donna450

Monymo...I was banded in aug. I've lost about 25 lbs. I'm on weight gaining psychiatric drugs...diabetic...low thyroid..and having alot pbing...don't eat enough right things...not enough Protein...don't know what to fix...I'm a mess. I have short term memory problems. I've had problems from day 1 but also have had some success...I don't overeat...I don't snack alot once in awhile. I can go several days eating the same thing then the next time food won't stay down then it goes another couple days and does the same thing. I'm not having 2nd thoughts about the band I'm having 2nd and 3rd thoughts about what I am doing wrong. Can you help or do I sound like too much of a buden?

Cheryl has helped quite a few and others that we don't know about. I hope she doesn't leave. She's an inspiration to alot of us. I hope everyone has a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I know this new year will be my year to succeed. Kudos to all of you.

Ditto...there's no place to consistently go to..not even your dr...who can help you forge ahead than the others who have tried and succeeded. I say that I will always keep coming back b/c we are not alone in our struggles and triumphs.

Maybe its a matter of trust. Of course you trust your dr for care of you and the band but others before you have been through this and have found answers to questions that maybe we haven't even thought about. Since we're here to help one another asking questions that is serious enough to call your dr should just be commented call your dr. Some newbies have more trust in those who have experienced the same things they are going through and there's so many different opinions that couldn't come from a dr only an experienced bander. My first month I did call my doctor for things that didn't feel quite right but got more and better advice from youall. Having this thread or threads like it gives a feeling of trust like talking the same language to a friend. So I vote this thread is a newbie friendly group. And possibly someday we won't be abke to give the same old advice since everything changes even the band. But I say help those who ask if you can. Otherwise we're here for our own agenda.

4 months....issues somedays food won't stay down not even water. But that happ ens about twice a week. Today had a p rotein smoothie. Nothing else rest of day...it wouldn't stay down. Most d ays I feel great!.

My incision is about 1 1/2 " long almost center left. I think due to an overinlarged liver. Mine took longer than the other 3. I'm coming up to 4 months banded. Can't eat today except a few sliders but nothing substantial. I can usually eat salad and fish...but after first few bites up it came and now I think my throat might be a liitle swollen. It's a very uncomfortable feeling.

Thankyou Lisa. I don't consider myself very brave or strong. I have alot of baggage that I carry and it keeps me from doing alot. But before I get too much older I hope I reach a point where I can stand proud and unafraid of all the past events. I've seen therapists and spent years in mental hospitals and I get to a point where I feel better but with bipolar the mood swings keep me in an off balance position and that won't go away but is manageable.

I was molested from age 2 to 14. Physical and emotional abuse from rekatives. Not a pretty story. Without even thinking about it I ate to stay fat to be unattractive so the opposite sex wouldn't find me attractive and once the images and emotions were buried way down deep I was relatively heavy but not to the point of being obese. But I found myself attracted to boys and men and would flirt with them but only with a barrier between me and them. I worked in a drugstore and the counter along with my weight kept them at bay. I was in control. My past buried and forgotten I got married but couldnt do all things a married couple should do and one of those he was a man he couldnt be trusted. Well I couldn't get pregnant (weight I suppose-had endometriosis before anyone even knew the name of it). We adopted two young girls 21 mos old and 34 mos old. Upon raising them I became frightened about them for them and of them. Feelings of the past came rushing back. Just feelings I wasn't sure why or what was making me feel this way. I was a terrible mother or so I thought. After years when I was 30 I finally went to see a dr about my painful endometriosis. About 5 years later I got an hysterectomy but after the first visit I also saw an endocriniligist that told me of my diabetes and also informed me of my depression. He admitted me that day to the mental ward that afternoon. So today 33 years later after realizing why I was always more comfortable heavy; why I always seemed yelling and screaming. The truth of my abuse came out throught my psychiatrist Teddy. Love that man to death. Anyhow that was many years ago. I was in 97 diagnosed also with bipolar rapid cycling. So the fat part lasted for over 30 years b/c by that time my eating had become habit. Feelings of inadequacies and alot of selfdoubt and thinking everyone was judging me kept me at a standstill. But my children and husband stood by my side through every tantrum and screaming insults lashing out to hurt because I was in physical and emotional pain. Self absorbed. Today banded and losing weight I feel a little better. I did stand on the grave of one of the persons that abused me and ask God to forgive him. The shackles of hatred and emotional turmoil fell off my back the second I said it. I have been steadily getting better. I take quite a few meds to control my bipolar and diabetes, low thyroid and other conditions which keeps me emotionally stable most of the time. But losing weight now doesn't scare me. I'm stronger and that's due in part of forgiving but also to my husband who has done sooooo much to push me to be more open and honest and work at what I wanted to do with no reprecussions of my painful years I'm sure for him as well as my kids. My girls now 35 and 36 understand in part about what happened and bipolar on top of that. Wounds are still somewhat lightly covered but so am I at times. I hope I didn't bore you. I just felt I had to tell my story of defeat and victory. I'm not there yet but I am looking at as a positive move now and looking forward to the day I'm on maintainence. I may always be a little off balance but I try to push myself making small victories with my self esteem. Im positive I'll make it. I'm 63 now so maybe by 65 I'll be a little more forgiving to myself.

I'm not sure if this referred pain and it has nothing to do with my band but my right lower cheek if you get my drift has alot of pain when I walk. It sometimes makes my knee click like it's not bending straight. Think it's my back or my hip? If either who would I see? A bone doctor or chiropractor or back doctor? .Rheumatologist maybe? I don't see my primary until feb 22 and my hip or whatever is staying longer and happening more frequent. Maybe I just need an MRI to see what might be wrong. Possibility. Whatcha think?

I'm not eating except tonight had a piece of pecan pie at a neighbor's Christmas dinner. I can usually keep myself from sampling it's not the baking but baking instead of exercising. If I would put more interest into exercising like I've done before I would feel more positive about myself.

So home is where the heart is or should I say friends who really care. I'm not doing good...but the dr.said I don't need a fill. I've never had one. I'm coming up to 4 mos.but I feel like I should be losing more. I've lost 25 lbs. It seems so slow. I can't get into a mindset to exercise and I'm baking like crazy for the holidays...about 20 dozen cookies a couple candies etc. I'm keeping my distance from tasting or should I be honest and say I eat one cookie. I haven't tasted all of them. I've gained 1 lb. But thats not the point...I am failing the band. I need for health reasons to lose about 50 lbs more. I need motivation and don't know how to instill it into my mind that I must do it. The dr says I'm fine ...slow is good...I might be in the green zone...but why don't I feel like it? Am I depressed? I think so. I take about 6 psychiatric drugs to help manage my bipolar disorder. But I always find myself in a blue mood during the holidays. Happy one moment down the next that is bipolar. I know keep myself busy exercising instead of baking. I think today will be the last day of baking. I promised my grandaughter she could help me to make cookies this afternoon. But it will be my last cookie making project. I just talked myself into it. I ned all the advice I can get to get over this hump. I thankyou all in advance and have a very Merry Christmas.

Can't do squats or lunges I fall down because knees give out very easily. I try to do 3 squats and I fell down and crawled to the couch to pull myself up and my knees were jelly. Took about 2 hours before able to walk safely. So sit in a chair and do leg extensions? No weight of any sort and how long and how many sets? I really want to do this right but not too much I can do if my knees won't cooperate. Thx for any advice.

Thx for the info. I did go to the site and read up on it. I do think I will need more arm strength otherwise I'm not going to have a good plank positioning. I tend to sway back. In other words can't hold myself up. But will definitely work towards that goal.

My banding day was 8-23-13. So it's only been 3 1/2 months. So you must be thinking of someone else. But yes I do need to lose another 50 lbs. However my knees have always been this way throughout my years starting about age 30......I'm 63 now. So I've been told to increase the strength of portion of my leg right above the knee. Since not joining gym as I had hoped I bought a stretch cord that I can use to do a little sculpting and some strengthening. What would anyone suggest to strengthen my above knee area? I heard somewhere to sit in a chair and lift up both legs bent suspended in air. Is that one that might help? Thx

I'm having a hard time the kast couple days. Alot of walking at the mall but shopping not exercising. Today left at 8 am got back at 4. Filled my pills for the week and took my pills getting caught up from 9, 1 and 5pm pills and 9pm took those. Fixed dinner ate. Put loads of sacks away. Then worked on comouter and ckeaned kitchen. Its now after ten and I'm ready for bed. So exercise will ve worked in tomorrow....baking day.

I was able to do pushups but only with my knees bent. Now though my arms wont hold my body up. Is this the same as pushups or just holding your body in a prone position?

My knees juat go out from under me. I use to walk with a walker and still fell down. Don't know why. Been to many drs. PT too but no onsucess. Any suggestions? Can't do too much of anything fast. I'm using my bike, treadmill but at at slow pace. I try to do a squat and my knees so weak down I go. I was volunteering. I was walking across the graveled parking lot misstepped down I went head first fell on forehead had 12 stitches. I'm afraid to do too much that I might fall. Help!!

What type of exercise is the plank? I'm just joining the group so I will do 30 min a day on stationary bike and 30 min of treadmill a day and 30 min walking outside. Haven't been exercising at all. Need this motivation especially this time of year. I will check back later. Good luck to all of us!

Yes my butt, feet, boobs, and legs go first. My legs are skinny but I'm muscular in my calves..if I could just turn at the waist and put my stomach where my butt is and my butt would be my stomach I'd have it made. I am 63 and exercise especially exercise using too much joint pressure is very difficult. I know Water areobics are good and living in florida most pools are outside unheated and it does get cold in the winter so I have to use my treadmill and stationary bike until next spring can't afford a gym membership. But alot of banders and anyone that had wls can find a way if they try hard enough. I need to get in a smarter more positive motivating mood b/c I don't do hardly any exercise. So support is what I need. Suggestions would be perfect to up my motivation. Thx.

Carol I have had the band since 8-23-13. My problem wasn't losing the weight even though it was very difficult. But after losing I would go back to the sweets fast food etc. But now I like to fix dinner at home and able to eat it easier by taking smaller bites and eating slower. I take 22 pills a day was about 33 a day. Lost 26lbs with no fill yet. I do have to use restraint with sweets but when eating normal foods and fixed the way that will let the food go down I find mysekf eating only small meals and feeling satisfied. I am baking this year...oresents and I fear I'll gain weight if I dont stay away from the goodies. But I am losing slowly...my dr. Is pleased with my progress...so I feel good. The wls works. You also have to have a mind change. But with determination you'll make it. It's good your husband supports you that helps alot. I pray that your journey is successful...but remember it won't happen overnight. For me the band is a tool to use wisely toward bettering myself..healthwise and weight wise. Goodluck.

I went to see my dr and he said no fill yet b/c I was doing fine. I have list 26lbs since aug 23 2913 banding. He thinks I might be in the green zone. My BMI was 37.5 now is about 33. My idea of skinny is when my stomach doesn't jiggle up and down or sideways when I move. Exercise has alot to do with it I know but losing the weight for me is to be able to be comfortable and not being models size. I would feel comfotable at 125 but I also felt comfortable at 145. So when I get to 160 or 150 I'll reevaluate and go from there. Sometimes it's a state of mind and not scale weight. As long as I feel good inside I'll feel good about my outside. But right now definitely need the weight loss.

Donna12 Is your pain related all to muscles? I have fibro in my back and my rheumetoligist dr gives me flexeril to help with the pain of knotting muscles. Would this be any help to you? I'm sorry you're going thru so much it must be discouraging....but try to keeo a smile in your heart. You have many friends here concerned for you and coming here to vent does help. Bless you and prayers coming your way.

I get that stuck feeling often. This a.m. took an excedrin just one and it feels stuck. I know it's not but the pressure is there a little. Yesterday was my 45th wedding anniversary and we went out to dinner...I couldn't get anything down had to slime what I had already tried. But I had this problem with breakfast too. I can go several days in a row no problems and some days can't keep down the same foods I ate the day before. It happens maybe twice a week or so. But I sent the salmon back yesterday twice then finally order the parmesain crusted tilapia and when I got home was able to eat half of it. Then had a little strawberry frozen yogurt almost got that pressure feeling with that. Don't know what's going on. Need to maybe slow down even more.

I'm going to buy me something special at 30lbs. I went to the dr this morning and basically all he had was praise and told me that I should be very proud because w/o a fill I have lost 26lbs. He even said I'm probably in my green zone. He said about 2-3% of his patients do this good w/o a fill. Just a select few. Gosh I was on cloud 9. I'll keep up the good work for sure!!!

Hi I can relate to your problem because I have that problem I am bipolar rapid cycling. I take 22 pills a dayand just 10 of them are psychiatric drugs some weight gaining. I've had bipolar diagnosed for over 15 years and the symptoms for another 15+ years. I was banded 8-23. No fills yet as I have alot of stuck problems, sliming, and somedays just have protein smoothies. But I have learned from my many bouts of sliming that I can eat foods and meats cooked in a certain way. My best protein I can eat is fish...tilapia...fried in a little olive oil and take small bites and chew usually get a portion down no problem but do have times when I eat too fast or to big of a bite I get stuck. I am learning my abilities to eat with the lap band. If you aren't filled too tight , I feel you have a mental block....afraid to eat not even trying to see what works. I've had 30+ years of depression and I could write a book on my experiences. It took me 20 years before I forgave my abusers the shackles of hate fell off and I began to heal. But I'm on anti depressents , antipsychotics, antianxiety, and two or three others that I will never get off of...I have to work around them while working with my band. I still don't like to go out much..but I do. I start my exercise program at a gym through my mentalhealth disability social security where my insurance pays for fees. How long will I keep at it? I don't know but I keep trying. I have several chronics diseases...like diabetes, low thyroid, etc that also works against me losing weight. If you really want this....eating, losing weight, feeling better, then you need to come at this from all different sides. Do your health assessment, nutritionist, and begin from the beginning again but with thoughts of how you CAN do this. I know depression leaches out every ounce of will if you let it control you and you don't fight against it. It festers and gets a little more of you each day if you don't do something positive to stave it off. See your mental health provider and maybe you need a psychologist to talk to. But don't jyst sit there and let it win....fight back...it's your only life you'll have..how willing are you take it back and start to enjoy and join life again? I wish you only the best...it's a hard life...but it is a life with happiness and sadness..ups and downs...love...friendships...hope for better things to come. Refigure your reasons for having surgery...you made the decision to better your life don't stop now when the hard work has to begin. You won't be sorry. Don't just stagnant...push yourself forward. Things can and will get better if you only fight back a little each day until one day you are more up than down. It happened to me. It won't happen overnight but it can happen. Remember the band is the tool...it's up to you to use it wisely. Blessings and prayers my friend. It's hard but doable. And you can do this. Keep in touch.