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Hi Friends, I haven't been on here in a while, but I've run into a little problem. OK, it's a pretty big problem. I have an autoimmune form of arthritis called AS. I had the LAP band done two years ago in order to reduce the strain on my joints. Though I was at the lower end of the weight continuum, I needed to lose weight permanently in order to slow down the crippling effects of my AS. The pain from the AS causes me to lose sleep at night, so my rheumie prescribed me Cyclobenzaprine. It has been a God send, and it has changed the quality of my life. I now do not need 10-12 hours of sleep at night to be safe while driving to work the next day. The only side effect is a big one, though. I am waking up from this reflux/vomitting in my lungs sort of thing that happens. I don't know if it's from the medicine or if my band is too tight (5.5 cc in a 10cc band) or if the reflux comes from one of the other meds. I suspect it's the Cyclo, though, because I've tried to isolate it so that it's the only variable. I'm wondering if it's possibly getting caught in my pouch and dissolving close enough to the esophagus to cause the reflux. Cyclo's not supposed to work on the muscles like that, but taking a half a pill one time, the cut side rested against my tongue long enough to make it numb in that little spot. I know this is odd, but does anyone out there have any experience with this or a similar situation?

I had mine done June 5 2012. I have lost 98 pounds and have gone from a size 22 to 10 in pants, and a 2xl to a small in shirts. I went with dr. Wade barker. When is your surgery?

Stop whining about so-called stalls.... Did you know Diana Nyad eats up to 9000 calories per DAY!!! now admittedly, Diana is an extreme example, however, the formula remains the same.... If you are working out 2 active hours in the gym as some claim, you are doing your health a MAJOR disservice by trying to survive on 600, 800 or even 1000 calories. Stop worrying about a so-called Stall..you WILL lose if you properly hydrate & fuel your body. It isnt actually a STALL, your body is holding on to Water & glycogen for its dear life.... EAT THE food, MOVE YOUR BUTT and you WILL lose! ( which is why when some folks add in good fats that so-called stall is broken) By design, most VSG patients, let alone most non-surgical patients do not have the physical capacity to eat that much a day... you have to be SMART about your high caloric intake... Protein FIRST BUT CARBS ARE NOT YOUR ENEMY!! ( and I am SURE some folks will come reply or start a new thread indicating that because you are a VSG patient, you are some kind of special snowflake & this doesnt apply to you) Quotes to think about: It's probably true that inactive people don't require much in the way of carbs. But inactive humans simply aren't metabolically normal, so the correct solution isn't to go low-carb, it's to increase your activity level to the point that you rquire carbs. Don't fear eating carbs, fear not moving enough to not need them. (Melkor) - you do not need to train to swim to break Nyad's records...nor even train to participate in triathlons, duathlons. etc.... BUT YOU NEED TO MOVE, IN A MAJOR WAY!! I lost 100% EWL in 10 months.... I was 280 pounds pre-op. I am 153 pounds today... From size 22 down to size 6... basically 1 year post-op. the first 3 months were HELL... I was used to drinking most of my calories in a sugary way... I had trouble staying hydrated or eating enough food... I was re-hospitalized twice....Once I gave myself time to properly heal, it was ON!! I moved my body... and I ate the food required to do so... your needs will change as your weight and exercise changes.... At about 6 months, I was eating/drinking 1400 calories PLUS exercising 2 hours per day, 6 days per week.... 3 days of HEAVY weight lifting, 3 days of swimming, 3 days of running, 3 days of biking.... I eat fat, carbs and even sugar at times... My daily staples include chicken salad made with real mayo and cole slaw ( because Id rather eat the slaw and have regular bowel movements then to need laxatives to get & keep things moving) Despite all of that, on the weeks I did not make my caloric and protein & hydration goals, I did not lose....and by not meet, I mean, the weeks I ate LESS than 1300 calories.. Most of 2013 I was in training for triathlon...I stopped training in July when I was prepping for 2 surgeries... both have since been postponed/cancelled so Im back in train mode trying to get a race or 2 in before it gets cold on the East Coast.. Now that I am in maintanence, I eat 1600 calories a day when I do NOT exercise, more if I do....I cut back on training in prep for a surgery that has since been cancelled... I plan to bulk this winter so for next 8 weeks I will cut back to 1300 calories per day to get down 10 pounds... Once in Bulk Mode, hopefully before Thanksgiving, I will go to ~2400 calories ( adding in 100 calories per week) then only workout once per day, 6 days per week.... 3 days heavy lifting and 3 days cardio til I get to my new goal ( which is a size, shape goal rather than a numerical goal)...I currently wear a size 6.... too skinny for my liking....I want to be more muscular.... My plan will likely require some tweaking to get there.... More info on Diana Nyad, my Shero of the week: http://espn.go.com/espnw/features/article/6783740/how-diana-nyad-fuels-body this article is 2 years old and her needs have probably been adjusted some by now... another article: https://healthylivingmagazine.us/Articles/150/ Every hour and a half (or up to an hour and 45 minutes if Nyad keeps swimming until the second "come in now" whistle is blown) the boat idles and Nyad swims over. Bonnie Stoll, Nyad's best friend, business partner and "head handler," gives her the tube from a hydration pack filled with a carefully calibrated mix of water, sports drink, electrolytes and "predigested protein." Done with the fluids, Stoll hands over a tube of energy gel, then a single Clif Shot Blok. Then, a spoon with a bite of banana slathered in Peanut Butter is passed to the swimmer, who would invalidate the record she's hoping to set if she touched the boat. The bite doesn't provide much nutrition, Nyad explains, but even this small bit of solid food helps to coat her stomach when so much of her nourishment is coming from energy-compressed liquids and gels. But staying hydrated -- and properly fueled -- will be of the utmost importance ... Luckily, we know a lot more now than we did in the 70s. "You see pictures of when Diana did this 30 years ago and she'd stop and drink a Coke and eat a piece of cake," said Mark Sollinger, one of Nyad's drivers. "It's come a long way." Finding the right formula still took trial and error. What works for a marathon runner or cyclist doesn't necessarily work for Nyad. First of all, she's spending five, 10, 20 and eventually 60 hours in a prone position. Speaking of Snacks, her daily calorie count during training is 9,000 for non-swimming days and 3,500 when in the tank. Think it’s fun to be able to eat to one’s heart’s content? Think again. “It’s just too much food,” she tells a reporter. “Your stomach doesn’t want to take it in. I try to do some of it in Protein shakes and large three or four servings of Pasta for dinner.”

Parrothead probably had her gall bladder taken out before they could do it laproscopically. That's how they used to do it probably 10 years ago, the way she had it done.

I am finding that I am eating more and more lately also. My surgery was 7/01 and I have lost 64 pounds, with which I am very pleased. I am also off all diabetic and blood pressure meds since surgery so am much healthier than I thought possible this soon. But.......I am now reaching the point where I always get bored and revert to bad habits and am having to fight harder each day to stick to the program. The last time I lost any weight, about 30 pounds in 2004, I lasted about 3-4 months and then the holidays came and I gained it all back plus a few. So I am concerned. :smile: I wish to luck and success with your efforts! :biggrin: Leigh

I take gummies everyday. I have no trouble with them at all. I chew them very well before swallowing. I was banded 6/19

Hitting my 6 month anniversary, I'm so tired but after getting back on sugar and giving it up again, I am back to losing. It is my blood pressure that is the problem. I am tracking my BP and one example was 77/66 mostly its in the 90's/60's, so after keeping a log for a few days I called my cardiologist to see about lowering my doses. This is good news, but I am feeling a bit apprehensive about it all. My defibrillator hasn't shocked me in 3 years. Before that I was shocked at least 10 times, in 7 years. It doesn't sound to bad but it does cause some anxiety, well a lot of anxiety. One of my meds is a help you or kill you med that I may have to go inpatient to adjust. It is tempting to just gain a few pounds and maintain instead of take the chance while adjusting the meds. I'm happy here, it's just not the best I think I can do? I never set a number goal in my head, what you see on my timeline is 150 just because it sounded ok, according to my BMI I should be even lower like 135, I got there once but couldn't eat to maintain,I just want to be happy and healthy. I know what a problem to have, I could not have foreseen me ever thinking of maintenance this early. It sounds like such a major whiny baby topic. The doctor calls me back Monday with my changes, I am going to give it a shot and drop this last 20-30 pounds. If it gets to bad with my heart then I will at least know I tried. May make and appointment with my counselor just to work through the anxiety. Thanks for listening. Remember Fluid is even more important in the heat!!!

Ok, how long after surgery did you have a bowel movement. My surgery was 10/11 and nothing yet.

Selected Doctor: 10-14-08:eek: Viewed Emmi (Seminar) Online:10-15-08:rolleyes: LabWork: 11-18-08 (my delay-not theirs):cool: Psych Eval: 11-20-08:sneaky: Nutritionist: 11-29-08:sneaky: 1st Appt with Dr. Milton Owens: 12-5-08:scared2: Surgery Date: :confused: If better is possible than good is not enough ...

I cant have hair done before surgery. I will be banded 10/21 and my hair dresser books up a month in advance. My hair dresser is what my grandma would cal bat-shit-crazy. Can I say that? BUT- my color has never looked so good! Ha! I had a few bad colors (hair fell out) and I really love what she does. To be honest, nothing she says bothers me even a little. I know she is nutts so most of what she says makes me want to laugh. I read a lot when she is working. Thanks for the input!

I could've got my haircut 20 minutes after surgery. Of course, I'm a guy and only have to sit for 10 minutes.

Last night I ventured into the world of real food again. According to my post-op diet I can have fish and cooked vegetables...so I went to Luby's and ate about 1-1/2 oz. of baked fish, maybe 12 green beans, and 2 tbsp. of mashed potatoes. Yes, I was a little scared to swallow. But I chewed the tar out of that food and I had little problem. And I sure didn't eat very much. In the hours that followed I did have 4-5 short bursts of pain in my sternum area but it was no big deal. It did, however, give me a glimpse of what it feels like to get something stuck. Motivation enough to chew, chew, chew let me tell you! The most amazing thing was how this little bit of food kept me satisfied all night long!!! :omg: I realize it won't always be this way, but it was an interesting view of things to come. I dropped another 2 lbs. This is the coolest thing ever. Slept really well last night but had the STRANGEST dreams of my life. OMG!! And they just went on and on and on and on. Can't go into details in a public forum but let me just say they involved everything from bugs in my poop, to working with the FBI to nab a former neighbor, to being unable to properly care for a baby, to being named an executive in a new corporate merger. Hey, they're just dreams, right??? :rolleyes This morning have a good deal of pain at port incision and lots of pulling sensations when I cough or sneeze (OMG!!!), etc. Also, still constipated after taking two rounds of milk of magnesia :puke:. Gas is better this morning. Much better. Will try to move around more today....go for a longer 30 minute walk....maybe even 2x!! That would be really good. counts for yesterday: Total 638 Fat:21 190 30% Sat:10 93 15% Poly:3 29 5% Mono:6 54 9% Carbs:71 272 43% Fiber:3 0 0% Protein:43 171 27%

Im in the same situation Ive been waiting since d 19 of Nov. Im going crazy this is the worst part I dont know what to do or think. I feel like there taking forever and there just gonna say no at the end. What type of insurance do u have. Wish u d best of luke.

Wow, Webchickadee you are doing awesome! 10 pounds in two weeks is A-Mazing! Don't you just love it when the scale is moving in the right direction. I freak out so easily and I'm four months out today. I try to be rational, but sometimes my insecurities creep up and rear their ugly head. Keep up the great work and thank you for posting an update. I find that reading posts help motivate and reassure me!

Live in Sacramento-weather also very hot. I, too, struggle with my fluids. It takes all day to drink my 20oz Diet Snapple. I used to down a large Pepsi in about 10 minutes. Always been a guzzler. Doc said just always have fluids on you at all times which I do and I sip constantly. When I do gulp I feel like I'm going to vomit so I have to remind myself to slow down. I'm one month today and this has been the hardest part...the fluids!

HI! I am new to the board and so happy that I found this place. I a patient of Dr. Kurian's in NY. The process has gone sooo smoothly. I met with her for the first time in mid august and I was scheduled for surgery tomorrow (10/4/05) My Dr. was late in getting the results of my P.A.T's though and I got a call on Friday from my Dr. saying that my EKG came back abnormal and that he couldn't give me medical clearnance without further testing. Yikes. I have never had any problems before, but heart disease does run in my family. Needless to say, no surgery tomorrow. and I am hopeful that it won't be anything too serious. I was doubly disappointed, one in finding out that there might be something wrong with my heart and also in not being able to go through with the surgery. So anyway, instead of having surgery tomorrow, I am going for a thalium stress test and if all goes well, my band surgery will now take place on the 14th. I was so glad that I wasn't going to have to wait another couple of months. I'm getting more and more nervous about the surgery and am jsut looking forward to getting it over with. I try to focus on life after the surgery instead of dwelling on the actual surgery itself. Anyway, I am currently 240 pounds and am hoping to lose about 100 pounds. Although I will be hapy with anything! Losing weight has been such a struggle for me and I am looking forward to the help that the band offers.

Hi everyone!!! RNY scheduled for 8/19/19. I was rescheduled from 8/12/19 due to insurance wanting more info. I’m actually relieved because this extra week is giving me more time to prepare mentally & physically. I was a little freaked out last week but I’m settling in as I check more things off the list . Who else is scheduled for 8/19/19 & How are you doing? 5’2 58 yrs 235 lbs BMI 43

I had surgery 04/28.had some complications and ended up being in surgery for 9 hours. the doctor later told me that because of my anatomy surgery was a little more complicated and he didn't like how things looked when he finished up, so he basically did everything over. Because of all this I was in the hospital til 05/01 first couple of days were really hard but it really does get a little better each day ????

Had my surgery on 5/8/19. I have been hungry as well since the day after I got home. It isn't helping either that the Isopure is gross. Lol Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

there's all sorts of tea flavors out there, too.. go to a health food store & look at all the teas.. you can smell the boxes to see if it's something appetizing to you. you could also drink Soup broth or liquid soup, like tomato... or get a v8 or try juicing.. carrot + granny smith apple & some Water.. that's one of my favorites. might also try getting filters for your water, if you don't already have them for your water.. or try locating a local well & get well water.. it tastes different than tap water or bottled water from the store.. or if you have one of those places near you that sells alkalized water, you could start drinking that. it helps alkalize your body & you can get it by the gallon.. it's only like 10 bucks a month for unlimited water. regular tap water from the city has fluoride in it, which may be good for your teeth, but it's bad for your brain. hitler used it to make people more docile and to more easily accept what he was saying... i try to stay away from fluorinated products. there's also other chemicals in your water, which may be partially why you don't like how your water tastes & why you're reacting to it the way you are... so.. if you can afford to, i'd look into getting a *REALLY* good filtration system on your faucet.

The first week I was so frustrated because I was in the hospital 2 nights and came home to weigh myself and I had GAINED 10 pounds! I realized later that much of it was swelling from the surgery. I didn't start losing any weight until about 9 days post-op. I'm sure it's different for everyone. Don't worry! It's still very early. You'll see the scale move, almost before your very eyes! lol

Surgery was 10/11/12

I am 55. I have had a vertical sleeve done. My main reason for this procedure was the absorption of more nutrients and the non routing of the plumbing. I have had great success with this and am very pleased. It is still a lot of work and thought each day. I am now 7 months out and losing only 1-1 1/2 lbs. now a week. I do eat pretty much all foods and am learning moderation still. I am fearful of stretching my new stomach. I am now off all blood pressure medicine. Take nothing for arthritis pain and can now exercise because my knees and feet can now handle it. I still have arthritis pain but it is very manageable now especially in my knees. This has been the best thing I have ever done and wish I would have done it 10 years ago. Good Luck on deciding.