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Good morning! Hope everyone's doing well. Carol, how are you doing? Brandy, I wish I could stick to 1/2 cup. I read about all the bandsters that do. I'm doing that now, because of the fill, and I'm going to try to measure more so I stick to it. And maybe now with more restriction I can do it. I try to stick to around 1000 calories a day. If I do that and get plenty of fluid in, I lose nicely. I was 233 this morning. Nothing like "fluids only" for a couple of days to move the scale. Tonight, I'll go to thick soup and mashed potato. I found a new protein drink at the market. Called "Lean Body". 40 grams of protein. I grabbed one to try and didn't notice the price, but I don't use them all the time. It's good for now, when I can't get a lot down. It's 17 oz container and I sipped it all day between cups of tea and broth. 260 calories. See you all later.....

Congratulations, CC! Best news is that you have a good local doctor now. It makes a big difference to have someone in your corner. And it's thrilling that you're a 100%. I really give such credit to all of you who were smart and banded before blowing up like I did. It's not simple or easy to deal with what I did to myself, and boy do I wish I'd done this sooner. Of course, banding was far from common when I was in the mid-200s- probably about 8 year ago. But thank heaven I finally got smart. So glad this is working out and sounds like you're really doing great! Keep it up!

I remain in awe of the small amounts you eat. Let's see what this restriction brings me. I think I've had about 350 calories total today. All liquid. Protein drink, sherbet, beef broth, water. This time round, Jello isn't going down well, which is wild. I have another day on liquid and then back to thicker soups and fish. I'm hoping this restriction is enough to help keep the portions very small.

For what my opinion is worth, I wouldn't worry about it at all. I had a fill yesterday. The day before I went in to be weighed and on the surgeon's scale I was 240. I barely ate that day. He had a sudden opening yesterday so I had to fast all morning, and since then I can only do fluids very very slowly. I'm down to 234 today so that's 6 in two days. If I can't eat much the next few days I'll keep dropping, just like you did. It will slow as we add foods. If you can't eat, or if it continues to drop like crazy while eating real food, you may not be eating enough. But after a very firm tightening, you're not eating and you will lose a bunch of weight. Now, what is "barley water". I've heard of it, but never asked. Take care.

Oh yes.....restriction. I took .6cc today, which for me is a lot. He uses a floroscope. The office is in the hospital...it's the hospital's program. So, I go to the imaging center for my fills. I really like to watch it on the screen....watch the liquid go down and get stuck. He took a little out. Said he was keeping me very tight so it'll take a couple of weeks to loosen a little. I had a protein drink and decaf early in the morning, and after the adjustment I got down a cup of tea...slowly. I just had a little more protein drink....took 15 minutes to get down 4 ounces, so that seems about right. So, hopefully, I'll get a good drop next few days to get me back on track mentally as well as phyically. Two days on liquids, then mushies until I'm comfortable. Thanks for asking. I'm taking a couple of vacation days cause I'm gonna lose if I don't use....so no work now until Monday. I'll take a nice walk each day and then try to wade through paper work at home. Looking forward to it.

YAY Carol, You're really doing well and you've really been through it and are still holding strong. You know you have everyone's support (even if some of us disappear now and then LOL). Take care of yourself.

Hi All, Yup. Went to the surgeon today and he was so good to talk to- one thing I really like is the time he gives me. Bottom line.....he made room on his schedule to tighten me tomorrow! I did lose one pound - I think it's because I started back on tons of water....water seems to be what gets the calories to swim off me. So, happily he didn't see a gain. But he was upset that I didn't come in sooner because I havne't had an adjustment since end of October and he said of course I need one and we're on our way again. That's a relief. I also got some good news. Whatever I'm doing, I'm doing something right because my thyroid is too fast again, so the meds are going down for the second time since banding. And I do use light mayo. In fact, I buy Smart Beat, which is disgusting and chemical but only 10 calories and I mix it 1/2 and half with the light mayo so it's even lighter. Egg salad goes down well, but salmon and tuna are only okay sometimes, if eaten very slowly. Chicken salad is okay if I literally liquify it. I'm happy to go back to liquids for a day or so after the adjustment. Fresh start. Nuff about that! How is everyone else doing? Tell me more good news!

You don't know how great it is that you thought to "think" of my issues. I see one big difference. You're eating list someone who is restricted and I'm eating like someone who isn't, except that eventually, I'll eat something that doesn't go down at all and need to bring it up. I'm eating way too much food. I don't feel restricted unless it's something that "catches" in the band, and I can chug down my fluids, and can even drink when I'm eating. I'm going to the surgeon on Tuesday and am asking for more restriction. I should not be able to chug water. I've increased my water and other fluids so that's getting better. I still feel like I spend too much time dealing with what I'm eating and how much I'm drinking, but I guess that's not going away too soon. I like your idea about breaking the food down immediately. I think I'm going to try that so that. I try to make enought tuna salad or salmon salad for a couple of days- and for my husband for lunch. But often I take the whole amount to work. I should take the amount I want to eat. And I need so spread out eating because of the shoulder pain I get if emtpy. I'm back to 239 so I'm not that far off now. My lowest was 235. Thanks again and see you all later.

You're right, you're right, you're right. And I know that carbs make me hold fluid and in general are not as good for me as protein. But, carbs are much easier to go down. So, I've been trying straight calories but I may have to go back toward a high protein regimen (I refuse to use the word DIET). I am hungry a lot and some of it is stress. One day I read one of the threads here, and the woman said that she gets "nudgy" hungry, and that she's learned to just ignore it. It doesn't necessarily go away. I guess at the beginning I lost so much so quickly that I never thought I'd face slowdown. I am drinking too quickly so a tightening would be a good idea. Anyway, thanks for the reminder on protein. I really need hte support right now.

"One-derland" is still 38 pounds away. So close and yet so far. Doing better with less non-essential calories. But, I'd like to eat less. I think I can eat too much at a sitting. Next Tuesday is my check-in and I'm going to ask for a little tightening. Just gotta break through this "wall". I was doing so great and now it's flat. What is everyone eating? How do you handle late afternnon hunger- do you get it? Thanks-

Carol, you sound great and to tell you the truth, with all the aggravation, you're doing great. I don't know about your math, but according to mine....you're doing 100% fine!

You are a doll. Okay. I just looked at WW's weight chart. I'm 5' 2.5" so I'm looking at 5'3" so that's listed at 141. and I'll figure at my higher 240 so that's 43%. I got it now. Thanks. Now I see why they say people take off an average of 50-60%. If I get down to 199, I'd be at 66% and that would be 115 pounds down. I'm so happy this has come up because when they first told me to expect about 60%, I was totally insulted. I figured something like GOAL, not insurance weight charts. Wow, I feel better. Tried to get the food a little better today as well. Today I was too tight to eat much. I think I need more water. The surgeon told me that when the band is dry it's tight. How is everyone doing? I've got to read and catch up.

I was just going to ask if you'd tell me where you started so that I'd know if you're hitting these sizes was the same as me.....I started at 315. And hovering between 238 and 242 right now. Who's good at math? What's my 60-70%? I'm afraid to know. Gwenn

Okay okay okay. Between you and Brandy, I better get going. We've been on and off this site together since banding and I'm falling behind. That's what I need.....a bit of competition. LOL

By the way, the resident in the surgeon's office told me I'd lost....I think so far 38% of my weight. I had no idea what he was talking about. If that's excess weight, then someone thinks I'm gonna weigh around 130 to be at goal. Are they nuts? If I had to pick a real low goal, it would be around 175 or so. That would be 140 pounds down at age 57. So, I guess that would be what? Can't do math. If an angel came down TODAY and said that 75 pounds off was all I could have, I'd still be happy. More, happier. But I just don't see me being a size 8. Just don't. I'd be thrilled to see 199. Oh my, I will be thrilled.

Hi Everyone, Brandy- AMAZING!!! Congrats and good luck with the new job. I think it gives us all hope that things will be good and the economy will turn around soon. AMEN AMEN AMEN! Turler- Sorry you're getting the shoulder pain but everyone's info is true. It's something to do with a nerve that's affected. It's very common in the weeks right after surgery because of the gas in the stomach. Best thing to do is MOVE.... alot. Walking helps significantly. Heat helps So do painkillers. Some people, and aren't I the lucky one, continue to get the pain from time to time because of the way our "tubing" linked up with our anatomy. I need to ask more about it. Anyway, some, like me, get it when my stomach is empty. It fills with gas and somehow, that sparks the pain. As soon as I eat, it's gone, but it's like someone is putting knitting needles in to my shoulder and I've cried from the pain. If I even feel it vaguely -like a 'aura" of it, I try to get something in my stomach. Some people get it when they're too full. And even some get it either extreme. I've found whole threads on it on here, thank goodness, but it was disturbing to hear people with 2-3 years still getting it. My concern has been that my surgeon did his best, but the nurses told me it's just that some people get it and some don't. Here's hoping your goes away soon and never returns. I'm continuing to do battle with myself. I guess I never thought I'd be "dieting" again and lately, I am. This last week or so I'm suddenly able to gulp down a glass of water and eat larger amounts of the food that don't get stuck and that usually means I need a fill. Haven't had one since early November so I think I'm going to beg. As Instead of starving myself this week before going to the surgeon, I'm going "as is". I'm asking for a little tightening to help me slow the eating down again. He says he wants the band to do 60% -70% of the work, me 30%. Right now, I'm flat out not working but I wouldn't say that anywhere but here where everyone understands. What is it with me? I'm doing well and why am I not running (ok, walking) to hit that first goal of 100 pounds. I'd hoped to be one of those who make it in a year. I've just blown 2 months, and I know that's not the way we're supposed to talk, but it's how I feel. I was banded April 30 and if I can get my head on straight, I could lose another 7-10 and that would be great. Instead, I'm bouncing between my low of 235 and 242. I'm still in therapy so yes, I'm working on it, but I can't help but wonder what is it in me that loves the compliments, loves that I'm beginning to look "LIKE ME" again, and yet, am sabotaging myself. UGH! Got to go now. Thanks for listening.

I had it from time to time but seldom often the first few months, but now, the last couple of months, I'm getting that terrrible pain in the left shoulder all the time. My surgeon isn't giving much support and I'm wondering if something wasn't right with my surgery or if it's just gas related and WHY? Anyone out there with same?

THanks everyone. I've read more on the boards and see there are some still in pain after years. I've got the kind that happens on EMPTY, so rather than skipping meals I'll have to add food. I really like not eating when I don't feel like it. This is not good. LOL. Thanks all.

Checking in after being AWOL for a few months. You think you don't need the boards because it's going well and then BANG, you get a reminder that it isn't easy to do this alone. I've hit a wall! Just like in any marathon (anyone see the movie "Run Fat Boy Run").? First, plateau, which is a physical wall and aggravates; but in addition to that, I felt very tight and couldn't eat much. Combine feeling like I couldn't eat anything with the stress of my husband's business being no business because of the economy and my job being more stressful than ever and what happened? HAAGAN DAZ, chocolate and chips. The three easiest items to eat when banded. I've spent a month going up and down the same 5-7 pounds. It's been tough and I think I'm starting to move past it and of course my band feels alot looser as well. I also have the added fun of being one of those banders who still get that pain in the left shoulder when my stomach is empty. So, there's a great excuse to eat more, right? Bottom line, after 9 months we're certainly not cured of the addictive part of eating. Still a battle. I'm pushing throgh the wall to continue0 I hope. I'm off the Haagan Daz now (promised the therapist), and trying to stay with about 1200 a day including excercise. Thanks for listening. I'm going to try to stay here- it really helps. How is everyone doing?

I can only speak for me, but shmura matzah- in fact, any matzah, doesn't crumble apart the way say, a potato chip or a Ritz cracker type does. It just sits and gathers around the opening and blocks me. I think you'll hear this from lots of folks. Challah can also be a big problem. I've tried it a few times and once or twice it's okay (like dipped into gravy, thank you) but otherwise, no. However, I know someone who had the band who has no problem with challah. I find so much of it a mystery. The I can make tuna salad and put it in the food processor with light mayo, and it won't go down. But imitation crab salad does. Then anyother day Tuna goes down okay. I never know what will work. All I do know is that I do much better in the evening. I can barely get anything down in the AM and then if I don't.....my left shoulder pain starts. After almost a year. Anyway, it's a good idea for anyone wanting to try matzah do it now before hitting the 30 day before Pesach if you hold by that.

I'm close to a year and the truth is, it's unlikely you'll be able to eat shmura matzah. I'm not even going to try. When food gets stuck it's not only uncomfortable, you often have to bring it back up. There's no way. But I have no issue with it because there's no way our health doesn't come first. If you're going to ask your Rav, first make certain he knows enough about it to respond with accuracy. I've found that even with Challah on Shabbas, many rabbis really do not get it. They just don't. It's always, have just a Kzice (sp). They are sadly unware and immediately assume laziness - we;re just not trying HARD enough to do the mitzvah. Listen to your surgeon, your body and understand the limitations of anyone who truly doesn't understand the surgery or your health issues. Best of luck,

I've been off the board for a while, but I have to say a big "THANK GOODNESS FOR THIS BOARD". Just when you think you'll go crazy from something like this left shoulder pain, you can go to this board and if not end it, at least know that it's not just you. I'm ten months since surgery and other than fighting my own demons, I've been very happy. I'll go fix my profile - I'm down about 80 pounds. The worst struggle is that about two months ago the shoulder pain, which rarely a month after surgery, has returned. It's like someone sticking knitting needles in my shoulder - around or under the bra strap. My surgeon says it happens to some and it's gas- take gas meds, use beano, etc. But I think it's more and I'm wondering if it was avoidable. You folks give me strength to fight and look for answers. We should post answers here if anyone finds anything that helps. Maybe I'll start a thead for it. I'm so afraid that this is forever and it's a big price as it's a horrible pain sometimes. WIll I have it when I'm 90? I thank you all for being here. Misery LOVES company. Gwenn

What can I do? Getting them everyday since my latest fill last week- I'm tight but not awfully so. But if I start to cough, it turns into hiccups. And I can't seem to stop them with the usual. I'm no longer happy to melt a tablespoon of sugar in my mouth, and I can no longer gulp Water from the wrong side of a glass while putting my head down to the ground. Anyone have this happen? Any new ideas for curing the hiccups? Valium helped last night, but that's not a good answer. Thanks

Hi Everyone. Sorry I fell off-line for a bit. Too much happening. I'm an observant Jew, and this has been a month of holidays, most of which are two days each of orthodox tradition, which means no phone, TV, driving, etc. And it's all holiday type meals.....need I say more? I've really done very well considering the fantastic food everyone cooks. Good news is that we walk to synagogue etc. so some exercise. On top of this, work has been insane and hard. The economy really affects charitable giving, and I'm a fundraiser for an LA charity. On top of that, there's been an understandable influx of those in need. So that's been hard on many levels. This past week my elderly uncle, for whom I'm an "overseer", has a massive stroke, so, not complaining but, not much time to write or enjoy reading, posts. Now I have a cold, so I'm REALLY DONE! My sister may come out to LA for a few days to see help me a bit with decisions needed to be made about our uncle. It's an emotional time as he's the last tie to my late dad. So, all I have to say is I hope everyone is well, and I've survived without a gain. Not any more loss, but no gain. That's good enough right now. And LESLIE- thanks for the compliment on my hair!!!! Gwenn