Alexandra

That sounds really interesting, Kirsten! Where are you?

Hi Caramel, Slimfast shakes aren't really the high-Protein kind we need if we're using shakes to support our diets. They're OK for a once in a while Meal Replacement, but if you're really needing to add significant protein you should go to GNC or somewhere like that and get the heavy-duty stuff. There is a huge variety out there, and many that you can add to milk or other beverages and are essentially tasteless. Sounds like you're up against something that could be serious, so you're doing the totally right thing by keeping a close eye on it. Your banding doctor probably isn't up on sarcoidosis and its complications, at least not as much as your other doctor is. Follow his advice, because this has nothing to do with your being banded, not specifically. Your band simply is a factor to be taken into account when determining a course of treatment: in your case if you need to increase your protein intake you can't do it by eating three steaks a day. You need to find another way. Good luck, and good health!!

Kim, thanks for sharing your story. You're right that it's SO IMPORTANT to hear for newbies and even not-so-newbies. The band is a tool that simply does not work unless it's tuned up right, and that tuning can take some fiddling. But that's the beauty of it!! We're all different, so it makes perfect sense that finding our own custom "setting" can take a little fiddling. I'd be very uncomfortable with any procedure that was one-size-fits-all (since we all know from painful experience with clothing labels, that one size most definitely does NOT fit all!!).

Nykee, will you look at that list of what you ate for Easter dinner? What on earth do you want a fill for??? That's a small meal by normal standards, and downright skimpy if all you had for breakfast was vitamins!!

So does that mean there is no walk already organized for New York? There must be. I certainly don't want to be the point person for organizing a New York walk! I know my doc's office had sign-up sheets for last year's walk, but I don't have an appointment coming up. So if anyone sees the info at their doctor's office, please post it here. Thanks!!

Hi Heather, Being banded does not mean you can never drink again. Yesterday I had three glasses of champagne at an Easter function. But you WILL have to learn how your body reacts to alcohol, which may be different than you were used to. Even if you haven't lost significant weight yet, drinking can affect you a lot faster just because you're taking in way fewer calories. So take it very slowly. And, of course, keep in mind that alcohol is just empty calories that pile up very quickly, so drinking at all is pretty counterproductive to weight loss.

Ezzysmom, look at it this way. That was the LAST Easter you'll spend being too heavy to have the great time you should have. Next year and all the years following as your son runs around hunting for eggs, you'll be right there with him. Congratulations on resisting, and however hard the next four weeks feels you KNOW it's only temporary. When I started my banding journey it could have been said that I had 180 lbs to lose. Phooey. That's if you look at the weight charts for someone my height and discard the fact that I've NEVER weighed even close to those charts. If I'd felt in any way that success meant 180 lbs off, I would have given up right then and probably had a heart attack by now. Instead I've tossed the whole idea of even having a goal weight, and just work on making myself healthier. In the process I've lost 110 lbs and know that realistically I can probably lose another 40-50 and be anyone's idea of normal. Right now I'm MY idea of perfect. And next Easter, you'll be well on your way to the same thing. Don't think about some long-term unattainable goal that will just discourage you along the way, think about the little victories that day by day make your life more enjoyable.

Hi Lainie, This happens sometimes and it's hard to say why. It could be related to something else going on in your life, such as stress, a decrease in water intake, or hormonal changes, but if none of those seem an obvious culprit then you should probably get in touch with your doctor. Though it's certainly not always the case it can be due to a slip. I had a similar scenario last fall after having the same level of fill for about four months, and my doctor took a little fill out and everything was fine. Editing to add that I have had fills "kick in" as much as two months afterwards, so maybe that's all that's happening. Have you had that experience before? Good luck, and let us know how you're doing!

Glad to hear things went smoothly for you, Jenna. Welcome to Bandland!! :D

Hi Kathy, My kids actually are close in age to yours, and were a bit younger when I was banded. I didn't have to explain anything to them other than that Mommy's tummy hurt. Of course, I didn't have to travel or anything, and I was home the same day. For the weeks afterward all we told them was that Mommy had "something fixed" and she'd be OK. Now my older daughter sometimes cautions me not to eat too fast. But she doesn't know why that's an issue for me.

Hi Bravo, Welcome to LBT! You might want to start a new thread in the General Discussion area with your questions. Your post probably won't get a lot of attention here. Let me know if you need help.

Hi Flower, Welcome to LBT! I'm not from MA but wanted to say hi anyway. Hi! Now, why would you want to take your band out when you're an old lady? The band is designed to be permanent, just like any other implanted device (artificial hip, heart valve, whatever). Insurance should cover complications if you have them, and if they are causing you problems, up to and including the removal of the band. But under normal circumstances we don't expect to have the band removed at any point. Nice to meet you!

In that case, my greatest gift was from my father. He died, quite suddenly, more than 10 years ago and it was a terrible time. But later on I realized that every time I think of him I feel hugged. That's a priceless gift, comfort on tap.

Great NSV, Zoe. Enjoy!! I know exactly what you mean about the proportions changing. Before I had kids I could never understand why anyone would need elastic-waist anything. I mean, just buy them in the right size, right? But now that my waistline has lived through carrying two babies, those elastic waistbands can come in handy.

Congratulations, Laura, and welcome to Bandland!! :D Sounds like you have a great husband. Keep him around.

Hi Karla, Welcome to LBT! :D

My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time, Nancy. Peace and strength to you all.

I don't know how to find information on the 2005 walk. Kirsten, I went to the site but all it has is information from last year. Where did you get that date info? I'd be happy to coordinate whatever needs coordinating, sure!

Hi Elizabeth, It does seem that way sometimes, definitely. But it's a self-fulfilling prophecy, because the people who are cruising along without problems are those least likely to post on support groups. Overall the complication rate has not increased; it's probably going down overall as doctors gain experience. Or maybe it will go up as more doctors enter the field and then stabilize as they gain experience. But what IS going up is the public discussion of complications, so of course it seems like it's more likely to happen. From reading these boards it's hard to believe the complication rate is as low as Inamed and our doctors say it is. But really, the VAST majority of bandsters do not seek out support or at least do so only briefly. There seem to be very few long-term bandsters visible on support groups...where did all the others go? They're out living a successful, and presumably complication-free, life.

The best gift in the cosmic sense was Michael. 'Nuff said.

Hi Monica, We feel your pain, we really do. Loads of people have gone through exactly what you're going through. The advice is pretty much always the same: back to basics. You've had two fills in the two months after surgery, which I'd think is a bit aggressive. Are you very restricted? Or not at all? Are you getting tiny little amounts each time? Why do you think you're not losing weight? Do you have specific issues that need to be addressed, like an ice cream habit? (Oh no, wait, that's mine. Oops!) 1. Protein first. Start your meals with the hard Proteins and leave the carbs for last. 2. Log your foods in a journal. Try www.fitday.com if you haven't yet. It really helps to get a great look at what you're taking in! 3. Water, water, water. And more water. That's about it! If you're not doing any one of these things try adding it to your routine and see if it helps. But let me say also that this is NOT a race, and losing 15 lbs since Jan. 4 means you've lost more than 5 lbs a month so far. And that's right on target.

That sounds like a GREAT idea, Kirsten! How cool would it be to have an LBT contingent there! I'm totally up for it, absolutely. Just as an aside, I'll bet you can do a 5K right now. That's like 3 miles, right? You know, in NYC that's only 60 blocks. We could do it before Breakfast.

Hi Vauren, Congratulations on your banding! People have lots of different reactions to surgery, and yours might be your body still working the anaesthesia out of your system. I don't have any specific advice but hope things improve quickly! The tight feeling in the chest is normal, I think--at least, I remember having that sense for a week or so after surgery. Not surprising, considering that things got moved around in there and there's healing going on. Rest up! And let us know how you're doing.

What a PAIN, Vera!! I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. I'm looking forward to the day when you can post that all these issues are behind you and I know you are too. Yep, I'd want a whole new band too, if they have to go in anyway. Absolutely! Sorry, Vera. Things aren't fair.

Maria, my doc's office is in Florham Park and that's where the meetings are. It's pretty convenient to Routes 80/287/24. PM me and I'll give you directions if you want. We'd love to have you! Hmmm, a visit to the Mom of DeLarla? Sounds like an entertaining way to spend an afternoon!