CCBSTX

I can understand your discouragement. It's also disappointing that your surgeon isn't more helpful regarding things. Please seek support, frequently, either through lapbandtalk, a local support group, or elsewhere. It helps to speak with other bandsters. We all will have ups and downs regarding weight loss. Once you find restriction, you won't be able to have seconds. However, for most of us, junk still goes down quite nice. Errr....Some people take months to find restriction. It is all very individual. Take care. Shawn

Glad that you're hear asking questions and doing research! The main thing about banding is the followup care that you receive. Followups can be frequent and it's important to find a surgeon, in the US, that can do your followups. I would think that this is especially important due to your disorder. Many folks are very happy with their Mexican surgeons. However, you WILL hear both sides. Put your surgeons name in the search area. Also, check out obesityhelp.com for additional info. Good luck. Shawn

The fact is that you've tried through counseling. Some relationship can never mend for the hurt is deep. Your children will eventually come to understand. The best thing, if you can muster, to do have as decent of a divorce as possible (not easy). Keep the kids out of the arguments and never speak ugly about each other, in front of them. That is the worst thing for a child (I know from my past). Take care of yourself. You sound like a strong person. Shawn

Good deal Poodles. I guess the realtors suggestions DID work! Wow. I was gonna say how it important to neutralize things in a house. Many folks do have a hard time imagining their stuff in your house, especially if it is a "busy" home. Congrats. Shawn

Judging from what your wrote, I'd error on the side of caution. There is no reason not to have a little saline removed. It will keep you from PBing (hopefully) and swelling (when you PB). Also, given that you are seeing him tomorrow, just get a bit removed. Nothing like being too-tight to ruin your day. I say this because you are getting the too restricted feeling while eating mushies. Once you go to the real food, then ouch! Good luck. Shawn

Hmm...I am where you are at. I am not sure if the last 10 pounds want to come off or if I will have to work really hard only to return to my present weight. I am eating more and probably could use another fill. However, I am doing well at maintaining and feel good at my present weight. However, I am like you. I too want to lose the pounds to have some wiggle room... Shawn

Sorry about the slip! I'm glad that you will resolve this soon, as I know it must be a "pain" to see yourself gaining. Take care, Shawn

Well, I don't have the same size band as you. However, I do know that once you get restriction, the line is very narrow. A .2cc can make you feel too tight! All you can do, is keep up on your fills. I know you have only 1cc left, but maybe .5 (or whatever) will do the trick. You never know. In the meantime, just go with it. The band may be too large for your stomach? Take care. Shawn

What state are you in? I know you're waiting for insurance to kick in, but make sure you get tended to....Knowing where you live, might be easier for us to point you in the right direction! Hope you are feeling better! Shawn

What you'll find is every person is very different when it comes to food vs. band! It depends upon your restriction as well (how tight your band is filled). I can eat most foods with no problem (slowly, chewing carefully). You will find that some doctors will be pro band, pro bypass...that goes for support groups as well. Make sure your support team is pro band, as there is nothing more frustrating then going to a doctor appointment with a negative vibe. Shawn

Molly, I am so glad that you came here for support! I am also glad that you have an appointment Friday regarding meds! Don't stop there! Get a recommendation, from your doctor, for a good counselor/psychologist. It sounds like depression, at one point or another, has always been in your life. Learning how to deal with stress, anxiety (a precursor to depression) will be a key. I went through a moderate depression, which gradually occurred post-banding. This summer was the worst! Thanks to my counselor and myself, I am on a better road. Weight loss was my trigger to depression. It brings up many issues with food, plus your body is going through change. Take care. Shawn

Like Alex said, it is very common to tolerate only a little fill, once you are refilled. It's a strange phenonmenon (sp?). I hope your reflex is better. Shawn

It must be quite scary for you! The mere mention of tumor. The fact that they are benign is good...Let us know, as you know more! Take care, Shawn

look under "hair loss" and search...you'll find lots of great info and feedback as this is VERY common. My thinned out but is now growing back. All my doctors said "it will grow back." Shawn

How much hair have you lost / percentage? 25% (growing back now) How long since your surgery? 1 year or so. Do you take a multivitamin EVERY day? Yes, faithfully. Do you take calcium EVERY day? Yes, faithfully. How many pounds do you lose a week? 1-2 pounds per week (avg) I took Bioton supplement for months, which I began 4 months post-banding. That was when I started to shed! I took it for 2 months faithfully. I had blood work done, which found out I was in the normal range for everything. My surgeon said it will grow back. It does. However, it doesn't help you when you are going through it!! Shawn

Hmm, I "had" PCOS prior to banding. I could go years without a period, however, that isn't healthy. So, my gyn. had me taking progesterone to kick start my cycles. Once, I was banded and began losing weight my cycles, without meds, have been monthly. Did you say that your cycles have been irregular since banding? Where they irregular prior to banding? This would have me stumped. As far as pregnancy is involved, my first was born when I was merely overweight and not diagnosed with PCOS. I had cycles but they were irregular. With my daughter 5 years later, I was obese and had been taking progesterone. Obviously, that must have helped me to get pregnant. No sure how healthy it is to take progesterone and then get pregnant? Put in a search for PCOS. It is quite common. Good luck. Shawn

Go Seppi! You can do it!!! Maybe put a ticker below your weight ticker...days not smoking.... Shawn

That's a great question.. 1) Some people take awhile to get restriction (w/fills/unfills) 2) Some bodies have been wrecked due to dieting and their metabolism is slow to "let go" of the pounds. 3) Some don't exercise 4) Some drink their calories (milkshakes, juices, etc) 5) Some still eat junk ( for many of us that's an easy meal) 6) Some may have other health issues (Cushing, etc) that hinder weight loss 7) Some are just lucky and motivated and very good bandsters and do quite well... Shawn

Don't keep em! Let em go!!! Sell, give them away, share them, but get them out of the house. Shawn

Let us know the details! When do you expect your banding? Are you doing it in the states? Did you have complications with the bypass? This is a great place to come for support. Please let us know how things go for you! Shawn

Dr. Chang will do your fills. He is located in Victoria, TX 1800-555-1555.

Oh Carlene, that was so sad for your doctor. If the chair was that precious, he shouldn't have had it out! GRRR.

I believe it's perfectly normal, in most instances. Your body is going through physical changes, surgery, lower calories, etc. Not to mention the head games that we are dealing with, when it comes to food. It's exhausting just thinking about. If things are really bad, it probably wouldn't hurt to have blood work to see where you stand. In case you are lacking something. I was very tired, when I was living on 800 calories. Once, I was able to up the calories, I felt alot better! Take care. Shawn

Good luck on your journey. It will be one guaranteed! It will be good if your focus continues to be on health and happiness. Your children will be ok, overweight or not! They have a mom, an advocate, on their side. She knows what it's like to be overweight. I can tell that you are focusing on your health and theirs, they will benefit from that! Continue the fun exercise and healthy eating. You are doing the right thing. I can tell how much you care!! Let us know how it all goes!! Shawn

Congrats! Happy pregnancy...Shawn