CCBSTX

Many thoughts and prayers for Emily and your family...Shawn

Can you get anymore fills? Not sure how much a VG band will hold... I feel bad for you..I feel your frustration. It's like you are in band "hell." Keep pestering that surgeon. Listen, you have nothing to feel bad for. If you don't feel restriction than you don't feel restriction. No person, with a properly restricted band can eat as much as a loaf of bread+. By the way, with no restriction you have done INCREDIBLE... Shawn

I'd get check out by your ob/gyn and get an opinion from her/him. As folks have already said, fertility decreases as we age. We are born with as many eggs as we'll ever have. Of course, its a personal decision. Good luck. Shawn

I also went to my first WLS meeting before banding. Not only was I the ONLY potential bander present, there were NO banders at the meeting. After going around introducing ourselves, and me telling a brief synopsis, someone in the meeting "suggests" that I "rethink" the band. She gives me her side, as a RNY'er, how dangerous it is and potentional problems in car-accident, etc. Several folks were shaking their head in agreement. I don't mind saying, that evening, I was pissed. I was ganged up for my decisions. The moderator was no help as well. Last point: Most folks, no matter what WLS, would do their surgery again. It's human nature to think we've made the correct decision. I KNOW that I've made the correct decision for me!!! Shawn

I may have a different philosophy...During the healing weeks, I thought of my own children. If they had a surgery and the surgeons orders were _____. Then I would make sure they'd take care of themselves. Take care of yourself and the band. Let it heal, in place, and not be disturbed. I also, feel that I can lose weight and eat for "fun" on occasion. I am trying to learn moderation and the band helps me for that purpose. Counting calories, during my losing stage, helps me figure what I can have for "fun." Just a thought. Shawn

Keep sipping slowly and frequently. It's great that you are holding things down. So sorry about the pain, if ever in doubt call your surgeon! It's normal, especially returning to activity to feel sore, gurgling with drink. You are very early, in your healing, give it some time. Try not to overdue things! Again, maybe a call to your surgeon. Perhaps, you have a followup appt. soon? Shawn

Once restricted, it's uncomfortable to overeat solids. Of course, the milkshakes and junk slide right through! Shawn

Bless your heart! You must have been really bad off...I am constantly trying to eat the veggies and Water. I've added Benefiber granules every day for extra Fiber (tasteless). Plus, if I am having some trouble going I take a stool softener and wait for awhile. I am in constant battle with my colon for the first time in my life. Things aren't as "easy" as before. Good luck. Shawn

I would suggest that you line up a person to help or take the kids for a few days. If you don't need them, as much, then great! Considering you have a 2 year old, that probably won't understand. It will be a confort to you. It's no telling, how you are gonna feel. The first day home, I just wanted to sleep and take my Tylenol. Every day, it got better (especially on the 4th day). Good luck. Shawn

My restriction is also ever-changing. I HATE the feeling of being too restricted. My restriction, after a fill doesn't usually kick in until a week or two. Anyway, I am thinking along the same lines as you regarding the shower incident-low blood sugar. It's funny how "fickle" the band is, even among some of the older bandsters. Not older, but wiser??? You know what I mean.

Congrats on your date and future banding!!! I started cutting out/down my extreme snacking (bag of Cookies, etc). I tried to eat like a bandster, but more, of course. 3 meals a day with limited Snacks. I ended up losing about 6 pounds in a month. Exercise, no matter how little makes a difference. Park further away, in parking lots. Do whatever you can. Good luck. Shawn

PHooey, those scales! Well, when I come to that point I ask myself a couple of questions: 1) Am I mostly eating hard protein first? (for fullness) 2) Can I change up my diet and exercise to spark my weightloss? (exercise more or different, add a meal or snack) Sometimes, I stop losing for a few weeks. Then, BAMM it comes off almost overnight (2-3 pounds). Give a little more time, then schedule a fill. Your surgeon and you can decide together.. You are doing terrific! Shawn

I try to change "it" up! Like you said, exercise more or do a different exercise for awhile. Eat more calories (if I am low) or eat more frequently. Usually my plateau will last a week or two and when I'm off of it, I lose 2-3 pounds almost overnight. Shawn

1) Try to sell-private party for what you owe. 2) Trade it in for a cheaper car. Good luck. Shawn

What a lovely idea! Explain to your Mom, the things you told us. Tell her this is something that you and your husband want to do, out of love. Shawn

No fluro here either. Just some lidocaine to numb the area, and bamm he pops the needle in and it's done. REALLY uneventful. Shawn

Sunta, bless your heart! We've all been there. I only had 2 weeks and CRAVED scrambled eggs. Boy was it a surprise when I finally had some and had (3) bites! Ask your surgeon, either he gives you the OK or doesn't. My surgeon told me to go for it 2 days early. Whooppee!!! Personally, I would start with some cottage cheese and chew, chew. You're doing wonderful!!!! Shawn

I am sort of "playing it by ear." I set a 150lb goal, but I am taking it 10 pounds at a time. I'm 194 now and set my goals small and realistic with "wiggle room." My next goal is 193 by April 1st. I'll make that with no problem. Next goal will probably 183 by June 1.

Alot of things work-temporarily (cabbage diet, champagne and cigarettes diet, Atkins, etc.). You probably won't take the Xenical forever, then what?

Don't be discouraged. It could be that your fills haven't been there when you needed it. Get a referral from your surgeon. Begin a new relationship, with a new surgeon. The wonderful thing about the band, it allows you to get on track like a newbie!! Good luck. Shawn

That's funny, I was thinking the same thing around 50 lbs. The only folks that would comment, were those who knew I had WLS. I felt it was them giving me positive reinforcement! The true compliment would be when folks, that I didn't tell would give me compliments. Well, it happened! Last weekend, I saw my husband's coworkers at an amusement park-for company day. The next workday, they were coming into my husband's office. "What happened to Shawn, she has lost sooo much weight. She looks terrific!" Every single person, that had seen me walked into his office. They said they didn't know what to say and were shocked at the time, to say it to me. I've down almost 65 pounds now. Just wait, your time will come!!!! Shawn

Turning 40 and see my future as even MORE overweight, and all that entails. If I am going to live another 30-40 years, I'd like my life to be full. Shawn

Your body=Your decision Tell them, with love, how your they can either accept that you make decisions on your behalf or they will need to learn to deal with it! You are an adult. It's their loss, if they CHOOSE to have nothing to do with you.

Take the minimal things with you (no jewelry, taxi money, etc.). Ask a nurse to watch it for you, while in surgery. Then, after surgery it can be brought into your room. Good luck. Shawn

I've been banded for almost 6 months. So far so good, my weight loss has been steady. I log my food daily, on Fitday.com, and that has been helpful in keeping my nutritional needs and calories in check (protein, fiber, etc). However, my energy level isn't great at all. I feel the same, energy-wise, as I did 60 pounds ago. Yuk. My surgeon said, if I like, he can be me B12 shots. He wasn't sure how well they work for his gastric bypass patients. He said "some can't notice the difference and others swear by them." I said I'd give it some thought. I am wondering if B12 vitamins give the same effect, after a month of use? Anybody else like me? Losing weight and no energy. Shawn