Tranquility

I am overwhelmingly surprised that I, too, am in the same situation. You can imagine how important it is to finally find others who can understand.

I have no fill, and weigh 108-110, at 5'4. This weight doesn't sound that low to me, but at my middle age, and from where I began, it is unbelievable.

My doctor wants me to gain 15 pounds, and those close to me are concerned. I feel ashamed because I believe they think I am actually trying to lose more weight and are judging me that way. I can't believe how similar our experiences are. I look terrible with a skeleton like boy chest and stick arms, but so much loose skin that I have to hide myself -the wings of my arms even show through thin sweaters and kids, high-schoolers-smirk. Well, there is nothing I can do about that, but be so sad and disappointed.

Is there any way for us to gain without the worry of not being able to stop? Can you eat nutritiously? I am limited in the variety that I can eat comfortably. Naturally, it is easier to eat high calorie foods and fruits, meats, and vegetables take so much time and trial to eat., but I do.

I feel for you and wish you good luck.

I had something of a bug yesterday, it came on all of a sudden, naseua. I've never vomited since my surgery 14 months ago, but last pm, I did vomit something like bile -it felt like I wanted to really vomit like before, but nothing could come up through the band. I was verly uncomfortable and still am a bit sore and weak. I can drink Water today, and I ate some chicken ground up, but feel kind of closed up at the esophaegus. I, too wonder how do you know that your band has slipped?

Please help, still having problems here and would like some stories of similar experiences and speculations until I can find a doctor.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

I'll try to keep this short...but since my entire body is falling apart it will take some time. I am desperate for someone to help me. I am so weary from this, it's like I need an advocate<o:p></o:p>

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had the surgery one year ago.<o:p></o:p>

problems for the beginning, couldn't drink Water, problems with doctor response, finally had an unfill that I didn't know was there, still problems swallowing, insisted on barium swallow test and all, hospital confirmed esophageal spasm, doctor said the would go away, didn't so I went to ear, nose and throat doctor,.... and time passes<o:p></o:p>

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all the while my doctor doesn't help me, I scheduled an emergency appointment, her office is a distance drive away, she was not even present when I got there, I talked to the nurse and said I'd be back the following week., the following week, she is not there, even though I've called to report severe problems with drinking and eating.

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I was feeling very uncomfortable with doctor not caring, or concerned <o:p></o:p>

Went back one last time, the doctor didn't know of anything when she entered the room even though I'd called the office every four or five days asking for help, <o:p></o:p>

so I had to start at the beginning to tell her what she should already know, <o:p></o:p>

She was unprofessional, she had the office coordinator present in the room for our exam?? the office coordinator even joined the <o:p></o:p>

conversation, saying that maybe I should take a particular laxative, doctor said...no..that's a good idea, but I think it might be wrong for the band...

what the he*ll?

<o:p>the doctor's motivation is obvious to me and she'd be stupid to think that I'm not aware</o:p>

decided not to use the doctor<o:p></o:p>

time passes and I don't eat well and the healthy foods don't go down<o:p></o:p>

losing weight, losing muscle, losing hair, feeling bad, looking bad<o:p></o:p>

still don't eat much and it would be so good to have a nice salad and fresh fruits<o:p></o:p>

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finally had time to look for a new doctor this summer, but find out that none within a 75 mile radius will take a patient of another doctor.<o:p></o:p>

called around in the dfw metro area to find a doctorwho is one the approved list, but it is difficult to know even which doctors do the procedure as this is not listed as a specialty.My insurance company coordinator even helped me over the phone for about an hour and 1/2! ..How can I find a doctor? then how do I choose?

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have burning, pulling pain in the muscles under and around arms and back, both left and right sides, someone suggested neuropathy?? what!?<o:p></o:p>

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Can someone please help me with a solution; I know the first thing on the list is to find a new doctor...but how? I've spent days and days this summer trying, and now I go to work next week. help<o:p></o:p>

I was banded last wednesday and have been on a liquid diet since. I don't really have trouble getting down broth, Protein Shakes, Jello, or popsicles but drinking Water is really unpleasant. Even though I take very small sips, I can feel it get stuck and then sort of glug down into my stomach. I'm a BIGGG water drinker so this is making my life really difficult-- any suggestions or maybe thoughts as to why this would be happening?

Sorry to hear of your problem. This is exactly what happened to me. The water somehow felt -heavy- to me. I called the dr. office and they, too, told me to take small sips and all that. That didn't help me. After many days of calling, they told me to watch the water and go to the emergency roomi if I felt faint. I called my regular dr., and she told me that I should be able to drink more. I was so afraid that I was going to become ill from dehydration and have to the emergency room.

I thought it was my problem, so I tried and tried to drink the water, but not enough.

I called the lap dr.'s office and insisted there was something wrong. I went in and the assistant said he would take some of the fill out! Fill? I had no idea I had a fill@! No wonder I was having a hard time swollowing. They had put a fill in at the time of the surgery without telling me.

I think it would be good to keep calling the doctor. Maybe it is a normal temporary problem and this might subside naturally, that would be excellent, but I'd definitely make sure they are aware along the way. good luck and hope you feel better soon!

Oh my gosh! me too.

just got back from vacation -haven't flown in about five years -the last flight was an embarrassment that I'll never forget!

no set-belt extender! I kept looking down at my lap and judging the distance between the end of me and the room left in the seat. I couldn't believe it!

I have to admit I was like a kid' bucking and unbuckling the seat belt, and every time, giddy.

isn't it wonderful!!

congratulations!

What was the date of your surgery?

How healthy did you/do you eat?

How much do you exercise?

How much have you lost?

Are you happy with your results?

July 22, 2009 - Will be my first year anniversary next week!

Before ate bacon, egg cheese biscuits for Breakfast, pizza buffet for lunch and Mexican platter for dinner,not really, but almost, desserts every single day

Now, I eat what I'm in the mood for that doesn't make me feel like I will choke, which is not healthy for fruits and vegetables, just about 1/10 the amount.

Haven't officially exercised yet, although I (plan) to

Lost 120 pounds

Happy with the weight loss, but not the excess sagging skin.

(no fill ever)

All-in-all, ok

It can start a vicious cycle with me. I pb one day and then have to be super careful for a day or nothing stays down. Before I know it, i can be needing an unfill. I wish there was a way to reduce the swelling after a pb.

I'm wondering, I haven't pb'd before, but I do slime. do yall know what causes the sliming? too fast, too much? certain kinds of foods? and what the heck is it?

Since I've had problems getting my Water in, I drink anytime at all that I can.

I always sip room temperature water when I eat. It's never been a problem for me, as I don't get hungry that often.

I tolerate broth based Soups much more easliy than any other foods, so to me, drinking water with meals is the same as eating Soup.< /p>

I'm sure that you'll do whatever is best for you, though -just thought I'd share from one who does drink with meals...

Leigha, and responders, thanks for the positively delightful post. I was actually smiling and nodding as I checked off all the items in the lists.

The description of the tree branch, or tree log of a crossed leg is so funny. Crossing and uncrossing my legs now makes me giddy. I actually have to do this because my butt bone gets sore and I have to uncross and cross to lean the other direction time and again!

Shoes tied in the...middle! Is this crazy or what!

Just yesterday, I was in TJ Max trying on shoes. Not only could I put on the athletic shoe without unbuttoning my pants and hoisting my leg.... with both hands...yes, by the cuff, but also I dared to try on a ...high heeled shoe.

That had a strap to buckle around the ankle.

Sitting on the little bench at the end of the isle, I casually, as if I do this every day, put the shoe on, and then put my foot with the high heel shoe on it, UP ON THE BENCH beside me, still sitting, shoe on my foot at my side, and buckled the strap around the ankle. I'm sure everything went into slow motion and I heard Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On” playing in the background.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEtx2YTcD94 enjoy :confused:

don't really know where to post this...

I've lost 110 pounds!!!!! OMG!

Ok, here's the challenge -lost 110 pounds, skin on arms, tummy and legs a nightmare, divorced for 15 years, over 50....and ready to hit the town

I'm planning a trip to San Franacisco as a gift to myself and don't know where to stay and what to do...I chose san fran because it is Not the beach(swimsuits and shorts) and because it sounds like great fun.

I plan to do all the touristsy things by day...but the evening hours have me stoooped.

I am way into wonderland and ready to meet someone, well ok, ready to look at someone and wink? no, just maybe a conversation...

So, What area of San Francisco and what hotels will be good for me?

My hotel is reserved at the Westin St francis (because I thought it would be the safest area to stay alone), but can still change it.

I want to be able to walk a few blocks, or take public transportation if needed to have some wine, maybe music, and single 55-65 year old men...

So, what lounges, bars, hotel lounges, coffee shops are the best for me?

sorry this is so long! thanks for all your ideas!!!

Also, any ideas of where to eat that is famous or off beat that serves food that I can eat...soups, cheese and crackers?

Can I walk at night alone?

thanks, thanks, thanks for the responses so far! I can see there are problems with every "solution". What to do?

Before summertime, I was not fretting as much as I am now. I am single, sounds like a crazy term for one my age, and want to take a vacation. I've been waiting for this weight loss for 15 years! But, now that the weight is off, I still feel bad about taking one. If I can't swim or wear shorts, then I don't know if there is anything else I'd prefer to do. So, if any of you have any ideas for a relaxing, but exciting vacation in the US, and one that is very inexpensive, let me know!

ps. I'd love to be able to just ignore the awful skin and go where ever I want and do what I want, but let's face it...if I couldn't ignore the fat, then I won't be able to ignore the skin...

ok. I'm 10 months out and have lost 105 pounds. (only 10 pounds to goal.) I want to have cosmetic surgery at around the one year point, maybe 15 month.

I'm 55, so no spring chicken, nothing is going to make me look like when I was young, would just like to look and feel firmer.

My problem areas are:

thighs -oh my gosh, they look like elephant legs

belly -not as bad as I thought it would be

breasts -were sagging lots before, now not much tissue left at all

arms -looks like the skin is separating the lower fat from the upper part of the arm , from the elbow to the armpit, I guess they call it bat wings (part of this is obviously age)

I would like to hear from all of you who've had the cosmetic surgery on the thighs and arms, especially the older generation. Was it worth the pain? Is the outcome satisfying? to what degree. Are the scars on the thighs and upper arms so bad that the way they were is better?

Thanks,, thanks so much for all your input.

I think my age is my biggest concern. If I were 30, 40, even 45, I wouldn't even think twice, I'd just do it!

ps. any dallas metro area?

ok. I'm 10 months out and have lost 105 pounds. (only 10 pounds to goal.) I want to have cosmetic surgery at around the one year point, maybe 15 month.

I'm 55, so no spring chicken, nothing is going to make me look like when I was young, would just like to look and feel firmer.

My problem areas are:

thighs -oh my gosh, they look like elephant legs

belly -not as bad as I thought it would be

breasts -were sagging lots before, now not much tissue left at all

arms -looks like the skin is separating the lower fat from the upper part of the arm , from the elbow to the armpit, I guess they call it bat wings (part of this is obviously age)

I would like to hear from all of you who've had the cosmetic surgery, especially the older generation. Was it worth the pain? Is the outcome satisfying? to what degree. Are the scars on the thighs and upper arms so bad that the way they were is better?

Thanks,, thanks so much for all your input.

I think my age is my biggest concern. If I were 30, 40, even 45, I wouldn't even think twice, I'd just do it!

ps. any dallas metro area?

I had surgery May 2009 and I've gone from 250 lbs to 157 lbs. My goal is 150 lbs but I feel like I don't like my face anymore. Still have some fat around the mid section I'm working on but my face is making it hard for me to keep losing weight. Everyone says I look sick and I can see it from my recent pics. any suggestions ?

I feel that I look sick also. My surgery was 10 months ago, and I've lost 100 pounds. In the beginning, the change came quickly, probably after only 30 pounds. It was shocking to see myself with a drawn face. I'm 55 and 100 pounds less, so the skin on my entire body is wrinkly and sagging. Before the surgery I was one of those who people would tell, you have such a pretty face... Now, I look old and sick. I've always had a weird crooked nose, and it now looks really weird and crooked. I suppose the nose thing is the biggest surprise, I knew people who'd had the surgery and was expecting the sagging skin.

I don't like my face now either, and thqat surprises me since I thought that movie stars who are skinny looked so beautiful. Why are their faces not guant? I guess it was a trade off.

I'm hearing the advice of Water, and that's probably the best thing I can do, I don't stay as hydrated as I should.

Hope your face (and not the rest) plumps up soon! :w00t:

I want to know if you ever get to the point that eating feels "normal" or are you always conscious of being banded and having to pick the "right" foods? Do you always think about it constantly like I am doing now?

I am getting banded on April 7 and I am really getting excited. I feel like I am obsessed with my surgery and eating right and posting.

I'm constantly concerned with the food choices I make. I don't look for low calorie or nutritious foods as I thought I would, and wish I could, but rather-what can I eat that will not make me feel uncomfortable and exasperated, and what can I eat that is good tasting but not a huge ordeal. This phenomena was unexpected to me, so it is difficult to accept. But, there you go...I've lost weight.

Yes, I stay full for at least 4 maybe 5 hours. I also eat Soup, which has lots of liquid in it.

I drink with my meals. I have a hard time getting liquids in, and the amount that I drink during a meal is really not much -about an 3 oz.

Yes, I use smaller utensils. The baby spoon and fork are much too small for me to feel comfortable, however, I do use forks and spoons that I bought at Bed Bath and Beyond. I had just bought a beautiful set of Vera Wang silverware a few months before the surgery, so it's a disappointment not to use them.

Their forks and spoons from BBB are not teensy, but not large either. I like the curved shape. (You can buy them piece by piece.)

I use a small fancy butter knife, the kind that comes with the silverware set, you know with the matching scalloped sugar spoon.

I use salad plates and then beautiful cappucino cups for my Soups (which I eat often).

I bought a pretty set of shot glasses -beveled glass- which are 2 oz. in size. (They are the largest that I know of.) I use a juicer and put my fresh orange and grapefruit juice in them. Sometimes I have more juice, depends on the size of the fruit, but I just refill when ready.

If my salad plates are all in the dishwasher, yes, I'm not crazy about housework, I use a full plate and put my food in shallow sided ramekins. Looks kind of like when you eat at a cafeteria or Crackle Barrel...I like that! :thumbup:

HI I just thought we could check in with one another and see how everyone is doing. 5 months post op and things are still going well but I feel like the losing is much slower these days.

I think my weight loss is on par but would love to hear from others to see where you are. How is everyone doing?

I had my surgery at the end of July, but thought I'd chime in. I'm 6 months out and have lost 70 pounds. I'm losing slower too, but every two weeks or so I drop a few more pounds -as long as I'm still losing.

Are you excited about wearing spring clothes?

I went in to have my band replaced on Monday and instead they ended up just taking the old one out. The doctors said they ran into complications that meant life or death so they chose not to continue. They want to try again a few months from now or send me to a specialist.

I don't know what to do now? The pain following the procedure was so unbearable that I don't know if I can go through with it again. How did you cope?

I still have my band, but never think of it as forever,

I agree with you about the pain and trauma. The surgery and recovery for me was far worse than delivering both my children and yes, I was one who screamed and begged. I expected the surgery to be like when i had my gall bladder removed.

So, maybe you could try to maintain your weight loss without surgery? If it were me, I'd probably do that -try to go it alone using the skills I've learned by having the band. (which is tolerating being deprived and miserable.) If If you can't keep the weight off, then reconsider your decision.

I know you are scared and afraid-I would be,too. I don't think I could keep my weight off without the band, but I'd still try first. good luck to you

hi all, im due to be banded next monday Dec 7th and i have only heard of terrible pain and vomitting that is non stop. i have only taken 1 week off work and then will be on holidays in a caravan 2 and a half week post op. am i crazy???? is the pain that bad?

i have had 2 c-sections, is that worse?

Gosh, I'm scared to say now, but feel it is my obligation. lol

I wish others who had severe pain would have spoken up, or spoken more loudly at least.

I hurt so much. Yes, I did. I felt like I had fought in the Civil War.

What a battle it was for me! It has taken me months to get over it.

Like I said before, I wished more had mentioned their pain and my shock felt like a slap in the face.

As you will read, though, for so many individuals, the surgery has been a breeze.

Good luck to you.

Thanksgiving day was fine for me -the problem has been the three days since!

I ate at my parents' house on Thanksgiving and it was a bit unusual because only myself and my brother and sister in law were there (usually there are about 16 of us.)

For the meal, I had about 2 oz. or so, of turkey, about 4 tablespoons of stuffing, a few of yams, a few of peas, and LOTS of gravy. I was so worried that the turkey would be dry and stick, that I covered everything with probably 5 tablespoons of gravy.

I was too full to eat dessert, but took leftovers home with me.

Now, I've repeated the Thanksgiving meal 3 times and since eaten 3 pieces of pumpkin pie and 3 of butermilk pie.

I'm four months post op and have never had a fill. Was losing fine until two weeks ago. I'm still losing, but only a wee bit each week. I don't want to ruin the holidays, so I'll probably go in January.

I agree with you denouement...I am not happy with the way I look either... I am running out of creative combing options as the balding spot is getting worse and worse right on the top of my head near my bangs... But I will be patient as everyone keep saying... I just hope it really is the surgery that is causing this and not something else. I don't even know how I would find out... I keep thinking it hormones.

We will see!

Danbar, I went to Sally's yesterday and bought the generic brand Shampoo and conditioner of Nioxin. The store clerk said that some have told her that it does work...like you said, we'll see.:thumbup:

I also bought some Biotin...we'll see.

The conditioner is a leave in type that you massage into your scalp. I have to tell you, I think I know what it feels like to be a middle-aged balding man with a receding hairline.

I have a gynocologist appointment in January and I'm going to ask her about all this...(my weight loss surgeon is negligent and I refuse to go see her...still have plastic like stitches pointing out of my belly...but that's another thing altogether..........

I'll keep you all posted and you let us know too!

Yea I too am losing my hair at alarming rates. I have a ton of hair and could stand to have my hair thinned out however this is nuts the amount I lose daily...I do mean daily by the hands full and again I am also in my 4th month post op...I keep telling my self this too shall pass...

Like some others have said, I think it is the trauma from the surgery and the anesthesia. I'm going to start taking the Biotin and look for a Protein Shampoo just in case. The thing is...does anyone know if this is temporary, and about how long will it last?

I'm so happy to be losing weight, but the truth is that I'm not at all pleased with the way I look right now.