tammyj

TRACY, TRACY, TRACY...You have traveled a long road and I can't believe your day has finally come. It feels like I've been waiting with you! I am so happy for you! Good Luck tomorrow and I'll see you on the other side! :clap2:

Thank you everyone for all your encouragement. YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!! :peace: I am feeling alot better now and those cravings seem to be gone! Weigh-in at the hospital last night and my weight is still the same. 252lbs! :paranoid I was losing consistently before my fill and now that I've had a fill...NOTHING! I am telling myself that is just Water weight because it's that time of the month...at least I hope so!

Aprilmarie, I just want to give you a big hug! :hug: You are such a sweet person and you deserve this! Things WILL get better and you WILL start losing. Stay Positive!

I am feeling so out of control. I had my first fill a week ago and I am doing worse now than before I had the fill. I have OK restriction and the band is working, but I am making horrible food choices. What is wrong with me!?!? I was following all the rules before, Protein first, then fruits and vegetables, etc. The past couple days I've thrown those rules out the window. My period is due in a couple days and I am not the PMSing type of woman...never have been! Or maybe I am and always used food to soothe and comfort me. I have eaten chocolate, cheetos, doritoes! Thank GOD my band IS there because I could only eat a little! I am very irritable! I've been snapping at eveybody and that is just not me! :think

End of Vent

Thanks for listening!

Good Morning Everyone!

Medge, I did Water aerobics a few years ago when I was pregnant and I loved it! It is one of the easiest types of exercises you can do...at least I though so. Very easy on your joints and fun! I am thinking about doing it again this summer! Let us know how you liked it!

Afrykan, I wouldn't worry about how you look. Try going to a gym and being surrounded by teeny tiny women and muscle bound men, cause I do it everyday. I walk in there like I'm the Queen of the world, like I've got diamonds between my legs, with my head held high! I do my workout and leave. I am there for ME and who cares about them! At least with Water aerobics, once you drop your towel and jump in the water no one will even see your body. Give it a try! You can do it girl!

MargAK and Janine, Hang in there! I've been in a bit of a slump as well! WE CAN DO THIS!

BandStar, you are such a sweetheart and I love ya!

Sue, thanks for the compliment! I feel pretty good and I do notice a difference in my clothes. I've lost 27 lbs last time I weighed-in. I weigh again tonight at the hospital so we'll see!

Juli, I found Papaya Enzyme at GNC too.

Have a Great Day Everyone!!!

I have to agree my ankles and feet don't hurt like they used to. But because of a serious increase in activity my knee is giving me pain. ffice:office" /><O:p></O:p>

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My question is what over the counter pain medication do people use? I loved my ibuprofen and know that's a no-no. Tylenol doesn't do much for me unless there's a little #3 and I can't do that everyday. I don't know much about Aleve, any thoughts? Is that okay not to irritate the stomach?<O:p></O:p>

I only use Tylenol myself. I'm not sure about Aleve, you may want to call your Dr. to be sure. There has to be something else you can take besides Tylenol.

Why do we need to keep switching threads every month? I think it would be kind of nice a year from now to be able to read completely through our experiences and see how far we have come without having to travel through twelve different threads.

Navigating a 27 page thread really isn't any different than going through a 200 page thread - you are still hitting last page.

We don't need to and I've seen other threads who don't, but I just go with what everyone seems to prefer. I think a fresh/shorter thread is easier for newcomers to jump right in and feel comfortable. A 200 page thread is alot different that than a 27 page thread if you are new or if you haven't been here in awhile.

hey kids...it's me!! just trying to stay above Water, my parents are visiting and I am cooking non stop for 8 people every day..my son got very sick and I am just exhausted. I am following just not writing. I am sorry that josie felt like we weren't listening, I have felt that exact way. BUT, I don't think it's so true..usually I am reading and nodding my head, agreeing and many times you guys make me laugh. I have to participate some more.

LOVE march Band..

Hazel HUGE difference!!!!!

where's Pam?

i am holding the same weight loss. feel pretty good. have to eat really slow. My fill isn't until May 9th..that's 9 weeks. Ugh!!!

Love to all! back to the kitchen..it's snowing today!

Sue

Hey Sue...it's good to hear you're feeling pretty good! May 9th is not very far away. Hang in there! Yes, where is Pam? She hasn't posted in awhile. Maybe we will talk her up!

Well I haven't posted on her in a while and am on here again looking for help and support. I was scheduled for a fill two weeks ago and couldn't have it done. I walked into the place for the fluroscopy (sp?) and they told me the table wouldn't hold me. I almost died of embarrasment. My doctor knew my weight and told me he forgot that the table wouldn't hold me. Now I have to wait to get my fill in a hospital. I am very fustrated and put back some weight. I was able to keep the 33 lbs off I lost for so long but now 13 have come back. Now I feel like I made a mistake. I can eat anything and everything and have NO restriction at all. HELP ME BANDSTERS!!!!

BandSTAR...you know you're my favorite dude here right! We've missed you around here, but I'm glad you came to us for support because that's what we are here for. I know it's frustrating right now, but you DID NOT make a mistake. Most of us have a hard time with eating prior to getting filled so you are not alone. Your Dr. should have been prepared for you instead of wasting your time. Have you been scheduled for a fill at the hospital yet? Hang in there...it will get better!

TammyJ, Sign me up for the exercise challenge. I'm ready to get moving! I kicked off with a 1 hour hike today, and it felt really good. I've been walking, but want to get my circuit training, eliptical, and yoga going again consistantly. I was scared about eating again after my first fill too, especially after the incident, but I've had no problem with solids today. My next fill can't be before 6 weeks....hope that works.

WOW...a 1 hour hike!!! YOU GO GIRL!!! That is AWESOME! Send some of that energy my way...lol! Since we all will be at least one month out when May gets here, I think an exercise challenge is in order. I will post details by the end of the week.

hi tammy,

any of your 3 suggestions for our may title are great. my personal favorite is "March into May" but any of the 3 are clever

thanks for organizing this.

I'm liking March into May as well. So far, 1 vote for Marchies in May and 1 vote for March into May.

Hello Gail. I had my surgery the same day you did, 3/7. Haven't lost hardly anything since surgery, only 6 pounds. Had my first fill 4/5. Thought I could feel something at first but then nothing. I haven't lost a pound since my fill. I am hoping the 2nd fill will be better. I have talked with a couple in the same boat. I have lost about 24 pounds but a lot of that was pre op diet. Sorry about the fill experience you had. My surgeon did mine and other that the sting of the numbing shot I didn't feel a thing. I have a 10cm band. I am looking forward to the next fill. How much have you lost since your first fill? I got mine earlier than you did which was a surprise to me. It is usually 6 weeks, I got mine at 4 wks. (from surgery date) I am having trouble with Portion Control right now. Which has always been a problem. Glad to hear you are doing well.

Oh Sugarbear, I can really feel your frustration. I really hope your second fill will give you some restriction. This is only temporary and your losing days will come! Hang in there!

I cannot believe it has been a MONTH already since I was banded! Wow..where did the time go?

Today was absolutely gorgeous; I spent the majority of it outside walking and doing other things. To think I used to pass days up like this because my knees hurt or I was too embarrassed to be around people. Wow, what a difference a little band makes, eh? I even put SHORTS on, and I never put them on before unless I was just staying around the house!

I have to see my orthopedist Wednesday for my eight-week cortisone shot for my knee; the last time I was there, I was in pain and still using one of my crutches--gee, do you think he will know me this time when I practically sprint in there pain free? LOL! I have a feeling this is going to be my best ortho appointment yet.:clap2:

All right, time for my workout. Just a mild one, since I did a two-mile walk today.

Good for you Lori!!! It is amazing what an extra 40 to 50 lbs can do to our bodies! I was having alot of joint pain and it is practically gone now after only a 30lb loss! You are doing GREAT! Keep it going! :clap2:

Felt a little out of place since I wasn't banded before, but now that I am I would love to get together with other banded folks. I'll keep checking back for updates!

purple, I think it all depends on the person. I know some people on here seem to do well without a fill for a long time at least. I don't see one in my immediate future. Once I stop losing weight then I'll schedule one, but since we have the weight falling off it would be silly to get one before we need one I think.

I'm glad to see so many people discovering the joys of fish. I really like fish. I don't eat it quite as often as I would like because I've been sort of a lazy cook I guess. I've always disliked chicken, I just don't eat it at all. So for years people always sort of look at me like I'm crazy when I say that I think fish is better. Then I met the dietician who mentioned that chicken has a tough texture, tougher than anything else, and I turned to my husband and I said "so there". For me texture is a big sensory issue especially with certain meats.

One thing I find exciting about the weight loss is looking at the difference in my BMI. I'm not that far from 35 anymore, and that will be nice to get to for me because than after 35 I can say I'm not morbidly obese anymore. I remember when I first learned I was MO a couple of years ago. I was shocked. I knew I was obese, but I didn't know I was that bad relatively.

Rosi, I miss my husband a lot when he goes out of town too. More than I ever think I am going to. I'm still a newlywed though. Maybe after a few years I'll get more sick of him

Guess what Kyethra...you ain't morbidly obese nomore hun! (I know slang...lol!) Morbidly obese is 40 and above. You are well on your way to just being "overweight" once you get below 30! We all are and I can't wait to get there!

Hi everybody. Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weekend.( Its beautiful in Southern Ontario any way?) 8 more days till I get my first fill and at this rate I will have gained 8 more lbs AHHHHHHHHHH .:help: :violin: :violin: Help!!!!! I am having last meal syndrome again, since I have no restricting. I am pretty good all day, then in the evening I can not stop munching. It doesn't help that DH has been out of town since Thursday. We don't spend much time apart and I really am lost with out him. Ya ...even after being married 29 years next month.

I really find this board helps....I have never spent so much time at the computer at home. Thinking of getting a second one just so DH and I don't have to Wrestle for the thing when we get home from work.

I really need some encouraging words to get me though the next 8 Days.

Purple monkey: 50 lbs Way to go :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

That is so funny, my husband is out of town this weekend as well and I feel the urge to just eat and eat and eat. Boredom and lonliness will do that to you. :bored

Here is my progress from the last month. I can't really see that much of a difference.

The most difference is in my face but my DH would have a freaking heart attack if I posted my face on the internet - he is just sure that as soon as I have my face online someone is going to steal the image and use it in some porn image. I quess I should feel flattered....:faint:

:wow2: :wow2: :wow2: What an incredible difference!!! You look GREAT!!!:clap2:

Hi Marchies!

Last night was my first time eating out at a restaurant...went to a suprise birthday party at a restaurant right next to the lake. It was so beautiful esp when the sun was setting.

Anyway, I was a little worried about what they would be serving and stuff but I did pretty well. I had a little smoked trout for an appetizer...never had trout but it was really good. Next was salad. I was worried about that because I've not tried lettuce since my surgery. Had a couple bites of that and no problem. Got baked sole for dinner and took that home after a couple bites. All in all, it went really well and I was so relieved.

I posted this question as a new thread but got no replies...I was wondering if anyone has lived with the band unfilled and was successful with their weight loss. I know the doc's say that we really see the weight loss after the fills but I was just curious.

Thanks everyone. Soon we'll have to be Marchies in May!

Virginia

I do know someone on this board that was banded in January and has not had a fill yet. She does feel restriction from the band itself. She has lost 50lbs with 40 more to go. It will be interesting to see is she is able to reach her goal without ever having a fill!

Speaking of our May thread. Name suggestions: Marchies in May, March into May, or May Marching Band! Anyone interested in an exercise challenge or Water challenge? I got the idea from the February thread. What do you guys think about clothes swapping? Any ideas are welcome.

hi everyone,

well i have to say my problem is getting a little better. i was finally able to eat a little yesterday. but i have to be careful not to overdo it.

also i really have to remember i cant eat in the manner or the quantities i used to. i'm throwing out or storing alot of food as a result. ie.....i used to eat a full can of Soup. so i make it...and only eat half. or i used to be able to eat a fillet of fish...now...only half. so i have alot of leftover food.< /p>

this new way of life really takes alot of thinking on what used to be very simple concepts/tasks. the whole eating small bites slowly sounds like a simple concept....but it isnt

the other thing I do....i dont drink while eating (which is difficult in itself) but i always order ice tea before i eat at a restaurant....then have a drink wasted.

all i have to say is my family is getting lots of leftovers.

anyway...

Sophie: hope you are feeling better....how are you today?

thanks for your advice on drinking warm liquids and the nausea meds....

Sugarbear: thanks for advice i warm liquids

Kyethra: yes the hernia was fixed during my lapband surgery. that's how i knew i had it. Luckily, i hadnt felt anything beforehand.

i understand what you are saying that its good for people to read but for me interaction is key...otherwise i could just keep a journal.

what made me notice the issue on this thread is...i happened to look at the april 2007 bandsters...it's full out support.

having said this...i will commit to participating more in our thread

Tammyj: i really do enjoy your posts...

anyway have a great day everyone

Yes, leftovers! I almost feel guilty not eating all of my food. I am so conditioned not to waste food. It's not really a problem at home, but when I eat at a restaurant I have no idea what to order. I went out to Breakfast yesterday and ordered an omlette, but I ended up cutting it into 3 pieces before I even started eating, I ate one piece and took the other 2 pieces home. Eating is alot different now! :hungry:

By the way, you may or may not have been apart of our original thread, but I think we were just as supportive as the April bandsters when all of us were being banded. We were all so excited about our surgeries and our thread was so busy that it was hard to keep track. If you compare us now to the April bandsters the mood on this thread is going to be a bit different because most of us are in Bandster Hell!!! :flame:and it can get a little frustrating. Even though I've had my first fill I am still in Bandster Hell because I am able to eat more than I should. I think things will get better once we get past this stage and the excitement returns as we really start losing weight! Stay Positive!

Tammyj

You can lose those 10 pounds before Mother's Day! YOU WILL!

I was in Chicago last weekend. It was beautiful but chilly! Wish I was there this weekend instead.

OH Juli

Thanks Julie! I'm working on it! The temperature is close to 80 degrees today. I've been waiting for this weather!

hi,

i have to tell you...i dont know why i'm posting on this thread as i sometimes feel like i'm talking to myself....(sorry for being so direct but in past when i kept these things in..i ate over it)

i am posting because maybe if someone has the same problem i had...it can help

i was having trouble eating anything in the last week (even mushies). the weird thing is the first 2 weeks i was fine...

i was really concerned so i went back to the doctor on thursday and he did a fluroscope and everything was fine

the nausea +pain would start as soon as food hit my esophagous. lo and behold...yesterday i was able to eat my first little bit

i had a pretty big hernia and they think the recovery of this may have something to do with it

anyway the upside...i havent been hungry and weight has been coming off. but the downside is..i've been shaky and a bit weak.

so hopefully this is over...

I have posted many messages that were totally ignored on this thread and many others so I know that feeling. Keep posting if only for the reason you mentioned...to help someone who maybe having the same problem!

I hope everything heals up soon and you're feeling stronger!

I talked to my bariatric nurse again today about my scarey incident posted earlier. Besides the possible irritation of a stomach nerve from the fill, the pain/passing out could have been caused by my taking Nyquil just before going to bed and it just sitting in my pouch. She recommended flushing out my pouch with a glass of Water if I take Nyquil again at night. I wanted to mention this as a warning.....Don't take Nyquil and go directly to sleep :notagree . It could cause :faint: . I'm feeling much better now, and full on just liquids again :clap2: .

I guess I should have kept reading...lol! Well, I'm glad it was something simple and easily solved! :clap2:

Wow! It has been one month since surgery! Has anyone had second thoughts since being banded? I'm reading all the posts from people who are having difficulty and wondering if it will happen to me. I am not having any difficulties at this point - knock on wood.

I'm not having second thoughts, not at all! Although, I think it's common to have second thoughts especially around this time when we've had the surgery, but no fill. It can get very frustrating trying to at least maintain the weight you've lost and not gain. I gained a pound last week while waiting for my first fill. I know it's not alot, but when your goal is to lose weight any gain can get frustrating. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing that it is only temporary!!! :clap2:

So my gall bladder is comming out on Wednesday.

The rapid weight loss, first from surgery, then not eating cause I've been too freaking sick to eat, has been interesting. Sure, every time I hop on the scale I'm down. But I'm getting flabby some places. I also almost find it hard to believe I've lost fourty pounds already. Ok, yes I am a size smaller in jeans and so forth, but it is almost too fast to seem completely real. I think I will be pleased if after surgery my weight loss rate slows down some. Maybe I'll even gain a few pounds back. Thats ok too. Right now I just want to focus on being healthy. It was probably the initial rapid weight loss that caused my gall bladder to stop working right, after all. Of course no one thought I would lose so fast initially, esp me and then the chances of my Gall bladder having problems never ever occured to me before surgery either. My surgeon says its pretty low incidence with the band. I'm one of the lucky ones. Now I know that I can't have it removed twice, but it does still make me nervous about continued fast weight loss. Apparently there is one medication, actigal or something like that that is supposed to help prevent stones in this sort of situation. But I don't have stones! Or at least none that showed up on the ultrasound.

:wow2: Almost 40lbs!!! That is FANTASTIC!!! I hope your surgery on Wednesday will help you feel better so you can really enjoy your victory!!!

Had my first fill yesterday afternoon (1cc in 4cc band), and everything seemed fine. Liquids were going down well, etc. I was sleeping maybe 1 hour, and woke up to terrible stabbing pains in my upper stomach. Worst pain I've ever had. I got up and went in to the bathroom and ended up passing out twice in there (due to the pain, I think). I remember waking up partially in the bathtub. It was truly terrifying. I've never passed out before. Thought I was dying in the moments between conciousness. My husband heard the crashing around, and found me passed out again in the hallway and helped me up, then I felt really nauseated and spit up some acidy tasting, clear liquid. I sat up most of the night for fear of waking up to the pain again if I went back to sleep. Plus it hurt when I would try to lay down anyway.

I called my bariatric nurse this morning, and she thinks the pain might have been caused by a nerve ending in my stomach that may have been irritated by the fill and also the extra pressure when lying down. I'm drinking liquids now and can feel them trickling down, so don't think I'm too tight. I plan to see what happens today before I decide if I need an unfill or not. This was truly upsetting. Feeling good so far today, though. Had 1 cup of Soup and 1/2 cup of tea and so far, so good. I will see if I can lay down for a nap later, or not. Hoping this doesn't happen again.:phanvan

OH MY! I have never heard of that. Seems like you are still eating and drinking OK so it doesn't sound like it's band related. I hope you are feeling better now!

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. The weather in Chicago is GORGEOUS!!! Well, I had no problems tolerating solid foods after my first fill. I don't know what I was so afraid of! I have OK restriction but could use a little bit more. I am eating about a cup of food at each meal so I guess that's not too bad. I go back for my second fill on 4/30. I'm glad I don't have to wait too long! My mother and I are going to Las Vegas Mother's Day weekend so I am hoping I can lose at least another 10lbs by then. I can do this!!!