JoannMarie

Vickie, I'm so sorry to hear of this setback. Try really hard to stick to the band "diet" of Protein and veggies while you are waiting to get back on track. The South Beach program is a good one for this type of eating plan and may be helpful to you. I have heard from several people about this happening out of the blue. Usually the surgeon just takes a little bit out of the band, but your primary was probably very nervous about the situation and wanted to be on the safe side. I can't blame him/her for that - what you were experiencing is dangerous for you and could cause problems with the band if not treated. I hope you will be able to get back on track soon. As far as missing stuff - my friend asked me that the other day - I will have to say the thing I miss most is hot food (as in temperature, not spicy). I can eat just about anything, tho I avoid the bad slider stuff most of the time - no more shakes at the drive-thru! But it takes me so long too finish a meal, much of my food is just warm by the time I finish. Not complaining! I don't mind eating slowly and thoughtfully. This is the first time in memory I have done that and it feels good. Losing slowly - 4-5 pounds a month, but I'm not complaining about that either. I am going in the right direction and that's the important thing. It's good to hear from everyone...

To Dyanna and DianaG - spelling aside - best of luck to both of you! You are taking a big step, have great attitudes and I know you will be very successful. Be patient with yourself, lots of liquids, Protein shakes if your doc allows, pain meds if you need them, walk as much as you can (helps with post surgery gas). Follow your doctor's rules about eating to the letter. The next few weeks is the time for healing, not losing weight. You probably will lose, but if you don't, DON'T FREAK!! It is normal to lose and normal not to lose during this period. All you should be thinking about for the next few weeks is healing, swelling going down, band snuggling up against your tummy and looking forward to success. Come back for questions and support. I'm excited for you!

Dyanna - thank you so much for posting here. My heart aches for you in the loss of your daughter. You have had much to deal with in the last 10 years. May God bless you and give you peace. I'm so glad to hear you are taking control of your life. I've been in these 60's for several years, dealing with severe arthritis - but no other major health issues. Losing 50 pounds (as of this week!) has helped me immensely - I know now this can be done and will be done. I have 5 grandchildren (newest are 27 mo and 3 mo!), and a 2 yr old great granddaughter - lots of kids I want to know as adults, too. My hubby is extremely active and I am inspired to keep up with him. These people are my inspiration to stay as healthy as possible for as long as I can. The years will add on, but they can be healthy and active years, and that's a worthy goal. I wish you the best!

Cheri, thank you for your insight. You are bringing ideas to the table that need to be thoughtfully considered. I've started to print these off to study more thoroughly later. Now I want to do a little more research on adult ADHD. I don't think I fit into that diagnosis, but willing to consider and research it. It seems there are a lot of ways I don't "fit in" and never have. I've always wondered why... Your insight is encouraging me to wonder just a little bit deeper... I believe creativity itself is considered to be a character flaw in the minds of many people. Here again, your methods in the classroom are your own - and not the politically correct norm. You are fortunate to be working with people who are able to appreciate and willing to foster your creativity. AND - despite their at-risk status -your students are so very fortunate to be appreciated and encouraged by someone who VALUES THEM and helps them develop to their highest potential. God bless you and the work you do.

Don - Love the new picture! You are a handsome dawg, ya know! I am happy that you are doing so well. You waited such a long time and were so patient. You deserve the best!

Welcome pvgrl. Check with your doctor's office for the pre-surgery code. It lets you into the website for the pre-surgery stuff (obviously!). When you receive your band they should give you the number of the band you received to use as your code. The hospital was supposed to give me mine on a card at my discharge. Someone forgot, but I called the doctor's office and they were able to get me in. There are pre-surgery tips, and rah-rah! stuff in the area you can reach and it's worth checking out. I don't know about you, but I was devouring every bit of information I could find pre-surgery! Glad I did, too. It answered a lot of questions for me and made the post-surgery period a lot easier. I love my Realize band. I can eat just about anything - even foods some of my band buddies can't tolerate. I love salads and have not had any difficulty with them. Some bandsters have trouble with chicken, some with beef, many can't eat bread or rice. I have to be careful with bread, but I am not inclined to eat much of it anyway, as I follow a more high protein, carb limited plan. I do eat rice on occasion with no problem. While I say I can eat anything, my band does provide a lot of restriction. It was the 3rd fill before I really felt good restriction, and my 4th very small fill has put me exactly where I need to be. So be patient. My doctor said she could go ahead and give me 6cc - but I would be throwing everything up! yuck. She started me with 3cc, next month 2cc, 3rd month 1cc. In June I had another .5cc, and I am very well restricted. While you are waiting for all that to kick in, just be sure to follow the food plan your doctor suggests, and keep your portions small. That is a great time to learn what "full" really means. As fat chicks, we don't always know what that feels like. Knowing that will help you immeasurably as you go on. I wish you the best! Come back and keep us posted.

Bandfriend - I am so sorry for your frustration. I can see where the doctor is coming from if you have had difficulty following the surgery and fill. All of us have some swelling after a fill, but they should try to get you scheduled a little sooner in order to help you through this. It sounds like you are coping as well as you can at this point. Good idea to keep track of everything to show the doctor. They should understand how hard you are trying to make this work. Good luck to you. Come back and keep us posted.

I just read your blog - PURPLE RIBBONS! It's a great idea. I'm ready to wear one 24/7 - and working toward that first 5K! I love your blog. Very positive and very enlightening. You are giving me a lot to think about. Thank you.

I'm so sorry to hear you are having a tough time. It has to be very frustrating. I've not had your exact experience, but I am a slow loser. I am coming to terms with that since it is at least going in the right direction. I've averaged about a pound a week since March. The people at my surgeon's office say that is within the range recommended by Realize, and I should not worry about it. So I don't. I am happy for every pound. You didn't say what you are eating. Did your doctor give you some guidelines? Since you have lost 4 pounds since your re-fill, maybe you will have better results this time around. If you have a nutritionist it might be a good time to talk with him/her about what you should be eating, how much at a meal, etc. We can share what our docs have recommended, but it would be helpful for you to know what your doc has to say about the subject. The Realize website has been helpful to me. You need to be a "member" in order to take advantage of all their tips for success, etc. If you are not yet doing that, maybe it would be helpful for you. There are "diet" and exercise recommendations on the website. Your doctor can supply the number you need in order to become a member. I used the journaling option for a while, but I find it is more helpful to me to just keep a small notebook for my food tracking. That got me started tracking, though, so it was helpful. I think tracking your food intake is very important. Some ppl have found the "5 day pouch test" to be helpful. It basically recommends you go through the original food process you went through following surgery for a jumpstart. For the details, google 5 day pouch test and see what you come up with. Come back and keep us posted on your progress.

Thank you, Clempier. Those words speak to me.

Butterfly - you probably need a fill. My first fill was in January, 3cc - then 2nd was 2cc, third was 1cc, and .5cc last month. That leaves me with 6.5cc in my band, and I have very good restriction with that. I have heard from others who have needed 8cc or more before reaching a good level of restriction. Everyone is different and has different needs for the band to work properly. Give your doctor's office a call and schedule an appointment - try making it with the doctor to discuss your situation and set up a fill schedule if that is what he determines you need. Meanwhile - try going with a high protein, low carb diet. Protein helps to keep you full longer, add in low carb vegies and fruits, and stay away from "white" carbs such as potatoes, rice, pasta, and white breads. Watch your portions and try to keep your intake to 1 to 1 1/2 cup per meal. With good restriction you should be able to stay around 3/4 to 1 cup, but you are not there right now. Try to eat like you are there or as close as possible. The band is providing some restriction, even if the saline level is not right yet, so eat very slowly and be aware of your full feeling so you can stop eating at that point. The South Beach Diet is a good one to work with because it is high protein and low carb. It's most important to talk to your doctor and request a fill schedule so you can make the best use of your band. It is a tool, and it won't work well unless it is maintained. GOOD LUCK!

Vickie - here's how I look at it: We are all going to end up at the same place! Follow the rules, i.e. eat right, hydrate, exercise, be active in your daily life, have fun. Folks who start out heavier usually lose faster in the first months and slow down a bit as they go along, and we all end up with a healthy BMI, a stronger heart, improved pain symptoms, less diabetes (sometimes GONE), feel much better - and the bonus is WE LOOK GOOD! The best part is we have a tool that will continue to help us maintain our new weight as long as we continue to follow those rules. I don't know about you, but I think it is going to be much easier to continue with the rules when I feel so much better and exercise is not the issue it was when I weighed 250 pounds and could hardly walk because of pain in my knees, ankles, and feet. I think about maintenance a lot - and I think we need to be aware of that. We can still eat around this band and we can still fall back into the old exercise habit of walking to the couch and sitting down. Having had to wait so long for the band taught me one thing - prepare for the next step. It all has to become just simply your new way of life. You are doing great!

I had the same experiences with the 1st and 2nd fills (total of 5cc). Restriction for a few days, then none to very little. I asked the surgeon - her response was - it's due to the swelling that occurs with a fill. The swelling is helping provide restriction for a few days, then as it goes down the restriction goes with it. You just have not reached your "sweet spot." With my 3rd fill (another 1cc) I finally got to a good point and did not lose the restriction when the swelling was gone. That was Mar 2nd. I had another .5cc June 3rd, and it is perfect. After the second fill my doctor will schedule them 2 weeks apart if you need to. They just have to go slowly - everyone is different when it comes to restriction, and if they go too fast you can end up with problems of vomiting, reflux, and worse stuff. I have an appointment for mid August and I will go in - but don't know if I will need another fill. If so - I'm sure it will be very small. Good luck! I know it's hard but try to be patient. Watch your portions and do as much as you can on your own. You will still lose weight, and the best is yet to come.

Same for me... I always have to shorten pants, and afraid by the time I get them shortened they are already too big... Glad to have capri's this time of year as I don't have to shorten them. I'm really happy with my loss - I have always been a slow loser, but it's headed in the right direction and I feel so much better than last year at this time. I found WiiFit at Costco on Friday and have been having lots of fun with it. My knees have not complained so far.

Sarah - my congratulations!!! You must be so excited about the change in your life! Good for you, girlfriend!

Actually, I had such good results from Fosamax my doctors both believed it was not necessary for me to take it anymore. The rheumatologist has had many patients who responded well, built up new bone tissue to the point where they were no longer at risk, and the risk of adverse events outweighed the risk of osteoporosis. I continue to monitor my progress with bone density exams every two years - and I'm due for one this summer. Thanks for the reminder to set that up soon - I will call the doc this week and schedule. Since losing close to 50 pounds, I have concerns that my status may have changed, so the test is doubly important. Your medical record approach is really comprehensive! I'm impressed! I agree any cancer survivor needs to be esp proactive - but it would not hurt any of us to do what you are doing. Good luck with this bone issue - there are several alternatives out there now, and one of them will be right for you.

I can't give you any information from post-banding, but I had osteopenia for several years and was on Fosamax for about 5 years. Bone density exams were showing a real improvement, and on the advice of a rheumatologist and my family physician I discontinued the Fosamax about 3 years ago. My condition has remained the same (tested again last spring) - but you bring up a good point, I should probably have the testing done again since losing almost half the weight I want to lose. I can't speak for Actonel or Boniva, but the Fosamax pills are small and I believe they have a once-a-month dosage now (mine was once-a-week). Since the side effects are primarily gastric or esophageal in nature, I would definitely push both your surgeon and your primary care physician for information about your risk in taking this medication. Meanwhile, be sure you are getting 1500 mg. of Calcium AND Vitamin D. I am no longer drinking milk regularly because of liquid calories, but I do have cheese and cottage cheese - and my 1500 mg of calcium and vitamin D3. There is a recent study done on WLS patients which shows an abnormally high rate of fractures in the years post surgery. I received an email about this in a newsletter announcement from bariatricadvantage.com. It is a Mayo Clinic study, and it is significant. Be proactive about this situation. My mother developed osteoporosis at a time when there was no effective treatment or preventive (she was a 50-year smoker). The last years of her life were spent in severe pain every day, and a cough or sneeze could cause another fracture. Believe me, this is not something you want to play around with. Good luck to you - and please post about your progress.

Hi Sue! Yes, this has been a quiet thread for a while. Guess we are all busy just on daily lives... I am doing well - losing slowly, but that's okay. I have had a pattern for years - losing and gaining the same pound or two over and over for a couple of weeks - then dropping 3 pounds in a week - then back to gaining and losing again! It is frustrating, but the end result is about 43 pounds at this point, so I can't (and won't) complain! In diets past I have given up after a couple of months of that frustration. I sure won't give up this time - my band won't let me! Yay for BAND! I am tracking my food intake in a journal - tried some of the online trackers, but I find it's easier for me if I just keep it all in a little notebook. I know if I am tracking and aware of my calories/exercise, I can get through the weeks of losing/gaining and not worry about it. It has to drop eventually and always does. It's good to hear you are doing well - 84# is absolutely wonderful. You must be feeling so great! Fun summer, huh? New clothes in styles you could not dream of last summer! I'm already feeling good about that - and trying to resist spending too much on stuff I won't be able to wear much longer. and enjoying more activities than I have in years - that feels great. Keep it up, girlfriend!

Clempier, everything you are feeling is perfectly normal! How's that for a good thing?!!! Congratulations on joining the banded people. The discomfort from gas usually lasts about 2 weeks at the most. Some people say Gas-X helps that problem. I was lucky and did not have much pain from gas. The burping - yes, it's pretty common and also takes a while. I confess I still have some "gurgling" going on as I am eating, esp in the days following a fill. The doc's office says that is normal and expected. It's a smaller opening, after all, and stuff gurgles as it goes through. As you move to more solid foods that will decrease, as it's mostly the liquids that gurgle. You sound like you are doing great - just a week out, you are still a baby-bandster. You will get used to it soon, and it's so much easier as you move into the more solid stages of food. Just don't rush it, as this is the healing time. Time for the band to really go to work comes later and it needs a good safe start. As you said, God is with you through all of this. He has some incredible times coming your way. Soon you will be feeling so much better than you have in years. I am excited to hear about your progress - I know it's going to be great!

Welcome Nancy. Yeah, it's pretty exciting to be starting this journey - and it gets more exciting as time goes by. Your date will be here before you know it. You will have a much shorter wait than I did. My surgeon's office works as fast as they safely can, but there is a great demand for this and other weight loss surgeries. Just be sure you follow all your surgeon's rules for your pre-op preparation and the post-op diet and exercise limitations. The first few weeks post surgery are critical to your band healing against your tummy and the port healing in place. You may not lose a lot of weight during that 6 weeks or so, but it will all fall into place as the months go by. It's been a wonderful journey - I love my band and the results I am having. food is no longer a top priority in my life and I have so much more energy, so much less arthritis pain. I wish you good luck.

Hi Clempier, I'm not diabetic so I can't answer your exercise question - could your doctor's office help with that? I am glad to hear from you again - and happy that you will be having your surgery soon. Best of all, you have some great support alongside you. I wish you the best. You will be in my prayers - for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. You are going to do great - and that diabetes will probably not be a problem for you in your future. No promises, of course, but many diabetics are finding that to be true. I hope it will be true for you, as well. Best wishes,

Chimboree, you are in my prayers. My daughter has also suffered from extreme morning sickness with her pregnancies, and it was very difficult for her. I am so sorry you had to have your band removed, and sorry your baby was exposed to the necessary medications. I am sure the doctors used medications that have a good safety profile for your baby. I pray that the rest of your pregnancy goes well and your baby is born healthy and strong come October. God be with you.

Hi and Welcome! I was banded on Dec 4th and am enjoying pretty good success with it. I lose slowly, but that has been my pattern for years so nothing is new. Point is - I am losing! I can suggest a great thread for you as you begin this journey - it's "50 and over gang, we have a new spot." It has been a pretty active thread for some time and I enjoy the people who post there so much. I figure I am 50 and then some (turned 67 today!), and that group has been kind enough to let me hang around. I think you will find them to be very supportive and fun. Meanwhile, welcome to bandland. Keep us posted on your progress and if you have any questions just ask!

Lucky, give it a few days. There is always swelling after a fill, therefore it will feel extra tight. As the days go by you will probably not feel as tight as you are right now.

Hi Jackie, Great to hear from you. I've talked to one other person who had Dr. Berntsen - she lives in Manhattan, KS. I haven't heard from her for a while. I really do like Dr. B - she's a no-nonsense kind of woman, but though she is busy, takes time with her patients. I like her staff, as well. They are on top of things. I hope your experience is as pleasant as mine has been. Just be sure you are following the dietary rules for the next few weeks - it's time for healing, not weight loss (unless you are very lucky!). I recall losing during the liquid stages, then went to mushies and the losing slowed waayy down. I did lose a little, though, and I did have some restriction as I went to regular food. I have 6cc now and have pretty good restriction. I'll probably visit Dr. B in May for a little tweak. Good luck - stay in touch!