missjoany

At this time last year I had my first battle with band being too tight, ended up with gastritis and had Fluid removed from band. At that time I weighed 155 pounds and was ecstatic about the fact that I had lost 63 pounds and was well on my way to being healthy and happy for the first time in more than 20 years. Several months past and I even had a breast reduction to relieve constant headaches and backaches from the weight of my breasts. To make a long story short, I had a fill in Sept due to gaining 15 pounds in the months since the Fluid was removed. For the next 3 months life became a daily struggle to eat properly and get in excersize. Thank God I hadn't gained any further pounds when I went for my next adjustment on Dec. 24, 2009. After that fill I could not keep any solid foods down and instead of going to the doctor to see if I was too tight, I decided to tough it out and find a happy medium only to gain another 4 pounds!! I returned to the doctor on Feb 15, 2010 and had 2 cc removed from my band again, since that time I have lost 4 pounds and also became hungry all the time. On April 8, 2010 got another adjustment in which the doc put in 1 cc. Felt great not to be hungry anymore!!! I have since lost 6 pounds. I have found getting back on track to be much harder than when my journey first began. Is there anyone out there who has experienced anything similiar??????? I see lots of success stories and great mile stones being accomplished, which is inspirational to me, but I feel the need to no that I am NOT alone in having set backs and struggles. Please HELP!!!!:eek:

I am having a difficult time keeping on track as well. It's been 7 months, I had an infection for two months after surgery, and they thought they were going to have to remove the band. Also since Jan I have had two bouts of bronchitis and stomach flu. It has been difficult to keep on track. I sometimes go two weeks with no loss. It has been hard to get back on track. I also have a slipped disc so if I do too much exercise then I can't walk/sit without pain for a few days and then have to start exercising all over again. My dotor recommended I get some counselling because I am getting depressed and discourged as well. I have not had the counselling yet, but have started journalling, and all those nasty comments from my co-workers I am trying to ignore. They are from folks I don't like in the first place. i guess we need to remember this is a journey to regain our health, and we are getting there. Maybe not as fast as we would like, but we are taking charge of our bodies/minds and getting there. I write it all down, and it does seem to help. Know you are not alone, I think everyone has some struggles to deal with everyday.

Hi Everyone!! Long time no see. I am so glad to read of all your accomplishments, gives me hope. This is what has been happening with me. I got an infection after the surgery, and finally started feeling better in December, basically had to start all over again. In Feb, I got bronchitis, got it again a few weeks ago, and then had food poisoning as well. We think I had so much antibiotics that it wore my system down. I had three bouts of super antibiotics within 3 months. I have lost 56 pounds since Sep, slow, but more than I would have otherwise. Up to 20 mins on the treadmill and work out with a trainer 1x a week. I got on this website several times, but have been so bummed out because everytime I turned around I was sick, that I just didn't feel like writing. It is very easy for me to fall back into old habits and use food in an attempt to make me feel better. It only works for about 5 minutes, then I feel worse. I have three pounds to go to get to my first goal, was hoping to reach that by 01 Apr, but ok if i don't. I might use that as an excuse to eat. I have not had a fill yet, still feel restriction, in fact, I had some grilled chicken get stuck about an hour ago and it came back up. I will get with the program and get caught up with everyone's postings. All of a sudden I am getting notified of your postings, where that had stopped and I thought no one was there!! I'm still planning on the cruise in Aug, don't think I will look good, but feeling better is my goal these days.. My thoughts are with everyone, glad you guys are still around.

Hi everyone, I have alot of reading to catch up. Now that my infection is gone, then I got bronchitis for a week, back to exercising. I finally made the 50 pound mark, but what a struggle. Only lost about 3 pounds this month, but that is three more than I would have, right! Let me read all your entries and get back to you. This is the third time I am working out with a trainer though!

Hello everyone, glad to see everyone is coping. I am still having difficulty getting to the 50 lb mark. Sitting at 46 lbs for two weeks. I think about food all the time. After watching a Dr. Oz show I think I can say I am a food addict. I stopped writing food down for a week, and didn't lose any. So back writing it all down. I am scared to eat home cooked food because I cannot count the nutrients in it. So I mostly eat egg beaters, and tuna salad. Maybe some day I might feel comfortable around food, but for now, I am not. I was asked the other day if I wanted something from McDonalds. After I said yes, then changed my mind, everyone was laughing at me. But I am glad I changed my mind. It was getting too easy to give in. So now I am going to get on the treadmill in a few moments. Doctor still said it did not look like I needed a fill, as it appeared I have enough restriction. I have another appointment tomorrow and will ask again. After eating those Peanut Butter cups, I was astounded of how many I could eat at one time. Talk to everyone soon.

Hi everyone, Glad to hear everyone is moving and adjusting. In December I lost the same 1 lb three times before the scale started moving again. I have lost 45 lbs so far. I like the idea to change up the calorie counts, to keep my metabolism from slowing down, think I will try it. My nutritionist recommended (for me) 45 % Carbs, 30 % Protein and 25 % Fat for 1200 calories. I am using Calorieking.com to plug it all in. It even gives you additional calories based on your exercise routine as well. My doct still says it does not look like I need a fill, but I seem to be able to eat alot more than before. One day, for whatever reason, I ate about 6 Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, I was full but I was surprised I coud eat that many. Maybe cause they melt, I do not know what possessed me to want them so I hope not to have too many more of those episodes.

I guess as we lose more weight, our loss will slow down, I will be happy with 1 lb a week as long as it is consistent.

WOW the only thing I thought of about flying was setting off all the scanners and bells in security. I hadn't thought about the pressure affecting my band. I will check with my surgeon at my next f/u next week, cause I will be flying too in a few months.

Name, real or screen~ Jo

Weight on January 3rd~ 216

Goal Weight for January 31st~210

Exercise Goal for January~ work up to 10 mins on the treadmill

Dietary Goal for January~ Portion Control (no fills yet )

Personal Goal for January~ understand why it is so difficult to stay in control

Date Banded~09/11/10

Total Weight Loss Since Banding~43.5

Hi all. You are right Joany, you can eat all the icecream and candy you want, no restriciton will stop it, to bad we don't have a quick super fill, close the whole up when you are near stuff like that, then let it out- ha ha. The other problem with the sweets is they make me even hungrier once I've had the sugar.

my instinct diet book is big on desserts with fiber and fruit and protien- all three if you can, so you feel more full and satisfied. My favorite one is a 100 calorie- light and fit vanilla yogurt (the low cal kind- with aspertame or whatever, my yogurt during the day is a live active yogurt, and has more cals, but this is dessert) high fiber cereal, frozen raspberries, and melted dark chocolate- the portions work out to 100 cals- and it is so satisfying - and feels like a real dessert. not really pretty, I wouldn't serve it at a party, but for me it's great.

so Joany I am self pay, no coverage- I have an HSA that I use for this, I hope the IRS doesn't mind. This blind fill place I think should be good, I hope, and if not they are close enough to not be a problem. I guess some blind fill places say if you have to come back for adjustment within 2 weeks it will be 50$. so hopefully that will be the case. I love the OCC dr's in Tijuana, very professional, and they do a great job. Thier fills are tops for sure, wish I lived in the area. But for me it's a day off work, babysitting, plus probably like 500$ in flying, parking, ground transport and other fees. I know some places charge almost 400 for a fill, so this 150 place is exciting prospect and I won't have to take off work or get a sitter.

well have a great day all

So glad you found a place closer to home for you fill. Can't wait to hear how wonderful you feel. Now that raspberry concoction sounds yummy and might just hit the spot when I get home from work. Now I get home at midnight and have a yogurt and a banana. I'll get some this week before our next big snow storm expected on Monday. So I gotta pack my boots and extra food to take to work in case I get stuck there. But I think I am going to get out my little cooler and take some yogurts and cottage cheese too, so I will have no excuse to eat out of the vending machines. OK off to exercise before work, before I change my mind. It has not become a habit yet, and once I sit on that recliner, it takes a bulldozer to get me off.

You can have a carryon and a purse too. I haven't flown American Eagle in years but the planes I flew on were very small commuter planes and i don't remember having issues with the seat size (I was around 230 at that time)...

Thanks Vicky. I am getting ready to purchase a cross bag that I will use as a purse as well. Maybe I will get both the medium and small sizes just in case. One can never have too many purses. It is an anti-theft travel purse, with metal built into the strap and an RFID portion of the purse.

Danielle, that is great, I am with you on needing to refocus.

Ms Joany, that is great, I'm glad everything is ok. Why did he say that about the fill, I mean if you are hungry and feeling less restriction, what was his reason to not fill.

I'm curious because as a Mexico patient I have to make this call myself, if I do or don't need one before I get filled. Anyway being more hungry between meals, and able to eat more was my bench mark- well that and not losing weight.

I have found a local place that will do a blind, none flouro fill for 150, can't believe it. I have been really hungry today and yesterday, and over ate at a potluck last night. This local place is much closer then Tijuana, and while I trust the tijuana fills as being better, for the price hopefully it's worth it. it's a barrix clinic in Ohio. if anyone knows anything about them/

Anyway hears to new beginnings getting more on track, and leaving all the holiday junk food and parties behind.

I love your quote!! When I was tested to see if my port flipped they just stuck a needle in there blindly, and said this is just how a fill would feel. I did have the fluroscope and was told it appears I have enough restriction now. I might ask for one next time though. I do feel hungrier between meals. Not sure why but yesterday I had food on my mind and ate several Reese's Peanut Butter cups. I got full, and then had an upset tummy. I'm not really sure why I wanted them, but I asked myself today if it was worth it. Actually they did not even taste all that good, but I could not stop myself. I have had an upset tummy all day today too. It was scary that it all went down so easily, but they are soft and melt easily so maybe that is why. I won't give in again. Yup new day, new year, got a physical tomorrow and my doctor said she can't wait to look at my cholesterol levels, etc. Me neither. Now I gotta get back on the exercise routine, so I can walk better and maybe turn some heads on that cruise in August. Lisa can your insurance company recommend anyplace to do fills??

Hi. Let us know what hapepns. I was worried about the port showing up in the scanner. So it was recommended to me to take a doctor's note indicating I had surgery, because who knows what it will look like under a scanner. I took your advice and got an aisle seat and am in the 2nd row from the front. Of course the bathrooms are all the way in the back, but my flight is only 2 hours so I might not need to go. I'm hoping I will not need a belt extender. I am flying American Eagle. Now when I flew Southwest, my friend I am purchased three seats together, so we could spread out. She was in a wheelchair. People were upset and kept trying to sit there. I had to say, I paid for all three seats so you can't sit there. I think I will board early too, due to arthritis issues. I can't believe how rude people can be when you can't move fast enough to suit them.

Can you have a carryon and a purse too, or does your purse count as a carryon?

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

How was everyone's holidays? I had to work all of them, but it wasn't too bad. We have 8 inches of snow on Christmas day, and one week later it's 65 degrees. Crazy. I am finally back on track. Last night they guys wanted to go out for Chinese food and I almost got an egg roll. Then I changed my mind, and said it was not worth it, and ate my turkey meatballs and spaghetti squash. I was so proud!! Hope I can keep it up. It sure was easy to give in and eat over the holidays, I was surprised just how easy it was. I had my f/u with my surgeon. I had the fluroscope and everything looked good, they decided I did not need a fill. And I got the OK to start exercising again. So now I think I need to be more vigilant, because it does not feel like I have as much restriction and can eat more at one sitting. I really want to keep going. I want to get to that point, also, where I recognize me in pictures. That cruise is in August.. Well kitties want Breakfast, NOW, so will be back later.

Watch for signs of infection. I had something similar, went to the doc and got an antibiotic, and the stabbing sensation went away. I think I was in the early stages of an infection. I did not want it to get worse so I acted early.

DRP

I had an infection at the port site as well. I could not even bend over to put on socks and shoes, but after 10 days of antibiotics it's all gone, and I can exercise again.

I was thinking of the same thing, that we would set off all the bells and whistles. Now how about the scanner. Wonder what that will look like. I was going to just bring a note from the doctor explaining. I don't want everyone in the aiport knowing, but if that is what it takes to get me on my way....

I love everyone's advice. I was doing great myself, then the holiday at work pot lucks started. I didn't go overboard, but it does tempt your taste buds to keep on eating. I had one piece of pizza at work. Sure I wanted more, but I resisted. And that was VERY difficult. I wanted to join in with everyone else, but I realize I can't. I have a friend at work who lost 34 pounds. When I passed her at 39 pounds her attitude changed. Now she goes out to fast food, etc, maybe she has given up. But she gave me candy for Christmas which I thought was inappropriate. I think she is trying to sabotage me. I had lots of cheese gifts for the postman, veterinary, etc. I have alot extra. I am taking them to work tomorrow, because if I have them in the house, yup, I might just eat them. I always carry either cottage cheese or yogurt with me everywhere, in case I get hungry. I take an extra Protein Drink to work every day. So far I have not needed it, but it is there just in case. I know I could not have the chocolate bar, that would set me off! I have been drinking french vanilla tea and caramel vanilla tea, both kinda dampen the choco monster in me...

I can feel mine too, it feels squarish, and it even sticks out a bit. I had an infection under the port for about 4 weeks, that was very painful but after a round of antibiotics it has cleared up. I guess some folks you can feel it, some can't. I think it depends on your internal structure and how they suture it in. Also my surgeon said that some folks have them on the right side of the body while some have them on the left side depending on what is going on in your body. So I guess we are all normal in some way.

I am having a really difficult time here! I started on protiens (Solid Food) does not have to be mushy, but soft and small enough that it won't get stuck!

I am only eating about 2 1/2 to 3 oz. I can't eat anymore than that!

Well today is day 4 of constipation! I called Dr office today b/c now I am at the point I CAN'T eat! I don't want to drink. I feel so sick to my stomach with pains. Past few days I have take a stool softner in the morning and Milk of Mag at night...(AND NOTHING)!! So, Dr told me to take Mirolax.

Anyone else have this trouble! I am 3 weeks post op and miserable. I am feeling good on the weight loss...just miserable inside!

Anyone else taken Mirolax before. I used to never have any problems with Constipation and I am not sure what to expect with this medication!

Ever heard the expression "Full of Sh*t" That is me at the moment! LOL

Yes I had the same problem, and still do to some degree. I took 2 tabs of Senokot, then the next day I took two more. I had some impaction, and literally had to "dig" it out. Sorry for being gross. I was told that it take awhile to get your bowels moving again, and that we are also eating less food. I had surgery in Sep, and have gotten stuck 3 times. I'm trying to drink more Water, and take maybe a total of two Senokot a week, it seems to be helping. I know how you feel, and it is miserable. I have not taken Mirolax before, let me know how it works for you. And good luck.

I have had 3 fills and I have reached my sweet spot. I get things stuck especially in the morning or if I have waited to long to eat. I used to be an emotional eater and now that is not the case sometimes I feel like I forget about eating.. Life is so much better now.

I have not had any fills yet, but losing 1.5 - 2.5 pounds a week. I feel restriction after eating certain foods, and if I eat too fast I upchuck. But I had pizza at work the other day and didn't feel any restriction, so I am thinking of asking for a fill today at my appt. I guess it depends on how well you are doing. Some folks need more restriction as a reminder not to eat so much. You apparently are doing wonderfully where you are. More than 2 lbs a week is not really healthy.

Hi, Just be careful the pain does not get worse. I had some Fluid ooze out of my incision site. And the pain progressively got worse, until I could not even bend over to put my shoes on. It turned out it was an infection right under the port. After 10 days on antibiotics and 10 days on NSAIDS, it went away, and I am feeling better. Just wished I had not waited so long until I went to the doctors.

Mine wasn't messed with either.

Merry Christmas to me! I plateaued for 2.5 weeks. I journal EVERYTHING I eat and went just over 900 calories once, but all other days stayed under 800! I was getting frustrated to say the least. Got on the scale today for the first time in 3 days (I was out of town) and I dropped 3 lbs! YaY!

I am still one pound away from my goal ... 2 days to go so hopefully I will lose one more ... but after a frustrating 2.5 weeks, I'll take this weight with a smile!

Yeah. I have gained and lost the same pound for two weeks. So I need to get vigilant on jornalling my food as well. Been hunkered down for two days following our first snow on Christmas since 1947. I was able to make it home from work Sat night without too many problems and woke to 8 inches on Sunday. I am so glad I did not get stuck at work. Not sure about where you live, but everything closes here on Christmas, even McDonalds.

Hello to all bandsters! I have been so busy that I had not been on the site, but it is good to be back.

Wonderful to read so many great stories!

The questions is a good way to start of the postings again:

1. how many cc's you have in your band? I was banded 9-9-2010 and received less then 1 cc, possible only 1/2 cc at surgery, and have not gotten a fill. Somehow the surgery did what I needed! So far!

2. do you feel you have restriction- what does that mean for you? Ohhh, yes, I do feel restrictions! Yogurt, icecream, shakes go down with zero restrictions... but let me try to eat 2 peanutbutter crackers and I am full. Last night I tried pizza for the very first time in months, one of my favorite foods. One slice and I was super, super full, and I had to eat this slice over 30-40 minutes. Thank God! It works great for me!!!

I have had one major episode that something was stuck, and hope it will not repeat. I have to chew certain foods real long and eat very slow, and that is at times still challenging for me.

3. are your calories tending to stay below like 1600 (or what are your calories generally.) Pretty much; I stoped counting but try to get Protein in first and stay away from empty carbs. But do have some "bad" food in moderation, like the pizza last night!

4. what is your weight loss like. Has been great! I lost 50 pounds all together and hope to looooooose 20 more! I might have a week with no significant loss but usually loose 1-2 pounds per week.

5. are you hungry between meals. Not really hungry but have terrible gravings for my old bad foods that made me as big as I was...so it is all a mind game for me at this point. Hard, very hard to stay away from it!

6. are you exercising, and how much I exercise an average of 4-5 times a week and have gotten into weights, cardio, zumba and step aerobic. Love going to the gym again; I used to be active and only after I had gained so much weight stopped doing work outs. I am back to being my active self!

7. how much Water are you drinking? Honestly: not enough! When I excercise I drink a lot, but the rest of the day I forget...sad to say but I have to constantly remind myself to drink.

Overall the band has changed my life dramatically and has given me myself back an dmore! . I am off ALL medications. Well I take the multi vitamine and Calcium. I have no more GERD, I have very little back pain compared to prior banding, and I recognize myself in pictures and in my activity level. I am HEALTHY again and love it. This hard journey has been worth all the hard work!

Looking forward reading more of your great stories and happenings!

Merry Christmas from NC!!!

Merry Christmas from NC as well. Expecting a snow storn overnight. I have to work today and get off at midnight, so pray I make it home ok. Working on Christmas I have the fun of friends, but they bring in Cookies and cakes. I did not have any last night! I have not had a fill either, but it seems I have less restriction than before. I had a piece of pizza last week and I did not feel any restriction, but it did fill me up. But if I eat my usual eggbeaters with toast in the morning, it does sometimes get stuck. So glad you are doing well and excersing up a storm. Have a great holiday..

Hello everyone, wow it sounds like so many of you are doing great. I am bummed, today I weighed myself and am back up to where I was when I got filled before thanksgiving. Maybe I need a fill, the holidays are killing me, I'll lose a lb. and then gain it back. I've lost 30 lbs total now, which I am happy about, but really I've only lost 13lbs since I was banded. I need to get back on track. I also broke my toe on a treadmill I just bought, so now I can't walk on it. I'm feeling hopeless. I need to get back on track.

I can sympathsize. I have gained and lost the same pound for two weeks now. Everytime I go out and have something I gain a pound, then I have to lose it again. And WOW can't imagine how your broke your toe. Not sure I want to know, since I hope to start again on the treadmill after my doc gives me the ok next week. I agree, maybe you could do some resistance exercises with a band, or hand weights. I will lend you my 17,5 pound kitties, then are a handful to lift. Could you go in the Water? Maybe not if you have bandages.

But most of all enjoy your holidays, we can get back on track afterwards. Being with your family and friends and not stressing over our weight might even help. We are here for you too.

Okay guys... well, I just went in for my 90 day visit. I lost another 8 pounds and so that puts me at a total of 50 pounds... one of my Christmas wishes. Yay! Hope all is well for everyone else out there! ...and if I dont get back on, let me say it now... HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Happy holidays to you as well!

For some reason, I didn't get erased. Last time, my name got duplicated a bunch of times but the original one was left. Anyways, I recorded my loss for this week. Hopefully there won't be anymore shenanigans on the spreadsheet for the final week.

Also, don't forget - there is also the New Year's Challenge (link is in my signature). The format is a bit different (should someone erase everything, you'd only need to re-enter your starting weight and current weight and goal weight...you don't need to remember your loss for each individual week) but I actually prefer it to weekly recording because you don't need to remember all that stuff should someone mess around with the spreadsheet.

Anywho, good luck to everyone in the final week!!

Darn, I did not know about the New Years Challenge till today. Kinda late to be signing up for it. That's ok, I'm sure you will have one for Valentines day. Everyone have a great holiday.

Hi all.

I hope everyone has a good Holiday season. Our lives appear to be moving along with ups and downs, but we will have the strength to make it through. It appears the infection may be gone, and I can start exercising again. I have to work the rest of the week all the way till next Monday, but I will be with work friends so it won't be too bad. I never did put up a tree, but I do have lights on the front door. I think I might be ready for a fill. I had a slice of pizza the other day and felt no restriction whatsoever, it was scary. I don't want to go crazy. All of you are in my thoughts this year, and thinking of all we went through. Brenda, special prayers go out to you. Can't wait to hear about everyone's adventures over Christmas, and I can hear the laughter and feel the smiles from here.

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. ~Agnes M. Pahro