Feel2Young2B40

Texasbluebonnet - where are you moving to? What area of Texas? I'm in the DFW area, Keller to be exact. I'm originally from Illinois but we've been down here for about 5 years now. A different world but it's home now! Let me know where you're going to end up! Good luck! Laura

Hi Lanie! Welcome!

Hi! I was drinking anywhere from 10-12 diet cokes a day and went cold turkey about 6 weeks before my surgery. I sometimes miss it - you know, the snap of the pop top and the small hiss of the carbonation. Every once in a while I'll sneak a sip of one of my kid's or husband's but that's about it. One day I even thought - how did I drink so much of this? It tastes like crap! As far as the band, you do have to work at it. I haven't been and I'm totally kicking myself in the butt as I come close to my 1 year bandiversary at the end of March. I've spent the last 3 months working 12 hours a day and then partying almost every night. However, after my last fill last week, I changed my thinking and I've started working with it again. In fact since last Thursday I've lost 6 pounds and working out at least every other day now while drowning myself in water! I know it's a little harder with the large band to feel restriction and I think I've finally found what I was looking for. Good luck and keep in touch! Laura

Hi! I used Dr. Carter as well as about 8 other people in my office. He's great and very supportive. You really get the feeling he cares and is interested in how you feel. I highly recommend him. Thanks! Laura

Hi Vines! Measurements are good - lost 9 inches in my bust, 10 in my waist and 11 in my hips. Down from a 26/28 to a 18/20. I feel like I lost more than 43 but the scale doesn't lie. I can't even say it's muscle because I haven't been working out! That's changing tomorrow, getting my bag packed for the gym tomorrow. NO EXCUSES! I'm leaving work at 5 and going straight to the gym. Root me on! Laura

Yep! Just under 8cc. In fact the assitant told me before my doctor came in to do the fill, he didn't know of anyone of the doctor's patients that had that much. The doctor said everything looks great, nothing leaking or eroding, just that my body is very resilient. Basically, doing whatever it can to allow me to keep eating. The doctor did say when I come back in two month if I haven't lost a significant amount of weight that he's going to "close my band and sew my lips shut". He said noone fails on his watch! I know he was kidding, (I think!) and he's right. I need to get back to basics and start working with it, instead of around it. Oh well! Good luck! Laura

Hi! Mine are below in my signature. What worries me is while I feel this last fill more than the others I'm worried I don't have much room left!

Hi all! Gosh, I haven't been on here for a while! I really missed you all. I want to join the slow losers club - I do believe I qualify! Only 43 pounds in just about 10 months. Had another fill last week and my surgeon who I love, and dreaded seeing told me he wants to see me in 2 months. He also said if I don't lose a significant amount by then he's going to "sew my band closed" and my lips! I know what my problem is - I haven't been exercising, I haven't been following the rules of banding, I've been working 12-14 hours a day and to top EVERYTHING off, I pretty sure I'm going through menopause. I have hot flashes, tired all the time, and about 6 of the other symptoms. UUGGHH! Please help - need support and a kick in the you know what!

Hi! I had my surgery 3/25 and so far down 25 pounds. I took measurements last night and I've lost 7 inches in my hips, 5 inches in the waist and 4 inches in my bust area. People are really starting to notice and I feel good. Had my second fill giving me a total of 4.5cc in the vanguard but I don't think I'm feeling the restriction I need to be. I'm having the Dr. check the fluoro this week to see if he thinks I should have more. I know I'm eating less and better but I'm surprised I haven't lost more pounds. I need to get back into my exercise routine now that I'm back from vaca. I am happy I didn't gain anything on vacation and did lose more inches. Walked each day and was very active. I also drink ALOT of Water. Almost 100 oz a day. Well, that's where I am and congratulations to all of us!!!!

Hi! I have a question. I'm traveling to Michigan at the end of this week and I'd like the name of a doctor in the Grand Rapids area that will do work on patients from another area. I have a doctor here in Texas but I want to make sure I have a contact name while I'm in Michigan just in case. I just contacted clg8579 but I was wondering if anyone else had anyone they could recommend also. Thanks for your help! Laura

1. How long were you out of work? I took 9 days including the weekends just so I knew I would be strong when back at work. 2. Explain to me what getting "stuck" feels like. By getting stuck, do you mean when you have a PB? For me it's been a feeling of a bubble just above my stomach with a strong pain in the chest. 3. How soon after surgery can you begin to excercise? My doctor said 2 weeks for the treadmill/stationary bike and then 3 months for weights. 4. Were you afraid to eat after the surgery? A little but I was on liquids for 10 days and then to mushies. It got easier each day. 5. If you have a spouse/significant other.. How did they handle your weight loss? Still losing (just banded on 3/25) and he's been very supportive. Went with me to the seminars and agreed if I wanted to do it and if it made me happier to do it. Good luck and check back in with us! Laura

What is the deal? I had a fill on 5/4 and did my 3 days of liquids even though DR said 24 hours. Everything going ok and then WHAM! My first PB. Felt like a HUGE burning bubble and then the saliva starts and running to the bathroom. I'm guessing that's exactly what it was - correct? PB????!!!! I hear it is possible to feel the restriction a week or two after the fill and am I not being careful enough with food maybe? I was stressing Friday night before it started. Afterward I immediately stopped eating and then WHAM - again the next morning. I should have probably done liquids for 24 hours but thought I felt ok. This morning and afternoon were fine and then WHAMMO - again this evening. WHAT is going on? I'm not eating anything different, maybe I'm not concentrating enough on chewing well? Or, do you think it has to do with "that time of the month"? It will be the first cycle since the fill. Maybe I'm a little more sensitive during those days?

Thanks everyone! Today was a good day - no problems at all. I took it very slow and took very small bites and took my time eating. I seemed to be slipping back into my "normal" eating routine of eating on the run and forgetting about the band. The band used to consume so much of my thoughts but now I sometimes forget. Not about what to eat but "how" to eat. I'm also kind of disappointed I'm not losing faster and really expected some miracle I think after the fill. I'm definitely not losing hope but realizing this will take more time and will be slower than the other 2 times I lost 100 pounds. I'm 10 years older now and I have to balance my family, career and my personal needs better than I did over the past 2 weight losses. Dieting used to consume me. I tend to be a perfectionist and do everything 150% but I realize this is a life change - not a diet so it's going to be slower. I will NOT put the weight back on again - period!!!! Thanks again for all of the suggestions and affirmations of what I was thinking!!!

Hi Jen! I just had my first fill 2 weeks ago and I have the 11cc band. Everything was going great but then over the past weekend I had my first PB or I should say my first 3 PB's. Funny how the restriction got tighter 2 weeks after the fill but everyone says it's normal so watch out and be careful. I got a little lazy about chewing and started taking too large bites and paid the price!! Good luck to you and take it slow!!! Laura

Hi! I have one of those 17 year old girl charmers myself! What a pleasure and pain they can be. I had my first fill yesterday and had a slight PB attack today. I think I may stay on liquids for the rest of my life!!! food is almost not worth the problem.....Ok, I say that now but you can bet the first time one of my kids acts up in the new few hours (oh, yes they will.....) I'll be grabbing for something I shouldn't! Good luck! Laura

CONGRATULATIONS! It's a great day for banding! I'll be thinking of you! Laura

Hi Mark! One thing you may want to watch out for is swallowing air while drinking fluids. The sensation you describe is the one I had while I was still on liquids. I called the Dr and said I was staying within the liquid limits but had a knot in my throat and nauseous all day long. That's when they said I was a "gulper". I swallow air while I drinking. After I stopped using straws and kept my tongue at the roof of my mouth it was much better. Also, you asked about when it ends being the center of your life and actually today I realized I didn't think about it once at work. I was banded 1 month ago yesterday and the food perils, chewing, etc have become part of my life so far. So, life does go on! Actually, I can't wait to get my fill next week! Anyway, good luck and take it slow. It does get better and keep in touch! Laura

Hi! I had a tough past couple of days. I was in our yearly manager's meetings since Wednesday and each meal is prearranged for the group. The meetings are 8am to 5pm and then dinner each night. It was tough to find things I felt were good to eat as well as the liquor that always is consumed. I'm happy to say though that the meetings are now over as of last night, and I think I've been able to maintain what I've lost. I can not wait for my first fill on 5/4 and onto my journey!

Hi Princess! Me too...same exact thing. No problems now except in the am. By dinner time I feel like I could eat a cow...ok, maybe just a calf but definitely more than I thought I would be able to at this point. I can't wait for my fill on 5/4. Can't come too soon! Good luck! Laura

Hi! I had that same issue on liquids. It always felt like I had something stuck even though I was staying within my liquid allotment of 4oz. My doctor said I was a "gulper". Meaning, I gulped air in with my liquids as I drank. He suggested I keep my tongue at the top of my mouth when I swallowed. BOY, did it help! I didn't even realize I was swallowing air. I noticed when I went back to solids that I did the same thing so I need to be very careful when eating or drinking. If I am careful - no problems. The moment I forget it starts all over again! Good luck and make sure you don't use a straw either. You bring in too much air with them! Take care and keep us updated. Laura

Hi! I think most of us were either approved somewhat easily by our insurance company or plain out denied and then paid for the surgery. Guitarman - I think your ideas are great and I would also recommend to Dell to talk to her HR department and a manager at the insurance company. Continue working with the doctor because honestly Dell, if you don't get approved he won't get paid! Unfortunately, we know money is an amazing motivator and it's just like buying a house - the loan officer doesn't get paid unless the loan closes! Anyway, Dell - keep your chin up and keep on going to Curves. Not only will you begin to feel stronger, you'll notice you will workout harder as the days go by and feel better since you are doing something for yourself that is positive. Take care and we're ROOTING for you!!!!! Laura

Hi Sue! Wow, I know it's a tough time right before surgery! What I did was to try to take the nervousness and turn it into getting ready for the time I'd be "under the weather". I got caught up on laundry, stocked the pantry, made some meals to freeze for the family, did some gardening (I live in Texas) oh, and worked 50+ hour weeks. Thinking ahead, I went out to Half Price books and bought a bunch of novels just in case I got bored while out from work. I also started sampling Protein drinks to see what I would like when I was to that stage. At the same time, I went to Sam's Club and stocked up on chicken broth, pudding, apple sauce, juices, flavored waters and whatever else I could find that was in the liquid stage. It's a tense time but if you try to keep your eye on the "goal" of a new you and you have confidence in your surgeon that should help take some of the anxiety away. Keep thinking positive, be excited not nervous and continue getting involved with people here on the board. They are a fantastic group of people and you'll find an answer to almost everything here! Related to the band or not! I congratulate you on your surgery and make sure you keep in touch! Take care! Laura

Hi! I'm right there with you all! I was banded 3/25 and by this past weekend I feel I can eat anything not tied down! I am trying to keep to the 3 meals a day and high Protein, low carb and within 1200-1500 calories but I get hungry and even faint if I go longer than 4 hours without eating. Part of it might be the lack of carbs I've been eating and I am back to normal solid foods. I do notice I eat much less than before the band at a meal but I feel "guilty" about eating as much as I have been and not been losing weight for the last week or so. I know it's just temporary, I know it's because I need a fill but that's not happening until the end of May. My doctor refuses to do a fill earlier than 2 months post op. So, here I sit feeling like I am dieting, instead of getting the benefits of the band. It's like a "band no-man's land" right now. I'll get over it, but I just wanted everyone to know I know exactly how you feel and I'm right there with you.

Hi Jody! I was ADDICTED to diet coke. I probably had at least 12 cans a day on a good day if not more. I haven't had one for I believe 2 months now. My skin looks great, I feel less "puffy" and I actually don't miss it! I did have a hard time the first week or so but after that, I didn't miss it. Frankly, one of the "cons" of me getting the band was the lack of diet coke but then I realized losing weight was OBVIOUSLY more important than missing the diet cokes. Also, I seem to have less of a sugar craving now. They should have a dependency group for diet coke because I truely think it's addictive. Not to mention what it does to your body. For the longest time I couldn't figure out why diet coke was never outside of gas stations any longer and they told me because when it's over 90 degrees out, the chemicals change and become formaldehyde! Urban myth, maybe but I'm not going to chance it any longer. Good luck to you! Laura (a recovered diet coke addict)

CONGRATULATIONS Christine! Good luck to you and yipppppeeeee! Laura