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!!!

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.