notateechanow

There should be 5---LEAVE the steri strips alone!! DO NOT pull on them or remove them. You have them in lieu of stitches!!! If any strings stick out, trim them with scissors, but do not pull!!! Hope you feel better. I'll be at the LB support group in 2 weeks. Hope you'll make it there! :frown:

BUT of course, Jay!!! I'll be there! You going?

Customs gave me a hard time about my pic in my passport coming home from Aruba last night! Everyone gave me a really hard time using my license, too....but I keep them because they remind me of how far I've come! My favorite compliment, though, was from a complete stranger at the casino who simply told me he thought I was really pretty---while sitting beside his wife. I appreciated it because he wasn't a guy trying to get something, simply a good guy paying a compliment. Very sweet.

My experience was very similar lately---and I'm sorry you're going through that. I strongly suggest you say something to them, in writing even. I think we need to send a strong message that it's not ok. I will say that I'm more apt to get a call back when I leave a very detailed message for Jennifer. If I'm trying to schedule an appointment, I tell her when I can and what days, and ask her to make one accordingly. My issue is that I can't answer the phone during the work day, so we play phone tag. The only way I can get an appointment is by leaving that type of message and explaining why I need it.... Sorry you're going through this. Good luck tomorrow!! :thumbup:

I realize you're relatively new at this, but are you kidding me?! (Teasing, but only a little here...) Beef jerky and chips?! You may consider that you do better with foods that require chewing and start to re-integrate those into your diet. However, you've also mentioned two foods that require a lot of chewing and, at least with chips, aren't hard to eat in smaller amounts---they're already somewhat small to begin with. It's possible that you're not being careful with how well you chew or the size of the bites you're taking. Whenever I'm tighter, I'm forced to remember all that my surgeon told me regarding the size of bites, chewing properly and eating slowly. Do yourself a favor, though, and stay away from the junk. Set yourself up for success. Doing what you've always done in the past will get you what you've always gotten......stay true to yourself and this surgery. I know it's not easy, but relying on eating crap won't help you get healthy. :wink2:

They typically ONLY take out the entire fill for a few reasons: 1) if you go to the emergency room where they're not equipped or skilled as your surgeon. 2) if you had a prolapse or a symptoms of a slipped band. 3) if you have an illness that includes vomiting. Your surgeon will take out a small amount of your fill or even the entire last fill......but you may need that. Your stoma could be very swollen from irritation and may need to heal for a few days. Either way, call your doctor. I was in the same situation for only 4 miserable days, but couldn't even keep liquids down. Sure, I lost 7 pounds, but I couldn't sleep or even lie down as I had reflux when I did. It only gets worse when you menstruate......go back, have some taken out and put your health as a priority. The band is supposed to ease hunger, not control your eating! When used properly, it can be an amazing tool. Good luck, but definitely get a slight un-fill.

I don't know where this new room is, but do know it's cheaper to park beneath the hospital. I drive to Francis Street and (depending on which end you're coming from) it's right below the foyer where we go up to the dr. appointments. Coming from the Brigham Circle end, it's on the right---pull into the entrance (pass the exit first) and bear right to go below and into the garage. It's before the main entrance to the hospital coming from that end....hope that helps! :purplebananna:

Now that you're banded....take it easy. You shouldn't have a great deal of pain if you don't move! :tt1: Get up and walk around when you feel up for it, but sleep...sleep, sleep! Everything seems better when you're well rested. As far as the gloves go, are you serious??!! You wear gloves to do the "silver bullet" as my ex so affectionately dubbed it? I have to say, there is no amount of nausea that will make me shove something up my a$$......none! Sorry to hear about the complication with the pain meds. I had the doctors call it in for me so it was there when I arrived home. So--walk to get that gas out of your system. Sleep as much as you can and rest up. You've got some work ahead of you!

outstanding!!!

I'm in AND I got the waterbottle from Jamie!! So I will bring it with me....so you can finally have it back after 4 months, Bostongurl! :thumbup: Hope you guys will be at the meeting!

Tell them exactly what you said here. Jennifer, Dr. R's receptionist, is very down to earth, but I think she may be overwhelmed right now. HOWEVER, it doesn't make it ok for them not to call back. CALL her back....particularly before the end of a day if she hasn't called you back. I had 3 days of going back and forth with her until I offered to e-mail Dr. Robinson directly......do what you have to do. Be pushy, but be polite about it. "I know you're really busy right now, but I'm feeling like I'm being ignored----" Say what you have to say!!! Don't put up with the BS!!!

I'm done!! I finished in 36 minutes, 31 seconds. I'm sore and I had this weird panic thing going on...I've run much farther before, but midway through mile 1 or so I started to have this total panic breathing. I don't know what happened. My heart was racing, I couldn't do a normal breathing thing, etc. I think my music was too fast and I truly just got nervous. I walked more than I wanted to....that will be my next goal for next year----to do the same course next year much faster and without walking. :tt2: I'm also hoping to have a much better week with eating before I do this again.

I don't remember the exact amount, but it was about half or a little more than half of what he wanted---maybe like 15 pounds? I think I had about 2-3 weeks to lose that, though....

I'm pretty sure it's not this coming week, but the following week.... Ok...In just two and a half hours I'll start my first 5 K. I'm not usually a nervous person, but I'm seriously shi***ng bricks....this was never one of my goals after surgery, but who'd have thought? A year and a half ago I weighed 314 and this was never even a fantasy for me!!!! Say a prayer for me around 10 this morning.... :glare:

So far I've been blessed with making my trainer talk while we run. Tomorrow is my first 5K and he's in Miami. So...to get beyond that, I've filled my MP3 player with dance/rap music. It's more pop than I usually listen to, but it's gotta help. I just want to avoid people talking to me! This won't be a social event for me... But...when trying to figure out what to put on, I found this site. I thought it might be kind of helpful. See what you think and let me know! Paige Podrunner: Intervals - Free Workout Music for 5K Training

YES! I need support...and probably a FACEBOOK users anonymous support group, too. I, on the other hand, have been trying to sign in on there maybe once or twice a day this week. More judicious with my time...focusing more on finding me a mate!!! :thumbup:

Congrats on the weightloss! I lost 11 in 4 months...so he gave me a fill...and now I'm thinking that--right before my 5K--wasn't a good idea. Hoping to get something down tonight, even water would be nice at this point. I called Jennifer 3 times today to see if I could get in for an unfill and she never returned any of my calls. I don't think it's an "emergency" because it's only been 24 hours without being able to eat/drink, so I'm not dehydrated or vomiting.... Regarding the protein powders---I found that mixing more than one in a shake gave me the protein I needed and didn't taste all that differently. I often added the Unjury unflavored with other stuff, but now I have the Designer Whey and add that to the CIB shake......it adds an extra 18 grams of protein with only like 80-100 extra calories. FAR easier! As far as the cheeseburger goes---you'll be able to have plenty of those in a few weeks. Don't stress over the foods you'll never eat again. You WILL eat them again. :thumbup:

HELP!! I had my first fill in 6 months yesterday afternoon. Back when my surgeon had a Physician's Assistant, she would carefully put in .5CC or less every time. (I've had a few small fills and un-fills over the course of my first year.) Yesterday was a completely different experience. My surgeon did the fill himself. I can't believe how painful it was! I am so glad to have slept through his work before. He also put in 1 entire CC, though I only wanted a "slight" fill.....I woke up last night with what I can only imagine was reflux---but I haven't eaten anything since noon yesterday. I am having a tough time with even drinking water. It just feels like I'm bloated and it sitting in my stomach, to the point where it's more comfortable for me to throw it back up. Am I being overly sensitive because I forget what it's like to have restriction, or am I over-filled???? I will have to give it another day before calling to see him again because work is too busy today, but I'm wondering if I should plan to go back to get some taken out. Good news is that I'm not hungry. Bad news is that I feel bloated and funky, even without having had any water since 1:00 this morning, when I had that awful reflux experience. Ideas? Suggestions? Thanks in advance.....

Jay, Call the 800 number on your insurance card. I have Harvard Pilgrim, and to be honest, it was really frustrating. Their list of people hasn't been updated, so the first 10-15 people I called weren't taking my insurance any more. But call your insurance company. It should all be paid for by them. Ask if they offer anyone who specializes in working with weight loss surgical patients. I don't know if they will have any. I didn't have any in my area---but it's all covered by your insurance, so you should avail yourself of it!!! Sorry to hear you gained a pound. Dr. R was happy that I've lost 11 pounds since my last visit that was in DECEMBER. I wasn't....he asked why I've waited so long.... Bad news---he looked to see my "excess skin" and said I look great. No way insurance will even pay for a portion of it. Said he didn't think it would be worth the pain to have surgery.....I said I'd like to do it, even if it's self pay and will wait til Dec. (2 years after my surgery) Good news, though....he's so clueless that he clearly didn't remember my last appointment--the one when I broke down into a sobbing mess. Thank God. I didn't dare admit I haven't come in because I was hoping to wait long enough for him to forget me. I'm now up to 6 CC's in my 14 CC band. I thought mine was smaller, to be honest. I didn't want a whole CC added today, but he thinks it's "time".....we'll see. Aruba awaits in less than 2.5 weeks. My 5K is Saturday! Great to "see" you on here. Keep your chin up. It gets easier....I promise!!! :thumbup:

Be forewarned----everyone has strange/bad experiences with the psych eval, Hamivici. She's odd. She asks strange questions and never stays on schedule. It's required by insurance and that's about it. Never admit to any issues or it'll just delay you. Be sure to say yes to everything regarding support from your family and friends....even if you don't plan to tell anyone. It's not a real psych eval. It's simply to see if you're mentally stable enough to make the decision to do this. The surgeon would have stopped somewhere had they thought you weren't a good candidate......Glad to hear you were able to get your appointments!

I'm shocked. Jennifer is usually fantastic. I'd ask if she were on vacation but it seems like it's been going on for more than the length of the standard vacation. Just keep calling back. Don't wait. I actually asked her about that when I first started working with them. If they don't call you, call them. It's not pushy. Just be polite about it. I think they get so swamped that they forget.

Viv, Good news---you don't have to give up your favorite foods! Stop the mourning. You truly can learn to incorporate your favorites back into daily life again, just in smaller portions. (You'd be surprised at how satisfying a few tablespoons of Ben and Jerry's can be, rather than scarfing down the entire pint!) While you'll need to exercise more moderation, you will be able to eat just about everything. All of us have different food intolerances, and some vary from one hour to the next----but I'm pleased to hear you've focused on what will be, not what you won't have again. 2 days.....good luck! :thumbdown: Paige

I was always active.....but for a while I had stopped. A year before surgery I got started again. I'll take your pics for you! :thumbup: I wish I took some before I had surgery..... I'm running my first AND only 5 K next Saturday.....I hate running. This will be it for me. I'm hoping to have foot surgery this summer.

I only lost about 15 pounds during the pre-op diet. My weight fluctuated after that---you gain after surgery from bloating. I didn't weigh myself for a week or two. (Nearly impossible, I know!) My weight stayed the same over the next two months, despite working out over an hour a day and keeping strictly to 800-1000 calories. So, while I didn't gain, I didn't lose, either.... Good luck! :thumbup:

I have to say that of all the responses, Citygirl couldn't have been more on target for me. I'm 16 months post-op and I noticed that just around 75 pounds down or so (I'm about 105 down now) I stopped feeling the pull of the food. However, it coincided with me moving out from my non-functional relationship AND starting to see a psychologist. I have a degree in counseling, so I know all about replacement behaviors. I worried I'd become an alcoholic or a shopaholic as I've seen on Oprah....so I started going to the gym at night, when the urges were greatest. It was also when I was loneliest and most tired..... Having an outlet for my feelings was--without a doubt--the greatest thing I have done for myself. I have very little restriction and I've intentionally kept it that way. I have few foods that I can't tolerate, and that's really what I wanted with my band. But, because of that choice, I have to use more control over not eating when I'm not hungry. As you get more restriction, it gets PHYSICALLY easier, but let's face it....you wouldn't have been a candidate if this was strictly physical. Keep up the great work. The desire to pick and eat "wrong" foods never goes away...but your control over those things does get stronger as you hit your stride. Don't give up!!