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Well I am up again can't sleep............. CHRISSY: I know the feeling of thinking something doesn't seem right but no one can figure it out. I still think my breathing problems could be band related cause it got worse after my last fill/unfill. I ended up in ER two days later. But doc say no so who knows. But I had simliar issues last February when I had no fill..........so I don't know. I see the respirtory therapist on Thursday. If they can't find anything than I am gonna start to worry more about the band. My left lung has been hurting front and back though........and that is my pneumonia lung that has scarring!! I just want a darn answer is all!! I HOPE it has nothing to do with the band. I wish I could start over with a new teenage body and this time I would be more careful with my health!!! LOL!! I also asked Kaiser for an x ray to be sure can't hurt anything. I will go for my appointment next month just to get the x ray. After my last fill I don't want another one until I am SURE my band is loosened up. I hear ya on that Tamra. I don't want to be too tight. I think I can live with my current fill for another month. WHat are Aprils symptoms? Is she still PBing alot. I have done the inflammed thing and poor April that HURTS terrible.......and it is scary too!! Once you feel better April I would love to talk to you and hear what lead up to all this. I hope they gave you something to help with the pain. So just one night in the hospital? Geez how scary and I for one will vouch for how much the inflammation hurts and how serious it can be. Being in ER not able to breath and PB'ing while you wait for an unfill........and wishing you could have something to drink.......no fun!! Than your sore for days after until things settle down. Never mind panic starts to set in after you go a couple days with no food or liquids..............inflammation can be serious that is why they drain the band when it gets that bad!! Just the fills to get back to restriction take awhile. Oh geez I hope you don't get into the fill/unfill cycle I have been in either. Once you get inflammed once it seems like you prone to it. I have to be extra careful about my fills and the swelling. I totally feel for you April!! Hope you get better soon!! Well gonna try again to sleep.

My band is tight today.........I guess I should weigh when I get home hope that doesn't mean I gained weight!! LOL. I doubt I am getting a fill next month. I think I am gonna aim for August. I gotta get this darn 12 pounds off me so I can get back to onderland again. Weird some days I have restriction and somedays not so much. But I think the trick is the food I am eating.........I tried some bread today!! My bad!! Still just sitting there after 1/2 a subway. Getting a treadmill tonight. My daughter bought one that I hope I will get to use sometimes. One year old for 85 dollars. Hope it works..........Nothing fancy but if I can get in 10000 steps :-) I am excited!! Walked 2 miles today. Work is CRAZY!!! All the layoffs leave friday...........I can't keep up with all the work and I am sad we are losing 60 more people Friday.

I really hope April is ok that is very scary. How is her daughter doing?? Is she ok? I know being a single mother having to be in the hospital so far away can be a struggle never mind the health issues. My last fill didn't hurt so I should be ok. But it is very scary after everything I have researched and read lately. Hope she is ok!! Worried about her.

I have had an unfill in ER..........same reason couldn't get anything down!! Didn't hurt but I got all my fluid out too. Took me 7 months to get my fluid back in.

I hope it all works out. That is my worst fear an erosion or slip.........please let us know how she is doing. So it started with her being to tight? Did she end up in ER last night? I think she has had the band for a couple of years maybe a bit longer. Please let us know how she is doing!!

I hated mushies too..........LOL. I had a hard time waiting 13 weeks for salad. Well...........I made it eight weeks I think............. The band makes me stop!! LOL. If I eat the right stuff. But the thing is that the snacking is true. With any of ths surgeries you can snack and that is the killer to not snack at all!! It is hard. Well I am going to bed now. Super tired with all this heat today!!

Pat I agree 100% that this is about way more than eating to much!! Taking food away as our addiction of choice means that other issues and cross addictions have to be deal with and put to rest. Like Kaiser says they can fix the hardware of the body but not the wiring.............(stomach vs brain). I told the doc last time I went in that Kaiser should require follow up group or individual therapy and he said the medical association won't allow it to be a requirement of the program or surgery and that is why they don't force the issue they just recommend it. I grew up eating whole wheat everything. Bread, pasta .......my mom is a health nut. I like the ezekial bread and the other one you mentioned Pat. But serious can't eat them now. Not worth the carbs or the getting stuck!! Pat what is your fill level?? I am at 5cc's and have decent restriction.........not perfect but I do feel the band. Of course TOM is over so I am getting back to the band loosening up alot today!!

I pretty much can't do bread, pasta, rice or broccoli. Occasonally I can do bread mixed with a protien but Robin said protiens without carbs is best (or no sandwiches or using crackers to eat egg salad!! LOL) even than I usually throw out most of the bread. I am not at perfect restriction. But it struggle with to tight or to loose. I think coming close to good restriction is the best I can do. I am not losing fast like I was when I first got my fill. But didn't like my last fill, a bit to tight. So I am working with what I have................. JOHN: Sleeve is the surgery of the moment and maybe the new gold standard. Research is pretty clear. I only consider it because my aftercare has been a bitch and I would love to be done with fills/unfills. But if I keep losing weight and don't end up in the ER anymore I can deal. I just wonder what Kaisers take on all this is. I am way to hot ladies I am gonna go water my fruit trees and I might accidently squirt myself!! I hate the heat. The one good thing is I hate to eat much when it is this darn hot!! Anyone seen grown ups this weekend? I wanna see it but want to know if it is worth the money first!!

I am the great debater when it comes to sleeve vs. band I have done lots of research and see good and bad with both. But I was never offered the choice. Maybe that is why I am still debating now. Everyone needs to make their own choice. Don't let me influence anyone with my wishy/washy mindset!! If I were to revision it would be with alot of thought and research first and my docs recommendation. I just wish I had the choice is all.............

Oh I use the Vitamin one and SOBE old bottles and fill them up with crystal light and diet hawiaan punch ........freeze them overnight and than take them out in the morning. I take them to work with me. I work in my car alot doing homevisits so they start to melt pretty quick........so nice on hot days. Takes me all day to get them to melt all the way down. I take 4 of them or 80 ounces of frozen drinks and than have my liquids in by the end of the day. Makes me feel like I am getting spoiled all day!! LOL. I think Kaiser might consider them snacking though!! I did Water the last week because Crystal light has artifical sweetners and I did feel a little better. But today is 104 here and I think the crystal light is coming back out!! Makes it easier not to snack all day or overeat when I have slushies with me!!! It might be a mind game thinking I am drinking slurpees all day....... Cole run it under hot water or sit in a pan of hot water to get the melting started.

Hey Chrissy I can't wait to meet you!! Next time!! I will let you know for sure if I hear anything. I really want to know what the doc thinks. I also asked if the band was being phased out. He read the emails but no reply I probably need to ask in person since it could be a very political issue right now. I also asked for an x ray of the band to be sure everything is good. RIght now my restriction is still good so I am not sure I will need a fill in July. Down 2 pounds today. Yea finally so down 17...........I really want to be under 200 though So darn hot today in SAcramento............I want some frozen crystal light. Not sure if slushy Water is gonna be good or not!! LOL.

MOrning all HEATHER: It was actually good the seminar. It was cognitive therapy stuff and since there were only six of us we got alot of one on one help with stuff. It was life coaching which I really might like to do. The fill center recommended I look up a life coach and I never did but after Saturday I would really like to find someone who does life coaching. I can also use it at work with clients..........but yea I agree the part where she was up front wasn't the greatest especially after all the surgery stuff that was amazing!! Next time I am going to Mimi's though with the rest of you. CHRISSY: I like my band but it all the fills and unfills I just hate. I don't get why and I consider it a complication. I did ask Kaiser about revisions but haven't heard back yet. I am not sure if they said yes I would do it. But I have seriously researched it and know alot about the sleeve now. My only fear would be what if I was to tight and than I couldn't get fluid out!! LOL. Ah geez that would suck big time!! And for some reason I feel sorta weird about losing my stomach!! But I for one would consider it for sure..........right now I am working the band and not planning to get another fill until I am SURE I have no restriction left. Than small fills.......... COLE: Do the research you have the luxury of the time to make a decision. I will tell you I totally respect Dr. Baggs and what he recommends. I would consider all your options before you decide and maybe if you have questions you could talk to him. He is totally honest and open about things. I think he is the best Dr. there!! Band is alot of work but like Pam said we all have to deal with stuff no matter the surgery you pick. And I am down 50 pounds now so I can't say it has been a mistake. TAMRA: I agree I would like to lose faster but the important thing is that it comes off eventually!!

afternoon all......... So loved seeing everyone today at the meeting. I like the plastic surgeon presentation too. Amazing stuff. I didn't want surgery before but now I am debating.......not that I can afford it. But wow!! My daughter was with my and thought the ladies should have had on bras!! LOL!! She said it was alot of nudity!! I don't know why but I never noticed that until she mentioned it. I guess I lost my modesty with all the doc appointments the last year. PAT: Thanks so much for caring!! I am doing SO MUCH better this week. Anxiety and hunger are simliar feelings........that is really something interesting to think about. I have been doing Yoga and go in the resp therapist on Wednesday. I saw my PCP and she thinks I have asthma.....just have to confirm it. Of course the anxiety only makes everything seem worse than it is.......I go in for the anxiety group orientation in two weeks.I really like your therapist Pat, wish I could one like that. Considering stress leave from work for a couple of week. The doc things it is a good idea but don't feel 100% convinced about it. They are laying people off I don't want to lose my job .........or give them an excuse to lay me off. LRL: They didn't offer the sleeve either when I got my op. I am pretty sure I would have serious considered it. Your right the aftercare with the band is alot of work. I think the long drives are part of it..............maybe if the fills were in sac that would make it easier. But I hear ya!! The seminar I went to today was GREAT!!! Really loved it and got alot out of it. Just wish I couldhave visited more with everyone. I felt like I missed out on Mimis!! I am going to be early. That 3am pick up of my daughter at the airport thursday night has me wiped out!!! :-)

Congrats Mo.........great what a little drop in weight will do for the motivation. I bet you really are down to 189 just give the scale a few days to settle!! So excited for you. I miss Candra and Jes too!!

Still can't see any avatars or tickers. So sorry John but I haven't met your avatar yet!! LOL. I can't figure out what is up with that. Heather: I agree on the stomach re routing. Just couldn't do it. I also worry about the sleeve but the more I read up the better I feel about that one. I have checked on the VSG site a few times and did some research. Still alot of doctors doing the band but alot of surgeons are stopping the band once they start the sleeve. Interesting stuff. If for any reason my band has problems or has to be removed than I would consider sleeve. I would also consider Optifast too just cause I am not sure how much trauma I want to put my body through or how many scars on I want on my stomach!! LOL. My band ones are finally starting to fade........ I am working on my diet and my habits now and trying to just use the band as a back up. If I could conquer the head hunger I probably wouldn't do another surgery. Just considering options and doing research on the sleeve. I have thought about a revision............but also considering what I could be successful without any more medical procedures.

Ash your so close to onederland..............ahhh and to be stuck at 202!! LOL. I bet you can't wait until your down 3 more. Such a milestone!!

17 is huge Pam!! Nothing little about that.........I am working on getting to 17 myself. But stuck for two weeks now at the same weight........but at least not going up!! I can't see any avatars now sure what is up with my computer. No tickers either. I missed Robin again today too :-( I am leaving for San Fransico tomorrow for a couple of days so I won't be able to talk to her until next week now. Picking up my daughter who is coming home from COsta Rica at midnight tomorrow :-) Oh I emailed the Doc to see if I can get an x ray done to make sure my band is happy and doing well!! Well see what happens. Wow I have great restriction today. Maybe I will hit my 17 by the end of the week~~ only did Water all day but sure eyeing the crystal light. I just have to get it a break for a few days and see if it makes any difference. I was freezing it and than have crystal light slushies!! Yummy way to get the 64 ounces in!! :-)

I can't see any avatars I will have to re log in ...........Yea John we will finally meet avatar to avatar now!! LOL.

Tamra my scale is stuck to and I have been pretty good!! LOL. I did have ice cream on Sunday..........I agree I think exercise is what makes the biggest difference. The people that lost fast were exercising ALOT!!

I am serious considering it and have been researching. Now to see what Kaiser things about it. If they were to give the go ahead I will do it. I have to be carefule what I say over there I don't want people who want the band to be discouraged. But I know several other people besides me that want revisions but won't say it online :-} If I get the ok they would probably follow me. I just want it cause I am having complications and Kaiser is very aware of it. I am not sailing through being a bandster. LOL. Yep we can eat alot sometimes other times Water won't go down. I am gonna check out the the site you posted and she how things are long term.......... They started the sleeve 6 months after I got banded but I would have taken the sleeve if offered. I would be afraid that with my luck I would be the one that has a leak or a to small stomach or something!! LOL. So I am gonna watch you Chrissy and see how it goes :-)

That was a great article. Sounds to me that the band is going to phase itself out and has been nationally with the sleeve being offered. I think Kaise ris not necessary stopping it but people will stop wanting it. Great article and seems like it is fairly recent. It is true that alot of bariatric centers are stopping the band not that they do the sleeve. National trends. Chrissy. I went over there and read the horror stories and than wanted an x ray to be sure. LOL. I usually fall in the 10% of people with problems. I doubt anything is wrong but it would make me better. Those are scary stories.......of course I went into the complication section though!! LOL. On the plus side I have great restriction today. TOM and the band is perfectly tight today. I hope to talk advantage of it :-) I also just read last night that to much nutra sweet or splenda can cause breathlessness and migraines if your allergic to it. I drink tons of crystal light so I am trying only water the next couple of days to see what happens. Does anyone have experience with artifical sweetners and allergies?? Interesting concept. My uncle who is a doctor told me the stuff is poison and not to use it........ok yea that was 4 years ago:tt2: I obviously didn't listen!! Ok back to work..............

Oh one more question for the lady sleevers.............what about TOM does anything significant happen with the sleeve? I know with the band I get tight for about a week. I am assuming probably nothing happens. ALI: Do you get in 64 ounces of water a day no problem now??

Thanks Chrissy I did go over to the other forum and found you there!! I am doing alot of serious thinking. Gotta figure out the asthma thing first and hopefully get Kaiser Richmond to order an x ray of the band just to make sure that is not causing the breathing problems and make sure everything is where it is suppose to be. The docs in ER in Roseville were sorta clueless about the band!! They said they had heard of it but didn't feel comfortable deal with it. LOL. I asked for an x ray of the band and they did my lungs. I wanted both but they said go back to Richmond for the band x ray...........****sigh***** I am sure they could have done it just for my peace of mind but they said they don't deal with the bands Richmond does that. I wonder if I could get Richmond to order an x ray or barium swallow here in town. Still down 16 pounds and TOM so the band is tightening up today. Will be tight for the rest of the week so maybe I will lose a bit more this week. No PB's for three weeks now :-)

Hey Ash, Chrissy and Cokie I am hanging out over there too. Trying to get information and trying to find out about revisions. I am very seriously considering trying to revise whether through Kaiser or another insurance (i can change in september) I am meeting with my surgeon on the 15th and I am gonna ask if I would be able to have a revision. I have probably already said to much over on LBT but I have had issues with my band the last 14 months. I would go sleeve if I had the choice. It was not offered when I had my surgery. I am so sick of the fill/unfill cycle and the ER visits. The more I read over here and talk to people over here the more I want to push ahead and see what my options are. I know the bandsters that are successful love their bands. I have just had issues with mine which not everyone likes to hear. Nice to see some of you here. I know Bella/Lee is also over there as well.

I am currently banded but considering a revision. I have played the fill/unfill game so many times over the last year with the last one being three weeks ago that I am ready to consider a revision now. I just can't get fills anymore as I always have to get an unfill. So it is either to loose or to tight. Last time I had an unfill it was for seven months and I gained alot of my weight back. I still have 5cc's in a 10 cc band but I doubt I will get anymore fills. I am just tired of the fill/unfill games. Also have had problems with being breathless alot but not sure if this is related to the band or not. I just am serious considering asking my surgeon if revision is an option. Does anyone know if Kaiser will do revisions?