terri b

Hi there, I have not visited the site or posted in a long time. I have lost 80 lbs since my band in Nov. 2005. Well today I was told that I have a leak in my band and it needs to be replaced! What else can be done if anything. I have read about a "fix a flat" solution-what is this and is it safe? I am worried that I will gain wgt. back or not lose any more. I am so depressed I could not concentrate at work after findng out. HELP!! :help:

sledge That is exactly how I was, tight for about a week then nothing. The last fill I had did nothing. That is when the doc said lets check it out. I still am not sure if I want to pay the bucks and have the pain all over again! I know I am the only one who can make the decision, but I am at a loss--If your band is leaking what will you do? Terri

My leak is actually in the band. It looks like surgery or not. It is a difficult dicision as I have lost 80pounds and have not gained any back. I am off all blood pressure meds and feel really good. i guess the question is " do I want the band replaced????? Terri

I lost most of my weight the first 6 months. It has been a slow since. i long for the good old days when I could lose fast! Terri

Jill I have not changed mine out, but I do have a question----my band needs replaced due to the fact it leaks and I can not hold fill. Was just the band replacement as painful as the first surgery? I had a lot of pain post op. I guess I am scared to get it done. I hope your new band does great for you! Terri

Julie Did your doctor have any problems with using it?? I am so wanting to try it. I really don't want it replaced if I can help it. Thanks a bunch Terry

I can relate to being stuck and frustrated. I did so well at first, now the scale rarely moves. I have not gained, but then again no loss for several weeks. The funny thing is I feel I strill have a good restriction, and I eat small amounts and still do not loose any weight! My doctor says it will slow down now and I have to try harder and exercise more. I really did not want to hear that, but I guess it is true.

I felt that I could eat everything also, so this past Tuesday, I went for my second fill. Now I feel the restriction again. I have not been able to eat much of anything but soft foods, but i know this is only temporary.

I remeber the first day when the krispie shop opened. I waited in the drive through line with about 60 other cars. I got my dozen and left to go home. When I got there only 2 donuts left in this big box. My husband was gone and I ate the other 2 after heating them up in the microwave. I was in love with this greasy, airy, and tasteful wonder!!! Now when I look back at my eating habits, it is no wonder why I weighed 270!!!

I agree this hair loss thing is very tramatic. My hair was always one thing I had going for me. Every morning in have a ton in the shower and then when I use the blow dryer, even more!!! I have been tearful several times before going to work about how awful my hair looked. My doctor has no suggestions. I am getting protein, take vitamins, etc., but it still keeps falling out. It sounds like some folks have had it grow back. That gives me something to look forward to.

Before surgery I would hide the ben and jerrys behind the frozen dinners thinking my husband would not find it! I was eating a pint at least 3 - 4 times per week. I still am addicted to ice cream , but I no longer buy it. I just plain leave it in the store. I buy the "skinney cows" (mint flavor) and have one a few times per week. I miss my dear friends "Ben and Jerry", but I am better off without them!!

I celebrated 6 months yesterday. I have lost 65 pounds! I can notice the difference. The last month has been very hard. I think I need a fill. I have only had one.

I have not noticed any changes in cravings. I still like (crave) good wine and chocolate!! The change I see is that I cant have as much as I used to have! When we go out to clubs or dinner my husband tells everyone now I am a "cheap date".

I always have to laugh when people say "that was the easy way". We all know this is not easy. It is only a tool. You have to learn to use it to be successful. Anyone can sabatage their weight loss due to the fear of getting thin, lossing their identity, comfort level in life etc. It is very easy to say "well I have lost some now I can take it easy". It is so easy to slip back into that pattern of unhealthy eating. Last week it was 82 degrees here and the first thing I thought about was to go to the DQ for a malt!!! I am in this for the long haul.

Crack heads don't eat much, no wonder he thinks 800 calories is a good idea!

I took it pre- band and it had bad side effects!! I was nervous, jittery, and had no sex drive, but it gave me a great buzz! I had a lot more energy, so I stayed on it for about 12 months. I lost 35 pounds in about a year. After finding out from my doctor that my B/P was elevated and I had to have another medication added, I stopped taking it. It is not supposed to be "addictive", but I sure craved it for a few weeks after my last dose.

I was banded last November and I was 58. I have done great so far. I am now at 60 lbs off and I am off all my high blood pressure meds. Yeah Me!!!

My vote is for the spray butter. I even use it on chops and steaks. It makes them go down real easy.

You have done great so far! I went 4 months post-op without a fill. It all depends on how you are doing.

After thinking about this, I think the only thing I do not want to give up is my weekly bottle of wine. It took many years to transition from "Anne Green Springs" to the real good stuff!!!!

I love squash of any kind. I lived on butternut squash soup after surgery. I do not have problems with pasta. It is one of my favorite foods. We eat it several times a week. If you have any good squash recipes send them my way.

I am glad you are better. I am a big cry baby and I only had a "pre-op" diet for 1 week. I lasted 5 days and then switched to diet ice cream and pudding. I was more emotional after the surgery. I cried for 2 weeks.

My boxer is glad that that I chew and spit. I save the steak for him. He does not care if it pre-chewed!!!

I have tried to not sip with a meal and I have a hard time. I know it is a learned behavior, but to change a habit it takes 12 weeks and I have never been able to follow the "water rule" that long. I think if I drank more water during the day, I would be less inclined to drink with a meal. I will put this back on my mini goal list as it is make sense not to drink due to the food going through faster. I had not really thought of it that way.

keekahari , I am 5'2". Not only do I not need queen size panty hose, I found out last weekend that my feet are 1/2 size smaller!!!! I have lost a lot in my legs and butt. Thats a good thing--------