cadydid

And it is very easy to avoid the buffets. Go somewhere nice and if with bandsters, share a meal with one or more. Or eat a wonderful appetizer. At the Bellagio, crab cakes benedict is awesome and bandster friendly (always have to go there for late Breakfast and that tides me over till dinner). :hungry: I always share. I would think alcohol would be more an issue for me than buffets (and gambling) :youcandothis: . But I'd go there. :clap2:

Glad you are feeling better. I got to thinking afterwards and realize I no longer eat sashimi and I think it is because in early ages of banding I found that no matter how much I chewed it was never enough, no matter how tender. It just seemed to sit there forever in my pouch making me uncomfortable for several hours or come back up. Try it again without yoga class and see how you do -- that may be part of the problem.

I try to eat before yoga, even if just a Protein bar on the way. I found that I had problems after also. But I know some of the other class members go out to eat afterwards. Our class is for bariatric patients, is at the hospital I had the surgery at and there are RNY, lapband, and pre-surgery or just overweight people trying to slowly and easily exercise. Our instructor is actually the anesthesiologist for the bariatric group. He has been doing yoga for over 15 years, actively teaching for 5, and now even more into it. We have one lady that is almost 400 pounds and he shows her how to get the same stretch sitting down. I love the way he works with all of us and any of our personal needs. Good luck!

Just like La Madam (Michelle, good to see you post and that you are still doing so well) but different in the sense that mine was a slip. I was a poster perfect bandster, right portions, no carbonation, no overeating/pouch packing, no NSAIDS, no pbing or sliming for months, by no means overfilled, and I had a slip. Being unfilled and mostly on liquids and soft food for 3 months did not resolve it. I am lucky that because I had no erosion that they were able to remove and replace the band. And because I had lost 90% of my weight at the same time I had a low profile port placed right above my left hip bone (never even notice it now and it was really starting to show when I wore more clingy clothes and sometimes uncomfortable when exercising). I also had a lower body lift done. So, yes there are some things to help prevent a slip but there can be other causes. I think it is very hard to be a perfect bandster as most of us do have an occasional treat and/or calories from alcohol Have I been perfect since my rebanding, no (I still enjoy occasional ice cream/couple bites of dessert or a glass of wine) but I exercise more, have an even lower amount of fill, and am very careful and see my doctor if necessary. I have only had two fills since the surgery (almost a year) and could use a little more but like La Madam (and in case I ever lose the band), I watch my portions, I do not allow myself to gain more than 5 pounds before I buckle down again, and NEVER overeat, if anything I eat much less. La Madam is such a wonderful example that the band is a tool and hopefully if we have to lose it, we now have the tools (emotionally) to maintain the loss. It is difficult because those hunger pains come roaring back and your head tells you that it is time to eat. When that happens I just drink another bottle of Water. I will NOT give in (Michelle, you were my inspiration even though you lost the band). I was totally prepared that I would wake up from surgery with a lower body lift and no band. I knew I could accept that thanks to La Madam. I consider myself lucky to still have one. So, this is getting long but IMHO for a slip or erosion there are some known causes but there are also unknown reasons why things happen to our bodies and how the band reacts. I personally feel that my slip was possibly from exercising too much. I wanted to try to lose as much of my loose skin as possible before considering plastic surgery. Possibly all the crunches I was doing? Just my personal theory.

Not only no but heck no to riding all the way to DC. It is bad enough driving that far. My butt would have calluses . And the weather this time of year - ugh. Talking about DC, the name of our club is Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club and no we are not affiliated with the Rolling Thunder that does the DC ride. We've had some flack but I think they are Inc and we are MC and we obtained the rights to our name here before they did (I think someone checked). It's no big deal but once in a while we get approached about it. I'm an Army brat and my dad did two tours of Vietnam and is actually buried in Arlington, so the wall does mean a lot to me. Are you planning on riding the whole way?? How many miles each day and how long back and forth?? We will probably ride to Sturgis next year and I'm still trying to convince him that can't I just fly in, ride around and see things with him and then fly back. It is such a beautiful area of the country but to ride the whole way. I'd rather trailer in the bikes. But, you (and your friends) should come up to our poker run. It is a total blast and our local Outback STeakhouse donates the BBQ at the end. Steak, chicken, caesar salad, rice, etc. It goes to what used to be our local "Crippled Childrens Society" but now is called VIA Rehabilitation. We help support the camp they have and that is actually one of our stops so the riders can see where the money is going to. It is August 19th this year! And yes Carol -- each trip gets easier, our club usually plans a stop about each 90 minutes as some of us have small tanks compared to others. But it is the women that usually push for this. And there are gel cushions that fit on the seats that make the TB easier. I'll try not to be such a lurker : )

Mainly a lurker but couldn't resist : ) I have a sportster and hubby has a softail custom. I hated riding behind him when I was heavy and that was why I took the class and decided to ride on my own. Hubby is looking at getting an ultra classic. We live in CA so there is a helmet law and we both wear full face helmets. I do have a half helmet that I use in the summer on short trips or to work (only 7 miles). Our son also rides. We belong to a small mom & pop Harley club and as most of us have gotten older the drinking and riding has really stopped unless we do an overnight trip. Saw too many accidents. In June we will do our annual meeting from San Jose to Carson Valley Nevada. I love the backroads but usually ride behind hubby on these super long trips. More than 3 to 4 hours on the Sportster my hands are numb and I have a severe case of TB (tired butt). Glad to see so many other women riders. Our club is the only one in the Bay Area that allows female members (other than all female or HOG chapters) and even the ones that don't have their own but ride with hubby or sig other have voting privileges. We are the ones that do most of the work and the decisions for our annual poker run anyway, and where we want to go on our rides. HUGS to all you riders. Carol

Hi Ati: I've been banded for about 3 years and this started about 6 months ago, almost metallic is how I describe it. My surgeon stated that it is a sign of possible reflux. I now take prevacid twice a day and the burps are less and so it that taste. How you figure out what it is Carol

Would these women bat an eye if they needed an artificial hip replacement or a pacemaker. Those are foreign objects and the band is made of the same material (or very similar). Lind2times -- PBing is productive burping (aka vomiting but doesn't quite feel completely like it since it is only from your pouch). It can happen when you overeat or have something stuck that was not chewed well. Sliming is when you have an excess of saliva that comes up. I am 3 years out, had a slip and needed a revision, and I still love my band even if it can be very fickle. You are doing great researching, keep reading and learning.

Boy do I understand. My slip happened the same way and we finally did a barium swallow when I could get liquids down but didn't even dare to do solids or soft food. That happened in March, all Fluid removed and swallows every two weeks. Stayed on full liquids for about 3 weeks, the band did reposition itself but the pouch never went back to the correct size. This June he went in unbuckled the band, repositioned the stomach and to the correct size and then rebuckled the band. I also had a LBL at the same time since I was close to goal. I will keep positive thoughts for you and the slip. You definitely have been under a lot of stress. I had none of the "reported symptoms" of a slip. I hardly ever PB'd and it had been months since I had, and I didn't overeat and watched portions carefully. I was surprised about the slip but did not want to lose the band.. It was a struggle being unfilled for over 6 months (he wouldn't refill until I was not swelling so severely after the LBL). I did gain some weight back and now trying to find my sweet spot to be on a losing streak again. On the other side. I worked for the MS specialist at Stanford Hospital for 5 years. I definitely can relate to what you are going through as a caregiver. My doc's philosophy was that MS may keep you down 65 days or so a year but most patients are doing OK the rest of the time an that is a lot better than most diseases that really can effect your lifestyle 365 days a year. Also, it is really a head trip for a man to accept a diagnosis of MS, especially when he has been the major provider and has a family. But even if he has to take (or you give) injections on a daily, every other day, or weekly depending on the medication, hopefully this will help his everyday life. There is so much progress in the MS field currently. I don't know where you live but if you would like I would ask the neurologist I worked with if he knows any neurologists in your area that are MS specialists (I still see him monthly at our wine tasting group and also still see several of his patients and their families that have become friends). You can also PM me and I will help anyway I can. I can also help if you need resources. The MS Society will actually pay for somehow to help you if you and your children need a break. I think they will do it for 2 weeks a year. ALso, they will help fund air conditioners, walkers, scooters, or any other needa. My doctor used to write letters on a regular basis for patients to get a discount in the energy bills (it is a law that if heat/cold effects your quality of life that you can get a significant discount). We also wrote letters so insurances helped pay for many special needs. We wrote letter for tax reductions if patients had problems with carpeting (you should understand if your hubby had problems walking) and they need to change the flooring. So please, pick my brain if you need to. If you PM me, I can also give you my phone number if you just need someone to talk to. Positive thoughts for you and your family and lots of HUGS.

I just saw this. My goodness woman you are looking mighty fine. It is strange that I've known you during most of this wonderful trip we are on. I don't see where you need PS though. The kids look wonderful and are growing so much. Once school starts again, lets do a lunch or I will make Rusty starting dropping me off in Morgan Hill before his meetings in Gilroy. I MISS YOU!! Thank you so much for the support during my slip, repair and PS. You are one person who really knew what I was going through emotionally, physically, and most lovingly. HUGS to the whole family Carol 12/29/03 269/157/149

What we did on our cruise to Alaska and our 14 day one to the Caribbean is use Water bottles for clear alcohol and diet coke plastic bottles for rum or bourbon. In each port of call, leave with the water you need to drink anyway and then stop at a liquor store and pick up your beverage of choice. I usually had a six pack of bottled water and then carried in my hand my refilled vodka water and walked right through the scanner with it. Never had a problem. We also brought coffee type mugs with lids so we could mix our drinks in our room and then wander around the boat, sit poolside, etc. Saved alot of money and NO we are not heavy drinkers. I actually lost 5 pounds on the cruise. ALso, it is much cheaper to not book excursions ahead of time with the cruise line. We waited till we got to port and usually if there were 6 or so of us it would cost almost half the price. And comparing at dinner, we usually saw and did so much more than the others. They bent over backwards to show us a great time. It also makes it nicer when you don't have to spend so much money and then tip after. If it was half price you don't mind giving them a generous tip. FYI -- Our cruise director on the Alaska trip told us about the alcohol tip and on the caribbean cruise our cabin guy told us about the excursions. I will see if I can arrange time to make it - sounds like you will all have a blast. 'HUGS Carol banded 12/29/03 269/167/147 PS - LBL 06/06

Hi, I had a tummy tuck this past June. Actually a lower body lift where the scar is all the way around (but my butt looks good now too). I also at the same time had my band revision (slippage) and a low profile port inserted right at my left hipbone. All I have to say is the first week is pure pain and I even borrowed a walker to help me get up from the recliner to go to the bathroom and get around. But right after that there was discomfort but no excess pain. I even stopped the pain meds. One of the most bothersome parts is the "drains" that you will receive. They collect the excess Fluid instead of your body reabsorbing it and stretching out your newly flat body. I had mine for 3 weeks. You have to drain them several times a day and keep track of the drainage. It is hard to wear certain clothes with these "bulbs" hanging from your waist. But no regrets. I haven't lost anymore weight as I still swell quite often. My weight can actually vary 5 to 10 pounds a day now that I'm back to work full time. They removed 10 pounds of fat and skin. The other frustrating part is wearing the binder as much as possible. It looks like a back support brace (the kind that people wear that continually lift heavy objects). I don't recommend getting a TT in the summer like I did because with the heat/swelling/support brace, etc., you are mighty uncomfortable unless you sit in front of the air conditioner constantly. Even going to the grocery store was uncomfortable. They would like you to wear some kind of body shaper (lipo in a box, flexees, etc) for up to six months, or at least my PS recommended that. I do feel they definitely help with the swelling now that I'm at work but not as much as the support binder that they give you does. I wear that the minute I get home until the next morning. Feel free to ask any questions but do talk to several people about the surgery and do your research. There is a yahoo message board for bandsters and plastic surgery. GOOD LUCK Carol banded 12/29/03 269/165/149

My WL surgeon and the PS he works with are starting to place a low profile port and they are now putting them below the bikini line. So far no problems with fills or exercise. Now, I'm 51 and current weight is 161 (159 is a normal BMI for my height). I want to get to mid 150's and plan to have my TT this winter. My port is really showing now that I have toned and am so close to goal. I won't wear body hugging tops because it shows and I don't want to answer questions. So, I am definitely considering having mine moved to below my bikini line.

Carol checking in: I will use my first 9 months. banded 12/29/03 1. Weight when banded (in pounds, if you'd rather not disclose then reply via private email to me) 2. Study duration (between 6 and 12 months) 3. Percentage of meals where you drank during the meal or within 1 hour after the meal 4. Average minutes per week you exercised during the study period 5. Number of fills you received during the study period 6. Regularly used diet drugs during your study period (yes/no)? 7. Race (race showed as a significant success factor in the initial FDA trials for lap-band surgery, leave blank if you object to testing this factor) 8. Weight loss during the study period (in pounds)" 269 9 months 25% 120 4 no Caucasian 102 (from 12/29 to 4/2/04 lost 71 pounds in 3 months!)

I second everything that Vera said. You have been through so much in your lifetime and survived with a positive/wonderful/sharing/caring attitude. We both started about the same weight and I also weigh 161 in a size 10 too. Congrats to you for maintaining the loss. Can't wait to see you again. HUGS Carol Dr. McKeen 12/29/03 269/161/149

Thanks for all the great information!! There are 2 local PS I will look into and then the Utah doctor. I'm sure my doctor would refer the colleague of his as I have only heard wonderful things about him. I will talk to him next time I'm in. Thanks for your very honest answers. Carol

I'm mainly a lurker but I have a suggestion of where to go from now. Ask her to go with you to your next fill appointment. Let the surgeon know a head of time and ask if he will "do" a consultation on your mom. Let him explain the procedure, listen to her medical issues, and let her know that she would be an excellent candidate for the surgery. I have paid for a couple of "consultations" for my friends who were afraid to take the first step even though they attended an information session. It helps them to know that even the doc agrees that this is the best thing for them to do to get control of their weight. My doc is so cute, that if I refer someone, whether they have the surgery or not, I get a free fill. He feels it is the best form of referrals. I have him schedule me as the last appointment of the day, and after we go in and he talks about what is going with me and I do/or do not get a fill that visit, he turns to my friend and says, since your interested, how about if we go in my office and discuss this further. I wait in the waiting area. So far only one of my friends elected to go to another surgeon due to insurance issues. But it is a subtle way for them to observe and hear firsthand why a doctor will find them to be a good candidate. Best of luck with your mom. Carol Dr. McKeen 12/29/03 269/162/149 (3 pounds from having a "normal BMI"

I plan on having mine in December. Our company is shutdown for 2 weeks and I will take an extra week before off. Is 3 weeks enough, like you I only want a tummy tuck, no lipo, etc.? My band doc will be there and will insert a low profile port, last night he actually said he could place it below the bikini line if I would like. I'm 51 and don't think I'll ever wear a bikini again, but he said once I have the tuck, it is someways easier to access, etc. He said that is what he has experienced in other patients. My doc does lapbands here in the Bay Area (CA) and also in Utah. The space he shares in Utah is where the plastic surgeon is. He was recruited by a local hospital but still sees/does patients (surgery and fills) every other week in Utah and the PS is his backup for urgent unfills or problems. He said I could fly out with him, have the surgery done, he will be my personal doctor for a couple of days and would fly back with me. Do you think this is doable? I will probably bring a friend with me too. He hasn't done a CA patient there yet. I was his 3rd lapband in CA, he had done about 150 then. So, he definitely has been present when his Utah patients had their tucks. I will probably fly out this summer to meet the PS and get some idea of what I am getting myself into. I love my surgeon and his bedside manner and he says the other doc is that way too. My doc would take out the drains, etc. here. I have had a drain before (had a huge lipoma -- fatty tissue -- underneath one arm that was so uncomfortable that a breast surgeon remove the lump and I had to have a drain under my arm that attached to slacks for about 10 days. the price my doc quoted was about 5 grand. Is that in the range you had? I can also have it done locally too and he will try to work with the PS I select but at this time he doesn't know anyone's work out here to make a suggestion. My PCP's husband is a PS and I may also have a consult with him. He has done bypass patients but not lapband. If you get a chance, go to low-carb-friends, do a search in the Playground under Divinem and check out her before and 3 week postop pics. They are phenomenal. I am currently working out with a trainer, 13 pounds from my personal goal (149) and 3 pounds from having a normal BMI so definitely have muscle below but also a lot of scar tissue (several lap surgeries -- I think 7 total). I don't want lipo done at the same time. I don't think I will need it, but like you, if I feel I do, I can do it later. This PS does not do boobs but will do a lift. I feel that at least I can wear a good bra and lift them back up but can't with my tummy. Let me know what you think.

We have 3 "meetings" a month. One is the official one at the hospital, one is at someone's home on a Saturday/Sunday afternoon (potluck), and one is at a local restaurant. We included the restaurant in after several new bandsters said they just didn't think they would every be able to eat in a restaurant. We have gone to Italian, Mexican, seafood, and several others. Most of us at least make it to two of the meetings/month. We even have several men attend. Some of the girls got together and take private pole dancing lessons, and some are taking belly dancing. There are a few RNY patients there taking the classes too. We all have become close and when I have a party and have invited them and my friends there (like you only hubby and son know), I just introduce them as my friend. Even they ask how did you meet, I say at a weight loss support group. And I tell them I can't go out with them if I have a commitment to the group. I also feel that if I met someone I know at a support group that they would be going through the same issues I have and would be supportive of their privacy also. Carol

This past summer I got stuck on a tiny piece of leftover steak that I had for lunch. It would not go up no matter how hard I tried, nor down and drinking fluids was practically impossible. At about 8PM that evening I knew I had to call the doctor (it was a Saturday). Well, he was at a bariatrics seminar in Florida and I live in California. He recommended that I first call my primary MD to see if someone at Stanford could do it, and if needed call the bariatric surgeon on call at UC San Francisco. Well, I ended up going to San Francisco after umpteen phone calls and not knowing where I was (thank God hubby drove). Got a full unfill and felt instant relief. Like Alexandra said most things will go up or down eventually and I usually don't have any problems. But that day my body just did not want to cooperate with me. Needless to say, I eat very little steak nowadays and chew it to absolute mush. There is definitely discomfort when an item is stuck and you won't even want to try to drink Water after the meal. Your band definitely is in control and you just have to listen to it (sometimes it whispers too). But 99.9% of the time you can feel the stuck item move downward and definitely feel it if it comes up. Hope that helps.

that I cannot eat and enjoy the foods I used to love. pizza, sandwiches, pastries, etc. And I don't miss them. On a regular diet I would crave these items and usually blow my diet for a meal or so of something I really craved especially if moody or PMSing. Now, the thought of eating those items and being very uncomfortable for hours or the possibility of PBing just isn't worth it. So yes, the band taught me to go for quality not quantity. Yes, there are times where I do not eat band-healthy but they are very few and far between. I make it a priority to get my Protein in first and usually I'm not that hungry afterwards. Just my feelings.

go see "Beach Blanket Babylon". It is a funky show that is a SF tradition. Their holiday show is fantastic. Check it out on the web. I just did most of my X-Mas shopping in the Castro district. I love all the fun, funky stores and we have such a great time there. Have fun and enjoy! Carol (if Vera and you meet, let me know and I'll try to go too! I live in San Jose).

You always continue to inspire me. Your internal strength and well-being is phenomenal. And your POSITIVE outlook on issues that have come your way is so touching to me. HUGS -- Even though I am a major lurker, the bandsters I have met and talked to will always be in my heart. This board has always been a wealth of inspiration and honesty, and you are definitely a large part of that. Carol

"Lipo in a Box". They have a website. I actually like theirs better than Spanx. Also have seen quite a bit of Spanx at Target for a good price. It really does help with the belly rolls and helps you look leaner in clothes. Carol

Vera just called me and told me the news. My heart goes out to you and your family. You all have been through so much and I think that helps all of you as you have learned to take one day at a time and only deal with an issue when it becomes a concern. I admire your attitude and love you have for everyone. I also know you have a great support system. My thoughts will be with you on the 28th and I also think you have taught us a wonderful lesson. My 2 year bandiversary is the end of December and in January I am having and my testing to make sure there is no erosion or problems. HUGS AGAIN. Carol