KimInMD

Green, Thank you for your comment. I totally agree. I still have trouble wrapping my brain around what my eyes see in the mirror, and it's been almost 2 1/2 years. I hate this body dismorphia stuff!

Hmm, I too would have said she was making a bedroom. It's hard to say what she is thinking and why she is plugging up her tube. You said she has "sawdust". I hope you are calling wood chips "sawdust", and that you are not really using sawdust. It has much too much dust and quickly causes deadly respiratory infections. An early sign is a hamster that sneezes repeatedly. Some hamsters do seem to enjoy sand baths (esp. dwarfs) , but just as many do not. Yes, you use chinchilla sand ( but not chinchilla DUST) for the above reason. Again, discontinue if you hear wheezing or sneezing. I don't mean to sound like a nag, but so many of these dear pets are lost to respiratory infections. Their lungs are just so very tiny, and once they get sick, there is almost nothing that can be done. Biscuit is lucky to have such a caring mom as you. Best wishes!

Congrats on your weight loss. As a larger person, I often stuck to certain clothing "rules" such as wearing black, no horizontal stripes, no sleeveless shirts, etc. I know I am not alone in saying that many of us had to re-learn how to dress at our new smaller size. It's fun to try new things. In time you'll find your own unique style. When you look good, you feel good. Your newfound self confidence will serve you well as you enter the dating scene. Way to go girl! Have fun dancing the night away.

We want to help. What's your questions? BTW- Hamsters are very susceptible to human colds. If you get sick this winter, be sure not to go around your little buddy. They catch cold so easily, and will die quickly. Make sure his bedding is aspen. Cedar and pine cause respiratory infections also. Congrats on your new pet. They are wonderful, cuddly, fun little critters.

Moon, Best wishes on your wedding. Honestly, you look like you are glowing in your photo. What a stunning bride you made! Thank you for sharing your story with us (the good and the bad). I am sure you are an inspiration to many here on the board. I wish you a lifetime of happiness. Kim

Juicy Princess, I appreciate your post, and agree with much of what you were saying, but your situation is a little bit different. You came from a thin world originally and long to be back there again. I guess that's because you feel the most comfortable in your old world. Basically, you think like a thin person who has been temporarily placed in a fat suit. Going back to thin isn't scary because you know what to expect once you return to that world. You know you're going to like what awaits you back there. It is much different for someone who has been obese their entire life and now finds themselves in a thin world. Imagine suddenly waking up and finding yourself alone in Shanghai, or New Delhi, or Baghdad. Eventually, the experience could be wonderful and exciting, but initially it would be scary and intimidating until you learned to understand the culture, language, food, and money system. I think you understand what I am saying. My very, very best to you on your impending journey. I wish you much success.

You see, Hairband, you are not alone in your feelings. Many of us have had similar feelings at some point during this process. I bet if you peeked deep inside the heart of most people here, you would see that they too have had a personal fight to find their way. Our experiences may all be different, but many of the feelings are the same. You can have a big family, lots of friends and co-workers, and still be lonely inside. You can have family and friends support you in your weight loss, but still be alone in your day to day struggle to make good food choices and stick to the exercise program. The same determination and inner strength that saw you through the weight loss and giving up smoking is what will now guide you through these new challenges. Really, I think you have so much you can share with so many here on the boards. I believe you to be a woman with incredible inner strength. Catzintj- I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for being transparent and sharing your painful story. You've given us all things to think about and learn from. I liked your analogy about moving to a new house in a new town, and then finally realizing you are home. That's so very, very true! I just never heard it put that way. That is some great wisdom! Thanks for sharing with us.

Hairband, First of all, give up worrying about other's reactions to obesity. You can't control their feelings, you can only control your own. It's true that making all your changes won't solve any great life "mysteries". The same emotions, insecurities and hang-ups that were there before you lost the weight will still be there after the weight is gone. For one year now you have worked on changing your "outside you". Now it's time to take a deep breath and start to look at the "inside you". If you can't yet love the new skin you are in, at least learn to like it and start to work with it. It can be so scary to step outside the box we were comfortable in. Not that it was great to be in there, just comfortable and predictable. It's hard to maneuver in a new world where the standards on the bar have been raised or lowered from what you've known and are use to. Happiness is a by-product of inner contentment. Write down the things in life you are content with. Examples might be- I am happy with my exercise program, and content to be walking 3 miles each day. I am content with my decision to give up smoking, etc. Write down the things in life you are not personally content with. Now pick one of the things on the list and start to work on it. It might be small like - I am not content with the way my hair has been looking lately, or big like - I am not content feeling lonely much of the time. What is one thing you can do to change the situation? Perhaps it would be joining a hobby that involves other like minded people. Don't forget to acknowledge all the things in your life that you ARE contented with. In fact, celebrate those things! Don't be fooled into thinking that you have lost yourself. You have not lost yourself. You have lost the security and comfort of moving in your "old predictable world". Even the pain and poor treatment of that old world were predictable. You haven't lost you. You are just entering a new "season" in your life. You've been given a shot at a new life that millions out there only dream about. You used to be one of those people! You have been given a gift. What are you going to do with that gift? To whom much is given, much is required. Can you uplift and encourage others who are struggling to stay on track? Can you you start a group here and offer help and encouragement to new members, or to those who are doing this without any support? Your 151 pound loss will uplift and inspire hundreds here! You can be a role model for so many others! They would love to know your weight loss secrets and inspiration. Think about it. Be gentle with yourself. The inner and outer changes will take time to adjust to. Don't fear, but celebrate this new season in your life. The old season had lots of "roots". Now it's time to put on the "wings". Best wishes to you! :confused_smile:

After 6 weeks unfilled, I was finally given a fill to 1.0 (out of 4.0). Basically, there was no difference. My second fill a few weeks ago was .8 so I now have 1.8 I still have almost no restriction. I can go again in a couple more weeks for a third fill, but do I want to pay for another fill if I am going to have gall bladder surgery? Being unfilled, the old food obsessions came flooding back. I was hungry all the time. I picked up about 14 pounds since February. I have since lost 4, so I still have 10 to go. With some restriction and warm weather (to exercise more) I should be able to get it off. My lap band Dr. has said he will do the gall bladder surgery any time I am ready. I still have pain when I eat high fat, so I know the darn thing has to come out. I just hate that I will have to stay unfilled for 6 weeks post op. I hate gaining weight, and fighting with my body. Yes, I have learned new thinking, but if I could stick to diets before I would have never needed the LB surgery in the first place. I HATE the food obsessions. I hate the thoughts of being out of commission for so long. I'm scared, no TERRIFIED I'll gain the weight back. Son's court date is this summer too. I'm worried about that. It looms in the back of my mind. It's not shaping up to be the best of summers. Big Sigh... :thumbs_up: I hate when things are out of my control. I really have a need to be in control of every situation. I've come so far, but I see just how more more work I still have to do with myself. It's hard for me to remember I am still a work in progress. For the first 21 months in one post click here... My Journey - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

After 6 weeks unfilled, I was finally given a fill to 1.0 (out of 4.0). Basically, there was no difference. My second fill a few weeks ago was .8 so I now have 1.8 I still have almost no restriction. I can go again in a couple more weeks for a third fill, but do I want to pay for another fill if I am going to have gall bladder surgery? Being unfilled, the old food obsessions came flooding back. I was hungry all the time. I picked up about 14 pounds since February. I have since lost 4, so I still have 10 to go. With some restriction and warm weather (to exercise more) I should be able to get it off. My lap band Dr. has said he will do the gall bladder surgery any time I am ready. I still have pain when I eat high fat, so I know the darn thing has to come out. I just hate that I will have to stay unfilled for 6 weeks post op. I hate gaining weight, and fighting with my body. Yes, I have learned new thinking, but if I could stick to diets before I would have never needed the LB surgery in the first place. I HATE the food obsessions. I hate the thoughts of being out of commission for so long. I'm scared, no TERRIFIED I'll gain the weight back. Son's court date is this summer too. I'm worried about that. It looms in the back of my mind. It's not shaping up to be the best of summers. Big Sigh... :thumbdown: I hate when things are out of my control. I really have a need to be in control of every situation. I've come so far, but I see just how more more work I still have to do with myself. It's hard for me to remember I am still a work in progress. For the first 21 months in one post click here... My Journey - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

After 6 weeks unfilled, I was finally given a fill to 1.0 (out of 4.0). Basically, there was no difference. My second fill a few weeks ago was .8 so I now have 1.8 I still have almost no restriction. I can go again in a couple more weeks for a third fill, but do I want to pay for another fill if I am going to have gall bladder surgery? Being unfilled, the old food obsessions came flooding back. I was hungry all the time. I picked up about 14 pounds since February. I have since lost 4, so I still have 10 to go. With some restriction and warm weather (to exercise more) I should be able to get it off. My lap band Dr. has said he will do the gall bladder surgery any time I am ready. I still have pain when I eat high fat, so I know the darn thing has to come out. I just hate that I will have to stay unfilled for 6 weeks post op. I hate gaining weight, and fighting with my body. Yes, I have learned new thinking, but if I could stick to diets before I would have never needed the LB surgery in the first place. I HATE the food obsessions. I hate the thoughts of being out of commission for so long. I'm scared, no TERRIFIED I'll gain the weight back. Son's court date is this summer too. I'm worried about that. It looms in the back of my mind. It's not shaping up to be the best of summers. Big Sigh... :thumbs_up: I hate when things are out of my control. I really have a need to be in control of every situation. I've come so far, but I see just how more more work I still have to do with myself. It's hard for me to remember I am still a work in progress.

After 6 weeks unfilled, I was finally given a fill to 1.0 (out of 4.0). Basically, there was no difference. My second fill a few weeks ago was .8 so I now have 1.8 I still have almost no restriction. I can go again in a couple more weeks for a third fill, but do I want to pay for another fill if I am going to have gall bladder surgery? Being unfilled, the old food obsessions came flooding back. I was hungry all the time. I picked up about 14 pounds since February. I have since lost 4, so I still have 10 to go. With some restriction and warm weather (to exercise more) I should be able to get it off. My lap band Dr. has said he will do the gall bladder surgery any time I am ready. I still have pain when I eat high fat, so I know the darn thing has to come out. I just hate that I will have to stay unfilled for 6 weeks post op. I hate gaining weight, and fighting with my body. Yes, I have learned new thinking, but if I could stick to diets before I would have never needed the LB surgery in the first place. I HATE the food obsessions. I hate the thoughts of being out of commission for so long. I'm scared, no TERRIFIED I'll gain the weight back. Son's court date is this summer too. I'm worried about that. It looms in the back of my mind. It's not shaping up to be the best of summers. Big Sigh... :thumbdown: I hate when things are out of my control. I really have a need to be in control of every situation. I've come so far, but I see just how more more work I still have to do with myself. It's hard for me to remember I am still a work in progress.

Below find a link to my journal. It has the good the bad and the ugly. Maybe it will help you a little bit. Best wishes! Kim

Some say restriction has to do with their monthly cycle. Make a note on your calendar of times when you are tight and times when you are loose, and see if there is a pattern. Stress can also make you tight.

I got a few new capri pants for spring, and if I gain weight, I'll have nothing that fits. That has been motivating me to stay on track. I like the journaling idea very much too. I'm glad we can work together on this.

I've had past problems with fibrocystic breasts, and after a couple quiet years with good mammogram reports, I recently discovered I have quite a few new cysts. I was so confused as to what I was doing differently that could have started this all up again. I've really been upset and baffled, until I read in an unrelated post that women store estrogen in our fat supply, and as we lose weight we get a surge in this hormone. I just had an AHH-HAA moment, and I really think that this might be what's going on with me. Anyone else dealing with this? Do you think this might possibly be what is going on? Any idea how long the extra estrogen surges last? Do the levels go down once you hit "normal" weight? Thank you in advance for your input.

Aww, gosh darn it! I thought for a minute that there was a new band benefit that I hadn't heard about before. You gave me a little chuckle from it anyway! You should be very pleased with yourself that you are trying so hard to be an educated consumer. Whatever you decide, I know will be well researched. You are just weighing your options carefully. Best to you!

Lapgirl, I am looking for support for the same issue. I had a gall bladder attack, and threw up a great deal. My esophagus dilated and I could not keep anything down. I must stay unfilled until my gall bladder surgery in mid April. My doctor says I can get my first fill about 1 month after surgery, and in the meantime, just use the healthy eating I've learned. I'm sorry, but that's just baloney for me right now. I'm so hungry all the time, and the food obsessions have come flooding back, just like the old days. I'm doing what I need to do, but I didn't have "bandster hell" like this back when I first had the surgery. Every day has been a major battle. I too could really use a support system right now. I know exactly how you feel. I've worked so hard, and refuse to go backwards. How about let's support each other? :thumbup:

Welcome Bee! I'm glad you're here. It's a great place for infomation and support. Good luck w/ your consult. Keep in touch.

My thoughts exactly! Yes, I firmly believe they are one and the same person.

Last Tuesday, (Feb.26th) I started with intense pain between my breastbone, and on my right side. The pain was also radiating out my back between my shoulder blades. I had intense nausea, vomiting and gas pain. It was terrible. I threw up until my esophagus swelled shut. The doctor is most sure I had a stone stuck in the duct of my gall bladder. Further testing revealed that it is not functioning (dumping) the way that it should be. My doctor unfilled me all the way. I am now on a low fat, liquid diet. I am hungry all the time and having an awful time sticking to liquid diet. Although I'm not in pain, I still feel tired and uncomfortable. I know that the gall bladder will have to come out soon. I am hoping I can wait until the second week of April. My mom will be back from Florida by then and can help me hold down the fort. I am so afraid that with my band unfilled I will gain alot of weight. I am sad, angry, frustrated and very, very bummed right now. This is a very low time for me. :biggrin: The first 20 months all in one post http://www.lapbandtalk.com/blogs/kiminmd/926-my-journey.html

Last Tuesday, (Feb.26th) I started with intense pain between my breastbone, and on my right side. The pain was also radiating out my back between my shoulder blades. I had intense nausea, vomiting and gas pain. It was terrible. I threw up until my esophagus swelled shut. The doctor is most sure I had a stone stuck in the duct of my gall bladder. Further testing revealed that it is not functioning (dumping) the way that it should be. My doctor unfilled me all the way. I am now on a low fat, liquid diet. I am hungry all the time and having an awful time sticking to liquid diet. Although I'm not in pain, I still feel tired and uncomfortable. I know that the gall bladder will have to come out soon. I am hoping I can wait until the second week of April. My mom will be back from Florida by then and can help me hold down the fort. I am so afraid that with my band unfilled I will gain alot of weight. I am sad, angry, frustrated and very, very bummed right now. This is a very low time for me. :thumbup: The first 20 months all in one post http://www.lapbandtalk.com/blogs/kiminmd/926-my-journey.html

Hi Restrict, Most surgeons now stitch the band into place, so slippage should not be a concern. If you are in doubt, ask your surgeon if he stitches his band patients. Stomach and pouch constriction and re-inflation is minimal when you stay within the recommended depths of recreational diving. I agree with Sobrien's post. In an uncontrolled emergency assent situation, a slipped band may be the very least of your worries. Safety lines (below 15 feet) are there for uncertified divers (Discover Scuba Lesson), and not for certified divers, unless there are significant issues with current or visibility. Ascending on the mooring line is always an option unless you are drift diving. Just watch out for fire coral growing on the line. Honestly though, most uncontrolled ascents occur DURING THE DIVE when you accidentally hit your power inflater, or lose some or all of your weights. If either of those things happen, you wouldn't be near a mooring line anyway. Although I get a bit tight on flying day, I have never once had a problem in any situation, nor have I ever been concerned with my band slipping. I have never been unfilled before a dive trip. Relax, and enjoy the beautiful blue. You'll be just fine. As you lose weight, remember to make adjustments as to how much weight to use. I make sure I write it all down in my log so that I have a starting point for the first dive at the next destination. For the first dive, I always have to re-adjust to find my new neutral buoyancy point. As you lose weight you'll also be changing sizes in your BCD, wet suit, mask and even fin size! The only other thing I noticed is that I now get cold faster without as much body fat. You may find you need to make an adjustment in the mil thickness of the suit that you normally wear. Have fun!

Lauren, If you had gone through with the band back in January, you might always be thinking that you could have done it on your own with more willpower. I am glad that you canceled if you were not 100% sure that you wanted to be banded. So, you gave dieting one last try. Don't be depressed and angry. This last diet made you see clearly that banding is something you DO want for yourself. Having said that, I too agree with the previous posters. You must be committed to your band, or it will NOT work. Based on what I am reading from your previous posts, if you can't stay on track with the pre-op diet, then you really may not be ready to be banded. If you don't follow your doctor's orders post op, then you will cause your band to stretch, or worse yet, slip. My suggestion would be to try the pre-op diet again on your own to see if you have the will power to make it work before considering banding again. Best wishes, and keep in touch with us.

Luv2smile, My very best wishes to you for a safe surgery and a speedy recovery. I see your ticker. Two pounds GONE FOREVER. Tuesday is the first day of the rest of your life. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Kim