sasp35

I couldn't have said it better myself. I believe food addiction is real, and the only way to control it is to avoid it. One taste or nibble sends me over the edge. I give a rats @$&? and struggle with every temptation. Here's to us controlling our demons.

Hi. I was banded August 16, 2011. I've lost 70 pounds so far and have 3.75 in my band. I'm 10 pounds from my original goal (150). It has been a wonderfull journey I wish us all great success. Stephanie

I recommend a a book called "Toxic Parents." It'll help you identify "toxic" people (not just parents) in your life. It'll also help you determine what to do. You can keep the status quo, completely cut her out of your life, or some compromise in the middle. Only you can determine. Not an easy answer. But now that you have children and her actions impact them, boundaries need to be set. As sman 342 said, you can't change someone else, you can only change your response. Good luck with it all. Stephanie

Good luck! We'll all be here for you when you return. Stephanie

Good morning. Yes, I have issues with scrambled eggs. I've tried them wet, dry, with cheese, and also chewed into mush. They don't stay down. The only way they work for me is with stuff in them (i.e., green peppers, onions, tomato). I kept trying until I finally realized plain scrambled eggs don't work for me. I beleive scrambled eggs is a common problem food. Good luck!

Congratulations! And, what a wonderful accomplishment for you all. Nice story. Stephanie

Hang in there, Sylvia. First day is the hardest. You'll sleep well tonight. Stephanie

I love Dr. Averbach and his staff. They have a very well structured program, starting with the information seminar, to the psych eval, to nutrition counseling. The staff are efficient, friendly, and accommodating. Dr. Averbach is wonderful. He's helpful, knowledgeable, and very good at what he does. I have nothing but positives. I am 11 months banded through his office. Feel free to email me. Stephanie

Good morning. My doctor explained to me that fills are "fluid," meaning that when Fluid is removed (such as to check fill level) and then re-added, it can refill the band differently so an adequate fill level may change. I had to have fluid removed once and when he refilled it, it was less than a previous level where I had actually been hungry. Hope this can help. Stephanie

Good luck, Sylvia. Praying for a speedy recovery. See you on the other side! Stephanie

At ten months in, I am grateful for: 1. Healthier habits 2. 69-pound weight loss 3. Ability and desire to exercise 4. Feeling "normal" now 5. Better quality of life. Thanks! Stephanie

The power of positive thinking is amazing. Thank you for all of your positive, inspirational posts! I look forward to reading all of them. Stephanie

Hi, Sylvia. I also live in Maryland. Had my surgery at St. Agnes Hospital on August 16, 2011. I'm down 69 pounds and doing well. I would be happy to be a support buddy. I know this is a scary journey, and someone to bounce things off is always helpful. Good luck on this wonderful journey. Stephanie

My nutritionist recommends eating every 3-4 hours with protein at every mini-meal. So, I start my day with a protein shake, have sausage and an apple for breakfast, 3 oz of protein + a veggie for lunch, 3 oz. protein + fruit for afternoon snack, and then 3 oz. protein + veggie for dinner. My nutritionist said there's no way to get in the needed nutrition otherwise. I have been successful with this -- losing 65 pounds over 10 months. Good luck!

Hi, Melcat. I also live in the Baltimore area and would be happy to be buddies. I've been banded for almost ten months. How about you?

St. Agnes Hospital has support group meetings on alternating Mondays, (May 21, June 4) at 6:00 p.m. Their number is 1-866-690-9355. GBMC's support groups meet at 6:00 as well on the following dates (June 5, 2012, July 3, 2012, August 7, 2012, September 4, 2012, October 2, 2012, November 6, 2012, December 4, 2012). Sinai holds their meetings on May 24 @ 6-8. Once monthly (June 28 @ 6-8). Sinai hold meetings at Northwest Hospital on May 24 @ 7-8 and on June 28 @ 7-8. University of MD holds meetings at BW Medical Center (formerly North Arundel Hospital) at 7:00 p.m. (May 16, June 20, July 18 ...). Usually meets the third Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Good luck!

LOL...your screen name kind of matches your topic.

Nice post. Nice to remember that we have always had value. Great job!

Hi. I've been banded almost 8 months. I had a fill a week ago that has left me tighter than I can recall ever being. So, I've been reading these boards more than ever and have found answers and comfort in everyone's responses. For the first time, I've experienced first-bite syndrome and morning tightness, and found posts relating to these. Now, it seems, I can relate to so many more experiences. At lunch today, I finished what I could eat and then all of a sudden had this sudden feeling like I needed to vomit. It wasn't a stuck episode, it was that horrible feeling of needing to get sick. I haven't experienced this before with the band. Can anyone tell me if this is normal and why would it happen? Thanks so much. Stephanie

It definitely sounds like you aren't eating enough. My nutritionist recommends eating every 3-4 hours. Every meal should have 3-4 oz. of protein, and two of the meals have fruit and two have veggies. If there is any room left, some starches can be eaten. This seems to average about 1,000 calories per day. Good luck!

Hi. I didn't like the care at St.Agnes either, but Dr. Averbach and his team are wonderful. Your doctor and his team are the most critical in your long-term success. Good luck!