pen527

I had my lapband surgery two years ago this month. I am looking for a friend to go through all of the successes and struggles found on this journey. A buddy to celebrate the losses and maintenance, and boost each other up through the tough times. Let me know if you're interested.....

Hey Blue. I am sorry to hear that you had to lose your band. This kind of wakes me up though, because 4 months ago my doctor told me that I have a dilated esophagus. I have to see him again soon and he'll do another upper GI to determine if the band needs to come out or not. I haven't changed my ways much since he told me to go liquids, so I really don't think there has been any improvement. Your story just makes it real, that a damaged esophagus is reason for a band to come out, and I am motivated now, more than ever, to follow doctor's orders.

I agree. Start a food journal and log everything. You'll be more conscious of the calories adding up. And drink lots of water!

Take a stool softener daily for a while, it'll help get you back on track. Also, if it's been since Sunday, I'd take one by tomorrow or Friday because it can be a nightmare if you go too long without going. Trust me!

I've heard that this can be a result of the band not being placed right. Maybe she should get an opinion from another doctor before going under the knife again.

My doctor says no to straws, something about sucking in air and getting gas. But..... I always use a straw for everything and have no problems. I am also guilty of gulping, but I've never had any problems. Something about sipping just doesn't work for me.

Good job! I'm jealous.... I really want to get up the stamina to run!

Congratulations on the new you! You're going to do terrific!

I am always FREEZING! Everyone chokes when they come in my office because I have the heater set at 89. I live in FL and I'm cold at the beach if it's anything under 95. What happened???

Good luck to you Michael. I can't imagine if I had to pay for my surgery.... no way could I have afforded it. I was fortunate, my husband works at the hospital and gets the scoop on everything. He found out about a study going on by the bariatric surgeon. Within 3-4 weeks of hearing of the study, I was banded. I have been so blessed. You might try calling a few surgeons in your area to see if they are conducting any studies... Good Luck!

Good luck. If you were in St Augustine, my dr is awesome but you're about 3 hours away!

I also have a dilated esophagus. My doctor diagnosed it with an upper GI. I was told liquids only for 4 weeks, then 3 months of 3 oz soft protein meals. That was December 16th and I have yet to comply. I am going to try really hard to begin all liquids on Monday. My doctor said it'll never go back to the way it was, and there is a chance that he will have to remove my band. Like I said, I think I'll go on liquids Monday. ugh! Good luck to YOU!

I didn't tell anyone for about a year and a half... until I got to my goal weight. Then all of a sudden, I got cocky and told several people when they commented how did I loose so much weight. Unfortunately, my eating habits have slipped (severely) and I've now gained back 40 lbs. I wish I could un-do all the telling so no one knew my secret because now I feel like they're all judging me as the failure that I really am.

I have the Realize band for over two years now. No problems! I think I have about 7cc in a 9cc band.

I like GNC Pro Performance, it has 4 carbs and 20 protein. My doctor doesn't recommend any more than 25 grams of protein at a time as your body won't absorb it. I usually buy vanilla so that I can mix it with fruit, or sometimes I only add a little pumpkin pie spice. No matter what I add I always add 2 packets of splenda.

I have the Realize band, I was fortunate enough to be selected for a band trial.

So sorry you've had it so rough lately. It sounds as though you really need to see your doctor. Even if he has to do an unfill, you'll make it through. You have to take care of yourself so you have the energy to plan that wedding!

I noticed the old lady thighs this past summer and was totally grossed out. I live in Florida so I spend a lot of time at the beach. Oh well, I am 40 now and Iike someone said I'm not going to look like a 20 year old no matter what so I might as well accept my saggy self and live proudly. I have made huge improvements to my life and I'm not going to let old lady thighs slow me down.

I just got my fitbit on Friday and so far I love it! I'm using the fitbit website and iPhone app to log my food. I haven't really played with the fitness logging, I'm just using it for my steps for the time being. The sleep tracker is pretty cool, I've learned that I have NO sleeping problems (haha). The other cool thing about the fitbit is that it is discreet; I clip mine to my bra and I don't even know it's there. It really has motivated me to move more. I'm constantly checking to see where my steps are at for the day and deciding how much more I need to move based on that count. I also picked up zumba for the wii and that'll really add to your steps! It's fun, too!

I can't be trusted with cereal, it's a slider food for me.

HELP! I've been experiencing major burning in my stomach lately. It's been going on a week or two and lasts for a few or more hours at a time. It's in the upper part of my stomach; I'm pretty sure it's not gas and it doesn't feel like heart burn. Often it seems like I'm hungry at the same time but this is NOT a hunger pain, it's different. Also, I have a dilated esophagus (I don't know if this is related). I've been banded for 2 years. Any suggestions are appreciated.

I think you're doing great and that urologist is an idiot! Keep it up!

I don't eat popcorn at all. My theory is that it expands if you drop it in the sink (water) and I'm afraid that it'll stretch my pouch. Not only that, but my doctor would have a fit if he knew I was eating carbs.

I admire your decision to start tomorrow and not wait until Saturday, as you said. That shows that you're determined to make it work and you're excited about the opportunities. I think the key to making this work now is to drink, drink, drink. If you fill up on water it'll help alleviate any hunger feelings. I'm excited for you! (now go get a glass of water!)

I like that - reboot and renew. I need to do that!