klariade

I've never had a problem swallowing pills. The dissolve before they reach your stoma. If you want chewables though, GNC has a good brand and so does Viactiv (they taste like chocolate) .

I love hearing these stories! I lived with PCOS for many years, and just found out a few months ago that I am PCOS free! No symptoms whatsoever! I just got married, and my husband and I are soon ready to start trying. Even though I don't have PCOS anymore, I'm still worried that there was enough damage done during my PCOS years. My doctor doesn't think I will have a problem, but I still worry. These stories give me hope!

I sometimes have acid reflux problems when I am either a) too tight or eating too much junk food. My mom is a GI nurse, so she gave me some good advice. Stay away from spicy foods, fried and fatty foods, chocolate (Chocolate is the DEVIL for me and many people with acid reflux!). Stop eating at least 2 hours before you go to bed. Take an over the counter med like Prilosec or Prevacid and see if that helps (it usually does the job for me when I have a flare up, and I only have to take it for a week or so). And her number one recommendation is to elevate the head of your bead. You can get blocks at Wal-mart that will raise your bed 6 inches. It feels weird for a few days, but it makes a HUGE difference! When you sleep, liquids tend to back up and will cause more reflux. When the head of your bed is raised gravity takes its course and keeps the acid from coming back up. This will help with your choking problem too (which I also get sometimes, mostly when I drink liquids too close to bed time). I know it sounds really silly, but trust me...raising the head of your bed is the FIRST thing you should do, and the first thing my mom tells all her patients to do. It will save you a lot of agony and money!

Oh boy do I remember those days! 3 years ago I flew out to Nebraska and down to Nashville, TN and need a seat belt extender. I hated having to ask for it, and even with it I barely got it buckled. That was the last time I flew until just last month. Last month I flew to Florida with my new hubby on our honeymoon, and couldn't believe it when not only did the seat belt buckle with ease, it needed sufficiently tightened! I fit easily into the seat, could put down the tray table without problems and flew very comfortably (well, physically at least...I'm a very nervous flyer). You will be fine! Have a safe and happy trip!

I'm coming up on my 2-year bandiversary and have fallen off the wagon. I've been on a rollercoaster for the past year, and have been eating around my band and gaining and losing, gaining and losing...you get the idea. I've finally gotten myself back on track this week, but could use someone to hold myself accountable to. I've lost 154 pound so far (I had lost 162, but had a gain around my wedding last month) and have about 40 more to go. Close by or far away, doesn't matter! (I'm in central PA). Thanks!

Hi All! I was banded on August 7, 2009. I used to read these boards all the time, and they were immensely helpful. The past year I've been slacking big time. I've been on a bit of a weight-loss rollercoaster, mostly because I wasn't being serious about my weight loss goals and letting stress overtake me by resorting to stress eating. I just got married a month ago, and now that all that hoopla is over I'm fresh out of excuses! I've lost 162 pounds (132 with the band), and gained 13 of it back surrounding the wedding. With all the yo-yo-ing I've only lost 20 pounds in the past year...somewhat successful, but I can do so much better! Started getting back on track this week and down 4 pounds already! (I know, mostly Water weight, but it's a start). I'm hoping to keep myself accountable by getting on the boards regularly and sharing with others.

Welcome back! I too am returning after a long break and a few pounds gained. Hoping to keep myself inspired and accountable to get down to my goal weight. I'll be your friend!