sherilynn

Hi Everyone...

It's been a LONG time since I've logged on and used everyone's advice, and need to get back on the forum. I'm a few years out with questions/concerns. Where do I belong on the forums? Which board?

Thank you!!!

It's been a while. It wasn't until these pics were taken this a.m. that I REALLY believe everyone, when they say "OMG you look like a totally different person!" I'm down about 85 pounds. I need to update my signature - I've lost count of my fill. I feel amazing, I'm on 1/4 of my meds, my diabetes is under total control and life is good.

Loosing weight is one of the best possible ways to reduce symptoms.

Can anyone tell me what the typical symptoms of a slip are?

Went to my Doc 3 weeks ago for a fill. The band is supposed to be at an angle - like the backspace on the keyboard. Mine is now a 'dash'. He said it could live with it. But I go to them on Thursday for my post fill appointment.

I'm nervous - because I don't know what I would be feeling if I did have a slip???

I'm down about 60-ish. I NEVER weigh myself. I had gotten addicted to the scale and was making myself crazy. I KNOW 60 pounds is ALOT. It's fabulous!

I think the issue of my band being out of place is the big concern, that has brought me back to the board.

Hey all,

It's been a couple of months since I've posted on here. Not that I'm not loving my band - I still do, wouldn't trade it for anything. I think like everything - it got monotonous. I'm on my bazillionth fill. Last one just two weeks ago. I have the 'large' band - so I've got a ton of fill. My last, like all adjustments are done under fluro. The band is supposed to be positioned like a 'backspace'. Mine is now positioned like a 'dash'. Doc said I could certainly 'live' with it, but I may want to consider repositioning surgery! We'll talk more on the 15th of May when I have my post adjustment 1 month check up. My weightloss has been slow - very slow. Docs have said that I don’t have the gag reflex that most folks have - so I don’t get that 'full feeling' like others will. Though - this last fill had me feeling full to the throat - and I thought - cool…so THIS is what I'm supposed to feel like? That sensation soon went away. I'm still having days of feeling restriction, not so much, and none at all. Lol I gurgle a lot more/often now. Woke up this a.m. gurgling, not quite sure why - since I hadn't eaten in 12 hours. Could it be my own saliva? I just don't know. I also have a very sore throat, which had me scared that I now have acid reflux. However - I've had reflux and it feels nothing like 'this' does. I'm thinking/hoping it's just seasonal allergies.

Gee - I sound like a whiner, don't I? I'm sorry. I'm not really feeling discouraged - maybe just sidetracked. I wouldn't trade my band for anything. I'm on such little medication now for my diabetes - I've got an entirely different wardrobe than I did a year ago (Still not quite one year since my first adjustment last May). I feel great, and I am told almost daily I look great. I think I've FINALLY come back here today to post, because this band position issue has me horrified. I don’t attend support groups 'live'. You folks are all that I've ever turned to. All I've felt I've ever needed in my support.

Ok…now please - anyone…encourage me!! I've also posted my Pre Surgery picture, as well as a picture from last weekend. If anyone could resize for me, it would be terrific.

Hey all, it's been a while. I'm quite stalled in my weightloss. I'm at about 1 pound per week. But you know what: when I gave away all my 22/24's for the new 16's I bought (with room to spare) last week - it feels pretty damn good. Ok, so I'm not a size 4...but I'm very proud of myself. I don't know when I'll be 'done'...but that's ok.

I'm due for another fill in a week - and I'm looking forward to it.

Again, as always - thanks for your support!

'Twas the week after Christmas, and all through the house

Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The Cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste

At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!

When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;

The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese

And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt

And prepared once again to do battle with dirt

I said to myself, as I only can

"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So away with the last of the sour cream dip,

Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished

"Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie - not even a lick.

I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,

I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore

But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.

Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

~Author Unknown~

***I've not posted in a few weeks - took some time away from the board and my 'band obsessions'. I'm glad to report I've actually LOST over the holidays!!!

When it is hot as a witches.......*&^ outside and I have a bottle of Water I know full well that I tend to swig/gulp it and can finish a small bottle in a matter of seconds.

Now of course that behavior is not desireable with the LB but if it were to happen out of habit, what would it feel like?

Would I have Water spraying out my nose(like a salad post I read earlier)?

Also, bubblies i see are not so good does that mean no Dit Coke ever again? I like the fizz.

Susan

Soosan, That was a HUGE issue for me; I was panicked over not being able to 'chug'. And not being able to drink with meals. I started pre-surgery to get into the habit of these things. A habit takes two weeks to 'pick up'. Believe it or not, its now 2nd nature for me. I don't ever CHUG...but trust me when I say that I can definately take a satisfying sip - regardles of how hot it is.

And for not eating with meals - I don't recommend for two reasons. One - you don't want to flush out your stoma. Two - it can get VERY uncomfortable if you have food in your stoma - and load water ontop, and around that. It gets down right painful - and can cause a PB.

Good luck!

Hey all…it's been a few weeks since I've been online and posted. I've not even lurked to be honest. Stressful with the death of my boyfriends Dad. Just want to 'be there' for him every way I can. I've not been feeling my best, b/c food has been 'crap'; not all of the best quality - too many carbs, too much sugar, too few Proteins. But - I'm at least aware of it, and I'm working toward getting it turned around. So much of me wants to say "Screw it, I'll do it in the new year". But, I've worked too hard for what I've already accomplished.

First Christmas season with my band…and the food is all around. I can not express to you how much restriction I have. I am NOT complaining by any means. I love going to a Christmas party and hardly touching my food. And honestly - I am not feeling hungry. Not even for Breakfast - and that is very, very, very unusual. This time of year usually stresses me out and I eat. Not now!!! Ha. I know I've dropped inches - I don't know about pounds. But I am getting compliments like crazy - and believe me it feels good. Wearing things I've not worn in years. Actually, skipping right past those 'for some day' clothes - what a great feeling.

I was a little worried, b/c it seemed like I was PBing everyday for a few days - and I worried about slippage. And then my loud throat gurgling started again a couple times - again it went away. My throat muscles even felt sore from pbing…and I got worried. But all is fine now.

For those out in OK - my prayers are with you all!!!

As far as my portions; not even close to what I would have eaten right before TOM. But, this month, TOM didn't loosen me up as much as last month. No rhyme or reason.

I'm feeling like I'm rushing through my post - but I just wanted to get on and say HI to my inspirations. I'll be on regulary…I have to - otherwise I loose motivation.

PS: My New Year's resolution for last year was :TO LOOSE WEIGHT! LOL. This year...more weight. But...the workouts have to increase.

My prayers with those in Houston. What a tragedy to loose someone this time of year. This week, I've been 'touched' with three deaths of people known to my family and friends. Two on thanksgiving, one the day before. It forever ruins the holiday for those left mourning. Before my surgery, I worried, for sure about not waking up. But I think the thought that haunted me even more was while under the anesthesia - about 'feeling' it. There is a trailer running now for a new movie coming out with Jessica Alba "Awake". That is a fear of mine.

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Well, death hit a little closer to home. Just last night we *my boyfriend and I* got a call from his Mom *Something is wrong with your father*...he rushed over and attempted CPR (He's a trained fireman). But he could not save him. So here I am, this time of year, helping him go through burying his dad. He was 79 years old, and strong as an ox. He apparently went to shovel some snow, came in the house and sat down. His wife heard a big 'sigh', and he was gone. Just like that. I feel horrible for my boyfriend, and I want to cry with him. But I have to be strong. As much of a big ox he is himself, he's very fragile; especially when it comes to his parents. He looked up to his dad so much. Oh well. All services are this week, so I won't be online much. Just say a little prayer - and count your blessings.

Hi, I have just recently started researching lapband and was wondering how the banding has affected those of you with type II diabetes. I have been on pills for type II for about 5 years now.

I was diagnosed this time last year; and was horrified. I was 'outed' with my TII during the pre-testing for my band. I'm now on 75% LESS meds (Metformin) than I was pre-band. My doc is certain that with more weightloss, I'll be off meds completely.

Jack???

My prayers with those in Houston. What a tragedy to loose someone this time of year. This week, I've been 'touched' with three deaths of people known to my family and friends. Two on thanksgiving, one the day before. It forever ruins the holiday for those left mourning. Before my surgery, I worried, for sure about not waking up. But I think the thought that haunted me even more was while under the anesthesia - about 'feeling' it. There is a trailer running now for a new movie coming out with Jessica Alba "Awake". That is a fear of mine.

I'm battling head hunger today. I keep thinking "What can I eat". Thankfully, I've not been successful with anything more than some turkey salad that I have here in the fridge at work. But I keep looking for something. Thinking about noshing. But I've also questioned myself if I'm hungry - answer is no…but that's not stopping me. DAMN this head hunger!!! The week before TOM, I've always been a bottomless pit! Thankfully the band stops my ability; but the mind doesn't stop.

If I bend over - can someone kick me too?

Actually looking at the new year as another 'new start'. Last year, I looked toward the band and loosing weight - did that/doing that. Now…comes the work out dedication. Amazing how I KNOW that with how little I eat, if I just step up my game a bit - I'll drop weight faster than a hot potatoe. But I just don't push it like I should. Does THAT tell you how much I hate working out?? Sad, but true.

Yes, Sherrilynn - you are right...I'm healing . But I still don't like it. lol.

I'm actually doing pretty good. Not overeating at all, I feel some sort of restriction I think. But not as much. I am just trying to make healthy choices and eat what I know I'm supposed to eat. Following the rules to a T!

I have 2 outfits in my closet that I have kept for about (embarrasing to say) 20 years. One is a size 12 - more like a size 8 in todays world, I know once I fit into this skirt, I will have made it. That is my goal, to fit into this skirt. I tried it on last night and I still have a ways to go. Couldn't even zip it! LOL. It amazing how the sizes has changed!

I remember wearing this skirt and I always felt so slim & trim when I wore it, so its kinda a reminder of where I want to be I guess. I weighed around 140 when I wore it, so I'm hoping when I get to goal of 145 or 148 I can fit into it.

I also have a SIZE 14 skirt suit that I love, its so pretty and still has the tags on it. Yes, I've held on to this for 17 years and I have never been able to fit into it. Its a very very small 14 becasue I am wearing 12's or 10's now. The skirt fits me, but the jacket does not. The skirt is still tight, but I was able to zip it. Anyhow, those two outfits are my inspiration right now. I have thenm hanging on my bedroom door so I can see it every morning when I walk out of my bedroom to start my day. Its a reminder to me to "be good" & "make good choices" and "exercise".

Well, I am CONVINCED that the longer clothes stay in the closet and aren't worn - the more they shrink!! :whoo:

Seriously; I know that some things DO shrink, but amazing what sizes are like in today's world.

I always would hear about how Marilyn Monroe was full figured. OH yea?????

:phanvanI lost 20 lbs and then gained back 10. I could not keep food down so went to high caloric beverages, cheese, etc. THe vomiting was terrible. This week, due to this site, I tried pineapple juice, then went out and bought chewable papya enzymes tablets...............unbelievable!!!

When I felt that stuck sensation, I chewed one and it worked.

Anyone else identify with this terrible, embarrassing situation?

Hi BTK...

Most of us here have certainly experience what you're describing as a PB.

Why would you choose to go to high calorie intake? Sounds like you have a restriction issue that should be addressed, as you're not supposed to be PBing often. Maybe an unfill?

You might get more responses if you were to post in a general message board.

We are all human. These are not 'bad times'...they're excusable momentary lapses of reason.

There are lots of ways to have sex without a functioning penis!! There are other issues, me thinks!

Agreed.:cry

Sherilynn

I was just looking at your fill history...your first fill was 7cc? Wow...that seems amazing. I'm at 7 now..after four fills. I started off with 2. You must really feel restriction with that much total fill.

Hi Sula,

I have the 'big band' for starters. It can hold way more than the 10ccs. After surgery I had a 90 day 'wait period' via insurance before I could get a fill. So at that point, I was with NO fill what so ever. The doctors were aggressive, to get me on the road to weightloss. I've actually not even 'up'd' my signature, to reflect my latest fill information. I'm at 11 ccs right now. Doc says that I can get about 18 in there. I do have restriction most of the time - but like everyone else, mine varies day to day, hour to hour, food by food. I could probably get another fill but I'm waiting until after the holidays to REALLY restrict myself. I personally don't want to be full on just 2 or 3 tablespoons of food. lol

Well, I got a call from the hospital today and I could not get in to get my next fill until January 18th! BUMMER! I really wanted to get it in December. I'm also getting my next fill on my 1 year Band Anniversary.

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Now you KNOW that if the shoe was on the other foot - you'd be giving me the advice to TAKE IT EASY - and let my body heal. So, I hope that you can take comfort in knowing you're only doing what is best for the body. As for the mind...now I know that's a hard one!!

Hey all, there seems to be someone from our January group that needs some support...well, more than one..check out the listings under our janaury monthly support group..you'll see who I'm talking about.

Well, good news from me...I lost a pound. Practically unheard of given the holiday!! But I do believe that the reality is that I got stuck yesterday at noon and wasn't able to eat dinner. Soft foods for me today!! oatmeal with Protein Powder for breakfast!! YummY

How did you all do?

Hey Sula...I missed it - can't find who??

Hey all…

I'm back after the holiday.

Sunshine - OMG - I am so sorry to hear about what went down with you! But I'm SO glad you went and had everything taken care of. I hope you're back to GREAT really soon!!

Sula - I ALSO lost over the holiday. Only 1/2 pound - but still a loss!

My issue; I did a big dinner (just for me and my boyfriend). He had dinner at his parents at 1 p.m., by the time he got to me - he wasn't 'so' hungry. Me…I couldn't eat. I had MAJOR restriction for whatever reason - and turkey is NOT the easiest thing for me to get down. So…that damn 21 pound turkey went uneaten for the most part. I did make turkey salad. Had that for Breakfast. When I think to one year ago; preband - WOW, I ate SO much. What I did do on Sunday was 'graze'. Totally and completely out of boredom. And I was so aware of it. Thank god I still had restriction, or I'd probably have shown a gain this a.m.

Well all - our FIRST thanksgiving. I am VERY thankful for my band!

I'm staying on plan today, because I want to keep getting the compliments from co-workers about how I am just 'melting away' and how I 'look so good'.

Darn that's a good feeling!

I wonder if we could take the letters of you folks, somehow put it into an email 'petition' style?? Perhaps electronically send it in with our 'signatures'. Let them know of our successes, trials, and 'side steps' )(never failures!). We're a BIG group; all posts considered. Let them know just how big of a community we are; and how much they've offended.

Alexandra - would that be going against LBT t&cs???

My mouth is still hanging opened, after just having read this. I'm in shock. But most of all I pity the authors.

...can't wait for a few of our heavy hitters to pitch in on this.

BUMP!!!!!!!!!!!

We can EAT and lose weight.

We can OVER eat and NOT lose weight.

Jack, this is my new favorite saying. I've put it in my signature. Something so simple can 'hit ya'...go figure.

Bravo, good man! As always; you inspire.