MeganA

So sorry you were scared! I know what it's like to feel like any minute you're just going to die. But, I'd have to agree with everyone else- probably got a pill stuck in the stoma and everything backed up from there. I know I can't do potatos at all- ever since banding. Even runny mashed ones seem to combine into a ball in my baby band stomach. Maybe avoid them? I had a little incident that caught me by surprise (see, even a 9 month out bandster has stuff happen!). I was feeding my dogs a Kong with Peanut Butter in it, and I took a spoonful for myself...then I took my birth control pill (why I continue taking them when I"m not gettin' any is beyond me...but whatever) with a big gulp of Water. And OH MY GOD the cold water made the peanut butter stop up my stoma and up came the water!! It was so strange...a good lesson in being patient with my little band. I have a very touchy stomach, so anytime I have an incident likeyou had I stick to liquids for the day...seems to keep the swelling down. I'd still ask your doctor since I don't really get how all the guts work...but don't worry so much! You're body is strong and will be able to take your early band mistakes.... Megan

Janie- I agree with everyone about your calaroic intake...but there may be something else at play here. You talk about depression- and maybe there is something to that? I know for me the first four months were terribly hard emotionally. I had put in place a tool that prevented me from using food to numb everything and I didn't know what to do with myself without it. I was lost. I very much feel that I had to go through all the stages of grief with my band. Denial (this isn't happening to me!) Anger (why is this happening to me?) Bargaining (I promise I'll be a better person if...) Depression (I don't care anymore) Acceptance (I'm ready for whatever comes) I spent a lot of time in anger- mostly at myself. My therapist once told me that depression can be anger turned inward- and that's me! I take all my anger and direct it at myself...so the negative self talk became overwhelming and if I stayed in bed I wouldn't hear it. I didn't want to see anyone I knew, I didn't want to work, I didn't even want to watch tv. I felt like my skin was new- as if I were a snake and I had shed my old skin and was left with new, raw, tender skin. Oprah made me cry every day. I couldn't watch the evening news. I wasn't a very good friend to my friends-- their needs overwhelmed me. I have no idea if any of this sounds like you...but if it does, concider going to see someone. If you can't, or really don't want to, then reach out to a good friend, your mom, someone who is a good listener. Once I started talking about everything that was going on in my head, it had a lot less control over me. Plus, I had to learn some new ways of dealing with stress and fear. Now I go for a walk, cross stich, call a friend, clean out my closet, organize my office, sit and really feel what I am avoiding feeling. Alright, so this post was a little close to my heart, I think that's why I'm so long winded here :-) The biggest message I can give you is this- you're going to be ok, you're not alone, and you can count on all of us here to help! Megan

I think your sister should concider a new doctor. One that UNDERSTANDS the band and doesn't compare it to the RNY. I'm so tired of doctors and nurses who place this thing and then figure it out later. Your sister doesn't need that kind of blame and shame. NEW DOCTOR!!!!! Megan

Ok, so I called the place where they do the spray on... and got all the info. You have to shower and exfoliate 7-8 hours before you go. It takes about 45 minutes from paperwork to tan. She said if you have leather seats in your car to cover them (guess someone found that out the hard way). It's 25 bucks and the tan lasts for about a week. I was ready to make my appointment (peer pressure works on me!) but the lady who does it is going to be gone next week. Darn it! So, I'll have to wait for my glow. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that a lady is actually in there with you and sprays it on so it goes on even. Um...I wanted to get my butt tan, for pete's sake- how's that going to work? No one- except the very lucky few- get to see my butt naked!!!! So, I'll keep you posted and I will take before and afters. Anything for you guys!! In the mean time, I think I'm going to try the self tanner that Donali suggested. I'll keep you posted on that, too. I'm off to Walmart!!! Megan

Ok, guys...I need a recommendation. I have these new slightly skinnier arms that I want to show off in a new sleeveless shirt I got at Target (size 2X, by the way woo ooh). But I'm a gardener and I have a terrible farmer tan!!! Do any of you use a self tanner, and if so, what kind? Have any of you had any disasters with them? And what do you guys think about that mist tan they spray on you? I mean, that just sounds like spots could get missed and then where are you? ANyone tried that? I hate to go to the skin cancer tanning booth...but I really love this shirt! Any suggestions would be much appreciated....I glow in the dark!!!! Help!! Megan

Alex- The more I think about it, the more I think you are right. It does take extra effort to carry around the fat, but it doesn't do much else. I agree that 1600 calories makes more sense than 2000. Plus, I'm one of those loosers who is eeking out a pound a week so I'm probably better off keeping calories down if I want to make my goal for the family reunion. This is the first time I've set a weight goal for myself and it's kind of unnerving. There is just so much we can't control about it. I'm going to do my best, though. Thanks for your help!! Megan

I made my investment club buy some, too. So, I think you are very smart. :-) I agree there will be a serious marketing push in a few years. I'm in the study for three years (almost done with year one...how time flys!!). If you look at the company that makes the band already approved in the US, the stock has climbed steadily since it was approved. If you bought it before it was approved I think it was about 18 bucks. Now it's in the 60's and still growing. Stock symbol- IMDC Megan

Cindy- Wow, you sound just like me!! You aren't alone. THis isn't easy for anyone! Even those people who seem like they got to loose 100 pounds overnight. They struggled, too. Remember you are fighting against your body. It wants to stay fat. If you have no restriction it's just like you have no band at all. My advice is this- small steps. Stop looking at the scale. Don't weight yourself for two weeks. During that two weeks- pick a goal every day. Make it one you know you can do. It doesn't have to be about food or excersize. I think you need to jump start some good feelings about yourself. An example: I'm going to clean out my closet today. After you've cleaned out the closet- celebrate!!! Subscribe to a magazine you've always wanted to get...buy yourself that pair of sandels you have been looking at. And then tell yourself that you can do anything you put your mind to. The next day, pick another goal. After you've been successful with a daily goal, pick a little bigger one. I had to do this to stop my negative self talk. It hasn't stopped completely...but it's in check. I have my daily and weekly goals and I've reached each and every one of them. I'm a success! I may not loose a pound this week...heck, I may gain a pound. But that isn't how I'm measuring my success anymore. Good luck, and keep in touch. You have lots of people here who've been through it, too. Megan

Wow- that Fitday for PC is really cool! Thanks Alex!!! I'm still messing around with the food stuff. The coolest thing it did for me was to convert my weightloss goal into how many calories I should eat a day to get to that goal. I should, based on 3500 calaries equals a pound- consume 2, 096 calories a day to get to my goal of 7 pounds lost by 7/31/04 (my family reunion...I REALLY want to be down 50 lbs by then!!) I love Fitday for PC!!! Megan

Alex- You bring up some really great points. I agree about the medical community embracing it- but if I would have waited for that to happen I wouldn't be banded now. I went to my PCP to see what he thought about the procedure (after I had reseached it) and you know what- he had no clue what I was talking about. He was extremely supportive and by my next visit he had done his research and was all for it. I guess my idea isn't about insurance or doctors- it's about showing people there is another option out there than bypass. It's about educating the public about it so they can take control of thier own destiny and ask their doctors. And if more people get the band and have less complications from it than bypass, maybe there will be a complete turn around and insurance companies will stop approving the bypass over the band. I just wish I had seen an Oprah show on the band. I don't want someone who doesn't have access to a computer to never know about the many benefits. I guess in my minds eye I see that very overweight woman watching her kids while Oprah is on- maybe we can help her??? Just my thoughts... Plus I'm in marketing so my mind is always thinking of stuff like this. Megan

Has anyone picked a hotel to stay at? I think it would be fun if we could all stay at one- then we could hang out at the pool together and compare scars. :-) Megan

Wow- what an attitude adjustment!!! You're thread started out with lots of negative self talk, and now, taking small but steady steps- look at how much better you feel about yourself. That, my friend, is the best victory. You are on your way. You will stumble, as I did on the fourth of july (never again will I make sweet chex mix for everyone...I think I ate half of it myself! I'm bringing something I DON'T like next time) but the best part about the band is it won't let you down. You can be right back at it at any moment you choose. And when you find your sweet spot (it does exist, don't loose faith) you'll be amazed at how little you need. You rock, and just wait and see how much better you feel after a week of making good choices, walking, and being kind to yourself. Way to go!!! Megan

Thanks so much for your replies. I'm sold on the fitday for PC. I'm buying it tonight when I will have time to play...Thanks Alexandra for being the guinea pig for it! Megan

Hey everyone...I just had a really good idea. (Of course I think it's good!) Now that Jesse A's book is out- wouldn't it be great to see if Oprah would have her on to talk about the band? Maybe she would even feature some of you wonderful loosers!!! I can't do anything about this great idea because I am in the FDA trials and I'm supposed to keep my mouth shut (good luck). But, if a few of you guys want to send her the book and a bunch of our stories...that would be cool... Any other thoughts about how we can get the word out? Megan

I'm looking for a way I can type in a recipe and have the calories and other information converted for me. Does anyone know of such a thing online? Thanks in advance!! Megan

Chantel- I'm so sorry you've found yourself having to face such touch choices. I have never been married, have no children, and am not in any position to give you advice other than this: You know the answers to your questions. One day you will find yourself strong enough to make them. You will do the right thing. And you will be ok. Most importantly---- you deserve sooo much better. Megan

Donali- Donali (my band's name :-)) and I wish you a speedy recovery from surgery. I know you'll be terrified after it's all over, probably the same kind of terrified you were after you woke up with the band in place. But you've learned so much about yourself, and you have a wonderful network of support. You'll be ok. You've always been such an inspiration to me. And for the last few weeks, I haven't been taking my band for granted. Thank you for the many gifts you've given me. I'll be thinking of you on Friday, Megan

Roy- Stop beating yourself up!!! If you could loose weight with willpower and good choices alone, you wouldn't need the band.... Be patient with yourself (I know it's hard!), you aren't doing anything wrong. I was in the same position as you- I had to get four fills to get to my current restriction and it took over 6 months. Now I'm loosing the one pound a week as promised. I eat what I want, trying to make good choices at least 80% of the time. It will come for you, too. Don't loose hope! I bet with the next fill you see big changes. Hang in there!!! Megan

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. I'm so there! Someone pick a hotel and I'll start looking for package deals. My sister and I went to Vegas in February for three nights and our flight AND hotel where $298. OK, so the place we stayed at smelled a little like vomit- but whatever!!!! Megan

I know when I was first banded, I wanted some reassurance I was doing everything right. I was so used to diet rules that I felt like I was lost. I also used it as a way to beat myself up i.e.: "I shouldn't have eaten that second egg...what a loser I am...my band is never going to work..." Now that I'm out eight months, I've discovered that the band really does work- and if I'm still legitimately hungry after one egg- then I'll eat another egg. I'm a slow loser, and sometimes I still get down on myself- but now it's more like "Were the two bites of chocolate cake worth it?" Heck yeah...I had two bites instead of pre band where I'd have two pieces and another "sliver" while putting plastic wrap on it while putting it away. I am envious of the people who loose weight a lot faster than me, but if what worked for one person worked for everyone, then wouldn't our doctors and nutritionallists all make us do those things? Instead they say- Protein first, veggies second, and carbs and treats last. If you don't loose weight in a month , you're making good choices 80% of the time, and you feel hungry less than two hours after eating, get a fill. As much as it feels like it at first, it really isn't rocket science and everyone's metabolism is so different...it's like comparing apples to oranges to pears to grapes to......... mmmm, think I'll have some fruit for supper. Megan

Ok, so my brother was in the Peace Corp in Paraguay and we went to visit him. A tiny worm DID crawl into the skin on my foot, lay it's eggs, and then eat the flesh. When I got back home I went to the doctor and he brought in all the doctors and nurses in the clinic to see. It was disgusting. But you don't have that Alex...that was totally pain free, etc. What I always worry about in Minnesota is Lyme's Disease. Do you have that in NJ? Get to the doctor because the sooner stuff is treated, the better. Not that you have Lyme's disease. I'm sure it's nothing. Keep us posted!!! Megan

Donali- I guess I took his reply to you with a grain of salt. He's the guy who told the story about him insisting on a tight fill. He then ate a burrito and walked around with part of the burrito stuck for two weeks before he went back to the doctor to get some fill taken out so the burrito could fall through the stoma. I wonder if brains can erode. Megan

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I'm so sorry, Donali. I can't imagine how terrified you are. You're heart must be broken. Mine is for you. I want to make a promise to you- I will no longer take my band for granted. That's right, I've been trying to work around my band. Your story tonight has made me realize that the band is a gift that must not be taken for granted. I'm glad you can see things to be grateful for. You are a strong and brave woman, and I know that you and your doctors will make the best decision for you about rebanding. Whatever happens, know that there are many of us out here rooting for you. I will be making the most of my band in your honor. In fact, I'm going to name her after you. I've been thinking of giving her a name and just could never come up with the right one. Up to now it's been "Mrs. Onemorebiteplease". Well, now I have a name that will remind me every time I say it that I have been handed a miracle and it could be taken away at any time. Please let us know how we can help. Megan

I forgot to mention something- I have yet to tell someone about my band (and I tell EVERYONE!)that doesn't inturn tell me about their struggles with weight. I don't care if it's the skinny minny friend from high school, or a stranger- it seems that EVERYONE battles their weight or body image. What I decided to do was to not take it personally- but to be compassionate towards them because I am there, too. It's hard when you want to talk about yourself and get support- and the table gets turned and you find yourself talking to someone who thinks they need to loose 10 pounds- but it really is all the same- self doubt, anxiety, negative self talk. I try to be the friend I would want them to be. Megan

I have to agree with everyone! In my experience, friendships and relationships change a lot after banding. I know I felt very alone for the first 6 months after banding- and I did a lot of negative self talk. My friends were busy with their life, and I think a few of them were scared of who I was going to become. Well, they didn't have much to worry about-physically- anyway- I'm a slow looser, but emotionally I have become a very different friend. I don't let other people put me down or make me feel less than anything. It sounds like this is a good opportunity to take stock of your friendships and see which ones are supporting you and which ones are waying you down. Have a talk with the ones that are supporting you and thank them, and then have a talk with the other ones and put them on notice that if something doesn't change (and be specific about what you need!), your friendship has to. It's hard at first because we don't think we are worth it...but take some baby steps- start by telling yourself a hundred times of day that you are, and you'll start to believe it! Megan