Sojourner

Diane, this is the best blog post ever! That list has relevancy to all of us who are on this journey. You are an inspiration and a treasured friend. Even through the difficult days you manage to see the silver lining in the challenges found in each day. Thank you for sharing your wisdom! <3

You have already been given some excellent advice by the former posters. What I would like to add is that the weight loss journey is one both of mind and body. What I mean by that is learning and understanding what your relationship with food is. Like Jim said, self talk helps a lot. "Head Hunger" is real, and recognizing it is essential to successful weight loss. There are differences between authentic hunger and head hunger. Recognizing these differences will help you to avoid overeating, and recognizing satiety. Making a commitment to exercise and making it part of your day is also essential. I understand that not everyone has the block of time to go to the gym, but we all should have the ability to walk extra steps by parking further away from the building or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Move any way that you are able...it all adds up over time. I use self talk to keep myself mindful of everything I put in my mouth. I stay with a structured schedule for eating and making sure to drink enough Water as much as possible. It may help you to have an appointment with a nutritionist to look at your current eating habits and identify ways to modify them to break through your plateau. And it is also important to not compare your rate of weight loss with others. A loss is a loss. You are unique, and your weight loss journey will also be unique to you. Look at how far you have already come instead of lamenting that you are not losing as much as others. We all take a day at a time...and remembering that you gained weight over time, and it will take time to lose the weight is essential to keep you in good emotional health. Best wishes for a successful journey...

And the forum rules suggest that if a topic or a post is not to your liking, you can simply ignore it and move on. It's all about choices...time for you to move on?

Your blaming the government for a decision made by your insurance company. All insurance is socialist by nature it only works if the insurance pool shares risk the larger the pool the less individual risk; the alternative is to pay for all medical expenses from personal savings. I'm not arguing which system is better I'm just pointing out a basic detail of how insurance works. You apparently missed the point of the discussion...the government is not supposed to get into the private affairs of citizens. Sadly, our government is not longer for and by the people... There need to be limits on how much intrusion the government can impose on private lives. A physician-patient relationship is sacred, and the only means by which adequate and quality healthcare can be delivered.

While I am not a physician, I can share my similar experiences and what I did to cope... For some Bandsters, TOM can increase restriction for a band. And from what you are describing, the tissues around your band may be irritated and swollen. When I got that way, I went back to my post op diet for a few days, and only had liquids and Protein Shakes. That seemed to give my pouch the rest it needed. After the days on liquids, I stayed with soft foods for a couple of days before returning to my regular foods. And yes, the "Obamacare" regulations are wreaking havoc on many people. It is being discovered what a bad and misguided "idea" it was from day 1.

I am sorry to read of your Dx, but at least now you know what you have to,cope with, and it is doable. My Dx with Systemic Lupus was nearly 25 years in the making...and it is something you definitely can learn to live with. There are many resources for you to learn more about this disease, and receive emotional support from others who are walking along similar paths. I was on a Plaquenel regimen several years ago. It is a strong drug, but not everyone has vomiting. I felt very nauseaus at first, but it resolved after a week or so. I find it helps me immensely to get my rest, and to manage stress to stay more serene. Anything is possible with the right dedication and determination. My diagnosis does not define me, it is only something I need to be aware of and take measures to keep it in remission.

As others have posted, now is the time for healing. The weight loss will come later. One important thought to keep in mind is that weight loss will not necessarily be a steady downward slope. There can be weight loss plateaus, and you might even gain a pound or two along your journey. Try not to get caught up in the habit of weighing yourself too often. Small fluctuations in weight are normal, but you may find yourself feeling discouraged needlessly. I usually weigh myself every 2 weeks. If you focus on good choices for what you eat and make an honest effort to exercise on a regular basis, the weight loss will come.

In speaking with a friend today she mentioned that she as a friend whose surgeon placed the wrong size band for her anatomy. Has anyone else ever heard of this happening?

I have similar demographics to you, and I actually had this same discussion with my PCP yesterday. I have exceeded the goal set for me by my bariatric surgeon, and wanted my PCP's opinion on what weight he felt was a healthy range for me. He said reaching 150 would be an acceptable healthy weight for me, however he felt that 145 would be ideal. He also said that the low range weight for normal BMI would likely make me look unhealthy. The concern that occurs to me is a possible " let it go" mindset. The last 20 pounds seem to me to be the most difficult to date, but I am not watching the calendar or the scale. I am going on with my established routines knowing that the diet compliance and exercise is healthy for me. I will reach my goal weight, and the calendar is irrelevant. You need to do what feels right for you, and be at a weight that you feel healthy. At the same time, if we don't stay awake and aware, the pounds can come back. Right now, I am so pleased with my mobility and health I could easily say I am done with my weight loss journey...but really, I am on the verge of going into the next phase of maintenance. So I will continue to move forward, mindful that this journey is never over while I am alive. Best wishes to you whatever your choice. You have already done stellar!

I use Celebrate Chewable Vitamins, in the blackberry flavor. My surgeon was emphatic about the importance of using a Vitamin formulated for bariatric patients. Other surgeons may not be as strict about the choice of vitamin. Flavor wise, they are very tolerable. Others mileage on this topic can vary...

Eating sliders is common when people are "eating around their band". They are foods which no not require much chewing, are not solids like our Protein is supposed to be, and do not stay in your pouch very long. Therefore the tendency is to eat more than a proper portion size. The consequence is taking in more calories than you should, and then eating more when you are hungry again too soon. Typical slider foods vary from person to person, but ice cream, popcorn and Peanut Butter are typical sliders for me. Many people engage in self sabotage of their own weight loss efforts, and eating around your band is a typical method we can do that.

I only use chicken eggs...and have used eggs for Breakfast nearly every day since being banded. I like scrambled with shredded chicken and scallions. But I prefer crustless quiche, and add a variety if meats, cheeses, and veggies to them, so I never get bored. So far, this is what is working for me...

There is some validity in what you write in your post, however it is our interpretation of a message which can place the "negative spin" on a post. I do consider myself a veteran of sorts here, because I have experienced numerous events which all posters here can either relate to or have experienced. And I also understand how one can misinterpret the spirit of a message. With the written word it is easy; there is a lack of intonation and body language to interpret. Just because someone has lost a greater number of pounds and/or posts constantly on most every topic does not give those individuals a greater status among experienced Bandsters. There are many posters who are quietly going about creating their own success stories. I have immense respect for most everyone who is successful with doing the right things for themselves and is able to share the resulting weight loss. I believe emotionally healthy individuals have no need for constant external validation of success. There are a number of forum members who become highly opinionated should anyone with a different opinion pr perspective post something to share additional insights. No one can have all of the right answers all of the time, not even physicians. I agree that there are some very opinionated individuals on this forum, and they tend, in my experience, to become quite what I would term to be aggressive with their written words. I tend to consider the source of the comments and move on. We owe it to ourselves to embrace learning what we individually need to from others who have "walked the walk", and just ignore what we don't perceive as useful or negative. Let the rest slide off as best you can... Others mileage can vary...

I have not noticed any difference in the level of restriction of my band with the change of seasons, or changes in altitude. My home is located at over 5,000 ft in elevation, and I am currently visiting at a beach. I feel the same level of restriction in both environments. Travel by air has also not changed my level of restriction. What I have noticed will increase restriction is the amount of stress in my life. As stress goes up, so does my restriction. Just another way to prove that we are all individuals, and no two Bandsters will have an identical journey!

I also am sorry you are having a challenging year. It seems to pour instead of rain, but the important thing to remember is that even the "caretaker" needs care. And there is no one better qualified for this is you. In order to stay emotionally healthy during emotional challenges in life, we must care for our well being. We need some "me" time, and that is not selfish, that is survival. We also enhance emotional well being by exercise and the endorphins that are created when we are active. Even 15 minutes a day can help. Try to get some sunshine, there are benefits from only 15 minutes a day. Planning ahead is also an effective strategy. When I am away from home for Breakfast or lunch, and sometimes also dinner, I always have my band friendly meal with me. I even have a small cooler to keep a shake in when I know I will not have any healthy band friendly alternatives. Believe in yourself, despite all of the challenges you are facing. It can be helpful to have the distraction of working towards your goals as you face difficult times. I hope that you will inspire yourself to get back on track. Remember, what you have done before you have proven you can do. Best wishes...

Vitamins and coffee is a bad idea...coffee is a known stomach irritant, and for your body to absorb the nutrients it needs from the vitamins you take, you need real food, or at least a Protein shake. The reason is that some of the vitamins are Water soluable, others fat soluable. Without having both some water and fat to allow the vitamins to be absorbed when you take them, you are shorting yourself on vital nutrition.

By law, your medical professional is required to archive your medical records for 7 years from the date of your office visit, regardless if they remain in active practice or not. The state office which oversees licensure for medical professionals should have a web site to provide an address where your former physician can be contacted. This is usually the DOH (Dept. of Health) of your state. They are there to help you.

You have the mindset and attitude required for success...keep those thoughts and you are bound for a successful weight loss journey. Best wishes...

I am not a physician, however my surgeon has told me that over time, both eating too much and/or eating too fast can stretch your pouch. This does not happen rapidly, but developing the good habits for your new lifestyle should be a priority now. Until you get some restriction, much of your portion control will be your responsibility. It's not a good time, but keep your focus on your goals. To help manage hunger, I drink fluids and stay occupied with projects or exercise. Best wishes for a successful journey...

Your surgeon's office should have a physician on call for all of the time the office is closed. I was advised to call the office and the answering service would page the doctor. I have done this only once in the 20 months since having my surgery. But the doctor gave me instructions on what I needed to do. Your wellbeing should not wait until the office reopens on Monday. j/s I hope you feel better fast...

Undeniably a vast number of lap band patients who either did not understand the band "rules" or made the choice to ignore them have contributed to their band related complications. There are many bariatric surgeons who do not provide adequate aftercare. This surgery requires the patient to accept a significant level of accountability for the weight loss success or lack of weight loss. There are band patients who experience band related complications who have had excellent pre op education and post op aftercare, and abide but he rules. We are all individuals, and no two patients will have identical experiences. Sometimes complications just happen, and the surgeon cannot explain the etiology of what has happened. Others mileage on this topic can vary...

The time to elapse between fills does vary by physician, so look into your surgeon's policy regarding this. My surgeon will refuse to do any fills unless a minimum of 6 weeks has elapsed from the prior fill. That policy taught me how to manage my hunger without needing to rely entirely on fills to lose weight.

You took the correct action to get in contact your surgeon. To my knowledge there is only 1 physician who posts on this forum. And no diagnosis should ever be made without an exam and medical assessment by a qualified physician, which is what you physician indicated they want to do. I hope that you feel better fast...

I have been having symptoms which are common with a slipped band, but my band is still in the proper position. The surgeon does not understand why this is happening, and neither does his colleague in another state. If my symptoms cannot get under control, I may have to have my band removed. Definitely not something I want to do. My surgeon has told me that repositioning a slipped band surgically has a low rate of efficacy, and he prefers to revise to the sleeve if a patient's band has slipped. He also does not believe that placing another band is a good option once you have had one band slip. Not everyone is a good candidate for the sleeve. I have already been advised that I am not, due to a long history of reflux prior to banding. This is something you should think long on, and make certain you are a good candidate for the sleeve. Best wishes for a positive outcome with your situation...