CCBSTX

Whew! Good move, on your part, to see another doctor in Dallas. My doc uses lidocaine also. One minor stick, is all it takes. I am not sure, if it helps, as other say the fill alone is virtually painless. However, at least psychologically, I think it's going to be painless anyway, since I have the lidocaine. Shawn

Reeneea, I agree with Heathergurl. Take the warm sips and call your Dr. if you can't get a good amount of fluid in... I was really swollen after banding, if fact after surgery for a few days, all of my liquids would go "gurgle, gurgle" when they came down. The gas (shoulder pain and all) is the worse part, I had it for around a week. Each day, it should get better. Also, try a heating pad. Congrat!! Let us know, how you're doing. Shawn

I sometimes feel the same way, "how can others expect anything of me, when I can't control my hand from putting food in my mouth." Well, I am slowly learning. However, I want to be less harsh on myself. Everyone is worthy of human dignity, including ourselves. I try to remember this. Yes, at moments, being overweight is embarrassing. Fortunately, we have taken a measure of control back and now we must march on! We are worth it!!!!!!!!!! Shawn

Tell your friend, that they need counseling before this "stress" thing get out of hand. By law, teachers, administrators are supposed to report to CPS is there is a SUSPICION of child abuse (or else they can be held liable). If the 12 year old is telling friend, it may have already ended up w/ CPS?? Hopefully, the family can get help. If not, keep your "ears" open for any further signs. If there are....then you must report. My opinion. Shawn

HI Gina! Yep, we also sometimes get the hair shedding or falling out! Isn't it lovely? Hmmm. Well, there are several reasons that I found might be possible causes. Here are some one that I found.... 1) Surgery-several months after, you can see a loss due to the "shock" 2) Not enough Protein in your diet or other Vitamins (take a supplement) 3) Weight loss itself, if it is quick... Here is a website AAD - Hair Loss , that helps to explain the process. I'm 9 months out, and have been dealing w/my shedding for 5 months. It has calmed down, but I still have some (more than usual). I am figuring, that as long as I am losing weight, that I may have some more than usual. good luck..Shawn

Vicki, that is the BEST news! I am imagine you life has already changed dramatically, not having to choke down a mouthful of pills! What a high!!!!!!!!!! Shawn

Get an attorney. You'd be suprised, how easy is is to transfer permanent guardianship over to a family (your cousin). Especially, with parental consent. Then they can pursue adoption. In the adoption process, usually a social worker is involved. Either way, you'll need an attorney. I've been through this w/a family friend. Good luck. Shawn

What a beautiful message! It's wonderful to hear about your success...Shawn

If you are having trouble eating most solid foods, then get a partial unfill. You will feel better and not "worry" when you are in Costa Rica. Make your trip enjoyable either way!!! Shawn

Look up Vinesqueen. I believe she is from Idaho and can help you with a follow up doctor. Make sure that you have good followup care for fills/unfills and problems. It is very important to have someone to help you, if complications arise. Good luck. Shawn

Hello Kristin, you are doing well and typical. Many folks don't lose until they fill restriction through their fills. Eventually, you will feel it and have no choice but to limit intake. I also use, fitday.com to log in my calories and activies (free). This helps me know approx. what I am eating for calories/nutrition. Try this for a day or so and see where you are at. I don't wait an hour after meals. I wait 30 minutes, as that is what my surgeon has recommended. It seems that doctors all have different rules. I try to follow as best as I can, but I am not perfect....that's why I had the band installed. Anyway, good luck. The band restriction is kinda fickle at times. Give yourself time. Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Shawn

Go Pat! Keep that surgeons appointment. You will be glad that you did. Get yourself as educated as you can. Sometimes, fear of the unknown, is worse than the actual reality!!! You already know that saying. Speak to the surgeon and see what he has to say. Ask questions. I've also been an emotional eater and over eater. The band has helped me limit my quanities. I've lost 76 pounds in 9 months and have another 20 or so to go. I still have my moments of emotional eating, however I can't eat NEAR the amounts of pre-band. Shawn

Ashagirl, great that everything is going well! Aren't liquids great???? NOT!! Congrats to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep coming around for support. We're here for ya!! Shawn

Hmm. I've lost 76 pounds and would like to lose an additional 20 pounds or so. My skin hasn't done all that bad, but I do have some loose areas at my inner thighs, and arms. My boobs and butt have dropped as well. Overall, I think I can live with it all as I am healthier and look good in my clothes. Shawn

Gina, you are doing well with little cheating and regular exercise. You should be proud! Maybe your quantities are high and need a fill? Maybe log in your calories and activities for awhile and see what's going in and out. Try fitday.com, it's free and easy. Good luck. Shawn

So glad to hear how successfull you are and feel! Great NSV's. Shawn

Jayger, you are on FIRE!!! I am having trouble getting out of the 180's, it seems my food quantity has increased...Oh well, a fill is scheduled for June 7th. I'll be satisfied w/160 as an ending point, however, I still have my goal (ticker-wise) as 150. I just have to play this one by ear and see how I look. I am wondering... when you shop in the regular dept. vs. plus size, do you almost feel "lost" as to what to look for or what size? I can never believe that I am trying on size 12's. It's like, "these aren't going to fit." They end up fitting. Shawn

Susan, so happy to hear you made it to your doctor. It must be a great relief! Dr. Chang does all of the fills/unfills himself. You'll have a nurse also with him to help assist. Basically, he is always "right on the money" with finding my port. You'll lay down, with a pillow under your back, and a nurse at your head. She'll hold the cup of Water w/a straw. He'll tell you to keep sipping until you find your spot. I tend to not like to be too tight. I like a conservative fill. He'll listen to you. Ahead of the fill, he'll ask "how many cups you can eat." I go in for a fill next week. I plan on asking for a .2cc fill as I don't want to be too tight. He is a to-the-point surgeon, but very knowledgeable. Definetely, you don't feel the rush of the "cattle call" experience. Glad you're ok. Shawn

Advice: At the beginning or pre-op tell those that you feel will be supportive. I only told my husband, kids, mother, mother/father-in law, and best friend. I've taken up my "healthy" lifestyle last summer and THAT is how I lost the weight. If I felt someone would benefit, from my info., I would tell. For instance, I ended up telling my brother and sister-in-law as I felt he might benefit from my experience. It has really perked up his curiosity and he occasionally asks questions. I am not pushy though. It truly is a personal decision. Go w/your gut! Shawn

I went through the same thing. No sense in going through misery, after eating 2 bites. Not worth it for me, pain-wise or nutrition-wise. A little bit of an unfill, and you will say "ahhh." Shawn

Susan, this is my thinking. Make an appt. with now, to see your doctor tomorrow. It sounds as if you are a little too tight and need a slight unfill. Your stoma (opening) is getting a bit agitated. If you aren't too tight, when you see the doctor...then he can still check you out. Often our bands are fickle, during certain times of the day. It may be better this evening. Keep trying to drink your liquids. I know it's bit of a drive, but it will be worth piece of mind. See your doctor. Good luck. Let us know, how it turns out. Shawn

Thanks to you all! This is a well-laid-out message board. Easy to read and well maintained. Thanks guys! Shawn

It sounds like you are swollen. Keep on the liquids for a day and see. If you are having trouble keeping liquids down, then you may need a slight unfill. Good luck. Shawn

Wow...The band has already potentially saved your life, and you don't have it yet!!!! It's wonderful that this was caught and you can have it corrected. Take care of yourself. Shawn

OK! First test=NO Pregnancy Detected Retest=JANET RENO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG...Shawn