CCBSTX

Letty, sorry about your pain. I am almost a year out and I still occassionally get left shoulder pain. When I woke up, from surgery, I had gas pains (on on my left shoulder). It soon dissipated (sp?). For several months no pain. About the 6 months point, post banded, I started getting occasional left shoulder pain in which nothing would relieve it. Much like yours. As you know, our bands can have a mind of their own. This is what I've noticed. 1) The pain often occurs when I am very hungry. 2) Also, if I haven't chewed well enough, it will also sometimes occur. 3) Stress can also be a factor alongside with the hunger. To relieve: 1) I eat. It needs to be solid, as liquids don't get rid of the pain. 2) Of course, I try to eat slower and chew wiser. My surgeon said this is probably referred pain. Much like he sees in his gallbladder patients, where there right should will hurt. There are nerves that might be agitated with the band, at times. This past month, I have noticed a decrease in the amount of left-shoulder pain that I get. Is this temporary? Only the band will tell. Good luck. Hope you get to feeling better. It's pretty annoying. Shawn

Try warm beverages in the morning (tea, coffee, etc). For some folks that seems to open the band. Just go with the flow. Eat your solids when you open and mushies/liquids when you're tight. It comes to calories in and calories out when you are losing weight. You are doing just fine...Shawn

YEAH! Good work Kristen! It's amazing how time flies, isn't it? Here's to another successful year....Shawn

I'd try a nice letter to not offend (it can get worse if they are rebels). Then, I'd try the police. Also, maybe get their phone number and call them (anonymous) when they are getting out of hand. Remember, try to keep cool as these things can escalate quick. They will be defensive. Shawn

Paul, ME TOO! OMG, this is funny! I look for padding, when I sit down (in restaurants). My husband thinks I should carry around a donut to sit on. I don't think I am in THAT bad of condition. Shawn

When you are ready to sell: 1) Get a good, recommended realtor. 2) Rent a storage shed and declutter your house (makes it look larger) 3) Clean house thoroughly. Keep picked up while you are showing. 4) Pay attention to landscaping (mow, weedeat, plant flowers). When folks drive by, they'll WANT to see the inside of your home. 5) When it comes time to buy, get a FIXED interest rate (15, 20 or 30 years). Interest rates are still low, but will be/are rising. Lock in while you can. Good luck with everything. Soon, you'll be spreading out!!!! Shawn

Bummer! I bet you'll feel better already. I'm told gallbladder pain is no fun!!! Heal quickly and take care...Shawn

My sister-in-law is a perfect example of saying "when." Her semi-serious boyfriend of 6 months had a heart attack. All of a sudden, his wacky daughter starting controlling her dad and his decisions. My sister-in-law was calling and extremely worried (to say the least) about her boyfriend. He never returned any phone call. The daughter also screened his calls. She quit calling him and let things be. It was very hard on her as she is in her early 50's and dating can be difficult. After about 6 months, the ex-boyfriend called her up and apologized for how he treated her. Of course, she cautiously saw him again, and he eventually earned her trust. It seemed that he went through a bit of depression and was overwhelmed by it all. The daugher eventually moved out of his house (she was living there). He took back control of his life. They just got married before Christmas. It has been over a 1 year since his heart attack. Sometimes, things are meant to be or they are NOT. Let things lie and see what happens. The main lesson is to treat yourself with dignity. Shawn

I wouldn't go below 1,000. Mostly because the body processes (brain function, etc) require a min. to work at a healthy rate. I understand some surgeons may ask you to go down to 800. You will definitely loose at 1,000-1,200 (barring any disease), plus you'll feel better and healthy. I've lost a good chunk and have slowed down a bit (closer to goal now). I've been mostly on 1,200 calories a day. Shawn

Please double check with your surgeon, regarding the info. on diet. This doesn't sound correct at all, in fact dangerous! 2 1/2 cups a day to drink is dehydration....In the meantime, drink all the Water you can and call your surgeon!!!! At first Protein is hard to get in without drinking the protein shakes. Later on, in about 4-6 weeks, you'll be able to eat more solid foods that are high in protein. For now, you may have to rely on Protein drinks. My surgeon had me on full liquids for 2 weeks (Soups, watery oatmeal and cream of wheat, Jello, protein drinks, etc). Then onto mushies (eggs, reg. oatmeal, chili etc) for 2 weeks. Finally 4 weeks, post-banding, I could eat solids!!! Take care. Shawn

My surgon is Dr. Chang in Victoria, TX. He accepted my insurance, which is the same as yours! Of course it outside of Houston (1-1 1/2 hours). The hospital is awesome and the surgeon is also. Here's his number 1-800-555-1555. This is a non-cattle call atmosphere. I also did a consult with Dr. Spivak. He's has a stellar reputation. Call his office and find out the "scoop." Things change all of the time. I didn't choose him because of the travel time, involved for me, with followup care/fills.

The "which diet do I follow" thing IS quite confusing. I'd suggest you follow your surgeons recommendations. If you're unsure, call and ask. Find out if you are in the liquid stage or mushies. Once you discover what stage you are in, go to the food Thread. It has many suggestions about what you might like to eat in each stage. The Protein amount, that your doc says, is quite low. Usually 60 is the protein amount that I hear recommended. Low protein=low energy. Plus, if you calories are REALLY low, you may feel weak. Try Protein shakes, or Carnation Instant Breakfast. Remember you are recovering from surgery, trying to get on with life, and adjusting to a new eating routinue. It will take time. Good luck....Shawn

Normal stuff! You are still recovering and adjusting. Give yourself time. REst when you can, eat your Protein, and take your Vitamins. Give it awhile. Make sure your calories are too low. Shawn

Oh wonderful news Mary! I could feel your happiness in the post... Shawn

That was a hard questions to anwer for myself. I originally had 150 as my goal weight...I am 5'8" female. Now, I am 175 pounds. I am satisfied where I am at (size 12). My surgeon, which is Nana's surgeon also :eek: , said I looked great and could stop where I am at! He asked, "where do you want to be at?" I began to mention the weight charts and I was still "overweight" and he cut me off (gave me the time-out sign). "Shawn, what do YOU want to be at?" I said, "maybe another 10 pounds." He said, "GREAT!" Now, my new goal is 165. I am sort of winging it, at this point. By the way, has anyone noticed that the sizes seem different now? I not talking about the size variations per manufactuer. 20 years ago, I wore a size 10-12 at 140 pounds. Maybe they are making them larger... Shawn

Just remember, it may just take .1 or .2cc to put you at the "OH BABY, I AM restricted!" Shawn

It has greatly reduced my actual hunger and somewhat head hunger. I struggle with the head hunger more often than not! I rarely feel like I am "starving" like I was pre-band. My stomach doesn't give off the same sensations as it did pre-band. Shawn

Go for it Nana! You will probably end up with 10 girls. I would highly suggest you get an assistant group leader to help with activities and planning!!!! The assistant would obviously be another Mom. My daughter has been in girl scouts and I don't remember any religious ties, other than where we meet (church). Don't let that discourage you. You are there to have fun, teach activities and morales. Shawn

Such great news! My hair "shedding" has slowed and I am growing news ones as well. I loved the "baby bird" analogy. Are you still losing a bit more than usual or has that pretty much stalled? So glad those "babies" are growing in!! Shawn

Paula, I am glad that you shared this with us. We have some very encouraging, smart posters on lapbandtalk!!! I'd encourage you to line up a really good professional counselor or psychologist. You can start counseling with him, but maybe bowout after the inital introduction session. Let him have a place to vent and explore his feelings. Figure out, if he would be more comfortable with a male or female. Then solicit recommendations (family doctor, minister, friends, family, internet search, local college/university professors). Anti-depressants often need to be changed in mg or RX, depending upon the person. Even, if it's the same medication as last year, it may no longer work this year. This is common. Paula, you are brave to reach out for help. Let us know how it goes... Shawn

Mandy, I loved your NSVs! Congrats on your one year anniversary. Isn't it hard to believe that you accomplished this much in a year? Shawn

How about some more info... 1. Have you been filled? 2. How restricted are you? Can you eat solid Protein? 3. Have you lost any weight? It is quite frustrating to eat hardly anything and not lose. The metabolism does play a part in our weight loss. I'm sorry for your frustration. Send us some info. and maybe we can give our "2 cents." Shawn

I am interested to see how this polls turns out. My surgeon doesn't like me to strictly count calories, but I do anyway! Shawn

Yes, I am usually strict about counting calories (software, fitday.com, etc) Yes, I loosely count calories, in my head. No, I never count calories.

Sharon, thanks for the nutritional info! It's worth the switch... Shawn