A New New Dawn

There have been moments that my band kept me in check and while it was a miserable experience, I was grateful for the little thing. Sorry you were not feeling well but it is a good reminder to stay on track. Also, be careful w/ vomiting as it is not good for the band and can cause it to slip. I am guessing too that the sugars and fat that you haven't had for a while made you sick. I am 5 1/2 mos. out and do have an ocassional drink, like Floridays, I count it in my daily calories so I don't let it throw me off course. I hope you are feeling better today and chalk this up as one of those "lessons learned".

I agree that it sounds like you may be a little too tight. Since it was 3 weeks ago since you got the fill and it is still difficult to drink, I would recommend getting in to your doctor to have a small amount of Fluid removed. Are you able to eat ok? good luck to you!

From the western suburbs (Carol Stream area). Good luck on your upcoming procedure!!! The best days are just around the corner. I am 5 1/2 mos out, down 60 lbs and loving it!! If you get some people together, I think it would be fun to have a local "meetup" of sorts.

I hope by sharing this, it helped take a load off your conscious. Trust me, we all have had our setbacks. We just don't all admit publicly to it. I, too, would have struggled with a salty, crunchy snack in the house like that. I can avoid many foods but that is an easy grab n go and not even think about it kind of treat. Likely, once the salt gets out of your system the weight will come back down. Congrats to you for recognizing it and getting back on track before more time elapsed. You shouldn't (in my opinion) feel bad about it. We didn't get these habits overnight and NONE of us going through this are perfect. Since you cannot undo the past week, you can only move forward. If you feel bad about it, it may sabbatage your efforts. Recognize the mistake and put your plan in place to get back on track and avoid falling into that habit going forward. You totally got this and have done a great job so far!!

Glad you are doing better. Also, not to bust your bubble but other than the day or two after a fill where you have some swelling you will likely not notice much of a difference. It typically takes a few to start feeling the satiation and more restriction. It will come. The waiting can be tiresome but it's worth it in the end. We didn't gain it overnight.

It sounds like you may be sliming from being too tight or possibly even a slipped band. I wouldn't completely give up on the band and would also suggest getting a slight unfill rather than having all the fluid removed. You shouldn't feel sick if the band is filled and positioned correctly.

I agree w/ the others. If you just had surgery then walk but don't push yourself too hard. However, for me, one way to get motivated is to go with a friend. I found a Groupon to a local dance studio and my friend, daughter, and I go to Zumba classes a couple times a week. It is easier for me to stay motivated having someone else going too. Also, I have found that getting sufficient sleep (I was horrible at staying up late and dragging all day) helps, as does losing weight. Let's face it, with an extra 50-100 lbs on us, it is hard to get the body moving. It sounds like you are doing well. As able, try to increase your pace. Another thing that got me started with walking faster/farther was to walk to somewhere. My best friend lives a couple miles away so I walked to her house a few times. It was a good challenge for me and fun.

Sorry to hear you are frustrated. Perhaps the person you spoke with on the phone wasn't a medical staff member. Does your doctor's office have a nutritionist on staff? Mine does and she is available for me to talk to at any of my visits. If there isn't one, I would urge you to see one that specializes in the band to help set up a plan for you. Ask your dr. tomorrow about the diet. He has to know. Typically, it is liquids or mushies for a day or two and then gradually to solids. My doctor's office has been wonderful but I think it is normal for you not to hear from them. I only talk to them at my visits. If you have any questions after tomorrow and still don't get answers ask away at our experiences. I am saddened by how many doctors don't educate their patients and think that makes all the difference in the world of success. Good luck to you!

that is awesome! I look forward to moments like that too. I am very happy for your and your success!

You can do this. I know it seems like it's impossible now but you can do this! Also being that it's been off and on for 6 years it sounds like there were issues that maybe werent being settled along the way. Where in the Chicago area are you? I'm in the western suburbs. We are here for you!!!! Also as other people have said this is your time now! It is likely after you start succeeding he may try to come back and I hope you stay strong to realize if someone isn't there when you need them the most that maybe you deserve better.

Yes, did they give you pain meds in liquid form? If not, ask for it. Also, it is common after surgery for some and many people say their doc gave them anti-nausea med that helped. As someone earlier mentioned, make sure you are sipping your water now. If you try to take big sips or gulps it will come back up as you are still very swollen inside. Definitely follow the doc's advice though to call if it persists.

My blood pressure med is a large pill and even after 3 fills and "being in the zone" I have no trouble taking it whole. Again, just make sure to follow your doc's instructions. :-)

Oops local, not lock

Thank you. Check with your doctor for a lock support group. My hospital has one.

Sorry to hear you don't have much support. Definitely come to this site and get all the support you can and reply to other people's topics as well. It can be very therapeutic. The biggest challenge for me was the pre-op diet and then the first few weeks after surgery. I studied up on the procedure but it never really occured to me that the first couple months (give or take) you are essentially doing it all on your own. I didn't really understand the concept of fills and how it would take a few of them for me to get to the "green zone" where I feel satiated for 4-5 hours between meals. Ask your doctor/nutritionist all the questions you can (write them down). Each one has a different methodology. However, once you get back to solid foods, I definitely recommend you track what you are eating. I can tell you honestly, I hadn't "dieted" in years before I was banded because I couldn't get myself to do it and food was more important to me than trying. I really don't have an appetite hardly now and will have a small treat here or there but have no desire to eat junk (and that was what I used to do all the time). Just know that you have to work with the band. It will help you stay satiated but it won't help you make wise food choices. For some (wonderful) reason it was like a switch went off in me where I went to this extreme and I am going to make it work. Again, I do have a little treat here or there but it is usually just a small taste. There are many recipes online that are tasty and you can have them portioned out and ready in the freezer so you have them available. I made several in cupcake pans (mini meatloafs, cupcake lasagna, etc) that were lowfat/low cal and yummy and perfect portion size. Plan your meals, including your snacks and get the junk out of the house. Good luck and come back and ask all the questions you want.

This is totally normal. When they approved me for surgery I was elated and paralyzed at the same time. You are withdrawing from your food habits right now and probably nervous about surgery and what the rest of your life will be like. Many of us go through that. It gets better and gets easier as time goes by. I am about 5 1/2 mos out, down over 60 lbs and so happy!!! The best is yet to come!!! Good luck to you!

Awesome!!! Soon those 16's will button too!!! I was so excited that when I went shopping for a holiday sweater, I was able to get an XL from the misses section and shop on the main floor of the store instead of upstairs in a corner where they hide the women's clothes.

I would urge you to go back to the basics and eat your 3-4 ounces of Protein first, then veggie, then small amount of starch, if desired. Have a small, planned healthy snack between meals. If you feel you are hungry before the 4ish hours is up between, perhaps you need a fill. I know losing weight can losen the band. Second, I would urge you to track what you are eating. It is easier to be in denial by not doing so. It brings it to reality and you can see where your weaknesses are and what you are really consuming. There are the phone apps myfitnesspal or loseit (I think that is what it's called) to track your food. Kudos to you for recognizing this before it got too far. You can do this! Lastly, if you have junk in the house, get it out. You can't graze on what isn't there. good luck to you!!

Pre-surgery jitters. You know what you need to do so try to focus on that. It will pass soon and good things are about to happen. Best of luck to both of you <<upcoming banders>>.

Hot tea, water.... the joys of womanhood!

Great to celebrate all those milestones along the way. Before you know it you will be saying "woo hoo" in onderland!

I would doubt you would be denied as one of the comorbidity factors is diabetes. It may be delayed until it is in a normal range though.

You might want to ask Alex about this. I saw a few people today trying to change their existing and having difficulty.

Jason, I am obviously not a gay man; however, if you are looking for band support we are all very supportive of one another and all going through the same band-related challenges. Best of luck to you.

I say this compassionately and don't mean any ill will. It sounds like you are your own enemy here. You cannot make excuses. We are all very busy. I am a single mom of 2, work full-time +, dating, back in college, and busy w/ life. We HAVE to make ourselves a priority. I always and I mean always put my kids first and I suffered. I learned (through counseling and trial and error) that I had to be the priority. By treating myself better and giving myself time, I was a better mom, happier, healthier, etc. You are entitled a lunch break and should insist on it. Not only is it good for you physically but you will be more productive taking a mental break too. I have read countless articles and studies that by not taking breaks or working so many hours we actually become less productive. You can find 1/2 an hour to go for a walk at lunch to clear your mind and take care of yourself. Or, if it means waiting for the kids to go to bed and exercising for 40 minutes, now is the time to not allow excuses and make the time. Again, I truly do not mean ill-will. We just need to learn that WE have to be our own priority. Excuses won't get results, actions will. Like Kime-Lou said you can sneak in extra activity in the day too. Fitbits are awesome but costly, at a minimum you could get a pedometer and find ways to up your activity. To really lose though you need to get some structured exercise in as well. Your body, mind, and family will all benefit from a healthier you!