kiz

I rarely use them. I've been banded for almost seven months, and I've needed them four or five times. I wouldn't use them routinely, because I want my Protein to digest as slow as possible. However, if you make a mistake, try something new that doesn't go down, or something just doesn't go down the way it has in the past, it's a great backup.

OMG!!! Breaking News!!! . . . . . . . The Spoof : Octo Mom Pregnant Again! funny satire story HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY!!! LOL

Shocking Update (okay..it's not really so shocking, lol) [/color] Tests Show 13-Year-Old is Not a Father - ParentDish

This is the first I've heard that the other woman doesn't have insurance either! Either way, through taxes or insurance premiums, the public is paying. At a minimum, that fertility doctor ought to be on the hook financially for the babiessssss' medical care. I wonder how much Angels in Waiting received in donations to help pay for their 24/7 care of the babies. I'm sure it will be put to good use for people who actually appreciate the professional help they can provide, but it's heartbreaking that the babies won't be getting it - because of their mother. At no time, have I ever seen Nadya put her children's interests before her own.

Watching a trainwork... Octuplets' mother fires nurses | czech, children, care, suleman, phil - News - OCRegister.com

Here's a recap: If she hadn't had these "little" opportunities to make some money she would have been "forced" to apply for "governmental" assistance" at least until she was finished with school...and then she added, "I don't know how many hours a week I would have to work as a counselor to make ends meet" She admits that she was in denial about the paparazzi frenzy and pandemonium that has accompanied the babies coming home. She expected attention, but not the almost riot conditions that occurred.

Miriam, I can't answer the PB question, because thankfully, I've not had that happen to me (knock on wood). The papaya/pineapple chewables are tablets that are sold over the counter, and they are promoted as an aid to digesting protein. I bought mine at Trader Joes, but others have mentioned buying theirs at Walmart, online, and other vitamin stores. They're inexpensive, and well worth having on hand, in case you have a stuck episode and you want to give them a try. I carry mine in my purse, because I had such good luck with them, that I want to always have them available, just in case. Mine are papaya/pineapple, but I think some people have just papaya.

I just started using a liquid calcium citrate product from Vitamin Shoppe. One tablespoon has 60% RDA and only has 5 calories and 1 g of carbs. It has a little bit of a chalky flavor, but it's not bad at all. You can mix it with a drink, but I take mine straight. When I travel, I'll take my Viactiv though, since it's easier to pack.

In addition to Oregondaisy's suggestions, some doctors place the band in with a small fill. I've read that some people have up to 3 cc. If that's the case, you might need a little removed if your doctor thinks your trouble with soft foods has gone on too long. Are you able to tolerate solid protein at all?

1. Your stomach is still healing. You have fresh stitches, that can be pulled. You don't want your stomach churning too much early on, and soft food is much easier to digest. 2. Your may still have swelling around the banded area. You run the risk of getting stuck and maybe even pb'ing. Both of these issues can contribute to future slips.

Since it's been a few days since your fill, have you started mushies? As long as you can get fluids down (gulping is going be out), and you've been able to proceed thru the mushie stage and to the solid food stage at your doctor's direction, I'd think you're fine. If you start sliming and pb'ing your food (while eating properly - small bites, chewing well, taking your time), or liquid, for that matter, you're too tight. Personally, my band is tighter in the morning, so if it's just a morning thing, that may be part of the issue. Also, you may still have some swelling from your fill. Some posters' bands get tighter after two weeks. Mine seems to loosen up a bit though.

Funny that I found this thread today. I just put on into a size smaller pants this morning. My husband had said this weekend that my jeans were too big, but I didn't think I was ready to move into the smaller size yet. I was happy to tell him that he was right, and I was wrong - but this one time only. I've had pretty consistent weight loss, nothing stellar, and I've hit my fair share of plateaus, but I know if I keep plugging along, it's going to come off. I feel like I've lost at a very healthy rate. More than the pounds, the biggest change I've noticed is how much energy I have now. I guess you take 50+ pounds off of someone, and they tend to walk faster and with much less effort.

Teri, I am so sorry to hear that! I just saw the thread, and was happy to be catching up on everyone's news, then bam. Is there any chance an unfill with fix the problem, or do you know yet? I'll keep you in my prayers.

My doctor said that up to two cups is okay, of course, none is better. I've never been a caffeine drinker, but this question comes up often. *I'll add the normal disclaimer: Your doctor's rules may vary, so proceed with caution.* lol

For a lot of us, especially with the first fills when the weight is coming off quickly, there is a reduction in restriction w/i two to four weeks, but what you are describing is something completely different. I've lost some fill too, which I really don't think is lost, so much as with low pressure bands, not all the Fluid can be retracted. I've never had the experience where the doctor has given me 6 cc and only 2.5 cc can be pulled out, and you've had this happen on a number of occasions. One thing they can do is to use dye in the saline, and under x-ray, they can check for a leak. If that's the leak test they did, and it came up negative, I'm not sure what the next step is. I'd like to know that too. Also, if the leak isn't very bad, they can use a special saline (sort of like "fix a flat"), that is thicker, and I've heard it can do the trick. From what I understand, a leak at in the band itself is rare, but not impossible, and most leaks are in the port or in the tubing attached at the port area. I hope you're able to get this resolved soon.

Interesting info, Steve. It's great to know that if the band ever poops out on me (knocking on wood that it doesn't), that there are amazing new techniques that are being researched as we speak. I would never jump right in for any new technology because I'm pretty skeptical about the latest and greatest, but who knows what tomorrow will bring. With the ever growing problem with obesity, there's money to be made, and researchers looking for new breakthroughs.

I liked the Carnation SF, Slim Fast (whichever one was low in carbs), and Boost Diabetic (low in carbs). I really don't mind the protein shakes, in general, but those were my favorites. I still keep Boost in the fridge for after fills, and for a quick breakfast on occasion.

You just got a fill, NCQueen? You're gonna to be a looser!! (lucky you) I'll take that heavy trophy off your hands.

I've had my band for a little over six months, and I've not had a pb incident. I have great restriction, but not so much that I can only eat 1 or 2 bites of food at a time. I eat 1/2 cup for breakfast and lunch, and a little more at dinner, and I feel very satisfied with those meal portions. Depending on what I ate for dinner, I may or may not eat an evening snack, but I usually have a piece of fruit sometime in the late afternoon. I did get stuck twice (entirely my fault). The first time I was doing everything in my power to get stuck (not really on purpose, but I was an idiot). I was eating broccoli and chicken, and I could tell from the beginning it was a little hard going down, but it tasted so good, I ignored ALL the warning signs. I felt the food was sitting heavy in my pouch, my nose started running, I hiccuped, and yet, I took ONE more bite. I ate too fast and too much. I did a little sliming (twice) and remembered that I had papaya/pineapple chewables that I had read about here. I chewed one, and I had relief almost instantaneously (under 30 seconds). The pills help digest protein. The second time was I tried to eat high fiber cereal w/ milk. I had been eating it dry, but decided to "treat" myself by adding milk. I felt stuck for about two minutes, slimed a couple of times, and I poured my cereal and milk down the drain. Now, if I'm eating something that feels like I'm heading toward getting stuck, I STOP eating. I wait for a few minutes, and when things settle down, I try again, but slower and chewing a little more. It can be a learning process for some of us. So, don't be afraid of the band. It's important to follow the bander rules (chew well, eat slowly, listen to your body), and if you at some point you get overfilled, don't fall into the trap of thinking you'll lose weight faster because you're so tight you can't eat more than a few bites. That's when you'll run into trouble, and chances are, you'll make up for all the food you can't eat by relying on soft foods which are often higher in calories.

That's really good advice, Jack. Going on liquids for a couple of days may very well do the trick. At least you'll know that any swelling you might have experienced should subside. It's really terrific that you're so organized with your journaling. Another thing to consider is that some women have problems with tightness during TOM.

It's too bad your doctor doesn't do fills under fluoro ever, because that would really give him a true picture of what you're telling him. At this point, it seems to me the only thing you can do is to tell him just how big of portions you can comfortably eat. Hopefully, he might consider boosting your fill a bit more than he has in the past. Also, I would ask if you can come back in less than six weeks if you don't feel like you have restriction. Sooner or later, you will get to a comfortable restriction level, but at this rate, it may take a little while. Your doctor may be of the mind that this is the safest way to work with your band.

jenni, it's great that you're keeping a food log, so you can get a better picture of how you're doing meal wise. If you continue to have problems with solids on a routine basis, you might just need to have a teeny bit of saline removed. Even .1 or .2 could do the trick for you. Especially in the early stages, I found my band loosened two weeks after my fills as the weight dropped off. Others have said that their bands tighten up after two weeks, so it's very individual. If, going forward, you find you're getting more and more dependent on soft foods, I would definitely consider talking to my doctor about a small unfill. I really don't think any of this indicates a problem. It's just a tweak in your band adjustment that may be necessary.

Thanks so much for sharing that. I felt your excitement through my computer!!

I have the Realize Band, and it's 9 cc. The Lap Band comes in various sizes, and I'm sure someone will be able to give you the info on them.

To be perfectly honest, I don't count cals or Protein. I do measure my intake though. I was supposed to drink three protein shakes/day with an added 1/4 cup no-fat powdered milk to boost the protein amount. Now, I add a half scoop of Protein powder to something I'm eating almost every day (ie sf pudding, LF yogurt, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, etc). I drink 1/2 bottle of Isopure occasionally, to boost my protein intake. Khashi has a Cereal that's high in protein and Fiber, and if I'm running errands and don't have time for Breakfast, I eat a Khashi protein/fiber bar. There's lots of ways to add in extra protein to you regular diet, once you pass the liquid stage. The one thing I hate to do is count, but if I will at some point, if I have too.