CherieRyde

YES!! ME!! Who's your doctor? I'm going to Dr. Klem out of CDH.

That's the way mine has been. Trust me .. you don't want too much too fast. I shot myself in the foot by trying to go too fast with it, and I've been fighting to get back on track. It didn't help that all of this happened right after Thanksgiving. I didn't gain a lot ... but it's enough that I could feel it. Take your time. Get used to the way your band feels.

I need someone like this as well ... but preferably someone who is close enough to get together with to exercise.

YES!! I had knee and hip pain. My doc said that helped our case with the insurance company.

I started drinking coffee as soon as I got the all clear for regular food. I also try to make sure I get my water and then some.

Man .. the getting back on track is a bit of a PITA around here. All it took was Thanksgiving for my son and husband to decide that we needed to eat the way we used to. I've been fighting them on that since then.

Your surgeon will tell you. Mine had me come back once a month for a few months.

We have an Illinois group on FB. Come join us. https://www.facebook.com/groups/931519633539158/

OK .. so I've started a FB group. It's called Gastric Banders in Illinois. My intention is for this to be a SAFE group for all of us. So .. come join me. @@tiffball45 the thing required me to add someone, so I put you in it. I hope that's cool.

Yeah .. I agree with the others. It also concerns me that your surgeon isn't bothered by it.

EXACTLY! Getting into that red zone sucks big time. I much prefer knowing for this same exact reason.

I've always had a hard time eating breakfast, but I have no issue with shakes or coffee. But the ONLY time I've woken up and vomited was when I was pregnant.

It's important to know how much is in your band so that if there is ever an emergency then you can tell the EMTs or Doctors. Also, if you ever move, then you'll need to tell your new doctor how much you have in your band so that they know where to pick things up with you. Also, you will need to know how much is in your band just in case a leak develops. Other than those reasons, I have no idea why you'd care. Personally, I like to know as much as possible about what's inside me. But that's just me.

Give yourself time. Also, if you are REALLY concerned, call your surgeon.

It sounds to me like 5ml is your limit. When I had a fill that was slightly over my limit, I had the same issues you are describing AND things got stuck all the time. The best thing I can say is stay at or .5ml below your limit and things will be fine. However, this is a question better handled by your surgeon.

Sweetheart, that's why you have to be selective about what you are eating. It doesn't have to be less pleasurable of an experience. Not eating in excess, not eating the WRONG things, and not blindly going about life they way we did before is the key to success. Depriving ourselves of the pleasure that can be associated with eating HEALTHY and very very YUMMY foods is not the key to success. The feeling of being deprived of something is the quickest way to fall back on old habits. So, replacing the feeling of deprivation with feelings of fulfillment in new, healthy ways is much better. I've found that when I'm craving sweets, going for a cup of berries or yogurt is just as satisfying. In the monthly occurrence of CRAVING chocolate, I find that if I take my husband for a spin in the bedroom or indulge in time with my belly dancing DVDs, I'm just as sated. I've learned that Brussels sprouts cooked the right way are just as sweet and yummy as carrots can be. I've learned that sea scallops, sashimi, lobster, shrimp, and tillapia are yummier to me than steaks and other fat laden meats. I find pleasure in all of these things. Also, since I weigh and measure my food before I put it on my plate, I am positive that I'm not over eating like I used to, but I still have a pleasurable experience while eating. Does this make more sense to you? You see, you are no different than any of the rest of us. You are simply mistaking pleasure for something bad or wrong. Pleasure doesn't have to be taboo.

Actually, @@Jugido64, I've finally learned how to eat for nutrition AND pleasure. There are foods that I'd never tried as an adult because of childhood prejudices. But since I have to be more AWARE of what I'm eating, and more SELECTIVE about what I put in my mouth, I'm trying the things that I always thought I hated. Things like Brussels Sprouts, different kinds of fish, tofu, and so many other things. I'm learning that I LIKE these things, and they have the added bonus of being good for me. So, yeah .. I eat for nutrition and pleasure, and I'm taking my family on this journey with me. There's no need to sacrifice the pleasure of eating just because we've made a huge change in our lifestyles and eating habits. Anyone who thinks that you do have to give up the pleasure associated with eating ... I feel sorry for you. You are missing out on the wonderful world of yummy, healthy food.

We could almost start our own little "Illinois Residents" FB group.

I'm in Aurora. So, there's 3 hours between us. Kinda hard to get together, but we can chat.

Great job!!

Honestly? I didn't even *want* food for a while. By the time I did want food, I was on the mushy stage.

He took out .5ccs yesterday. He wasn't pleased that ALL solid meats got stuck, and he had me describe the feeling. Umm .. "Ow" just doesn't cover it. The good news is, I didn't gain anything. I also didn't loose anything. So now, I'm hoping that I'm back in the green zone and can get back on target. Also .. I'm feeling GREAT today! Interestingly enough, having saline taken out feels NOTHING like having it put in. My tummy actually GROWLED at him after he took that tiny bit of Fluid out. LOL!

Man. After reading this, I'm NOT looking forward to colds or flus. Keep us posted.

How are you feeling?