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January Bandsters???



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Hello All,

I have a questions to those that were banded this month and of whom are getting their first fill. OK, question, I am scheduled for my first fill for this Monday. I still feel like I have pretty good restriction. So I'm not sure I need one just yet. We have a cruise planned for the week of March 11th and I am afraid if I get a fill and there are problems, then I won't be able to enjoy the cruise having only liquids if I experience problems. I am currently still on mushies until 2-26, so I have a couple of weeks to get use to "real" food. Any words of wisdom?

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Hello All,

I have a questions to those that were banded this month and of whom are getting their first fill. OK, question, I am scheduled for my first fill for this Monday. I still feel like I have pretty good restriction. So I'm not sure I need one just yet. We have a cruise planned for the week of March 11th and I am afraid if I get a fill and there are problems, then I won't be able to enjoy the cruise having only liquids if I experience problems. I am currently still on mushies until 2-26, so I have a couple of weeks to get use to "real" food. Any words of wisdom?

Ask your doctor's office for their advice. If it was me, I wouldn't get a fill if I still had restriction and was still losing weight.

On the other hand, most bandsters, including myself, do not get much restriction with the first fill. I purposely asked for them to not be too aggressive with the fill because I want to go slow at working up on fills. My doctor asked me to stay on soft foods for 48 hours after the fill, then return to normal foods.

Enjoy the cruise!

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To me this is a total no-brainer. Get the fill AFTER the cruise. Fills are unpredictable and being overfilled can be a medical issue that needs attention. Unexpectedly extreme restriction can pop up a couple weeks after the fill. The risks are probably small that it would be a serious problem, but why risk it?

In the future you may want to plan fewer (food orgies/cruises) for your vacations. But since you have this one planned I say enjoy it and then deal with the fill later. You're only talking about a few weeks.

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I'm at the point where my weight loss is stalled. I'm going to start using my stationary bike today and everyday to see if it will jump start my weight loss again. I was thinking if I did the fill, I would, like you, ask for a small fill, but because of the cruise, I'm worried about being out of pocket should problems arrise. I'm on the fence with this one. GGGRRRR

I just don't know.....:help:

Ask your doctor's office for their advice. If it was me, I wouldn't get a fill if I still had restriction and was still losing weight.

On the other hand, most bandsters, including myself, do not get much restriction with the first fill. I purposely asked for them to not be too aggressive with the fill because I want to go slow at working up on fills. My doctor asked me to stay on soft foods for 48 hours after the fill, then return to normal foods.

Enjoy the cruise!

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This is what worries me. I don't want to be way out to sea or in a foreign port and be having problems with no way to correct the issue. So, maybe it is a no-brainer. (You are so funny :biggrin1:) We go on several cruises a year and the food no longer calls my name the way it use to, but they use to be food orgies, now it's just about relaxing family time. My two boys, 12 & 15, still regard cruises as food orgies. HEHE So I will let them eat my share and just pick off of their plate.

To me this is a total no-brainer. Get the fill AFTER the cruise. Fills are unpredictable and being overfilled can be a medical issue that needs attention. Unexpectedly extreme restriction can pop up a couple weeks after the fill. The risks are probably small that it would be a serious problem, but why risk it?

In the future you may want to plan fewer (food orgies/cruises) for your vacations. But since you have this one planned I say enjoy it and then deal with the fill later. You're only talking about a few weeks.

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Pinky12202 (Linda)

Marjon9

Sula (Shawn)

Reesh

Soon2bthin.com

Bandqueen

Chunky Monkey

Muttman

Today marks 1 month since your had your band, tell us about your experiences this month, what have you noticed? What have you learned? What are your struggles? Did you measure before surgery, if so, how many inches have you lost, this tells so much more than the scales....the scales sometimes lie.

Just curious how the 1 month bandsters are doing? I think it would be a good idea for all of us to maybe tell about our first month with the band.

Lemme see...one month,

I feel terrific. I feel bad for saying that for those still experiencing pain! Sorry and I hope it will get better for you.

I'm struggling with my decision to get a fill in a couple of weeks. I have lost 23 pounds since banding so I feel that it a good amount for where I'm at and it appears that I am losing about 1-2 pounds per week. I'd like to lose quicker but I know that isn't in my best interest. I am thinking since I have the VG band, I will go ahead with the fill, tho. My Dr. started me out with 2cc's. Did anyone else start out with some saline in their band from the onset?

I haven't got the exersize routine down yet. My car was in the shop and so I carpooled to work with my DH, during my normal workout time. But I'm going to get after it. I know it needs to be a part of my life and for the most part, I do enjoy it. I can hardly wait to be able to get outside and walk. I just got an XM Roady radio and I see they have a headset for them so you can walk and listen to tunes!

I also have to say, that after the first of the year, I am off sugar, bread, sodas, alcohol and eating well, so I feel more energy and just basically feel good physically. I have not cheated once on my eating regime and only have some moderate hunger pains when I go a bit too long between meals. What a great month for me as far am mental, emotional and physical well-being. I'm excited about this process.

All the best to the rest of you.

Shawn

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Hi everyone! I am finally able to check in. I was having some problems with my computer. Anyway, I was supposed to have an appointment with the nutritionist on Wednesday; however we had a snow storm(more like an ice storm) and my appointment was cancelled. I did go for my 2 week post-op appointment on Thursday. I am glad to say that I was down 24lbs and the doctor said that everything looks good. I am feeling well. I've been exercising-only 3x last week. I am not feeling 100% today though. I have an awful cold. I am sure that this too shall pass. I think I'll rest today and go to the gym tomorrow. Anyway, just wanted to update everyone. I hope everyone is well. Gigi

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Thanks...he didn't call yesterday but I'm calling as I type today!!! THIS is horrible!!!! Good luck today!!! Let me know what your MD says..:kiss2:

Hi Bandida,

I wanted to let you know that I had an esophogram yesterday and that doctor said everything look fine. However, he will let another doctor look at the pictures. The Barium wasn't bad, just very CHALKY! I didn't see my doctor on yesterday, but he called in to make sure I was there and had the nurse send me to get the esophogram. I did see another doctor and he think I'm having some kind of muscle spasms in my chest. Who knows...I will say it feels like a muscle spasm. Dr. Harper also said it may be an ulcer, so he want to do some more testing. I will wait and hear from my doctor, Dr. Madan. How is everything going with you?

Be Blessed!

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Hi Bandida,

I wanted to let you know that I had an esophogram yesterday and that doctor said everything look fine. However, he will let another doctor look at the pictures. The Barium wasn't bad, just very CHALKY! I didn't see my doctor on yesterday, but he called in to make sure I was there and had the nurse send me to get the esophogram. I did see another doctor and he think I'm having some kind of muscle spasms in my chest. Who knows...I will say it feels like a muscle spasm. Dr. Harper also said it may be an ulcer, so he want to do some more testing. I will wait and hear from my doctor, Dr. Madan. How is everything going with you?

Be Blessed!

Hi! i'm glad it wasn't too bad..I hope it's nothing serious...I did see the MD yesterday and he did an xray...I guess there is alot of air in my stomach, which in turn swelled it, which in turn is pushing against my diaphragm....which is what's causing all the pain...We don't know where the air came from...He says "Do you feel like you have to burp?" i said no and he was surprised..but, I'm back on liquids, a lot of gas x, pepcid amd baby milicone drops.. and until I see him again on tuesday..Today was better though..If I keep my stomach "full" it doens't hurt..and air is comming from EVERYWHERE..lol....Maybe it's my mistake, maybe not enough food, liquids...but he didn't mention anything and I am doing my 64oz of liquids and all that jazz..so we'll see what happens...worse case scenario...you can imagine...:omg: :think ..so, i'm being positive and praying and I know GOD will make this right....My prayers are with you as well...keep me posted and keep your spirits high!!!

Blessings...and Thanks for asking...

Olga

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My family & I had dinner tonight....well everybody wanted to go to China Buffet. I didn't want to, but I thought sooner or later I'm going to have to learn how to handle situations like this. It was so funny because I had exactly what I was supposed to...half a piece of fish and cucumber/tomato salad and then I was full. Afterward, everybody felt awful from way eating too much, and I felt great! That was too cool! Before the band forget about it!

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Welcome Law Bandster! I'll add you to our master list! You're doing great!

I agree with you, self dicipline plays a big part in this, even though our little band friend is there, he is not always working - especially before you get a fill. Exercise is also important, the book I'm reading says you should exercise EVERYDAY for 30 minutes, some type of exercise, swimming, walking, something. This is the area I must work on!

Welcome again to our group and congrats on being banding and losing 21 lbs forever!

I'm going to have to make myself a workout goal for this week. I'm not as motivated as I'd like when it comes to exercise, but 30 minutes seems reasonable. I also liked your idea to measure my food...I'm going to get a food scale tomorrow. Thanks for the great posts & support.

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Does anyone know what happens if you stretch your pouch and how would you know if you stretched it? Iam so worried that I will stretch mine.

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Hi from Mississippi!

I was banded in Jackson, MS by Dr Ken Cleveland at CMMC on Jan 29th, 2007. I havent gotten the hang of posting and using the tickers yet, but i AM here! My presurgical weight was 330 lbs and as of today, and 305 lbs.

This site has been invaluable to me as I am single and not currently working. Keep up all the good work! :clap2:

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Deb;

Your weight lose is sooooo inspiring to me. 25 pounds that is fantastic!

If you want I will help you with the ticker.

tickerfactory.com or email me back and we can get on the phone and fix you up, it will take MAYBE 4 minutes! It is so easy but you just need to know how.

p

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Hi! i'm glad it wasn't too bad..I hope it's nothing serious...I did see the MD yesterday and he did an xray...I guess there is alot of air in my stomach, which in turn swelled it, which in turn is pushing against my diaphragm....which is what's causing all the pain...We don't know where the air came from...He says "Do you feel like you have to burp?" i said no and he was surprised..but, I'm back on liquids, a lot of gas x, pepcid amd baby milicone drops.. and until I see him again on tuesday..Today was better though..If I keep my stomach "full" it doens't hurt..and air is comming from EVERYWHERE..lol....Maybe it's my mistake, maybe not enough food, liquids...but he didn't mention anything and I am doing my 64oz of liquids and all that jazz..so we'll see what happens...worse case scenario...you can imagine...:omg: :think ..so, i'm being positive and praying and I know GOD will make this right....My prayers are with you as well...keep me posted and keep your spirits high!!!

Blessings...and Thanks for asking...

Olga

I'm glad you are doing better. I was wondering about the air in your stomach. My doctor was adamant about no drinking through a straw and using a work-out bottle for Water with a small opening, so that I don't swallow air. Could this be part of your problem? Just a thought....

Take care and I hope you feel better soon.

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