flychica

So I am back on the messageboards... because I need the support of those who know only what this experience is like. Basically, I will be coming upon my 2 year bandiversary in November. I have only lost 30 lbs total and that was within the first 3 months post-op. I did have other medical issues not related to the band within the first year of post-op which causes major set backs as far as getting fills and continuely losing. However, I was finally able to get a 3rd fill right after my 1 year anniversary for my surgery. I have not had a fill since this time (mainly due to changes in insurance and cost). Since then... I have been losing the same 5 lbs and regaining. I do admit I have seriously committed to the band or weight loss up until this past July/August. At first I felt like a complete failure with the band but now that I re-read and see what happened in the 1st year post-op, that really wasn't my fault. And it didn't help comparing myself to others, they didn't deal with what I did in the first year. So here I am again........ in search of my new-found motivation to jump back into the ways of being a bandster and losing the weight I planned to lose almost 2 years ago. Currently, I am back on track with the rules... and choosing the good foods, although I have my moments. I have started using myfitnesspal.com and managed to do right with getting at least 72-96oz of Water in a day. I started exercising but hurt my knee... and have lost some of my mojo... I definitely can use support from others dealing with the struggles daily... I want to lose this weight for good...

BTW... the plan is to go in to get a barium swallow/ Xray of my band on September 28th. And if all is well.. a fill after almost 10 months.

Thank you everyone...

My name is Ablake80 if you'd like to add.

I'm going to hit my 2 year post-op in November. I've only lost 30 lbs total and that was in the very beginning. I dealt with other medical issues not related to the band after 4 months out that stopped my progress for about 6 months. I started back up again this past January and fell back into my old habits. But once July hit... I realized I really had to make the commitment and put effort into it. It is a lot of mental stuff... so your doing well by 1. seeing a therapist and 2. coming back here. I also started blogging and getting support with fellow WLS people. It helps airing out all of it. The good, bad and ugly... because I noticed that when I was doing bad, I would disappear because I didn't want to own up to it. LOL. Now I'm getting back into it.. I started working out and even hurt my knee in August from over-doing it. But with using MyFitnessPal.com and really sticking to the band rules (because yes, I had to relearn those too)... I managed to lose 4 lbs in August. So you can do this. Its possible to fall down... and get back up again. Take small steps, set small goals. Remember each loss adds up to the big goal.

If you'd like to add me... please do. My name on there is ablake80.

So I'm considering WW. Is it true I shouldn't mention my band whatsoever at meeting or on their messageboards? LOL. I'm just curious. I don't think my band has failed me but I can say...I failed myself and I need a more structured plan, thats why I'm leaning toward WW. I just want to make sure if its worth me mentioning the band to people...and then getting hit with all these horrible comments.

Mine is http://sassichica.blogspot.com

Thank you Sandi. I will check the site out.

I was banded 11/17/09. I was doing so well in the first 4 months. I lost 30 pounds. Since then, life has took hold of me. I ended up pregnant, then a miscarriage...then later had to have a d&c because of it. And eventually just getting permanently sterilized as of 11/2. Its been a really tough year and since all of this I've lost track of myself and my goal of getting to a healthy weight. Thankfully since having the band I haven't stretched it out, my last fill was in August and I had my band checked at that point. I go for a new fill on 11/22 but I also know I need to get back in touch with the basics. Its like I've forgotten what I need to do to maintain my band and be successful. Tomorrow is my anniversary...and I'm only still at a 30 pound loss. Someone please help me get back on track. I appreciate it.

I hate to hear your going through all these issues. Thats been my biggest fear, having my band slip...especially because I know I haven't been doing right by my band. I hope things get worked out with yours...and I'm glad they have finally realized there is a slip in your band. Thats the first thing, finding the problem...now resolving it to keep progressing.

I wish I could say I have done well but not really. Since the first 4 months after the surgery its been down hill. I got pregnant, miscarried, and ended up getting permanently sterilized on 11/2 of this year....on top of other stress inducing issues this year. Its been a rough one for me but I realize I need to get back in it. I got this surgery for a reason and I need to make use of this tool. For me, its going back to the basics. Luckily, I haven't gained any of the 30 pounds I lost back. Nor have I stretched my band out. I go back in on 11/22 for another fill and since tomorrow is my 1 yr anniversary...I'm going to start anew. Congrats to the rest of you have made such great progress!

They give you the option where I go.....that was the nurses reason for mine. LOL. So I guess its not true! LOL. I'm sorry...

Did get the novacaine to numb it before getting the fill? If so, I was told thats what causes the brusing. Depending on the amount used...is how big the bruising is... I had brusing w/ my 3 fills...and asked the question on why?

Well I posted about 2 months ago about having what felt like was indigestion or really bad heart burn. Someone suggested it may be h-phylori...and I remember being diagnosed with it before the band. So I went that route first...got my 14-day round of anti-biotics, have had to wait 6 weeks and got tested last Friday. The anti-biotics relieved the indigestion/heart burn feeling. However, right after completing it......I had the pain again. It seems to only be right where my band is. It feels like a burning sensation and if its really bad...it almost feels like I can't breathe. But then it goes away, w/ no meds for indigestion......I then realized, its mainly happening on empty stomach and when I'm feeling really stressed. The last two months have been the most stressful time for me...and it comes and goes. Is it possible that when I get stressed, the band is reacting this way? Anyone else have this? I just want to find out...I should find out my test results for the h-phylori today, but if its gone...then what is my stomach issue coming from?

Well I decided, since I haven't had a fill since Feb 4th....because of making sure the h-pylori was gone. To schedule a barium swallow...so I go in on May 18 for that, if everything looks good, then I'll get another fill and talk to them then to see if this is just stress... Cause I can't figure out why I'm having this heartburn feeling...

Ummm...anyone??? BTW, got my test results today and the h-pylori bacteria came back negative! Yay... Now whats causing this pain?

Thank you for the response. Actually, once you mentioned it...and I completely forgot about this, when I had my Gastro doctor appointment. They advised me back before the surgery that I came up positive on lab results for h. pylori bacteria. I was suppose to come in there but the nurses were all confused on what I was supposed to do because I had already had my lap band surgery...and was taking antibiotics for the surgery healing. But I was supposed to come back in to test and make sure the bacteria was gone. What does the h. pylori bacteria do? Does it cause those symptoms...like gassiness and the feeling of indigestion. I mean I get this feeling without eating. I had it this morning. it feels almost like an upset stomach.

Is a stretched pouch the same as a slipped band? I am still learning all this. Outside of that, I'm worrying its that...when I had my surgery on 11/17/09....they repaired my hiatal hernia. But for the past month or so, I've been feeling like indigestion near my esophagus. It kind of makes me not want to eat, it reminds me of the indigestion I would get when I was pregnant. I've had 3 fills and I'm at 5cc's. I go in tomorrow for my next check up and fill....I was doing really well w/ the 2nd fill but since the 3rd one, I haven't felt real restriction....and its been 4 weeks since I had this. I'm just wondering where all this gassiness and feeling at the top of my stomach is coming from. Is this normal? Should I be worried and mention this when I go in tomorrow. I've also kind of stalled out with losing weight. I somehow managed to gain 3 pounds back in a week (probably due to my cycle) and then it took 2 weeks to lose those 3. So I'm not sure what to think. Thoughts and opinions please.

Hello everyone....I didn't know the thread was moved to here, just happened to be looking through the different boards. Well I am down 28 pounds with my 3 month bandiversary...I figure thats pretty good. I started at 243. So I can't complain. Hoping that I get close to at least 50 lb loss by the time May 17th comes (6 month anniversary)...that at least gets me to the half way point. I'm aiming to lose at least 100 lbs by the time the one year hits. I have had some bumps...its so hard to change my eating habits and I know I'm still eating over a cup of food. Its so hard and confusing. Doing the measuring thing is...especially with going to work and eating lunch there or if I'm out with friends or with family at events. How do you do it? I have to get it together especially before my band is at that sweet spot...I really don't want to have any slippage, etc.

I have a blog too.....I am following you now!