knitchique

I have been absent for nine months. I believe I have been ignoring the band, and trying to go on with "normal" life. BUT...and this is a big but...I haven't lost any more weight, have probably, no definately put on some, and I p.b. nearly every day! I think I got into the mind set that I was a failure, so I'm going to not think of failure,because thinking of failure brings more failure, so that included not thinking about the band. I did just recently go in to have the band checked out, and under fluro, it was fine, actually the restriction was such that the Dr. would normally add saline, but since I am p.b.ing so much, we decided not to do anything. Which adds to my failure feeling. Oh, and I have only had one fill with only 1cc in my band!! My dietician is so sweet. She says "you are not a failure, you will just start over like you just had the band put in." That is easy to say, hard to do. I dislike being a downer, but I really do need to start over, and I need all the help I can get! Thanks for letting me vent! Sheryl banded 10-6-03

Thanks to all of you for your kind words of encouragement. At about two and a half months after banding, I had lost 25 pounds! I was very excited. My first and only fill was sometime in february, which I fainted at! I had 1cc put in, and proceded to lose another five lbs before I plateaued. So all in all, I lost 30 lbs, at the most. And since then I have gained about 6-10lbs back. I am quite certain that my main problem lies with not taking SMALL enough bites and not chewing enough. It seems like I should have this down by now, but I guess I never did get it down in the first place. I find it VERY hard to take small bites. I don't know why, maybe it is because I want to be "normal" and enjoy my food. I really love food, but don't we all, and sometines I think I love it more than I want a band. I really just have to LEARN all over again, no...LEARN the right way this time, how to eat with this band, and then be able to really enjoy the little bit of food I can eat, and keep it down! I had thought back in the beginning ( my beginning) that I should find a small egg timer...a ONE MINUTE egg timer, you know with the sand and hour-glass shape, and turn it over when I had taken a bite, and chew until it ran out, or wait til it had run out before taking another bite. I never did find one of those, though. If any of you have any suggestions on how I can CRAM the right way to do this into my head I would really appreciate it! Thanks so much again! Sheryl

I haven't had a drink since our holiday party in December. I was enjoying my friends and having a gin & tonic, that led to another and maybe one more...mind you, it was mostly tonic. At some point in the evening, I began to lose it. I started slurring my speech, and was very dizzy. I excused myself and locked myself in my bathroom. BOY! was I sick!! And it seemed to sneek up on me without warning. I had not even felt a buzz prior to my praying to the porcelaine goddess!! Thank God I had good friends who took care of me and put me to bed. I don't know if this can happen to everyone without notice due to drinking, but I for one, will not drink again! Just my two cents worth!! Sheryl 10/06/03 242/215/144

Hi all! I wanted to share some stuff and hopefully get some feedback to inspire me. I am stuck at 30 pounds lost. I had my first fill in early Feb. and have only lost 3 pounds since then. BUT...and this is a big but...I have been eating crap! I can't seem to stop buying and eating Peanut Butter M&M's, and other bad Snacks. I know I wanted to lose weight so bad that I had surgery, so why can't my unconsious get with the program?? I also have been having problems getting the right kind of foods to go down and stay down. So then I don't eat a bona-fide meal and a little later I am very hungry and I eat a snack, since it is not meal-time. Then at the next meal-time, food gets stuck, or I can't eat. Arrrrgh! I need encouragement, and some inspiration. I know that reading all the successes on this site should inspire me, and they do, but I need a kick in the pants. Any ideas on what to satisfy my sweet-tooth, and by the way, it's also the mouth-feel of the chewing and the texture of the bad stuff that I like so much. I don't really want to replace one binge food with another, but I need something guilt-free. Thanks to you all! Sheryl banded 10-06-03 242/212/144

Thanks Donali and Vera, You are so kind:cool: I think my biggest problem is that I have had 37 years of eating too fast and pratically swallowing my food whole. I know that I eat too fast and often my bites are too big. I suppose I could bee too tight, but I only had 1cc put in, and the whole process made me faint, twice. Last night I was successful in getting a hamburger patty down, the whole thing, with a little help of some stuff called ketchup! Donali, I think (or do I know) that you have something in your comment that my subconsious is thinking that I may never eat this stuff again. I have fallen for that bull**** every other time I have tried to loose weight, and I am "not pleased" that I have fallen for it again, with the band. I have read, over and over again, your advice on dealing with emotional hunger, and it is great advice. I just wish I could practice it. I'll try. Vera, you are a sweetheart to say I'm an inspiration!! I got all teary-eyed. Bless you! Thanks again to you both! Sheryl

Yes, that's right, I finally got my first fill yeasterday. There were three others in front of me, a first for one man, and they all came back saying, piece of cake! Now, I don't know if any of you saw this movie where they say NEVER say "piece of cake", cuz it's a guarantee for something to go wrong? I can't remember the title, but the point is, the other fill-ees shouldn't have said "piece of cake"! Where I go, they have you stand up for the fill, looking at the screen. first I was numbed, then he proceded to stab the port. It kept moving around, and when he thought he got it, he pushed the needle in and it bent inside of me...all the while I was watching this, and at this point, I started to faint! I have never fainted before in my life! I couldn't hear what they were saying, the noise of the fans in the room went away, and everything else was muffled. I announced that I was starting to faint, and they rushed to get me a chair. Then they sent out for a special table that works with the flouroscope, and I waited with my head between my knees. When the special table arrived, they started all over again. Thankfully I was laying down, and couldn't see the process. He still had trouble finding the center of the port, even with flouro, and he did a lot of pushing with his fingers, and twisting the needle. What finally worked was he pushed the port down against my stomache muscles (of which there is barely any) and held it in place and got the needle in the right spot. Whew!! I then was asked to stand to drink the barium, and I didn't realize the needle was still sticking out of me, and I touched it by accident. Nothing bad happened, I just wigged out a bit. I stood up, and then did the swallow. Apparently it went through just fine, then he turned me to show me, and I sipped some more of that wonderful stuff, and it wouldn't go past the pouch. Just up and down, up and down. So he took a bit of saline out, checked again, and had to take some more out. That wonderful faint feeling overcame me AGAIN! He was finished at this time, and I went to lay on the table again, and apparently I was bleeding a bit, and I got a big ol' bandaid. I felt very silly for almost fainting, twice! They assured me that I wasn't the first. But it sure surprised me. They told me that any furture fills for me will have the table there before I get there. "Look out, she's a fainter!" I was there for a total of two and a half hours, from the admitting, to the waiting, to the fainting. Nurst Kurt waked me out and gave me a can of boost to drink, and when I took a drink, I drank like I have been, and quickly realized that I have something I think you all call restriction. So sipping is what I think I will have to do!! Oh! I was told that he put in 1cc. Well, there is my first fill experience. Again I say, "Whew!" Sheryl 242/216/140

Thank goodness, yes. The nurse called me back and said he has the OR on Wednesday (tomorrow), so hopefully I'll be filled then. He was setting up a different Doc to do it, and had to confirm...so I pray that the new Doc doesn't cancell. Keep your fingers crossed! Sheryl 242/219/140

Well, no fill...it is snowing here in Minnesota, and the Dr. cancelled all the fills for today. grrrrrrrrrrrr! I made it to work...the nurse made it to work, lots of other people made it to work...this is the second time my first fill had to be cancelled...it is going on almost four months since my surgery. I just had to vent! Sheryl -not filled-

Well, tomorrow I go in for my first fill. It has been four months since my surgery, and boy! am I ready!! I have lost about 25lbs, but am fluctuating up a few/down a few. Every so often, I get food stuck, and occasionally, I p.b. I hope the fill is going to be alright. I'm a little worried that I may still be eating too fast, and too big of bites...those are my biggest problems. I have been reading a lot about everyone's fills, and a lot of them have been unpleasant, yet a lot have been a piece of cake...um, sorry... I hope that mine will be an easy one. It is conducted in the O.R. with floro??or X-ray?? - which ever way, they can see what they are doing. I'll try to let you all know how it went tomorrow! Wish me luck! Sheryl 10-06-03 Dr. Wetherille 242/219/140

I want to thank all of you for writing on this post! I have been feeling the same as Alexandra, stuck at 25-27 pounds lost, and nothing, for about 5 weeks. I was banded on 10-06-03, and have yet to have a fill. It has been cancelled once and the wait time is kindof long. But...I am scheduled for my first fill on Feb 2nd. I know deep down that the band is there, ready when I am to work, but the first 20 pounds lost were realatively easy, and I was forgiving myself for any "bad" indulgences over the holidays...hey, at least I didn't gain! But then there are the other times, when I feel as if I'll gain it all back. Then I look at my food intake, and some days I don't eat hardly at all...could it be that my body thinks it's starving and is holding onto the weight?? I just had some lab work done, cuz I thought I was low on Iron, or not getting enough Protein, but all the levels came back good. Yet, my fatigue level is off the charts, and that doesn't help one to exercize...especially when I have to get up at 5am... Well, I don't mean to take away the focus of Alexandra's post, thanks for letting me rant!! Sheryl 10-06-03 Dr. Wetherille -25 to -27lbs.

I am having some difficulty getting all of my Protein and Water in each day. I usually have a 16 oz skim latte in the morning. cheese sticks (not fried, of course) are a big mainstay, although I'm feeling a bit "bound up" if you know what I mean. A scrambled egg works for me, too. My family loves going to Buffalo Wild Wings, and I usually have three wings (pulling the skin off) and that satisfies. My dietician said I should get a minimun of 40grams of protein in each day. But somethimes it is hard to plan meals. My life is pretty hectic, and I bum out if my protein choices were poor, or not varied enough during the day. I am thinking that I should have a protein supplement to help out each day. I want to keep my energy up. It is also hard getting all of the water in when you can't drink a half hour before, during, and after meals. I then forget to drink. I used to carry a bottle of water with me everywhere, but if I have it near me during meals, I forget, and take a drink. I know I just have to focus on the water, but any suggestions about other easy protein choices, or a GOOD supplement would be appreciated! Thanks so much!! Sheryl Dr. Wetherille 10/06/03 244.5/220/140

I did go and look for them, and even the guy working there couldn't locate them for me. He directed me to the soy Protein powders and the Adkins drinks. Then I looked in the cooler, and there they were sold individually. I got a Frosty chocolate and a vanilla one. The thickness bothers me somewhat. I thought the taste was pretty good, though, and I liked that it is sweetened with splenda (sucralose). I guess I cant yet get my mind wrapped around a liquid meal. These would be good to have on hand for those crazy days when you do not have time to fix a meal, let alone sit for a half an hour to eat it. Thanks again for the info!! Sheryl

Thank you, I guess I have read your post on this drink before, but I got wrapped up in my own needs, sorry. I am printing your info out right now, and after work today, I am going to GNC to check it out! I just started exercizing in the morning, and I drink a 20 oz bottle of Water during the workout, so I am already part way there!! Sheryl

I was banded on October 6th, and have so far lost 20 and a half pounds. I have had a couple of episodes of food getting stuck, and one gross "slime" episode. I am totally honest with my nurse, and last thursday saw him for a follow-up, and he said no fill for two to three months (due to these episodes.) I am kind-of bummed. I want the loss to continue, and I am afraid that I'll gain in the couple of months to come. Just thought I'd share my predicament with all of you! Sheryl Dr. Wetherille 10/06/03

Nope. I have not had a fill yet. I still get food stuck due to my enthusiasm for eating...I eat WAY too fast, and I have to work on that. I am going to try to keep track of how long I feel full, cuz nurse Kurt asked me if I stay full for at least 4 hours. I honestly cant say if I do or not. I am going to focus on exercize and loading up on Water during this time of waiting for a fill. GingerRenay2...you seem to be doing great! Megan, nice to hear from you, and yes, I guess I should count my blessings, but I feel as though maybe I'm not working this the right way, you know since I can't have a fill yet...it's just how my weird mind works. Sheryl

Yup...I made it through the Clear liquid weeks. I am now to be on full liquids for a week...Thank God I can have a latte again!! I do have a question...I am pretty sure that I have NO restriction, and I am afraid that I still eat too much, and/or too quickly. Are we supposed to take 30 minutes to eat 2 Tbsp of Malt-o-meal?? I can go through it pretty quickly, the same goes for cream Soups, yogurt, pudding... What type of potential damage am I doing by eating too fast? Also, I am still unfamiliar with what it feels like to be full. Still, I am down 13 pounds in two weeks, even during the healing stage!! Sheryl Dr. Wetherille 244/231/140

Thanks guys... I have been liquifying some solid foods into the consistancy of cream soups, adding liquid to it to help. I am feeling more "full" somedays and not so on other, or...some meals and not others. I think my biggest hang-up is the mind set...I want to eat for fun. I know I can't and I think that makes me sort-of sad...It is a lot to get used to and a lot to learn. I know that eventually I will think of food as fuel, and not my entertainment, but right now, it's hard. Sheryl Dr. Wetherille 244/228.5/140

Does anyone out there have any experience with a product called unjury?? I am thinking of trying the unflavored version, but I don't want to spend the moola if it isn't good, and I don't think they have samples. Thanks!! Sheryl

Well.. maybe not totally mad, but I am only four dys post-op, and the stomache grumbleing constantly is annoying, and I AM hungry. A bowl of broth leaves me feeling bloated/full (not sure which) but I still have those "sounds" coming from my tummy. Does anyone have any advice?? I am to be on Clear liquids for two weeks post-op. -Sigh- I guess I just have to endure this till full liquid stage, then it will be better, and that malt-o-meal will taste like heaven! Sheryl

I was banded on October 6th!! yippee for he band! I am down 12 1/2 pounds! Sheryl

Okay, I am five days post-op, and I bought a ...gasp...scale two days ago. I weighed myself yesterday, and was unhappy cuz the numbers were not lower than the scale said at the hospital before my surgery...I know...I know...different scales show different weights...but you know the mind games you put yourself though. Anyway, I weighed myself this morning, and I am down seven and a half pounds!!! since yesterday!!! I keep thinking that the scale must be broken...it's brand new... All I can say is WOW...I hope that this will be the start of something big...or small if you get my drift!! Sheryl:D

Thanks for the advice. I am really trying to stick to the liquids. It is hard though, once you find relief from those hunger pains. I go in on thursday for a follow up appointment, and I will be totally honest with the nurse on what I have been eating, I'll probably be chewed out (pardon the pun). donali...You may have scared me straight! Sheryl

Yup! Clear for two weeks, I was obsessing about it for so long before my surgery. Actually, it's clear for two, full for one, purees for two, and mashed for ?? But I have to confess...I went out with friends last night, and ordered the Soup, which was so good cuz it wasn't broth, and I ate some of the rice and a tiny bit of chicken, I mean like a teeny tiny bit. It all felt so good and it stayed down!! Today, I had a bit of cheese, and a teeny bit of pastrami. I am feeling guilt though. But my hunger pains are less severe today...thank God! My doctor's reasoning for the liquids is, they don't want me to throw up. You know and hurt the band, make it slip, and all. I all along thought they were being way conservative on the food issue, cuz they are fairly new to the band. But I am trying to be a good patient, and I will "Comply" to the liquid diet, but a few sneaks may happen. I just hope the guilt wont kill me. Sheryl Banded 10/6/03...and down 7 1/2 pounds!!

Greetings from Bandlandia! Well, I went in for surgery yesterday at 10:00am, and I came home today at 12:00noon!! I guess my surgery was a textbook perfect case...or so said my surgeon:) I ended up with five incisions instead of six. It is something new they are trying. The only negative here is that the line of incisions are across my waistline. I am very short-waisted and there wasn't anywhere else to go with them:( I have to be very careful with my pants and stuff like that. It will also be a challenge when I go back to work, as the tables I use all day are right at that height. I am pretty sure I have no restriction at all, my stomache is growling quite a bit. But I'm not sure if I feel hungry, I do feel kind-of bloated. Maybe that is still the gas lingering?? I had a bowl of chicken broth (home-made..yum) and I felt like after thanksgiving dinner, so hopefully that is a good sign. It will really be a challenge getting to recognize when I am full, truly full. All in all, I am so happy I had this done, I am now in that waiting for my first fill stage, and I think it will seem like a very long time. Yippee...I'm banded!! Sheryl

I had absolutely no trouble with the insurance co...Medica Choice. i feel a little bad posting that, cuz so many on these boards do have trouble, over and over again. I called Medica and asked if they cover weight loss surgery, especially the Adjustable gastric banding, and that was it. Sheryl