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Hey guys!!! Glad to see some activity on our ol' board!! I too struggled with the band, especially year #2. Constant emergency unfills and an evasive perfect fill, and threats of having to reposition my band due to mushrooming. In my Quest for a tight band, I am sure I overtightened and damaged it. I lost 60 pounds total before I decided to get an unfill to allow for healing of the band tissue, and gained back almost all I had lost in a short amount of time. Cause: "normal" eating. I remember Nutrisystem from the 80's when my mom worked in a clinic, so I picked up the card for 35 days worth at costco. It's been 16 months (started day after Mother's Day 2010) and I am just now getting the "mindset" of a healthy eater. The band does not teach us to eat. I like Nutrisystem's low glycemic, high Protein, high Fiber approach to eating. I participate on the Nutrisystem chat room and discussion boards and even one of the latest challenges, Biggest Loser!! I LOVE it. If anyone would like to come over to Nutrisystem, look me up (DancingWaters) for encouragement, support, gentle kicks in the butt, whatever. I currently have about 2 cc in my band....I call it "my little friend" (Scarface voice) and it reminds me it's there when I eat carrots!! Even though I could feel I failed the band, blah blah, I refuse to think like that. I just think it was one step on the journey to a new me. I am currently 220 pounds, halfway to my goal of a total loss of 130. Since I bounced back on the lapband, all this loss is 16 months of hard work on Nutrisystem plan. I now use my own food and eat according to their guidelines. I often order some items ala carte for convenience and I love their fudge graham bars after a chef salad lunch, but for the most part I don't spend any money. I have a ways to go but I have ROCK hard determination!! You can use any healthy weight loss plan (I like to say eating plan that results in weight loss because I LOVE TO EAT), but you gotta challenge yourself! This is key. No matter what the goal, to walk twice a week or rid your kitchen of fatty foods, just get 'r done!! Hugs to all. Don't give up on yourselves. You deserve to be healthy.

You have got to be kidding! Dr. Kirshenbaum will not accept UHC! I am floored.

Java, yes I'm on facebook. Please add me. Rhonda Coler

Hi all. Bigbaby you look so great! Suzz I'm sorry you're having a bad time. Java, I'm listening to your story of your troubles and you going back under the "knife". I read this when you wrote it but hadn't replied. This last week, I had a close call. I had closed off completely not able to swallow liquids. Finally after 10 pounds of Fluid loss, and feeling like I could pass out, I went in for a "slight unfill" of 1.0 cc. Wellllllll they had a new fluoro machine and said they wanted to see my band. I had seriously muffin-topped it. I am sure when I've closed off before and had unfills (one complete one last summer) that this has been the same thing. I have had 3 or 4 episodes this past year of a bleeding that I spit up as well. It is not pure blood, but more like the coffee ground type of vomiting. Now I have been lectured, handed new guide books, am completely unfilled and supposed to be eating like a bandster with small portions, 4 hours apart. I read that OCC (Dr. Ortiz) recommended liquids for 6 weeks following mushrooming the band. Mine wasn't mushroomed, that I know of, on the fluoro, but I don't know that it never did lax enough to flop over the band. After unfilling, the muffin top went down, and fluid (barium) funnelled right through the band as it was supposed to. I was told to give it a month, and it should stay down if I treat it right, and then with slow fills I can get the small pouch up top that I'm supposed to have. My concern now is I have an erosion. I have had 2 episodes of excruciating rib/heart pain that feels like it comes from my stomach area...very painful. I'll drink Water and as soon as it hits the band, the pain subsides. Then it comes back and I drink..it goes away. Then I eat and it's gone. I am worried. I don't know that I haven't eaten like a bandster, because I do small portions, stop when I'm full, don't PB, etc., however, I don't measure my food, and I do snack a lot, and drink fluids when I eat, etc., which I know I'm not supposed to do. No MORE! I have had this band for 2 years, and never really connected with the idea that I must measure my food to 1/2 cup, eat that only, no fluid, and wait 4 hours. This is what my fill doc is calling "eating like a bansters". I think myself pretty smart and well informed, but I never got it I guess. Anyway, hoping I don't need a revision. I am very worried though. I will be calling OCC and seeing what they say and keeping my flier miles just in case. We are not anywhere at the end of our journey. I am glad for those of you that are still posting and your support means so much to me. Thanks if you read this! :thumbup:) Hugs, Rhonda

hEY sUZZ! I'm sorry you're still not doing well. How is your restriction? What are you eating? How is the exercise? Same old same old problems with me. And, I'm thinking it's MY problem. I get closed off, but then again I'm trying to eat too early, and then when I pb, instead of quitting...no, I try eating again and again. So instead of an unfill I'm going to try to get more disciplined and do more liquids when I'm tight. I actually blended up bean and bacon soup the other day, which I haven't done since after my surgery. I guess if we really think about it, you're down 56 pounds and I'm down 45 from our highest, and that makes us a LOT healthier! Email me or myspace me if you want. We can encourage each other.

Hi everyone. I just got a fill last night. Funny how I think of this group when I get fills. How is everyone doing? Before we know it, it will be our 2 year bandiversary. I need to get back on the band wagon. Anyone else?

It sad to see so many of you struggling. Maybe the new year will bring new resolve. I am having another tight episode. I think it's stress-related. Happy Holidays everyone!

Hi everyone. Just checking in. I miss this forum as a source of support and information. I suppose we're all on our own now and should know how the band works and how to use it to accomplish our goals. Still it is good to know how everyone is doing and if the band is still a good decision, your ups and downs, highs and lows. I found a local support group, and attended my first meeting in April. Last night I forced myself to go for the second time, and it was awesome! It really felt like a support group. Lots of good information and revelations. Not once have I regretted getting my band. For me, it's been one of the best decisions of my life. I wish my mom was alive to do this with me. She would have been hesitant and a "hard sell" but she would have loved it! Even when I got my unfill in July, my band was still there reminding me of my decision to take control of my life and my health. I love my band! Lately, I'm wishing more health care professionals would promote the band, educate themselves, promote correct fills, lower their fill prices (YESSSSSS!) and get on the same page. So much misinformation out there and conflicting opinions. Those out there getting behind the band technology, and giving efforts in helping others, I applaud them. As for me and the band and my weight, I think I'm still learning. I have gotten filled back up to a good restriction level, and trying not to abuse my band and have to get unfilled again. I am still realizing the band can only do so much, and the rest is up to me. Most days the discipline is the hardest hurdle. Hope everyone is doing well and keep checking in!

Danbo you look awesome! I hope everyone is doing well. I'm slowly getting fills again after a complete unfill and 1 month rest. I gained about 5 pounds back. I'm really ready to get some weight off...the next 40. It's just simple math really, eat less than you burn. Like Jacut says, shut my gob and move my ass.

Hi all, just checking in on you guys. I've been having way too much fun this summer camping, surfing (yes, even in WA!!) and quilting. Suzz, congrats on your new baby. I'm sorry about his eye. My baby (97 pound yellow lab) is in an e-collar too....that's why we're getting such good tv reception right now! lol He's got hot spots and still chews on his leg....he was a kennel rescue dog, and this is common. As far as the weight gain, I think what works best for me is to get in a mental frame of mind. For me it's all in my head. Try to focus on what motivated you in the first place. Are you wearing your BB? Maybe I can commit to you to wear my BB and log my food...and we can check in with each other? I haven't been doing that or exercising. I got 4.0 put back in my band on Wednesday, after a month with a complete unfill. I'll go back in 2 weeks and get more. Still no restriction, and I did gain a bit back. But, I'm going to get back on the band wagon! lol Insub, congrats on embarking on your new trip. I'll look forward to updates on your location and activities. I'm jealous too! Mj, ahhhhhh bread! Nirvana! I've enjoyed my month of bread! Why can the french eat bread, butter, cheese, beef, wine and still be skinny? I have a friend who is filled pretty tight and she can eat bread. I know when I get my restriction back, there's no way I can eat it, or rice or pasta. Bigbaby, thanks for all your motivation. I know I can log in here and you'll have something positive to post. I printed out your plateau breaker. It reminds me of Adkins. I think I will try it...but will miss my fruit! Of course, fruit for a diabetic......I might as well eat a candy bar! Everyone else, do like Bigbaby says!! Keep on keeping on!

Hey all. I am just catching up here on our support group. I've been thinking of all of you. Suzz and Java, I can't get a fill for a month. I did gain a few pounds back after getting dehydrated, but I seem to be maintaining. It is nice to eat bread and lots of meats. I'm going to gut it out!!! I need to start exercising. Take care everyone!!

Thanks BigBaby. I've heard that people who log their food lose twice as much weight. I also know I just gotta keep my butt moving! Hike, walk, swim, bike, garden! I know I can do it....also just eating good stuff and no white!!

Well, I got really sick yesterday, retching, couldn't swallow anything...throwing up every hour or so (saliva) and in PAIN. I got scared. I drove myself...couldn't get ahold of dh....with my 15 yo daughter, who would drive the car to the side of the road and call for help if needed, the 1 1/2 hours to my fill doc, and had EVERYTHING removed from my band. While she was removing it, she told me she was pretty sure my band had slipped and I was getting on a plane to Mexico in the morning to have surgery, no fooling around...I was going. I got some water after she removed everything....and couldn't tell if it was going down or not, just there was no pain, so that was good. I sat and drank a few more sips.....then waited...the sipped some more. It was gooooooood! They had some split pea soup....I carefully had some of that...avoiding the chunks....seemed good. Whew! She still thought I might need to go if anything else occurred, but all seems fine now except I can eat anything and everything and my appetite came ROARING back......my tummy rumbling like a freight train. OMG I forgot how hungry I get. I hate that. I'm half relieved, half disgusted that I lost my restriction. It had to be done though. I just knew it was at that point. I thought about getting 2.0 more cc out, but as sick as I was, when I finally got there, I said get it all out of me. She took out another 6.0. I am still deyhdrated and having leg cramps that get me up at night and I have to run scalding water over my lower legs to get them loose enough to stop screaming! Feeling awesome though today! LOL I'm still debating heading down to Mexico and have my band looked at, in case I need anything, but I think it might be overkill, so I'll try to wait this out. I will be on willpower! I'll have to eradicate everything bad from my house and fill my fridge with lean meats and veggies. No white stuff!!! Nice to see more of our Junies posting! Yay!

Thanks Suzz. I haven't been able to get much down today. This makes no sense to me at all. I have to have 2.0 cc taken out...which is basically 4 or 5 fills for me...I am sensitive so I get tiny fills and they make a huge difference. I think I might have to get more taken out. I am so sore. I hope I haven't slipped my band or something. I'm throwing up water tonight. Ugh.

Ugh I had to have an emergency unfill last night of 2.0 cc...thought I'd get .2 or .5 at the most......it was 2.0 before I could swallow...then closed off again later. I'm sooooo mad I could spit. WTH? I could drink water right after the unfill but then later couldn't get any food in, and then couldn't drink anything again. I was up all night throwing up saliva. I'm trying some coffee right now. I'm just so confused what is going on with my band. Nothing like bad timing....I have tons going on and deadlines for my business......can we say S T R E S S??? Anyone else getting tighter from the heat of the summer? Maybe that could explain it.

Ahhhh I'm sorry Suzz. I wondered where you had been. Well all you can do is start over. Don't buy any more stuff. Stock your fridge with stuff you can have. Make some sugar free puddings up....layer with the sugar free whipped topping. Then it will be there when you want something sweet. If you don't have any junk in the house, you can't come home and have it, right? I'm talking to myself here! :biggrin:)

Faith I'm so sorry about your loss. My mom died suddenly from a blood clot after surgery 1 1/2 years ago, and I never got to say goodbye. I know some of what you're feeling. Your mom saw you on the road to health, and I'm sure she was proud of you.

The Syntax Nectar powders that I mentioned a few weeks ago are stellar! I got mine from Vitacost.com.

Ingyrob, congrats!!! What a great feeling! Bigbaby, I read daily. I'm here! I could annoy you all with daily posts!! I'm slower than slow....but I get on exercise kicks and then peter out. Hmmmm maybe if I was doing better, I'd post more. I am sure everyone is sick of my "woah's me my band closed off" posts because I don't hear back, but it's definitely a real issue for me. So is self-control! HA! I would benefit from daily ass kickins! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. We got a new (used, new to us) camper and took it on a maiden voyage. We were going to the hot springs for one night, and ended up on a road trip to the coast for four days. I closed off completely...not sure why.....and couldn't swallow water. I did the smart thing and stopped trying! The next morning, I could have soup, juice, soup, etc., and was fine. The trip was heaven. We think we may head out this weekend. My tan is making me look thinner even if weight loss isn't!! :thumbup:

Stef is checking her myspace, and posting on her kid's pages, so I'm sure she's okay. Summer activities have taken over in her household, like mine. My body isn't *all* that much smaller, but I sure am enjoying this summer more that ones before. Hiking is soooooo much easier!

Wow Karla, the difference in you is amazing....aaaaamazing!!!!

Awesome Big Baby!!!!

Whoooooooohoooooo I found a local support group!! I'm just a tad excited. I'll pass along a cookie recipe I got too. I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds yummy. I'm going to make them as soon as I get some grind-your-own Peanut Butter. I'm going to call them 1-1-1-1 Cookies. 1 egg 1 c pure peanut butter or almond butter 1 c splenda granulated 1 T vanilla extract Mix and roll in balls. Bake for 10 min. at 325 degrees or until just cooked through, not browned. Let me know if you make them!

FYI for protein users or smoothie makers. A friend turned me onto a new protein powder. I tried the Carribean Cooler flavor today....wow! I put it in my smoothie with about 5 frozen strawberies, 2/3 c ff yogurt, 1/2 banana and a few ice cubes. Yum! It's awesome because it's not milky when you mix it in, it's more like a flavored water or juice, but 23 g per scoop is realllllly good I think. It's called Nectar and it's made by Syntax. This is the best site I found it at so far. I've ordered from them before and they're great. I will probably be ordering the fuzzy navel flavor in the Grab-n-Go. FitFuel.com - Nutritional Supplements, Organic Foods, Fitness Apparel, Sporting, Anti-Aging This site has a sampler packet. My friend only orders this because then she never tires of it...lots of flavors to choose from. She says the company is great and her order practically arrives the next day. Enjoy Health Samples

NV you look stellar! Wow wow wow!