lisacaron

We are doing this thing! Stress is a killer. Literally, it's not just the weight gain there are so many areas of our body that chronic stress and emotional upset affect. My wish for us all in 2014 is that along with making our personal goals, we all take the time to take care of and love ourselves. When we do that, we combat stress. Speaking from personal experience in the face of extreme trauma and stress, taking the time to care for and show yourself some compassion and love is a hard thing to do. In 2014 make time for YOU as well as others. That is my personal goal this year Happy New Year to All.

I would keep checking in with your doctor and keep taking the pro-biotics. I have known digestive issues, and occasionally have a flare up that can cause the stomach rumbles and loose stools as well. If I have too much dairy or even too much whey Protein which is actually made with milk byproducts. When I find that I am eating more Protein Bars, or shakes I will take lactaid before and/or after consuming the item. This helps and prevents the diarrhea. I also take Probiotics every day. I took them before the band and I take them now after the band. I still have flare ups, but for the most part this is a tremendous help. food allergies play a big part here as well, and anything that is too greasy or has too much fat, and/or sugar also have adverse affects on me, so for me it's trying to keep a healthy balance of the foods I eat daily. I know it's frustrating but I dealt with this issues much worse before banding. Since being banded it's been that much easier for me to balance and control what works for me and what doesn't. Best of luck to you! I hope your feeling better fast!

Oh yes definitely go and get that test done, and then come back and let us know what the doctor found out! I have never heard of a tilted band before, though have heard of people who had issues with the tubing and slipped bands and that could be the same thing since it's not sitting where it was intended. I'm glad your not feeling any adverse affects, and checking it out is totally the right thing to do. I just know if it was me I would be driving my doctor crazy with a million questions about it. @dwalsh. I sent in that registration for my band...and my hubby's and never heard back from them! Wallet cards are great when your traveling though now they can see through you with those scanners

Hi Betty, Welcome to the forum. Let me say first thing that you are going to get a million and one answers to your questions. The bottom line is that everyone is different. There are some things like bread, Pasta and rice that are consistent with most bandsters as a stickler. Though there are some that are able to eat those things in moderation. Depending on the level of restriction in your band, (and this does not mean that food sits on top of your band just that it moves slowly through the stoma your band creates) you may have some issues with meats and you may not. I am in the green zone and I am able to eat just about everything in moderation. It is usually the eating mechanics of not chewing well enough or waiting between bites, eating too fast, and drinking and eating at the same time that cause hang ups for most bandsters. If you practice your eating mechanics and you are compliant with your band you will be a great success. As far as foods go it's going to be trial and error and a matter of taste of what you like and dislike. What works for you after banding and what doesn't. Sleeve patients have it a bit different then banded patients in their mechanics and the way they digest food. They do not have the capacity in their stomach any longer and their process is forever changed. Not so with the band. I have band and plicaion which mimics the sleeve to a degree without the removal of the stomach and even with this procedure the process of mechanics and digestion are different. Do lots of research, and check around this forum you will find so many helpful posts, articles and tips. Best of luck to you! Don't be shy to ask questions and share your thoughts. That's what the forum is for.

Hi Pittsburgher, How did the doctor NOT know what kind of band he placed...? That makes me question the surgeon, and then to say you have a tilted band...also makes me question. I'm not saying that it's not possible to have a tilted band, but I would want to double check with another doctor before going for all kinds of tests etc. especially if I was not having any kind of problems. It just makes me question what's going on....

Hi Anesheim, I posted this yesterday...maybe it will help you out. I came across this message in my in box today, and I thought I would share it with you all. Recently we had a discussion in another post about adapting to the changes in our bodies and accepting our new bodies as they grow leaner. Reading this excerpt and working on some of the thought exercises has really helped me to refocus my reaction to certain stresses in my life, as well as to refocus some of the goals that I have set for myself now and in the coming year ahead. This is an excerpt from: From Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul On-Line Course by Deepak Chopra http://www.dailyom.c...gi?cid=122&aff= Your body is boundless. It is channeling the energy, creativity, and intelligence of the entire universe. Are you ready for a radical change in the way you see your body? Before we can reinvent our bodies, we must be willing to let go of our old limiting beliefs about our bodies that continue to imprison us. Consider the following: • If the body is just a machine that wears out over time, then why do muscles grow stronger with use and bone density increase with weight bearing exercise? • If the brain is merely a biological computer, then would we be able change it through learning, meditation and the experience of compassion? • If our bodies are only a passive product of our genetic code, then why would our behavior be able to change the expression of some genes? • You share 60% of your genes with a banana, 90% with a mouse, and more than 99% with a chimpanzee. What does this fact tell us about our uniqueness in physical and non-physical terms? EXERCISES 1. Think of a personal experience from your own life, where the limiting physical properties of the body were superseded by a concept of the body as a flow of energy and intelligence. (For inspiration, read Aidan's story in the book, Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul.) 2. Make a list of any physical ailments you are experiencing in your body - these may be related to weight loss or gain, physical ailments, disease, etc. Next to each desired change, think about the thoughts related to each ailment vs the physical experience of each one. Now, make an intention to change your assumptions about these realities. (Ie. My intent is to think of a beam of sunlight radiating my soul every time I experience back pain. OR My intent is to think of loved ones when I experience heart burn today.) 3. This week, make a point to observe the thoughts inside you. Take extra note of the thoughts, images and memories that make you believe in unconditional spiritual love. These positive feelings are signposts towards a future opening in the expansion of your soul. Take notes on how you want to manifest these positive feelings of love even more in your life. For more information visit Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul

My boss who is Mr. Triathlete Iron man competitor both he and his wife. They make these types of shakes every morning, and swear by them. Here is one that is practically NO calories and I have had it before it's not bad tasting at all! Kale banana Ginger Walnuts Milk Put 8-12 oz of Water in the mixer, add kale chop on low...add banana and handful of walnuts and a dash of milk to taste.

Hi Terry, with my last fill I had some of the same issues. When I went back to solids I started with a few Protein bars. They were soft enough to give me some confidence and solid enough to help me get over the fear that I might get stuck. After that I was able to get back to my regular chicken, fish, and other solid foods for meal times. I think I am at the looser side of the green right now, and next month may let the Dr. tweak it but I totally understand where you are coming from. Take it slow and as B-52, Cheryl and Karen said as long as your getting something in your gonna be great! Happy New Year to you!

Thanks so much for this. I have been in a slump and really struggling with food. I know from reading posts for so long that this period is the hard time -- I go next week for my fourth fill and I'm hoping that will get me there. Really working on listening to my body so I can listen to the band but until there's real restriction I am not hearing much back. Unless I totally screw up, which is not really my mode. My problem is the grazing and going back for more because I deprived myself earlier on -- round and round I go. That said, I managed to lose three pounds in the month of December so I am doing alright. But he's this is the hard part. I have a lot of enthusiasm and energy but bootstraps are needed right now. Pulling myself up, up, up.....and grateful to every one here for the support. Bandista, you are doing fantastic! I am finally at a good restriction, I can eat just about everything in moderation and that's what the band is for. I never want to get to the point where I am only drinking or where I can't partake of something I might want to like pizza or steak. If I want to have a bite while out to lunch at a Pizzeria with my co-workers or friends I want to be able to do that. I want to be able to LIVE my life and not be restricted by my WLS which I had to make my life better and healthier not to restrict it. That said I think there are times when we all struggle with food choices. Especially being women I think we struggle a bit more with the cravings then the guys do. That is just my experience of going through this with my husband. He rarely has a craving for anything, while I have them occasionally. Sometimes for the "wrong" things like ice cream and chocolate and sometimes for things like steak and fish and even vegetables! I listen to what my body is telling me and I think at times when it's craving things like that it's because I need it. Maybe not the chocolate and ice cream but I think those things too have their place. Anyway I think your right on target and doing awesome! Have a Happy and Healthy New Year! 2014 is going to be a GREAT one!

Ah friend...it happens and it's great that your picking yourself back up and dusting yourself off. You stuck with the gym and that's awesome. I would take a second and ask yourself why candy and ice cream became your bff at this time period. What was going on....? You don't have to share your revelations just take some time to reflect on them for yourself. I find that when I do this I am able to recognize those feelings/events when they surface again and it helps me to not get hit and run over by the wagon if I happen to fall off Every day is a process of learning something new. So I am always new, there will never be a day when I think I know everything there is to know about my band or myself.

Hi Terry, I had to do the same this week. I was emptying out the fridge from all the left overs that no one ate. People in my house frustrate me the worst! They are ALWAYS complaining that they are hungry and there is nothing to eat in the house! For the holidays which I didn't even host...I made a huge turkey with stuffing, and a pork roast with Spanish rice. The leftovers have been sitting in the fridge for about a week now, and had to be tossed out. How do they say there is nothing in the house to eat?! They make me crazy if it is not some sort of junk food for they have to work to do more then open a wrapper something like opening a container and putting on the microwave that is too much work for these 20- something year old kids! Yes they are MUCH of my frustration and a HUGE trigger for me. However...this being New Years Eve, one of my resolutions for the coming year (which I have started already!) is to cook more at home and do less eating out especially less fast food! So last night I made baked pork chops, green Beans, corn on the cob and tatter tots (for the "kids" who don't like anything green!) The hubby and I had one chop each and a spoon full of green beans and we were done. My two kids went to town and loved the meal my step son, had tatter tots and corn. Sorry it's not a diner or Burger King and you can't have it your way. They don't all love the idea of making more food at home..but I LOVE IT! My step son could stand to lose more then a few pounds...and if he's not going to eat what I cook that might just happen! OR he'll get a job and go get his own McDonalds

I came across this message in my in box today, and I thought I would share it with you all. Recently we had a discussion in another post about adapting to the changes in our bodies and accepting our new bodies as they grow leaner. Reading this excerpt and working on some of the thought exercises has really helped me to refocus my reaction to certain stresses in my life, as well as to refocus some of the goals that I have set for myself now and in the coming year ahead. This is an excerpt from: From Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul On-Line Course by Deepak Chopra http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/courses/courseoverview.cgi?cid=122&aff= Your body is boundless. It is channeling the energy, creativity, and intelligence of the entire universe. Are you ready for a radical change in the way you see your body? Before we can reinvent our bodies, we must be willing to let go of our old limiting beliefs about our bodies that continue to imprison us. Consider the following: • If the body is just a machine that wears out over time, then why do muscles grow stronger with use and bone density increase with weight bearing exercise? • If the brain is merely a biological computer, then would we be able change it through learning, meditation and the experience of compassion? • If our bodies are only a passive product of our genetic code, then why would our behavior be able to change the expression of some genes? • You share 60% of your genes with a banana, 90% with a mouse, and more than 99% with a chimpanzee. What does this fact tell us about our uniqueness in physical and non-physical terms? EXERCISES 1. Think of a personal experience from your own life, where the limiting physical properties of the body were superseded by a concept of the body as a flow of energy and intelligence. (For inspiration, read Aidan's story in the book, Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul.) 2. Make a list of any physical ailments you are experiencing in your body - these may be related to weight loss or gain, physical ailments, disease, etc. Next to each desired change, think about the thoughts related to each ailment vs the physical experience of each one. Now, make an intention to change your assumptions about these realities. (Ie. My intent is to think of a beam of sunlight radiating my soul every time I experience back pain. OR My intent is to think of loved ones when I experience heart burn today.) 3. This week, make a point to observe the thoughts inside you. Take extra note of the thoughts, images and memories that make you believe in unconditional spiritual love. These positive feelings are signposts towards a future opening in the expansion of your soul. Take notes on how you want to manifest these positive feelings of love even more in your life. For more information visit Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul

Our on site Doctor sent us this Wellness tip today, and I thought it might be something good to share. Please take care of yourself during this Holiday Season, and be well! Sadly, five flu-related deaths were reported in Texas over the last few days; some involving unvaccinated individuals. With peak flu activity taking place in January and February, such deaths make it all the more important to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu. The CDC recommends everyone six months and older get the flu vaccine. The H1N1 flu strain is a component of this year’s vaccine and can provide protection. Also, take these additional everyday precautions to help prevent the spread of germs leading to influenza: Wash your hands often with soap and water; or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to limit any spread. Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, stay hydrated and eat healthy. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Try to avoid contact with sick people. You should check with your doctor if you develop symptoms of the flu. Symptoms include: A fever above 101 degrees Chills and body aches Sore throat Headaches Remember: Influenza anti-viral drugs given within the first 24-48 hours can be beneficial. Hope these tips will keep you healthy during this peak influenza season.

Pongomp, Please come back and let us know how you are doing and what your doctor had to say.

I use the MIO drops in water. In the very beginning I had the same feeling of just wanting that taste of cola. I was afraid to even attempt a sip because of the carbonation. My husband and I were at a catering hall event and I asked the bar tender to mix some of the coke syrup with some plain non- carbonated water...I have to tell you that it was so sickly sweet and gross that it cured my want of ever having it again

Jean I would like this 100 times if it was possible to do so. Yes I work my band. It stops me from eating all that I would otherwise and thank goodness for it. However it does not stop how I "feel" emotionally about wanting to eat. It does not stop me from tasting anything. As those who are here because they are or were overweight know all too well, tasting can be the cause of several pounds over the course of a couple of weeks. So yes during stressful times, and during holiday times choosing to eat the cookie or taste the pie is not a horrible thing to do. The horror comes when you are tasting every single pie that your 40 plus family and friends brought by for dessert. The Cookies that your co-worker made, the home made candy fudge and toffee made special for the occasion. It is when you are having the pie, today and tomorrow and the next day because Christmas is 12 days of family food and love and fun, preceded by a week of Thanksgiving and a New Year that rolls (literally if you let it) into Valentines day...and boy oh boy can't you just see your way to tasting, just a bite or a lick of this and that and 15 pounds later....I'm sorry you were NOT dieting!? I'm not either...but I kept my mind set as such so that I would not bite and lick my way to a 15 pound gain! The band does not and will not stop any of that, I actually don't know of any WLS (maybe a lobotomy) that does. The choice of what passes my lips is MINE the band can stop me when I have had too much of any one thing, or the mechanics is not right but it doesn't care if it's loaded with fat and sugar and enough calories to feed an elephant for a month, but I DO.

I honestly think that this is where that support team that is part of many bariatric groups comes in. We need help seeing our selves as who we have become as much as we need that help in transitioning into who we are becoming as we lose the weight some of us have had for most of our lives. I was worried about the sunken in face, and the jowls that might come and the wrinkles that might suddenly appear as the weight came off. Sure I see the sag, and I see the wrinkles and yet I feel amazing! I am not 20 years old anymore, but I feel once again like I have a renewed vigor for life. I have lost a small child, it's no longer on my back and the load is lighter. I am moving around more and getting out more and feeling better then I have in years. I earned the sag and the wrinkles, they came from living. If they bother me enough I'm going to fix them since we live in a world where that is possible, why not? I didn't start this Quest with perfection in mind, just health and happiness!! I hope you all are finding that today as well!

Hi Friend, The stress has not abated one iota, though I am feeling less stressed. It took making a mental shift for me, but it was worth it. I needed to hit the breaks, unplug for a moment and refocus. Unfortunately for me and the ones that like to rev my engine..it usually takes hitting the wall before I realize I have had the peddle to the metal for too long Hope your Holiday has been awesome! Happy New Year!!

Sounds yummy! Might have to give that try for NYE!

I used the weight after the pre-op diet to start my ticker, but as Bandista said you can use any number that is motivational for you, as you watch the number go down down down. Measurements are also a great idea, the inches for me fell away faster then the number on the scale. Best of luck to you!

Great photo's! Keep up the excellent work!! I have awesome supporters at work also...and I have to say that I spend more time here then I do at home or with the rest of my family so having them all here to support me has been SOOO helpful to me! Shout out to the awesome lady at your job for being such a great supporter!

Sunnygirl, I can see that you are having issues with your band. If you want the band out then you should by all means start looking into that. If you want to work with your band you are going to have to go back to the basics reset and start again. What you listed in your meal plan for the day is a lot of food to be eating banded or not banded and the choices of the food are very poor. I understand that part of your condition is making poor choices and texture aversion, and I get that you like to eat meat like chicken and pork and there should be no reason why you are unable to eat the things that work for you. If you want to be successful with the band you are going to have to work on your choices and aversions and that means getting counseling and working with your psychologist and nutritionist to do that. Some of the reasons you are getting stuck and are uncomfortable right now could be that you are filling up and stretching out with carbonated beverages which are a TOTAL NO NO with the band. If you are eating and drinking at the same time you may be pushing the food down so fast it doesn't have time to filter through your band and instead is piling up on top in the pouch and then causing you to have that stuck feeling and causing it to come back up. The more things come back up the more trauma you are causing to your stomach, and your band which could have now since you last saw your Dr. in April have caused erosion or slip in the band which is giving you even more discomfort when eating solid foods. We are not doctors here and this is only speculations based on our individual observations and experiences. The best thing for you to do is to go back to basics and stick to Protein shakes and mushy foods until you can get yourself to your doctor to find out what's going on with you and your band.