yankeerobin

All I can say is - I'm right there with you!!! I am having a PMS day and will cut the throat of anyone who dare look at me wrong today. haha! I hate feeling like this, I hate that I'm so mean and vicious to those around me, but, man... they all deserve it! ok, maybe not. I really hate being a woman sometimes. I know when I'm being a bit**, I can feel myself saying all the wrong horrible things, but, i can't stop myself. I know I'll get better, and so will you - we just have these FABULOUS hormones to deal with first. GRRRRRRRRRRRR Let's eat a twinkie and start over tomorrow :mad:

I completely agree! I am formally one of those people who were "jealous" of those who have had WLS, and accused them of taking the easy way out. Looking back - it was jealousy (although, I never would have admitted it at the time!). Now that I'm on the other side, I'd like to kick my own butt! This is hardly the easy way out. I dont think people will ever understand until they've walked in our shoes. Talk about "eating my words!"

PS - GREAT JOB NANCY!!!!!!!! 32 pounds is absolutely fabulous! I'm losing very slowly as well (compared to others), but, at least it's going down! My mom always says.. "any negative is a positive". Kind of annoying, but, makes sense :frown: I joined weight watchers w/ my sister last week (went for my first weigh in last night) I lost 2 lbs this week. I'm thinking the weekly weigh-in's will certainly make me more accountable - and S-U-R-P-R-I-S-E, i was eating more than I thought i was. I like the journaling, it's a pain in the neck, but, seems to be working. My sister had GB 5 years ago (has gained back 50 lbs), I had lapband 3 months ago - needless to say we have not told a soul at Weight Watchers. We'll be the biggest losers of the group - yeah us! Gold Star! We're a couple of bit**es', what can i say. hehe!

Hi again - ok, I had my 4th fill yesterday. My fills are always done under fluro (?) - that X-Ray thing. Anyway, as she was watching the barium swallow travel down, she asked "are you able to eat meat right now"? I smiled and said.. "ummm, kinda". I think she was surprised at the amount of restriction I had prior to yesterday's fill, and probably suspected I didn't need a fill at all. I was nervous going in, I do have serious trouble eating anything in the morning and early afternoon, but after 3pm - LOOK OUT! So, I figured a small fill was in order, right?? She gave me .2 cc's, bringing my total to 5.7 in a 10cc band. If it's to tight, I'll definitely have some removed. It's to soon to tell right now. Just amazes me how different we all are. Most of you have 7cc's in a 10cc band, and are thrilled. I think 6cc's would put me over the edge. Crazy band, huh?

Hi Nancy, I go for my 4th fill tomorrow. I am currently 5.5cc in a 10cc band. I was a little nervous about getting more put in - I'm VERY restricted in the morning (not so much at night). I see that you have 7cc's now - that makes me feel better. I'll probably get bumped up to 6 tomorrow.... I think that will make a difference. We were banded the same day - how much have ya lost so far?? GOOD LUCK to both of US!!!!

GREAT JOB! What a huge difference in your "before" picture and the new you! PS - your accent made me soooo homesick! I'm a transplant to Texas from Stoughton - listening to you was like a slice of home

GREAT JOB! What a huge difference in your "before" picture and the new you! PS - your accent made me soooo homesick! I'm a transplant to Texas from Stoughton - listening to you was like a slice of home

It seems we're all playing "follow the leader" with our journey. We were all excited with anticipation, then somewhat disappointed roughly 1 month out... and here we are over 3 months later. Just wondering how everyone else is doing? How many fills? How much have you lost? How many cc's in your band? Are you happy, or still in the "Bandster Hell" phase? Personally, I'm finally liking the band. I was NOT a big fan at first (felt as though it wasn't working at all!). After 3 fills (5.5 CC's in a AP Small band), I finally feel content. I'm slowly losing, and I'm confident I'll pick up the pace after my next fill (2 weeks). It was long and agonizing waiting for restriction - but, I can honestly say the "sweet spot" is within view. I hope you're all starting to make nice with your bands too! :smile:

Just something silly I've realized in the last 3-4 weeks.... I used to HATE being seated by the bathroom when eating out.. now, I cross my fingers in hopes I'll get the table closest to the ladies room! After 3 fills, and still relatively new to the band-life, I'm learning one thing for sure - NEVER STRAY TO FAR FROM THE BATHROOM! I haven't quite clued in to my body's "soft stop" messages.. "stop eating now". I'm pretty good at ignoring those subtle hints, and before long I'm mapping out the quickest route to the bathroom. So, even if my body changes are slow moving, at least I can say I've changed my seating preferences in restaurants.

I'm not sure how everyone's fills are done, but thought I'd pass this along. My surgeon requests 4 weeks between each fill (I think that's standard) - however I didn't quite last the 4 weeks between fills 1 & 2. I was sooo discouraged with fill #1, so I just called the office and made the appointment for #2 only 3 weeks out. They did it. No problem at all. I'm not saying you should sneak behind your surgeons back and set your own schedule. I'm just saying give or take a week might not be a big deal. If you're right at the threshold, make the appointment. All they can say is "no". Like I said - there is no mistaking true restriction. Once you're there, you'll know what this band is all about. Just getting there is the hard part.

I can totally relate to all those who have had just 1 fill and eagerly awaiting the second. I had my mind set on that first fill - thinking that would make all the difference - I was sooo wrong and soooo disappointed. My doctor put only 3cc's the first go round - didn't feel any different. Ok, well - maybe a tiny bit, but, certainly not $15k worth. Second fill was 2 additional CC's - 5 total. That was a HUGE difference. Who would think 2 little CC's could change everything. I'm thrilled with it now. Just hang in there my friends - you'll soon have that "Oh my God - I'm going to explode!" feeling. You'll love it too! haha Soup and Protein shakes will become your best friend!

Well - without being overly graphic.. sliming is when something gets stuck on the way to your stomach, and your body produces lots and lots of saliva and mucas to try and get it down. The icky part is - it doesn't work. The saliva and mucas end up puddling in your mouth and you have to constantly spit it out. It's really gross and I recommend trying to avoid if at all possible. ICK! I was in NYC over the weekend and ate a small corner of a street vendor soft pretzel. It got stuck and I was in misery!! I had no where to hide and was ducking behind cars trying to spit it up. It was so "un-lady like!". I hope to NEVER feel that pain again!

Now I finally see what all the fuss is about. I think I'm liking the band now - FINALLY! I got my 2nd fill last week, and now have 5cc's in my 10cc AP Small Band. All I can say is..... YOWZA!!!! I had my first PB, my first true "stuck" experience - and I loved it. Crazy, but true. Don't get me wrong, the pain was almost unbearable, but for the first time since surgery I felt like something was finally done. I was starting to think my surgeon didn't actually put the band in, it was all just a dream or something. I still haven't weighed myself - I hate my scale and haven't stepped on in weeks. I get sooo depressed when I don't see a change, and my scale and I are not on speaking terms right now. I think I'll get up the nerve to step on in a few days. We'll see. For those who are experiencing frustration (believe me, I did!!!) - hang in there. There is no mistaking true restriction. You'll know it when it happens. There is a light at the end of the tunnel - dont give up hope. I'm blissfully PB'ing and sliming and all those horrible things we shouldn't do. I'm learning that bread is the enemy and drinking anything while eating is a huge mistake. I think I will end up loving this band, even though we got off to a very rocky start Re-newed hope is a wonderful thing!

Hi Tulip, I was banded by Dr. Marsden on Oct 19th. Now I'm all freaked out about my port flipping.. YIKES! I guess time will tell, huh? I wonder if he used the dissolvable stitches on me, or if he used regular. Any idea when he switched? I'm glad the revision surgery went well - hopefully you'll be up and around in no time! Best of luck to you.

Just like everything else, if you want it bad enough, you'll do it. When the time is right, you'll make it stick. Often it takes SEVERAL attempts to quit (just like several attempts to lose weight). I think I "quit" at least 7 times last year alone. I haven't smoked in almost 3 months now. I think this time it actually stuck. I'll never be a "non-smoker", always a "reformed smoker". I think I'll always want one, but, I can promise you it does get easier as time goes by. I think I've made it over the hump (first month or so is BAD BAD BAD). Just keep trying - one day it will stick for you too! You're worth the effort. Best of luck

You should be so proud of yourself! That's absolutely wonderful! Congratulations!!!!

Hi there - I live in Keller and was banded 4 weeks ago by Dr. Marsden. I went to the surgery center in Hurst (right off Harwood and Precinct Line Rd). I arrived at Dr. Marsden via "Lap Band Solutions" (Lap-Band Weight Loss Surgery Solutions) My experience there was great, and Dr. Marsden was great. It's funny, I didn't have much interaction with Dr. Marsden himself, but, his staff is wonderful. The nurses are the ones who calm your nerves, talk you through all the fears and help with all the anxiety. I'm a BIG BIG chicken when it comes to anything medical (I don't even watch ER or Grey's Anatomy!). Anyway, just thought you might like another option, or another doctor to consider. His staff is wonderful, they were all banded and are soooo nice to deal with. I don't care if the doctor himself has a great personality, as long as he can perform surgery and do it right! haha! Here's Dr. Marsden's info: The one of the top LAP-BAND® surgeon in DFW , John Marsden, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a native of Mineral Wells, Texas. He attended Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth, graduating with highest honors with a degree in Biology and Chemistry. He then completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. As a senior medical student, due to placing in the top of his class, Dr. Marsden was able to obtain surgical externships at Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, St. Paul Hospital in Dallas, and Breckenridge Hospital in Austin. Dr. Marsden went on to complete his surgical training at Texas A&M University hospitals in Temple, Texas, where he distinguished himself by being named chief surgical resident his 5th year. After successfully obtaining board certification by the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Marsden completed a prestigious Cardiovascular Fellowship with the world renowned heart surgeon, Dr. Michael E. Debakey in Houston, Texas. Dr. Marsden then moved to North Texas and began a private surgical practice. Dr. Marsden was first certified in laparoscopic surgery in 1990 and has performed over 2000 laparoscopic procedures. He has performed surgery in multiple cities including Houston and Dallas. Currently, Dr. Marsden performs the lap band surgery at the Specialty Surgery Center in Hurst. Dr. Marsden is a member of countless medical societies including The American Medical Association, The Southwestern Surgical Congress, The American Society of Endovascular Surgery, The American Society of Gastric Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons.

Thanks you guys (sniff-sniff). These are the struggles that only fellow bandsters could possibly understand. Everyone has been on a diet, and everyone has hit a plateau - but, when you've had weight loss surgery, it's expected that you lose continually and never have to struggle again. What a misconception that is! This is far more frustrating due to the fact that I did undergo WLS and I'm still not losing. My sister had gastric bypass 6 years ago, and I remember her dropping weight left and right - over night without trying! I know it's apples to oranges, but just makes me jealous of those folks. Know what I mean? Ok - so, keep my chin up. Keep trying, and keep my eye on the prize. I'll get there.. might take longer than some, but I'll get there. We all will. (applause applause applause!) haha

I know - I know... I've read all the posts and I know the time between surgery and your first fill is bad news - but COME ON! Three weeks (3!!) without losing a single miserable pound. I've been walking 5x p/week, eating like a bird (ok, maybe an occasional tootsie roll from the Halloween leftovers) - but, still! I'm still eating 1/2 of what I used to, plus walking - NOTHING! Should I be losing something being so darn fat?? I'm just not friend of the band right now. I hope we can make-up soon. My first fill is today. I'd like to say I'm excited, but, I'm not. I think I'm destined to be fat forever (start the violins). Just feeling blue I guess - and MAD!

Hi there, I was banded October 19th, 2007! Best of luck to us all!!! Yankeerobin (Robin)

Hello - I hope your healing goes well! I'm banded 3 weeks today (Oct 19th). My port area is still sore sometimes, I think it takes a good 4 weeks (or more) to totally heal that area. Don't get me wrong, it's MUCH better now than 1 week post-op. Every now and then I'll bend the wrong way, or stretch ... EEEYOWCH! Just hang in there, after 2 weeks you'll feel much better, then it's just little "reminders" of pain here and there. Good luck!

Is there room in the boat for me? I was banded Oct 19th and have lost a measly 5 lbs! I'm sooooo disappointed. I've lost 20 in total, but, the majority is pre-op. I haven't lost a single pound in almost 2 weeks.. well, I gain and lose the same 2-4 lbs over and over again. I want to chuck that scale right in the trash, or just go out and eat a Big Mac or something. I've been faithful in exercising 45-60 mins per day, and still nothing. Glad to see I'm not alone .. I just hope this works for me. I'd hate to disappoint all those who are supporting me (my family!). Sooooooo frustrating!

I think so many of us feel your pain. Gaining weight back after losing a huge amount is MORE depressing than just staying fat. It's like we've had a taste of the good life, and now we're fat again. Believe me, I feel your pain! I lost 120lbs on my own in 2000, and gained 90 of it back. I'm mortified at how quickly it creeps up.. just unbelievable. I'm now banded (almost 3 weeks), and have just started the loooong journey to losing again. It's almost like we just don't have the strength to do it again, but.. what choice do we have, really? We have to do this again. We'll just keep gaining and gaining (we know we will!). Just take it one day at a time. Try to forget the last time you were skinny and focus on this new journey. That's my trick - I hope it works. One day at a time - it's all we can do. Best wishes to you (and, to me) - haha!

Hello - I am scheduled for my first fill 2 days shy of 4 weeks from band date. I'm a little nervous that it might be to soon. Anyone else get filled less than 4 weeks from surgery? Banded Oct 19 (Fri) First fill Nov 14 (Wed)

I grew up in Boston & New Hampshire, but now live in Texas. I miss the fall but, not the winters (snow in April is dirty and "cabin fever" is enough to make you crazy!). Summers in Texas last 6 months (100 degree temps are hard to take!). I guess my ideal place would be 4 seasons, without the extremes. A little bit of snow is ok, and a little bit of hot weather is ok - but, not to much of either. Does a place like that exist? Oh yeah, throw in a beach and a million palm trees too .. that would be HEAVEN!