DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

If you have spider veins and varicose veins, plus swollen ankles and calves, I would first have yourself checked for veinous reflux disease. It's common among over weight people and is caused when the valves don't close properly allowing blood to pool in the lower leg. If you do, insurance will pay to have the veins taken care of, which might also significantly decrease your ankle and calf size, too. I am having vein ablation and removal this January for veinous reflux disease. Just a thought!

Some facts: -Over 12 million (not 5 million) have lost their insurance coverage due to Obamacare -Over 7 million will remain uninsured because they don't make enough to qualify for the tax credit but make too much to qualify for Medicaid. -Obamcare doesn't only have minimum care standards but maximum. All policies must not only meet minimum standards but they can not exceed the care offered either. If an insurance carrier offers too little or too much, they are fined heavily. -The average insurance cost increase is 41% due to Obamacare. The worst is yet to come: "In 2010, the Health and Human Services Department estimated that 40% to 67% of individual plans would eventually lose their "grandfathered" status, which only was conferred if a plan was purchased before the health care law was approved in 2010." The insurance increases and cancellations ARE because of Obamacare and Obama himself freely admits it. Obama's sorry excuse for an apology for all the loss of policies and idea of fixing it? He gave them a 1 year reprieve. That's it. And that does nothing for policies already canceled. http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/07/politics/obama-obamacare-apology/ http://www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2013/11/04/49-state-analysis-obamacare-to-increase-individual-market-premiums-by-avg-of-41-subsidies-flow-to-elderly/ Of course, I have been encouraging everyone who is still drinking the Obamacare Koolaid to read the actual bill. Yes, it's over 1000 pages long. Yes, it took me months but I did read it entirely. But, if you read it and get the facts versus the media bytes being fed to everyone, you'll see the horrible truth for yourself.

I too find I'm tighter at my time of the month. Very often, it may feel like food sitting above the band when really it's only swelling. If you had food sitting there, it would be clogging the path through the band and it's unlikely you'd be able to even drink liquids. With that said, food sitting above the band is very dangerous and can lead to band erosion. If you do think this is happening, it's really important to figure out a way to see your doctor. I'm no doctor, but I'd go on liquids for a day or two to see if that resolves the problem. Btw, you're one of many being screwed thanks to Obamacare. I fear there will be many, many more hurt as you are being before they get a clue and undo this healthcare hell they've created. Best wishes

How ironic. My daughter was just prescribed Plaquinil (I'm spelling it wrong) tonite. She was diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, which is essentially like a combination of Lupus, Scleroderma, and Polymyositis. We thought she had RA but her blood work came back with MCTD instead. We'll have to keep in contact, Donna. We can compare notes how you and my daughter are both doing on the med. She started it tonight.

As my wise friends before me stated, lose the loser not the 9 pounds. He's a spineless @ss without the balls to address the real issue so he's blaming it on your weight. You need and deserve so much better than that. I know it's hard and heart breaking but I promise you, you will find a man who will love and want you regardless of whether you weigh 170 or 300 pounds. Don't settle for this @sshole. Find a man who deserves you.

I am so sorry, Donna.

Dry meat is the only thing I consistently have problems with. I find when eating stuff like chicken or even pork chops, marinading seems to really help a lot. This way the meat doesn't get dry and stuck. I'm constantly looking for low calories, low fat ways to add moisture and flavor to meat.

Esophageal dilation occurs when the portion of the stomach above the band is essentially stretched. The best way to avoid esophageal dilation (and correct it) is to not over eat, not allow your band be too tight, and stick to band sized portions. If your band hasn't slipped, you're not over eating and are sticking to band sized portions, the chances are very good the esophageal dilation will correct itself. Granted I'm no doctor but it seems when caught early and treated accordingly it's usually reversible. Best wishes.

If I were in your shoes, I'd have your doctor run more tests to make sure you don't have some weird viral or bacterial strain. I'd also have them make sure you don't have walking pneumonia. Also, are you sure you don't have asthma? Do you smoke? Are you around smokers?

Don't be nervous. It's quick and easy. You'll do great.

The Lap Band has nothing to do with your kidneys. However, a sustained high Protein diet can adversely effect them. I actually had this happen years ago when on the Atkins diet. Very, very painful and the biggest reason I refuse to go high protein/low carb long term again.

Alcohol is a blood thinner and usually forbidden for a couple weeks before surgery. Check with your doctor before drinking. It's not worth having to postpone your surgery for a drink.

If I were you, I'd make appointments with both your surgeon and your nutritionist. With you surgeon, tell him how you haven't eaten meat and are resorting to soft foods. I'm no doctor, but it sounds like you actually might be a little tight and are resorting to "soft calorie syndrome". Contrary to popular belief, tighter isn't always better with the band, in fact it can lead to weight gain and complications. Here's a great article about it: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/161269-tighter-isnt-always-better/ With your nutritionist, let them help you establish both a eating routine and calorie guidelines specific to you and your nutritional needs. Best wishes.

That's a really tough question. I'm sure you're going to get a lot of varying answers. As for myself, I was told by my doctor to only eat when physically hungry. However, if I don't get enough nutrients and calories, not only do I get dizzy and sick feeling but my weight loss will also come to a screeching halt. So if I realize I've gone all day without eating I drink a Protein shake that's high in both Vitamins and protein. This way I don't get that sick feeling and my body is still getting what it needs.

I actually just found adult strength liquid acetaminophen (Tylenol) at CVS. It's the only place I've seen it so I bought a couple bottles of it to have on hand. Here it is: http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/CVS-Extra-Strength-Pain-Relief-Adult-Liquid-Rapid-Burst-Cherry-Flavor?skuId=695051

You look wonderful!

As Terry wisely stated, it's all a matter of opinion. Your best bet is to try different ones until you find one you like. The good news is, GNC will actually return your money if you don't like it and bring it back to them. It's a great way to try different ones without wasting a ton of cash. Personally, I love the unjury chocolate Splendor. The only downfall is that you can only get it online.

There is no guarantee this will work or even help, but once I got stuck on a Vitamin and drinking hot tea seemed to dissolve it enough to let it pass through. Maybe some hot tea? Or coffee? Or even hot Water? After you get unstuck, I would go on liquids the rest of the day to give your stomach a chance to calm and unswell. Good luck!

Not a silly question at all! I've known many people who've bought child sized silverware to help regulate their portions. Many will also eat off salad plates rather than dinner plates for the same reason. I say go for it- you have nothing to lose. In fact, I bet it would help.

People don't realize what a huge barrier fat is between them and the world. There is something comforting about that physical manifestation of the emotional wall between us and the world. When we lose that barrier, we find ourselves feeling oddly vulnerable and we often don't like it. I can remember when I first realized men were looking at me differently. When I was over 400 pounds, men wouldn't even acknowledge my existence, and if they did it was usually to give me looks of disdain. After living like that for decades, that was my norm. That was expected and I was fine with it. But one day I noticed men were holding doors open for me- not letting them drop in my face anymore. They were intentionally trying to make eye contact with me and even smiled. I'd wait in line for coffee and find strangers striking up conversations. I even found myself being flirted with. I was no longer invisible or ignored and I wasn't sure I liked it. In fact, it sent me into a panic attack more than once. Now, I am at peace with my new body and even enjoy it. I feel flattered when a stranger acknowledges me or a man flirts with me. But, that didn't happen over night. Just like losing weight, it takes time to wrap your brain around the changes. Be patient with yourself and remind yourself this is a GOOD change. You don't need or want that fat barrier anymore. You deserve both happiness and health. Hang in there

Call your doctor. If your having new problems you need to call. If food is just sitting on top your band it's dangerous and can lead to erosion. Either way, you need to let your doctor decide what is wrong and what's best.

I had a funny NSV over the holiday. I was with my brother and nephew when my nephew's mom (my brother's ex) came to pick my nephew up. She was totally skunk eyeing me something wicked. She wouldn't even respond to my attempts at small talk. I was thinking "wow, she hates me!". Still, I just tried to ignore her and loved on my nephew. When it was time for them to leave, my brother walked them out. When he came back, he was laughing. Apparently, she had no idea who I was and assumed I was my brother's new girlfriend! LMAO! She asked him who I was (curse words included) and he laughed "ummm, you mean my sister?" He said her jaw literally dropped and she goes "no way! but she's so little now! It doesn't look like her at all!" My brother told her I'd lost over 200 pounds so it's no wonder she didn't recognize me. I guess she then felt bad for being such a b#tch to me. I laughed so hard!!

As Terry stated, the only way to know if you have a leak is to check the Fluid in the band. It's a quick, easy thing to simply withdraw the fluid, see it's the same amount that should be in there, and putting it back in. There is no reason to guess and whether or not you feel restriction is irrelevant. Going on Protein shakes is completely useless and won't do anything but make you hungrier. Go back and insist he check the fluid. I have to be honest, if I were in your situation, I'd be seriously considering a new baratric surgeon. If he's not even competent enough to simply check your band fluid- what happens if something more serious arises? Best wishes.