WASaBubbleButt

I can't vote either. Junk foods are easier to eat but I stick to healthy.

OMG I know exactly what you mean about dreading eating. When I start getting really hungry I became angry and annoyed because it means the whole food drama all over again. Sometimes I put off food consumption for so long it actually hurts because I don't want to fight PBing. There are times that my stoma is swollen and I get that feeling like there is a golf ball in my stomach and I'm happy about it. At least I'm not hungry. I drink mostly Protein shakes and if nothing else, via weight loss it is paying off. I went to Mexico yesterday and after three hours and four different barium swallows, closing my band completely and drinking barium (then immediately unfilling), small fill, wait 30 minutes, another barium swallow, drink Water, drink barium, drink more water, drink more barium, wait another 30 minutes then do another barium swallow..... etc. etc. etc.... it was determined that my pouch and stoma are in spasms. Two large cups of barium total... Mmmmmmm! He gave me an Rx for Nexium-mups and Buscapina. I believe that is the Mexican version of Scopolomine. (Sorry, too lazy to look up the US spelling) I have to give my doc a world of credit here. He was great. He spent three hours with me, allowed me to ask every question I had, explained everything in detail, got two radiologists and the asst surgeon involved, gave me two films with about 8 views on each film to take with me, had me come back the next day to make sure I was not barfing still, talked to me some more and you know what the total charge was? $25.00. That went to the hospital (should have been $280 for four barium swallows, or at least $70 for one total Barium Swallow but he got me a discount) for the radiology dept. He didn't charge me anything since he was my surgeon. He explained that was all in the initial cost of surgery... the follow up care. Since this is a problem unique to me and not something resulting from a surgical problem he isn't sure the drugs will help so he doesn't know if this can be resolved or not. Moving the band up or down isn't going to help either. Also, I track food intake, calories, protein gms and the number of times I PB. I average PBing 20x weekly. I have PBed, slimed, and barfed in ways I never knew possible and my band hasn't budged. I swear, he must have used epoxy, sutures, staples, and cement to place my band. It doesn't move! LOL The band might not be for me but it isn't from a lack of effort on the part of my doc, he could not possibly do more for me than he has. If I don't keep my band it won't be from anything wrong on his part.

What is your most embarrassing experience, banded or not. I have to see a few really humiliating experiences before I can post mine. I also need a glass of wine or two before I can tell mine.

Most people ... when they think of sutures they think of the type that need to be removed. So I was thinking along those lines. I had that and paper tape. I don't suggest paper tape, I still have scars from the tape. Sutures did well, tape was forever type of tape. Had to pry the stuff off to clean the wounds. Doc said to let the tape fall off on its own, being a nurse I just couldn't do that. I HAD to remove the tape and clean the incisions. It's a thing for me. Clean old blood, etc. I healed fine, but lots of temporary scars.

Potatoes!!!!!!! LOL!!! When I go to Mexicali for "issues" Lucerna hotel is where I stay. Familiar with it? They have THE BEST French Onion Soup and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Since this is the best of the best type of restaurant, they look at me funny when I order soup before a meal and Mashed potatoes for a meal. Who cares, I live in the US. They won't see me again until the next time I am there. Go'en there tomorrow, btw. LOL

PBing is often times a way to learn what foods you will tolerate and what you won't. Everyone does it at one time or another. You'll need to go on full liquids for the rest of the day, maybe try soft foods tomorrow. Thing is, now your stoma is swollen and you'll need to take it easy and baby your stomach for a day or two.

Ohhhh, let's not forget colon cleansing! Take herbs, poop like a champ, and lose 30-50 pounds!

I remember that book, I bought it too and tried it. It didn't work for me either. Gee, big surprise! HA!

I agree, I wouldn't drink it anymore even if I could. Check this out: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=66136 Yale Researchers Weigh The Science On Soft drinks And Health Yale University researchers have released results of a study showing clearly that soft drinks are associated with increased caloric intake, higher body weight, a decrease in Calcium and other nutrients, and increased risk of Type II diabetes. The report also noted that studies funded by the food industry were much less likely to show detrimental effects from soft drinks than studies that received no industry funding. The article analyzed 88 previously published studies obtained through databases such as MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Soft drink consumption has dramatically increased in the U.S., from an average of 90 eight-ounce servings per person in 1942 to 600 servings in the year 2000. While many states consider legislation to limit soft drink availability in schools, public debate has centered on whether these beverages in themselves pose a significant public health risk. "It is alarming that industry-funded studies so consistently favor industry and that these reports muddy what are otherwise clear waters," said Kelly D. Brownell, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale. "Studies funded by the food industry simply did not find the degree of negative health effects from soft drinks that independent scholars discovered." "Individuals and communities need to understand," he continued, "that not all research is created equal and that researchers must ask critical questions about conflict of interest. It is more evident than ever that soft drink reduction must be a priority and that the weak measures introduced by industry to curb soft drink sales in schools should not be considered adequate." Lenny Vartanian, Marlene Schwartz, and Brownell, authored the study appearing in the April issue of the American Journal of Public Health. The team found in multiple studies that soft drinks were linked to a greater overall caloric intake, and that people did not appear to compensate for sugared beverages by reducing caloric consumption elsewhere. Some studies even associated soft drink consumption with increased caloric intake beyond the calories from the soft drinks themselves. The team also found that funding source and study design had a strong impact on findings. Reports of longitudinal or experimental studies were more likely to show negative effects of soft drinks. "Available data indicate a clear and consistent association between soft drink consumption and increased caloric intake," the article concluded. "Given the multiple sources of calories in a typical diet, it is noteworthy that a single source of energy can have such a substantial impact on caloric intake. This finding alone suggests that it would be prudent to recommend population decreases in soft drink consumption." American Journal of Public Health 97: 1-10 (March 2007)

This is NOT a debate on abortion! This is a discussion on which person has rights that should be respected, the medical provider or the patient. Here are the scenarios: A doctor who is trained and qualified to perform abortions does not want to perform abortions. Perhaps he is Catholic, perhaps he just finds it morally wrong to provide abortions. He is the only doctor within 500 miles. A poor woman wants an abortion and she cannot afford to travel, must he provide his patient with what she wants? This is NOT a debate on abortion! This is a discussion on which person has rights that should be respected, the doctor or the patient. What about the Target RPh who refused to sell abortion tablets to a patient? The tablets were available, the pharmacy stocked them, but the RPh was Catholic and it was against his personal beliefs to participate in an abortion in any way. This was a Sunday in a small town. The patient did not know where else to go and time is limited. This is NOT a debate on abortion! This is a discussion on which person has rights that should be respected, the RPh or the patient. A new mother wants her newborn son to be circumsized. The doctor has no medical cause to cut through healthy tissue to perform this procedure. He refuses, he is the only doctor available for this procedure at the time. Who has the rights that should be respected? The medical providers or the patients?

I think those that are volunteering to pay the bills are the ones determining what they will pay. Either the abusers accept or decline. Either way, they accept the choice of the abuser. I was using the standard medical definition. If someone needs to kill physical pain vs. if someone uses a drug for recreational purposes. I have had burn patients that need a drug, I have had drug abusers that want the drug. Overall, I agree with your post.

My stages have been a little different. Mine have all been about mind games. I do NOT need more calories because I am sick. I have plenty of fat, stored energy. I do NOT need more food because I might suffer malnutrition. Malnutrition does not happen in a matter of weeks. I do NOT need more calories because I'll have low blood sugar. Protein does the job just fine. I do NOT need more calories because I'll be weak if I do not eat. Fat is stored energy. Just because my stomach makes noises does not mean I am hungry, it means my stomach is making noises. I have learned about head hunger, noise hunger, and REAL hunger. I have learned that I do not need Diet Coke to get me going in the AMs. I have learned that I do not need to consume more calories so I can sustain fat, fat cells a little longer. I have learned an entirely new way of thinking and feeling. It's been quite difficult to wrap my brain around these concepts but I finally have it down pretty well. I have also learned that it is not a fault of mine or a personality fault that I am fat. It is likely a biological issue in addition to wanting to believe what I told myself for years. I'm almost over it and I eat accordingly.

Not me! I won't drink the stuff and I'm a die hard Diet Coke fan. Everyone said not to do it. So of course, I had to do it. It's like a wet paint sign. If there is one I have to touch the wall to see it if is *really* wet. I tried a diet soda and I'll never do it again. It's fine when you have little or no restriction. When you have restriction it's horrible. Ever pour a beer? See the head it forms? Yeah, that. When carbonated drinks hit your warm stomach it ALL turns to foam. Foam doesn't go through a stoma. Instead you have to wait for each individual bubble to pop while it crawls up your throat. It isn't fun. To hell with the notion that it dilates your pouch. The WORST thing it does it climb up your throat and each bubble attempts to gag you and choke you to death. :bolt:

Heh... I have to fess up to something here. I have a dog with glaucoma. She's had it since she was three months old. In humans glaucoma is highly treatable, in dogs it is not. The "eye juice" in their eyes builds up to the point that their eyes bug out and can literally fall out of their sockets because there isn't room and bone around the eye doesn't budge. This is an exceedingly painful condition. A dog can be in such severe pain from this condition that they can go into shock and die from the pain of glaucoma. Most dogs can go for about 2 years with meds and then they have to have a laser procedure that buys them about another year of pain free sight. After that they usually have to have their little eyes removed surgically. NOT my baby! She is almost 8 years old, she has never had a laser procedure, she still has her vision, and she is totally pain free, and she isn't even close to having her eyes removed. She's my little pot-head. I saute it for her because she hates crunchy pot. I give it to her right before she goes to bed by mixing it in a treat because she doesn't like the effects. If I give it to her before she goes to bed she throws her ball up in the air, rolls over so her paws are sticking up in the air, and she watches it rollllllllllllllllllllllllll. I am mega anti-drug but for medical reasons I would (and do) give it to my own dog and family members. Personally, I hate the stuff. I think it stinks, it's gross, it makes my throat hurt, I cough, and I feel stupid. But for medical issues, it's mega fantastic.

I took my friend to be banded when I was at six weeks. Last Saturday we went to Mexico to get her, her first fill. My doc and I talked for quite some time. I don't think he realized just how bad this is. There has been a lot of he said/she said and I hadn't really talked to him in detail since this became exceedingly bad. He agreed to do the test I want if I will let him do the tests he wants to do. I have no problem with that at all. So I have an appt w/him at noon on Wednesday. He said plan on being there for the night. He's going to do it all. I have no clue what "all" means, but he's going to do it anyway and I'm fine with that. Thanks for letting me vent, I seriously needed it. This problem will finally get diagnosed and if it isn't something that can be treated I'll have the band removed. If I have to have it removed at least I will know I tried everything. Thanks everyone!

Johnston is right next to Des Moines. It's where Camp Dodge is. Yeah, the summers can be a little warm at time! LOL

You know what? Wine goes down soooooooooo good! Now turkey, chicken, beef, critter food, that just sucks. But wine... ohhhh soo good. I think there is an issue here. Protein shakes go down easy. Wine goes down easy. Water is pretty good. But the right stuff, now that just sucks. liquids are a piece of cake. "Stuff" is bad. Going to bed. Nighty night. Not avoiding the embarrassing thread, just dodging it for a bit. HA! I didn't think anyone would post. Boy, was *I* wrong! Later gators. Okay, I had too much wines.

Okay, now I have had too much wine and I find myself avoiding the topic. Going to Mexico tomorrow for my friend's fill. Or no fill. Either way I have to go to Mexico. Will be back Sun PM. Oye vey... too much wine.

None of the options work for me. Self dissolving suture. No removal, no hassle.

You guys will be dearly loved (and supported) in the rants section. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/lbt-rants-and-f80.html Anyone attempts to mess with you, we'll chew 'em up and spit 'em out like a chew toy! Lots of straight supporters over there.

Weight loss everyone? I'm 51lbs!!!!

Iowa???? IOWA??????????????? I'm originally from Iowa, Johnston to be more exact. Congrats to you!!!

DARN! And here I thought I invented it! LOL Before being banded I loved salads! I'd pile on radish sprouts, the other kind as well and I loved them. I was growing my own cilantro and popped one in my mouth to see what they were like and I was in heaven. I tried to find them on line, in the stores, anywhere. Couldn't find them. So I just kept growing my own. I don't let them get to the full grown stage, I HATE cutting and chopping the stuff. I adore the sprouts.

Just try one at a time! Man 'o man, they are good!

Hey Faith... If you like Cilanto there is something you just have to try. Grow your own! Seriously, as sprouts they are sooooooo good! Ever buy sprouts for a salad? Kinda bland, yet good. I tried cilantro sprouts and I've been hooked ever since. Seeds are about a dollar and last for a year. I grow about 20 sprouts at any given time. Four to six is perfect for a sandwich as they have a strong flavor. So you don't need to pile them on as you would regular sprouts or radish sprouts. If you need fresh cilantro for a recipe just substitute a half dozen sprouts. I'm talking about when they are an inch or two long. They are SOOO good. And btw, you can't buy them. I invented the concept! LOL