kittygirl

I've been away for a while, also. I was banded on April 23, I believe the same day as BG. I did OK for a while but developed a bad bacterial infection (c. diff) after my first fill. It took them a while to diagnose it, and I ended up with two visits to the ER b/c of dehydration and related issues. A round of antibiotics took care of it once they IDed it, but it came back, more virulent than ever, this past weekend. Now I'm back on the antibiotics. INow I'm weak again. Also, during the first bout with the diarrhea, I called my surgeon's office to see if they could offer any thoughts. The nurse practitioner I talked to (after a 5 hour wait for callback) said 2 things that bothered me: 1) that people who have the lapband procedure do not develop lactose intolerance - that's only people who have gastric bypass. I know from this forum that that's not true 2) about the diarrhea I was having, she said it couldn't be related to the lapband. I never suggested that it was, but that statement made me think they're just covering their backsides, and makes me think their first priority may not be my health. I hope I'm wrong. I needed to vent about all of that, and I'm grateful to have a place to do it. I'm going for a fill tomorrow, and will try to discuss these issues with the surgeon. That won't be easy, as he's hard to slow down long enough to ask anything.:thumbup: Reading about Lisa's experience makes me feel lucky. What an ordeal she has had. Hope she continues to improve - she's lucky to have you Lili. Now, on to happier things. JT, I didn't recognize your Avatar, and started reading the post, realized it was you, and had to look again. Same with BG. You look like different people. I suspect that you feel as great as you look. So happy to be a part of the Bunny Brigade......

Thanks so much to you, 2911Plans, and to you, Myturn2bhappy, for your words of support. Right now I'm having a bit of trouble staying on course, and your kind words help a lot. We will all make it to our goals! Kittygirl

I'm a bit down today, and want to share my frustration here with some folks who might understand. I was banded on April 23. Since the surgery I have had some "digestive difficulties" which I chalked up to lactose intolerance. Those mushroomed into a full blown bacterial infection which took ten days to identify. My fever spiked, my electrolytes got dangerously low and I became dehydrated. I ended up at the emergency room twice in a five day period, before they finally determined that I had a c diff infection and started treating it. I know that these things happen, but the fact is that I never had any digestive issues until I had this surgery (I had weight issues, not digestive issues :eek:.) In researching this infection, after the fact, it seems that the Prilosec that was prescribed for me after the surgery helped to make my gut very hospitable to this awful infection. Don't misunderstand, I am still glad I had the surgery, but am not as trusting as I was a few months ago. It is disheartening to feel so weak after so much time has gone by, but that's the breaks. Its a journey, that's for sure. I'm gonna make it, as we all are. Thanks for being here, April Bandsters!

Paxie, Thanks for the reminder about the value of the band and all that comes with it. I know I could never have done it without the band either, even though I'm not getting a lot of restriction, yet. Still it has focused me in a way I've never had before. I like the ice cream analogy. I have the Realize band, too, and have not had any pbing or the "slime" that people talk about. That's a blessing right there!

It is funny how different our bodies are in terms of where we lose weight. It was comforting to read that others felt they weren't losing in the waist. I have been thinking there was something wrong with me. I feel very blaoted, and my belly is really sticking out I've lost two or three sizes at the top, but only one size at the bottom, though that's mainly because of the waist situation - the hips and thighs of the pants are getting looser. Its coming off, just so sloooooooowwwwwwlllllllllyyyyyyyy.

What a great opportunity to see what experiences others are having. I haven't posted for a couple of weeks - I've been really busy but the major reason is that I've really been down about my progress. Now I can share my frustration, and maybe even someone else will feel supported by my experience. 1. WEIGHT-I've lost sixteen pounds since my surgery on April 23. Several weeks I've lost no weight, and I have found my weight fluctuates a lot. I'm trying to wean from weighing every single day. 2. FILLS- Realize Band. Have had one fill of 5cc. 3. RESTRICTION-I have very little, if any restriction. Had a bit for about a week after that fill, but now I have none. Sadly for me, my schedule is such that I can't get in for another one until mid-July. 4. RULES-I try hard to obey the rules, though sometimes I long for bread. I had a hamburger bun once, when I was stuck somewhere for a long time and my choices were hamburger or hot dog. No problem whatsoever with the bun, which was a bit depressing. I have no trouble with the "no Water before or after meals". I know I need to increase my water intake. I have always eaten shortly before bedtime, and didn't realize there was a rule about that until I was reading the posts on this thread. Of course I knew it wasn't good, but I have a lot of trouble getting to sleep, and somewhere along the line became convinced that carbs before bedtime helped. LOL 5. ANYTHING ELSE- Sometimes I don't feel like anything is different, as far as my body is concerned, since the surgery. EXCEPT, I now have lactose intolerance, which I didn't have before. I am hungry all the time, and feel very weak. I have a new job and am working 10 hours a day and travelling an hour each way, so that doesn't leave a lot of time for other activities. I'm single and live in an old farmhouse, so I have a lot to do around the home, which keeps me moving a bit. All of this will get better, as my wonderful employer is setting me up to telecommute. I notice big improvement when I am more active. I have a great elliptical machine, so maybe I'll get more than 5 minutes on it soon. I've had no NSVs, and though I know I've lost weight, it would be nice to think that someone has noticed. On the bright side, I know that I will eventually get to that sweet spot, like so many others here, and am trying to pat myself on the back that I haven't been gaining during the time where the band hasn't been able to help.

#142 Losing for me Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 58 Re: Independence Day challenge for Bunny Bandsters permalink Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl -------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 20 June --------------------- 276lb -------------------- 256lb NY Lady ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 20 June --------------------- 249lb -------------------- 233lb lingling ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 279.6lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 279.6lb ----------------- 259.6lb JayTee562 --------------- 20lb --------------------- 272lb ----------------- 19 June --------------------- 259lb -------------------- 252lb MrsMitch ---------------- 25lb --------------------- 242lb ------------------ 1 May --------------------- 242lb -------------------- 217lb ALuv82------------------ 35lb ---------------------- 297.5lb --------------- 14 June --------------------- 273lbs ------------------- 262.5lb Band_Groupie ----------- 15lb ---------------------- 218 lbs -------------- 5 June --------------------- 207lbs -------------------- 203lbs kaner ------------------- 20lb ----------------------- 275lb --------------- 19 June --------------------- 261lb ---------------------- 255lb scoobydoo -------------- 25lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne -------------- 15lb ----------------------- 296lb --------------- 5 June --------------------- 285.8lb ---------------------- 281lb hopeful41411 ----------- 18lb ----------------------- 260.8lb -------------- 1 May -------------------- 260.8lb -------------------- 242.8lb IsabellaP84 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? hannahj914 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ------------------ 18lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie --------------- 30lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? poconomom -------------20lb ----------------------- 212lb --------------- 8 May --------------------- 204lb --------------------- 192lb myturn2bhappy --------- 30lb ---------------------- 288lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 286lb --------------------- 258lb DM Chef ---------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ------------ 25lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? doodlebug11 ------------ 20lb ---------------------- 207lb --------------- 1 May ---------------------- 196.5lb-------------------- 187lb tcbgirl ------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202.8lb ------------- 1 May --------------------- 202.8lb --------------------187.8lb twinmamma1130 -------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------- 15lb --------------------- 211.6lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 211.6lb----------------- 196.6lb Babygirl_68 -------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? kittygirl ------------------ 22lb -------------------2031b -----------------21 June ------------------191lb---------------------- 181lb jukeBox81782 ----------- 40lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? Losing for me ----------- 20lb ---------------------- 189lb ---------------21 Jun ---------------------- 173lb --------------------169lb early -------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202lb ------------------- 1 May --------------------- 202lb -------------------- 187lb lapband-AP-redo -------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? pottergirl----------------- 20lb----------------------- 280lb ---------------- 1 May---------------------- 280lb -------------------- 260lb shakia90 ---------------- 20lb ----------------------- 285lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 285lb -------------------- 265lb txdj --------------------- 20lb------------------------ 205lb ---------------- 11 June --------------------- 186lb --------------------175lb ThinWithin -------------- 27.4lb --------------------- 297.4lb -------------- 8 May --------------------- 297.4lb ------------------ 270lb help1977 ----------------20lb----------------------- 251.8lb ---------------- 14 June -------------------- 245.0lb ------------------- 231.8lb vcatalina1 -------------- 20lb------------------------ 255lb ------------------1 May -------------------- 240lb --------------------- 220lb Auddie ----------------- 20lb------------------------ ? -----------------------1 May ------------------- ? --------------------------? lapbandgirl2009 -------- 25lb ---------------------- 259lb -------------------25 May ------------------- 256lb --------------------- 234lb swkrp ------------------ 20lb ---------------------- 219lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 199lb --------------------- 234lb Shellynnrn --------------20lb ---------------------- 260lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 260lb-----------------------240lb kath17268 -------------15lb ----------------------- 236lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 224lb ------------------------ 221lb knighmo -------------- 25lb --------------------- 298lb -------------------- 4 May-------------------- 298lb ------------------- 273lb jannyboo -------------- 29lb -------------------- 219lb ---------------------1 May ------------------- 219lb ------------------- 190lb lilith ------------------ 20lb -------------------- 249lb---------------------6 May ------------------- 244.7lb ------------------- 229lb __________________

Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl -------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 278lb -------------------- 256lb NY Lady ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 250lb -------------------- 233lb lingling ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 279.6lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 279.6lb ----------------- 259.6lb JayTee562 --------------- 20lb --------------------- 272lb ----------------- 29 May --------------------- 262lb -------------------- 252lb MrsMitch ---------------- 25lb --------------------- 242lb ------------------ 1 May --------------------- 242lb -------------------- 217lb ALuv82------------------ 35lb ---------------------- 297.5lb --------------- 22 May --------------------- 280.5lbs ------------------- 262.5lb Band_Groupie ----------- 15lb ---------------------- 218 lbs -------------- 22 May --------------------- 210lbs -------------------- 203lbs kaner ------------------- 20lb ----------------------- 275lb --------------- 29 May --------------------- 267lb ---------------------- 255lb scoobydoo -------------- 25lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne -------------- 15lb ----------------------- 296lb --------------- 29 May --------------------- 288.8lb ---------------------- 281lb hopeful41411 ----------- 18lb ----------------------- 260.8lb -------------- 1 May -------------------- 260.8lb -------------------- 242.8lb IsabellaP84 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? hannahj914 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ------------------ 18lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie --------------- 30lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? poconomom -------------20lb ----------------------- 212lb --------------- 8 May --------------------- 204lb --------------------- 192lb myturn2bhappy --------- 30lb ---------------------- 288lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 286lb --------------------- 258lb DM Chef ---------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ------------ 25lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? doodlebug11 ------------ 20lb ---------------------- 207lb --------------- 1 May ---------------------- 199.5lb-------------------- 187lb tcbgirl ------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202.8lb ------------- 1 May --------------------- 202.8lb --------------------187.8lb twinmamma1130 -------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------- 15lb --------------------- 211.6lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 211.6lb----------------- 196.6lb Babygirl_68 -------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? kittygirl ------------------ 22lb ----------------------2031b ------------------ 31 May ---------------195lb---------------------- 181lb jukeBox81782 ----------- 40lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? Losing for me ----------- 20lb ---------------------- 189lb ---------------- 1 May ---------------------- 189lb --------------------169lb early -------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202lb ------------------- 1 May --------------------- 202lb -------------------- 187lb lapband-AP-redo -------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? pottergirl----------------- 20lb----------------------- 280lb ---------------- 1 May---------------------- 280lb -------------------- 260lb shakia90 ---------------- 20lb ----------------------- 285lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 285lb -------------------- 265lb txdj --------------------- 20lb------------------------ 205lb ---------------- 22 May --------------------- 193lb --------------------185lb ThinWithin -------------- 27.4lb --------------------- 297.4lb -------------- 8 May --------------------- 297.4lb ------------------ 270lb help1977 ----------------20lb----------------------- 251.8lb ---------------- 1 May -------------------- 248.2lb ------------------- 231.8lb vcatalina1 -------------- 20lb------------------------ 255lb ------------------1 May -------------------- 240lb --------------------- 220lb Auddie ----------------- 20lb------------------------ ? -----------------------1 May ------------------- ? --------------------------? lapbandgirl2009 -------- 25lb ---------------------- 259lb -------------------25 May ------------------- 256lb --------------------- 234lb swkrp ------------------ 20lb ---------------------- 219lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 199lb --------------------- 234lb Shellynnrn --------------20lb ---------------------- 260lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 260lb-----------------------240lb kath17268 -------------15lb ----------------------- 236lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 224lb ------------------------ 221lb knighmo -------------- 25lb --------------------- 298lb -------------------- 4 May-------------------- 298lb ------------------- 273lb jannyboo -------------- 29lb -------------------- 219lb ---------------------1 May ------------------- 219lb ------------------- 190lb lilith ------------------ 20lb -------------------- 249lb---------------------6 May ------------------- 244.7lb ------------------- 229lb

My first fill story: I waited an hour for my surgeon. He had agreed to see me at noon after his morning surgery, because I'm in this travelling job, and its difficult for me to get off. Very nice of him. Anyway his partner showed up to fill a couple of his patients, and he contacted my surgeon, who was tied up in surgery. He said I could wait for my surgeon or he could do my fill. I jumped on that. He gave me 4ccs and had me swallow the Water, then the "stuff," we looked at the fluoroscopy screen and I saw the stuff passing through the band (so cool!) and he said I could take another cc. I said "Do it!" So now I have 5 ccs. I was a bit nervous, something that wasn't helped by the hour and fifteen minute wait, and I have to say feeling that needle go in is quite disconcerting, but not painful (they numbed the area first.). He had very sure hands, and really instilled confidence. (My own surgeon might, too, I was knocked out when he "handled" me .) I can tell I have some restriction, but guess I have to wait a day or two to find out how much. I'm so glad my more conservative surgeon was unavailable. I hope this will jump start my weight loss, which has all but stopped. And, I'm looking forward to some relief from the unending hunger! Everyone enjoy their weekend, and keep up the good work.

The last three posts have made me feel so much better. I've lost 25 pounds, but like Band Groupie, most of that was pre-surgery and the two or three days after. It has been five weeks tomorrow, and I've been ravenous for the past three. Despite that, I've only gone over 1000 calories two days, but simply cannot keep the loss going. Occasionally, I have to buy groceries, and that is the worst! I get a fill tomorrow, but my surgeon said he'd probably only give me 2 cc's. I sure hope its enough to provide some restriction, because my willpower is wearing thin. I suspect this is true for most of us: I wouldn't have needed the lap band if I could do this on willpower alone! Early, what you said really hit home - that's my experience, too! I think our ambivalence is normal. I'll post after the fill tomorrow, to share my experience with you guys. I'm such a sissy, and can't help being anxious about the procedure till I know what's involved. This forum helps so much!! Good luck to all!

Carol, Thank you so much for jumping in with advice on the milk thing! I will buy some Lactaid tomorrow. Looks like I'll be on the milk products for another couple of weeks, so I'll get much opportunity to use them :laugh:. I'm nervous about the fill but excited at the same time. It will be nice to have some restriction, as an aid to the willpower thing........ kittygirl

:rolleyes2: Bunny Banster's July 4th Challenge Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl -------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 278lb -------------------- 256lb NY Lady ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 250lb -------------------- 233lb lingling ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 279.6lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 279.6lb ----------------- 259.6lb JayTee562 --------------- 20lb --------------------- 272lb ----------------- 7 May --------------------- 269lb -------------------- 252lb MrsMitch ---------------- 25lb --------------------- 242lb ------------------ 1 May --------------------- 242lb -------------------- 217lb ALuv82------------------ 35lb ---------------------- 297.5lb --------------- 15 May --------------------- 287lbs ------------------- 262.5lb Band_Groupie ----------- 15lb ---------------------- 218 lbs -------------- 7 May --------------------- 216lbs -------------------- 203lbs kaner ------------------- 20lb ----------------------- 275lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 275lb ---------------------- 255lb scoobydoo -------------- 25lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne -------------- 15lb ----------------------- 296lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 292lb ---------------------- 281lb hopeful41411 ----------- 18lb ----------------------- 260.8lb -------------- 1 May -------------------- 260.8lb -------------------- 242.8lb IsabellaP84 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? hannahj914 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ------------------ 18lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie --------------- 30lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? poconomom -------------20lb ----------------------- 212lb --------------- 8 May --------------------- 204lb --------------------- 192lb myturn2bhappy --------- 30lb ---------------------- 288lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 288lb --------------------- 258lb DM Chef ---------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ------------ 25lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? doodlebug11 ------------ 20lb ---------------------- 207lb --------------- 1 May ---------------------- 209lb-------------------- 187lb tcbgirl ------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202.8lb ------------- 1 May --------------------- 202.8lb --------------------187.8lb twinmamma1130 -------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------- 15lb --------------------- 211.6lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 211.6lb----------------- 196.6lb Babygirl_68 -------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? kittygirl ------------------ 22lb --------------------- 203lb ------------------ 17 May ---------------------- 199lb ------------------- 181lb jukeBox81782 ----------- 40lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? Losing for me ----------- 20lb ---------------------- 189lb ---------------- 1 May ---------------------- 189lb --------------------169lb early -------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202lb ------------------- 1 May --------------------- 202lb -------------------- 187lb lapband-AP-redo -------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? pottergirl----------------- 20lb----------------------- 280lb ---------------- 1 May---------------------- 280lb -------------------- 260lb shakia90 ---------------- 20lb ----------------------- 285lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 285lb -------------------- 265lb txdj --------------------- 20lb------------------------ 205lb ---------------- 7 May --------------------- 195lb --------------------185lb ThinWithin -------------- 27.4lb --------------------- 297.4lb -------------- 8 May --------------------- 297.4lb ------------------ 270lb help1977 ----------------20lb----------------------- 251.8lb ---------------- 1 May -------------------- 248.2lb ------------------- 231.8lb vcatalina1 -------------- 20lb------------------------ 255lb ------------------1 May -------------------- 240lb --------------------- 220lb Auddie ----------------- 20lb------------------------ ? -----------------------1 May ------------------- ? --------------------------? lapbandgirl2009 -------- 25lb ---------------------- 259lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 259lb --------------------- 234lb swkrp ------------------ 20lb ---------------------- 219lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 199lb --------------------- 234lb Shellynnrn --------------20lb ---------------------- 260lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 260lb-----------------------240lb kath17268 -------------15lb ----------------------- 236lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 224lb ------------------------ 221lb knighmo -------------- 25lb --------------------- 298lb -------------------- 4 May-------------------- 298lb ------------------- 273lb jannyboo -------------- 29lb -------------------- 219lb ---------------------1 May ------------------- 219lb ------------------- 190lb lilith ------------------ 20lb -------------------- 249lb---------------------6 May ------------------- 249lb ------------------- 229lb __________________ Slowly but surely........... Kittygirl

Hi fellow Bunny Bandsters. Its been a while since I posted. I've just entered my 4th week post op and am still on mushies. Am having difficulty getting enough protein without overdoing the dairy, which I think is responsible for substantial gastric distress (I'm trying to avoid being too graphic). I'm scheduled for post-op exan and fill on May 28. I guess I'm in bandster hell, because I'm so hungry, but am keeping my calorie intake under 1000 a day. The weight loss has slowed a lot since the few days post-op, but I'm trying to hold my own till the first fill. I've lost three pounds in two weeks. I sure hope I get some restriction on the first fill. My doctor uses the fluoroscope for the first fill, and told me I probably wouldn't get more than 2 ccs. I got the Realize C band. I'm doing some free weight work for my arms, and using the elliptical when I'm home. Exercise is a challenge during the week, as I'm working out of town Monday through Friday. All the posts here have been so much help to me as I've gone through the early stages as a bandster. Hope everybody is doing great. Keep working it! kittygirl