NanaRenan

Thanks to everyone who's posted. I"m fighting the reflux, too. That's what has me up and posting at 1 AM!! But I was SO tired of being stuck at the same number on the scales for over a year when I'm still a long way from GOAL. I'm willing to live on liquids-only if I have to. I just wish they'd stay inside me!!! But even sleeping sitting up, I'm still awakened several times a night with liquids in my mouth....whether I ate 3 hours before bedtime or six!!! Argh!!!

Hi, everyone....just wanted to check in. Guess I need someone to talk me down out of the tree tops. :thumbup: I hit my all time low (101 lbs lost) about 10 months out. Then I got stupid and drank too much Diet Coke for too long (over the summer as my daughter's wedding came and went!) and ended up with esophogitis. Instead of going immediately, I was afraid I'd had a slippage because the pain was so intense and I didn't want to hear bad news (DUMB, I know!) so I went several weeks where the only thing I could eat and not be in pain was ice cream. (I learned later, that it was a bad idea because the high fat content actually makes ice cream hard to digest.) I had to be unfilled for several months. Filled again. Same problem happened with even LESS soda this time. Unfilled again. Then filled again. Through all of this I put back on about 25 lbs. My body is fighting SO hard to stay at this particular number. It simply WON'T budge!! After over a year of dieting like crazy, I had another fill put in, but the reflux problems are REALLY bad. I take an OTC, so the acid is controlled pretty well. But if I even attempt to get horizontal -- something is coming up. Of course I know better than to lay down after eating. But even if I go to bed 4 or 5 hours after eating, just my saliva and gastric juices will blow up into my mouth -- sorry if that's gross, I know it is to wake up to. Oh, and I'm sleeping on so many pillows, I'm practically sitting up!!! I LONG to be able to lay flat once again! About three months of this and I've finally manage to see the scales move -- about 6 lbs. I know I should get an unfill but I don't want to gain any more and don't know how to get the scales to move. (Okay, I DO know -- I NEED to spend more time at the gym, but just have a really hard time working it into my schedule!!) At this point, I don't know what to do. Anyhow, thanks for listening.

Hi -- I'm asking here from those who've just had surgery. My son had it on Wednesday and is very uncomfortable from the gas in his belly and chest. I've had multiple lap. surgeries and for some reason this has never been a problem for me. I know I've read that walking is good for it. Any other tips I can share with him...?

I went in for my 6 month check up and 2nd fill and found my port has evidently flipped. My doctor stuck me 13 times -- I counted the holes when I got home! (And that sounds worse than it really was!) -- and bent 4 needles. He could get a good grip on the port (unlike the first fill when there was still so much fat over it he could only HOPE he was hitting the right spot!), but couldn't get a needle in. So, just waiting for approval from the insurance co. and am tenatively scheduled for 2/10. He intends to relocate the port more towards my sternum where it's a little firmer territory than how squishy it is down by my navel. Just curious -- how many of you who've had flipped ports fixed ALSO had them relocated...?

Hi, Dave. I've been AWOL, too. My weight loss more than plateaued, it flat-lined! I'm in serious need of some support and possibly a kick in the pants, too! Hope some more of our Crazy Ates are still around!

I had a dental appointment so I wore my hair down today. I had difficulty finding a barrette that would stay in it. It's already fine and straight and now is so thin, every barrette I tried slid right out. *sigh* But it's been 7 months since the last general anesthesia -- it should be at the end of the LOSING phase. Hang in there everybody, it should turn around

(Note from Pam: I, of course, did NOT write this, seeing as how I live in BRAZORIA county. However, I do intend to follow some of the advice given in the future. I am particularly interested in the swimming pool!!) (P.S. Pray, Saints! Pray!!) Hurricane Season in Galveston County To: ex-Galveston Countians, present Galveston Countians, and future Galveston Countians or those who know a Galveston Countian: We're about to enter the peak of the hurricane season, which starts June 1 and ends November 30. Any day now, you're going to turn on the TV and see a weather person pointing to some radar blob out in the Gulf of Mexico and making two basic meteorological points: (1) There is no need to panic. (2) We could all be killed. Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Galveston County. If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by 'the big one.'' Based on our experiences, we recommend that you follow this simple three-step hurricane preparedness plan: STEP 1. Buy enough food and bottled Water to last your family for at least three days. STEP 2. Put these supplies into your car. STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay here in Galveston County. We'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items: HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE: If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic requirements: (1) It is reasonably well-built, and (2) It is located in Nebraska. Unfortunately, if your home is located in Galveston County, or any other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance, because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why they got into the insurance business in the first place. So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house. At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane Alicia, I have had an estimated 27 different home-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my kidneys. SHUTTERS: Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets. There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages: Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off. Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps, and it will be December. Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them. 'Hurricane-proof'' windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska. 'Hurricane Proofing Your Property: As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc.; you should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles. EVACUATION ROUTE: If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says you live in anywhere in Galveston County you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely. HURRICANE SUPPLIES: If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them now! Galveston County tradition requires that you wait until the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM. In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies: 23 flashlights. At least $167 worth of batteries that turn out, when the power goes out, to be the wrong size for the flashlights. Bleach. (No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for. But it's traditional, so GET some!) A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant. A big knife that you can strap to your leg. (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool.) A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Alicia; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators.) $35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth. Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the ocean and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the ocean. Good luck and remember: It's great living in paradise! Those of you who aren't here yet, you should come. Really!

Hi, Steve! I'm in Ike's cross-hairs, too. I'm in Pearland....far northern Brazoria County....about 5 miles south of Hobby Airport. We're hunkering in for the long wait, too. Our house is less than 5 y/o and build as hurricane safe as they can make 'em. My three grown children and their families are going to come here because one lives in an old apt. building in Texas City and the other two live in older homes with LOTS of big old trees -- they're in danger any time it storms. I've probably burned a thousand calories kicking myself for never getting around to getting that generator and plywood -- but you know how it is. When you've got money you aren't usually thinking, "Hey, I think I'm gonna spend this extra $500 on a GENERATOR~!!" I am dreading the possibility of being without power for days or even weeks! But, I can't wish it off to the East -- those people have had quite enough in the last few years!

I took Metformin prior to surgery. Along with several other meds for different conditions. I went to see my GP a week before surgery to find out what could be crushed, or was available in liquids, etc. She looked at the list and said, "None of these are "life-threatening" if you miss a few days, come in two weeks post-op and lets draw blood." I never went back on any of them, and my blood work consistently improved. By 6 months out ALL of my lab tests were in the NORMAL range. I did the math -- we use a 90 day mail order prescription service that costs what 30 days from the local drug store charges. Even with that, prior to surgery we were spending $2100 per year on meds -- plus whatever the insurance was kicking in!! Now I get to spend all that extra dough on NEW CLOTHES!!! But most importantly of all. I feel great and am no longer "sickly" and at risk.

I was all set to start a challenge this month. Then my daughter abruptly found a job and starts tomorrow. Day care can't take my GrandBuddy for at least two weeks! I was thinking, "Aw, no gym, no workout." And then I remembered WHO I will be babysitting..... Never mind, I'll get 6 to 8 hours of WORKOUT every day!!!

Yay!!! I love that feeling! I ask for a BOOTH every time we eat out now -- just cause I can. Some places I couldn't get in them at all, some were just super tight. Now I can fit in them all. And I've still got a lot to lose! And -- I'm flying next month -- I won't have to ask for a seatbelt extender!!!! WHOO-HOO!!!

I never took another Protonix after surgery. And I wondered why at every doctor's appt. they would ask if I had any heartburn, because I thought it was ancient history. I went in for my July appt. and they asked, and I swear, the next day I started having heartburn. Like MAJOR. I also knew I was about ready for another fill, so I just dealt with it until I went back for my 1 year in August. I got the fill and by golly, if the heartburn didn't get WORSE!! I've been awakened several nights with burning in my throat and a couple of times even got some acid in my windpipe and tho't I was dying from the burning!! I came on LBT and did some reading and see that some people still have problems afterward, but I've not seen where someone was completely problem free for a long period of time and then suddenly got hit big time. Do you think I need to be worried? Is it worth calling my surgeon's office? Should I keep taking OTC or should I go in to the surgeon or GP and get back on something Rx....? The last middle of the night episode was SO unpleasant I'm skeered to try it without meds!!!

A "PB" is a 'productive burp'. It's similar to vomiting, but not as horrible. It occurs when you over eat and/or something gets 'stuck' in the band area. Sometimes your body reacts to this by "sliming" -- producige copious amounts of saliva and mucus in a natural attempt to move the stuck food. When you're banded this compounds the problem because there is no where for the extra fluids to go, they must be spit out. Eventually the food either moves on its own, or a bubble dislodges it, or you gag and essentially puke it up. But its not combined with stomach acid -- which is in the lower portion of your stomach -- so its not utterly revolting! The best part is, it can be completely avoided by cutting foods into tiny bits, (I use a pencil eraser as my mental yardstick.) and chewing, chewing, chewing everything very fine.

Hi, guys and gals. I'm a year out -- I was banded August 2007. I slipped in here by accident, but have been reading your posts and reminiscing about being where you all are. A word of caution. DON'T cheat the post-op diet. (Or PRE-OP for that matter!) There are legitimate reasons for requiring them, your doctor's aren't just sitting in their offices, wringing their hands and cackling like the Marquis de Sade at the thought of you suffering on liquids. At least I don't THINK they are! LOL Hang in there. You don't want your stomach having to work to digest food (digestion is not just a chemical reaction, but requires your stomach actually MOVING) until the band has gotten "seated". That is the stitches hold it in place until your body starts to form some scar tissue around it that is necessary to keep it firmly in place. Anyway -- keep up the good work. Pam<-------------about to pass the century mark!!

Yay! I was happy to pass that marker, too. Now I'm nearly in sight of the next 100 lb marker -- 199. We'll do it.

For those -- like myself -- more afraid than nimble.....LOL......I have found that holding one arm straight up in the air so that one shoulder is higher than the other will often shift a minor "plug" without delay. It doesn't work everytime, but I always try it and am often relieved instantly. But it does look quite foolish in a resturant, so be extra careful to cut, cut, cut and chew, chew, chew out in public. :-)

Hi and welcome! We're a pretty fun crowd. Click on someone's ticker to go to the website and create your own. Once that's done you copy the "code" and paste it into your signature.

Lots of good advice here. That's my advice -- keep coming back here and taking the positive and leaving the negative. I can't agree more that part about the band being a tool. I tell non-banders "It won't keep me from falling off the wagon, it just keeps the wagon from going off and leaving me in the dust." Our own human nature will lead us to 'cheat' from time to time. Anyone who says they NEVER cheat is a liar or in need of psychiatric meds. And sometimes, it's not us so much as life happening to us. Vacations, weddings, holidays, etc.....the opportunity to overdo it abounds. Most people, on a diet, can't take getting derailed very often before they give up, blow off the diet and regain all they lost and a little extra. That's exactly how most of us got to BE 75, 100, 150 lbs overweight. Okay -- a year out with my band. Sure I have the occasional candy bar or ice cream cone. And I know it's not GOOD for me. BUT, I also know that I'm not going to follow it up with a burger and fries for lunch, Enchilada platter with Beans and rice for dinner and a full on Farmer's Breakfast tomorrow morning. With the band, I will always get back on track and quickly.

Hey, don't be so dismissive!! Popsicles are the only clear liquid you can BITE and CHEW!!! :thumbup: Hang in there, this too shall pass!!! Pam<-----had a ginormous liver, too!!

What if that ONE person you dissuaded is one that could be dead inside of 5 years from cardiac/diabetic complications. That was me 12.5 months ago...would you say I was better off staying fat and dying before I'm 50 than POSSIBLY encountering problems such as you've had? Sounds to me like IN SPITE OF the band, you lost weight and are still here to tell the tale. The person you convince to NOT get banded might not have any complications at all. That would be like me telling someone to not get in a car, because "I" have been in two serious car wrecks. "Better to walk down the shoulder than to get in a car that might crash like mine did!" That would be irresponsible of me knowing full well the person is at greater risk of being hit and killed trudging down the side of the road than riding in a car.

It seems no one answered this, and I'm sure Texas Pork has moved on, but I tho't I'd answer it for anyone currently reading. The special diet post-op is to prevent your stomach from working too hard to digest while the band is getting "seated" -- that is, developing some scartissue to help hold it in place. As that builds up, you gradually reintroduce solids. Go to solids too quickly, and you COULD have slippage.

Name: Bergdorfblonde Weight loss from day of surgery: 32 lbs Total weight loss: 32 lbs Name: Brandottie01 Weight loss from day of surgery: 32 lbs Total weight loss: 32 Name: Candle Weight loss from day of surgery: 109.5 lbs Total weight loss: 123.5 lbs Name: Ceradad Weight loss from day of surgery: 102 Total weight loss: 122 Name: Frangipani Weight loss from day of surgery: 119 lbs Total weight loss: 125 lbs Name: Gometros Weight loss from day of surgery: 52.9 lbs Total weight loss: 74.9 Name:Gweniper weight loss from day of surgery: 57 total weight loss: 91 Name: hf2havefun Weight loss from day of surgery: 41 lbs Total weight loss: 56 lbs Name: JudiM weightloss from day of surgery: 73 lbs total weight loss: ?? Name: KarenG. Weight loss from day of surgery: 98 Total weight loss: 98 Name: LessNLess weightloss from day of surgery: 63 lbs total weight loss: 69 lbs Name: NanaRenan Weight loss from day of surgery: 77 Total weight loss: 97 Name: Nikki S Weight loss from day of surgery:102 Total weight loss:102 Name: Pammycakes Weight loss from day of surgery: 113 lbs Total weight loss: 115 lbs Name: Pizzicato66 Weight loss from day of surgery: 75.5 Total weight loss: 87.5 Name: purplegirl1818 weightloss from day of surgery: 73.5 lbs total weight loss: 90.5lbs Name: TexasBecky Weight loss from day of surgery: 111 Total weight loss: 121 Name: Salsa Weight loss from day of surgery: 105 lbs Total weight loss: 105 lbs Name: SPEBSQSAlady Weight loss from day of surgery: 57.8 Total weight loss: 57.8 Name: Valstar Weight loss from day of surgery: 52 lbs Total weight loss: 57 lbs

Thanks, Becky. I emailed Dr. LoMonaco's office earlier to see about setting up a preliminary consultation. I'm nudging up on that -100 lbs mark, slowly but surely. That's been my primary goal for so long, I'm sort of lost as to what to focus on next. You post-PS girls are my inspiration. I'm going to start looking in that direction. Now -- to get out of this chair and off to the gym!!!

I'm on my way to the gym right now. :-) I get a fill when I'm starting to graze after dinner. I'm so restricted in the AM that all I can do for Breakfast is a Protein shake anyhow. But by dinner time I can eat a lot more. If I've eaten a Band-Ideal meal -- lots of protein and veggies and STILL need a snack before bedtime, then I need a fill.

lessnless....that's a GREAT NSV. Thanks for sharing. I'm O+ and have NEVER 'yet' been able to donate blood!! Seems like every time I try to I'm either post-op (or back in the day was breastfeeding!) or on meds that prevented it. The one time I DID get close enough to even get pricked my blood FLOATED and they turned me away. (They did give me a tee-shirt anyhow because I was crying I wanted to donate so bad!) I'm thinking about trying again... ...before I get too thin.