2GoodDogs

I use zinc oxide ointment to clear up the rash overnight. Bathing and carefully drying that area is working for me. If you think a skin removal surgery is in your future, start documenting the rashes with dates, and pictures. My general physician is keeping records so if the time comes, we have the data the insurance company will want as documentation.

Thanks, I will try that. I know I need to slow down, but it is such a hard habit to break. I made an appointment with the nutritionist, to help me plan my foods.

I'm frustrated and trying to be patient. I don't have real restriction yet, but sometimes I get stuck and sick. At times I can eat way too much. Last Friday, I intended to only pick at my IHOP spinach and cheese omlete, with 3 pancakes. What happened was, I ate every bite. And then finished the two turkey sausages I'd ordered on the side. I wasn't even sick. On Monday I went to the doctor for my 6 week fill. I had only lost 1 lb in the last 6 weeks. He gave me a fill, but it didn't take, I don't feel restricted. I am trying to eat small portions of good foods. I go back in two weeks, for the 4th time. Please, please let me learn how to work this tool, and to stay away from full plates of food! What does restriction feel like? Do you get full enough to not want another bite? Or do you stop eating before you are satisfied, in fear of getting sick?

My doctors office said 1 cup of food 3x a day. 2-3 ounces of protein, eaten first - then 1/4 cup of veggies and 2 Tbls. of a starch.

I am D,d and sad too. 3 fills, have no restriction. I started on Jenny Craig last week to help me get portion and calorie control. I go to Curves and use the CurvesSmart program 3x a week. On non-Curves days, I've been walking at the park. Another fill scheduled in 3 weeks, but I'm afraid I'll lose too much on Jenny Craig and that he won't give me what I need. (more fill) Hang in there D,d, and sad. I'm rowing the same boat, but I'm DETERMINED that I'm going to lose my obese body and gain some frickin' self respect - whatever it takes! (We are probably in the last bit of bandster hell, and bandster heaven is right around the corner) hang in there!

I slime. It is thick and mucousy, but doesn't have an odor or taste. It often brings up food that hasn't passed through the band. Thick and stringy, it can be spit out. Ever seen a baby gurgle spit? That's slime.

Banded in July, I was doing okay and losing 1-2 lbs a week. Then on my last visit to the surgeon I had only lost 1 lb in 6 weeks. I knew why, was eating out and not controlling the calories or portions very well. So, in a panic, I stopped by Jenny Craig on the way home from that last surgeon's visit. Tomorrow I go in for my one week post joining Jenny visit. I'm guessing I've lost something. For the first two day after my fill and joining, I was starving (or thought I was) but now I'm happily not eating *everything* on my daily menu plan. Is anyone else using a plan to help with portion sizes and calorie control?

I haven't thought to ask about how many fills, per year or lifetime. I guess I ought to know that! In bandster hell, hungry and 3 weeks till 3rd fill..

Had my 2nd fill today (.5) and no back pain. I had chest pain on the right side this morning but it passed quickly and that was before the fill.

WOW SRT8, that's impressive weight loss! :omg_smile: You might want to put tags around your ticker, so that you don't have to click on it to see it.

Chicken livers. I ate them for a week, maybe 10 days. Hadn't liked them that much before - or since!

I keep gas-x strips in my desk, chewable gas reliever tablets too. And a can of air freshner spray. Causes of my gas are anything from overeating, eating too fast, too much soy Protein and/or too much Benefiber powder.

I haven't even tried to use the card yet, I'm too embarrassed to ask.

I'm 52, and have been getting hotter flashes, more frequently. Is it true that as you lose weight that the estrogen stored in your adipose tissue is released - making menopause symptoms worsen? At times, I have trouble with concentration, being hot, being cold, being over emotional, and sometimes so annoyed I can hardly stand myself! Tell me if this is normal, or if I need to call the doctor and/or shrink...

I think I had my first experience with it. I ate too big of a bite(s) much too fast and had a pain in my chest. Then increased saliva, so much so that I had to lean over the sink to let it run out. Very uncomfortable for a minute or two. Then the food went through, and a little weak and a bit shaken, I was just fine in another 10 minutes. Learned a lesson though, and then got stuck again at dinner many hours later. Today, all I want is to sip Water and give my band a break. rest. Not at all hungry anyway. So, that's what slime-ing is - to me. Not horrible, and definite feedback on my eating behavior!

Now I want a standing fill in front of a fluroscopy! My first fill was laying down. Can't wait for the 2nd fill, but it is not scheduled for a little more than 3 weeks from now.

Wow, you mean they can miss! So glad that you have a real fill now, hope that your frustration goes bye-bye! I walked the dogs today, made it almost 2 miles and didn't get winded!

I'm waiting on fill #2, the first fill did nothing. (2cc's in 10cc band) I am trying to be patient, and not eat everything - just because I can. I am eating bigger portions than what I'm supposed to eat, but my food isn't junk, it is lean Protein, fruits and veggies. Not drinking after I eat is hard.

I'm sort of where you are. 1 fill that didn't do anything for me. I've even gained a pound or two, and I'm hungry and eating more than I'd like. Looking forward to the next fill, but that's 4 weeks away. Trying hard to eat on the South Beach plan, avoid eating out - and like you have a jungle to tame. Dam blasted mower, I couldn't start it so junked it and bought an electric. Can start that one, but man that electric cord is a pain... Maybe I should trade the dogs for goats. LOL...

Hi Doberman, I'm a Sheltie lover myself with an older Flat Coat Retriever that is as comfortable as my worn out stretch pants... :cursing: How many fills have you had, and is it that you don't feel any restriction or have you not changed to a low fat-low sugar food plan? You've got too much invested in this to fail, what do you think you need to start over or get back on the weight loss track. Do you walk or exercise?

Planters Go Nuts makes a portion controlled pack, it has a mix of pistachio, peanut, almond. I do well with those, as long as I only pull ONE packet out of the box.

Are you drinking whey protein drinks?

I got my first fill yesterday. 2 cc's. It felt weird. I was starving and liquids weren't cutting it. I ate some yogurt to make the hunger stop. Today the Protein powder and frozen chunks of banana are getting me through to lunch. Patience is the name of this particular game... my next fill is in 6 more weeks.

My co-pay was $1200 for the hospital, $100 for the surgeon.

There's much worse foods to crave! Nuts are nutritions and have good fat and minerals. Personally, when I crave the nuts (and I indulge without guilt) it is the good fats and satiety that I like as much as the taste. Oat bran sesame sticks are a favorite snack. And almonds, any way I can get them.