MandiMand

Puppypaws, I am seriously considering asking my surgeon to check and make sure everything is connected properly. I have only lost 12lbs to date, and when I see the NP, she acts like if I'm not losing, then I don't need a fill. I am not saying that if I am eating wrong that I don't need to be mindful of that, but when I come in crying that I never feel full, and that something just doesn't feel right, shouldn't I as the consumer, have the right to question and ask for a fill?

Ever since Sunday, I have been getting stuck on anything that is solid, such as meat. I'm sure part of it is due to not eating smaller bites. But with getting stuck, it has been really painful, more so than normal, and I end up throwing up 8-10 times, from only two bites! I woke up Monday with slight stomach pain, this morning with MAJOR stomach pain, and I felt like I still had something stuck in my esophogus. It finally went away once I started to drink, but I'm playing it safe and just having liquids only for the next 24 hours. I'm hoping and praying that it's not my band getting stuck! It's only been since my period this time around (I was banded in December '11). Also, I am going on vacation in two weeks, and seeing my surgeon next week. I was told that bandsters can get tight when flying, should I ask to have some Fluid removed? I'm hesitant, because other than this recent episode, I don't have any restriction. Matter of fact, since my surgery, I've lost very few pounds. I went from 218 day of, to right now, fluctuating from 201-205. I cannot get past 201! This is making me very miserable and wondering if I made the right decision. Especially being on mainly liquids since Monday morning, and I've GAINED! WTH is going on?!

I have a stomach bug, my second since my WLS (Dec '12). I think I have figured out why throwing up from this is way worse than from eating too much. This is food already past the band trying to come up, and it hurts trying to force its way through! It took me six incredily painful dry heaves to finally get something up. It wasn't even that much, but enough that it hurt like a you-know-what! If anyone has any suggestions for what I should be doing during this time (other than avoiding foods and resting), please, please let me know. I feel HORRIBLE right now!

I would say TT. Although it was a hard decision for me, as my boobs have always been big, and pregnancy and aging have not been kind, lol.

I already packed my lunch for today, but I think I know what I'll be having for tomorrow's lunch Thanks!

I went in on Friday for a visit, with the hope of getting a fill. Prior to my visit, I was at 7.5cc. I was feeling restriction only when I ate certain foods, but was still hungry during the day, and pretty much being able to eat the same size portions as prior to surgery. I went in and explained all this, but the NP looked at me like I was nuts and asked why I thought I should have a fill. Mind you, I have gone from 218 to 203 since my surgery in December. I told her I work out 3-4 times a week, and other than my water intake, I am floowing my program, but not seeing any weight loss in a few weeks. She agreed to give me .5cc and acted like this would be "it" for me, no more fills. Has anyone else experienced this? Shouldn't it make sense that if I am not losing, I should maybe have more restriction? Or am I wrong here?

I was thinking something similar about 1500 calories seeming to be a little on the high side. And I get stuck only on certain foods right now (bread and pork!). I decided to try it since I had only lost 12 pounds post-op, which was December, and I wanted a kick in the rear. It's been great for getting me in the gym more, so I guess that's good!

You know you're right! I hate to exercise... HATE IT! But at the end of the day when I do fit it in, I feel so much better. I had one week where I let myself slack off, and not only did I feel it physically, I felt it emotionally. I was really surprised by this, but it does truly help with all areas of our life! Yesterday I dropped some frozen items on my toe (not intentionally, lol) and it was super sore. I rested it last night, but today, I am raring to go, even though it may hurt. I'm just going to modify things up a bit so that I don't make it worse, but I WANT to exercise, and this part is great! My couch potato lifestyle cannot continue if I want to see true (and lasting) results! Thank you for this reminder

I am currently trying Curves Complete, through Curves. The plan calls for me to eat 1500 calories a day, three meals and 2 small snacks which seems reasonable, except sometimes the food is quite literally "too much" for me to eat, and I get stuck quite easily. Not sure if it is the food combinations, or if I am finally starting to feel the restriction I should be. I know to stop once I feel the restriction, but does that mean I should put the food away to eat later, or be done with it altogether until my next meal?

I usually like to drink my water ice cold. Ever since I had my last fill, I feel like my stomach is cold for up to an hour afterwards. Has anyone else experienced this?

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are all in my prayers.

WTG Joel! Your words are very inspiring. And I agree with Difa, update that ticker! You earned it

Ok, so it will be my 20th Reunion very soon, and I am already freaking out. Back in December when I was banded, I assumed I would drop the weight so quick I wouldn't be having these thoughts, but then reality set in, and I'm down to 203 (218 day of surgery). In high school, my weight flucuated between 160-180. I want to look good for this event, but more importantly, I want to mentally prepare myself for it. I know now I won't be anywhere close to below 160 as I had originally hoped, but how do I convince myself it's ok? Has anyone else faced something similar?

You make a very good point! I started doing "Curves Complete" at my gym, and depending on which Phase you are in, you have to increase your calories. At first I was scared, thinking will it backfire on me or what? But if anything, it has helped! And because I am eating on a schedule now, and the right combinations of foods, I am never feeling hungry, physically. Emotionally, I'm still working on that. But my recent success is really bringing this into focus for me.

Thank you ladies!