PandorasBox92264

Maybe your friend doesn't want you to lose weight and be thinner than she is. Just a thought... I had a so called friend that said that to me, we didn't do anything after I got the band. She might also be worried something could happen.

Why don't you just look at the Lap Band alone? Just curious.

Not sure on that you will have to ask your doc. I was having repeated bladder infections and had to keep going back to the doctor, get more antibiotics. This went on for ages, when I finally moved I ended up seeing a PA and he told me if I used any sort of personal toy at all to make sure that when you wash it to use a formula of 9 parts bleach to 1 part water. I put it in a spray bottle and then would spray anything that i used when I used them. That fixed the issue and I haven't had one since and that was like 3 years ago. Not that I used them all that often but you can get one that you are not aware of then BAM. I even used specific cleaners, antibacterial soaps etc.. Not assuming that you use them but IN case you do!! :ph34r:

Thanks for the positive support on my experiences too guys to those that posted! I will also say that one of the things that REALLY helped me right my brain after all that was jumping out of a perfectly good airplane! If your feeling down and depressed, or feel like you really need a tune up 'It will fix what ails ya" Unless the chute doesn't open!!! lol But IF you have thought of doing that, really look into it. different jump zones have different weight limits for tandem jumps. It depends on the jump instructors that they have on staff etc. I still jumped at over 230 lbs. No issues and NOBODY looked at me like what the hell... there are all shapes and sizes. There are some zones that will take a tandem jumper at 250lbs. They did not put me on the scale either. Just figured I would toss that out there for someone interested. And my band/port was perfectly fine. The pic on my post is me jumping out at 13,500 feet! grin

My Doc told me to use 6 slim fast a day and then broth other clear liquids for two weeks prior. I got the Cans of slimfast and made it easy since I took them to work! They were also right there to go and not much thinking about it. It isn't nearly as bad as you think and you will get through it. Just think it is to get the size of your liver down so he can perform the surgery better. My doc said if it wasn't shunk down he could tell I cheated and he would close me up. I didn't want to go through that humiliation, so it kept me honest! Eye on the prize and you will do fine!!! The worst is the first few days, my suggestion is try to start to detox from sugars as much as possible before, it will make it easier.

Work through the insurance process and see what the insurance says. If they do go ahead and pay for the surgery, then you will have that money to take a trip, get new clothes, put towards a house or a second house or whatever you might want/need. The process will not be delayed that long, and get yourself in the mindset of preparing for the band.

They made me have an upper GI to make sure it was all in place and see how things moved through it. I also had switched Doctors so they wanted to know what they were dealing with. I don't know if it was because i had been away for awhile or just the switch.. Good luck!

The link I put up you can just get the charm and have whatever put on it. They have beaded ones as well or you can go to Michaels and get your own beads to do as you wish. Some individuals have a secondary health condition and that is a wise move to list medications etc. Which I do have a secondary not related to weight. I am toying with the idea of getting one because my spouse might not be there in the event they had to slide something inside my body. I did tell him make sure if something happens and I am out of it to tell them I have a band. But when things are happening medically not everyone is thinking correctly. Even drug allergies can warrant an id bracelet. I know several people allergic to drugs with Sulfa in them.. one person I know had his heart stop twice just out of the blue within 72 hours in the hospital because they administered a drug with Sulfa in it. It is a personal choice

I am going to get one but haven't decided what to get yet. I found these on the internet they are kind of funky and fun with a bunch of styles they are not your normal styles.. http://www.laurenshope.com/

I would also check with your orthodontist. I had braces years ago and the only time you really should feel pain is after you get an adjustment. I ate all kinds of meats and it never bothered me. I also had to restart over, so I feel your pain. I had to forgive myself, put on my big girl panties (grin) and move forward. What types of meats are giving you the most problem? I cannot seem to process the majority cuts of steak they just do not break down for me when I chew. I have to keep it to filet mignon, Delmonico Rib eye, or even prime rib medium rare (I don't eat that often though) The chicken has to be grilled, baked and you cannot over do it. I also eat Morningstar farms fake meats.. they are really good and nutritious. Salmon is another thing we like to eat. I have to be careful with Tuna Steaks even if marinated but they have to be juicy not on the dry side. The dryer the meat the less I can get it broken down and chewed to the consistancy that I need. We made a beef stew/pot roast thing a week ago.. Some people do chicken or port and make a bbq sauce that isnt so bad and swear by it. I also eat meats with some cottage cheese it adds moisture.. Play with it... tell your ortho your problem.. maybe they are being a bit on the agressive side with adjustments which is making you uncomfortable all the time. do you have a good Protein shake you like?

I used to live just North of Philadelphia which is where I got banded. I had tried some Gyn docs because I was having some female problems and nothing worked. I finally was referred out to a Doctor he was in Philly but then moved to Elkins Park, PA. Dr David Klebanoff he is an OB/GYN and from my understanding he deals with a wide spectrum of issues. http://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-david-klebanoff-xtm97 I hated the fact that when I moved back to California that I would have to leave his practice! He was caring, kinda and seemed to know how to figure it out and even the girls in the office were great! He never gave me grief about my weight, or made me feel horrible about myself. I even had a surgical procedure with him and his bedside manner was fantastic. I was last in the office about 3 years ago, but I cannot imagine him being anything different than he was. I had lapband surgery at Jeanes Hospital in Philadelphia, and the care of my Doc was fantastic. Unfortunately my surgeon left to move to Kansas but the is still there and all the staff was really nice. I think Temple and UPenn hospital do bariatric also. I originally had gone to a Surgical Facility called Barix Clinic that was located in Langhorne Pa. The initial seminar seemed fine, but when I talked to the surgeon they really seemed to not have the interest. The office staff seemed less than par, but I was really thinking of going through this surgery. I had a previous condition that they ended up refusing to perform surgery on me... I guess they didn't want to risk their perfect record and I have found that they have turned down others as well. I even took in letters from physicians that said I would be fine for a surgical procedure.. but when I called to check the status I had been FLAGGED.. as a NON surgical option evidently for ANY Barix clinic anywhere. Although nobody would tell me why? I felt like the Fat person that was invisible at a Fat Fair with a big L on her forhead.. This would have been the last place I would have ever thought I would have been treated badly. I was never rude, obnoxious, I just wanted someone to tell me the reasoning.. I Ended up going into Jeanes hospital to check into their program, and was welcomed. Went through all my testings, came through with flying colors.. and NEVER had any issues with my band or recovery... I had Dr Christopher Kowalski who was really great.. So if anyone is in Kansas he is a good one to see.. I would go in and get my band again! I did have a back slide because I went through alot of personal issues with loss of work, parental deaths..and my divorce then moving which i opted for safety to have Fluid removed. I am back on the wagon now... I am convinced if I never had the band I would easily be over 300lbs.. It takes work, it is not a quick fix, you have to work it... figure out what works with you.. and you can gain on a band.. but overall I think it is still the tool the helps the most with hunger, adjusting your lifestyle.. etc.. So yes I would do it again in a heartbeat!!!

I was banded in 08 and was losing.. i had Fluid removed but not all of it july 09 because of losing my insurance due to a divorce and moving cross country. I didnt want to get stuck in an ER someplace while traveling with my dog with an issue and ending up in a bad situation. I had alot of stuff going on.. new relationship.. things are good but I was eating too much and I also worried I had ruined myself. I finally got a fill again a month ago.. I had gained weight back.. i was worried, freaked, and beating myself up.. I got a referral.. i had to get an upper GI done because it was a new doctor.. now I have restriction again and I have lost 15 lbs in the month since my fill. Get in and get that fill, get it checked out.. you will be happy you did! Life happens.. forgive yourself

Congrats to all you new bandees for tomorrow... I am sure you will do awesome!!!

It has been awhile but I remember prior to a party I would eat something. The reason for this is that if you go and get hungry, then it is much easier to make the mistake and just go for something in desperation that might not go down so well, or be something that you really do not want. This way the food is not my priority while I am there! I know most of us have been in that time and place it is like going to the grocery store when you haven't eaten all day and all you can think about is what you can get and gobble down. Then if you want to sample some stuff that you have had experience with give that a go. chicken, hummus, salad, Beans, and then I always liked to take something with me that I could eat. If you are an hour or so away from home, you might want to put a small cooler in your car and put stuff in it you can eat if necessary on the ride home... It will stop you from doing a 10pm or later stop at a fast food drive thru!! And nobody will be the wiser!!!

I usually reheat in a container that is microwave safe with a lid and leave it cracked a bit. It doesn't seem to dry it out as much. You can also put in a little chicken broth or beef broth into the bottom and I make sure that I cut the meat up before I heat it this way you don't have to cook it for as long. I will also eat the leftover meat with something like cottage cheese, or a salad and kinda mix the two together and chew it well. I am at a pretty good restriction as well, so I am not wide open. You can mix it with black beans also, or even a salsa that will help get some juices into the meat. I am also really sensitive with the cuts of meat I can eat fresh such as , filet mignon, delmonico rib eyes etc.. I don't seem to tolerate other cuts of meat even fresh. Hopefully this helps!!

Even on me in the morning a Protein shake moves slow! I can't eat or drink a shake unitil my band decides to wake up as I call it. try a hot beverage in the morning will help to open you up if you need to, I only do that in the week after a fill. I have found IF I try to push something through or have an issue in the morning I have residual irritation for the day. I would suggest maybe giving the band a rest with liquids or stuff like cottage cheese etc in for a couple of days to let it settle down.. ON the Snapple issue even before I was pre banded that stuff regular or diet made me acidic..not sure what is it but it doesn't agree with me. I do not know of any food allergies either that I might have. Also you said you eat dry Cereal, or a potato puff or some crackers, it could be the dryness that is causing you an issue then the fluids/yogurt on top of it is causing you to dam up. If you can put away alot in the afternoon then I would think that your restriction is fine, you might just have things you can not eat in the morning, if you can eat them later in the day. But try the hot tea/coffee warm it up, followed by a Protein Shake or yogurt see how that works.. I also do not take pills or eat anything right before bed because it can sit there. Take some Water before going to bed to help wash anything down..

If you are truly plugged do the Citrate of mag that she said.. I pour it over ice, and drink it up.. do not plan on going anywhere! It is like blasting caps!!! It will bust whatever is in there loose! Drink plenty of water.. you might have residual the next day... I try to eat romaine lettuce as a salad.. and drink hot tea that keeps it running generally.. a fleet enema will only clear what is in your lower gateway to the world.. the citrate will clear out the whole track!!! just DUCK and cover!!!

I was banded in 08 and honestly had not heard of what a PB was or sliming. I only recently joined this forum when I got another fill I had moved cross county and had some Fluid taken out. I only had some minor sticks, nothing major then geared myself back up for all the things I needed to do with more restriction. They are right when they say that alot of the people doing well do not even come on and post, I know I never did. It is a foreign implant, somewhat like an artificial knee, joint, or some other medical device. The idea of it can freak you out if you think of it. It is a tool to help assist you in making better choices for a better quality of life. If you really look and try to breakdown the fear you are feeling where is it coming from? Do you think it primarily is due to the loss of a food or what you think will change your life considerably? If a problem occurs you will know something is wrong, you won't be able to keep down anything. Worst case they can remove fluid, adjust, or fix like you would a flat tire. Many times with heart attacks, strokes or other things that come up on the body that can be due to being overweight.. do not have the warning signs that we have with the band, and if things go wrong they are usually fixable pretty fast with the band. I have also found that different people have different comfort levels, or pain tolerance etc. I have a pretty high tolerance, I try to figure stuff out and get through it. My sister had gastric bypass and had a multitude of trouble with it including a handful of surgeries to fix her issues. Everything from resectioning her intenstions twice due to herniation, an infection, and luckily she had lipo to flatten the tummy and they found gangrine in her belly.. thank goodness for lipo! Personally I did not want to have my piping redone.. liked the adjustable aspect better..and glad i made the decision.... You will question it in the weeks post op.. then.. you will have a change of heart.. good luck!

I have felt that myself and I am not newly banded. I did notice it seemed to hit more when I stood up vs sitting down. Double check your water intake, and you could have some swelling going on.. I notice it more after I get a fill, and it could just be agitated. I have found that it goes away... then with a fill it can come back for a short time.. follow the diet, get in the fluids but if it is uncomfortable talk to the doctor about it.

I take vitamines and I have a pretty large pill that is time release but it is a solid tablet. In the morning I take chewable vit C and Acidophilus (no problem there) I then take a Vitamin D which is not that big. Drink Fluid to help push it through... Same if I have to take advil or something in between I take one a a time and wash it through. THe kicker is the big one I take.. I take in in the afternoon usually between 4p-5p, plenty of time after I have eaten and an hour or two prior to eating dinner. I get it down and I have 7cc in my band which is a 10cc band. I drink fluid before then drink drink drink after to make sure it washed down but I do not guzzle the Water. You can also drink a hot beverage to help the band release slightly. I cannot break it open, or crush it, it has to be taken whole and there is no liquid version of it. It is about the same size as a Centrum Multivitamin. But I do not suggest to take first thing in the morning.. take it when you and the band are woken up..and between meals... good luck..

I eat salad quite often and usually get leafy Romaine, sometimes with carrots in it. I have a good restriction 7cc in a 10cc band, and it still goes down fine but you do need to chew. Break I do not eat much at all, maybe if I have a burger bun, but I end up eating only half a bison burger and usually not even half a bun. Alot of people eat subway sandwiches the 6 inch ones, I haven't eaten much bread since I went up another cc to the 7. I don't eat rice often but I also do not have any trouble with it. I have seen posts where some individuals have issues with those foods, but I haven't so I think it will be up to your body. Just remember when you try them to chew fully, or anything can cause you issues! Good luck!

Check to see with the office and stress this, because both offices I have been to if you go back in within a week of a fill to remove or add a bit, they do not charge. It is like a grace period of sorts to make sure you are at a ok on the level of your restriction. I was told that the fluid doesn't evaporate, so I have heard a couple versions.. what has anyone been told about the mysterious dissapearance of the fluid in the band? Other than a leak of course.

Do you have to do opti fast shakes, or can you choose another brand? I would ask if there is another option. My doc had me do slim fasts and I just got the cans so it made it easy. Sometimes if they suggest it is for ease, but sometimes they have backup brands...

I also have worked with more men that women and honestly prefer it that way. They do not always think, and sometimes you have to roll with the punches! When we are carrying extra weight and rude things are said most of the time we do not tell them how we really feel. I have found that if something is said even in joking, call them on it. It doesn't have to be rude, but in many cases it is the Pot calling the kettle black! Many of the times it is the ones that are unsure of themselves that will make comments like that. If they are single men, I have found that comments back such as: "so does that line really work with women? I bet your popular with the ladies? Date much? If married: does your wife THINK your funny? Do you talk to your wife like that? I am sure not you might walk in with two black eyes. even a flat out.. knock you down.. I don't think so I am not rude like some people Or.. Weebles wobble but they don't fall down..so you will pop right back up!! (I have used this with a guy who pretty much said what he said to you.. It might not be the nicest but I had had enough.. and he NEVER said anything negative again but was very respectful!!! I do not advocate being mean, or rude but in a workplace , but sometimes you do need to give them a little smart ass back. In regards to censoring your blog, its your blog... I read them and enjoy them. If someone is offended so be it they can skip over it. It is obvious from your other posts that you do not talk like you work in a shipyard!! Grin I am spiritual but nothing you said offends me. If it bothers someone they can just block and I think your blogs will be blocked along with it.

I personally shave full on all the hair goes. I have had a bikini wax which was fine, but for me the pain vs how fast the hair grew back didn't warrant that method. I use a sensitive skin shaving cream meant for private parts, because many things get me irritated. Some people say it will cause itching when it grows in, but if you run the shaver back over it the itching will go. I don't have issues with that.