catfish87

Wishing you much success on your journey to a new life! Take it one day at a time....you're gonna do great!

Here's hoping they are just being over cautious. I read your surgeons profile and looks like you have a great doctor....Lots of experience, and a patient himself. Hopefully, they'll do the scope and determine all is well. Keep us informed...and again, best wishes!! ps...heres a link to a post showing my fluoro... http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/168149-heres-what-my-restriction-level-looks-like/

I haven't had any erosion, or any band caused problems as far as that goes. But I am interested, did your doc say what didn't look right? I have all my fills done using fluoro now, but that was not always the case. I am four years post op and always am interested in learning/hearing of possible complications. Knowing what to look out for. Thanks. I wish you the best.

5 million doesn't seem like a lot? What if that were money. Would 5 million seem like a lot then? The ACA was unwrapped plagued with major problems. I've lost my insurance and I can't sign up because the website is an utter failure. Only 50,000 a day can sign up with no crashes. I work 75, sometimes 80 hours a week just to make ends meet. I did what I'm supposed to and I should be rewarded with insurance that I'm paying for myself. I didn't ask for any entitlements. I go to work and then I come home and take care of my family. Now all the bums who REFUSE TO WORK are entitled to the same benefits as us hard working Americans and I'm paying and suffering for it. I've taken off work all week because I can't function with my band like this. I can't pay out of pocket because I have 4 teens to feed and buy Christmas for. I've worked my ass off for years and my thanks is, congratulations. ...you no longer have insurance and the insurance we're gonna FORCE you to buy comes with much higher premiums all so everything is fair and equal in the world. If this is such a good program then why does the government say this applies to everyone except for them. Socialism! I pray everyday the GOP repeals this. Jaye, I am sure you are frustrated...mad...upset because of losing your plan that you had. YOU SHOULD BE! The ACA did not cause you to lose health insurance. YOUR INSURANCE company chose to not offer an acceptable plan at a price you could afford, according to you. I too, am extremlly frustrated at the "bums" who CAN work, choosing not to and then getting a free ride on others/ME. I believe the ACA can help with this. How many times have you seen someone without health insurance talking on a smartphone, having a couple cars in their driveway, watching cable TV, dining out at resturants, etc, etc??? Those are the people I'M THRILLED will be "fined" if they CHOOSE not to get a qualified plan. In reality, the fine will amount to less income tax refund....once again, money from folks like us who work for a living. If you can't afford an EMERGENCY unfill, go to the ER....last time I heard, they must treat an emergency.

Minimum standards like requiring men to get maternity care coverage................. Yes otherwise women would all have to pay more insurance even though they don't really get pregnant by themselves. In order for insurance to work we all have to share the risks even when we may personally be immune to them. That is socialism in a nutshell. Who do you think is paying for these peoples care today? Asking THEM to pay for their own insurance policy isn't socialism.

Yes, your body.....and sometimes our minds/habits need to readjust. Take it slow with introducing solids. Not sure how much of a fill you got, but if your "feeling full", sounds like a good thing to me! Congrats!

You ate a couple Peanut Butter cups and you think all hope is lost? Cheer up, butter cup! This is a lifestyle change...not some weeklong/monthlong/yearlong diet. Skinny people eat peanut butter cups! Look at your screen name..... and listen to what it says.... New life!

Prayers for you Donna!

Great pic T. Sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving...nice blog!

I did not get stuck on anything Thanksgiving day. I had a Protein shake for Breakfast about 4am, then we had the big spread at work....smoked turkey/dressing/mashed potato/green bean casserole/gravy, pumpkin pie/snicker pie....whipped cream.... I had some of most of it around noon. Went home and did a little run, then for "dinner", some wine at home.

I'd suggest asking how adjustments are performed. Using fluoroscopy or blindly?

Hi jamie! Welcome to "the other side". I still remember my first couple of bites of mashed potato's over four YEARS ago, I had about two spoonfuls and felt exactly what you describe...but I can't remember last week! Yes, very possibly you are feeling some restriction from your band or maybe a little swelling left over from surgery. Go nice and slow, following your surgical team's recommendations on the types of foods you are eating. Congrats on your recovery and best wishes on your future!

I'd just mention this...from personal experience. You can have a lot of Fluid in your band system...and have NO restriction. As my friend TMF said...ask for a fill using fluoro, that way you and your doctor can SEE your restriction level....otherwise, its just a guess. I would have never had correct restriction without it....just my experience. Keep going to your doctor, keep explaining what you are feeling, and don't settle for any answers you aren't comfortable with. And never, ever give up! Best wishes

A little over 4 years post op for me. Never, ever regretted my surgery. No band caused problems...not one in over four years. I was nervous as all get outs prior to surgery. Scared of the surgery itself. But recovery for me was easy. Knowing what I know today, I'd do it again in a heartbeat! Best wishes on whatever road you choose, but for me this was a true life changing.... literally.

It's been four years today since my surgery and I can't imagine where'd I'd be without it. The changes, both physically and mentally, are hard to put into words. I suppose Euphoric would be the best description of how I feel...to know that I am never going back to where I was "back then". As I was going on a short run before work this morning, I thought about so many of the fine folks on here that have helped/encouraged/motivated me. I could not possibly remember to name you all if I tried. But YOU helped me get to where I am today. The advice from this site CAN be incredibly helpful...because of the wide diversity of knowlege/experience covering many topics. And for that, I offer my sincere Thanks. For the newer folks starting out: I often read on here, "I'm not losing fast enough, my weightloss has stalled, what am I doing wrong, etc". I've been through those emotions...many times. I have been frustrated, mad, upset, disappointed, ready to quit, etc... My loss certainly hasn't set any speed records! I just did a quick math check. I've AVERAGED .65 pounds lost per week. Not much when you think about it in a week timeframe. Even less than "average". But then when you look at 1, 2, 3, 4 years...it really adds up! These are some of my OPINIONS....maybe they will help someone. I don't believe in the "starvation mode" for people with significant body fat...when I eat less calories, I lose more weight. I do believe exercise (any type you choose) is critical to not only physical health, but mental well being. I don't believe everyone wants or needs the same restriction level to be successful. I do believe my band PREVENTS me from overeating now, and I like it that way. I don't believe the band is a "set it and forget it" device. I do believe regular, committed followup care, is just as important as the initial surgery. And most importantly, I do believe YOU can be successful...Provided you NEVER, EVER give up!

I did choose to tell my close friends and family about a week preop. My reactions were all positive. I haven't regretted it, but hear often on here that some people do have regrets..... mother-n-law, sister-n-law, co-worker, etc that is always looking over their shoulder to see how they are progressing. Just remember, you can't UN-ring a bell......

Six months.....down 25 pounds....sounds like a pound a week to me. Why are you fretting?! It may just take you longer than others to get to your goal....BUT you can get there! It took me four YEARS! So, while I can't be any expert on fast loss, I can tell you that if you continue to see your surgeon, keep discussing with him/her your eating habits, and get to optimal adjustment for you, THIS THING WORKS! You'll often read on here not to compare your loss with anyone elses....and that is so true! As you can, start a walking routine...or ANY routine. It will definately help. I work long hours at times too....and IF you make physical activity part of a routine, you just do it....kinda like going to work, taking a shower, etc, etc. Heres a link to my 4 year post op thread... I lost .65 pounds per week....so compare your 1 pound to that if you want to compare. Best wishes on your continued success. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/171714-my-surgery-was-4-years-ago-today-feeling-blessed/

I'm 4 years post op and haven't been on a diet since...LOVE it! Obviously, you need to stick to the TYPES of food your medical team recommends during the post op phases...liquids/mushies/etc. But once that initial healing time has passed, let the properly adjusted band do the work. Just try and make healthy choices most of the time. Best of luck in whatever you find works for you!

Congrats Donna! And happy Thanksgiving to you as well. And good choice on the Wendy's chili for an "on the go" option!

I'm with Terry on this....not worth it for me. I COULD eat pizza I suppose, but rarely try it anymore. Certainly not something I miss. EAT MORE FISH!

Congrats B-52...and Thanks for continuing to tell your story.

Congrats!