kkccmom

HI girls....thought I'd check in... Re-read our recent posts and here's where I am right now... I was scheduled to see my surgeon today; got a call on Friday that he was called out of town...SO, went to the the PA that works alongside him (in another location). I explained to her my issues (still on-going since my post in November)...food randomly sticking...then I can eat fine for a day, then for 2 days can't eat anything, etc.... So, her concern was that the band may have slipped...so she ordered an esophagram (drink the goo and get an xray/ultrasound done while you're swallowing)...that showed that the band was fine BUT I might have a minor hiatal hernia!! At least the radiologist thought so...SO, she agreed that it makes the most sense to removed some Fluid, then see the surgeon in about a month. He'll review the pictures and, based on how I'm doing between now and then, decide if its a real "issue" that will need to be addressed or if just removing this tiny bit (.25cc) will make the difference. I just know I've had days where I do fine, then the next 2 or 3 I can barely tolerate even a smoothie or Soup. SO, we'll see. I didn't look at the scale today -- didn't want to know....but I do know that I feel great where I am. For church yesterday, I wore a dress I haven't worn in FIFTEEN YEARS!! Yes, 15! It FIT -- not tight, but comfortably...I felt like a million bucks! And THAT is worth it. I really don't care if I lose another pound. Would it be okay?? CERTAINLY, but I really just want to be able to eat normally and not be afraid to eat for fear of choking or having to run to the bathroom b/c it ain't gonna stay down!! SO, I'm feeling hopeful. I am also resigning myself to QUITTING drinking Diet Coke - once and for all. Its probably not THE culprit for any issues, but it certainly might be contributing. I know the aspartame is poison to me, so for lots of reasons I need to just stop drinking it altogether. I'm not a water-drinker, so I can go all day and drink nothing....need to try to do better on that. Anyway, still struggling w/ the SWEETS...I can make cookie dough and eat it just fine. Ugh. Need to get out and walk now that the weather here in IN is SPRING'y!! How are you all doing?? Linda, any improvements on your situation?? Sure hope so. I KNOW this is all worth it...but it sure ain't a picnic, is it??? BLessings! Kim

Linda... today is another "gag" day for me. I wake up hungry, but know not even a shake will go down. So, after running a couple errands, I came home and fixed a bowl of ice cream with crumbled sugar-cone on top. Even this is sticking. Ugh. Its where I just am afraid to eat ANYTHING. I dread mealtime because I know I won't be able to enjoy it...and like you, I'm afraid of removing Fluid b/c I know I'll just eat everything in sight. Am I glad I did the band? YES. But I sure do wish I could find that 'green zone' they talk about so I don't feel like I'm going to die every time I put ANYTHING in my mouth. I do hate this. I know all about emotional eating...but right now, I can't even do that!! HANG IN THERE. I'm learning to be happy where I am NOW...and just think, "If I lose more, great. If not, great. I like me HERE." Thing is, that really IS where my head is. My hubby is so pleased w/ where I am now, so who cares if I lose any more??? See the surgeon next week. Will see what his take is. I just know I do feel pretty miserable.

WOW...I thought I had lost my mind or something...everything looks so different!! I 'thought' it was "lapbandtalk" but when I came to the site, it didn't look the same - and wasn't called the same! -- so I didn't venture in. Computer crashed so all my saved places were 'out there' and I lost all my log-in info....but FINALLY I've found our group again! I'VE MISSED TALKING TO YOU ALL!! HOW ARE YOU?? I'm in the same rut I've been in for MONTHS....cannot seem to get past the 40-42 mark. Its the darn sweets, I just know it. That and its been a LONG winter here in IN so I haven't exercised at all... Saw my surgeon last month; he was okay that I'd pretty much stayed the same over the winter, but would really like me to get 10 more off, then "see" about going another 10. I just cannot seem to get on with it. And I've been ignoring some band issues, where I really struggle to eat the good stuff. Some days I can't even get a shake/smoothie down. And right, now I'm gagging on a cookie (which I deserve)...ugh. I don't want to have Fluid removed; I feel that'll just put me back to eating too much, even good stuff. But I'm really REALLY miserable most of the time. As I've said before, I'm ULTRA sensitive to over-fills, and this has been going on for several months. So, UGH. just not sure what to do here. Would love an update from all of you...victories and set-backs. Best, Kim

Hey everyone...time for a little venting... I was supposed to see my surgeon - and the dietician - this past Monday (yesterday)...I didn't want to go, b/c I know I've gained some weight...so I didn't want to face it. I rescheduled my appt, HOPING that, because at the time they were so booked the receptionist didn't think they could see me BEFORE CHRISTMAS, I'd be off the hook and would have time to turn this ship around a little!!...except I know I'd just keep eating. So, then she called this morning and I took a Nov 5 slot...this means I have to really get a grip all this week, so I won't be any worse than I am right now. I'm feeling SO LUMPY AND FRUMPY right now. So what did I do? I took myself out for Mexican for lunch. REAL Mexican - not Taco Bell. I went to a local sit-down and had myself a burrito and chips. It was FABULOUS...except that I have NO restriction at all and ate nearly the whole thing. I left there feeling horrible and knew I would not eat the rest of the day. And I haven't. Not even a drink. So the rest of the week I have to watch my p's and q's and steel myself for the reality when I step on the scale next week. I just don't want the lecture. I KNOW what to do. I KNOW how to measure portions, but frankly, I don't want to feel like I'm on Weight Watchers. Ever again. I did go to ZUMBA last night. Kept up except for not really knowing the routines...had a sweat. Wanted to go this evening, but my hubby is traveling and my guys had lots of homework so I needed to stay and get them situated. So maybe I can manage something tomorrow. Even if its just a walk. Have to move. Other than over-doing it today, generally speaking I really am comfortable where I am right now. Would I LOVE to lose 20 more? Yes. But do I want to work at it? No. I worry about a fill because I am SO SO SO sensitive to it. If I thought I could find that 'happy place' between where I was BEFORE the last fill and what we ended up removing...I think that could work. And it might be just THE place to settle in for the next 20-25. But its kinda scary. Just pray I can manage to keep my mouth wired shut and stay away from the Cookies. Other thing, I'm literally sitting on top of FOUR BAGS of Christmas candy - Ghirardelli squares (peppermint/white choc), kisses, mixed Nuggets, and two other HUGE bags. I make little holiday favors/gifts for craft fairs, so that's why I bought them. I MUST control myself...I could eat the whole bag of Ghirardellis or the Reece's trees. OH.MAN. Today I ate only ONE Reece's tree. PROGRESS. lol My clothes are not feeling too tight, thankfully, but I can just "feel" it in my abdomen - which is where I carry my weight -- I feel bloated. Anyway, that's where I am. Not happy but dreading the cold hard truth. And I know I just have to do the right things and it'll all be fine. Hubby and I are taking a cruise early December. Maybe I can get my head wrapped around that and try a little harder to control myself and get off a couple more # by then. However, if I don't, I'll still have a wonderful time. You see EVERYTHING on a cruise. Actually, in some cases, I feel REALLY good about myself. LOL! Hope everyone is doing all right. I'm up later than usual and about to call it a day. Trying to finish up a few things, but I'm done. Hugs, Kim

Hi all...Linda, I know exactly how you feel...I feel like a toad right now, but I've been eating like there's no tomorrow. After that awful ordeal with my band being over-filled, once I got that Fluid removed I am ALMOST free as a bird, but eating like a vulture. Well, maybe not THAT bad, but a little too freely. I am afraid to get on the scale, too, so that doesn't help at all. Amy, I NEED to get moving. I know that would help so much...but you're right, starting is the hardest part and I just can't seem to get there. Now is the time...weather is still nice'ish here in Indy, and I do have a membership at LA Fitness so I need to get back to ZUMBA...ugh. Just have to START. Anyway, it IS a constant struggle...forever, I'm afraid. With me, its SWEETS. I can really REALLY pack them in. Yesterday, I bought a package of those "sugar wafer" cookies; I ate ONE HALF of the package and threw the rest away. At least I had SOME sense...still, I can really eat those things. And its like a magnet, when I'm at the store, to put them in the cart. I did pretty good there for a while, then just let myself fall back into the sewer. LOL Anyway, its one day at a time. I see the dietician and surgeon next Monday. I feel like I'm in for a lecture. I don't know if I need a fill or not...its just so scary because I am SO SO SO SENSITIVE to too much...makes me sick as a dog. But if I could find just the right GREEN PLACE, between what the Doc put in and then what was taken out...I think I'd be in the right spot. But its scary. And no, I'm not measuring or watching or being careful at all. Nothing will manage that except ME. CHOICES CHOICES CHOICES. Keep on keepin' on, girls! We've come such a long way...let's see it through! Kim

Hi girls... Thought I would just check in and let you know how my first-day-after-my-unfill went!! I actually ate very little...ended up eating a bowl of Cereal for supper. Tried eating a few bites of a hamburger patty, but it didnt go well. Nothing major but I didn't push it. So, the cereal sounded good (cap'n crunch p'butter)... It dissolves well so no sticking issues. No problems at all. I have not had a Diet Coke for about a week. Thought I would just try it today...tasted awful. Guess I won't be slugging it down like I have been. Lots of good reasons not to! Slept pretty good - NO CHOKING!!! But I woke up at about 3:30-45 with a splitting Headache. Took some Tylenol then waited to make sure it was going down, so I didn't get back to sleep until almost 5. Ugh. Felt it all day. I went shopping today, for a new bra. LOL...what a trip. Don't know about you all, but boy have things "shifted" with losing 50 lbs!!! I got a new bra in Feb...with a professional fitting. It has become a little "baggy" so I wanted to get a new one. But it just didn't go well. Tried 4 diff brands, and still don't know what in the world I need. My other "new" one was $85...trying to avoid that! Still, it's the best-fitting bra I have ever had. Until now! Oh well. Haha Anyway, feeling good. Busy day tomorrow...have a booth at a local fall bazaar, then hosting some college girls from my church, for dinner and dessert. Hope you are doing okay. Thought you would all be interested to know how things have shaken out!!! Kim

Melissa...so great to hear from you! Thank you for the encouragement. I do feel just about 100%, and I can't tell you how great that is. I do know, as I said, I will have to really watch it or I will see the pounds fly back on faster then they have come off. I would not, however, recommend my ordeals last week to anyone. But thankfully I am on the other side and will just look forward. I will think about the pictures. Frankly, I have very few of my old self. I was very careful to stay behind the camera so it will take some digging, but I will see what I can do. I do know that papaya is awesome for upset stomach or indigestion. I have used the caplets before. I got some Prilosec today..took one and plan to use the 14-day plan and make sure I am well past all that reflux stuff. I think having Fluid removed will make all the difference, but this is a bit more insurance. I'm just looking forward to sleeping in my bed, with my husband, ALL NIGHT LONG, and not choking half to death! Praise the Lord!!! Kim

You all will be sick of hearing from me....but at the risk of that, I thought I would let you know todays news... Long story short, ended up having an adjustment - the Phyicians Asst, not my surgeon, removed .7cc from my band. Almost instantly I felt like the old me! It was almost like magic. No more nausea, I drank a SoBe Water (the fuji alpple pear is delish), and will have veggie beef soup broth for supper! She said I could have a SCRAMBLED EGG tomorrow morning!!! Hallelujah...I'm sure that egg will taste like heaven! Lol Honestly, I am ME again!!! I know I will have to be VERY careful with my choices and I MUST get in the habit of measuring...I know with less restriction, I will just eat whatever I want, and put back on the 8 lbs I lost last week! Their scale weighs about 3lbs heavier than mine, but the outcome is the same: since the 16th, with all this craziness, I lost 8 lbs!! I don't want to put it all back on. Anyway, I am feeling so good I just can't believe it. And just so relieved and thankful. She did tell me that there really are patients who absolutely cannot tolerate the band and end up having it removed. I don't think I am one of them, but certainly I cannot tolerate much restriction, so it means more attention to it all on my part. I am LAZY when it comes to all that, but I am learning a valuable lesson here. I hope the others who are struggling will find their happy place...both with the band and in your head. That is something we all need help with, you know? Feeling sooooooo much better! Kim

As the day has progressed, I'm still feeling sick'ish. My stomach really does hurt, and I think its pure hunger. But I don't DARE eat any food. And I'm afraid to drink much. I sipped some Vitamin Water earlier...probably need to just do more of that. And maybe try some broth. I just hate this nauseated feeling. I'm sorry you're struggling, Linda...I certainly didn't expect any of this! I'm hoping I feel 100% better tomorrow, when I could potentially start with thicker liquids. I am just simply hungry. Fingers crossed!

As the day has progressed, I'm still feeling sick'ish. My stomach really does hurt, and I think its pure hunger. But I don't DARE eat any food. And I'm afraid to drink much. I sipped some Vitamin Water earlier...probably need to just do more of that. And maybe try some broth. I just hate this nauseated feeling. I'm sorry you're struggling, Linda...I certainly didn't expect any of this! I'm hoping I feel 100% better tomorrow, when I could potentially start with thicker liquids. I am just simply hungry. Fingers crossed!

I've had a MISERABLE WEEKEND...and last night was THE WORST I've ever had, trying to rest. For the first time, I had MAJOR choking with some FIERY reflux...Kept begging God to just kill me. It was really awful. I ended up sleeping in another room b/c all my gurgling and choking was keeping my husband awake and he had an early flight for biz this morning.... I called and talked to the nurse at my surgeon's office. I was sure she'd tell me to come on in and get some Fluid removed...BUT, she talked me thru the week and has suggested that I have just pushed this fill too soon and have inflamed/irritate the band and my stomach, and to just go back to clears for all of today, and tomorrow I can add some Protein Shake. The problems really started on Friday night, when we went for Taco Bell. I went SLOW and took small bites - only about 3, gr beef/ref Beans, and before the evening was over, I tossed it all. Next day, I ate some potato Soup. She told me I should have stuck to clears after the vomiting episode - which I didn't do, so then put more stress on the band. I re-read the manual, and then did just slurp the broth off some chicken/wild rice soup (Progresso)...but just didn't feel great. Started sleeping propped up, hoping that'd help with the gagging stuff...it did, SOME. Then yesterday, I was feeling lots better and had planned to meet a friend for lunch a Cracker Barrel. I knew I wouldn't be able to eat much but ordered my FAVE item - chicken and Dumplings, mashed potatoes and green beans. I figured I can mash the daylights out of the chicken, watch carefully the noodles, manage the potatoes and beans....and I did pretty good, and ate maybe an OUNCE, total. Kept it down, and felt 'okay' as I drove home. I finished eating (brought the entire meal home) at about 12:30...and I got home at 4. Had only a little Water AFTER the meal...and by the time I got home I felt like CRAP. and the rest of the night was horrible. I was in so much pain it was all I could do not to take myself to the ER for some help. I dozed on and off, between the pressure in my chest, and the choking...had WACKY dreams and didn't rest at all. SO, I was determined to call the dr and get in there and get some fluid removed. But the nurse felt certain I'd just pushed it too much and that if I would just do the clears today, adding the Protein shake tomorrow, I would find it all settling down. So, that's what I'm going to do! According to my scale, from Monday to today, I've lost 6 lbs. IS THAT NORMAL? What do you all lose the week or so following a fill??? I feel like I've never been "normal" - I'm just not sure what I'm supposed to be feeling. I had fluid removed about 10 days after the band was placed (7/12)...I was sick as a dog for those days. Ugh. Anyway, that's where I am. Praying this will settle down and I will see the rest of this weight (20 lbs) come right on off. I need to get moving, too, and I know that'll help. Thanks for "listening" to my droning...its great to have a place to vent where people will understand and be patient. I do have to get "better" ASAP because feeling as I have, I'm really no good for my family. They need me - and I need them!! Thanks! Kim

had that very conversation w/ my surgeon on Monday...we agreed: it ISN'T new and "fun" anymore! The newness has def worn off and we get lazy. I have only about 20 more to go, too...and it seems like it's taking FOR-EVER to get a grip. Had a fill on Monday...major sticking issues all weekend and today. Feeling better this evening, but haven't eaten much for 3 days. Lost 3 lb last week!! I have a CARB problem, so no, I'm not following a low-carb anything. I need to. Tho now, with this touchy band, I have to be REALLY mindful of what's going in. Took a spoonful of a malt I made for my son -- BAD CHOICE. Too rich, I guess. Had major sliming issues until it relieved itself. Ugh. Hate that. But I read on another thread to really "Baby the Band" for at least a week...Guess I didn't do that. Followed the rules on the front end, but must've rushed solids. BAD CHOICE. If there's little restriction, I'll just scarf down whatever's in front of me. I don't know...I agree its just not new anymore but we have to be mindful of our choices or we'll just end up back to where we started = FAT. No thanks. -Kim

Thanks, Jenn....I'm trying. Have a SPLITTING headache. Think I may try to drink some broth or something and take a little nap. Hope to feel better. Feeling kinda nauseated, maybe just from the headache, or having eaten virtually nothing for 2 days. Thank you for the input! I'll give it another day or so and see how it goes!

Is it unusual for there to be a bit of a delay in "issues"? I had a fill last Monday, followed the rules to a T and started softs on Wed evening (mashed potatoes)...on Friday, I had a Clif Builder Protein bar...no issues. Friday night, I went to Taco Bell w/ my fam. I chose a Mexican pizza and had about 3 tiny bites and it all came back up. In about the same form it went down...tho I did CHEW!! So, since then I've not been able to really eat anything. My shakes are even iffy...? I have had Fluid removed twice and Dr says I am WELL BELOW the "normal" capacity for this far out (July 2012). I seem to be hyper-sensitive to a fill, and certainly anything more than a "smidge" will not work at all. So, I AM drinking Water w/ no problem. Just sips. Should I just take it easy for a couple more days? Maybe I just over-did it too soon? I did follow his instructions, but maybe I did just get in a hurry since I'm so touchy. Also, I have a LOT of gurgling noises that echo around my throat...is that common?? I've lost 46...20'ish more to go. I don't want to go backwards... Thanks! Kim

Happy to have found this thread...so here's whats going on with me: I had my band placed July 31, 2012. I was DESPERATELY ill for the first 10 days...the surgeon did not add any Fluid to the band when he placed it, but with the issues I was having - severe nausea, headache, could not drink or eat anything of nutritional value - he took fluid out. So that fluid-removal set me "back" a little from what I should have started. Still, I lost weight. I've had a couple fills, and TWO removals, but gained about 5 lbs in the midst of that. Had another fill last Monday, and Doc said it was only about 1/2cc b/c I am so sensitive to the fills...I followed the rules to the T, and finally tried hard-solids on Friday in the form of a Clif Builder Protein bar. I had no issues. That evening, I went to Taco Bell w/ my family and chose a Mexican pizza - THIN crispy 'crust', soft ref Beans and gr beef. I could not eat but about 3 TINY bites and it all came back up, GUSHING. When I went to bed - after staying up LATE to make sure things were settled down, I could not lay on either side because of choking on all kinds of phlegm...literally. It woke me up choking and coughing. I finally propped myself up and slept on my back and did rest. I felt awful all day Saturday, all day yesterday and today isn't looking too good either. I am having caffeine withdrawal because I am afraid to even try a Diet Coke (which I am addicted to), so I've been 36 hrs w/o caffeine. I'm afraid to take a Tylenol for fear of not being able to keep it down. I fixed a Protein shake this morning (milk and protein pdr) and tried to SIP it...it has mostly stayed down, but LOTS of slime. So, all that to say, how long would you go before calling the dr.? I feel like SUCH a wienie, considering he says I am WAY BELOW "normal" capacity in my band, and appear to be hyper-sensitive to the fills. I wonder if I just need a few days on THIN liquids to see if things will settle down. I don't want to have fluid taken out. I just have TWENTY more lbs to go and I would love to get there....but I can't live like this either. anyone else had the sensitivity to the fills? If so, how did you handle it? All input will be appreciated! Kim