pen527

Hey Blue. I am sorry to hear that you had to lose your band. This kind of wakes me up though, because 4 months ago my doctor told me that I have a dilated esophagus. I have to see him again soon and he'll do another upper GI to determine if the band needs to come out or not. I haven't changed my ways much since he told me to go liquids, so I really don't think there has been any improvement. Your story just makes it real, that a damaged esophagus is reason for a band to come out, and I am motivated now, more than ever, to follow doctor's orders.

I agree. Start a food journal and log everything. You'll be more conscious of the calories adding up. And drink lots of water!

Take a stool softener daily for a while, it'll help get you back on track. Also, if it's been since Sunday, I'd take one by tomorrow or Friday because it can be a nightmare if you go too long without going. Trust me!

I've heard that this can be a result of the band not being placed right. Maybe she should get an opinion from another doctor before going under the knife again.

My doctor says no to straws, something about sucking in air and getting gas. But..... I always use a straw for everything and have no problems. I am also guilty of gulping, but I've never had any problems. Something about sipping just doesn't work for me.

Good job! I'm jealous.... I really want to get up the stamina to run!

Congratulations on the new you! You're going to do terrific!

I am always FREEZING! Everyone chokes when they come in my office because I have the heater set at 89. I live in FL and I'm cold at the beach if it's anything under 95. What happened???

Good luck to you Michael. I can't imagine if I had to pay for my surgery.... no way could I have afforded it. I was fortunate, my husband works at the hospital and gets the scoop on everything. He found out about a study going on by the bariatric surgeon. Within 3-4 weeks of hearing of the study, I was banded. I have been so blessed. You might try calling a few surgeons in your area to see if they are conducting any studies... Good Luck!

I also have a dilated esophagus. My doctor diagnosed it with an upper GI. I was told liquids only for 4 weeks, then 3 months of 3 oz soft protein meals. That was December 16th and I have yet to comply. I am going to try really hard to begin all liquids on Monday. My doctor said it'll never go back to the way it was, and there is a chance that he will have to remove my band. Like I said, I think I'll go on liquids Monday. ugh! Good luck to YOU!

I didn't tell anyone for about a year and a half... until I got to my goal weight. Then all of a sudden, I got cocky and told several people when they commented how did I loose so much weight. Unfortunately, my eating habits have slipped (severely) and I've now gained back 40 lbs. I wish I could un-do all the telling so no one knew my secret because now I feel like they're all judging me as the failure that I really am.

I have the Realize band for over two years now. No problems! I think I have about 7cc in a 9cc band.

I like GNC Pro Performance, it has 4 carbs and 20 protein. My doctor doesn't recommend any more than 25 grams of protein at a time as your body won't absorb it. I usually buy vanilla so that I can mix it with fruit, or sometimes I only add a little pumpkin pie spice. No matter what I add I always add 2 packets of splenda.

I have the Realize band, I was fortunate enough to be selected for a band trial.

So sorry you've had it so rough lately. It sounds as though you really need to see your doctor. Even if he has to do an unfill, you'll make it through. You have to take care of yourself so you have the energy to plan that wedding!