Firebolt

I'm using Unjury at the moment. The chocolate is good, and I'm using the unflavored in pudding (but I messed up and somehow my pudding didn't thicken). I really like my Atkins shakes, but they have only 15gm per shake and I know it's not enough.

I too am looking for good/recommended Protein shakes. I have unjury at home, ready to try. But, they are protein only, and I'd really like one that has added vitamins/minerals. I previously used EAS AdvantEdge shakes - 17gm Protein, 100 Cal, which I loved, but they recently changed their recipe. Now, they have little chunks in them and it makes me gag. I also like the Atkins shakes 15gm Protein, 160 Cal. Open to suggestions!

I had Lapband Surgery Nov 2007. Lost 60 lbs, but eventually gained it all back. I can't blame the band (it really had to do with my compliance - chips & guac and margarita's still go down quite easily!!) When I decided to jump back on the band-wagon and have my band refilled (had to be unfilled due to reflux), I found that due to scar tissue around my port that it is VERY difficult to get the needle in. It can now only be done under Fluroscopy, and is just too painful/expensive to do. So, I've got the band, but can't get it filled to the "sweet spot" (which I never truly found btw, I always dealt with PB's, vomiting, reflux, etc). I am now considering revision surgery to have RNY Bypass done this March. Would I recommend the band? Probably not due to the problems I've had. But some people have been very successful. I believe that the Sleeve & RNY are proven effective, force more compliance and are a true long-term solution. Also, with the sleeve & bypass, there is a physical change in the hormones (grehlin, leptin & others) that is not created with the band.

I recently got one too - I can't say enough about how quick and easy it is. Looking forward to trying LipstickLady's stuffed pepper recipe. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good to hear! Every day will be better! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey November Nymphs, Anyone still around? We're at nine years now. How is everyone? Long story short: I'm looking at revision surgery possibly by March 2017. I'm back up to my original weight & can no longer be filled due to scar tissue. Hope to hear how each of you are doing. Happy Holidays! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

NeeNee717, I'm sorry you've had the difficult fill & flipped port - that's awful! I also totally understand the defeat of regain after taking control for so long. Please keep me up to date on your process towards revision. Merry Christmas!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had the band close to when you did and like you had issues with it. This past year I had it removed because I got extremely sick. I was throwing up all the time, even with Water and no fill. I'm having the gastric sleeve done this coming Tuesday, December 20th. Maybe consider the sleeve rather than the RYN. You and I are similar sizes and I was told I was on the smaller end of the required BMI and they wouldn't even recommend the RNY because it's best not to reroute the intestines due to malabsorption. Just something to think about. Good Luck! Hey SpiritedOne, Just checking to see how you're doing after your recent surgery? I will certainly keep an open mind as I go through this process. I sure hope surgery went smoothly and you're on track for a speedy recovery! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Rachel - tell me more about your journey.

I asked about that, and they told me that removing scar tissue would simply create more scar tissue. I think it's about how my body - specifically - responds to injury. While the band holds fills, I really can't/won't have any more fills. It's just too stressful. I'm left shaking and suffering from an almost PTSD after a fill. And trust me, I'm pretty tolerant to pain.

Glad to see you've found some support! I'm right here with you every step of the way. We're on the road together!

I had Lap-Band Surgery Nov. 2007. I was very successful the first two years. Went from 240 to 160 Lbs. Since then, lack of exercise, resuming bad habits, etc. I've regained almost all of it. I've tried getting back on the band-wagon, but have had very, very difficult fill procedures over the past 3 years. Due to scar tissue, it is very difficult (almost impossible) to get a fill. I have a 10cc band, and am currently filled to 7cc. I'm certain I cannot undergo another fill. Two had to be done through Fluro, needles break, takes approx 3 needles per attempt at fill, etc. My PA is the very best in the area renowned for his abilities to find ports & fill - I really do trust him. I am now considering revision surgery to a full RNY. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Hi Guys! It's Firebolt here...Alive & well! It's been almost 5 years? Whoa... Well, as for my journey - I did amazingly well at first. I started at 243 and got down to 163 with eating right, and walking. But...Over the years, I found ways to cheat the band (I find chips & salsa go down really easy, as do crackers, anything cruncy). I'm now back up to 210, but still very thankful for the weight I've lot. The band keeps me from gaining EVEN MORE, which I'm certain I would have done. I've been through the "get stuck, unfill, heal, refill" stuff a few times. Only once did I have to go to the hospital (darned RICE!!) I also have "productive burps" quite often as I try to cheat my band (almost daily). I've been a bad girl & stopped walking too. I have this cyclical thing, where I'll be so tight that I go onto liquids for a few days. Then, I loosen up & simply gorge on what ever I can to make up for those days of starving. Bad - I know. I also have pretty much given up eating breakfast (too tight). Sometimes I can nibble on a Protein bar, or when I'm looser, I can eat a slice of bacon. You all have given me new hope & determination. I WILL walk today. Tomorrow I will try again to walk. Hoping to take it one day at a time. Keep us all up to date. I love to hear from all of you! Blessings to all! Judy

Hi November Nymphs! I know I've not been here in a long time. I DO check on you guys & read the posts every so often. I'm just checking in to see how everyone is doing. I'm hoding my own at 175 (60 lb lost). Got down to 160 & felt awesome! Need to get back on the bandwagon though. So, drop a line & let us know how you're doing soon!