TerriDoodle

Well, this isn't quite true. If you are very tightly restricted even the slightest change in stress levels, hormone levels, or irritation to the band can cause it to be very fickle. Yes, you certainly can tolerate a food one day and not the next! Ok, here's what I think is going on with your band Shleb -- 1) you are eating solid/risky foods after you have already irritated your stoma previously....which causes further irritation. 2) You probably are not chewing well enough or small enough bites for the amount of restriction you have. 3) You may also be experiencing some esophageal spasms which may occur periodically when you're too restricted, esp. after eating spicy/greasy foods. So....if you want to manage with your current restriction for awhile, this is what you should try: 1) If you ever have an episode of getting 'stuck' or throwing up your food, for the next 24 hours (at least) go to a liquid and very mushie diet. 2) Don't take bites any larger than a pencil eraser (not kidding!) especially of things like meat, fibrous fruits & veggies, Pasta, bread, eggs, fried foods...or any risky food. Take a full minute between bites. Don't eat another bite if you feel the slightest bit of discomfort until that discomfort passes. 3) Avoid spicy/greasy foods and use deep breathing or other relaxation techniques to reduce or alleviate the spasms. 4) Start watching for reflux symptoms! Don't eat after 7:00p at night. If you choose to keep your band that tight, then you'll have to do these things. OR...... you can have a wee bit taken out and feel much better, eat a wider variety of foods, and rely on your good sense and willpower to get you where you need to be. This is what 'they' meant when 'they' said that the band is not magic wand...it's a tool!!

Are you taking Gas-X? Walking and moving around as much as possible? Those things help immensely Are you constipated? You could probably take a mild laxative like Miralax -- that stuff is great.

Well, it has more to do with lowering levels of Leptin than anything else. It's not all about motivation or Fluid levels in the band, unfortunately. The other bad thing is that there's not much you can do to raise Leptin levels either, but it is a subject of intense study. Battle Of The Bulge: Low Leptin Levels Undermine Successful Weight Loss

I am really happy with the new layout, Alex. Reminds me of the 'old days' when it was nice and simple and easy to read. The latest version we had was just too 'busy' and I really don't miss the 'latest photo albums' being gone. No bugs to report yet! Great job!!!!

Absolutely -- this is all that's wrong with you and all you need to do to feel better. DEEP breathing for at least 10 breaths every hour. You'll be amazed at how good it works! It's an effect of the anesthesia, I think....makes your lungs kinds of lazy.

Do you have a hobby that's been neglected or that you've always wanted to start? My beading/jewelry hobby has really helped me in lots of ways since I started it. Now it keeps my hands busy and me out of the kitchen!! Holidays are coming! Can you start some handmade gifts to get your focus OFF of yourself and ON to something productive and fun?

It is well documented that STRESS causes added restriction....no doubt about it! So perhaps if you do some deep breathing or meditating, etc. before you take a meal it will help.

Oh, I wholeheartedly agree and recommend that you do what you can to MAXIMIZE your weight loss in the first 6-8 months....especially if you have companion issues that normally inhibit weight loss like menopause, anti-depressants, PCOS, etc. You will also be highly motivated during this time with the newness of it all as well as the 'rapid' weight loss....so, YES, by all means..... make those first months count!!!

It sounds to me like you are going through what many, many bandsters endure in the first weeks....and yes, it's perfectly normal. The depression may get worse before it gets better as I understand it's a side effect of the anesthesia as well as the weight loss you'll most likely experience (rapid breakdown of fat releases the stored estrogen). Maybe it would be helpful for you to do some reading about emotional eating during this time? The book [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Shrink-Yourself-Emotional-Eating-Forever/dp/0470044853]Shrink Yourself [/ame]is highly recommended. Be patient with yourself...the adjustments you need to make will come with time. I know sometimes that's hard to believe, but you will! Best of luck to you!

If you Google "weight gain paxil" you'll see lots of articles like this one: Paxil and Weight Gain FYI, I take Lexapro and weaned myself off to see if it would help me with my weight loss 'stall'....and it did not. My dr. told me that Lexapro is the best one for avoiding weight gain. It might help, but you'll gain it right back when you get back on the pill. I think the hormones in the pills cause you to gain Water weight.

It's not a proud day for me!! I have never, ever been so depressed over an election in my adult life. You can mark my words and take note....we will ALL be worse off 4 years from now as we are today. I know it as sure as I know the sun will rise tomorrow. I'm gonna 'check out' for awhile and let you all celebrate ....... I just can't take it.

I don't know, but I think it's your duty.....and besides, just think of ALL THE "OTHER" PEOPLE who didn't need to show ID!? LOL You might be doing us all a big fat favor!

Laura, I looked it up and ID (photo or non-photo) is supposed to be required in Alabama. You should report it. ID required to vote in certain states - CNN.com

THIS IS WHY: [ame= ] [/ame] Makes me downright queazy. :tongue:

This does NOT give me a warm & fuzzy feeling. :tongue::tongue:

I'm talking about when I was pregnant....so yeah, that was LONG time ago....with my now-ex husband.

Laura - you're a moderator now? More power to ya!! You go!

TracyinKS - Hmmm...I had a small hernia once, about the size of a quarter but it just went away, I guess. But you're right that you prolly need to get it checked out. Did you google it to see what you could find out? Laura - l loved the youtube vid. He makes some very interesting points! Refreshing, too. Sorry you had such a crappy day...sounds like some of mine sometimes. I remember when I was about as pregnant as you are now, with my first, I had a new car-- 5 days old to be exact. I was going to wash it in the driveway then head out to do some shopping. My DH needed to back his car out a bit so I could get out of the garage, so I hop in my car, and I'm watching him back out of my review mirror while I am also backing out and all of a sudden i hear this CCCRRRRRUUUUUNNNNNCCCCHHHHH. I had forgotten to close my freakin' door and it got caught on the frame of the freakin' garage and just about ripped the freakin' door OFF!!! OMG!!! I cried for hours...inconsolable. My (now ex-)DH was so sweet. He couldn't yell at me 'cause I already felt soooooo bad! What a dumbass move that was.

Hey... who voted early and who has to get out there tomorrow? Gosh, here in Houston I know it will be utter madness...not only at the polling places but just traffic in general. I'm glad I voted early! Soooooo glad!!

Oh, Tracy....I meant to say to please try to not worry about the mammogram. They call you back in for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that looks the eensiest bit suspicious. The chances are overwhelmingly in your favor. I went thru the same scare about 3 years ago and it was nothing. But, considering my mom had breast cancer, it was a very scary few days. Just keep breathing!! The deeper the better!! (((Hugs)))

Heck no, Mae! You don't have to be an April '07 Bandster to be a Violet! We're glad you came out of the closet (so to speak)! Hi! :thumbup: Tracy - Wanna meet me for a fill at Dr. Spivak's?? I think I better get one with the holidays coming up.

Laura - I miss your doggie in your avatar. "What?!" LOL Well, the doc may be an ignoramous when it comes to obesity issues, but at least she gave you a REASON why you're so hungry and validated that it's not just all a big head issue! Maybe it will settle down after a bit. How's your energy level these days? TracyinKS - ((Hugs)) dear. Sorry about the issues with Robby. Does he play sports? Wonder if the influence of a team and/or coach would help shape his attitudes. Thanks for asking about Hero -- he's doing great! Jane - Extra ((((HUGS)))) to you today! I hope its all over real soon. I hate to think of you being so upset. Haydee - loved the costume! Looks like ya'll had a wonderful weekend! Kat - We'll miss you sumpin' awful!

Isn't it crazy? Its easier than making a PB&J sandwich and is delicious!!! The peppers do mellow out considerably after storing the leftovers, so maybe it will be more to your liking today. Great on tortillas, too!

WHY DON'T PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THIS?? I just don't get it...I really don't. I only consider myself of average intelligence but I see this clear as day. Is the rest of the population THAT clueless?? I pray not. We shall see.

THIS is a work of art!!! Pure eloquence! Bravo!