BlueMoon~T

When I see you guys come together I realize that I can lose 100 lbs. regardless of what BS the Nah-Sayers are spouting. Since the big merger (puke) I've noticed a lot of if you have more than 100 lbs. to lose the band will never get you there. I say BullS**t! You all should start a club called the BIG LOSERS. Lately, I've been feeling like the little kid who wants to hang out with the older, wiser kids to be cool. I just like the energy you guys put off and the positive reinforcement you share with each other.

Take Two. This past weekend I was so hungry. I ate the entire weekend. I tried to eat small portions and low calorie items, but I ate a cheeseburger w/o bun deluxe. Then on Saturday I had steak. I only ate about a third of the steak, but with the roll I was on I knew it was time for a fill. I called my Dr's office to ask if I could get a fill this week instead of waiting until Dec 6th. So, luckily they agreed and I'm going in on Wednesday. I'm relieved b/c I don't want to gain weight and go through Thanksgiving devouring everything in sight. Hope all is well with my fellow Bandsters. I feel like I talk too much on here. Sorry, if you all find me annoying!

Man... This was not a band defect, but sounds like operator error; however, this story definitely shows the ugly type of story I was talking about when I said newbies can find the good, the bad and the ugly on this site! Would definitely not recommend the surgeon who performed your procedure. YIKES! I'm so glad you're doing better and best of luck with your band.

Congrats Bandista! You've made it to the other side and it sounds like you did it with flying colors. Keep us posted on your recovery. Best Wishes!

I know I just wrote a long blog yesterday, but last night something frightening happened to my 18 year old daughter who is in college. She was leaving her dorm to go get dinner at the adjacent dorm, when she was attached by two men. They pushed her to the ground, held her down with a foot in her chest and proceeded to choke her. They were yelling at her that they wanted her money. Well, as with most college students she didn't have any cash. She told them to take her debit cards out of her wallet which was on a lanyard around her neck. Once they got the cards they quickly ran away. Brittany is the kindest person. She's gone through her life dealing with bullies and struggled with fitting into her niche'. She's about to finish her first semester at school and has straight A's. As a Mom I couldn't be prouder. You all can imagine my horror when she called me inconsolably crying telling me she had been jumped on her way to dinner. She was so freaked out she ran directly to her dorm room and locked herself inside, then called me. I called campus security (who rushed right over) and shortly after sent out a mass email warning the rest of the campus about the assault and robbery that had taken place by her dorm. They also doubled up campus patrols as well as the City Police patrolling extra. SIGH! I haven't slept today or should I say last night. As a parent all you ever want to do is love and protect your children, no matter how old they get. She struggles with severe anxiety and this semester has been a stretch for her, but she's in the home stretch. She just had to make it through this week and was looking forward to Thanksgiving break. Now, all she could talk to me about was how she could feel the guys dry, itchy skinned hand around her neck pushing harder into her throat and she didn't think she would ever be able to get that image out of her mind. I'm so THANKFUL that they didn't rape or kill her, but I still ask the question, Why? Why do people feel the need to steal from others? Her father wants to hunt the two guys down and kill them for touching his daughter. I'm sure if we knew we could find them we would have been on that campus. I'm just praying they weren't students that she might possibly run into again. The exit she took out of her dorm is officially off limits and she's not to walk anywhere alone after dark. I only wish it would have happened to me and not her. As you can imagine, with all this drama going on old habits began to form in my mind. I wanted comfort food... carbs and some sweets, maybe a soda. She didn't want to miss her classes and kept telling me she just had to finish up this week. She began to sense I was falling apart and was showing me how strong she could be. I didn't give in to my cravings. As a matter of fact, I didn't eat dinner at all last night. I drank a couple bottles of water and talked on the phone with Brittany while we watched one of her favorite MTV shows, Teen Mom 3. She took some anti-anxiety meds and I could tell she was beginning to get sleepy so I reluctantly let her go and told her to call me if she needed me for anything. My phone never rang and I know for sure because I never slept. To top things off my oldest daughter, who is expecting, showed up at my door around 10:30. Rae had a fight with her hubby and laid her head in my lap and cried wishing she was a teenager again. Missing the memories we had created as a family for her and making me feel like a super mom. Thinking about it now I'm wondering if she showed up on a ruse to give me comfort and to make me feel better. Hmmmm. I love my children. They are a gift from God. Even though I didn't get to hold Brittany and comfort her, Rae's head in my lap while letting me give her advice on her relationship and what to expect in the coming months of her pregnancy was cathartic. Writing this blog has made me realize how BLESSED I am. Even though today was not a good day. Everybody, though worse for the wear; is doing okay and most importantly we all still love each other very much. I made it through a very stressful evening without binging on bad foods. I should have eaten dinner, but I'll take the absence of food versus the bad, high calorie type any day! I just pray for protection for my family and friends. Here's to learning life lessons, even if sometimes it has to be the hard way. I sure love my kids! Rachel (20) Brittany (18) Michael (13) Thanks for reading my vent! Till Next Time, Tara

I'm not sure, but you can get pain if your taking too big of drinks or gulping your drinks. Do you get pain when you take small sips? It also might be that your throat is sore from being intubated. My throat was very sore because they intubated me and also stuck a scope down my throat when they did the surgery. They did that to check my stomach and esophagus. Of course, I'm not a doctor and I'm just throwing ideas out there, but if you continue to have pain I would give your surgeon a call and see what they say. I know I've seen people who have had pain when drinking or eating but it's usually just the swelling and the "trauma" from the major surgery you just had. Again, don't be afraid to contact your doctor if you are super concerned about what's going on. That's what they are there for! Good Luck!

AJ is giving you some very good advice. Although, waiting is very hard and the unknown is very hard on your psyche too. If you're anything like me you worry and think the worst possible scenario is what is going to happen. Try to meditate on the positive and think on what you are going to do once you have your surgery. Like AJ says do some research online. Look at what people are saying about the surgery and how they are doing and what they are doing to be successful. It really will help. The lady that helped me with my paperwork at my surgical center gave me a list of things to practice so I would be prepared for when I had the actual surgery. It really helps get you in the right state of mind, and once you have the surgery it will all make sense. If you can, start walking. That's what I did. I wasn't ready for a full on exercise program because of my back issues. So, I started walking, and little by little I could walk longer and longer and I started doing yoga. Low impact stuff is what was working for me. I know its to each their own when it comes to exercise, but it does help with weight loss. Also, if your insurance requires you to do the supervised diet just jump on here and talk with people. You will find a ton of support and you might even make some good friends. I love this site. There's just so much support. I too want to say congratulations on making the choice to begin your journey! I wish you the best of luck and go digging through the forums. You will find all kinds of info... the good... the bad...and the ugly! LOL Best Wishes!

Hey stranger! This new site is crazy! Congrats on your good bye to size 20W. I'm down from a 26 to a 22W so I'm stoked too! It's an awesome feeling to see results in our bodies changing and not just the scale moving. I'm trying to move up my third fill to get some restriction for Thanksgiving... don't want to gain. Hope things are going good for you. It sounds like they are!

Let us know how things go with your surgeon. I'm sure lots of people would be interested in what was causing the "creaking" as you put it. Just guessing it sounds like maybe the tubing that goes from your port to the band is moving when you bend over. That's just my guess. Again, please be sure to let us know what's up. Best Wishes!

Dana, I'm sorry to hear that you are having such a horribly hard time! It sounds like you're having some terrible pain. What is your second surgery exactly? Are you having your band removed? Sorry if that's a dumb question. I've just never heard of what they do in situations like yours and I'm curious. Anyway, my thoughts and prayers will be with you. Your story stands as a reminder of how careful we have to be post op, even if were feeling okay we still had major surgery and you never know what can happen! I'm not saying you did anything wrong, just got me thinking of how I acted after I had my surgery. I was up and at em' as soon as they let me go home. I didn't have much pain and I probably should have been more careful. Good luck, hun! Best Wishes!

I'm with everyone else. I get the hiccups when I've eaten enough and on the verge of too much. It definitely means STOP! Congrats on your fill! Best Wishes!

My main response is... it's your body! Make sure whatever WLS you decide on it's YOUR choice. You're the one who is going to have to live with the decision you make. Each WLS has its pros and cons. Check them out and make sure you are completely comfortable with what YOU decide. Don't let you Dr. pressure you into getting a surgery you don't want. Stay strong and do your research! Best Wishes!

I'll say a prayer for you and you will be in my thoughts. Congratulations on making a choice to begin your journey to lose weight. You will find a lot of support on this site. If you look around in the forums you will find a lot of the answers to questions you might have and if you don't find it there, ask away. People are always willing to help another WLS buddy out. Let us know what you find out. Best Wishes!

Hi There! I had a whole response written up and I accidentally erased it. Must be too early in the morning for me to think clearly! I just finished writing a blog about how I've been feel with the band. I've lost around 40 lbs and I'm 3 months out from my surgery. This site is perfect for reading what's up with people and how the band is working or has worked for them. You will even read people talk about their negative experiences with the band. I think it's good to get both sides of the coin so people who are trying to decide what to do can get all the information they need to make their decision. For me, the band was the best thing I've done for myself. Don't misunderstand the band requires hard work and dedication. The band requires lots of follow-up and communication with your surgeon and his team to make sure you are where you need to be. When you first get the band it requires a lot of will power to stay on track because the band isn't really helping you yet. I've had two fills and I'm calling today to see if I can come in early to get my third. I can tell my band is still not in the green. Make sure you find good Protein shakes that you like and Soups that you like because when you do your pre op diet and after fills you will need things that you think are yummy. I use

Here I am 3 months after being banded. I feel proud of the progress that I've made... but sorta bummed because I have such a long road ahead of me. I look back to last April and I realize how far I've come. I actually weighed 332 lbs before I got sick. So, since then I've actually lost 70 some lbs. I know, I know I should be proud but I'm looking at more than a 100 lbs to go to get to my goal. That's a lot of weight. I need to set small goals to keep myself motivated. I'm also bummed because I have so many back problems that its making it impossible for me to exercise. I've had two fills. I have 6cc's in my 14 cc band. I'm calling today to see if I can come in early and get my third fill this week because I know I need it, I'm not in the green yet. Which brings me to my next thought. I had an "Ah Ha" moment this week. I don't know how many times I've heard that the band is just a tool it doesn't make you lose weight. This is SO TRUE! I've had the band for three months and really I've been dieting for three months. I've changed the way I eat and watch my calories. My band isn't tight enough to "KEEP" me from eating. Technically, I could eat whatever I wanted and quite a bit of it, but I'm using my willpower to keep myself on track. Some days are better than others. My point is the band isn't working for me right now so I'm still on my own. I made up my mind that I was going to lose weight and that's exactly what I'm doing! I just didn't realize it would take so long to get my band to the right spot to get me losing with my band. If anybody is reading this that hasn't been banded yet, just realize the band does work it just takes a lot of maintenance. You have to be in contact with your surgeon. I've only been going once a month but I'm hoping to start going every two to three weeks until I get where I need to be. After my fills usually by week two I know how I can eat and what's going on with my hunger. I know I'm just rambling, but that's what my blogs are for! I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving this year and I'm not worried about gaining. I'm more nervous about being around family, and them seeing how slow or what a small amount I eat. Plus, those who know will be looking at me to see if they can tell if I've lost weight. I've lost two jeans sizes. Go me! Go me! Go me! My daughter who comes home on the weekends from college always tells me she can tell the difference in my weight. She told me my clothes were too baggy and I needed to wear smaller clothes to show off my body more. This is another issue. I don't see myself any thinner so I'm still wearing clothes to disguise my body. I really still need to because I have a bad case of muffin top going on now. The jeans are all low cut and I need to lose weight around my middle. Can't wait until I'm to the point where I can get a tummy tuck!! Also, my poor tata's are shrinking. Of course, the first person to tell me about that was my hubby. LOL!! Finally, I mainly wrote this for myself to remind me where I've come from and where I am and to set my mind straight to where I wanna be! I can do this! I am doing this! BUT, its hard. This is not an easy fix. The band is not a quick fix. The band requires dedication and pure commitment to your goal. It's not just another diet either. It's a life changing way to help you eat healthier and in turn you get your life back! I'm getting out more. I'm doing more with my friends and that happy party girl is coming back! Everyone around me has noticed it. I'm THANKFUL that I feel more confident! I'm so glad I got the band and I'm so glad I found this site. Even though it's changed dramatically. I love all my new lapband friends! I'm thankful I have friends and family that are supportive! I feel blessed and I'm going to continue to work hard to lose these last 100 lbs. It might take me two years but I'm going to get there! Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving! Till Next Time, Tara

Hi all! I got my second fill October 9th. The first two weeks I can really tell the difference, but now I'm hungry again. I now have 6 cc's in my 14cc band. I've been told it takes between 3 and 5 fills to really start getting to green. I sure hope its three for me. I'm losing about 3 lbs a week, but it's been difficult to stay on track. It's like any other diet you really have to work hard with the band as your team mate... It's not easy. The band is not an easy way out or quick fix. It takes dedication. I know, I know... I'm preaching to the choir. I'm looking forward to my third fill on December 6th. I won't mind if they give me another 3ccs. Bama, as for the evening snacking, which I struggle with too. I try sf Popsicles or Jello. Something low cal. I've figured out eating really slow...even the stuff I'm bored with eating helps me feel more satisfied. It's the darnedest thing! Good luck!!

Try this blog. http://bariatricfoodie.blogspot.com/ I've found lots of good recipes and ideas for something different to eat. Good Luck!

You're post is inspirational. I love reading this kinda post! Congratulations! Everyone is right, you look awesome!!

I agree with Mis73, most important thing is to watch for infection. Otherwise, not a biggie! Have a great day!

I'm a newbie, but last night I ate a small bite of chicken, but didn't chew it enough and I had some pain in my chest for a little bit. Same as you described; however, after a little bit it went away and sips of water helped a little. I took sips to see if I was stuck. It was just a reminder to chew...chew...chew! It's part of learning to eat with your band. Hope you feel better soon!

I had an abnormal EKG, but I have an irregular heartbeat or what is called PAC's. My insurance required I have an echocardiogram to ensure everything was okay. And it was! Hopefully, you can get it and get things taken care of quickly. Best wishes and try not to worry! Plus it sounds like your nurse had an operator error! LOL : )

Wow! Already at 6ccs. I'm jealous. I also have a 14 cc band. I'm not sure how much they will give me when I go back in. I'm a little discouraged because my back problems are keeping me from exercising. I can barely walk. I have another appt. with my pain management dr to see what else I can do for my pain. I'm still losing, I would just like to build muscle and tone up while losing. Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

I left a response via my phone but I guess it didn't post. I hope your fill went well today. I got 3ccs and they do it with the fluoroscope, it was strange being poked and then having to stand up and do the swallow test. It was cool to be able to see everything though. I feel a slight difference in my restriction but not a huge difference. My next fill is scheduled for November 6th. I haven't been very hungry lately so I guess that's a big change from the weeks prior to my fill. Hope everyone is doing well!!

Cute play on words, Mr. Junkie! So far, in my short experience with weight loss and the band I have to agree with Bliss. It has improved the va..va...voom factor in my house. I think losing weight gives us more confidence and makes us happy so we really NEED the "pinnacle moments" more than ever.

Good Luck and CONGRATULATIONS!