Padanelle

Good luck next week. Hope rge scoping shows only a minor slippage, and you can get a refill and be back on your way to loosing again. I only had 2 cms taken out, but I can't stop eating. I've put on 5 lbs in the past few weeks, and at this rate, I will gain everythinbg back quickly. One consolation, is that what I'm consuming is no where near what I used to, but I'm woried that I'll strethc out the pouch. I know I need to get back on track, and start planning my meals. I just keeping saying tomorrow....

Erin, Maybe you need to have a bit more removed. I was banded 2 years ago also. Suffered for a long time with difficulty eating and PBing. The developed acid reflux. I'm self pay also, so hestiated on going for an adjstment. I'm glad I finally did, as the acid reflux cleared up instantly and I can eat anything now - which is a bit of a worry, since I have started to put a bit of weight back again. I probably should go for a small adjustment, but I'm going to try to hold off for a bit until the weather gets cooler. I found that I have more difficulty swallowing when the weather & humidy is hot. Does anyone else experience that? Joan

Thanks, bandwhisper. I found the info very helpful.

I was banded 2 years ago. Recently I developed acid reflux. Then I was at the point was I could barely tolerate soft foods. I was constantly bringing everything back up. When I reached the point of not even being able to tolerate icecream and having difficulty with liquids, i knew it was time to see the doctor. An esophagram showed that the band had slipped slightly. They removed 2 cm, and now i can even eat cheeseburgers... and the acid reflux is gone. Exercise should not cause the band to slip. However constant PBing can. If you are constantly PBing or experience a lot of pain, go see your doctor.

I find sipping red wine during a meal actually helps me digest better. Drinking water during/after a meal is usually disastrous for me. My doc said having a cocktail up to 10 min prior to dinner can help relax the esophagus. I'm all for that! I have learned that there is no blanket rule for everyone, as each person's reactions are so different. And just when you think you have learned what works for you - it changes!

The hospital where I had my surgery offers 2 support groups p/mo: one for those banded 1 yr or under, the other for 1 yr+ bandsters. I was banded just over 1 yr ago, and have not gone to the later group yet. I have gone sporatically to the first. I found it very helpful going the first few months after surgery, but then found that most of the time the issues are the same, and the same few people tend to monopolize the conversation. However, I usually did pick up some new tip. They also offer a nutrition class once a month. I enjoy these more. The best part of both of these is meeting other bandsters and talking with them befor or after the sessions. I'll probably try the 1yr+ group soon.

My dr said it is better not to drink while eating, but if you try it (sips) and don't have a problem, then its OK. The main thing is to listen to your body. What works today might not tomorrow.

I use the Isopure 20 oz bottles. My favorite is the Lemon Green Tea. I mix it with regular tea, so I'm intaking more liquid. I also really like Blue Raspberry. I get mine at GNC. They often put it on sale for around $35 a case. I'm also a Gold Card member there, so I can get 20% off during the first week of each month.

I agree. Last season was the first one I watched, so I had nothing to compare it to, and enjoyed it. I hope the rest of the green team goes home next. There's so much anger - its not healthy, and I'm sure makes everyone else uneasy. At this point, I also wouldn't be sad to see Michael or the red chick go, and although I have nothing against them, I have no feelings for the black team.

I understand Shape-ups are really good too! I couldn't find the style I wanted, and was desperate for a new pair of walking shoes. I 'settled' for therashoe, and I'm totally happy with them. You can buy them at K-mart, and they are only $20.

Good luck on Feb 1st. I was banded in Jun at NYU and so happy I did it.

I wanted to buy the ankle boot shape-up, but I couldn't find them, so I bought an imitation brand at K-mart called Therashoe. The shoes only cost $20, and are so comfortable. And I really noticed how much they have toned up my legs. I plan to get the flip-flops when the weather gets warmer. I highly recommend them.

I'm glad Danny won. I wouldn't have recognized him, He really looked HOT! And I'm also glad it was Rebecca, and not Tracey, who won the $100,000. Will all the weight they lost, where's the hanging flab? Rudy, Danny & Daniel all had huge man boobs that have miraculously disappeared.

Me too!!!!

November was a disater for me. Its gotten colder here and barely did any walking. I finally saw the movie Mamma Mia, which got me to dig out my Abba Greatest Hits. I've been dancing to it for 30-45 min 3 times a week, so at least I'm burning off calories, plus having fun. Congratulations to everyone who made their goal, or at least tried.