Susie313

I was banded November 16, 2006 and have had a couple of problems--needed a slight unfill once and am dealing with heartburn. I've lost 131 pounds and still have about 40 to go. But it's not easy to drop the weight anymore and I'm struggling.

O.K. Bubble. Time to get real. How is it? How does your sleeve compare to the band? Any problems? Any sliming, heartburn?? How about recovery time?

Get a grip!! As a former chef, wife of a chef, mother of a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and member of a whole family of terrific cooks, get your priorities in order! If you keep doing the things you always did, you will keep looking and feeling like you always do. Now's the time to take care of your problem. With the band your whole mindset will change. But it will take a while. My journey began in November of 2006. It took at least 6 months before I was able to pass up the dishes that contributed to my 365 pound frame and not feel deprived. But I did it. I'm still doing it. To date I'm down 115 pounds and still have a ways to go, but I'll get there. Stick with it. You can do it too. Work with your band. It's a wonderful tool. And good luck to you!

Hi everybody! What a great thread!! I was banded November 14, 2006 and as of late last month I'm down 110 pounds. 80 to go. It's slow going but entirely worth the trip! Good luck to all!!

What happens to implants 10 years from now?

Just when this was getting interesting you guys go and change the subject. Dang!!

Thanks Deanna! I can't wait to try this.

<p><p><p>Oh and one more thing--Lizi531--I would hate it too if the company I worked for handed out shits. Especially if I had ordered XL or larger ! Hang in there!</p></p></p> I know we all make typos--I make my share. I just couldn't let this one go.

When I get on this website the first thing I do is a search on postings by Wasabubblebutt. I learned a long time ago that inside of Bubble lives a wise and beautiful person. We are lucky to have her posts.

Just the thought of trying to vomit around the band scares the heck out of me! I've slimed a few times when I've eaten too quickly or failed to chew properly but I have yet to experience a real vomit since being banded. I certainly don't look forward to it. I'm almost at good restriction (as opposed to occasional restriction) and I am getting another fill next week. I'm very apprehensive but restriction is what I got into this whole project for. So here goes.

Hello O2b, I have experienced the same problem. I have 6.2 cc's in my band and finally reached what I think is some restriction some of the time--mostly in the mornings. The rest of the time I can eat whatever whenever with no feeling of fullness. This has been going on since the end of May but I go back to the Dr. next week. I think I'm going to ask for a little more fill. I have felt the same pain as you but only as a result of eating too quickly or not chewing thoroughly enough. I was banded last November and we've been fooling around with restriction ever since. I think it's time to kick a little butt and get a handle on good restriction. I have to admit the weight loss has been good--94 pounds, 50 of that before the surgery--but I've a long way to go. I feel like it could have been lots better had the restriction been right. Good luck to you!! Susan

I have to agree with you Niki. I was banded 11/14/06 and have lost just 43 pounds since. I was able to lose 50 preop for a total of 93 ugly pounds gone. My Dr. has approached the "sweet spot" slowly and it took 5 or 6 fills to feel any restriction at all. Then finally--it felt teriffic for about 2 weeks. So now I will get another fill in August. I'm up to 6.2 in a 10 cc band. I can guzzle water and eat anything. It all goes down perfectly. Too bad. It really has been a long time tinkering but I think it is certainly worth the wait. I'll get there soon.

What a cutie!! She has my vote!

Can't thank Jack and Wasabubblebutt enough for the wisdom and encouragement. I'm having a little trouble here with being stuck on a plateau and reading their comments helps a huge amount. Thanks guys!!

I think it depends on where you shop. I'm down 93 pounds--have gone from size 32 pants to size 22. Tops are down from size 4-5X to 2X. If you shop at large size stores I think you'll find the sizes are not true to regualr department store sizes. A size 22 at Catherines requires a 24 at Macys, etc. Can't wait to shop at regular stores on a regular basis. Maybe soon-----.

Hello Stacy, I was banded November 14, 2006 and didn't have restriction until this last fill May 30. It took over 6 months to slowly creep up to the "sweet spot" but like you, I also kept losing simply by not allowing myself to overindulge. I lost 90 pounds before finding the sweet spot but let me tell you that when you finally get there it's soooo much nicer to have the help of not being hungry and filling up with just a little food. Hang in there, slower is better--at least it was for me. Good luck! Susan

No, no HRT. Not for about 5 years.

I'm 63. I still have 100 pounds to go. Don't know the BMI.

Hello Denise822, I live about 2.5 hours south of Coos Bay. My first appt. with Dr. Tersigni was in June 2006, banded November 14th. I've lost 90 pounds so far and hopefully with yesterday's fill I will have finally hit the sweet spot. It's been quite a journey.

Syrah!! Back off!! I think most of us learn a lot from WABB and look forward to and search out her posts. To have to wade through a lot of negativity and cheap shots is discouraging and certainly not the reason I believe we participate in this forum at all. I for one am here to learn and share so puuuullllleeez lighten up.

Hello Susan4794, I was referred to Dr. Steven Tersigni in Coos Bay by Three Rivers Hospital in Grants Pass. I was told (way back in April of 2006) that Three Rivers did only the RNY but that they were about 6 months out from doing the lap band and that Dr. Tersigni was their resource doctor. That was enough for me. In May I made an appointment with Tersigni's office, met him June 7th--was thoroughly impressed by his willingness to answer any and all questions from both me and my husband (he stayed with us for as long as it took to get through all our questions). He asked me to lose about 20 pounds if I elected to have surgery. It took until November to get approved by insurance and by then I had lost 50 pounds. I had absolutely no complications during or since surgery and have lost another 40 pounds. Needless to say I feel completely confident in Dr. Tersigni's care. Good Luck!! Susan

Does anyone have a really good substitute for non-dairy coffee creamer? It's the one vice I'm completely unable to give up. I've tried several protein and whey powders and so far nothing even touches it. I'm ashamed to admit at work I use 8 packets in a 16 oz cup and our whole office runs on caffeine all day long. Nothing smells better than a fresh pot of coffee when it's being brewed and when that happens I'm just like an alcoholic ( I think ), absolutely unable to ignore the craving. I'd really appreciate anyone's input on this. Thanks! Susie313

Hello Denise822. I too was banded by Dr. Tersigni in Coos Bay on November 14, 2006. My first appointment with him was June 7th but didn't jump through all the hoops until November. By that time I had lost 50 lbs. Surgery weight was 315. I've lost 40 lbs since being banded and still have yet to meet the sweet spot. There is slight restriction at 6 cc in a 10 cc band. This is really a mind game. The band isn't going to do it for you. You work with it. I see Dr. Tersigni again next week and hopefully this fill will make mine more effective. Hang in there. Time is on your side.