New Hope

Hi, Victoria, You got your band in Sept. 2004 and you've had 3 fills, right? How much weight have you lost? Are you feeling restriction? What type foods are you eating? Are you drinking w/your meals? Are you getting regular exercise? I think some surgeons prescribe diet pills for their patients before they get their first fill. You should definitely check w/your band dr. and see what he/she advise about that before you start using any.

So glad you got that fixed so easily.

Thank goodness for that! Now you can get back to the job of getting healthier.

Julie, that helps because you can bring "leftovers" from another meal to eat. The frozen dinners are great, but watch the sodium content on them. Have you thought about wearing a pedometer? I bet you do a lot of walking on your shift. That counts as exercise.

Looks like your journey to better health is beginning...one step at a time. Good luck!

Congratulations! That date will be here before you know it. Start drinking that water (but not w/meals) and walking. Better wear all your favorite clothes because they'll soon be "forever too big". Yeah!

Lisa, would you honestly want this dr. taking care of you now? Please write him off like a bad check and focus your energy on healing. That type of stress can't be good for your ulcer. He's not worth it!

Hi, Patti, there is a lot to learn about the band. I'm learning every day. Have you tried doing a search on here for various questions? If you've tried various weightloss methods and you have serious health problems, the band may be the tool you need to lose and maintain your weightloss. But you have to be willing to do your part..healthy, moderate-size food choices, consistent exercise. Soft foods like puddings will slip right through and you'll still be hungry. There's a lot of mental as well as physical work to do. Just because the tummy growls doesn't mean we're hungry. Heaven knows, none of us are at any risk of starving to death! The solid foods you eat stay in your new pouch and give you a "full" feeling. You're eating less and losing weight, without feeling like you could eat paint off the walls. We're not "weak"! It takes a strong person to realize they have a weight problem and seek help. And this is no easy fix! It takes work, but regaining your health is definitely worth it! Best of luck to you!

That's great, Emmy! You may feel restriction immediately or it may take a few days. Glad you're following your dr's orders. Congrats on the 20 pounds already gone!

Congratulations!

Where are you wanting to get banded...in the U.S. (city, state) or out of the country (Europe, Mexico)? We have bandsters from all over. You're going to get a variety of prices. But you also need to consider your after-care...convenience to get back and forth for fills, unexpected problems, surgical corrections (if needed), dr's experience, his/her staff, how easy/hard is he/her to contact, $$$ and time allowed to get to him/her, hospital facility used. If you're going to have a different dr. do your after-care (fills, etc.) check directly with that dr. to be sure you are accepted - coming from another dr. It's not just about who has the lowest price. It's your life and you have to take care of yourself. There is a lot to think about before you're banded. Please research and get as much info. as you can. Best of luck to you!

Sounds like you have such a wonderful life! I think we can all relate w/the mourning of foods. But you'll still be able to have those long langurous meals w/ your friends! You'll just be making wiser food choices and be able to enjoy the conversations more. We have a bandster on here (La_Madam) who owns a restaurant and has done amazingly. She works around rich foods every day. She's lost 80 pounds and is so close to her goal! You'll also realize that there's a lot more out there to do and enjoy (that don't include food!) than planning what the next meal is going to be. That's a great idea having your friend come by and check on you. Please come back and let us know how you're doing, when you feel like it. Best of luck to you as you begin a wonderful new chapter in your life!

LOL Well, I'm glad someone finally solved this!

Terri, what type of band do you have?

Monica, please be careful! If you are pbing now w/o a fill, it's just bond to get worse after a fill. Are you mostly eating meats and veggies, cutting everything into tiny pieces and chewing very, very well before swallowing? Take your time, don't eat too fast, and chew food to pieces before swallowing. Best of luck to you!

I've pm'd Mr. Alex about what these things actually mean. I'll let you know what I find out. We've got a lot of different speculations here. Meanwhile, I like Vinesqueen's idea about trading the points in for merchandise! LOL

I've pm'd Mr. Alex and asked him what these things mean. I'll let you know what he says. Meanwhile, I like the idea of trading them in! Where's the catalog? LOL

Scotty, you're already gorgeous! Just think how great a few less pounds will look. Be sure you have your pantry stocked w/your necessary items...variety of liquids, soups, etc. Pack very lightly for the hospital... just the bare necessities...change of clothes, slip on shoes, tooth paste/brush, comb, etc. Telling your Mom can go both ways...she can fret and worry or she can be very helpful and give you some tender loving care. Please take care of yourself, rest a lot, and please let us know how you're doing - when you feel up to it. Best of luck to you!

I would call your band surgeon and ask them. You may need to postpone (not cancel) it and get on some antibiotics. You don't want to be sick when you get your band! Having that gunk and recovering from an abdominal surgery would be miserable. Please take care of yourself.

Dell, sounds like you're doing what you can. It just takes a while to get a straight answer. But hang in there and best of luck to you!

Hi, I bumped a thread for you that talks about this. Please don't let the title scare you off...."80% Divorce Rate". I think your letter writing is an excellent idea. You're able to make your point without getting emotional and/or saying something you would regret later (because you're hurt or angry at the moment). Best of luck to you!

Bumping for Carmel.

Can you describe your pain? Where is it located and how would you describe how it feels? When do you hurt...all the time, right after eating, doing a certain movement, etc.? Have you had a fill yet? If so, how long ago?

Wow, Faith, great job!