Band_Groupie

I'm behind as usual...went on a vacation, dropped a kid off at college, you know...life. I haven't forgotten about you!! Here are my recent blog links ('Blogger' it's safe, I swear). At least read the 'funny pages' listed first (everyone needs at least one good laugh a day): :thumbup: The ones that will make you laugh at (with) me: :wink2: My Secret To My BEST Skin after WL This Bites Vacation Prep Two For The Road Nutrition and My Children Animal House You'll need a Tetnus shot after reading Pics of me: :eek: Happy Feet WL and your feet (and SHOES!) Cape May Pics of Me on Vacation (and in bathing suits) Just because: :tt2: I'm Like An Old Leather Couch How? Read.

Just thinking of you and hoping you're doing well recovering from the surgery. I'm sure the recovery will be a little easier this time without all the other worries about restriction/Band. Feel better soon and best wishes! -BG

I've had reflux in a row for more than two months, waking up with acid in my nose and/or lungs... now Im geting my band removed. three years ago I was promoting the band and telling everyone that it was the best decission in my life...now after five years I cant wait to get it out and I wouldn't recommend the band to anyone!!! we arent fat because we have big stomachs and are always hungry....but because we eat cause we are sad, lonely....you name it... I'm wondering if they tried a partial/full unfill to relieve the reflux (mine went away immediately). I'm sorry you have had a bad experience with your Band and I'm glad for you that you've made the right decision for you. One thing...I was fat because I had a stretched out stomach, ate huge portions, or was always starving on a diet. The Band solved that issue for me and allowed me to lose all the weight and keep it off...it was just the tool I needed. Best wishes! -BG

Back from vacay with a 4# gain (155.5), but I'm not worried a bit (down to 154 this morning)...gotta love these Bands! Come on 3# JT!!!

Sounds just like what mine felt like, but I'm glad you're getting the x-ray as you're so newly banded. Best wishes and I hope they solve this.

So sorry to hear about both of your problems. Always a good idea to rule out cardiac issues. I did not get a new fill yet and have still had no more spasms after the partial unfill. Keep me posted and I hope you get relief soon.

I love my Magic Bullet, but I'd only invest in one if you know you'll use it long term. My Doc doesn't believe in shakes or mushies (except a few weeks post-op and a day or two post-fill), so I only used mine a very short time post-op...however, I have three teens/twenties that use it for smoothies, etc. so it was worth the investment (got mine at Kohl's on sale and with a % off coupon)...about $30, fancier version now at Costco for about $50.

It takes at least 6 weeks for the internal stitches to heal, standing up, walking around, all this can move things on the inside that can cause you pain from time to time. Check it out with your Doc when you get back or call them if it gets worse. The 'lump in your throat' is one of two things...either you're eating too much/too fast and it's backing up into your esophagus (this can lead to esophageal dialation, so slow it down), OR you're having heartburn, which is THE most common side-effect of banding...for some the ONLY symptom of heartburn is a lump in the throat (Google 'globus sensation and hearburn'). Hope this passes and you're feeling better soon...enjoy the beach and relax! -BG

Sorry, can you clarify what type of treatment 'i start back out-patient treatment again on saturday'? I didn't go to the support groups at my hospital (also a COE), but I found a ton of support by starting an online blog (didn't even know what that was at the beginning). It's been great to be able to get support when I need it...even daily sometimes.

Ask your Doc about all this, but generally anything less than 800 cals. is considered 'starvation mode'. My dizziness, (actually fainted twice, never have before) after some testing, was probably due to dehydration...you NEED a minimum of 64oz. of water or SF flavored water and I work to get near a gallon...like you said, if you drink coffee (I have 3 cups a day), you'll need more than the 64oz. and the coffee doesn't count. Hope you're feeling better soon!

I get allergic reactions to both adhesive (from the clear patches, steri-strips, even Band-Aids) as well as to the harsh soaps/bleach they use on hospital sheets/gowns (I took in my own sheets and nightgown as I had an overnight stay). Hope you're feeling better soon and keep a close eye on it and any breathing problems.

I was on clear liquids and skim milk only, for 3 weeks...I cheated the last few days with protein shakes (not enough calories or protein...my Doc has since added protein shakes)...then I eased back to all foods...my Doc doesn't use mushies as they slide through too fast, but I did some anyway as I had them prepped and frozen.

Awesom WL and congrats on the banding!!! -BG

Go to the bottom and upload your photos under 'attachments'...they need to be a jpeg that you browse and open on your computer. Trust me, you'll be SO glad you took those photos...I couldn't even look at mine for 4 months. See them here: WL Photos ~ THE SWEET SPOT I seriously wish I had more candids now, but we obese are adept at running from the camera or throwing a small child in front of us! Good luck on the surgery date! -BG

Take the d*mn pain meds...I wish someone had slapped me silly with birthing my first two the 'natural' way (26 hrs. later)...ahh epidural with the third. In another day or two you WILL feel a LOT better, I promise. The hunger...well, it will be here until you get a couple of fills, but you knew that going in. The first six weeks are for HEALING ONLY...small meals and more of them if you need to, but no big meals. This is the time when complications are most likely to happen, so take it slow even though you won't feel any different in a few days. Congrats on your banding! -BG

Just posting an update since this thread is up again. I'm still eating oatmeal every morning and it's the ONLY food that I've changed/doctored up with special 'diet' (bad word around here) foods. I now add Benefiber and Soy Protein powder to it and I eat it with SF Maple Syrup ontop (I make it VERY thick). I shoot for at least 20g protein at each of my three meals and this meets that and keeps me satisfied until lunch. Oatmeal....yum!

PM comin' your way GF!

EXCELLENT!!!! I started in 24/26W's too, so I know how good you're feeling...you've worked hard for this, so enjoy it! Time for some new pics -BG

The new pics are AMAZING!!! You're doing great...and you're past 1/2 way...YAY!!!

Ooops..I'm late! I'm back down to 151.5 this week (150.5 today). FYI no fill at my Doc appt. on Tues. (lots of reasons- on the blog, but I'm taking it slow and I'm going to see how things go)...I'm down below my second fill when I had NO restriction, but I definitely still have some restriction now..weird. Jersey Girl...We're off to Cape May on Thursday...your neck of the woods, and I can't wait! You're looking SO good and SO close to goal now...keep it up (3 pounds a week so close to goal...unbelievable girl)!

OK, you SWA members and new initiates (keep those blindfolds down and stop giggling or I'm getting out the measuring tapes) and yes, Gigolo's...remember the 'G' is just silent in SwGA...like all men should be...silent...at least when I'm talking...shhh...(Andrew) that means you...you remind me of DH...or is that our gigglers making all that noise LOL!...I've decided that our next biannual August 'meeting' needs to be a little more interactive (or maybe it's just that I'm busy and I need some serious help...thanks for the wine Darlin'1). If you're a Scale Whore, then you're probably also someone that finds great gratification in awards, followers, and bling (not to mention that you're all comment whores too)...so you're just an all-around-whore (just ask the Mama Pimp)...and that's what I'm offering you... ...awards, followers, bling, and comments...disguised the way 9 out of 10 WL experts agree works best... ...NO! NOT a (cover your ears) D-I-E-T (have you learned NOTHING here LOL?)... ...A CHALLENGE!!!! Yes, all you little competitive Scale Whores get to join another challenge!!! Oh what fun!!! And this one will only cost you a little time (and dignity). Whores, feel free to grab your 'Challenge Logo' below: ...and for our Gigolos: Get your coupons clipped and sign up now for your rebates! Here's how it works/the rules; we Bander's (see #1) love rules, so I'll make this long and complicated...actually it's super easy, I'm just making it LOOK long and complicated so this looks more official than it is: 1. No (Draz), you do NOT have to be a Bander to enter...just a Scale Whore (Gigolo...Sam). 2. No (Kathy), you do NOT have to be a Blogger to enter (read *). Complete at least ONE (but no more than 10,000,000) posts. * Non-Bloggers (this is kinda like my Dad talks about DH being a 'non-Catholic'...he thinks it's hilarious LOL): No worries if you don't have a blog...'cause you'll WANT the bling, even if you don't care two hoots (hoot, hoot) about followers or WL awards (although since you can't post the award on your non-blog you could always print it out and pin it to your shirt...who doesn't want to wear a 'SWA' award around pinned to their shirt every day, like me...I'm just sayin'. OK, you non-Bloggers...I'm loaning out my blog for your posts...you get to be a 'guest blogger' for the day (even anonymously...but then, I might take credit...if it's creative/funny!). Just send it to me on e-mail (on my sidebar here: THE SWEET SPOT) and I'll post it. 3. The title of the post MUST include (in some shape or form) our group name or acronym...that's "SWA", or "SwGA" for you silent but deadly ones (geez, men and farting...do they ever stop laughing at farts?). 4. To be officially entered, send me a link to each of your posts (email- sidebar, here: THE SWEET SPOT, or leave it under comments for the current post) and I will add it to the SWA page; look at the top of my Home page and click on the 'SWA' page (that makes you an official-blog post carrying-member of SWA). Others can link to your post there and you'll get new followers or un-followers depending on your level of creativity. See, you're an instant celebrity AND you get instant gratification...kinda like Paris Hilton (sex tape...no, I haven't seen it, I'm just guessing about the gratification part). So there's some new followers for you (hopefully). I'll try to post the links periodically on my blog as well. 5. Posts must be posted and the link sent to me starting tomorrow and by August 31st, at 12pm...or whatever time it is in your country or 'Land of Oz' (Cara)...does that mean I have to stay up all night to watch you (Sally)?...yes, THIS year, you twits...or is that Twitterers? 6. On or about Sept. 1, 2010 I will link to each of the posts and tally up the number of comments that have been left under each of the officially entered posts for the top prizes. Translation; comments will equal votes....yes, I can see your wheels turning in evil ways...so pay attention... -NO, you don't get to combine your number of comments from all 10,000,000 of your SWA posts...I'll be looking for your SWA post with the highest number of comments...so if 'funny' didn't work for you in getting comments...try an 'informational' how-to post...ie. 'how weighing myself hourly and making a spreadsheet helps me lose weight' (maybe you'll get lots of sympathy comments). -NO (Jen), each person is only allowed ONE comment under each post (so no 'friend' can help you, but having friend(s) plural (Amy) is an advantage as they can each comment once). -NO, you may NOT comment under your own post...anonymous comments will NOT count toward the total unless both a name and a Blogger address (or an email address is given)...I know you young gals still have your 'Baby Name Books', so an anonymous comments with a just a name (Elvira & Ezekial) will NOT count. 7. Three (there have to be at least three crazies out there, right?) top prizes/homemade craft projects that I will be creating with my own two hands...side note (ie. another long off-track ramble) have you seen the site 'Homemade Hilarity' yet? As an ex-art teacher it's right up there with http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/ (I must have a dark side that secretly likes to laugh at others...that is until I see myself on one of these sites)...these are all homemade crafts that people make to SELL...not to be funny...seriously...check it out...unless you're in the side-business on Etsy of selling crocheted wine cozies that look like Sponge-Bob that you created after drinking a few (sorry Sandy...is that you girl?); http://homemadehilarity.blogspot.com/ ...OK, I'm back....where was I?...Three top prizes will be awarded...and the (homemade) prizes will have lots of bling (who doesn't like to be bedazzled?). If need be (and if I have my act together again before Sept....not likely) I will be showing you the lovely prizes so that you will be oh-so-motivated to participate...or maybe you'll want to retract your entry once you see my crafpt projects...so maybe 'no' to the pre-show...hey, was that iambic pentameter? 8. Challenge Theme: For this very first inaugural 'SWA Challenge' ('cause you know the demand is going to be high for many, many, more...maybe for each bi-annual meeting?), let's keep the first theme loose...and because I'm feeling a little 'Martha' talking about crafpt projects and all...Tell us somehow in your post how/why/that: 'Being A Scale Whore (Gigolo) Is A Good Thing' ...umm YES, where have you been...didn't you read our 'Creed' or the 'Qualifications for being a Scale Whore'? Get thyself to the SWA page here: Scale Whores Anonymous ~ THE SWEET SPOT and read!...we Scale Whores think weighing yourself regularly is a good thing for WL... ...NO, OK you want that other 12-step group 'How to Wean Yourself Off the Scale'...they're down the hall and to the right (and they must be missing the WL gene). OK, now let me share a few ideas to get your fat cells jiggling (yes, we'll always have our fat cells...OK, I will)...get creative to get those comments (begging is also allowed... - A post telling how being a Scale Whore has helped your WL (or got you sent to WL rehab)...NO (Lori), length doesn't count, only comments...yes, you can beg for them. - Photo (yes, it can be as simple as a single photo) of you on your scale...maybe 'hearting' it (Gen); yes, I've seen all those 'piggy photos' you love to post in the other challenges (your toes on the scale)...or maybe it's a time lapse vlog of the next 100x you're on it set to music (no naked photos allowed...we have standards/don't have an 'adult content' warning). - An 'Ode to My Scale'...done in Iambic Pentameter of course. - Re-write the words to a song telling us about your journey with your scale helping you (I'm partial to this one...DS2 has been writing funny songs about me all day and coming to serenade me on the guitar). - An SWA craft project (d*mn glue guns...get out the ice and aloe again will you Lena?)...no, my headband isn't quite finished to show you yet...I'm working on it, I'm working on it! LET THE CHALLENGE BEGIN!!!! One other piece of biannual meeting business: SWA Medals/Trophies: All SWA Members are to go and claim their official 'SWA Medals/Trophies' for WL over the past 6 months (find them and the details on the SWA page at the top of my Home page here Scale Whores Anonymous ~ THE SWEET SPOT). And just because I can, I'm making it even easier to reach your medal goals this time...you have between now and Aug. 31 to go and claim your medal, so if you're 'not quite' to the Silver medal you covet, then keep working as you have until Aug. 31...use that scale often! Let me know if you've claimed one/which one and I'll post your name/link on the SWA page.

*Post Deleted For Lap Band Book

I can't believe it's been a month since my last post here...I guess because there's not been nothing new on the Band front since the partial unfill and I try to make sure my posts have something Band related here. - As of an hour ago, we've now got a last minute trip scheduled to the shore before school starts. My SIL/DH just bought a place this summer at Cape May so we're going to meet them there not this, but next Thursday...guess I'll be breaking out the bikini again...yikes. - I'm back to writing (the LB book) with a new vengeance today...I wrote all morning about maintenance and outlined a bunch of new things as well. I've learned that taking a break from writing can be a good thing and that I can't force feed it...I'm sure real authors can and have ways to keep themselves inspired, but my busy life this summer was making it impossible to carve out chunks of uninterrupted (read 'three teen/twenties' constantly interrupting me) time to get creative and it was getting stale and tedious...and that's just not me! - I stopped by Barnes and Noble today to pick up a few Lap Band books to start reading at the shore...and was surprised to find they didn't have ANY (the only WLS book they even carry was 'WLS for Dummies' and after perusing it for a half-hour I realized it wasn't worth buying...nothing we all haven't heard as it's a very generalized book about all WLS). I've been putting off reading any LB books until I had at least the full outline/structure of the book all worked out so that I wouldn't be influenced or start questioning myself. It's probably for the best they didn't have any as my DH's family doesn't know about the blog or the book and they'd be wondering why I was reading these post-op. I'll just have to order some to read this Fall. - I keep forgetting to share a few things, like I went shopping again right before I left for Ohio. Ten more tops and a sundress. *Portion of Post Deleted for Lap Band Book - Also, I'm not sure if I told you that I called and moved my 'refill' appointment up...a month. It's tomorrow afternoon. I've got lots of thoughts on the refill and what I'm aiming for this time (I've got some new thoughts on where I was/want to be), but I'll save the details for now. Here's hoping the Doc doesn't toss me out on my ear when he sees I'm in a month earlier than he said...I'll let you know. - Oh and I've gone from a full 7 pounds up to reining it in to about 3-4 now...Doc will probably say I'm doing fine LOL. Happy Monday all!

Congrats on all your approvals and dates!!!

OK, I'm back home (the parents move is finally done) and I'm back down to 151.5, but here's what's happened; I quickly went up to 155 after the partial unfill...7 pound gain and there was no end in sight! It scared me and still does as I was reverting to old habits...snacks and sweets. I've reined it in and being so busy with the move helped a lot. I'm off to the Doc Tuesday, so we'll see what happens...it's a battle, but one we'll all continue to fight! Have a great week all!