Meduseld

I gained weight like... the entire time I was on the 6 month diet, was only 18, had no co-morbidities, and I still got approved. I wouldn't worry about it.

Yeah. When did you get the band? I am STRUGGLING to get Protein on-campus. It's God awful! This whole campus is just JUNK. There's very limited protein options and half the time, they are disgusting so I don't want to eat them.

When were you banded? Actually, my cycles just started to stabilize again, though they are still a little sporadic. I used to be 28 days on the dot before the band, but after it can come even 5 or 6 days early. I'm 7 months out and they haven't exactly stabilized yet. How long has it been since your last one? I've had my periods wait and WAIT and WAAAAIT until it finally came. You could be going through the same thing I did. I doubt it's the calories or the exercise. Your body can go into shock from low cal diets, but I doubt that's the case. How long have you had the band? That's a big factor in all of this. To actually delay your cycle you would have to exercise like... I can't even describe. I honestly doubt it's that!

Hahaha! That's awesome! Do you live on-campus somewhere?

Hi everyone! Today, someone mentioned in one of my classes that I should start a blog about my experiences in college and with my lap-band, so tonight I started one up. I don't know what other place to put this, but I kinda want to know what you guys think of my motivation and the idea in general. If you guys wouldn't mind taking a look, some feedback would be awesome! Thanks guys! I would really appreciate anything you have to say! My Tumblr Page

I'm such a cheater with caffeine. xD It's actually and appetite stimulant. That's why the doctors don't want you to have it. Everything in moderation. I turned out okay. -shrug-

Yes. I found that toasting helps! That, and chewing. For some reason the "white" bread sticks together like a mofo, so I would suggest getting wheat or some other herb one. It's healthier than the processed white bread anyway.

Yes. I found that toasting helps! That, and chewing. For some reason the "white" bread sticks together like a mofo, so I would suggest getting wheat or some other herb one. It's healthier than the processed white bread anyway.

I generally do really well with Subway. I can usually eat about half of a six-inch. I don't put too much stuff in the bread though, so it may sound like a lot, but it probably isn't. The only thing I struggled with was the bread. It took me a few separate tries to get it right. I find that toasting helps so it doesn't stick together so much and clog up the hole in your pouch. But as long as you take your time and listen to your body, you should be good. Just make sure you really chew that sandwich or you will regret it later. If it doesn't work well the first time, you can always try again later like I did. Just make sure it's not too soon. You don't wanna stress out anything. Good luck!

I've been overweight since I've been able to be named "overweight." I was a 32 pound 1 year old. I weighed over 80 in kindergarten. I think I've done pretty well for myself with this whole band thing, though.

I get Oikos. That's my favorite. Honey is the best flavor for me, but the fruit ones aren't bad!

Thanksgiving is a once a year event. I definitely won't say "go crazy", but enjoy yourself. You don't have any restriction yet, so you're not going to feel that "four bites and I'm full" feeling, but the band makes you aware. Go, eat, and enjoy your family. But when you're eating, eat slow until you feel satisfied. Pay attention and stop there. Just use it as practice. I don't believe in missing out on good food and family for the sake of my band. One "awful" meal is not going to sabotage your success. I would know. Good luck!

I know the title sounds really ominous, but I promise my situation isn't that bad, but I have a few concerns. I've been using the elliptical machines at my university's gym recently and I think I've been doing really well. I chose the elliptical to save my knees, which are pretty delicate. I didn't want to put them at risk since I am still pretty heavy. Problem is now that after a certain amount of time, my right foot goes numb. The feeling returns, but when I am exercising it can get incredibly annoying. Also with that leg, my right hip hurts pretty bad sometimes during and definitely after exercise. What's weird is that it is only my right leg. My left is perfectly fine. However, it seems my hip hurts less and less the more I get into my exercise routine. The only thing I can think of that could cause this is my spine. My right shoulder is noticeably higher than my left and I seem to put more weight on my left leg than my right because of the curvature of my spine. Could the elliptical maybe "even out" my weight distribution and put more stress on my right leg than normal, thus causing these feelings? Do you guys have any ideas on how to fix this or what else may be causing it? Thank you guys!

I feel like I ask so many questions, but I think it's better to ask the questions than find out the consequences later! I was just curious how I would know if I stretched my pouch. I don't think I have, so no worries or anything, but it is my ultimate worst fear with this surgery. And if a pouch is stretched, can it be shrunk again? I hear the stomach wall is almost "elastic" in that it can shrink if it is stretched out less. Does this concept apply to the pouch? How hard is it to stretch the pouch? Is it something that can be done easily or does it take some determination? I don't think I really could. If I eat too much, my stomach lets me know pretty darn quick. But unfortunately, the food only stays in the pouch for a few minutes, so you could probably stuff some more in there if you were determined to. Has this happened to anybody? Thank you!

Portabella... like the mushroom.

Hmmm... I don't know about the pain in the chest. That's kind of odd. Has that gone away? And then taking 3 hours to take one Protein Shake is a bit excessive. That's not normal for my "green zone." I had A LOT of trouble with my last fill, but after about a week I managed to feel better and it's worked great since then. However, I could still drink liquids somewhat normally. I think you may be a bit overfilled, actually. If you want to, you can give it a couple of days and see if the swelling goes down, but I don't think you should be having problems with liquids that much. It's up to you, but you might need a bit of an unfill. My green zone is somewhat like this: I can drink normally (not too fast) and eat a little amount and feel like I've had a whole meal. Then I am not hungry for another 4-5 hours. When you hit the "green zone", you'll know. Don't worry.

Thank you so much! Yeah, I don't understand how it can. I can see if maybe there is a lot of food in the pouch and it just sits there, but if it's empty, I think it would just seep to the lower part of the stomach. And yes! It takes me FOREVER to drink one can of coke. I take small sips and almost "bite" the bubbles out of it. It seems to go down just fine. Thanks for your help!

I drink Crystal Light and Diet Snapple mainly. I'm just talking about having a few carbonated beverages when I crave them. Like I said, this isn't something that's every day at all. And "a few times a week" is probably pushing it. It's more like once, maybe twice a week. I'm wondering if there is any damage to the band. Some doctors say that carbonation doesn't do anything while others say that it stretches the pouch. I wanted to know everyone's opinon on it. I also notice that if I have a carbonated drink, having ice in it makes it much better. I think it flattens it out a lot and it's actually quite nice to drink. I do that and usually drink it on an empty stomach to keep my pouch from being "inflated" in case what they say is true. I don't get all gassy when my soda is on ice. Anyone else find this?

Hahaha! That's fantastic! I've gotten a few looks before because it can be really loud, and I'm gonna use that one!

I know I don't get enough Water and I never have. xD I'm pretty honest about that. I don't like drinking water constantly. Water is great, but I don't like too much of the "taste." I would have to drink water when I wasn't really thirsty and I have a hard time doing that. ...And that's why powdered drink mixes were invented! I don't drink too much straight water at all. I make big pitchers of powdered drinks (low cal, of course) that I can pour in a bottle and take with me. It tastes like fruit punch, but is fantastic. Also, Mio is great. You know, the stuff they squirt in the water bottles in the commercial? Tastes fantastic and lasts a good while!

I just started exercising regularly. Elliptical is my best friend. No knee pressure and a good amount of calories burned in even half an hour. I generally burn about 360 in 35 minutes. Good luck!

Oh yes, it can definitely be a little sore. I was banded on April 25. The one incision with the port was on my pant line exactly, so I definitely had some pain. Also, it's much bigger so it takes longer to heal. The smaller ones didn't hurt me much either after a day or two. Hot is okay. Your body is probably just trying to fight any bad bacteria that may be in there. It's only been a few days, so it's okay. Just make sure that it doesn't leak anything for that's a sign of infection. My band port incision didn't get infected, but I had a smaller one that did. If you're in trouble, you'll know, I promise. As for now, get some R&R and keep an eye on it. Take your pain meds and take it easy. Good luck on your journey!

I've noticed that since I have gotten the lap band, my stomach makes the WEIRDEST noises after I eat. I mean, it's like there's a war going on in there! It gurgles and gurgles and I feel the food go down through the pouch. Is this normal? The noises are pretty loud, but it's not like it's painful or anything. It just sounds like it's a bit of weird, noisy digestion and like my stomach is growling constantly. Elizabeth

Hi guys, Alright. I'm a cheater. I have been told absolutely NO carbonation whatsoever when it comes to my band, but unfortunately I have failed miserably. I have carbonated beverages, but it's not a daily thing. My favorite drink in the world is Coca Cola, and unfortunately it is carbonated. I'm actually drinking my first Coke in a while as I type this. I've been drinking carbonation and I really haven't noticed a change in my band capacity at all. The doctor said that it would "stretch" my pouch, but I have experienced absolutely no noticeable change whatsoever in my pouch's capacity. I have also seen so many differing opinions on this. Some doctors say carbonation is awful, some say not. My mother got the sleeve and drinks carbonation as well, with no change in her capacity. So, what do you guys think about carbonation? Remember, this isn't a daily thing. It's a few times a week and most of the time it's Diet Coke. I know it's "empty calories" and when I do drink carbonation, I try to avoid those calories at all costs. But sometimes, I just really want regular, calorie-laden, sugar-infested Coke! What do you guys think? Elizabeth

It makes me so sad when I have to throw clothes away. xD My poor mother bought me all these beautiful clothes for an internship from Lane Bryant this summer that are 26/28 shirts and 28 pants. I now wear a size 18/20 shirt, which is generous, and a 22 pant. I have them in my closet, knowing that I will never fit in them again, but I have yet gathered the courage to donate them. They're SO nice and my mother paid so much money for them. I don't have the heart to donate all these beautiful clothes!