DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

You'll have to ask your doctor because you'll get a wide array of answers here. Whether or not he allows you will likely depend on your specific medical history and needs. My doctor allows me to take NSAIDS. His logic is if I never had ulcer issues before the band (and I took lots of them) then chances are good I won't after either. But again, his decision to allow them is based on my personal medical history. With that said- I can no longer take NSAIDS because now I'm on blood thinners. It sucks really bad because Tylenol is totally useless for me. I know you don't want to take a narcotic but that's what I do now because I have no other choices. I take a Vicodin when I have a lot of pain.

LOL ok that made me literally laugh out loud!! If it makes you feel any better, I had similar happen in the grocery store. I had my cell phone in my pocket and was wearing pants that were way too big. The phone was apparently weighing them downward. I guess I didn't feel it slipping but suddenly my sarcastic smartass daughter whispers "nice butt mom, wanna cover it now?" (yeah she's totally my daughter lol) Congratulations!!

You look gorgeous!! That is such an awesome NSV!! What was your hubby's reaction to seeing you in the dress again?

Holy cow... I am in shock. I almost cried when I saw the scale this morning because I haven't a seen a number under 200 on it since I was 17 years old. When I started this journey 18 months ago I was 421 pounds. Today, for the first time in 23 years, I AM IN ONDERLAND!!! Here is a picture of my before and after. I'm so happy right now I don't know what to do with myself!!!!

I couldn't agree more!

It seems to me from your post that your problem isn't your band, it's a lack of a good doctor and information. Losing your records? That's inexcusable- and it's also something that can get them in a lot of trouble legally. Being embarrassed to go out because stuck issues isn't normal. Neither is reflux. It sounds like you spent the majority of your banded life too tight. I'm sorry you have had a bad experience, but the band IS a great tool when used properly. I've lost over 220 pounds in 18 months and my band is definitely in the "sweet spot" and has been for a long time. The band has never disrupted my life- it saved my life. Saying the band doesn't work is completely untrue- I'm living proof it does work. But, it only works when the person with the band actually does what is necessary to be successful with it and they have good aftercare. Best wishes.

My boyfriend (whom I live with) knows about this site but he never comes on here. It's "my thing" and he respects that. So, I am free to post here without worrying about prying eyes. The only time he sees what goes on here is when I walk over to him with my lap top going "baby, you gotta see this!" to show him a post or picture. Truth is, this site has helped me to inform him too. Before I had my tummy tuck, I read about a lot of other people's experience with it on here and read a lot of the posts to him. When I found before and after pictures, I'd show him. It really helped him know what to expect from my surgery.

My ticker isn't from this site. See, we used to be able to use outside ones but they bogged down the server so now we can't. But, I don't care for the styles on this site so I still use my old ticker and just screen shot it to post on my signature line here. I know, tedious and time consuming, but I like my ticker lol. The quotes are in my signature, too. If you go to "edit profile" then under "settings" you'll see a tab for "signature". That's where I put the quotes

"This comes from the fat ass secret code book. (Don't tell anyone I let you in on it.)" Seriously, I almost spit my water on my screen laughing. Congratulations on your weight loss and NSV's!

I say to do whatever works: Low carb, Paleo, low fat, no carb restrictions, South Beach, Atkins, or Weight Watchers. If it's healthy and it works for your needs than go for it.

Stick to your daily calorie allowance, measure your portions, and exercise. If you do these things you'll lose weight. Nothing to fear starting solid food- it's a good thing.

Bandster Hell is the time period between when you're banded and when you have adequate Fluid in your band. The reason is, it take most people multiple fills so before they hit that "sweet spot" you get little help from your band...hence bandster hell.

LOL a bear? Dear Lord, I freak out if we see a fox. I think I'd cry if I saw a bear! I have problems with the extreme temp days, too. Heat makes MS go into an immediate flare. It's actually kinda weird. I can be just fine, walk outside into the heat, and be instantly a mess. Dizzy, weak, and every single MS symptom I have is suddenly increased tenfold. But, the minute I go back into the A/C, I'm almost instantly fine. Extreme cold makes me really sore- my muscles spasm really bad and my whole body just aches. In fact, we just hit a heat wave here. It totally sucks because I'm now house bound because of it.

Sounds like you're doing a lot better than "ok". Sounds like you're doing great!

Onederland = weight in the 100's NSV= Non scale Victory PB= Productive Burping ... I think I'm forgetting a few lol. Welcome btw!

I agree with Guy. I'd have small, conservative fills until you feel you're in the Green Zone. I'd also ask your doctor why you're having these problems. Is it your anatomy? His surgery technique? Something you're doing unintentionally? You have to eat healthy not only to lose weight but to be healthy. You can't live on slider foods. Talk to your doctor about your fears and let him help you get back onto a healthy diet.

I can understand how it can lead to psychological issues, but health issues? I just can't make the connection logically. The only thing I can think of is that the obesity was a byproduct of emotional issues caused by the physical punishment and the cardiovascular and arthritis issues were a byproduct of the obesity. Maybe? I don't know. I'm just trying to logically make the connection between the issues.

Honestly, considering the history leading up to this issue, you really need to talk to your surgeon and let him decide whether or not you need some removed and/or need to be checked for a slip. Best wishes

These are extremely wise, honest words. When I finally get to my goal weight I plan on giving myself the same 5 pound threshold. I think that's the mistake a lot of people make- they hit goal then get too relaxed. "oh it's only a 7 pound gain, no biggie" and "I'm still only 11 pounds from goal". Before they know it, they're now 40 pounds above goal and are going "I don't get it, I didn't change anything, how did I gain?!" I hope others read this blog post. It's excellent!

I just saw this post- thank you so much for the kind words! <3 But like I tell others all the time about my weight loss- it's heck of a lot easier to dump the weight when you start at 400+ pounds. Weight seriously just melts off when you're that morbidly obese. These days, I'm lucky to lose 6-8 pounds a month. It's really all relative to how much you have to lose and how big you were when you started.

You will definitely get there!! I've never been a fan of exercise, either. In fact I historically avoid it like the plague lol. Like you, I much prefer to actually "do" something. For instance, mowing the lawn is my job and I actually (oddly) enjoy it. The cool part is, according to my pedometer, I walk almost 2 miles when I mow it, too. I also do all the weeding, hedge trimming, etc. I think that's why my main form of exercise has always been walking. I actually enjoy walking. I live in a really awesome spot for it too so that helps a lot. There's a lot of wooded paths and beautiful scenery. Because I enjoy it it's never a chore and I never feel like "ugh, I have to go walk a couple miles now". I look forward to my daily 2+ mile walks and get bummed when I can't for some reason. Perhaps that's what you need to find- something you truly enjoy doing?

The further you go down on the scale the slower the weight comes off. I know people who've struggled for months to lose 5 pounds. What you're dealing with is pretty normal. I have found when I hit a stall, changing up my calories will "trick" my metabolism into action. For instance, I normally don't count carbs. The couple times I hit a plateau that lasted more than a month, I carb cycled to break the plateau. I know people who follow low carb normally but use the carb cycling to kick start their metabolism, too. Just remember, even if you keep doing what you're doing, the weight will eventually come off on it's own. Plateaus seriously suck but they are a very normal part of the weight loss journey. Best wishes.

That was a big "sign" my band was working too. Like you, I will completely forget to eat meals if I'm busy or distracted. The funny thing is, I am physically hungry even, but food has become such an afterthought in my life that sometimes I don't even realize I am hungry. I now keep a Protein bar in my purse at all times. This way if I do forget to eat and realize I'm hungry, I can have one.

Congratulations and welcome to Onederland!! You look great!!