leatha_g

The gas in your bowel and the gas in your shoulder are two totally different things. The referred shoulder pain after surgery is actually from the 'stretching' of the diaphragm during surgery - the gas referred to is actually C02 and dissappates within minutes of the surgery. The pain is from the actual stretching of the diaphragm (pull your t-shirt and see how the material doesn't immediately spring back). It takes days, maybe a few weeks for this stretching to heal, hence the referred shoulder pain. The gas-x will ONLY help the gas buildup in the bowel due to things eaten or drank. That's totally unrelated.

Big hugs and God bless, Vines. I've been right where you are, waiting for a diagnosis. It's tough and our minds sure get the best of us. I think it's a wise thing to just take care of YOU for now and surround yourself with your family. Things like this take the wind our of your sails, but you're a strong woman, you will overcome it and it will make you stronger. Please seek help if you feel the depression overwhelming you...

Just FYI - nearly EVERY time I've ever had a fill, I also have residual ear/sinus issues. Interestingly, this thing is connected...

I wished I had this problem.. lol, however.. I do hope you're still pushing to get your protein in..

Some people biologically just do NOT have the chemical replenishment that is supposed to occur in the brain. If your depression lasts for more than 2 weeks, you need to seek professional help. There are some marvelous drugs today that save lives and indeed restore quality to a person's existence. I know my life was saved and absolutely made better because of the drugs available.. just like those with chemical imbalances due to thyroid, diabetes or other endocrine disorders. Please don't tough it out if you truly feel you may be clinically depressed. ((hugs))

YAYYY!! Congrats girl!! I bet you're elated!!

If your children are very small and need lifting, you'll also want to figure help in for that. I don't think you're supposed to lift anything over 20lbs for a few weeks. Ask your doc for his recommendations.. Good luck!

Poor thing! Yikes.. I've suffered with ingrown toenails ALL of my life. The infections can be horrendous. I certainly feel for you. The one thing I do today is to get regular pedicures to have that toenail groomed often. (Course, you have to be careful WHERE you have that done, too. ) I really really hope you can get it cleared up and it doesn't effect your scheduled band date. We'll certainly be thinking of you and praying for your quick recovery.. Good luck!

I'm sorry to hear this as well. It's no fun been there.. Esophageal erosion has nothing to do with the band itself, right?? From what I can tell, this seems to be quite an issue from being filled too tightly. Did your doc speculate??

Black is fine for me..

- Tortillas (white, wheat, corn?) I have no problem with crisp tortillas, soft defintely got stuck with good restriction - salad (what kind of lettuce can you eat?) I have and have not had problems with lettuce - depending on restriction. - Hard breads (pretzels, crackers, melba, etc.) No problem if I go slow - "Fluffy" breads (pancakes, waffles, muffins) Not worth it. Two bites and I'm full, so why bother? Besides, these got me where I am today.. :confused: - Ground meants (turkey, chuck, sirloin...) No problem. Steak is out, however. - Shellfish/crustaceans (scallops, shrimp, crab, lobster, mussels...) Never had a problem with shrimp, however, scallops and lobster I PB'd on first time. I won't be trying again. Haddock also - it's that rubbery texture. - Hard cereal (grape nuts, oat bran, etc.) I've eaten cereal, however, it tends to 'settle' like potatoes, so you have to be aware and go slow. - Hard cheeses I've had more problem with melted cheeses than hard.

If you have to really take SMALL SMALL sips, just be sure to keep it up continuously. For sure, do not let yourself get dehydrated. For me, a straw helped, that way I could keep something going in constantly, but it was measured. Others were told NO straws due to more gas. I never had a problem, but the straw helped me to constantly sip. This too shall pass! Good luck!

Sometimes, the port can be pulled and become tender, especially if you've exercised more than you're used to, or by lifting, etc. This could very well be your port/tubing causing you a bit of pain. I've had it many times over the past few years, but it generally rights itself after a few days. Definitely contact your doc if this doesn't seem to be the case..

20 lbs since February?? Um.. is this not great??? How much were you losing BEFORE being banded?? The AVERAGE is 5-10lbs PER MONTH - after having restriction. I'd say you have done better than average and you can tell those inquiring minds that the band is slow weight loss, not unhealthy super fast weight-loss and that you'll report to them on a monthly basis or quarterly, but minute by minute is just unreasonable.. lol. You probably ARE compacting and gaining muscle OR your itty bitty 2lbs is water weight gain. I fluctuate this much IN A DAY... Give yourself a break, girl, this is not a race and you're right on track! Keep up the good work and try to relax, this is for life. Even your doctors goal is ONLY 50-100 lbs PER YEAR. It all works out over time...

don't lose hope! truth is, you WILL lose weight at that rate of intake. of course, your body may currently be trying to hold onto to what it can due to the extreme lack of intake. try to raise the calories, but more importantly, you need Protein. can you not eat hard Proteins at all? what about egg drop soup? or Protein shakes? 700-800 calories is just not enough. can you not eat flaked tuna, fish or chicken? what about trying these blended? how slow are you eating when you eat solids? are you chewing until it is mush? are you able to get in your 64 oz of Water? please try to focus more on protein .. check out www.fitday.com to see how your protein/calories add up.. it will get better, I promise!

Before losing my 70 or so lbs, I thought I would finally just give up because of my feet and legs. I certainly understand wondering if you can make it back to the car from shopping. Totally humiliating .. I have circulation problems which add to the problem, but I can honestly say the weight loss is the best thing I could have done for the foot/ankle pain that was stealing my life... Good luck!

It's a good idea to carry a plastic bag, flight barf bag type thing in your purse, if you can't find your way to a private bathroom stall.. There is NO way I would be PBing for everyone in a restaurant to see. More importantly, slow down, chew, chew, chew and avoid things like breads, pastas, potatoes, steak, fibrous veggies that might not get chewed up..

I'm still thinking you need to get thee to a flouro machine. Just my thoughts..

God bless you and your family during this very difficult time. The greatest thing about the band is that every single day it remains there, like a good friend, to help you pick up where you left off. Try to focus on protein and only good veggies ( I KNOW - It's tough!), force the water and turn up the volume on some sort of exercise. Remember, exercise is one of the very best natural triggers for endorphins, which help in fighting depression - so at this time, it seems like something you could really use, mentally and physically.. Big HUGS!! and keep on keeping on!

Glad to hear there is no erosion. Sorry to hear about the dilitation, but I guess you will now join the ranks of us who can speak to that experience. I'm sure hoping the rest will be a fix for you. I'll keep my fingers crossed!!

You're 5 days out from banding.. Call your doctor!! This could be a simple case of swelling, restriction, etc.. OR it could be something more complicated. Please call your doctor.. .

If nothing else, there are local churches, community services, etc who have people who help with just this kind of thing all the time.. It's easy to be tempted and we all are often guilty of trying to be TOO self-reliant, but this is one time it's just not a smart thing to do, for you, your band or others on the road... Good luck!

Glad to hear you're doing well! Wonderful news about your spiritual relationship, also. Just remember God is there is good times as well as those scary ones. Keep moving.. walk, walk, walk.. sip, sip, sip..

Colesce Coutures have awesome custom fitted bras also. http://www.jeunique.com/EN/products/Body_Fashion/1.shtml