Paulax

OK, so I have lost 50% of my weight. Thankyou, thankyou...for the last 50%, about 50 pounds, I need to step it up. So, I am joining a gym...and want some advice. My good doctor places the port inbetween the breasts and down a bit. It is sewn into my muscle, not exactly sure how, but, it does bother me from time to time and I am a bit squeemish, so I try my best to ignore it. My surgeon only advised me not to do scrunches, or sit ups. Instead, he instructs us to lift the legs toward the chest instead of scrunches. OK, so now ever since hearing that, I have been wondering if stretching over a ball or yoga will upset or flip my port.... Should I never do stomach exercises? Should I not worry at all? I am going for a fill and will ask but in the meantime, any advice would be appreciated. TIA

Excellent posts above. Here is another take. I have severe jaw pain at times. Over the years I have noticed that I clench, tap my teeth. I do this in times of stress. I have been diagnosed with TMJ, google it, it is quite common. When I am very stressed I wear a night guard to stop me from clenching in my sleep. Now, to my point. When we get banded. Ofen times we have had our stress reliever, (eating) altered. So some of us may compensate in other ways, such as upper body aches and pains, and in my case jaw pain. I guess we compensate one behaviour for another. A banded friend of mine got headaches and neck pain after she was banded. Also more mood swings. If you are one of us who has used food as a stress reliever or pacifier, this may show up as pain or discomfort in other ways. I have to make a concerted effort to stop clenching, tapping, stressing my jaw as it can become very painful and can turn into a severe headache. I hope you find out what is causing this. You can kick me in the behind, but I have to report that exercise helps if it is stress. Good luck and hugs.....

Well, I am not shutuplena, but my band seems to loosen up every 15 pounds, which isn't very much, but so far so good. I'd like to hear others answer that question.

I didn't even realize that it was our 6 month bandiversary until I read it here. WOW, that went by quickly. I guess this is where we take a deep breath and head on into the next 6 months. Still stuck weight wise, fill appointment Feb 15....

Finally feelkng hopeful again. Have an appointment for Feb 15 for a fill. Haven't lost anything since the beginning of December..... But so far, I have lost 52 pounds, banded July 21, I'd love to lose another 52, so that would make me 1/2 way there, ,YIPEE!

I agree, call for an appointment. Charming as I am, my surgeon would like not to see me for 3 and 4 months at time, but we ARE all different with different needs. I call when I feel like I need a fill. period. Good luck

Wow, I'd have said a nice new outfit like a yoga outfit from Luluemon or something, but now you got me thinking.... I think I'd like a small, nothing too expensive, gold band for my pinky. I'd call it my promise ring, PROMISE not to gain it back for a lifetime. Yep, convinced myself. Congratulations by the way. Such an awesome accomplishment.:clap2:

Great story! Congratulations!!!!!

I too need to reboot. I have too many temptations in the house, 'for the kids'. So must act mature around them. So I too need to refocus myself and work with my band. EXCELLENT post Mary....thanks

Damn, had to cancel my fill. It is snowing like crazy here and the drive through the mountains to get to my fill doctor just isn't worth the risk. So I am booked for Feb 19. In the meantime, I will focus on exercise and eating well, fresh meats, fruits and veggies. I have maintained this weight now for 2 months.....and wanna see some movement. ONE POUND, JUST GIVE ME OWN LOUSY POUND....LOL Have a good one....

It's interesting how some people react or don't react to a fill. We are truly all built differently and yes we all like it different. Personally, I like a tight fill, not tight that I am pbing, but tight that I can't eat much more than 1/2 cup. I have been taking note of my band fill the last few days and I can definately feel it empty too soon after I eat. So I am looking forward to my fill on Monday. I have to really be sure because it means a 4 1/2 hour drive, an overnight stay away from my family, then a 4 1/2 hour drive home the next day.

http://www2.oprah.com/health/bob/bestlife/diet/basics/basics_main.jhtml Information here. I guess he really isn't saying anything much different than his first book...lol....but for someone like me, all the talk in the world couldn't help me lost and keep off a lot of weight for any length of time. Still, I guess it was an inspiring show.... A member of my low carb group, pointed out that he is touting Slim Fast and that the first 3 ingredients were sugars. So I guess it's all about marketing....

Even I have to say it was a very inspiring show. It almost made me wonder if I could have done it on my own. Don't get me wrong, I am so greatful to my band, and I know in my heart, I needed to do this to combat the 100 pounds of weight I was carrying. But I wish the medical community could find the answer, if there even IS one,to the growing problem of obesity. Sigh! Anyone else see it? What were your thoughts?

I just wanted to give you a hug. I could have written this letter. You have made the right decision and only you, and others who relate, can understand. So hugs to you and cheers to your successes

Thanks again mouse. It really is a ride. Oh gee, smyly, no real words of wisdom. I guess I have to say be positive, because it really is such a wonderful change you are making in your life. I really had given up. The statistics of people who lose weight and keep it off, made me want to give up, yet, I just couldn't be happy at my weight. So this was my option. I am so glad I made this decision, because I know that if I hadn't taken this route, I'd be still 280 pounds. Good luck with your surgery. You will be fine. and this road has really been a hoot. Each and every day is new and exciting as the band helps us make decisions that lead us to a healthier lifestyle. Cheers Paula

THAT made me laugh so hard......wipes tears. Thanks Jack. Your posts have a way of brightening my day. I have 3 beautiful children of healthy weight. No changes, but I fear my dear husband may have gained a few, because he is eating my left overs. Ha, he does that with the kids and how he has to do it with me. He manages his weight pretty good though and I am taking smaller portions.

Revisiting my post again. It is Jan 15 and I weigh 228. Booked for a fill in one week today. Meh, still don't believe it. First I said to myself that I will believe it when I get into the 230's, then I said I'd believe it when I get into the 220's. Now that I am there, I WILL REALLY BELIVE IT WHEN I GET INTO THE 210's PROMISE. I weighed 211 in the mid 80's, and joined WW. After I sat down the lady came and asked me to weight again. Sure enough I weighed 211. She just couldn't believe it. I said, "Well, that's why I am here!" So that is my memory of the 210's. So I will wait for that. Heading up to another fill in a week. After a fill, I can more easily drop another 10 pounds. That seems to be my pattern thus far. Any other doubing Thomasinas? Strange mindset this is.... hugs to all

I think going under the knife is a wonderful thing. lol! IF my tummy skin bothers me a lot, I will get a TT, but if it is something I can live with, I can forgo it. I am not going to join a nudist colony, I am not going to be a bikini model, so if it can be hidden under a good pair of elastic underwear, I will probably forget about it.

I also started out with a BMI of 39 and at nearly 6 ft tall, I DO hide my weight well. I WISH I had it available to me with a lower BMI, because after 3 children and premenopause, I was heading for a much higher BMI than 39. Better sooner than later, I say.... cheers all...

I am glad you found an awesome Dr to do your fills. I read somewhere that a 4cc band will hold MORE than 4cc's. Think balloon. I am not absolutely sure though, so if you find out, let me know. Also, a question if I may. How do you know that you never stretched your pouch? I am curious as I worry about this too and wonder how one can check... TIA

HA! WORD! I have thought of going to WW, BUT, I don't want to spend the money. I am a self pay. BUT I did like the accountability and the camaradorie of being in a group of people with similar goals. But instead go to my low carb site as well as here. But as I always say, 'if it works, do it' Cheers!

I have wondered the same thing. I too am not a prude, but I am offended by pornography on websites that have nothing to do with porn. I do appreciate how quickly the posts are taken down though.

I payed 12,500 Canadian for comparison. I would rather have this band than a new car, so that has been my reasoning. lol! And yes, a lifetime of savings from binging and overeating will more than pay for my band. lol

I have both laughed and cried with your stories. Makes me sad that even the ones who love us the most, can hurt us the worst. My father used to call me "Tumba" and laugh at me, literally laugh at me. He was loving and attentive and protective in every other way but with my weight. People just don't understand that obesity is NOT a character flaw, or a weakness, or laziness. It is a brain disorder, a personality disorder, whatever it is, the problem is NOT yet understood by the medical communtiy and obesity has not yet been solved. The lap band is helping me achieve what might otherwise be near impossible.

I am soooooooooo happy for you.....I can hardly wait to post a similar thread. 29 pounds to go before I can. THAT is an awesome accomplishment and what a milstone. Congratulations. :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: and isn't it nice to know that you may NEVER see 200 ever again?????