armymom2012

I went to the ER, a week after surgery, because I was having really bad stomach and shoulder pains. Honestly, they really had no idea what to do for me, except do test after test. EKG, CAT scan, blood tests etc to rule out everday things. Luckily one of the RN's had band surgery and told me what probably was causing it and what she did, some worked others now I have learned is something totally unrelated. Good Luck, hope you get some help and feel better.

I got a call from my doctor yesterday and my blood tests came back really good. I am now off of one blood pressure pill and my cholesterol medication as well. If my blood pressure stays within the 120's or less I get to stop the other one as well. It's amazing what 45# weight loss can do for your health. I should be ready for a marathon by next year.lol That is if my knees will cooperate. Anyone ever been told to take fish oil? She did tell me to stop the Cholesterol pill and take daily fish oil instead. My husband pills are too big for me to swallow and when I cut it in half to put in my food It smelled like my husband tackle box. Ewwwww. Any suggestions?

I have a small one with Cherry Tomatoes, Red and Yellow ones, Onions and peppers. I have a Koi pond and flower garden to keep me busy. I'll post pics later.

Thanks everyone:) The reunion was fun. I decided on making a cold bean salad. My husband was nervous, because his family is so picky, but they loved it. I used the organic bean mix at Krogers, a can of garbonzo beans, corn, mild salsa, a can of crushed tomatoes with green chilis for a touch of spice and sprinkled the top with sharp cheddar cheese. MMMMMM Everyone was really suprised on how much I have lost since we all got together at last years reunion, that felt really good. Then my husband and I hiked a new trail the next day and found the most beautiful waterfall. Next time, we are packing a lunch and swimsuit & going back to the falls:)

I had lap band 4 months ago, so far so good, but these get togethers scare me. I am bringing a piece of chicken breast for me to grill, but I need a side dish that I can bring for everyone, but something I can eat to. I know with the way his family cooks, there is no way I will be able to eat anything they bring. Gotta luv Southern cookin:( Does anyone have any ideas? I used to bring a veggie pasta dish, but now I'm suppose to lay off the pasta, so it seems my options are kinda limited. Any recipes would be great. Thanks

I am at 5cc's and at first, I felt the restriction, but it's been a little over a month and I get hungry pretty quick now. But then again I have also noticed lately that there are days when I can only eat a couple bites and feel like it is stuck in my throat and then a day or two later I can pretty much eat what I want again. Not sure why it does that, unless it has something to do with the warmer weather we have had this past week swelling the band more?

I have to weigh in at the clinic today and although I don't think I gained this week, I didn't lose any either. It started with a get together with an old high school friend and a bunch of scrapbookers that brought food and yes deserts:( and then a graduation party for my stepdaughters best friend. I usually don't eat many deserts, but I couldn't pass up the little weenies in BBQ or the chocolate cake. Just a little bit, but I look at it, I gain weight Oh well, next weeks a new week, except that it's a family reunion at the lake. "Help". This last fill seemed to be just what I needed, but now after a couple cheats, doesn't seem to be working for me now. Guess we are just going to have to hit some hiking trails before the reunion.

I sat there for an hour and he asked questions about my family history, my history, medical issues. Then he asked some scenerio questions about how I would deal with certain issues if they occur and how I plan on dealing with lap band and my reason for wanting it to start with. Nothing real invasive. I think they just want to get into your head and see if they think you are capable of dealing with a life long change and how you intend on maintaining it after you get to your goal. Funny thing was, my Psch doctor had the band years back and obviously sucked at it. His wife had a child and he gained the weight.lol

Thanks for the great ideas. I bought some chicken breast and I am going to make a dish I like and take it with us. I did gain a pound this week, but they think it also might have to do with the fact that I am back on steroid shots for a pinched nerve in my foot. Bad thing is I am seeing a doctor tomorrow for possibly one in my neck and shoulder as well. At first they told me the pain was from gas, due to the band, but almost 5 months in, I can barely turn my head without being in pain. I sit at a desk all day at work, that doesn't help either. But, we will see. I just wish I could tell if it is actual hunger cravings or the steroids telling me to eat more. That is a big part of why I gained weight in the first place years ago, due to daily steroid pills and monthly shots for heel spurs, now this. I'm happy about the 45# weight loss, and feel better, but now I can't exercise like I want to until this nerve thing is fixed. So frustrating

I know what you mean. My sons wedding is in September, I can't even start to try dresses on yet. But I do buy my swimsuits online http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/prodshelf.asp?dept_id=100073. They have a nice selection and sometimes you can buy in the clearance section pretty cheap. Plus if you log in, they will send you sales updates and coupons to. Hope this helps.

I have had an issue with neck and shoulder pain since my lap band surgery. I was told that at first it was gas, then months went by and they said it could be that I am eating too much at once or to fast, even when I'm not:( So now, 4 months later, I have decided to go another way around this and see if it helps. My husband bought me a visit to a Chiropractor for a Swedish Massage. I have never had a massage before, but have heard they are awesome. I am starting to wonder if I have a pinched nerve that is causing the pain, so we will see if this helps. I have been told they can give me pain killers and muscle relaxers, but I already take enough pills as it is, I'd rather not. Too bad I can't get in until the 9th of June. I'm so ready for this to go away.

I just found out that the Surgeon who did my Lap Band is moving away and opening a new practice in another state. We do have another surgeon who has been working along side him, but doesn't seem to be able to hit my port and has to keep digging or pull the ultrasound machine out to get it. Hopefully I don't need a fill anytime soon.

I had a uterine ablation over 3 years ago for heavy periods. Since then I have had no periods at all, which is awesome:) I have heard in the past that weight can affect many things in women, including the ability to have children, so that is why I am wondering if this is in some way a connection to my recent weight loss or another problem I should look into. I am 43 years old and as far as I know have not started menapause yet. I had my Lap Band Surgery January 25th. I have lost 45# so far. But last month I notice some spotting and then just this past week I actually needed a pad for a few days.I know I am not pregnant, because my husband had a vasectomy 4 years ago, so I am wondering if this has anything to do with my change in weight, affecting my hormones and such? Anyone ever had any issues like this?

I eat around 700-900 calories a day, 60 g - protein and at least 64oz water a day.I also walk 3-4 days a week about 2 miles+. Even when I first had surgery in January, I was at less than 500 calories a day some days, because of swelling and fullness from the surgery. I asked about starvation mode and they told me that would not happen. Our systems are just so used to getting more food than we actually need that it just takes some time for our systems and our minds to realize it doesn't need that much. About the 2nd month into it, I was feeling much better.The weekness and the exaustion went away. I also write everything down and when I actually go back and look at it, I realize it's actually more food than I thought I had. Hang in there and you will be fine.

I had to start mine around Christmas and New Years, talk about a reality check. But since my January surgery, I haven't really missed all the eating out, drinking and stuff I did before. Shopping for new clothes keeps me going now.LOL

Congrats I know what you mean. I was a 16 last week and went shopping yesterday, down to a 14. Lovin Life

Seems like alot to me. I was always given 1/2 cc's-1 and the last time which was my 4th fill since surgery, they gave me 2cc's, which makes a total of 5cc in my band right now. Seems to be a good number for me. I was told that if they start off slow, your body is able to adapt easier to each fill.

I'd rather cheat and live longer, than to continue sitting around making excusses why I can't breath when I go walking or up and down my stairs. I decided at this point in my life to live for me and not worry about what others think. So far I love my new life. 30# is awesome, keep up the good work.

I usually stay around 700-900 calories a day. No more than 60g Protein and drink atleast 4- Bottles of water a day. So far I have lost 45# since January. Now when I was in the first few months, I had around 300-600 calories, because of the liquid, puree phase. I did start walking atleast 3 days a week- 2 miles. I had my 4th fill about a month ago, so far so good. I can tell a difference and at times I have to take a few bites and walk away and go back later, usually in the evening meal. But I also think everyone is different. If you get more exercise = a little more calorie in take and it all depends on your weight as well, how much and how fast it will burn off at certain number of calories. I really try not to be obsecced with how much, but more of how I feel. But I will say I do write my meals and exercise down in a log from time to time, that way I can see what I am doing, just incase I stop losing, I can adjust what I am doing. Good Luck.

You may have all kinds of weird feeling for the first few weeks, because the band is trying to get settled. I had my surgery in January and was given an instant fill at that time. Between the fill and the swelling from surgery, I really wasn't all that hungry for the first few weeks and lost 28#. So unless you are in real pain, just take your time introducing food and if need, put it away and try again later. Just make sure you are getting your water intake everyday to stay hydrated. Good Luck to you.

It happens. I did the same thing yesterday to. I have been really good since surgery about eating good healthy food and sticking to the plan pretty well, but I did cheat yesterday with a Red velvet, cream cheese cupcake for mothers day, my all time favorite. But, I also feel like after losing 45# since January, if that is the worst I an do I am doing pretty good so far. I just don't want to get into feeling like I have given up everything I love for this surgery and end up returning to old habbits later, because I feel like I am giving up too much. I think, sometimes you need to give in as a treat to yourself and not kick yourself for doing so. Just don't make a regular habit of it and you shoud be ok and remember chew, chew chew and quit when you get to your limit, even if you haven't finished it.

I had a c-section 22 years ago, which was called a bikini cut. Honestly I think the Lap band for me was far more painful and the recovery time was longer. I also had my gall bladder removed 6 years ago and for some reason, it seemed a bit easier as well. Maybe my pain tolerance has went down hill, plus the fact that I was 21 when I gave birth and now I am in my 40's, that may play into it to. Who knows. It may be as well that when I gave birth, my son came out and in Lap Band, you gain a foreign object that takes your body time to adapt to. Regardless, the pain was all worth it in the end. 43# down in less that 4 months and counting. Good Luck to you.

Honestly, I would wait. Even though I was over weight, I always was blessed with nice girlz:) Now that I have lost 43#, I have had to buy all new bras, because they were the first to go and lets just say, they are not as perky anymore like before. If it were me, I'd wate and see how your body reacts to weight loss first and then maybe you will only need to have a lift if anything. A friend of mine had a reduction years ago, depending on how much you need to get rid of, it can be a pretty painful surgery. My back hurt as well, amazing what weight loss can do to lose your aches and pains as well.

I use Maderma after surgery if I have any noticeable scars. I used it a few years back when I had skin cancer on the side of my nose and you can not even see where where the stitches are now. I plan to dod the same thing with the lap band ones to.

I have a card, but I never use it when I eat out. I avoid true fast food places all together and when we go any place else, I usually go online and look at their menu to see what if anything I can eat before hand. Normally I just order off the lower cal menu if they have one and take a goody box home for another meal. That way I feel like I get my moneys worth and 1 less meal to plan out.