notateechanow

Cindy, My surgeon, while a truly skilled surgeon, isn't much of a talker---I've come to know my band fairly well after nearly 3 years and know how sensitive it is to any fluid retention in my body. As women, we're so prone to it anyway, but I'm particularly prone for so many reasons---PMS, not working out, lots of sodium in my diet, etc. I think this time around it was likely stress. As I said before, I've been up over 7 cc's. I was only at 6 this time. I also haven't been able to workout for nearly 3 months because of foot surgery....and I'm thinking that all things just combined to cause some major constipation that put a lot of pressure on my band. I'm headed back to see him in a week or two. Not sure he'll have any ideas. Lesson learned, though----no matter what the reason, when I can't keep liquids down for more than a few hours (it does happen to me from time to time, but never for this long....) I'll call the dr. :thumbup:

Just wanted to update and thank you both for your advice. I managed to go to the ER and get out unscathed. I spent only 3.5-4 hours there---was rehydrated with 2 bags of IV fluids. They ran a few blood tests to be sure all was ok. My regular surgeon came in to remove saline from the band because no one in the ER felt qualified to do it themselves. (OK, BIG relief that they know their limits. Was VERY impressed with the entire staff, too!) They removed 3 cc's. Yep. Ton, but at that point, they could have unfilled it entirely and I wouldn't have cared. So I've finished a vanilla milk shake and am off for a nap. Feeling human and very appreciative of your advice. I likely would have waited til Monday for office hours if left to my own devices! Thanks, ladies!!!!

Been thinking about having my dr. paged. Not so sure I'd like to just go to the emergency room without knowing if anyone might be on call who can handle it.....I'll wait til 8:30 or 9, so it's a decent time. I took my thyroid meds about 20 minutes ago and am working hard to keep it down. We'll see how that goes. Not looking very promising right now. My tummy is making funky noises and I'm starting to get warm chested...

I'll warn you now that I'm going into details, so if you're easily grossed out, please don't read this! I've had my band for 2.5 years. I've had two fills and subsequent unfills in the last calendar year. After an unfill over a month ago, I had a slight fill (putting me 1.5 cc lower than my highest fill level) on Monday. The week progressed fine and while I had difficulty eating a few solids initially, there were many I could eat without issue. By Thursday I started struggling with keeping anything down---but it doesn't feel like a band issue, believe it or not! My band doesn't feel tight. I'm not getting any reflux. I just drink or eat and nothing seems to "go through"....and I eventually get uncomfortable and end up pushing whatever I've eaten or had to drink back up. I was PMS'ing about a week before my fill and was tight then and it felt differently than this. I haven't had a BM in several days---and I've lost 7 or 8 pounds. I am insatiably thirsty, though. I don't feel sick and again, it doesn't feel like a band issue. I'm wondering who to call---my primary care doctor or my surgeon?! I've tried popsicles, solids, liquids, etc. I am so thirsty that I'll drink anything in large quantities, knowing fully well it won't stay down---but I'm so thirsty that I can't help it! I have tried taking laxatives, but those require me to drink something and I've no success keeping them down. Suggestions? Ideas? Which doctor do I call??

Banded 12/12/07, Down 119 pounds and aiming to drop another 11 by my 3 year bandiversary.

You'll relieve yourself of a lot of stress if you stop worrying about what your nutritionist will say by putting on some sturdy shoes and just walking a little bit. It doesn't matter if you walk around your own house, down the block and back a few times, to the mailbox, etc. You will feel SUCH relief when you just do something and stop worrying about being judged. You're PAYING your nutritionist. She's just there to support you. Maybe what you need is to talk with her about how you're feeling and see what she suggests. Just be honest. If she gets mad, remind her you're visiting her for SUPPORT, not judgement. This is all about you. Keep it that way. You've made a huge commitment to yourself already. She just wants to be sure that you're going to follow through....

You were banded just a short time ago---it's possible your body is still acclimating to your new way of eating. Are you getting enough protein? I also feel less sluggish after I've had a chance to move. I'm not sure what your definition of "exercising" is, but any movement is good for you, even if only a 15 minute walk in the morning and one in the afternoon or evening. Movement of any kind will get the endorphins going and will help. Are you working with a dietician? If so, you may want to journal your eating for a week and have him/her look at it. You're only 6 weeks out. Our bodies all respond differently. Be sure to continue to get your rest. Try to move a little. Stay hydrated and try to keep as well balanced in your eating as possible. Good luck!

I'm with you on the frustration from the unfill. Not only did I not do well with my fill last month, they took out that fill AND an extra .5 CC three days later. UGH. Anyone know the date of the next meeting? Thinking Faulkner must be on the 13th, but not confident....

Sorry to hear about your frustration. Just don't let that stop you from working out and doing what you know is right. Now would be a really good time to start taking measurements of your body, if you haven't already. The measurements will be more accurate for your efforts, whereas your body/weight will be different depending on water retention, certain foods you've eaten, etc. I remember well how frustrated I was between 4-8 months post-surgery. If not for the NSV (non-scale victories) I'm not sure I would have been able to keep it up. Hope that helps.

Jennifer, I've been up as high at 7.0 cc's in my 10cc (I think...) band. I've had a few fills/unfills and am currently around 5.0. I had a fill the last time I saw you guys at the meeting to take me from 5.5 up to 6.0, but was horribly sick and they took 1.0 out. UGH. Frustration is that so many things affect my band---bloating, PMS, stress, etc. I find that mine is more loose when I workout and get rid of any bloating. I still have a lot of food intolerances, even at 5.0...

LOL---Nope. Had a few issues. Actually, after seeing you guys last week and getting my first fill in a year, I proceeded to throw up for 3 straight days---liquids, solids, you name it! I lost nearly 9 pounds from Monday afternoon to Wednesday morning, according to the scale in the office. I don't get it---I've been up to 7 cc's before and was only filled to 5.5 this time. I'm back to 4.5 now, so I can NOW eat ANYTHING.....yeah...this is how my band has worked---.5 in, 1.0 out. So.....Restaurant week interfered with going to the Brigham's group. BTW--couldn't find you on facebook!!!

While I'm a huge proponent of exercise, I had foot surgery about 4 weeks ago and haven't been able to workout for over a month. (I was working out at least 4 days a week for over an hour a day prior) Like you, I've had decent restriction, but would love to lose another 20-30 pounds. I've lost just over 115 now and am about 2 3/4 years post surgery. Believe it or not, I've lost more weight while not working out for the past month. My theory? I was dreadfully panicked by the prospect of not being able to workout and have finally gone back to journaling and watching my portion size far more carefully. I think that we tend to get a little lazy and expect the band to tell us when we're done. Aside from that, I keep reminding myself to eat until I'm no longer hungry, not until I'm full. I think it's important at this point to remind yourself of the basics: 1) Portion size 2) Protein first, followed by veggies/fruit, then starches. 3) Drink enough water! 4) Eat only when you're hungry. 5) MOVE. Make time to keep your body moving. I'm an eternal optimist but I'd like to think I CAN drop at least another 15 by Christmas. I've definitely exceeded the 40-60% of excess body weight my surgeon claimed I could lose, but I've always believed I'm better than average. :biggrin: My thoughts are....if you want it badly enough, you can do it. Consider a slight unfill if you aren't able to eat well balanced meals. I realize none of what I've said is new to you, but sometimes it just helps to be reminded...and to know you're not alone. Good luck!! :smile:

Congratulations! You've done well to keep running despite your busy social life! When I was gearing up for my first 5K, I ran along the beach (because it was easy to figure out where 3.2 miles was by car....) for 2 or 3 weeks. I will admit, not the brightest solution. It was very flat and I'd have the wind at my back in at least one direction of my run. It still enabled me to see what it would be like to run on the asphalt, but it wasn't realistic. Many people prefer running outdoors to running on a treadmill---just not me. :cursing: If it's possible to run your course before the 5K, I'd strongly recommend it. That way you're fully prepared for any incline, decline, etc....also, something else to consider is the pace at which you'll be running and where you put yourself at the start. Somehow that never occurred to me....and I got right up front with my friends who run 8 minute miles. Yep....tried to avoid the throngs of people from behind me running me over by jumping up on the sidewalk and they just followed. I'm pretty sure that first entire mile I was just running to not be trampled. (Think running of the bulls....) The second 5K I ran was far more organized and larger and had us line up based on our time for a mile. I've learned....I get farther back, by the walkers, but be careful not to go too far back in the event they have those baby joggers. Invariably there's a few idiots who decide to run with the carriage (even though the rules forbid it in most...) and when it's crowded, they will inevitably hit your heels repeatedly with that stupid thing. Oh, the lessons I've learned!!! The last thing I never considered was jogging and drinking water at the same time. For me, it didn't make sense to stop for water, so I decided to drink while jogging a little slower.....but it didn't go down so well. I've since been jogging and drinking on the treadmill so I won't make the mistake of gagging it all over the place again. Hope that helps!! When is your race? Keep up the great work!!!

Couldn't sleep tonight and realized yet another year has passed since I last wrote on this thread. Wow.....where my life has taken me in such a short time!!!! I'm dating the man I've waited a lifetime for. (Many pics in my profile if you're curious!) He's kind, thoughtful, generous, hard working, and sincere. Is he perfect? Absolutely not--but in my opinion, perfect for me. I love spending time with him, but still appreciate our time apart. He loves to eat as much as I do, and that has been quite a challenge for me. In the past year or so, I've had nothing but un-fills until today. I decided for a while that I wanted to really focus on the emotional and behavioral changes I needed to make, without relying on my band. I have a new goal now, though---even though I feel and look (in my mind) good, I'm still about 20 pounds heavier than I'd like to be, and nearly 40 heavier than the charts say I should be. I had bunion surgery about 2.5 weeks ago. I have scheduled a tummy tuck and liposuction for December and my other foot for February. I can't wait for spring. (I plan to re-run my initial 5K-- WITH my boyfriend this time--and hope to crush my old time!!) I'll have new feet and a more comfortable midsection. I'm not looking for miracles, but hoping to feel more comfortable in my body. I competed in two track meets this summer, too, but had to cut back on the running as my feet and knees were really bothering me. I've managed not to gain weight despite cutting back on the working out. I've committed myself to hitting 199.9, if only for a few fleeting seconds, before my Dec. 14th plastic surgery date. Incidentally, that will be 2 days past my 3 year "bandiversary". I remember my surgeon telling me that my first two years were most important and I entirely disagree. I've worked harder in my 3rd year---examining my thoughts about food, making behavioral changes, and refocusing my energy on working my tool than in the first two. I'm hoping to be engaged by this time next year. We've been talking seriously about wedding plans, venues, and guest lists already....and about having a family. My boyfriend has the most AMAZING, loving, caring family. I enjoy spending time with all of them. I would choose his sister as a friend if we hadn't met this way. It feels so great to be embraced and appreciated by such fantastic people. (A dramatic contrast from my ex's family!) This journey hasn't been easy, but it has been worth every bit of effort it has required. As a side---my ex is living with a woman and just had yet another child. (It warms my heart to see that they're both well over 100 pounds overweight....but that's the old fat girl rearing her ugly head in my mind....) She's ok with not being married. It just affirms my choice to leave. (As if I needed further affirmation?!) I don't want that life. I've been tremendously stubborn in holding tight to my own dreams....and I've never felt closer to attaining all of them. I'm thankful for the tremendous support that you've all provided. I hope you're all doing well in the journey, too!

Am planning on going to the August 9th meeting at the Faulkner. I have my first fill scheduled since 2009!!! Very excited. Anyone else planning on attending?

I'm so sorry you're struggling. I think we all do/have in our own way---some of us more obviously than others. I remember how different dating was after losing 100+ pounds. In fact, many of the men on an on-line dating site who didn't want anything to do with me 5 or 6 years ago (Yes, were STILL single and on the site years later...) suddenly wanted to go out with me. I still have pictures of my "old" self. I worked so hard to be where I am today, and though I fully intend to follow the plastic surgery route as well, I never forget who I was.....because a few bad months, ignoring my health and my battle and I can be right back there. More importantly, it keeps me grounded. People will always judge you based on your physical self. It's the first impression you make. Coming to terms with the old/new self is a challenge. I'm not nearly as attractive as you and didn't go through as big of a transformation as I'm still trying to lose the last 30....but I know how different it is to have people notice you. I never realized how invisible I was when I was over 300 pounds. I hope you'll continue to rely on people here, on the site---people who have gone through the same experience, and people who relate to what you've done. I also agree with the above poster---get some help. Realistically, we weren't morbidly obese simply because we liked to eat. Those demons don't just disappear. Good luck. I think acknowledging your loneliness and frustration with the transformation is the first step to being able to act on it. :rolleyes2:

Good news---I'm down almost 12 pounds. Back to where I like to be, but still signed up for a fill on the 9th. Let me make something clear---I told EVERYONE I came in contact with about my Lap Band, starting with my podiatrist to the pre-op meetings with the PA AND the Anesthesiologist. I told EVERYONE who would listen that I have difficulty swallowing pills and that anti-inflammatories in general are dangerous for us. My surgeon prescribed a few meds before surgery---and they could be split. However, the antibiotics were capsules and are super hard to swallow. I'm a little over 8 days post-surgery and haven't been able to eat or swallow any pills yet....even the crushed ones come back. I realize now that I'm screwed--I need to lie with my leg above my heart and elevated, but that leaves me flat and gives me really bad reflux. It also washes any pills back up at me. So....I'm med free right now. It's not killing me, but I shouldn't have to be, and I shouldn't have had to deal with all of that crap. I am NOT happy with the Faulkner and will definitely address it when I'm there on the 9th. (I'll ask Dr. R who I should contact and will also speak with my surgeon next week when I go to get my sutures out.) Their care was simply abysmal. It was completely unacceptable and truly makes me wonder if I can trust them enough to do it again....

Congrats on your new band, Kath! I'm not sure about the Brigham, but I do know that the Faulkner's next meeting is on August 9th at 6:00. Hope you guys are well. Had a disheartening experience that I intend to discuss with Dr. Robinson when I see him on the 9th. I had surgery AT THE FAULKNER last week on my foot. I opted to have it done there just in the very off chance there were any issues with the anesthesia and my band......but never really considered the post-op meds. I did tell my podiatrist that I was "banded" and would need pills I could split or liquid meds after my operation.....in the post-op/recovery, they couldn't split the pills. (Because they didn't HAVE a pill splitter!!!) No liquid meds available. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME? I threw up for a good 3-4 hours post-op, leaving me in recovery far longer than I should have been. I knew I couldn't metabolize the anesthesia well during my Lap band, so I wasn't overly surprised...but seriously? I was so out of it, but thankfully did remember to tell them in my stupor that I couldn't take the freaking horse pills they kept trying to feed me. Needless to say.....I haven't been able to take any meds after this operation, either. I think it's appalling that the recovery room staff was so ignorant in a hospital where they perform OUR surgery!!!!! Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions? It was a complete nightmare. Thank God I was able to articulate myself. What if I were incapacitated??? I know they'll eventually send me a survey, but really---who do I call about this? I was so upset by the time I went home....

Hey there, Katie! Welcome back!!! I'm planning on going to the next support group, on August 9th. In fact, I scheduled a fill for that day. I haven't had a fill since the winter....and the last 2 times I went were for un-fills. I had foot surgery at the Faulkner on Thursday and was shocked by the ignorance of the post-operative nurses with regard to my post op care with a Lap Band. I asked several times about liquid meds or even small pills. They didn't have a pill splitter in recovery. Ridiculous! They kept telling me I had to eat to take the pills, but I explained I need to drink BEFORE I ate or it would wash back at me....oh, what a challenge! I had my surgery there intentionally, assuming I wouldn't run into problems. No such luck! My surgeon was shocked that I haven't any pain.....and told me I had to take the oxy for at least 48 hours. I'm moving on to Tylenol today as I hate how the oxy makes me feel. I can't believe people take this crap recreationally! Gross. Geni--sorry to hear that plans have changed for you, but they're just trying to do what your body needs. They don't want to be unsuccessful or have you not able to use the band as a tool. If they recommend that you have GB instead, do that. Keep your chin up---you'll do fine! Hope you are all having a good summer. See you soon! :smile2: OH, and Katie---we've been going to the meetings over at the Faulkner instead of the Brigham. Parking was a nuisance at the Brigham, and more expensive, too. Also, too many newbies at that site. We have a great mix at the Faulkner. :smile:

Sounds like you're dealing well with a stressful situation! I'd think you'd be ok to go ahead with the fill. Either way, I'd head in for my scheduled appointment and tell Dr. R at that appointment and let him decide what to do. I've been relatively unfilled since March and am having foot surgery in 2 weeks---so I've waited for a fill. (ONLY because I know that the anesthesia makes me sick and I can't deal with being tight and sick....) Looking forward to seeing you guys on Monday. Just a warning--Phyllis is away. It will be someone else, just for this month. Keep up the good work, ladies! See you next week. :ohmy:

Anyone going on Monday?! Hope you're all well!

Carol, I'm thinking it must have been Tiny who did the shakes with Peanut butter. I play with extracts and fruit, but stay away from yogurt because it grosses me out. :tt1: Glad you guys are all well. Tova, so relieved you're ok. Tiny, I'm with you....in need of a fill. I have been relying on myself, not my band and it's starting to show. I have my foot surgery on July 22nd, so thinking I'll schedule an appointment for a few weeks after, when I can drive again....but I desperately need a fill, too. Maybe in a month or two. :frown: Happy 4th!

Just checking in to see how you're all doing! It's been nearly 2 weeks since anyone has checked in. How are you healing? (Jennifer & Carol) How are you managing on the post-surgical diet? Blue, how's your Couch25K going? Hope you're all having a good summer thus far!

As always, great to see all of you tonight! Jennifer, so glad you found us. I apologize if you ended up going home on Morton Street---I didn't realize there was a detour tonight! Carol, best of luck on Wednesday. Keep us posted---and please forward us a link to that 2 oz protein shot thing you had tonight. Let me know if it's any good! Thanks!!!

Jennifer, I'm not sure I can add much else from what Carol offered, but as someone over 2.5 years post-surgery, I still suffer from "buyer's remorse" from time to time. It doesn't go away, but it does get easier. I was convinced that I was not an emotional eater before surgery----but now recognize what an important role food plays (ed) in my life. The initial healing stages of the band make socializing hard. It makes the day drag, and it makes you miss all of your old "friends". The reality is that food has always played a huge role in my life. I obsess about it---but never knew anything different because everyone around me was the same way. Healthy weight people rarely think about it the way we do. It's just not as prominent in their lives. You will absolutely go through phases when it's a huge challenge----and you'll need to find replacement behaviors. Tiny makes fun shakes with her protein powder. There are ways to be creative---but you'll still miss eating. Find other ways to occupy your time. I relied heavily on my computer and exercise to keep me busy. If you're typing or moving, you're not eating! Find something that takes your mind off of it. While I don't want to disappoint you, (because it may be a while...)I remember so well a point when I lost between 60 and 70 pounds that the food no longer had such a strong hold over me. I forgot to eat. I focused on talking in social situations, not the food that was served. I learned to love having the mental energy for other things, not for worrying about what I'd eat at the next meal. I was involved when I was banded. My now ex was tremendously helpful in keeping me busy. When we broke up, I finally realized how desperately I needed counseling because I simply couldn't afford to turn to food any longer. As Carol said, counseling may be good for you---if it's not your thing, find supportive friends and family and come visit us on Monday at the Faulkner! Having a group of people who have lived my experience has been such a tremendous help. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you.