schampange

Schampange - Good luck tomorrow! Let us know how it goes!

Well' date=' on January 3, 2013 I had my all time highest weight of 211 lbs. Today, February 4th, one month later, I weighed in again at my doctor's office on the same scale - 203.8! Woo hoo! That is over 7 lbs in one month![/quote']

Congrats!! It feels amazing doesn't it ! My doc appointment went well. He unfilled me to check for slippage as that was the least expensive. So far so good, I have no heartburn YEA!! I can eat without getting sick, no drinking! This is great! So I and the doc believe I was just a little over filled. I go back in 6 to 8 weeks to start the process of finding the sweet spot. I am so glad it wasn't a slip cuz he said I would have to get it removed since it most likely happened over 2 years ago. Our body's change, so there it is. Oh by the way for any of you that have had a sharp pain in the port are, like a Charlie horse. The doc said it is most likely the port getting caught under the ribs, it goes back in place when u stretch backwards. So a good bit of info.. Thanks all for the support! Has anyone got the fb up and running?

Well all I have an appointment tomorrow with my surgeon, wish me luck!

Hello' date='

Just saw your post. I'm not in Lewistown, but I'm in Belgrade, MT. How long have you had your band? I got mine in Dec.2012 and had my first fill last week.[/quote']

Hello !,

I had my band done in May of 07. I have had two fills, both in the first year and none since. How are you doing with your weight loss so far? I haven't done to well for the last 2 years, gained 13lbs back that's bad enough lol. I am trying to get back on track.

I got banded yesterday jan 23' date='2013. So far I've had bad gas pain in my back and shoulders. I've been chewing gas x chewable a and using the strips. I was in more pain after surgery than I was prepared for so not to scare any of y'all away but just so you know because no one told me. I am not telling many people I got a lap band. Just my husband, mom and bf that was banded 3 years ago. I too would love to share our challenges as they come and triumphs! I just joined this forum today! I wish I would've known about it sooner.[/quote']

The pain you are feeling is most likely from the anaesthesia. When I woke up I thought they dropped me on my shoulder it hurt so bad! I found out from the doc the next day that it was from the gas, can settle in your shoulder's, it took a week or so for it to go away completely. Other than that I had very little pain other than the port area was very tender( couldn't lie on my side for a few weeks and couldn't lie flat on my back for about a week ). I slept on the couch propped up on pillows, was not to bad. I also found that when I stopped taking the pain and nausea meds I felt WAY better! I was banded 5 years ago good luck to you on your journey!

Anyone in Lewistown?

I only have 4.something ccs in my 10 cc band. I've tried going tighter' date=' but then I can't get much down, definitely not solid Protein. Sometimes even soft and mushies and liquids would come back up. My dr's nurse thinks it is weird and is always trying to get me to get fills. Although now I live 4 hours away and haven't seen her in a year. But, now that I am paying attention, I've noticed that sometimes food keeps me full for 4 hours, and other times it is more like 2.5. I'm wondering if I should try a fill. Although, since I've gained weight, I'm afraid to go back.[/quote']

Hmm I would call them up. Please don't make my mistakes, I haven't been to the doc in 4 years, gained 14lbs in the last year. I am going to the doc in the next month. I waited to long please don't do the same

You look absolutely amazing congrats!!! Hard work does pay off! You have inspired me to work even harder !

Does anyone have the 3cc band? I don't hear much about them. I have 2.5cc fill so extremely restrictive, I look back and before my last fill 4 years ago I was loosing more weight. Figures lol

My fb is Kerijeremiahames, look me up! Also my email is keriames1981@yahoo.com if anyone is interested in chatting that way to .. By the way my names Keri, female 31 from Montana. Nice to meet you all!

My fb is Kerijeremiahames, look me up! Also my email is keriames1981@yahoo.com if anyone is interested in chatting that way to

If we do a FB group can we do a locked group and you can allow people in- but there are lots of people I dont want knowing I am banded. Also can we make the name a sort of name that doesnt say lapband - because some people can see which groups you are in- even if they are locked- they just cant see your posts. Thanks

I returned to my doc this week after a year and half away from him. Almost back at my starting weight. He was sweet and compassionate about my struggles and said sometimes people just need to take a break and when you are ready- the band is waiting for you. He actual removed about 1 cc from my band- since I was having some pains. We did a barium swallow- showed a little reflux but band was in correct position and not slipped and also no dilation. I go in two weeks to get an EGD done (scope) just to see if I have erosion- he doesnt think I do- but just to be safe.

I have no restriction right now. I could eat bread! I am amazed that 1 cc made a huge difference. I have 8 in my 10cc band.

Pain is better now.

I just struggle so much and love reading post like yours that make me feel I am not alone.

I think a private fb would be great, does anyone know how to get it up and running?

It's great to have people to talk to about our ups and downs. I hope all goes well with your dr app. I know for me going back after 4 years is a bit intimidating . I hope it goes well, my doc wasn't much for bedside manner but a good guy none the less. Today I realy made the effort to eat like I am supposed to, I had egg white omelet with mushrooms onion and cheese. A half slice of toast. Did good, didn't drink more than a half cup of coffee. About an half hour 45 min later I got the blocked feeling, waited as long as I could stand then had to vomit. Horrible!!! So much for the right food choices. I waited 3 hours and had a half Turkey sand w cheese no bread. Kept that down for 3 hours but still feels like its sitting there, heartburn! So discouraging, looking froward to seeing the doc soon!

I think I am asking for an unfill and to check and make sure I didn't slip my band with all this vomiting. Wish me luck bandsters:)!

If we do a FB group can we do a locked group and you can allow people in- but there are lots of people I dont want knowing I am banded. Also can we make the name a sort of name that doesnt say lapband - because some people can see which groups you are in- even if they are locked- they just cant see your posts. Thanks

I returned to my doc this week after a year and half away from him. Almost back at my starting weight. He was sweet and compassionate about my struggles and said sometimes people just need to take a break and when you are ready- the band is waiting for you. He actual removed about 1 cc from my band- since I was having some pains. We did a barium swallow- showed a little reflux but band was in correct position and not slipped and also no dilation. I go in two weeks to get an EGD done (scope) just to see if I have erosion- he doesnt think I do- but just to be safe.

I have no restriction right now. I could eat bread! I am amazed that 1 cc made a huge difference. I have 8 in my 10cc band.

Pain is better now.

I just struggle so much and love reading post like yours that make me feel I am not alone.

I think a private fb would be great, does anyone know how to get it up and running?

It's great to have people to talk to about our ups and downs. I hope all goes well with your dr app. I know for me going back after 4 years is a bit intimidating . I hope it goes well, my doc wasn't much for bedside manner but a good guy none the less. Today I realy made the effort to eat like I am supposed to, I had egg white omelet with mushrooms onion and cheese. A half slice of toast. Did good, didn't drink more than a half cup of coffee. About an half hour 45 min later I got the blocked feeling, waited as long as I could stand then had to vomit. Horrible!!! So much for the right food choices. I waited 3 hours and had a half Turkey sand w cheese no bread. Kept that down for 3 hours but still feels like its sitting there, heartburn! So discouraging, looking froward to seeing the doc soon!

I think I am asking for an unfill and to check and make sure I didn't slip my band with all this vo!miting. Wish me luck bandsters:)!

Ok' date=' i have an idea. Is everyone on here on Facebook? I can start a group for us... im not on here like i am on fb. No one is a failure. I think we need to help each other and hold each other accountable. Or, maybe we can each pick a buddy and text/talk on the phone. Weight loss is a journey... we are not failures. The lapband is tough, u cant prepare for it. I had so many people tell me this was going to change my life and u wake up from surgery expecting instant results and it takes time....

Let me know what you all think.[/quote']

I am in! I am on fb alot more than here, I think it would be great!

Yay for weight watchers. I've thought about trying it again. I was good for about a 20 pounds weight loss' date=' but at that time thw meetings were too expensive. I might try it again[/quote']

I have thought about it and nutri system, looks expensive! Maybe worth it tho?!

I was just diagnosed with a completely flipped port. Having revision surgery this Wednesday. The only difference I can feel is a slight twinge of pain when I lay on the port side.

I have no restriction or reflux at all.

That's why it is so important to go to Dr. Living with reflux is not good.

Just explain to the Dr. that you fell on hard times and didn't have the money' date=' which I'm sorry you're going through that, its rough. 6yrs ago my husband was self employed and we had no insurance, you just don't go to the Dr.

What happened to the days no one had health insurance and anyone could go to a Dr? Miss them days.

Keep us posted.[/quote']

Do they do the revision in the office or do you go under anaesthesia? I have been wondering about that... Do you know how much it costs?

I agree with everyone' date=' see the doc! I can't speak to the port pain because I'm still pre-op but I have been experimenting with lots of different ways to make the Protein Powder shakes taste better!

If you don't have one, I would get one of the mini handheld blenders, they're not too expensive and work great for camping or traveling. Blending tastes better than shaking!

I've found that Greek yogurt really helps cut the chalky taste so I've been using a combo of Water and greek yogurt (non-fat, high in protein!)

Other tricks...

Add flavor drops. I use the ones found in the water aisle (Dasani, Mio), nice and tiny for carrying around and you can add a no-calorie flavor to your shake.< /p>

Citrus juice, straight from the fruit so no added sugar. It may sound gross to add lemon, lime or grapefruit to a vanilla flavored Protein powder but it works, the acid cuts the powdery flavor.

A little Peanut Butter. Adds protein and lots of flavor, especially yummy with chocolate flavored protein powder.

Pre-made shakes. They can be expensive but my nutritionist recommended a brand that costco carries, Premier. It's more affordable to buy in bulk. Ordering online at Amazon.com can also be cheaper than picking them up in a drugstore or grocery store. They don't have to be refrigerated until you're ready to drink one so that might be good for when you're on the road and faced with only fast food options.

Good luck!![/quote']

Thank you for all the great ideas! I would have never thought of yogurt awesomeness!

Schampange - I'm sorry to hear you are having trouble with your band. It sounds like you are way too tight! I hope you get in to see the doctor soon.

Update about my progress:

I know I'm eating way too much. My band lets me eat a good sized dinner. For example' date=' tonight I had a slice of meatloaf and about a cup of sweet potato. That is about 2 cups of food. I know I shouldn't be able to eat 2 cups of food! But, if I go any tighter I end up on soft and mushies and throw up all the time. As it is I throw up a few days a week now. I'm confused about how it is so hard to get food down sometimes, but I also have such little restriction as far as how much I can eat. If anyone has any thoughts on this, I'd love to hear.

I fell off the wagon with my super strict paleo diet. I've made a few adjustments to make it a little more do-able (added dairy back in) and am back on track as of today. I'm also committing to track my calories every day. I waffle back and forth about what is more important to count, carbs or calories. I'm still not sure. I also didn't exercise last week. I tweaked my back on Sunday and took a few days off. I'm headed back to yoga tomorrow and took a 45 minute walk today.

I'm miserable in this body. I'm weighing in between 204 - 209 depending on the time of day. I hardly have any clothes that fit, my face is fat, I feel icky. I've got to get some weight off! I feel so frustrated! I thought I had weight loss surgery so that I'd quit having to diet all the time and quit being fat!

-Hilary[/quote']

Hi Hilary,

What is the paleo diet? I am frightened of the word DIET, I have either failed or been failed by diets. I have been heavy since age 5. Yo yo all the way thru life until the band. I know now all that dieting did was cause me to have eating disorders. I was a binge eater, still am but with the band it's easier to control. I look back now and see what where I failed myself, eating large amounts of food for days then starve for weeks. NOT healthy at all and I have the stretch marks and dr history to prove it . Plain and simple I was an unhappy depressed child adolescent and young adult with little to no support at least not helpful support. A unhealthy family life and so on contributed greatly. I look back and realize that being heavy was my way of keeping people away, totally the opposite of what my heart wanted, trauma does that i now know. Any way I didn't mean to go on and on but we all have an underlining reason be it medical or what have you to be heavy, its not always if ever laziness

Aloudwisper, Things will work out, they always do as long as we do our best and don't stop believing in our selves we WILL succeeded!

Thank you everyone! I will move forward Today was not a good day. We stayed in a hotel last night, no food except the vending machine so needless to say I had junk for dinner, skittles and a cupcake. This morning we missed Breakfast so nothing to eat but a few Cheetos. Finally got a load around 2 we were all loaded and headed to the trk stop for some lunch. I had the buffet, nasty! I had a little salad, some mashed potatoes and some kind of meatball. I stuffed myself, i ate four meatballs and a bite of some mack and cheese. Cornbread with honey, 2 bites. I drank 1 lrg cup of sweet tea. Yup writing it down really does make a difference. I guess other than everything but the meatballs were garbage foods. I ate app 2 cups, way to much. Note to self get some Protein Shakes in the truck! Accountability!

I hear you, sometimes emotional problems get the best of us for a minute. I am working thru some problems myself and food used to be my crutch, now I loose my appetite completely when i am emotionally crazed lol. I was so lookung foward to loosing the weight, I have alot if loose flabby skin on my back and tummy. Was awaiting my final surgery's to have a half way decent body, ok maybe not halfway with all the stretch marks but at least look a little better in my clothes lol. I am totally to blame, i should have figured out a way to see the dr. Find a nutritionist and so on. Its great to vent

Its really strange but when I eat my side hurts, just above the port. The port itself has always been a little tender. But now if I bend down with pressure ie screwing on of those dog steaks into the ground i get a horrific pain in my left side, like a charlie horse. It goes away after a few min of stretching, maybe just scar tissue tearing?

Go see your doc asap! Swelling and pain on the left side can mean erosion or infection. Don't wait please this is not something to hesitate on. Keep us posted

Hello everyone, I had the band in 07. Weight at time of banding 234, current weight 186, lowest weight with band 173. I fell off the wagon, have had multiple complications but have not been back to the doc since 1 year post op due to financial problems. I have decided to go back in within the next 30 days to get checked out, get an unfill if he can since my port seems to have flipped sideways. I just love that you all are supporting each other, I would like to become a part of the group ! My goals: get back to dr., figure out what is causing the complications and fix it, regain control of my eating habit's, start exercise more and get to my goal weight of 147-155 or where the doc said 150-160. I drink when i eat so i can get more than 2 small bites down, i eat the way wrong foods, I crave sugar and carbs all the time. Protein even shakes are hard to keep down. Miserable just miserable, I cannot wait to get this figured out. I await your advice critiques

Thats not to bad, my doc is 200 just to walk thru the door ... I am soo sick of the pain, getting sick and the heartburn I can hardly deal anymore. I have Poly cystic ovarian disease to and I was reading some posts that explain or have the same symptoms I do ( weight gain, major Hair loss, acne and abnormal hair growth). Does anyone know if there is special meds other than birth control or diet for this?

Thats not to bad, my doc is 200 just to walk thru the door ... I am soo sick of the pain, getting sick and the heartburn I can hardly deal anymore. I have Poly cystic ovarian disease to and I was reading some posts that explain or have the same symptoms I do ( weight gain, major Hair loss, acne and abnormal hair growth). Does anyone know if there is special meds other than birth control or diet for this?