Band_Groupie

Yep, keep it honest with the Doc, they can make or break how your journey goes.

Beth, you're better than normal! *Me=Scale Whore* think you need to write a thank you note to your scale to be opened on a week when you're doing everything perfectly and the scale doesn't budge an inch or moves up...I'm convinced all our Scales have PMS all the time...they're moody things. Keep doing what you're doing and enjoy life! Those minor leftovers on your plate add up and make a bigger difference the closer you get to goal...maybe that fill is helping more than you think?

Hi Bee...glad you're back :-) Still a few of us here supporting each other! Hope you find a new doc soon...not sure how much you liked your last one, but maybe a new doc would be a good way to get back on track? I lost my Doc recently too, and won't meet the new one until Jan.

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile...life threw me for another loop (it keeps life interesting, doesn't it?), but I'm back to (almost) normal now (or as normal as I'm willing to get...and 2 pounds up again grrr). I was using a belt sander to take paint off some trim wood outside our house...I was up on a ladder, turned on the sander and...picture funniest home videos as it grabbed the wood and yanked me right off the ladder. Nothing broken, but lots of drugs to help the pain. I also had some increased restriction after the small refill. Details here: Stiff and Tight If you're very brave, or just want a laugh read: Scary Story; How My Belly Button Is Like My Stoma If your Doc doesn't allow NSAIDs with the LB read: Health Advocate and NSAIDs Some updates and my LB Surgeon leaving here: Downs and Ups Halloween Pics here: Happy Halloween DS1 had emergency surgery, but is recovering well now and is back to class tomorrow. Quick (boring) updates here if you must know: 1, 2 & 3 A 'brain dump' about TV and technology as I was sitting at the hospital for the third day here: The Neverending Story Lots of pics & my fashion history here today: Fashionista- What Goes Around...

Congratulations BANDER!!! Keep walking and a heating pad will help the gas too! Feel better soon! -BG

I had a fall off a ladder that has caused neck/shoulder/upper back inflammation and pain (I already have osteoarthritis in my back/neck). I was at the PCP yesterday and she said an NSAID would be the best help, but I can't take them due to the LB (I'm on acetaminophen and an anti-spasmodic drug now, no steriods or opiates as I don't want to start that unless it gets worse and it is improving). The reason we're not allowed NSAID's is not just 'the pill sitting in the pouch and irritating the stomach lining, or getting stuck above the stoma', like we see posted, but it also gets into the blood stream, changes the lining of the stomach, and makes us more prone to ulcers. I came home from the PCP and had a thought...I've now done a little research on the topical NSAID's (gel and patch) as my DH found relief with a short-term back problem this summer with use of the gel (Voltaren). Some say that these do not cross into the blood stream at even 10% the amount as the oral ones, but I'm not sure and found conflicting information online. I already put in a message to my LB Surgeon to ask if these are allowed. Does anyone else know anything else about these (NSAID topical creams/gels/patch) or have information from their LB Surgeon on these being allowed after the LB...yes, I know you're not a Doc and different surgeons have different rules...just curious what your Doc says? Thanks!

High protein diet's worked well for me as well...I lost 50 and 40 lbs...gained it all back. The drinking rules and the amounts you can have are different than my high protein diet. Personally, I gave up dieting when I got the Band. Call your insurance co. and ask for a copy of your Baritatric policy...most need at least one of the big comorbidities under 40 BMI, some need 2.

Diva- Sounds like you're the perfect candidate for the Band...I'm sure you'll do well with it (I had lots of nurses and several Drs. tell me that I didn't look heavy enough for a Band LOL...and these are HEALTH professionals who knew my comorbidities!)! Let me know if I can help with anything as you go along! -BG

Got a 1cc refill Tuesday (4.9 total) and I have more restriction...down 3 pounds of the regain (love that post-liquid diet WL). Happy Weekend all!

*Portion of Post Deleted for Lap Band Book OH, and can I just say...WHAT THE HECK WOMEN??!!! I tried on about 4 outfits before finding one that fit OK this morning...yes, I'm having fat days again. I wore a new top, no coat over it. Do you know how many women I passed today...in the parking lot, in the ladies room, in the stairwell, in the waiting room (where I was called to the window three times), three different nurses during my appointment. I was wondering why I was getting stares and was starting to take it personally that I look like a stuffed sausage in these jeans. COULD ANY OF YOU HAVE TOLD ME THAT I HAD TWO LOVELY *SHINY* TAGS WITH THE SALE STICKER HANGING ON MY BACK?!!! *sigh* ...and I'm guessing some of you were fellow banders...*double-sigh*

Sounds perfect...can't wait for the pics! You ARE an inspiration for so many of us!

Holy Cow...where did September go? Apologies first for being away from here...it was such a busy month, but I think you'll be proud of why I was busy. - Family: DD got a job YAY! DS1 is enjoying the frat house at PSU and had to get his first dose of antibiotics for a cough (I told you that house was filthy LOL). DS2 started High School and we bought him a suit for his first Homecoming dance last night. I spent my free time painting touch-ups...doors, walls, trim, blech. - LB: Still hovering in the high 150's, and I've got a Doc visit on the 12th...I think I'll get a small fill if he agrees...2cc's out was a lot and I'm hungry. - LB Book: After my slow down over the summer I worked hard all September on the book. You all talked me into this, so I wanted to keep you posted on where I am and that I'm giving this my best! ((hugs)) all, and have a great weekend! -BG

CONGRATULATIONS JAY TEE! Party Time in Onederland!!! :frown::frown::party::thumbup::eek::biggrin::eek::tongue:

Thanks Jen! Betsy- Too generous...PM coming your way GF!:smile2:

Just thought I'd give you all an update on where I am with the LB book (since YOU are the ones here who talked me into this LOL). I'm hanging out my HELP WANTED sign to find a great Literary Agent. I'm proud and happy to say that after working on this letter and agents list the last month, the first batch of my query letters to Literary Agencies (to find a book Agent for the Lap-Band book) went out yesterday! ...Please let me know if you know anyone in the buisiness I could send my query to! Some days I get discouraged (and I want to spend more time here with all of you), but then I remember all those 'What's going on? My Doctor never told me there was a Bandster Hell!' posts and blogs that we all still see and I remember why I'm doing this. I was so nervous pressing that 'Send' button for the Query the first time...I was sitting there with my finger over the button and I was reminded of all those times writing one of my 'headband' blogs here on LBT and wondering if I should press 'publish' or not...and then I remembered how I was always glad I did. Most agencies say about 4 weeks wait for a reply. It's like sending out college applications and then waiting nervously.... Published or not, I'm glad I'm doing this and I want you all to know, I'm giving it my best! Game on!

Inspirational! -BG

Chin up...it's all about fills/restriction, which you didn't mention...are you still hungry between meals? I didn't get help from my Band until after my 3rd fill, so hang in there. -BG

CONGRATULATIONS BANDER! Walk, walk, walk, and sip, sip, sip! Sound like things are going well (heating pad will help if the gas pains start). -BG

YAY for happy Band days...and good luck with all the wedding stuff...such a blessing...you'll be the belle of the ball! -BG

Welcome to LBT! You're doing things the right way...work on the head stuff every bit as much as the WL. Read everything you can and prepare yourself for all that's to come. Best wishes! -BG

It's normal to lose and then stop for awhile. You'll start losing again once the fills come. Hang in there, Bandster Hell sucks, but this time is for healing internally, not WL. -BG

Still just under 160...going for a small fill (maybe) on the 12th. I grew up in Columbus (Worthington, just North), and I've got family in Westerville, Olentangy, Worthington and Delaware. DH lived in Cincinnati (Anderson) and we went back there for a year (Mt. Washington)...we both graduated from OSU and went back for the game. My extended family has relatives all over OH as well. Anything close? OK, now for (peer pressure) support...weight?:thumbup: