Alexandra

Alex B. is the owner, and he works for or owns a company that has access to server space which is donated for the cause. He's a bandster himself and about two years ago started this site just because there wasn't a dedicated bandster-only message board that he liked. I volunteered at that time to be a moderator just because I agreed--this user interface is MUCH better than the Yahoo boards or the one at Obesityhelp, so I just wanted to support this board. There's no commercial support and absolutely nothing nefarious about it. It's one of the few truly commerce-free places on the web!

I'm probably just going to have to play it by ear, catching up with y'all as time permits. Bright, if you and Donali are staying in Madison, I'll DEFINITELY come have dinner at the very least!

I had DSL for years, because cable wasn't available when I had it installed back in 2000. But I recently switched to cable and yes, it's a LOT more reliable and faster. If it's the same price I see no reason not to go cable.

Yay!! Thank goodness you were able to get the help you needed. On to banding success!!

Hi Leah, I'm on thyroid meds, though I didn't have lots of symptoms prior to being diagnosed either. My main symptom was fatigue, and indeed it did improve somewhat when the meds were right. I had a small baby at the time, too, so I can really relate to how you feel. (And now, due to said baby who is now 4, I am ALWAYS fatigued, thyroid med or no thyroid med. ) I will say that taking a thyroid med is no big deal. I thought it would be; the idea of maintenance meds is intimidating to someone who's never taken them. Maybe there are other more important reasons to take them than relieving symptoms--I don't know, perhaps allowing the condition to remain could create problems later on? That's a good question for your doctor.

I hate that word too! It feels like it should be "dilation," but enough medical people use "dilatation" that it may be correct in that context. I'd hate to think it was just an error that was compounded through overuse. Sue, what do you experience when you're doing this? I've wondered from time to time if I do this too, but don't know how to tell. Perhaps I just have very little restriction.

Hi Rene, Jamie's right, we probably ALL experience effects from being banded on occasion. But these are not "side" effects so much as the direct effects of having a restriction in our stomachs. And they're manageable and indeed, change over time and with our behavior. I don't have excess gas at all, though I do have gurgling in my esophagus if I drink too fast. The reflux I've experienced has been totally manageable, and in fact is a clue that I'm doing something wrong. So as far as experiencing any "side" effects that were not predicted or are not manageable, I'd say there have been none.

Hi Geeta, Many people are asked to do something similar pre-surgery, though like you I'm not convinced of the benefits. Some doctors say it makes surgery easier by possibly shrinking the liver, but not all doctors do this so I just don't know. In any event, I know that strictly following Atkins can help drop significant weight pretty quickly. If you're not familiar with that, in simple terms it involves avoiding ALL sugar and most carbohydrates such as fruit for the first couple of weeks. Stick with Proteins mainly, such as meat and cheese. July 25 is right around the corner so you'd just have to follow that rule to get you through. And it's crucial to drink as much Water as you can--at least 64-80 ozs a day. Otherwise, just follow your dieting common sense and stay away from all junk and extra calories. If you eat Protein first at every meal you will be much less hungry between meals. Good luck!!

Hey, no reason to be embarrassed. Whatever feels good, do it! Seriously, my doctor's opinion on physical activity is that if you are up to doing anything, physically, that's a good indication that it will be OK to do. Have fun!

I've had the same ugly awakening when it comes to nuts. Frankly, for my money, chips are a better snack FOR ME, because there's more satisfaction per calorie in them. Chips aren't really a trigger food for me--a few often are enough to answer the craving for crunch. And I really feel like I've eaten something after a few of those huge tortilla chips have passed my mouth. Nuts are dangerous because they're so danged tiny! Full of Protein, sure, but also almost 100% fat. I try to keep away except in the case of a late-afternoon pick-me-up before going home, in lieu of something sweet. It's when I eat ice cream that portion control can go totally out the window. Sometimes--not all the time, but sometimes--I can easily put away a pint. Aargh!

Kellymoos, August 20 is special for me, too, as you know. So I'm on board with you!!

CathyCat, I think we can all relate to being afraid something is wrong. There is no one way to tell if there's a problem--while it's possible erosion or slippage will cause recognizable symptoms, sometimes there are none. The best defense is a close relationship with your doctor and regular discussions about how you feel and what's going on. If you have any significant change in your restriction or ability to eat or drink, that's reason to call the doctor. And of course pain is a reason, especially once you're out of the post-op period and healed up. Any indication of infection, including redness or warmth at the port site, is also something to call about. Is something specific worrying you? It may comfort you to know that the incidence of slippage and/or erosion is very low, and MOST bandsters will not experience either. What is making you ask?

Sonnie, it really does sound like there is something odd going on with your stomach. I've heard of some bandsters suffering from decreased esophageal motility, which would account for food staying in your esophagus/pouch for hours on end. Have they considered that? In any event, if a complete unfill is not solving your problems, perhaps it does need to be removed.

Chack, frequent vomiting might be a culprit in some cases of band slippage, but no one can say if you have done anything to yours just now. Many people have had episodes of being too tight, even going to the ER, with no long-term effects. Watch for symptoms, such as a suddenly increased or decreased ability to eat, reflux, pain, or anything else unusual. If there's anything that concerns you, see your doctor! They can diagnose slippage with a fluoroscopy exam.

Lisa, I'm so glad you have a competent doctor you trust! That sort of ally is the best thing we can have. Your post is important truth for all of us. Thank you!

It's bizarre. All along I've had no particular goal for my banding journey, just wanted to be healthier and more mobile. I haven't even really set mini-goals, except one that I didn't articulate to anyone until after I'd met it. Well, my two-year bandiversary is coming up and I've made an appointment for a checkup with my surgeon. I'm hoping that by the time it comes around on August 10, I will have lost a few more pounds and can tell him that reflux is totally gone and I'd like to get another fill in September. So I decided what the hell, I'll set myself a little challenge: 210 by August 10. And what happens? I get hungry!! I've been munching almonds all morning, when usually my mind just doesn't go to snacking in the a.m. And now I have to run an errand and all I can think about is whether I can stop for frozen yogurt. :rolleyes Honestly, I've never been able to challenge myself because as soon as I do the excuses start. How do I get around this? What's the inherent benefit to trying to change it? Talk me down off this ledge, people!

Bondgirl, the definition of "mushy" food is anything you can eat without chewing. So have at it! I discovered pates and spreads and had a grand old time. After two weeks of liquids it will seem like the most amazing banquet.

Jodi, you should start a new thread with your question so more people will see it. There have been several people asking just about this exact question from time to time, not surprisingly. My answer is YES, I would do it again. Absolutely. No question about it.

I was sort of hoping it was just a shorthand way of saying "enjoy food." But probably not. I've never experienced a "food high" either. Overeating induced food lows on occasion, but never a high. Count me confused too.

Debbie, I'll bet that what they had you drink wasn't barium. Barium is a bland, slightly chalky Fluid that is often used during fills, so don't be afraid of it. But when I had surgery there was some other hideous fluid used to test me right afterwards, and I almost gave up the ghost right there. Omnipaque? It's got some name like that I can never remember--denial, I'll bet. Maybe one of the nurses here can remind me what it's called. But oh man, I'll never forget that horrific taste and the vivid retching it induced. What were they thinking? Anyway, it's over and you're in bandlandia. Welcome!! Here's hoping you have a quick and uneventful recovery.

Alice, the level of restriction we feel is a function of both the physical tightness of the band--which changes only a very little, if at all, between fills--and the physiological state of your stomach. Stomach tissue is soft, pliable, retains Fluid and so forth, and is all in all much less predictable than the state of the band itself. So yes, your "band" can get "tighter" but what's really going on is that something is causing your stomach tissue to swell or thicken. It's probably Water retention related to the weather, your period, stress, who knows? But we can all attest that indeed, restriction levels can vary over time. You said it's been four days--four days since what? If it was the melted cheese episode then you may have some residual swelling. Take it easy and let your stomach rest! The ladies above know what they're talking about.

I agree!! You're being treated shabbily. If these docs won't take you seriously find one who will. You need to have that issue diagnosed before it gets worse. Good luck and please let us know how you're doing!!

Oh, man, I got all excited. But Syracuse is a leetle teensy beet northerly of here. If you get a chance, drive over to Geneva and wave to the swans on Lake Seneca. That's my alma mater, yonder.

OMG, I just burst out laughing!! :)

No kidding, Donali. And I proved again this week to myself that being number-oriented SURE doesn't work for me. So out with the number-goals!! In with the health-goals!! Zoe, a week without PBing is a GREAT goal, since it will require you to really think about the behaviors that cause it. And THAT'S learning to be a better bandster. I'll also set a goal of working out at the gym at least three times every week for the six weeks of my reflux-prevention regimen. Last fall my Y had a little challenge whereby everyone who worked out three times/week for 8 weeks got a t-shirt. Well, I got that t-shirt and it wasn't even hard. But since then it's been more like twice a week most weeks. So back on the program I go!!