Sojourner

Good late morning all, It seems that I will never be a morning person...even when I was in private practice, my first appointment of the day was not until 11am...but did work until 7pm. Dee, I have very little Fluid in my band now...and I know it is too tight, only it is not too tight most of the time. I just never know what precisely or when it will decide to be too tight. I've even cut my portion size of carbs down, thinking my meals were too large in portion. The reflux is still there in the evenings. I stopped drinking ice tea, because it seemed that some of the reflux was after drinking tea. Still no solution. I also hope that this physician will have some new insights to share with me.

I must live "in a cave" now. TS Andrea did not make the news up here. I know how drenching those rain bands can be...praying that you do not have to cope with much rain... We also enjoy HGTV...not a big fan of DIY, but now that he is retired, Jack sometimes watches it. I've been relaxing with a good book recently. Not that we spend much time doing that! Glad,to read that everyone is doing wo well...I've got to get through all of the house related issues, and then get my life back on track. I'm still dealing with a very finicky band. This evening, I had to give up eating a frozen Greek yogurt bar...band too tight. The only easy meal today was lunch. I cannot figure it out. One day at a time...

Happy moving day to Ange and Evan! So exciting...just remember to pace yourself Madds...you are not 25 anymore! Looking forward to enjoying friendship and support here...and another thanks to Janet for making it possible!

We spent 7 hours with the kitchen designer today...now we have some decisions to make. So many, many options...and this will be my "forever" kitchen, so I need to make choices carefully.

Hi to everyone...and thank you Dawn for literally showing me the way here...someone, anyone, please like my post so I can find you all again! Janet, you are a kind soul, and understanding beyond words. And bless you for that! I really would prefer to not ever hear anything from Virginia again...j/s. My perspective stems from my profession, and life is too short to allow others who have little to no regard for the impact of their actions on others, and then place blame on others are are just not my type. I don't like to write anything negative about others, but the events we have just been through we're unnecessary.

The area around Ocala has a highly regarded Bariatric "Center for Excellence", which you could locate through Google. I'm not certain what financing options they may offer. The benefits for surgery at a Center for Excellence is that they offer an excellent pre op and post op education program which assists greatly to increase your knowledge of the tools necessary for success with weight loss.

As someone previously posted, this is a head game. And just so that you can be prepared, you likely will have some "WTH did I do to myself?" Thoughts newly post op. Self doubts are normal, but as I would tell my clients, you will never know what you are capable of doing if you don't have the courage to lose sight sight of the shore. As this is a "head game", no better time like the present to begin the process to change the automatic thinking which skews your perspective towards negative thoughts of failure. You can become your own self fulfilling prophecy...if you believe you will fail, likely you might. Believe in abilities for success...you can do this! Best wishes for a successful journey...

Bandster hell is the time after being banded before having enough fills for adequate restriction to manage hunger. Typically, you are hungry, and doing your best to continue diet and portion compliance without the assistance of the band. Typically it requires several fills before you will feel much difference in your degree of restriction. Stay the course, and continue to comply with portion size and healthy food choices. You will see results. Best wishes...

It would be a good idea to inform your surgeon about what is going on with your chest feeling that way. It could also be a symptom of reflux, which cannot be ignored. Peace of mind is a priceless commodity...

There are always two sides to discuss. What has already been posted is accurate to some degree. And it is true, those experiencing difficulties with their bands are more prone to post about their difficulties. Life with a band is an ongoing journey. We are apt to develop some complications at any point along the way. Complications can and do happen. Not to everyone, but even the most compliant Bandster can have difficulties. This forum does have a wealth of information, and for me, a great deal of support from others who are on a similar journey. I have learned much useful information along the way. Sometimes people who have been here for some time do get tired of reading about people doing dumb things with non-compliance with following the guidelines given by their medical team. I still ghost here, and post regularly on a sub forum of very supportive and knowledgable veterans. We are like minded, and view this as a journey we are all on together as individuals. Complications do happen. We are individuals, and we will not always agree. But this forum is open to all who want to post. We have the option to take from it what we want to, and ignore the rest.

Definitely for me, the pre op and post op diet times were the most difficult for me. You seem to have the necessary attitude which will allow for your success. Best wishes as you begin your weight loss journey to a healthier you...

It will likely take several fills before you feel any significant difference in restriction. It also depends how aggressively your surgeon is filling your band. It is extremely important to continue to measure your portions even though you are easily able to eat more before your hunger is satiated. One thing you DON'T want to do is risk stretching your pouch with portions sizes that are too large. A common "rule of thumb" is that just because you can eat more than you should does not mean that you should. If you want to see the scale move, it requires adhering to the diet prescribed by your medical team. Best wishes for a successful journey...

The pre op and initial post op times were the most challenging for me. Remember that this is a journey, and not an event. This site has a wealth of information and positive support. The only dumb question is the one you want an answer to and do not ask... Best wishes as you begin your journey...

I was given a target weight to meet by my surgeon. i hat to meet that number or weigh less by my pre op appointment. I managed to lose 18 pounds by that appointment date (3 weeks). If you did not reach your goal, the surgeon would cancel your surgery. I was not given any medications prior to my surgery date. Best wishes for a successful journey...

Another item to consider as the degree of restriction of you band fluctuates is your stress and/or level of anxiety. Over the past few months I have encountered some major life events, not the least of which Is my son's imminent deployment. The resulting stress led to a complete unfill of my band. I did have a small quantity of Fluid replaced in my band, and there are still days when it takes me an hour to get a Protein shake in. Prior to the recent major events in my life, I also noticed that sipping Water while driving became difficult while adding the stress of being out on the roads with other drivers. I have noticed a pattern of stress created tightness in my band, along with recent increased reflux. The restriction we feel with our band does have the ability to fluctuate from day to day. I'm still on that learning curve more than a year after having my band placed.

As previously posted, we need to avoid "slider foods" which usually have little nutritional value. Slider foods are those which can be swallowed with little to no chewing. I've become very focused on reading nutrition labels so I know the nutritional value of everything I eat. There are hidden carbs everywhere, and I try to avoid them. I also avoid processed foods to the best of my ability, and eat most meals at home so I can control and know what I am eating. I still cannot tolerate any stringy fruits or vegetables such as pineapple, celery, or asparagus. We are all individuals, so we will have different tolerances for what foods we can eat. Best rule for me to follow has been high quality lean protein and healthy fiber carb choices. Best wishes to you on your journey...

Another consideration which my internal medicine PCP brought to my attention was that I was not a good candidate for the sleeve due to my history with reflux. As others have posted, I chose the band due to lower mortality rates and the ability to have it removed if complications occurred. Through my experiences with my bariatric surgeon and my PCP, I spoke at length to both physicians to help me make my decision. Best wishes...

This does seem to be an issue with the "mind/body" connection. I agree that your situation is related to both diet and faulty thinking about your eating habits. I understand how frustrating it can be, but we do have that restart point to get a "Do over". Definitely get back to your basics, and establish a realistic band compliant diet for yourself. Always remember that this is a journey, and not an event. My journey has taught me the art of patience like no other life event ever could. This forum has a wealth of information and support for you. Best wishes as you resume your journey...

Sorry TP...I find your attitude in general and this post in particular to be condescending and grandiose. It should not come as any surprise that I could not care less what you think or believe. You are sort of like strutting about the stage...full of sound and fury and signifying nothing, to paraphrase WS. While I agree that some members of this forum do have some misinformation that they post, it will always be up to the individual forum participant to sift through the information posted here. This is an open forum...and others, including you have the right to post what they choose to. Got that? Equality amongst us all. I believe that we do have free speech here, as long as we are in compliance with the forum rules which we all have agreed to abide by. As previously stated, it is up to the individual to sift through the information posted and decide on it's relevance and accuracy. People should be self determined to the greatest degree possible. I regret to inform you that I don't "need help" from anyone, least of all you...and if your self concept is based on a need to "rescue others", you have been living under a rock. Please consider your audience prior to posting your mindless drivel. Best wishes...

For me it was being able to get out of any chair and my car without any assistance, even with me having to use my hands and arms to push me. Our new house has 2 flights of stairs...I can and do go up and down several times a day without getting winded. Amazing...!

I'm certain that your experiences are valid...your perceptions are your reality. We are each individuals, and no two of us will have identical experiences. I am sorry that you are experiencing complications with your band. But we do owe it to ourselves to understand the complications, and be proactive to decide on a solution path to resolve the problems. I am currently experiencing band related complications. I understand the etiology of them, and am doing my best to manage my situation. I question why it is that you feel that there is so much negativity with your posts. Perhaps it may be that there is a perception that your intent is to post negative comments instead of offering support, encouragement, and sharing with others your journey to resolve the band related issues you are currently experiencing. I may loose my band, and if I do, it will be a sad day, but at least I would have attempted to do everything within my power to avoid having it removed. Despite my similar situation, I am not actively "bashing the band" at every opportunity, and perhaps scaring other "newbies" who hopefully would not have my similar experiences. Perceptions of your posts may be quite different if along with your complications you posted about how you are actively looking for a solution path. IMHO, we are much healthier emotionally when we empower ourselves to seek solutions instead of wallowing in our problems. And then scaring others by writing about complications which they hopefully never experience. Whatever the eventual outcome with your band, best wishes to you.

Your post is not appropriate for this thread, IMHO. Good to know that you are a "professional", and feel comfortable with adjusting your own band. I have a son who is an endodontist, but even he goes to a dentist for specific care for his teeth. Reckless and inappropriate...your disclosure explains much about some of the posts you have made regarding restriction. This journey is not all about restriction, as you state in your signature. It is more about a radical life style change, with restriction being a part of what helps us be successful with weight loss. I believe that even when an individual reaches goal, they are not a "graduate". This journey goes forward through the remainder of our lives. IMHO...other's mileage varies.

Not even anti-nausea meds will help if you have a stomach virus or contract food poisoning. Sometimes you will vomit. We try to minimize these events, but as per my PCP, if you're going to vomit, you will. I needed a slight unfill post stomach flu, and after 6 weeks was able to have my Fluid replaced. No lasting damage done, just do your best to minimize episodes of vomiting.

I still eat popcorn occasionally, though my surgeon advised not to. There is not much nutritional value in popcorn, but perhaps TMI, it is still a very effective laxative for me. Like others, I limit the amount I eat, and choose the lower calorie versions.