slikchik10

Well, my Dr. unfilled my band a month prior to surgery. My reflux was gone after that, but I knew I still needed help...thus the revision to a sleeve. I'm doing well...having the band helped me better prepare for post surgery diet and I'm a bit of a type A so I'm pretty prepared for the recovery time. I surprised myself by accomplishing a 1 mile walk today....still not back up to pre-surgery pace and distance, but the length surprised me, surgery was only a week ago. Thanks for asking.

Hi all. I'm 6 days post op and was having terrible gas pains. Believe it or not, 4 oz. of Greek yougurt helped tremendously! I'm wondering if the good bacteria that aids digestion helped a bit in the new set up, thus...less gas produced. I know they pumped it in...but I was having the "gurgles" awfully bad and this helped. Just a thought.

Janine, thanks for the advice the other day. One of the interesting things that I found out about from my friend that I was visiting. She'd just had her tummy PS back in Dec. She's still got "muffin top." Her Dr. said that once he works on the 'girls' it will disappear some, but because that was not fat, just extra skin, he couldn't tighten it up completely until he saw how the upper procedure went. So, I think that unless I'm a young chick....with really elastic skin...I'm still gonna have a few moments of feeling fat. This is just due to sag in places though. I know my arms are pretty good....just saggy (not super saggy, but I know what's left is skin...not fat. I think that some of underneath is fat, but since we've stretched the skin....some of it's just plain skin. I hope this all makes sense. Anyway, doing better with the attitude. Thanks for all the support from the gang here. Can't believe we've all been together for a couple of years. Wow! Kyethra, good to see ya girl. I understand about your dilemma, but we're here for ya girl! Annette

Hi all, I have been plateaued with my current weight for a year now. I went through the fill process to a point where it was too tight, and now, I think I'm at good fill, but I have maintained my 50% mark. I am very happy I've taken this journey, but sometimes it's frustrating. I'm currently visiting a buddy for spring break and she had the bypass. She's lost it all, and has done a great job of maintaining. Whether she knows this or not, the things she says sometimes feel like a put down because I've not lost all of the weight. I know bypass loses it faster/easier...we had our surgeries 2 mos. apart, so I get the time frame issue, but dang it....I've lost weight too! Sorrrry, just had to vent for a sec. I know the band was my surgery of choice, I know that for me, it was what I needed to live a better life and dang it, it's my life to decide how I choose to live it. Anyway, happy bandiversary everyone! Annette

Hey Juli, I mentioned a few months ago about my RNY friend that was having her PS in Dec. Well, she's doing well. Yes, she's been out of commission for about a month, but she's really excited with her results. It's amazing to see how well she's done. I can imagine how exciting/scary it is for you....it was for my friend. As for me....I've been hovering in the land of "weightloss stall." I have to set better priorities for my exercise....and bump it up. I'm pretty sure I'm at good restriction, I just need to work the tool and ME better. So...right now my attitude is really crappy. I've never been one that likes exercise, but our little group at church has a healthy lifestyle club going, so maybe I can get a bit more motivation with that. I know I won't ever like exercise, but I really liked a comment our "leader" said. She said that instead of eating when we shouldn't, to replace that urge of eating when we're bored, head hunger, etc...with doing something we enjoy. Also, she said make those things rewards for our exercising efforts. So...I've plateaued, and any ideas for jumping off the plateau are wanted. It's good to hear that y'all are doing well and things are moving along. I can't believe that it's been almost 2 yrs. I'm so excited even though I've leveled off...I STILL have lost 60lbs and feel GREAT!

Hey all, it's been a while since I posted. Glad to hear folks are doing pretty well. Juli....my buddy that had RNY is going for her PS on 12/1. We've been talking about this for a few months and she really wanted to get as low as she possibly could before doing the PS thing. She's stabilized and set a goal for her self with regard to maintenance so...there's an idea, is your current weight your maintenance, if so...go for the PS. If not....then re-think the idea. I know you and she started about the same weight...her maybe more. I know her Panni is named "fred." LOL :tt2: Anywho, I remember reading the posts that talked about we're at the stage that is really "diet & exercise" more than fills. I think I'm at the spot that the band is filled where it needs to be (because I went for an unfill after some GERD issues) and now it's up to me. Good luck with the PS decisions. We're with you in spirit....if not always words. :thumbup: Annette

Hey there. I'm about 17 mos. out and 60/lbs. down. Depending on where you are in So. Cal, there's a great support group in San Berdo......at St. Bernadine's Medical Ctr. If not there, check around because there are places all over here in So. Cal. If a group isn't your thing, then feel free to keep in touch with me. I too am learning (as we all are) and I am very greatful for the support others gave early on in this journey. Just let me know....I've got a great listening ear. Annette

I too am having some issues with my last fill. I woke up last night and couldn't even swallow Water. I went in today and the removed all 2cc. from my band. That changed things, so they put 1/2 back in. I'll see how it goes. I had GERD at night, and I've never had reflux before....so the dr. told me it was an indicator I was too tight. I've gotta do this for 3 wks. and then we'll see how I do. My situation sounds like yours...weight loss amount, last fill too tight....etc. I hope it's just a need for our stoma's heal themselves. Good luck to you!

When I began attending my Dr. support group, there were only 3 that had even had the band surgery through him. Since that time (2 yrs. ago) there are many more of us in the group. I know it was those 3 gals that nagged the Dr. to incorporate more items for both band or bypass with regards to support issues. This was really good for a while. After about a year, I had to go about every other month because of my volunteering schedule changing to the time the support group met. I still am very active on this website though. Well, this past month I went back to the Dr. (for a fill) and it had been a while. I noted on my paperwork that I hadn't been to support group in a while, but I was active here on LBT. That seemed to be ok. I think that as long as we're reaching out to get answers to our issues, and willing to focus on why we even had the surgery, we're doing well. That's what LBT is all about. I'm planning on visiting the group next week...just because I'd made a few friends there that I've not seen in a while and would like to visit with them. There you have it...my 2 cents. :thumbup: Annette

OK, I've got a question for y'all. Do any of you have trouble with fish?? Tonight I had red snapper for dinner and AGAIN....major PB. It's insane. It's gotta be the fish, because I've had the other items I had with dinner totally separate from the fish before and no PB. So, anyone else have this particular prob. I don't seem to have this with other forms of fish, just the snapper...dang it! Advice please...:biggrin: Annette

Ok, IMHO....it's all about "Fat Girl Brain." Up till, most of us have been trying to wear clothes that will hide what we don't want seen. Usually, because we're bigger, baggie was the only option for doing that. I agree with the previous posts that it's about a nice fit & good look for you. If your clothes make you look great, and are a bit on the loose side, go for it, if a more fitted line is what you're into, hey awesome. But it boils down to turning off the "fat brain" and being realistic about where you are. I know for myself, I love comfy clothes, but I find that I'm trying to find them in styles that are figure flattering now....not figure covering. (See, fat brain switch in OFF mode! :thumbup:) Best of luck!:wink_smile: Annette

Initially, your port area will be sore when you exercise due to it's still in the healing stage. I know that my Dr. told me that it'll come and go as your body goes through its changes. No worries... Annette

Actually, I'd say almost anything could be a candidate....BUT it really will begin to tell once you've had a fill and the band starts to tighten up. I know at the beginning I could still eat tiny bits of bread, but now...I really have to be careful. I do stay clear of stringy...although spinach works for me most of the time, I just have to make sure I chew well. I have had the PBs sometimes that makes you "toss your socks" but it has come from either eating too fast/too much. I would just focus on eating WELL. Looking for things that are healthy and will help you be better. I just had my annual physical and my Dr. is REALLY pleased with the results of the band. I still have some things that might not be on the "band" diet, but those are minimal, I focus on eating healthy. I get Proteins first because otherwise your body won't be as healthy as it needs to be. I get my good carbs next....after that...there's little room for anything else. I do snack on occasion, but not anywhere near to what I would do pre-band. I hope this helps, it really depends on what YOU'RE willing to put in to the effort of having this tool. Diet won't do it all, but the band helps with using good dietary practices. Best of luck, Annette

I too have hormonal tightness. :smile2: Mine usually happens PRIOR to my period. I also have found stress makes life tighter. Even when I am on a plane or a high pressure weather system comes through can bother me in a minor way. I would just roll with it. It's something that happens only once in a while, and I just try to plan for it. Flexibility in how you handle the "tool" is key in all of this. I just try to roll with things as best as I can. I love my band...both on the good days and the bad. Good luck. Annette

I was banded in March of '07 and I've lost 60lbs, but in the past couple of months I've slowed to a stop....nothing. I was thinking about going in for a fill, but upon reviewing my eating & exercise habits....UH....it's not the band, it's me. :biggrin: I'm more than happy to have a buddy in all of this. I haven't had time to go to my local support meetings, but I do check in here regularly. I am trying to get things back on track...cause one of the gals in my monthly group here says "you had SURGERY for pete's sake!" So I remind myself of that often to motivate me. I really want to drop about 40 more lbs...but I've got to find the discipline I had at the beginning....so I can make it happen. I know that the band won't. So, chin up....let's stick together in this...we can do it. Have you been for a fill...there's a great link that reviews whether you should do a fill or adjust in some other area of your life. For me, this website has been great for reflecting on ME and my use of the tool. To fill or not to fill? Catch ya later! Annette

Actually, I just use my sharpest knife and squeeze the gel cap then POKE! I just put it over my Breakfast, or in something I'm eating or drinking. It's a pain, but I too get stuck with gel caps. Annette

Hi all, I'm Annette...a WV gal in SoCal. I'm 40 this year and I met & married my honey 5 yrs. ago moved out here to the west. I'm a convert of 20+ yrs. I currently am our RS chorister and the stake Family History Center staff trainer. I'm addicted to Family History...been doing it since I was a teen. No kiddos, but since I teach school...I get a few extra ones anyway. :redface: I guess that's me....served a mish in Canada (eastern). Seriously, was farther away from home when I was in the MTC than on my mission...LOL. Anyway, nice to meet everyone. Annette

Seriously, no prob. I thought I'd have problems and even recently when I accidentally got a really big piece (it wasn't completely torn) it went down fine. I figure the big guy will take care of it. :redface: Annette

Yup, I'm a gal that is able to feel pressure systems with my band. I usually become a bit tighter (in other words, more PB episodes) when some form of pressure system is sitting over my area. It doesn't happen all the time, but I know that when I get on a plane or the weather systems come through I notice. Annette

My dr. had me take a colon cleaner before surgery so nothing would be in my bowel, so not having to go for a long while after surgery is normal. Also, if you've spent a long time after surgery on liquids, it'll be a while before you go. I know that my dr. told me to remember that I would be eating smaller amounts, therefore BM's would not come as frequently as prior to surgery. Now that said, I have found that the papaya juice I drink for times I get stuck has had a wonderful effect on the bowel issue. Also, I love split pea Soup, so that too has been a good thing. I tend to avoid the pill form of taking care of constipation if possible. Usually Water and a really fibrous meal help me out. Sorry for the TMI answer, but it was a TMI question...lol. :drool: Annette

I totally understand. I moved to CA 5 yrs. ago when my hubby and I married. I came from the southeast where I'd been in wards & branches since I joined the church 20 yrs. ago. I also served a mission in eastern Canada. WHAT a difference.... I could be gone for a month and no one would ever notice. Back east if I was gone 1 or 2 Sunday's I'd get a friendly call to make sure I was ok, here...ZIP. As for me, I'm in a good sized ward. I miss the homey-ness of the folks back east. Oh well, I know it's true, that's what keeps me going! Annette

Yup, I have the same thing going on. There are some days that it's all I can do to get any food down because it feels very tight and others I could eat the universe. (Not really, you get what I mean...) Seriously, I've noticed if there's a air pressure system moving through my area I feel it more in my band that I did before the band. Also, I know I certainly feel stress in my band area. Since it's the end of the school year (I'm a teacher) I'm a bit tight lately, while finishing out the year. So, I think it's just something to pay attention to, and manage the eating accordingly. I used to PB when those times happened because I wasn't paying attention to the tight feeling, now...oh yeah....I hate to PB. Best of luck. :wink2:

Well, I had surgery just over a year ago and I must say I'm grateful for the band. It is a tool that really makes you reflect on your habits. I'm not the best with exercise, but....I do know that I really reflect on my food choices. I began my journey 6 mos. before I even had surgery. I went to my local support group meetings, I read all I could here on the message boards, and went to a Dr. prescribed nutritionist. During those months prior to surgery, I did everything I could to begin changing some of the habits I had to those necessary to make my choice of surgery a success. That time was beneficial so when I had surgery, there were not so many BIG changes to make...because I'd already made some small ones. Yes it's hard sometimes, my hubby asks me if it was worth it when I have those PB, sliming, or stuck moments. I say yes, yes, YES!! I'm 60lbs. less than I was at my heaviest. I still have more to go, but it is a reachable goal now IMHO. Hope this helps, Annette :wink2:

Yeah, but I've got a different perspective due to the fact one of my best friends had RNY 2 mos. before I had band surgery. I swear it seemed that the first 6 mos. (and sometimes it STILL happens) that she had "the answer" for everything that I might be going through. We talked and I tried to emphasize that our surgeries were DIFFERENT but I really don't think she got it at all no matter how much I tried to talk with her about it. (As we were sharing experiences) On the flip side, I've got another close friend that had the RNY about 4 yrs. ago and she never behaved like the previously mentioned experience. She was excited for me and was very interested in the differences in our surgery and how those differences affected my weight loss. I think it's just a person's personality, knowledge base and willingness to learn about your experience. Patience is a virtue in this instance. Annette