SherryW

I think I'm the first one here girls.

Has anyone started a February Chat yet? Didn't want to start one on my own. Don't tell me I'm first lol

Hey everyone, I'm trying to put a support group type thing together in Taunton. Is anyone interested? I have a few I've heard back from that would love to get together for some support versus having to go all the way into BIDMC. Basically we haven't made it into BIDMC as much as we'd like to because of the commute or time the support groups are held there. What do you think? Let me know...Chrispy will be coming I'm sure of that :party:

I'm always lerking...just don't always have time to post. You're never alone my friend hee hee

Taunton is about 40 min south of Boston if no traffic. Rush hour traffic...like trying to get home from BIDMC at 3:30pm well that takes me about 1.5 hours UGH.

Hi btlbailey (Carol) - Yeap been there, done that and doing it again right now haha. It is hard and what we need to remember is our bodies do have to catch up and adjust with us. I had a year of no weight loss due to reflux issues so I know all too well what you mean. A whole year was gone but, you know....I realized I just had to give myself that time to heal and get comfy again with my body and band. I was finally able to get a fill again and I initially lose weight with that again 8 pounds went without having to do much work then I was stuck at the same weight for another 3-4 weeks. I finally decided in order to lose I needed to MOVE and track my calorie intake...that got the scale moving again then the HOLIDAYS came grrrr. I did good up until New Years week and a weekend at the in-laws. Away from home, having only their foods and all those dang holiday Cookies UGH. Trying to get myself back on track. You might want to give it a whirl logging your food if you're not doing that. It's not easy, take discipline but, it works! now....if I can only listen to myself :rolleyes2: and get going on that again :smile: Countrygirljtl, janet - The acid part just gets me nervous after what I went through. I can tell you, I didn't get stuck either when I had that happen. I could eat just about anything other than doughy breads or pork yet, it would happen and keep me up at night. I had an 1/2 unfill and it did the trick, allowed things to heal and then I slowly did the fills again. Believe me when I say...a fill isn't worth more acid reflux. I even got a prescription from my PCP for reflux meds but, it didn't work. Going slow on my fills had really helped, my last fill brought a little reflux back but, after loosing another 10 it went away. The fact that you chewed really well and didn't have reflux that's a good thing. Hmmm wondering if the bigger bites make your tummy work harder to digest it so it caused more acid? Sounds logical...best bet is to call your doc and see what they say. I know I tried everything prior to the unfill...an unfill scared me :wink2: I do wish you the best with that...keep us posted on how you're doing. We have something in common....my port is tipped too. Happened I guess with losing weight because it wasn't tipped before. The last fill Dr. Jones at BIDMC wanted the intern to try but, she was too nervous with the tilt so she didn't do it. That's the first time I found out it was tilted. Cheri - I hear ya on the occassional big bites. Don't a hate it when you forget? Oh I've done that and just as I swallowed...though...oh Lord, I shouldn't of done that. Depending on what it was is how I end up haha. If its something that will expand when hit with liquid, that's trouble for me like a cracker or Pasta noodle. Rice is a big no no for me too if it's under cooked. I find it expands and really causes an issue for me. Hence, no chinese fried rice for me...which isn't a bad thing I guess. Keeps me out of the starches Nothing stuck ever? wow you're one lucky gal I got stuck more in the beginning but, occassionally I will now too. Usually when I made the mistake of not chewing well enough and it's a tougher meat. Man that can get ugly.....Pork is NOT my friend hahha mtnihi - Ohhh you betcha I had port pain for a while. It kinda felt like a little person inside me pulling on a string that was tied to my stomach. Yanking sometimes. I would have to hold the port area when I rolled over in bed or got up from my chair for almost 3 weeks it was that uncomfortable. I can take alot of pain too so it kind of threw me for a loop when that happened but, it does go away If you do too much it lasts longer though.....I know that's what I did. God forbid I actually relax enough without bending down, picking up clothes or the house. It helps to not wear pants that land in that area either or wear lose ones It will get better...take it easy and let yourself heal if you can The hair falling out thing......whew...I think we all have a bit of that. Protein definately plays a big role in it but, don't forget we all got knocked out for surgery and that anesthesia will cause your body to react funny too. Your body goes through such a drastic change in eating too. It does get better though and evens out even though when you're holding a handful of hair it's pretty dang frightening :cool2:. Man I had quite a bit come out but, at least there was always more to replace it...too bad it didn't come in more curly though hahaha. Question for you all......Anyone living down near the Taunton area? I'm thinking of holding a support group type meeting in this area because getting into Boston is just so darn hard at 6pm on a Thursday. Especially after working all day! Parking is tough too Anyone interested?

Can I ask you a question Countrygirl and Cheri...you both say you can eat without really chewing well....yet you have a funny feeling in your throat? Is that correct? Countrygirl if you're getting heartburn, yet you say you can eat more than you should....something sound odd. Have you tried counting your calories? It sounds like symptoms I had when I was actually too tight. If you're not getting in enough Protein or cals you would lose your hair. Figured I'd start with those and see if I can offer some help if you'd like it. I'm two years out from my surgery, I've had fills, slight unfills and just about a complete unfill during the process due to Acid Reflux. I've actually been filled to the point where I couldn't swallow my own spit, was fine in the office but overnight ended up in trouble and had to go in the next day for an unfill. I've had PBs, I've had the golfball but I've always had to chew well....definately a good habit to get into. I've been away from the threads for a while but, just popped in and noticed you were asking questions but, not sure where they started. Please feel free to ask if you'd like my help. I wish you the best!

Good Gosh I feel like I've been gone forever! I'm jut soooo brain dead by the time I get home I just hate computers after long days. The President is on and I'm listening while I'm in here...don't need to be watchin him. DS came home sick from school, he's doing ok just a bit cranky but, playing video games and now DH has been sleepin since 7pm...he's got the chills and can't get warm. That's really SICK for him because he's under a comforter and the man sleeps naked with no blankets generally while I'm in my PJs and under as many covers as possible hahaha. Think he's sick huh? Hopefully it's nothing I'll be catchin! Although TOM is here so if I'm going to catch it this is usually the time I catch colds or anything else. Must make my system weak. Yeap, Mandy has it right, I do scream like a goil when I'm on roller coasters but, better that then throwing up hahaha. It really helps lol That's my story and I'm sticking to it! It was fun to meet you too! I'm hoping to be able to meet others from out group too. DS and DH want to go to Vegas and the Grand Canyon for vacation this year...anyone close? Chrispy is really doing well with her man :confused: He spoils her and I think it's great! She's not used to it though...it's cute. He thinks being spoiled is when Chris sends him to work with coffee, a banana and English muffin hee hee. I thought that was really cute. They've been together just about every day since the 3rd date I think :confused: He's a great guy, I really like him. Shhhhhh if I haven't said it...I think he might be "the one" :tt1: They are cute together. Work yeap it's still nuts. I'm trying to hold it together, some days aren't so easy and I really REALLY need to go for walks and ground myself. Kat - the DH and DS are sick but the pups are good lol. shhh so far anyway. Did you say you headed back to Curves? Good for you! I sooo need to get motivated again. I put a few back on and need to get them back off and under 200 again. TOM isn't helping! The ice cream Sundaes probably didn't help either. Kicked it back in today, ate better but, didn't get my exercise in...gotta work on that tomorrow. Pat - Sounds like you're doing great! I can't wait to see pics and I soooo am looking forward to having my TummyTuck and Apron removed and hopefully I'll be able to afford a boob lift too. Gosh it's all so dang pricey isn't it? Sounds like it's worth it though....will have to be because I'll be paying on it for YEARS! Betty - I must of missed it. Did you say you went riding? It snowed here. DH hasn't been able to go out for quite a while. They won't go out unless it's at least 40 degrees. Me...I'll wait for the warmer weather. Beanie....haven't seen ya but Happy belated birthday. I hope it was a good one.We miss ya. Eileen - Happy Anniversary. Girl.....maybe we need to motivate each other huh? We should start with Water hahaha How is the Karate man? hee hee Diane - Sorry to hear about your great uncle. My condolences Mandy - Sorry to hear about your uncle too. My condolences to you and your family. I hope Abi and you feel better soon. Poor kid...gosh that has to be uncomfy to go through :frown: Diane Signgirl - Ohhhh I know all too well how those fills can be. I've had to have a few slight unfills and a 1/2 unfill before. Scarey stuff when you can't swallow your own spit so be careful. Sounds like you're getting liquids down at least so that's good, be careful though...too tight and the acid reflux started up for me and I suffered with it for 6+ months before I ended up with an almost all unfill. Hope you're doing ok. Cindy - How is ya girl? Busy busy I bet. Jetti - sounds like you're motivated to move. That's great...keep that up because ohhh it's so hard to get started again when you stop for a while my bad. It's my understanding that if you allowed yourself the right amount of time to heal that you shouldn't have any issues with hurting yourself while exercising. Chell - Welcome to the NJ thread. I for one am not from NJ, I'm from Massachusetts but, these lovely ladies welcomed me with open arms...hmmm should I say open computer monitors? hee hee. Anyone seen or heard from Anne lately? I miss her :confused: I miss Darcy too...I sure hope shes ok. They are both so very nice peeps :confused: I know I've probably missed people but, I'm going blind on the computer....my mind is shutting down for sure. Well folks I'm calling it a night...Hope you're all doing well and shrinking :wink2:

Just an FYI the Brownies from Apex are actuall very good if you're craving brownies but, as usual that "better flavor" for a suppliment comes with calories. I usually only eat half of one and save the other half for another time. They are called Iced Chocolate Brownie Delight. 230 cals, 13g protein, 27g carbs with 8g fat so that's why I'll only eat 1/2 to get rid of the chocolate craving. They are about 3''x3'' and have real Hershey's chocolate in them. My DH seems to be able to eat those peanut butter piece cookies...me BLECK I didn't care for them. So dang hard but, not crisp and the aftertaste is just NASTY. If I want a cookie....I'll eat a cookie and plan it within my calories for the day. Rather have the real thing on that one hahaha. Hope everyone is doing well :hurray: Me....well....I've been off the bugg for a few days.....work has been so dang stressful but, I'm getting my mindset ready to rock and roll for Monday and a new bugg program. Wanna get more weight off before my Birthday :frown:

Hi Steve...maybe you should look up other veggies that would add potassium to your diet. I believe Broccoli does that. If you're used to having potassium then your body must need it to get this reaction. Google Potassium filled foods and eat those veggies with it :hurray: I agree with HarleyGuy....there should be a multi-vitamin in your diet. After banding you'll need chewable ones. Personally I use Flintstones Complete because I didn't like the taste of the other more adult Vitamins. My doc and nutrionist are happy with me using those. I also have to take a chewable Calcium...I use Caltrate those taste like Smarties candies but, not so tart or sweet. Hope that helps.

me too lol

Hey Pat...I bet it feels much better to have those dang tubes out huh? wooohoooo you sexy mama! HOpe having them out makes ya feel better :smile:

lol Ted....You're going to love your band...no doubt! I wish you the best with your nerves over the next few weeks. It will be here faster than you know it!

Howdy Folks, Sounds like everyone is doing ok with the exception of Pat hurting for Good reasons though Even though sounds not too bad which I think is great! I can't wait to see the results Pat! Pictures pretty please. Yeap...new website stuff in here huh? Gotta get used to it all over again. I'm with you Kat...you get used to it and boom...changed again lol. lunch with Chris and her new man was really nice. He's a great guy, very good to Chris and you should see the smile on her face. We both agree "IT'S ABOUT DANG TIME!" she met someone who treats her right. He's been spoilin her but, she does the same for him compared to his previous girlfriends it sounds like. I really think it's great...and I'm so happy for Chris. She really is a terrific gal and really really deserves a nice guy. I think she's found "THE ONE" shhhhh hee hee Had a Reiki class today I enjoy teaching it. Looking forward to more and more students :waytogo: Work...well that's still nuts lol. don't think that will change anytime soon. Patriot's are playing an important game tomorrow...gonna have friends over for dinner and the game. Got some planning to do with that. Think I may throw something together in the crockpot to make it easy. Anyone else watching the games tomorrow? mandy...how ya feeling? Betty...Cold in Texas? How cold is cold for you folks? It's been freezin up here the past few days anyway. Kat...is your day hectic cause DH is home? My guys have been playing XBox360 for hours UGH...been stuck in this little office watching a 19'' tv while they play games on the HDTV...Go figure! Signgirl, Diane, Jetti, and everyone else i'm missin here...HELLOooooooo:) Topic Hiccups huh? Oh yea I get those more than ever since banding. Mostly when I'm suppose to stop eating although I find I even get the dang things drinking Water sometimes. Sometimes for no reason too hahaha. They can really hurt if they last too long huh? OH well...I have to get going...hope everyone is doing well and shrinking! Love yas

What the heck...they changing the look of this website again?

Sherry here from Taunton,MA I was banded at BIDMC 2/13/06 and still loving my band. There are quite a few who post in the BIDMC thread as well

You'd actually be quite amazed at how much you're actually eating. The BodyBugg does help keep you inline as long as you're honest with your food journal. My Trainor said people underestimate their food intake by as much as 40% on average and they wonder why they aren't losing? She also said that most packaged foods actually weigh more than the serving sizes noted on the package. So weigh everything you eat on a regular basis and you'll soon get to know if you need to actually count MORE calories than the package says. Example she gave was Healthy Choice meals. She said she's found almost every package weighs more than the label states is a serving and how many servings in the package...meaning it may say 1 serving when it's actually 1.5 servings you're eating! Amazing...and you know I checked some things I was eating and she was right...even the bread weighed differently than the label. Give it a whirl...those calories add up quick!

Yeaaaaaa Pat I can't wait to see pics when you're all healed up. You're already one hot mama and boy oh boy with this..look out world! I'm so glad you made out ok and doing well :cool:

You're welcome Ted. I had my surgery on Feb 13th 2006. Best thing I ever did for myself. Good luck with everything! Please don't hesitate to ask me if you have any questions. I'll be glad to help where I can.

Welcome Ted! Sounds like you're on your way to bandland. BIDMC is great and I've been very happy with the care there. I had Dr. Jone as well. There are times during your aftercare exams that you wish you had more time with Jones but, if you speak up and ask the questions you'll get them answered. They've been great answering my questions that I've emailed in too. I wish you the best with your journey.

Howdy everyone, Sounds like people are on the mend and that's a good thing. Work has been the usual nuts...it's hard sometimes because I don't know what to tell people that confide in me on things I really shouldn't be hearing sometimes. I guess it's a good sign that people trust me but, man...I really need to practice my Reiki to keep myself from getting worked up. Hard to explain but, I'm managing and getting by. I just keep telling myself one day at a time, work hard and go home leaving work at work. Not always easy though. Christine and her new boo are coming over today for a late lunch before the big Patriots game tonight. We haven't exchanged our Christmas gifts yet so we're going to do that today and then have some chili I have going in my crockpot and Chris is going to show me how to make Pasta Fagioli yummmm. We'll have a good time. Just got a message from her she's around the corner so I have to go. Hope everyone is having a great Saturday. Chat with you soon!

DH and friends went riding today. Still snow on the ground but, nothing on the roads. They'll be riding again during the week as New England is suppose to get in the 60's Wed or so. No riding for me as I don't have winter gear yet. Just don't want to spend the money on chaps and other leathers when I'm still losing. I'll spend the money this riding season though....I should be closer to goal then

Good morning everyone...I'm kicking back into shape with my bodybugg and watching what I'm eating today :eek: Enough with the holiday stuff and back to getting back to me. Never an easy thing taking care of yourself first but, I gotta do it . How is everyone doing?

Have you lost weight since this fill? That could be part of it too. Sometimes we swell quickly with a fill so the fill seems tighter and when the swelling goes down we feel like the fill isn't as tight. Also depending on salt intake you could feel like the fill is tight at first and as the fluid retention goes away you don't feel as tight. So many reasons it could happen really. It's definately not uncommon though, I've experienced it myself with my fills. You also want to make sure that if that keeps happening with every fill for you that you don't have a leak in the tubing. Does your doc check how much fluid is in your band each time prior to putting more in? Just curious if he/she noticed any loss in fluid inbetween your fills. Good luck!

Gooooooood Mornin' NJ folks :eek: Cold day in New England but, it's warmin up a bit! It's been in the teens or lower lately but, the weather folks are telling us it's suppose to get in the 60's by Wednesday...go figure hahaha. That's NE for ya! Welcome Catalystmb/mary - Good luck with your band journey and welcome to the NJ thread. You'll probably discover rather quickly that alot of us aren't from NJ but, found our way here because of the great folks in here :eek: jowjow - thank you...we're really excited for him. He wanted his so badly and it's quite an accomplishment for him because he is currently going to a Technical high school so that makes it a harder for kids to get into college because of the curriculum. He was smart though and took all honors/advance courses, did some extra activities and wrote one heck of an essay (brought tears to my eyes) on why he wanted to be a psychologist. Honestly if he doesn't end up pursuing psychology I think he should get into writing because he's always been so creative with it. Mandy - Are you done with your house projects? Ready to head back to work? Man when I look around here I know I really need to do some painting and organizing...it's finding the time and quite frankly the WANT to start such a large project UGH. I think there is something that needs to be done in every area of my house. I wish we had had more time before moving in so I could of done all that prior to getting furniture in the house because now it's just THAT much harder to do it. We did paint the kitchen prior to moving that's about it. I tell ya if you saw the colors and what the previous owner did you'd understand what I'm talking about hahaha. Hope you're able to rest a bit before heading back to work! Oh and you said below you haven't met your goal with your band yet but, let me tell ya girl...you look AWESOME and I hope I can look as good someday :eek: Cindy - I hear ya on the sugar fest....I sooo need to get back on track. I was doing ok watching what I was eating but, we went out celebrating yesterday with my son..dinner, movie and ice cream. I wasn't as bad as I could of been but, I didn't really need the ice cream lol. We went to Olive Garden for dinner (son's choice) and I had Soup and salad there with a bread stick..not bad...went to see I Am Legend with Will Smith (ok movie...the guys liked it more, I don't like things jumping at me or the screaming...definately a guy thing haha)..they each had popcorn and candy, I stuck with Water and a few handfuls of popcorn from each and 4 sourpatch kids lol...then to Friendlys for sundaes....peanut butter cup sunday now that's where I blew it I ate the whole stinking thing. It was good though sooo today is a new day. Didn't really do too bad when I look at it but, could of been better...today we start fresh :eek: Hope you've been able to get those fruits and veggies in. Sounds good to me too but, sometimes the fruit doesn't sit well with my band :eek: Signgirl...We all definately have setbacks or slip-ups and the band isn't going to stop that part but, honestly when you get the right amount of fill it definately helps keep you away from BIG BIG slipups. We didn't get here overnight, remember that :eek: One day at a time, be kind to yourself...if you slip up....take it one forkfull at a time. Sometimes eating something you want versus something you don't want, will actually keep you from a total set-back because often folks will eat what we don't want because it's healthy then go an eat what we wanted in the first place...hence if I didn't get the sundae last night i know I would of eaten chocolate at home and other sweets because I wanted that sundae. I had it, it's gone...it's another day so I'll kick it up a knotch. (Write all this down because you'll probably have to use it on me someday when I start complaining about my slip-ups ok? hahaha) You're doing great..keep up the good work! Diane...we all have our days of eating not so good see my above confessions haha. You've done great so girl cut yourself some slack and make today a new day. Betty - My house is with you..our decorations came down the first warmer day we had after Christmas. DH took all the outside things down last weekend and we took the tree down on New Years day. Things are now back in order :eek: It's amazing though the stuff I've accumulated....now it's going to be time for spring cleaning. I really need to have a yard sale but, man I hate having those things. So much work! but so much good stuff that really shouldn't just be thrown away. How are you feeling...the foot? Hope everything is going well at work for you. It's nuts at my place...always busy but, it makes the day go by :eek: Jetti - Have you been able to get yourself back on track? Hope all it going better for you. Reilly - How are you doing on the mushies? Isn't it great when you can finally have something with substance! :eek: Hope all is going well. Troy - Hello and welcome. I was 5'4 and 277 when I first got my band. I had high bloodpressure, my feet were so painful in the morning to walk on that it actually made me wince and sometimes cry and my back gave me so much trouble...I'm happy to say all of those have gone away since my band. Have you started the process with a bariatic center or doctor yet? They are a big help with questions especially if they have an information meeting you can attend. The bariatric center I use here has those as well as po-op group meetings but, of course i find this website easier to use and ask questions or find answers. Good luck with your process and feel free to ask any questions you have...we'll be happy to help. Eileen - Girllllll how are ya doing with your resolution? I'm trying to get that dang water in still. I was doing great with it prior to this last fill. It takes longer for things to go down now so I feel full and don't want to take that sip so I don't have an issue. Getting more in but, not all my 8 glasses yet. Have you been using the inversion table too? I have to get myself back into getting in my 10K steps again. Got a bit hectic with the holidays so hard to get them in...now it's hard to get back to is. Yesterday went to the mall to walk with DH but, needed to get my nails done too lol. Went around once with him then got my nails done while he kept walking. He went around 3 more times before I was done...needless to say I didn't get my steps in...then added the dinner, movie and Sundae to the mixture for yesterday. Oh well....I have to keep telling myself today is another day start again. Hmmm errrr as I'm sitting here typing to everyone when I should be on my dreadmill hahaha. I'll get there today though :eek: Gonna get my 10K in I'm determined to do that at least today! Miss ya girl! Hope work is going well for you...has it settled down a little? Here is a little something for everyone...I bought a new "The Secret" desk calendar...look what was on Friday's......makes sense to me! Now to actually do it :cry:):kiss2: If you feel bad about your body, that is a powerful feeling, and you will continue to attract feeling bad about your body. You will never change your body if you are critical of it and find fault with it, and in fact you will attract more weight to you. Praise and bless every square inch of your body. think about all the perfect things about You. As you think perfect thoughts, as you feel good about You, you are on the frequency of your perfect weight, and youa re summoning perfection. Have an awesome Sunday everyone! HUGS :eek: