nightingale2u

Hi Everyone! I'm 38 years old and have been heavy most of my life. I turned to food for comfort at a very young age and this coping technique is as much a part of me as any other part of my body. I was banded 6/30/04 and went from 257 down to 186 but my stomach is just not tolerating fills. As of this morning, I am back up to 219. My surgeon has tried approaching fills slowly... removing them... doing them under flouro... he has done swallow studies... endoscopies and the conclusion is... I just don't tolerate fills and should probably have my band removed. I'm just not ready to hand it over yet. I am married to a wonderful man that I met online and have a 13 year old daughter from a previous marriage. I was a single mom working as an LPN for years but now have the luxery of staying home. Bottom line... I'm struggling and am near panic about the weight re-gain... I really needed this challenge!

Hamu... the referred shoulder pain was one of the problems I had when I had a fill... it most freguently nagged me when I was hungry. Now that I am filless... the shoulder pain is gone. It sounds like you have done a wonderful job with your band but this is a great place to get a renewed fire in your belly to keep going.

Anthony... hope all goes well and looking forward to hearing how this works out for you! Have a safe trip and journey back home!

Michelle... I had never heard of such yummy thing until I read your post... THEN... after I read it... I was watching the news and VOILA... there they were in all of their glory! They looked irresistable!

You betcha! I'm fond of most types of cheese!

Hey Miss Kathy... You can do it girl! Wellbutrin really does help and it also can help with weight-loss sooo... Bonus! Unfortunately I feel like the room is jumping up and down when I take it... leaves me feeling terrible... so it's patchville for me. One nice thing... it seems to get easier everytime I quit so it's bound to stick at some point!

Getting your band is going to be a breeze next to fixing a broken leg! Wishing you smooth sailing through your surgery!

Wowza John... you are kicking butt and taking names later! Congrats on your success and welcome to LBT!

Utah is so beautiful.... good luck with your move!

Hi Karen... The bariatric surgeon here where I live won't even do the surgery if a patient is actively smoking due to the higher risks for developing respiratory complications after surgery... thankfully my surgeon advised me to quit but didn't require that I do so. I tried and cut down a lot prior to surgery but didn't quit. I know the demon you are fighting... I have quit more times than I care to count and am currently on day 4 of quitting once again. I am using the patch and that really does help. I'm a closet smoker and hate admitting to anybody that I have such a terrible habit... nobody sees me smoke... shhhh...don't tell anybody...k? :confused: No lectures... just keep up the good fight...

Wishing you a safe journey into Bandland... we'll all be here to hug ya when you get back! Give us an update on your gas levels as soon as you feel up to it! :confused:

Sounds like a great name! Boy... I need this challenge... I thought my excess weight was gone for good and it chased me down and found me! I am so ready...

Whew! I am a career worrier... thanks for easing my mind! :confused:

Kel... Because of your previous problems I would suggest that you ask your doctor before trying any herbal or OTC medication or supp. The Hoodia doesn't make my heart race like the Metablolite did but it does give me a feeling of chest pressure and leaves me feeling a little jittery. Promise me you ask your doc first...??????

Welcome Mindi! Hang in there... once you have restriction you can really start your journey!

Wowza Tiger... that really is a long Lurk! It sounds like you are doing a fantastic job with your band... Congrats and glad to seeing you posting! :confused:

Welcome Annamarie! Wishing you all the best on your journey to Bandland! :confused:

I was sick from the anesthesia after my banding... I heaved for hours and my surgeon ddidn't seem to think it would be a problem in regards to my band staying place... and it did... stay in place that is. :confused: Not an experience I would ever care to relive!

Heather... that's awesome... you should be proud of yourself! Congrats!

Hiya Billie... love your name and welcome to LBT! Congratulations on your up and coming banding and I know you'll find a lot of support and information here as well as many new friends. :eek:

Congratulation Dar... I sure hope you are doing well and congratulations!

Thanks JQ... it's looking like I might just have to kick my own butt into gear. :couch2: If I were a little braver I would join a gym... but I'm a lil chicken so I'm just going to have to convince myself to use the equiptment catching dust in my basement!

How Exciting!!!! Wishing you a smooth journey into bandland! Congrats!

Aww K@t... sometimes family members get caught up in worry... they hear about some of the horror stories that accompany other bariatric surgeries and stop listening. It's hard when you don't have the support of your family but you really do have a big supportive family here!

Sunta... it is very normal to have post-op gas... I know Gas-X did not help me at all... really... the best thing is to get up and walk as much as possible. Call your surgeon if you need a little re-assurance... ((((Hugs)))) Avoid using a straw when you are drinking fluids... it can lead to additional gas in the tummy.