shy_one

I got mine in the hospital also.

I had that problem earlier and my doctor put me on Miralax. You can get it over the counter at your pharmacy. It's a powder that you put in any drink. It works by putting water into your stool, so if your stools are hard, then this will work. Good luck.

OM Gosh! I just wrote that as a quote under my name. I'm dealing with the same issue! Luckily I don't think about food all day long, just all NIGHT. I'm really good during the day, but at home, forget it. Working out is the only saving grace, but then again, I'm fighting the urge to stop that also. Why can't our bodies just accept the fact that we now have a band and to listen to it? lol I wish that I had an answer for you. I'm really sorry that you too are going thru this, it's depressing I know. Hopefully, others will have a few suggestions to help stave off our head hunger. In the meantime, good luck with your journey.

Yes, I've been on omeprazole for years now. I still take it every night. It must be doing something because my doc had me take an endoscope exam before my surgery and it came back clear and without any irritation. It now helps me not have reflux at night.

I still don't know when I'm not hungry anymore. During the pre-op diet, I finally knew what hunger pains felt like. Since my surgery, I don't seem to feel those hunger pains anymore, so I eat when I start to feel bad. Therefore, I can't seem to know when I'm no longer hungry. I'm definitely not restricted (3 cc in a 14 cc band), but I've pb'ed a few times when I've eaten too fast or not chewed well enough. Luckily it doesn't last long. I'm just afraid that I'm going to stretch out my pouch, so I really need to work on weighing out my food. 1/2 cup to 1 cup of food doesn't seem enough to me. I hope it's just because I'm not restricted enough yet. Yeah, learning how to eat again is kind of confusing.

Gosh, I'm really sorry you had to experience that. As people of size, we've had to deal with humiliating experiences many times, but you wouldn't think a doctor who treats obesity to be so demeaning. Thanks for sharing and remember, he's the one with the problem. You have integrity and courage to walk a difficult path in wanting to be healthier, kudos for you. Unfortunately, he will never understand. I'm glad you found a place that values you and your journey.

I have a very good friend who wants to start the lapband procedure. I would like to be able to recommend a surgeon in her area. Anyone know or have had the band done in Pasadena MD area? Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I have been on Merida and Phentermine (current) during my banding period. My doctor sees nothing wrong with taking either until I hit my sweet spot. It helps take the hunger away while I'm adjusting to the band. I'm learning how to eat smaller portions, slower, not drinking with meals, etc. I tried medication only, but it was only short-term, and the weight came back on when I stopped. When I hit my sweet spot and stop taking phentermine, my band will help me to stay there. If you spend the time learning how to re-eat while taking the meds, then they are beneficial. If you don't, then the band wont help either.

I'm sorry about your loss. I have 3 cats and the thought of losing any of them makes me want to cry.

Hi Debbie, I'm 50, 5 ft 6 in, and weigh 305 pounds. I have curly, light brown hair to my shoulders that I usually put in a pony-tail because its so heavy. My eyes are brown also. I carry my weight around my hips and stomach. My arms and legs are thin, so I look kinda funny, if you ask me, lol. Many people are very surprised when I tell them I'm 50 because I look so much younger - sure will help when I'm 70 hehehehe. I have PCOS so I have a lot of body hair, which has been a source of embarrassment and anguish since my teen years. Anyway, I can't wait to see your pics. Take care and good luck in your journey - Brenda

My doctor says that I can take any medication I need. I just had my 1st fill Monday and was on full liquids for 48 hours, then mushies for another 48. There are many ppl on this forum who require medication for various reasons and therefore can't not just take them. I try to spread mine out and not take them all at once, but a few every 5 minutes (I have to take 9 at a time . Just take it slow. Good luck

I also don't use straws because it's on my no-no list. I used to drink out of straws 99% of the time before being banded.

After much soul searching, I finally realized what was going on....low blood sugar . I should have known since I'm a diabetic, but who knew, lol. Anyway, I eat a piece of fruit afterward and no more anger...yay!!

I've found a great peanut butter alternative, which is low in cals and fat. It's called FitNutz. I've tried the Pro and Crunchy (didn't like that one); they have a regular one also. I put it in with my protein drink and it's yummy. Here is the link if you're interested: FitNutz Peanut Butter. Pro FitNutz (2 tbl serving size) 70 cals 3.5 g fat 0 cholesterol 45 mg sodium 3 g carbs 6 g protein

I'd be afraid the PB would get stuck. I do put it in my protein drink with a banana and then blend the whole thing...yummy

An EKG measures your heart rate/rhythm and can let doctors know if you're having any problems with the beating of your heart. The test is not that long. They put electrodes on certain parts of your body, which have "sticky" backs so they can stick to your skin. Once that's done, they start the machine and it runs for a little while, not sure exactly how long. This long sheet of paper rolls out and you can see your heart rate lines. A doctor then looks at your results.

AudricIan, I agree with you. I just did some research on the doc's website and yes, he only does RNY or the mini-RNY. As I said in my previous post, the band has come a long way in 10 years just from making the band. Through research, Allergan and J&J already know what type of material to use to reduce the possibility of erosion, fill rates, symptoms to look out for, etc, etc, etc. Europeans were the guinea pigs, unfortunately, so they probably will have more problems.

This doesn't sound very good. I hope that with band manufacturing innovations, we won't have such problems. It's still scary though to think about all this money I've paid to lose my weight might have been a mistake if I develop complications years later and have to have the band removed. Frightening thought.

WTG! I know how you feel, I just went under 50 myself. It feels great and you're right, it is a great motivator. Keep up the awesome work!

Nightime eating is my downfall. I do really well during the day, but come sundown, I'm hungry and want to eat. Thankfully, I've been working out, so eating something hasn't put any weight back on me. I wish I knew how to "kick" this habit. Any suggestions?

I don't know what's going on, but lately, I've been really pissed after I exercise. I've only been exercising for 2 weeks now at the gym. I look forward to going and enjoy being there. I spend 60 minutes doing the treadmill, bike, nu-step, and weights. Last week I went 3 times and this week, I've been 5. Does anyone know what might be going on? I mean, I'm really angry about 1/2 to an hour after I get home. Any little mistake I make, I feel like I want to punish myself. Strange. I would've thought that exercising would make me feel better, release those endorphines. I don't know.

I agree with Elle. All of my lapband costs were covered under my FSA plan. Fills are still part of the medical procedure, therefore, they are covered also - Brenda

Thanks everyone for your input. Great points. I am trying to "re-train" my brain (hey I rhymed, lol). I have no restriction now, so eating only 1 cup of food might make me want to overeat and bloat, which I definitely do not want to do! I make myself eat a meal over 30 minutes because I am weighing/measuring out my food. I feel that, for right now and before my 1st fill, I need to know how to eat sloooowly. I'm so used to stuffing myself so fast. So far, when I take the time, I find I'm not putting my head in the pantry as much as I used to - Brenda

I'm sure there's a post somewhere out there, but searching this forum can be difficult. My question is is that I still can't tell if I'm full. It's strange to not keep eating until I feel like I'm going to blow up. I also don't want to overeat since I'm in bandster hell right now. My first fill is 7/7 and I want to make sure that I keep going in the right direction with my behaviour and weight loss. I'm keeping my calories under 1500, but need to work on knowing when to put the fork down in preparation for my fill. I'm working on eating slowly and chewing it to mush. I've gotten to the point where my meals take anywhere from 1/2 hour to an hour. So maybe I'm doing the right thing and what I'm feeling in my tummy IS being "normally" full. Just thought I'd ask for other experiences. Thanks - Bren

Oh, so true about having to use the handicap stall so you can wipe yourself well. I actually had a woman in a wheelchair give me a dirtly look because I had to use the handicap stall. I looked at her like I'm handicapped too. I won't miss: -having to use baby wipes because I can't always get everything -having muscle spasms if I move too fast or just getting into the car -not being able to fit into a booth -not being able to walk any long distance because I get too out of breath -not being able to shave my legs, so I go hairy all the time -getting a leg wax and being charge twice the price because my legs are twice the size -not being able to use a seat belt because the company does not make seat belt extenders for my car model (isn't that illegal?) Cool post. So much to list - Brenda