sarahbellzz14-4

I agree with the fats thing, that was one thing I found with my research on this. Along with the Biotin and increased protein intake, I also upped my fats content, but was really smart about it. The Protein drinks I buy, are vegan, but they also have 6g of fat & 12grams of Protein per serving (2 servings in the bottle- which I can down in about 2 mins) and I had 1 of those a day and just watched everything else that I ate, so long as it was high protein. I'm a vegetarian, but crave red meat every so often, and usually when I crave it I eat it. fo the first few weeks on the biotin, I upped my red meat intake, basically I live with 2 carnivores, so I would make tacos & put a tablespoon of meat with 3 tablespoons of Beans, and with meat sauce, I would Strain the sauce off the top and then strain meat out of the pot and put about 2 tablespoons on my Pasta. And once a week there was a no holds barred of a 5 guys little burger. And then there was the steak incident lol..... So at this point, today esp. I haven't had meat in about 3 weeks but now that I said 5guys, I want one, and will probably give into it!

Wheat thins Flatbread crackers. with babybell lite garlic & herb cheese... to.die.for.

I rub the center of my chest until the "clog" goes down. I've heard horror stories with chicken. I've only had 1 bad experience with it and then I waited 2 weeks before I ate it again. and it too was right after my first fill. I try to stay away from bread, but sometimes I have to have a VERY well toasted croissant. Wheat thins came out with these awesome "flatbread" crackers, I munch on those. Speaking of bread, I had a garlic knot the other night and I wrote this somewhere else, It got stuck at the Bottom of my pouch and it was the most ungodly pain I have ever experienced. I still can not eat deli meats, and since I was over filled, I can't eat steak anymore. And I've been craving a Philly cheese steak for a week now, but even the thinly shaved steak I'm avoiding for now. it's still a learning process for us. And I've heard from a few people after a certain amount of time your band & body will flip the script on you as to what you were able to eat and now can't. Broccoli is now another no-no for me, and I lived on it the month of june. Steamed sauteed, boiled, I can not eat it now.

I've had a few over the past month...... 1st and foremost, I can see my feet again, not just the tips of my toes, but my entire foot. I have a shape again, and Don't look like an over-ripe grape when wearing pants. My winter coat looks good on me, and I can actually tie the belt around my WAIST. I wore a gorgeous velvet suit jacket yesterday that I haven't worn in a good 2-3 years, only sad thing is, last time I wore it, I was able to button it. but just the face I was able to wear it was a Victory for me. and I'm just enjoying my jawbone lol... Congrats everyone!!! lets keep em coming!

Alrighty, Who else is experiencing this..... I've been lacking in the pound loss area, but am shrinking like it's no ones business. I pretty much have a shape again. And when I went for my fill on friday the doctor was like, holy cow, you look amazing, and then he looked at my chart and said, but you've only lost 1 lb. Anyone else having this issue? That your losing inches, feeling good, fitting (not squeezing) into a size that you haven't worn in a few years (for me it's a 10/12 pants and a med/large shirt- depending on the brand) Feeling/seeing bones & muscles you forgot existed (for me, hip bones & thigh muscles) but the scale is still laughing at you when you step on it? It's amazing how your body works and I learn something new about mine every day... it's also soooo frustrating when you put something on and your like "ALRIGHT!!! I'M LOSING!" only to find out that the numbers haven't moved at all.... Talka talk to me. And by the way, so unrelated to this but I have to share, The DH is hounding me for a baby (or start trying) and the only answer I can give him instead of "NO" is, No, I can finally see my feet again, I'm not going through that!

The sweetspot to me is a myth, honestly. It's all up to you and where your comfortable. I thought I had my sweetspot until I got violently ill from it, and was too tight. It's very frustrating, and I think everyone is right, it's second opinion time. And you need to speak to someone about repositioning your port. My 2nd fill was a HORRIBLE experience. I had fat deposits around my port and they kept poking those thinking they hit the spot only to pull the needle out and try again. You've lost 65lbs so far which is FABULOUS! and I hate to be a downer by saying this, but start really looking at what it is your eating and your activity levels. I'm the laziest person on the planet, but I walk for an hour every day and I do yoga, and first and foremost I watch every single peice of food that goes in my mouth. at this point I know what I can and can not eat. It takes time and patience, and a positive attitude. I'm really sorry you feel like you want to have the band removed, but think of the positive things that have happend so far.... and talk to someone. Your hospital or doctor should have support groups, try one of those out.

You are quite welcome. I have to say it is a terrifying experience, and actually, I owe a huge thanks to Blaire (BEK) Because she was the one who alerted me to being over-filled. I actually had a slight fill last friday (6 weeks after I was unfilled) because I had absolutly no restriction. Almost choked on spaghetti last night (that was a trip) it was a stuck I have never ever felt before, basically, instead of the "chest" stuck, this was a stomach stuck, like it couldn't pass through the opening to the stomach..... I thought I was going to pass out. Anyway. I'm glad I was able to help. And I'm glad your feeling better. And btw, It's O.K after an unfill to gain 2-3lbs. Like I said after my unfill, it's your bodies way of saying Thank you. You'll lose those few.... So long as your healthy thats all that matters

Ann, You look absolutly AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to have DH take a pic of me tonight... I've noticed the incredible difference lately.

Hey Guys!!! 2000 mg has been working for me, within the first 2 weeks (and with my unfill- now re-filled) The loss stopped dramatcially. sunday while blowing out my hair, I noticed the regrowth around my hairline, which believe it or not is what had me panicing in the first place. Ann, The bottle I have says "for energy support" on it, but I have so much coffee in a day that I don't notice the extra boost!. And if you check out the GNC -hair, skin, nails vitamin packets, there is a 1500mg of biotin vitamin. Alot of the research I did on this little miricle, Said that, can strengthen nails, and hair folicles (because they are actually the same thing believe it or not!!!!) I do know that I am feeling good again, and well not as self concious to go get my hair re-touched up (held off on that until I knew wtf was going on) Glad to see I helped everyone :cursing:

John337 105 SpideyMom 70 hdmdavid 75 less-of-me 58 Oliviasmommy-25 tulsarealtorGB 38 ruguay 35 Sarahbellzz- 34 Total= 440

I actually gained 2 lbs this week and I'm not upset about it at all. I was told when I was unfilled that I would probably gain something or stay the same since I was technically in starvation mode (for all that don't know- I was a few days away from being hospitalized for dehydration and malnutrition) and not getting the proper nutritiants because of how tight my band was. So I'm embracing the 2 lbs, because I know now, That I will lose them and more, and It's just my bodies way of saying thank you (for the moment)

it's more then 100 strands. I know you natuarally shed while you sleep, this is to the point where it's noticable in my hairline, like it's receeding. I've spoken to a few family members to see if it's genetic and it's not. As for the iron, Thats the thing, I have very Iron rich blood, so before my surgery when they did the pre-op blood work, I was told to stay away from the iron, the vitamins with iron etc. But the vit. D, Didn't think of that. Ann, I'm gonna make you laugh... I was bald, well half bald VOLUNTERILY! for a good 7 months.... I sported a Mohawk when I was 16. I will call the doc. see whats up.

after 6 weeks of nothing and having .6cc's taken out (yes I had an unfill) I LOST 4lbs this week VICTORY IS MINE!:laugh:

it's funny, after I wrote that I took a shower, and I swear I had more hair come out when I conditioned then there has been... This is really really scary. Ann, When I went to the doc, he said just my symptoms alone indicated a protein deficeincy.. But I was also "over filled" it's been hard for me especially since (not to sound full of myself) I have always had an AWESOME head of hair... I think my only saving grace is my bangs lol.. but I'm shedding like crazy, and I want to cry about it. I do think I will buck up and get the rogaine this weekend along with the biotin (I started taking this morning) You almost want to laugh and think, hey, I thought I was supposed to be losing weight not my hair!!!! But when I say a fist full of hair this morning,I mean it.. I almost threw up when I saw it.

So, I consulted: a neutritionist, a personal trainer and a pharmacist and got a concensious on the hair loss issue.. and it doesn't involve Rogaine or nausiating Protein shakes (b/c I have had my Fill with them!!!) We all should be taking a multi-Vitamin to begin with post-op but for those of us that still have hair loss or a protein deficiancy, The answer comes in Biotin. Most pharmacies (and GNC) have special Vitamins for women to improve hair skin and nails, but they also have Biotin (aka Vitamin H) I was told to take the straight up 1000mg Biotin pill and in about 2 weeks I should start to see an improvement and less hair falling out and more re-growth. I went to CVS the other day and looked at the Rogain package, and My "symptoms" don't qualify me to start doing it yet. besides the fact I have a sensitive scalp to begin with I'm afraid to use it and kind of embarrassed to buy it. So there is my suggestion to help us out. And a plus side to the Biotin, is that the pills are small enough to not get stuck.

I had one a few weeks ago, but I've just had this thing about posting for a while, and well I realized that I NEED YOU GUYS!!!!!! So I'm back..... So here are 2 of my NSV's 1- I am able to cross my legs and sit lady-like again. without even realizing I did it. I was on the train going to work, and just sat like normal and then I looked down and saw my legs were crossed, over the knee........ I haven't been able to do that in 2 1/2 years!!!!! also, bringing my knees to my chest when sitting on the bed or the floor, things I'm subconciously doing.... it's a great feeling. #2 is, today, I am wearing a pair of pants I bought 2 years ago, and have never worn before, infact, I had to take the tags off of them. I was sorting through a bag of clothes I'm donating to charity, just to make sure that things (like laundry) weren't tossed in there and I found the pants, I folded them up and put them in my room. this morning, just for kicks, I put them on, they slid up.... I did have to take a deep breath to button them, but they're actually really comfortable. Sorry I flaked on you all for a while, don't worry, I'm back, back on track and back in this whole heartedly.

it was really scary there for a sec. it feels good to EAT AND NOT BE SICK for the past 2 days. here I thought I was doing soo good, just bucking it up you know? not only am I upping the protein, I'm incorporating a little fat back into the diet.. the difference now then before my surgery, I KNOW THE DIffERENCE between "good fat", "bad fat" and un-neccessary stay the hell away from it fat!!!!The protein shakes I'm drinking have 26 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fat, so Then the rest of the day is low carb/cal, low fat.... except for the raw nuts. but thats good fat!!! He also suggested for the hair problem, GNC has vitamins for women that help improve hair, nails & skin. So I'm going to look into it. Basically it's b-12 & omega 3, but I have to find a non-fish based Omega 3 because I'm allergic to Cod, and thats what most of them are made of. So, Ann, there ya go.. GNC :thumbup:

O.k. So it's been a while since I last checked in, and I'm maing up for it big time.... went to my doc yesterday, and had to have .6 cc's removed.. Should have went sooner I know but I thought the restriction would "settle" and the PB'ing and vomiting would stop on it's own. So in 6 weeks apparently I lost 5lbs.... Which he wasn't happy with And like I've stated in a few posts has fluctuated up and down. So he took the fluid out. Also, the reason for for the unfill, was he did some quick work, and Said I was basically starving, and was in "camel mode" for probably at least 3 weeks. My blood pressure was really low, and I've had a migraine for 5 days, My protein levels were also low and my hair has been falling out dramatically for about 3 weeks. So the unfill was neccessary. So with the unfill now, I should be back on track, start losing again, and I have to start drinking the protein shakes again to get my levels back up. at least 2 a day for about 4 weeks. So thats how it's been with me.

My goal is 127lbs. I've been that weight twice in my adult life. That is where I am most comfortable. For my height 4'11 1/2 it is perfect. clothing size wise, that puts me between an 8 and a 10. I'm Bottom heavy. I have a huge behind and thanks to genetics (in my family we call it the Ruben ass, after my great grandmother) and big thighs. When I was little I was very active, I did gymnastics and played soccer, so that left my legs muscular, so I will never have slender legs. When I say an 8 or a 10 it's because I have to compensate for the extra skin that sags in my belly area. My pregnancy with my son destroyed my body, My stomach muscles seperated and left me with the "bottom pouch". When pigs fly or I win the lotto (whichever comes first) I intend to Have a tummy tuck. Not for vanity purposes, but because it is absolutly neccessary in order for me to look "Normal". It's something that I'm completely embarrassed about. 3 years ago when I was fitting into an 8, it was very prominent, and screamed to the world HEY SHE USED TO BE FAT! and that insecurity I believe encouraged me to gain the weight back. for the past few weeks, I haven't gained, I haven't lost a lb, but I'm losing inches, and was extremely discouraged when I had to exchange a pair of size 12 jeans for a 14 because of the "Bottom Pouch", I couldn't button them because of it. I guess this is the reality of this surgery. We'll all "lose" but some of us just can't win.....:biggrin:

My doc is sooo stingey with the fills, and I understand why because it's all about YOU and how YOU do and how much YOU dedicate yourself to your WL success, I get it. This heat is unbearable, in NYC the past week or so. And my biggest issue is, and this may sound like a lame excuse, but I am NOT a morning person whatsoever, and that is the ample time of day for me to excercise. All I know is that I really need to get my Shit together FAST because I'm getting that weird Belly thing, Where my legs are thinning out, my arms are thinning out but the belly is becoming more prominent. So I need to do something STAT! I had fat around my port, that comes and goes with the stubborn 3-4 lbs.... makes it very uncomfortable.

I jumped on the lazy bandwagon in the past 2 weeks, so not cool at all, and I need to be on here more often for motivation, because I am STUCK between 28 & 32lbs down, that 4lbs is just jumping from side to side on the scale- HARDCORE. I hate that when it gets really hot & humid your motivation melts in the heat..... So I'm stuck even after my 2nd Fill. How's everyone else doing?

Well, so far, cheese and crackers have stayed down.... the babybell spreadable swiss cubes (FF) (6) on multi grain crackers (11 of them)

I've had that the past few days. I had my secondfill 2 weeks ago friday, And suddenly I can not eat anything. I attempted steak that I cooked myself last night. Even chewing until my jaw hurt didn't help. it just seemed like everything I made for dinner, including the noodles came back up, what started as PB'ing simply turned into vomiting, and it's still going on this morning. I didn't know about the stress thing, But during that time of the month I do notice I'm just not hungry. Same thing as Ann, I can not eat until at least 3 hours after I've woken up, I can however drink coffee- SLOWLY.

Thank you!

I guess my second fill has finally "settled" because I've been PB'ing and vomiting almost everything I eat since yesterday. I'm restricted like almost immediatly. It started with lunch yesterday. and so far today (it's only 10:24am) it has happend like 3 times. Last night I thought my stomach and the band were going to come out of my mouth, and the friggan CHEST PAINS that come along with it.... I'm going to give it until tomorrow, sticking with mushies/Liquids for today (so far they're coming up too) There are things I realise, I just don't understand with this band... and "Magic restriction" is one of them.