leatha_g

Initially, yes. But, as I stated, after the body begins to adjust, the weight loss will slow down due to the fact that it takes fewer calories to maintain a lesser volume of weight. So, in fact, you could (and would) stop losing and begin to gain based on the diet you outlined, simply due to the calories associated with that high carb diet.

What were your doctors orders?? Are you supposed to be on liquids the first few days/weeks? Most US docs say full liquids, then mushies. Do you mean pre-op (before surgery) or post-op (after surgery)??

God love ya, Michelle, you're doing an awesome job! I'm so proud that you are doing so well!

It is definitely higher up, nearer the throat/esophagus. I don't notice 'gagging', but I definitely notice a 'ohmygawd, if I keep eating there'll be no where else to poke it' sensation. :huggie:

In the beginning, perhaps..but alas our body will catch up and adjust. Reality bites, but it's calories in vs calories burned. Simple math says that in order to maintain a 120 lb body, 1200 calories will do it. In order to maintain a 200lb body, 2000 calories will do that too. :huggie: In my world, it doesn't take long to add up to 2000 calories with a high carb diet.

I truly appreciate your very honest and candid post. Truth is, there are no absolutes about being banded. Perfect bandsters have slippage, erosion, nighttime reflux, esophageal problems and so do 'not so perfect' bandsters. One person may have some influence on their complications while another may have done every single thing by the book. The results can still be the same when it all comes out in the wash and because this is new technology and it is most likely being perfected, we are definitely the group who are living through those learning curves. It's all well and good while things are going well and my thinking is that a person should really 'get what they came for' in the beginning, because yes, things can change quickly and there doesn't have to be any 'fault'. When I discuss my band with people these days, I absolutely recommend it, but I no longer repeat those mantras that I did early on about how it will last forever or how it's so much MORE efficient than the bypass, etc. Looking backwards from 3 years out, it has become more of a means to an end, possibly even a temporary one, with some very real possibilities of complications, maybe even requiring removal at some point and very possibly causing long lasting effects on associated organs, etc., ie esophageal dysmotility. Do I love my band?? You betcha! Would I recommend a friend or family member getting it?? Only if they understood and agreed that they would take the responsibility of the maintenance required, ie fills, possible unfills, possible rebanding, possible removal due to more severe complications or changes in anatomy such as esophageal problems.

:huggie: They put in 3ccs during surgery?? In a band that only holds 4?? WOWEE, that's quite a risk in my opinion. In a Vanguard maybe, but a band that ONLY holds 4ccs??? I'm sorry, but that is very scary and I would sure verify it. Something doesn't sound just right here..

The Schwans man was my best friend - bandwise. When I was using Schwans, I simply ordered the chicken breasts, chicken cordon bleu, mahi mahi, salmon, crab cakes. IF I ordered Desserts, it was only the Schwan's Pops popsicles or maybe the Lemon Ice, if I was indulging. I had to swear off the ice creams, etc early on. But I did so well with the portioned meats. Walk in from work, throw a breast, crab cakes, etc in the oven for 30 minutes, add a small amount of veggies and voila' - a bandster proportioned meal. Since I bought my house in another area, me and the Schwan's man can't seem to see eye to eye on deliveries. :huggie: I NEED to get back to using him...

There is NO good reason to live with nighttime reflux. .. Hmm, you said you only saw about 6 months ago?? Um.. since the reflux has developed, get thee to a Dr.. puleeze!!

Becky, when you guys say 'Esophogram', is that a totally different test then the EGD or Manometry test? Easier? Harder? Can you tell me what they do?

Happy Birthday ladies.. I think we share the same birthday.. coolio... :confused:

So sorry to hear of this with you gals. ((Becky)) always good to see you. I honestly feel this is going to be my next diagnosis as well. I guess I'm holding off on actually forcing the issue until I have to. I attempt a fill, it's too much. Not enough allows pouch packing without any overt 'stop' signs. Then you have that immediate reflux, waking up choking. :confused: I really love being banded. I am so afraid they'll tell me I have to remove it, so I'm just trying to maintain where I'm at. Please keep us posted as to new findings, both of you.

Great answers above. Otherwise, since these folks aren't really giving 'medical advise' persay, that we should be relying on, I've never felt the need to verify their existence. I find it quite gracious of them to give of their time and expertise, but you'll also see that they are quick to state you need to rely on YOUR doctor for any real important issues.

I took Prilosec for years before and after being banded. No problems.

Wished I had that option, but I work for a very large Outsourcing Corporation who requires 'business casual' to 'business professional' attire. ie, ever hear of Ross Perot's dress codes?? Well, he's not AS bad as he used to be, but somehow, athletic shoes and business attire just don't work. I do work in the hospital environment, but as a vendor/contractor doing training. I WISHED I could get back into my 'nursing' shoes. Yes, I do..

nope, no fill - but you need to be careful of the 'soft food syndrome'. yes, it's easier to eat softer foods, but they also come with lots more calories. if you can't eat hard Proteins, it may be that you need a bit of an unfill. that being said, IF you can get done several bites of meats/proteins, you may be fine. Our heads tend to think we NEED more than 'a few' bites of Protein, when in reality, it's quite okay if you can just have 'a few' and your band begins to say NO MORE. You may even be at the ever elusive 'sweet spot' that so many pray for. Try to be aware - if you chew, chew, chew - can you get down 4-8 bites of protein successfully? If so - you may need NO adjustment. It's very common that people can't eat solids in the morning. This is where Protein Shakes or Protein Bars came in handy for me, or cottage cheese or yogurt. It's all trial and error.. :jaw: Good luck!

I have a brother who's had his back operated on, his neck operated on. I suppose he's SOME better, but all in all, I think he wonders if the surgeries were worth it. There are many exercises that help as well. Both my brother's deal with epidural cortisone injections and they seem to have helped as much as anything. I understand how hard it is to watch someone you love suffer. Big hugs to mom and 'daughter'...

I broke down and went to the Foot Solutions store this weekend. Wound up with some Naot(?) slingback clogs. It's SO frustrating. I went there for Danskos and they run TOO BIG for my little flintsone feet.:faint: :jaw: Regular stores only cater to narrows, problem feet stores only cater to larger feet. ????? See, I knew GOD meant for me to be barefoot.. really.... Now, how to make a living being barefoot.... :nervous

You look AWESOME Lisa!! Way to go girlfriend!! I bet you're knocking them dead, now that you're single! Go slow, young lady, go slow.. We sure miss you around here.. and I'm sure wishing there was another Galveston get together. I loved our last one! Please keep in touch. I MISS YOU and I wanna hear everything!

Just over 3 years here. Banded May 23, 2003. Rebanded due to slippage July 16, 2004. Gallbladder removed exactly 6 weeks after. Esophageal issues at this point render fills pretty much useless. 55 lbs lost 1st year, 20 after rebanding (my 2nd band has never been the same as the first). According to my originals doctors goal - 16 lbs needed to goal. According to me, I could lose another 30-50.

Not to alarm you. But the word slippage worries me here. When you mention 'bulging' esophagus and pain. Sometimes pouch dilatation equals band prolapse. You really should not have that kind of pain.

Don't lose hope, Chelley. You're right. One of the drawbacks of the VG band is that it does sometimes take longer to get to a restricted level. This due to the bands larger capacity. It will be helpful if whoever is doing your fills is doing them under flouro so they can 'SEE' how much liquid is going through. Either way, do not lose hope. You WILL get there!!

6170 Sherry Lane Suite 200 Dallas, TX 75225 (214) 234-0330 (214) 234-0331 fax FERRIS HEART CENTER 210 W. 6th Street Ferris, TX. 75125 (972) 842-THIN (8446) (972) 842-3944 fax

I travel almost weekly. There is no reason to think you can't travel and have the band. It has been heard of that some people experience a tightening of the band when flying, but nothing severe enough to cause you not to be able to travel. never fear, my dear..

((((Bright)))) - we love you gf, and you are not a freak. Many of us suffer from depressive episodes and we just stand together and bolster one another and keep doing the next best thing. This too will pass.. and whatever comes to pass, you are still and will always be beautiful on the inside and the outside. Go for the xrays which can just as well lay your fears to rest as anything else. Cross whatever bridge may come when it comes and know that you've got lots of folks who care and support you in whatever that may be. God bless..