Band_Groupie

Sorry, I'll be back to explain... *Post Deleted for LB Book I'm writing Band Groupie http://bandgroupieth...t.blogspot.com/

Make sure you're getting plenty of fluids now as dehydration can cause tightness. The band stoma is swollen and if you 'baby it' (depending on how sore you are, maybe even going to liquids only for a few days, or mushies, but follow what your Doc suggests) for a few days/week, the swelling should go down. When you're back to normal they can refill you again. My LB blog is here: http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/

Kara- Come take a peek at my blog (started it here, but I'm mainly on Blogger now, it's a safe site) http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/ I'm almost 2.5 years out and I've never 'dieted' with my Band (and I'm in the very middle of a 'normal' BMI...below goal). Yes, you'll have to eat lots of protein like chicken, just to meet your nutrition requirements, but there is NO food that I can't/don't eat and it's been that way since the first day I got my Band. I'm finishing up a LB book now (suggested by folks here), and it's posts like yours that spur me forward. Hugs -BG

Hey girl! Nuts are my 'go to' protein snack, but I had to watch the portion size or prepackage them when I was hungrier or it was easy to overdo (I also learned not to buy cashews except in the mixed nut packs or I'd eat them all LOL). I also keep some roasted edamame to mix them with (not my fav, but doable with some nuts). I don't do the shakes (except after a fill) or bars, so I'm no help there.

Try taking him to a seminar (my DH went to two before he was convinced, and yes, he sounded the same and had watched me lose big chunks of weight many times) and have him read some stories you print here (I'm a blogger), and print some before/after photos too. I'm about 2.5 years out, 100 lbs. + still off and I'm in the middle of a normal BMI and have been maintaining...no more hypertension or prediabetes. My words for him are that I now feel like he does about food...normal...I can limit my intake and not feel like I'm starving all the time. The Band just helps to level the playing field. ((hugs)) -BG http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/

Haven't been on in awhile...and I've been a terrible blogger...life is too busy! Sorry about the troubles JayTee (and others). I've suffered with the dreaded GERD as well, starting I believe about 1 year out. Was on Nexium then way too tight and when I then got the reflux at night I knew it was a big problem so a big unfill, and the GERD went away instantly. Lost both/only Docs in the practice and gained 15 back while waiting months (think it was 6 or so) for a new Doc (reminded me how much I need my Band and that I can't do this alone...funny how I was beginning to think I could LOL). Got the new Doc and a fill, but only back to 5.6 and I was as high as 5.9 before the unfill. I get touched of burning ever now and again, but nothing some Tums can't handle and haven't had to start the Nexium again. For me, what I've learned is that heartburn/GERD is a big side effect of the Band and one I've learned to live with and control. The tighter I get, the worse it gets. I've learned that you have to stay ahead of it or it can spiral out of control quickly...any reflux during the night is a huge red flag it's gone too far. I drink plenty of water during the day, and have something on my stomach if there's a flare. I don't eat anything late and even when I drink water late I wait for it to go through before laying down (and I now like sleeping on two pillows anyway). If I have to, I'll start the Nexium again...at the first sign of a problem...I won't let it get to the point again that I need an unfill without doing everything I can to nip it in the bud first. As I've gotten thinner, I've had to eat less and less food and now it's hard just to get all the solid protein in...and I have to eat slowly as the 'stuck' doesn't show up right away for me. For the first time I've had PB's with eating one bite too much and that never happened before, so I have to be really cautious...PB's are also a big trigger for GERD getting worse (and I've learned to go to mushies/liquids after or I'm asking for GERD to flare). I also think many of us go through a period where we are just tired of it all and get lazy about the rules...I certainly have. Life is good here...145lbs. today (and no, I still haven't accepted my new self), kids are great, and DH and I just started planning our 30th anniversary trip for Spring. I'm meeting a large group of about 50 LB Bloggers in Chicago next month for a weekend. Hope everyone is great and I hope this awful GERD doesn't get the better of any of us! Fight the good fight friends...you're worth it! Love to all! -BG

Keep the positive attitude, and keep reading those success stories and pics for motivation. Someone told me early on that there are a lot of negative posts here because they are the ones coming back for help...the successful ones are out enjoying their new lives. You're going to do great! -BG

CONGRATULATIONS BANDER! -BG

Kelly, Sounds like you need a small fill, and yes, it's not always easy to get to the perfect spot and I'd suggest doing a little at a time this round so you're not back to too tight (some find even .1cc can make a difference). When I'm at my sweet spot I have no hunger at all between meals, but I can still eat everything (slowly, chewed to death). -BG

Feel better soon! The next week should bring some big changes in how you feel. -BG

Hey GF! Sorry to hear you're having this (I had sciatic pain when I was pregnant the last time...awful stuff to live with). I have osteoarthritis several places in my spine and it's so much better since I got the weight off, so I hope yours will resolve. Look at you, and almost half way?! WOW! Keep it up!

OK, here's some tough love....the period where you're most likely to cause a LB complication (a slip is the most worrying eating too much too soon) is in the first 6 weeks post-band. Just remember, this period is for healing. It's not what you eat (although gooey bread items are a risk as they're on the top offenders of getting stuck), but how much and how well you're chewing. It's so much better to eat more tiny meals during this time. OK, now the love...I'm at goal and I've eaten a slice of our usual Friday night pizza ever since my healing was done...so keep telling yourself this isn't forever. Stop the guilt...there's NOTHING I don't/can't eat...just in moderation and with a conscious choice that you can't eat junk often if you want to lose the weight. Guilt is for diets and I've stopped that rollercoaster and got off. ((hugs)) BG

*Note: I just added my last 5 blogs here today and only this one shows up on the 'blogs' page (You'll have to click on 'The Sweet Spot' next to my name on the blogs page to view the other four). I'm losing it...No, not weight (still in my 155 holding pattern). I'm losing my mind. I went to see my surgeon, but I'll get to that in a moment (stay tuned for some LB info. below). I've been working on making pillows for the great room. I found the same fabric as is on the new recliners at JoAnn's. So I made four throw pillows for the couches. Then I recovered the bench cushion for the church pew to match (not shown yet). I stood back to admire my work and realized that I'd gone all Maria Von Trap with only one fabric...and it was the only fabric in the room (no window treatments in this room)...more than a little too matchy-matchy. So, back to JoAnn's for some more pillows (I decided to try my hand at some fancy pillows for the pew, since it's not sat on unless we have a crowd) and after bringing home lots of swatches I picked four new fabrics. Off to the fabric store once more and I found three of them and put them in the cart to be cut. Half-hour later and I still couldn't find the fourth fabric, so I asked an employee for help...in answer to the her question 'No, I have no clue which section of the fabrics I got the swatch from'. She found it in minutes and put it on the cutting table for them to cut for me. Home again and I start cutting my shapes for the pillows...hmmm...this fourth fabric has some snags and looks like it wont hold up very well...I start pondering going back for a different fabric...and then... ...the lightbulb goes off... ...I'm looking at the backside of the fabric! ...OMG, no wonder I couldn't find the fabric! It's solid, but more golden on the back and has a totally different weave (of course, stupid). I curse my blonde hair. So I also decided to make pillows for the recliners. And here are my fancy pillows and cushion for the pew (I just looked at images on Google to get some ideas to copy). Tons of work with different trims or beading on each one, and I'm not sure I even like them (the contrast of the cream fabric bugs me), but I'm hoping they'll grow on me. *Portion of Post Deleted For LB Book Follow me here: http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/

*Post Deleted For Lap Band Book Follow me here: http://bandgroupieth...t.blogspot.com/

*Post Deleted For Lap Band Book Follow me here: http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/

...or should I say Catsup...no, make that Catch Up... So much going on here that I didn't get a moment to even post my already completed posts...my Bandiversary, my scheduled visit to my Surgeon, my new projects... ...but those will come this week... ...let's catch up on the other important other stuff...life! It's the last day of Spring Break here for DS2, and DH took off a few days last week, so thus the busy week. He's got a crazy schedule the next two weeks, so we (OK, my 'honey-do list') needed to get lots of things done...he's got a late dinner today, off to Italy tomorrow with three guys from China, gets home late Saturday night and then has to catch a flight about 4 hours later out west for the week...ugh...I don't miss work travel. He's going to miss my Birthday and his this week *sigh*. DD spent the weekend with us, but DS1 had some big projects due and finals coming up, so unfortunately he couldn't get home from college. Saturday was our 29th Anniversary...we were supposed to go out Friday, but I had a stomach bug...and since DD was home Saturday night, we spent it with the kids and made a pact to do something big next year for our 30th. We had fun dying eggs...DS2's eggs...can you tell he loved the 'tie dye' kit best. We had a great time watching movies together and playing games...DD peed her pants laughing (she must have gotten my incontinence genes) when we played 'Just Dance 2' on the Wii and DH and I did a duet dance (DH has two left feet, but he beat me anyway because I was laughing so hard). DD and I did some girly things...painted our toenails...we dyed our hair in honor of Easter...mine turned purple...well a gray purple (I swear, wish I'd thought to take a pic), and not on purpose...and then we fixed it...and I let DD trim my hair for the first time for fun (it kept getting shorter and shorter...and I had to get out the scissors to even a few things up this morning). I gave DH's hair a trim for his trips (I started trimming people's hair in college, so you know I'm a professional LOL...besides, as he would say, there's not much left to trim LOL). Here are the kids...DS2 hamming it up after finding his hidden basket... DD opening her 81 eggs after the big hunt. Yes, we still hide an obnoxious amount of eggs for each kid (the older they got, the more we hid) in different rooms in the house...and yes, they still love the hunt...I'm sure we'll still be doing this until they have kids of their own. I made a great Easter brunch (OK, pick your chin up off the floor...yes...I cooked)...with a new recipe for a toasted crusty bread and savory egg casserole...YUM. We had the traditional Easter ham dinner, with some new appetizers (the Pittsburgh potatoe perogies were a little bland...I need to look up a sauce for next time). *Portion of Post Deleted For Lap Band Book Folllow me here: http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/

*Post Deleted For Lap Band Book Follow me here: http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/

Great post, and awesome WL! -BG

It's in the 40's now and we had hail and snow this week, but we're supposed to see 80 degrees on Sunday for the first time this year...com'on spring! -Had a great visit with my middle sis, her DH, and her youngest (of four boys). Here are some pics from downtown one day; visited DD's apartment, ate, and took a trip up one of the inclines (steel mill workers used to ride these down the hills to work at the mills on the rivers). [/url] 'Martha Moment' of the week: helped my Sis sew four new pillows for her Living Room (and she helped me pick fabrics for DD's old room). *Portion of Post Deleted for Lap Band Book Weight: 154, down 2. Even though I was in line with meals, no, I don't deserve a good weight loss this week...did I mention that I bought the Costco 'big chocolate cake' and the 'cheesecake medley/variety pack' (and had a slice of both)? I sent the rest of the giant cake out the door with DD's BF and my nephew (chocolate = trigger food...and I don't even like cake). I'm going to send my daily meal list/amounts (OK, not this past week) in to Dr. Oz (*Note: Sent the show an email with specifics that they got wrong.). If you didn't see his show on LB (mainly regarding the new ruling for lower BMIers), videos are on his site HERE ...the LBers they had on were either lying or malnourished; 5 teaspoons of yogurt OR a cup of broth is a meal?!...and aren't both those sliders (this gal is a full 6 months out from surgery)? I was mostly angry with the bariatric Doc who didn't point out that their meals shown are NOT what is recommended and that none of them had enough protein. Thank G*d I didn't see this before my LB or that would have scared me off. Off to find my meds...head thumping, shaky, nauseous...I feel a migraine coming on...or maybe it's a sugar detox? Happy Weekend All! Come visit my blog and help me with the Lap Band book you talked me into writing http://bandgroupieth...t.blogspot.com/

So sorry to hear about all the troubles...I don't blame you for contemplating removal. I'd like to ask a few questions for clarity...I'm wondering why the Gastro didn't find the hole in the esophagus, didn't they do an upper GI before the surgery? I'm unclear why he would 'move the band up' (I'm picturing the band on the upper part of the stomach and the hole being above it in the esophagus)? Did your Band Doc know all along that you were having reflux, vomiting, etc. (all signs that you were too tight)? I know people who get to their sweet spot with almost nothing in their band (we all have different anatomy)...I'm wondering why they didn't fill you much more slowly after the complication? You should never have to 'tough it out' and deal with issues like you've been having since last summer (I know you know that being too tight can cause lots of complications). I read that the reflux damage can take up to 9 weeks to heal completely, so I hope you're feeling better soon! You may just be one of those that needs nothing or very little in your band to have restriction...and don't let any breakthrough reflux start again...if it is, you're too tight. Sorry for all the questions, just trying to see what's happening and help you out. I'm sure you're so frustrated with all this...glad that at least your WL is great! ((hugs))

So glad you're feeling better! My MIL had the shingles and said it was SO painful! Hope this fill does the trick!!!

- I've decided to start dieting to get these last pounds off (Atkin's as that was my most successful diet, several times). YAY...all the bacon and cheese I can eat! *Portion of Post Deleted For Lap Band Book - You know that first bullet up there...April Fools! And no, I'm not making fun of those that follow Diets with the Band (do what works for you). Hey, I knew I couldn't pull the pregnancy card again. - I started work on our Study I showed you (and DD's old room). I love blogging as it often helps me think things through and get new ideas (many from you)...I decided to "go shopping" in my own home and moved out two big pieces and moved in four smaller ones. DH got home late Saturday (poor guy/geez work...and it's a Sunday return this week), so Sunday I put him and DS2 to work moving all the furniture around to see how we liked it. When DH saw everything and where I was setting the small old TV (note here; this is not our main 'TV' spot-we have a nice flatscreen in the great room and a huge big screen in the basement), he decided he wanted to make his stamp on the 'new' room and went shopping.... I swear if 'She who dies with the most fabric wins!', is the women bumpersticker, then just replace 'Fabric' with 'TV's' for men! I've got lots of furniture and shelf painting ahead of me, but I'm excited about the final plan (pics to come when it's done). - My 'Martha Moment' this week: Remember the lamps for the Study I made, and that I noticed that the dried sheet moss had faded over time to a 'dead looking' brown? Well, I went out and bought new moss, but it wasn't as green as I wanted. I decided to try dying it with green food coloring in water...it worked...I started out covering (glue gunned on the moss) these topiaries that are also for the Study. I was dreading the lamps as I'd have to take all the glued on moss off the Styrofoam and replace it...and I wasn't sure how that would go (aka I was feeling lazy and knew it would be a ton of work). Then I had an idea...dye the faded moss that was already on it! A foam brush to dab on the solution...and voila! Think outside the box! (I wish being a 'green thumb' was always that easy!) - I've been 'Spring Cleaning'; kids rooms and my art closet for the past month...have a huge pile for charity, but I let my kids decide what they wanted to keep and box up (mainly toys they aren't using anymore). I think they all got the 'hoarder' gene from DH and I. I now have boxes of trophies (that they'll never look at again, but don't know it yet) and sets of their favorite toys...hey, it's a small price to pay not to be 'that Mom' (the one that threw away all their things). I've still got lots to finish up. - My middle Sis and her family are arriving tomorrow for their 'Spring Break' (I've been busy getting DD's empty/now 'guest room' back in order...shopped my house again and moved some furniture in)...'cause doesn't everyone want to vacation in Pittsburgh for their Spring Break (not much 'green' in sight herd, but hey my Snow Crocuses are blooming, and it's snowing...now who's playing the April Fools joke...snow in April?!!)? And no, I didn't know they were coming when I started the 'Spring Cleaning' so my house is a wreck and I'm cleaning like a wild woman. I'm so excited to see them! - Had a 'drinking girls' lunch yesterday with a neighbor (somewhat like a 'working girls' lunch, but without the working)...no, I only had one glass of wine...I SO needed the break from the housework and DH doesn't get home until early Sunday morning, so no help in sight LOL! Back to work! - 156 lbs., down 1 (again). Happy Weekend Fools! I'd recommend the rubberband on the kitchen sprayer (if you have a separate one from the faucet)...lined up just right...gets 'em every year!

Hey darling girl! I'm not back here often, but imagine my surprise when I saw your blog this morning...SO happy for you!!!! Congratulations, I know that was a big step to take, and I SO get the 'NORMAL' thing! You've been such an inspiration for me and so many others! ((hugs)) -BG

I'm here for you (hey, we're Band date sisters!)! The great thing about out Bands is that we have them forever...it's never too late to get back on track. OK, here's some thoughts (just trying to help)...I'm guessing you don't have perfect restriction/Sweet Spot right now? When's the last time you visited your surgeon?

JT, SO happy to hear from you! I think they should warn us that unfills seem to be as much a part of this process (as are gains...I know). Have fun on that cruise! I want to see that skinny pic! Size 10?!! AMAZING!!!