PuraVida37

I remember someone saying that when you get a rude comment, ask "Why do you ask?" and watch them squirm or have to explain things more. People are idiots. lol

I was banded on 9/30/13 and have had a pretty good go of it so far. But for the past few days I've been having some mild chest pressure sensations along with my usual nerve irritation feelings. It started as left shoulder sensation, and now I'm noticing it throughout my chest here and there (under my breasts on my ribcage or above my breasts on my chest. I usually get the shoulder pain when I am running on empty, but this odd feeling didn't really go away with food. I tried Gas X, but that didn't really do anything either. The only thing that makes the feeling temporarily dissipate is drinking hot tea. So that makes me think my band is too tight? But that doesn't make sense either since I got my fill about a month ago 3.5cc, and I was fine right after. It doesn't get tighter over time, does it? So of course my next move is to contact the doc, but I'm curious if any of you have had this or know what it could be? Again, it's not really pain, just tightness or irritation. ETA: I know this sounds nuts, but it is almost like I can feel the band. Can anyone else feel theirs?

I am drinking hot tea, and now the previously mentioned sensation is gone. WTF?? Why are our bodies so weird? Good idea, Debbie. I will try that too.

The last couple days I've been having a little pressure or something in my chest. It's annoying, but not painful. It started a lot like the nerve pain I had last month. I sometimes get it when I am running on empty, but now I am feeling it periodically through the day, here and there. I know it may sound crazy, but it feels like I can feel the band. Sometimes there is light pressure in my left shoulder or chin. I have a doc appt next week Tues for a fill. Should I wait til then because it really doesn't hurt, or should I take off work and go in now (which sucks)? It almost feels heartburn-y but without the acid reflux spicy feeling too. I'm going to do at least 2 days of stage 1-2 in hopes that whatever it is calms down.

I don't think the two would mix well---you'd get the munchies, and that's just not a good thing for a bandster!! LOL!!!

Can you post a follow up? How are you doing?

What happened? Can you post a follow up?

I told my boss that it was hiatal hernia surgery (even did some research on that to sound legit). It's true--I did have it as I was banded. But if I were to do it again, I would just say "It's for a female thing." And then most people don't ask further. To explain the weight loss, I just say that ever since I did the pre-op diet which my doc required, I kept on ating better and not eating sugar or carbs. It's all true! I have told my family--all have been really great about it. But I haven't told a soul at work. Not their business.

Met my weight goal of 245 and my drinking more Water goal. I didn't make it to my exercise goal, so I will continue that for next month.

I am doing ok eating. It's darn drinking that is a toughie! I have zero desire to drink. I have to go out of my way to get in my liquids, and even then I may not get them all in. I REALLY miss drinking with meals. ....BUT I do not miss my weight. Today I went shopping and tried on size 18/20 sweaters and it fit perfectly and actually looked good. My size 18 jeans are baggy. My goal is for my birthday around New Years to be able to shop in a NORMAL store. I hope I get there.

You know....the only problem with eating slow is that the food gets cold by the end! LOL!!!!

I am still befuddled each day about exactly how much I should eat. My nut. says 1/4 c at a time, no more than 1/2 cup. I can eat much more if I wanted to probably, but I'm trying not to do more than that. After reading the "It's not about restriction" article weeks ago, I get the impression that we're supposed to be fuel efficient and get the most out of what we eat, not flood the tank. What are you guys eating each day? A typical day for me would be a Muscle Milk Light for breakfast (7am), a turkey cheese roll up (about 1 oz meat/cheese) at 9am, a half a protein bar at 10am, maybe some soup for lunch around noon, turkey pepperoni for a snack after school 2pm, then some kind of dinner. In between I have Isopure or water or some liquid. I know I need to work more on drinking, but being a teacher I worked for years to NOT drink during the day so I wouldn't have to make a pit stop. So learning a new way is tough. I have to force myself to drink. People are starting to notice my loss. I'm trying to be graceful in accepting them, but I wish people wouldn't ask so many details. When they ask how I did it, I just say I'm staying under 100 carbs a day and getting more protein, which is 100% true.

18 lbs is not slow. You're doing great! Debbie, my NSV is (TMI ALERT!!!) getting my period on my own. It's been several years since that's happened. OK, maybe it's not really a victory after all. LOL!!! PS I'm hungry. Now I understand bandster hell.

HI folks! Glad to see most of you are doing well. I agree about the eating too few calories. I'm erring on the side of more calories, even though it may take the weight off slower. Got to make sure I get my protein. What is everyone eating for meals lately? PS Anyone else constipated? I am having a hard time (pun intended!!).

I am feeling much colder than normal...but that's ok because I'm having lots of fun trying new jackets, clothes, and scarves.

Have you tried gas X? If it's still really bothering you, then I'd call your doc.

Looking great! Keep it up!!

Lost 1 lb this week. I don't think I am eating enough. Gotta keep finding the right timing/planning mix. ...But I did get lots of compliments this week. People are finally noticing...it only took them 50 lbs! haw haw haw

Down to 250.7. Doing great with portions. Need to keep working on the quality of food, as well as getting enough liquids.

I had a fill yesterday. Didn't hurt at all! In fact I couldn't even feel it! But oh boy there is a difference in amount/speed of eating. Now I feel like I can barely eat much, so that 1/4 seems so reasonable. Gotta go slower and smaller bites for sure. I had 2ccs, now 3.5. Made it to my goal of 50 lbs lost too. Woot woot! Maybe I CAN do this after all!

Yesterday someone asked me....i said i eat no more than 100 carbs a day. Which is true. Lol

This is my first Halloween not eating ANY candy. It was so easy. I can't believe it. Why didn't I do it years ago!?!

Is it normal to hear your stomach growling all the time with the band? Over the last few months, I've heard sounds I've never heard before. Now that I'm banded it sounds so empty and loud. Is that normal? Or am I hungry (but not really hungry)?

My doc said NO to alcohol pretty much ever again. I've got no problem with it. I think if in doubt, just don't do it.

Name, real or screen~ PuraVida37 Goal weight for November 30th~245 Weight on November 1st~253 Age~39 City/State~NY Dietary goal for November~Drinking more/learning after first fill Exercise goal for November~going to the gym in the morning at least 5x this month Personal goal for November~finding some *me time* Date banded~9/30/13 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~49 lbs Favorite Thanksgiving Activity~playing Hearts after our meal