get a fill at my next appointment. If you had a real slip you would be absolutely miserable!

Have you tried Vitamin Water Zero? I have it as a treat every once in a while, but I like it because it doesn't have that funny aftertaste that some diet drinks have. I used to be a hardcore soda addict too, but now I don't miss it.

It's difficult at first, but if you drink the required amount eventually your body will crave it and you'll have an easier time. I drink mostly plain water but I'll mix it up every once in a while with Vitamin Water Zero so I don't get too bored. I try not to drink my calories except for coffee.

That happens to me too. I chalk it up to being on liquids, since it doesn't happen if I've had a decent meal before the fill.

My surgeon said he would be able to send me home the same day if I wanted, or I could stay overnight. I chose to stay in case anything happened (thankfully nothing did). I went home the next afternoon.

Thank God I have only been stuck twice, and each episode has only lasted for a few minutes *knocking on every piece of wood I can reach* Both times it was on a pepper biscuit (they're like Italian pretzels, I love them). Last night I swallowed a bite and I knew it was too big the second it went down...what a horrible feeling! Definitely a reminder to be more careful!

I don't like eating with other people because I feel like I'm paying less attention to my chewing and the size of my bites, plus I am apt to eat more than I should because of peer pressure. Plus it takes me twice as long to eat a quarter of the food and I feel rushed! I try to time it so that I finish at the same time as everyone else, but it doesn't always work. It's just another thing to get used to I guess.

I've suspected this for years, but was never diagnosed. Not only has my weight loss has slowed to an absolute crawl, I'm always cold, I feel sluggish a lot, I have trouble focusing ("brain fog"), and have zero libido, among other symptoms. My father also takes medication for this condition, so it definitely runs in the family. I was diagnosed with PCOS a few years ago, but I seem to have more symptoms of hypothyroidism even though they can mimic each other. However, my levels are normal according to my doctor. Has anyone else ever gone through this? What did you do about it?

My first thought is that your body is still trying to recover from the gallbladder removal so that may be why you're not losing. As long as you're doing everything right the weight should start coming off again soon. Good job on your weight loss so far!

The PAs at my surgeon's office always remind me that fills don't necessarily take effect right away. It can take 1-2 weeks for it to kick in, which is probably why you're getting stuck weeks after the fact. What kind of pills are you taking? Do they come in a liquid or chewable form, or can you crush them? This might help prevent you from getting stuck in the future.

I'm sure this topic has been discussed to death, but I recently realized that I don't have full control over my emotional eating. Actually I don't think I have any control. I'm going to talk about it with my therapist next week and probably will go to my surgeon's support group meeting, but I'm just curious how everyone here copes with stress eating. Thanks!

All I can say is, make sure you have something in your stomach before you start drinking, i.e. eat dinner before you go to the concert. If you drink after not eating for several hours, you will be TRASHED in the blink of an eye. Seriously, I speak from experience! I did this on Halloween at one of our local bars...I had two glasses of wine over a couple hours and I was so drunk we had to leave. It's crazy how much alcohol tolerance changes after banding!

It's really great that you are committed to being so supportive of your husband! However, I must agree with sanction...no matter how good your intentions, you will never get him to do what he needs to do unless he wants to. I have a similar situation with my fiance's cousin. He got a lap band a few years ago and he did lose a heck of a lot of weight, but he is still morbidly obese. His band is way too tight, he vomits constantly, eats only slider foods, etc. I talked to both him and his wife about the fact that he NEEDS to go get an unfill and speak to his surgeon, but he won't listen. I know there isn't anything I can do about it, but it is definitely frustrating because his health is at stake. All I can do is hope he will realize that things can get better if he puts in the effort. Just keep loving and supporting your hubby and hopefully he will get there!

I'm going to pick out my wedding dress in a couple weeks and I couldn't be more confused about what size I am. I'm going to David's Bridal so I don't have to worry about all that bridal size nonsense, but I hardly know what size I am in regular clothes anymore. I just bought two new coats that are size large (12-14), I'm a 14w in pants which I think it actually a 16 in misses, no idea what I am in shirts because all of mine are too big and I haven't bought new ones yet...argh! Should I just go to a regular clothing store and start trying on clothes to see what size I am? I don't want to give the bridal consultant a blank stare when she asks me what size I need!

This year will be my first Thanksgiving with the band. We're spending it with my in laws, whom I love dearly but they are the most food centered family I have ever met! I know my band will be a big help, but I'm afraid of grazing. Any lap band veterans have some tips to help me survive Thanksgiving with my Italian in laws?

I had SILS. It really depends if you want to have 4 or 5 small incisions or one giant one. Other than that I don't think there's really any difference.

I had no idea where my port was until I had my first fill. Now that I've lost 60 pounds, I can feel my port pretty easily and the area gets sore if I'm leaning against a hard surface. Don't worry, your port is there somewhere!

myfitnesspal.com is great! I don't know what I would do without it!

I had SILS so my port is below my belly button...could that still cause the pain? Could it be the tubing maybe?

I average about 1 to 1.5 pounds a week. I was told that if you lose more than 2 pounds per week you risk losing muscle, and nobody wants that!

For the past few weeks I've been noticing a dull pain on my left side. It's not there all the time and it's not unbearable, but it's just weird. Anyone else have this?

Fixed!