Hello everyone! Hopefully some of ya'll remember me. I've been MIA for a while now and I decided it's time to come clean.

I was banded 9-20-07. Lost 100 lbs exactly on my 1-year bandiversary. I have flip flopped with the same 20 lbs since then.

I have been pretty active on LBT until the past few months. I was recently diagnosed with cluster headaches. It's a very rare headache disorder- known as the worst kind of headache there is. Here is a link that better explains if anyone is interested in it --> Cluster Headaches

I have been dealing with these headaches for a little over a month now, with anywhere between 1-6 headaches a day. My doctor put me on a steroid, a very high dose and then I'll be tapered off it. I think I will be on it a total of 6 weeks. The side effects are taking a toll on me....even less sleep, mood swings, fatigue, and HUNGRY ALL THE TIME! I think I've gained 8 lbs since starting the steroid 10 days ago. The steroid blocked the headaches for about 4 days, and now they have returned again.

I have tried exercising since the attacks started and exercise ALWAYS brings an attack on...even light swimming. It's very discouraging. I am lucky that my doctor knew about cluster headaches, because many people go misdiagnosed for years...it's heartbreaking.

Now, I am not blaming cluster headaches for all my weight gain, because I have not been following the rules much lately. food has become my comfort. I never thought that would happen to me after all I have accomplished. I guess I'm just looking for some support. I still have a long way to go and I'm wondering if I will ever get there.

I am going to start tracking my food tomorrow and try to make better choices with my food. Thanks for listening. I've missed my band buddies!!

Georgia,

Glad to hear that the oxygen is working. That is exciting news for you!

I hope things continue to improve.

Thanks Suzanne! I went to the doctor yesterday, and since tapering off the steroid, the headaches have come back. He put me on Verapamil, so hopefully I will see some good results from this.

Any news on your foot?

Hi Georgia Girl!

I've been off LBT for a long time too. I totally remember you and your GREAT recipes. Your turned me on the the creamy spinach dip in a jar that I still use all the time! I'm sooo sorry to hear about your headaches. It sounds awful and very dibilitating. Sounds like you're working hard w/your doc to try to figure out a treatment that will give you long and short term support. I wouldn't worry about your weight, everything will fall back in to place once you get your headaches under control. I actually had emergency surgery last week due to a severe slip/obstruction caused by severe scar tissue. It was crazy and all happened so fast. I'm doing great now and am happy to still have a band..let alond a new one! I've missed LBT and all the great support on here. It's especially nice to come back to familiar bansters like you. I really hope you are pain free soon and am happy to reconnect with you! I'm sending you big hugs and positive vibes that you get the relief you need!!

Hey marathinner!! It's so good to hear from you. Sorry about the slip, but glad you were able to keep a band. Are you doing okay since the surgery? Are you having to start all over with the food, like when you first got banded?

Thanks for the positive vibes! I really appreciate that. I went to the doctor this past Monday and he decided to put me on Verapamil, which is most commonly used as a blood pressure medication. It's been proven to work well for many people. It was either that or Lithium, and I just wasn't ready for that, lol.

I'm still taking the Prednisone too...got another week or so on it. I'm taking a much lower dose now, and I can already tell some of the swelling is going down and the hunger is getting better too! Thanks again for the kind words! Glad to hear from you! Keep posting and don't be a stranger!