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> 1.<o:p></o:p> 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> <o:p></o:p> 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. <o:p></o:p> 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> <o:p></o:p> 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? <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> 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> <o:p></o:p> 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>

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

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. 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?

good to hear about your progress, my scale has read about the same for the past 5-6 weeks. I think it is harder to lose when you get closer to your goal anyway, good to hear that you're still losing. ps. how is the date thing going? you haven't mentioned in a while. my dates so far have been -zero-.boo hoo, won't someone notice me??? yoo hoo... over here...