rjo132

Thanks for the info Cheri. I loved the man! Still not sure about the doc I'm with here in Arkansas. But I'm losing again because I'm being very cautious about my intake, ha, which is what it's all about, huh!

Thanks xavier. I know what it is and how it develops. I just can't find anything that tells what the symptons are, other that people, on here, saying they throw up, ya know!

Thanks, there's not much info on it and couldn't find any pictures. Guess I'll quit worrying and just really watch my intake.

Got y'all beat! I drove 8.5 hrs one way for my doctor/surgeon. Did this for almost 5 yrs. The first 2 yrs I drove it every 3 months. After that it was on a need to basis but I went at least every 6 mos to have it cked. I finally decided it was time to find someone closer to home when I had to start taking medicine to keep me awake while driving...lol

Hey 54Shirley, I'm in your category. I have a 4cc band with 2.5cc. That's the most my doc is comfortable with me having.

I'm trying to figure out the symptoms of megaesophagus? I have this pain occasionally, if over eating slips up on me. Meaning if I'm not paying attention and then realize I'm having the over full sensation. My pain will be under my left breast/rib area. I also battle IBS that gives me pain in my transverse colon which is about the same area. But I don't understand, if it's my IBS how my transverse colon could bother me immediately after eating. For the last year and half, we've tweeked my band alot, fill/unfill/fill. I now have restriction that I can work with, but I have to really pay attention to my portion/intake. Does anybody know which way the esophagus would lay if overextended? Anybody experience anything like this and could it be megaesophagus? Thanks for any input. Oh, another note, I don't reflux or get stuck.

Felicia, hang in there and continue to do your best!

lol.........thanks Corrigan!

Is anybody familiar with Protica supplements, specifically the taste of these products: Protein gem (gelatin), Protein twist (protein candy drop), protein shots? Thanks for any input!

I had my TT and breast lift over a yr ago. My LB doc insisted on an unfill.....PS didn't see the need. I had all my post op meds written in liquid form. My port was moved about 4 inches from the original placement. I found my restriction was exacerbated by swelling. I didn't complain, I lost 12 pounds. My surgery and recovery was a breeze. I would let your experienced PS be the judge. You can always get an unfill if you need during you recovery. That's my 2 cents!

I hope this tread is still alive! I had a complete unfill last Thurs and had barium tests this afternoon. Thankfully, I can say everything is still well with my band. I was banded in May '06 and did great, was 7 pounds from goal June '09. Went for my ck that month and my doc decided I had lost 17 lbs too quickly from the previous 3 month ck and flouroscopy showed I was a bit too tight in his opinion. He unfilled me against my wimpers and I've gained 20 lbs over the past 2 years. I think that unfill messed with my sweet spot. I just can't get that same restriction. Since it has been a slow gain, I've lost good habits and am no longer the best companion to my band that I was. So I am here to join everyone else on the journey back. I am recommitting to my band, myself and my size 4's. (I will wear you again!) Let's try to motivate each other, lift spirits and be kind to one another. I welcome any one who would like to friend me! Hugs to all!

Hi Dulci, I love my fitness pal too. It has helped tremendously! But you're right, you can't set your limits manually. That's the only thing I don't like about it. Just set your Protein and cals where you want them and you'll have to guesstimate on the other. If it helps, I have my carbs set at 45% (100g), protein 35% (88g) and fats 25% (28g.) I try to eat less carbs though. I have my cals set at 1000 right now but I let that depend on whether I'm losing or not. I play around with my calories to see what happens from week to week. Hope this helps. Let's keep in touch, maybe we can help each other out......Rhonda

Hey, is there anybody still around that was banded by Dr. Hadar Spivak in Houston. I was banded by him in May '06. In early '10, I decided to find a fill doc closer to home as I live in central Arkansas. I told myself if I ever had any concerns I would follow up with Dr. Spivak (he was good with this decision.) Well I'm concerned I may have some slippage. The fill doc I'm using doesn't do fluoroscopy, so it's been a couple years, I think it's time. I called Dr. Spivak's office and he has gone back to Israel and gave his patients to a couple other docs. Just wondering if anybody has any info on the what's, why's and when? Just being nosey I guess, but he was a wonderful surgeon and doc. Thanks for anybody's input! (Oh, needless to say, I guess I'll try to convince my doc here I really need an x-ray!)

Hi Cherishthepast, I had my tt and breast reduction w/implants in Sept. , now 4 mos out. I am still really tight. My band doc thought probably due to swelling in the beginning which seemed really logical. (I saw him for post op port placement-just to be sure everything was ok and it was). I'm not complaining about the tightness of my band. I have lost another 7 pounds. But my reflux is out of control and I'm thinking I need to have my band cked under fluoroscopy. My advice would be to give it some time, go back to the mushy stage and be sure you're getting your Protein. Stay in touch with your docs. If you're too tight for good health, get an unfill. Good luck! And just wait till all the swelling is down and see how fabulous you look! Take Care, Rhonda

Thanksk for the tip. I've just found a class right here in town. I'll try it!

I'm going to get started on the P90X after my recovery is over from my cosmetic surgery coming up Sept 8. @Trishfish: Is the Zumba as fun as the infomercial makes it look?

Count me in today ladies. I haven't been here in awhile. I am here to read about your successes and gain some motivation. I am 4.5 yrs banded and last summer this time was 7 pds from my goal. I battled nightly reflux for about 3 months and so had an unfill. WELL, over the last 8 months I've gained 20 pds. Now we (doc & I) can't find that "sweet spot." I think I'd rather battle the reflux again to get this wt off. I hoping some of you more recently banded can refresh my memory on some of the things I should be doing and pass along any tips. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Rhonda ps: I guess I need to change my "doing great to not so great"

I have this happen on occasion. I think mine is related to gastric juices or the "gas"/vapors as someone mentioned. I am not a mouth breather however. I do sleep on 2 pillows. This happens infrequently, but it is a weird sensation. I delay eating for a while. Seems to help with me.

I can feel mine at times. I just take it as an indicator that food is passing on thru and I'm not at risk for developing a "mega-esophagus." I have no discomfort just awareness that it (food) is going thru. I am a faithful chewer, so I don't think it's related to not enough chewing. I agree with waterlily1072 and Libbyjane1976; everyone is different.

Thanks Charlene K, I printed the 5 day test and have started this morning....going to give it my all.

I'm 5' 2.5" and was banded at 202 lbs three yrs ago. I've battled my weight all my life. Up and down from the time I lost 40 lbs my junior year in high school. I've been a size 5 and a 16 and everything in between. My surgeon called me a "lightweight." My insurance covered it with no out of pkt. Best thing I've ever done for myself. Next is my cosmetic surgery that I have my money already saved for. My 27 yr old daughter is about 60 lbs overweight from prescription medications. I would consider looking into a loan to cover the band for her if she asked. I've seen her self esteem hit rock bottom. It's heartbreaking what body image does to us. It should be a personal choice. It should not be based on someone fitting "the criteria."

Hi, I'm here to encourage and be encouraged. I had to have an unfill due to reflux (I was 7 lbs from goal) and have now gained 15. I am so struggling. I wanted to have the 15 off by my 51 birthday (March 14) but nothing's happening. Help anyone... words, prayers accepted!! Thanks, Rhonda

Hey Factory Girl-I'm right with you so we can encourage each other. I had to have an unfill Oct 4 due to reflux from being too tight and have now gained 10lbs. I'm going for a fill Jan. 21. You should probably visit your doc right away. I see you're from MO-me too!!!:rolleyes2:(at heart-I've been in AR for 8 yrs now but there's no place like home.) Email me if you like and we'll do this together. Rhonda

Hey zobee, I'm gonna jump in here. I, too, am a practicing Reg Dental Hygienist for 30 + yrs. Here's a thought: If your hygienist cleans your teeth well, cking below the gumline for tartar, and finds no visible reasons for bleeding, ask her about a rinse "GingiMed or PerioMed" which are prescription strength fluoride rinses which will help tighten the tissue and help your sympton of bleeding. There is also another medicated rinse called "Peridex" which is chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate. We use it when a patient is having symptons of puffiness, inflamation, redness, bleeding, perio disease, etc. It will not make the problem go away, but will help the symptons until you can find the underlying issue. If you choose to use the CHX, you may notice a slight staining but not to worry, that stain will polish off. If your home care is what you say it is, keep cking for a nutritional deficit. (Are you threading the floss? Butler GUM threaders are the best) In my opinion, it's unlikely that it would be the ortho elastic allergy...your lips would also be swelling. Hope you get the problem remedied soon, Good luck!

Thanks for the input BG! I'm scheduled for a ck on Jan 21. I think my doc will be agreeable with a smidgen of a fill. I'll take your advice and start slow....It's just he's 8 hrs away....I need to find a doc closer to home now, maybe that would help with the fills in increments to find my sweet spot.