ja9va

NV Hang in there!!!

stef Great about your appointment. I heard about the pinaple juice too but haven't had to do that yet, i have the papya tablets, but they are unused too. Someone told me they did not work for them. Maybe it is back to everyone is different!! Sometimes that is good, but it would be nice to have an answer to our questions that works for ALL OF US!! mj you have a 4 and 15 year old! Wow, God Bless!! I have a 15 year old soon to be 16, so much fun! restriction...wooohooo It seems like it has kicked in for many of us now. I feel more this week then I did last week after my fill. I hope to keep it up until my next appt early Oct! But it is still unpredictable from being able to eat steak and then not a cracker or rice weight loss finally... I have been stuck at the same point for over two weeks, I weighed this am and am down 3!!!!!!! Have a great day all!!

Rhonda, Wow what a day, I guess the bright side is all you learned through the process! I agree with you on so many points. I am glad they were able to get someone in to complete the unfill, it is harder when they can't find it and they are poking around! Keep us posted on your eating. GREAT NSV!! those mean so much... Missy and Amy, I agree so much about the band for teens or young adults, I know I would have been thankful to have this then. I have yoyo so many times, I lost count. And when I finally decided to do this at age 48, I am at my all time highest weight! I only exceeded 200 after babies and then two years ago and oculd not change habits or get the scale to move! I don 't judge those who have a low bmi, because the band is there for you NOT to GAIN it BACK. To me that is so important! Stef sorry about your fill appt. that is how my doc office is. you can't get an appointment, even if you call and beg! Now if there is a medical problem, I am sure they will see you. Hang in there! when is your appt? Mine is not until Oct 8.

Gina, I am not sure you recall my first fill. It was in the hospital under flouro. she did not even use the flouro to stick me to do the fill, only after to see the bariam go down. I was upset because she did stick the needle in and have to move it around until she was able to get to the port. that worried me and made me feel dizzy and faint. Mainly out of worry, not hurt. I asked her why she did it that way, that I thought the reason for using the flouro was to locate the port. she said she did not need it? But then the second I layed down on the table, mainly due to my dizzy deal. But it went 100% smoother. I was worried I would have to push up my stomach like a crunch, etc, because they say when you lay down the port goes down in ward and it is harder to feel. It goes to show it is even different per person there. I do agree seeing the doctor makes you feel he is in the loop and following up with your progress. I have yet to see my doc in three months, and that does concern me some. Have a great day!

missy GREAT for you!! I can't wait for our temperatures to go down a little bit and stay there. It is so hot and humid now to workout outside! rhonda keep us posted. I am not there yet, but I read others who said give it a day or two and if you still can't drink or eat fluids, you should call the doctor. It could loosen up or not? suzzzie Great on the PIZZA! I can only eat one slice, and because I love pizza, I am glad that I can still eat a slice from time to time. Have a good Tuesday!

GINA I agree in theory, but from my experience and from others, some doctors don't do fills. I heard my surgeon does not do them on a regular basis. The NP is very nice and has many band and gp certificates or some accredidations working with weight loss. She does 90% of the fills, and to be honest on one visit with the doc I was afraid it would be him doing my second fill, and they asked if I would see the NP becuase the doc was way behind. I was releaved? I think it is more imporant to know what training the person has and how many have they done. But that is me. I am not an expert, only 2 fills!!! Hope all is well in Hampton Rds, wish I was there!!

Monica today I had two restricted meals! I ate deli turkey and a slice of low fat cheese for breakfast. I ahd to slow down eating it because i could feel it going down and having a bit of a problem. then at dinner I ate a peice of grilled chicken and it was getting stuck. I picked out the dry bites I cut for the dogs and dipped others in sauce to eat. But at one point I had to stop eating and wait for it to pass, but no Pbing! Which is good, I really don't want to do that! So who knows!!! gina My doc and NP is so booked that I would never be able to call and ask for an appointment. I called today and asked if I could move my appointment on Oct 8 from 10 am to the late pm. And the receptionist said no openings until the end of october or early November. I think my doc and the other one at Richmond St. Mary's has marketed their practice to much, they need a bigger office and more doctors! I have an entire month to work at this before the fill. But I am serious and need to do it!! If I did not tell you yesterday your weight loss is FANTASTIC!!!

Lisa H wow that is amazing, the fill process! You are at your top almost. I wonder if anyone has ever had their band full and still did not feel restriction? stef I too think another fill is needed. Your doc is very conservative, but my NP said everyone is different, not being wrong, just a different approach. I only drank the bariam at my first fill. The second fill and others will be in the office with out flouro unless there is a problem. Last week, she had me lay down, for the first time I stood and became light headed..long story! but actually this time she was able to get the port easier. After the fill, she handed me a glass of water, and asked me to drink it slow and to see if there was a problem. End of visit. Rhonda today I had restriction in eating deli meat and grilled chicken. I have on and off again problems with chicken. but after the steak sliding down last night, I was surprised with today!! I guess the Band exists:clap2: huntersmom:whoo:Great NSV!!! You must feel great!!! waters you sound in better spirits today. How is it going? thanks for the info, what book are you reading? I am fighting the craving of wanting food tonight, like a snack!! I hate that.

waters and suzzie, I wish we could get to the "point" so we can feel comfort in knowing the band is working. I made porterhouse steaks for dinner and some chicken. My PA said that I might be able to have steak if it is a good cut. well I trimmed off about 4 oz and ate it all with out a problem! I also had a half of baked potato and a small salad. I did feel full, maybe a bit over the top, but nothing got stuck or tight! My dh, said, I thought your NP said NO steak! Ok waters, sound familiar!!! I went into my explanation as frustrated as I was. I told my dh I was hoping to get sick so I would KNOW the band was there! I do know it is there, but it is crazy that I can eat all this.... I don't go back until October 8.

WATERS:whoo:way to go!!! Like Suzzie, I am not sure how hard I could push, however after my first fill, I really questioned how much she really put in, I thought she just told me 5cc to satisfy me. But my dh said, " why would she do that?" from your story, there are some people!!!! I did ask the NP on my next check up and she laughed, and opened the folder and said, it was 5cc and not a FAKE one! She is very nice, so I did not ask to see the folder? You never said then how much your fill ended up to be? I have 5.75cc in my 10 cc band, not much restriction yet. BUT as someone said, the amount does not matter, for we are all different. Pippz cool about the dog adoption! What did you get? We adopted a mutt from a rescue 2 years ago, Ace. He is a mix, we are not sure of what, Nordegion(cant spell) ridgback, pit, huskey ( for he has one blue eye, one brown!). He is very good doggie, we did however go through some training time, he was 6 mths when we got him. we also have a 6 year old golden retreiver, Maddy! Good luck with him or her? experiment! I tried a couple of bites of a toasted bagel this morning with cream cheese, it went down with NO PROBLEMS! I could not beleive it. I have not had bread since I tried after surgery and had problems. I can have crisp pizza and wraps, but no sandwhich type or burger/hot dog roll. So I thought why not and try. To be honest I was hoping to slime or pbing so I could actually feel the band working! NOPE. I will keep on it, I know, Don't give up!!

Ilene, I understand completly. I did not think there was much difference in the new VG band and the older version. I have the older? I had restriction with in four weeks of surgery, and I to thought it was due to the swelling, or my NP thought there may be some salin in my band already( told they sometimes do this, don't know why they don't tell the patient?). But when I had my 1st fill there was nothing in there. I could not eat grilled chicken or bread/ sandwhich type. BUT today I decided for the first time to try a bite or two of a bagel, in the am when some say you are the tightest( not me!). NO PROBLEMS!!! Because I did not want to eat it, I gave the rest of the half to the dogs begging at my side! I did not want it, I was experimenting because I seem to be able to eat most anything. Those banders who are in the ZONE, say they can't eat in the morning and no bread. So, I really then have to disagree with my NP that I am close to no more fills. What do you think? I weighed myself this am, no loss! I will wait until next week, for I really don't want to weigh every day, it is not good for you because of the fluctuation. I am now eating lunch, a lean quisine orange chicken, rice and broccoli. I cut up the chicken and stirred it all together, it is not dry. But I am having a hard time eating it. Not a stuck feeling but it is not settling feeling? I wonder if we will ever get to a point where you don't analyze every bite and wait for the reaction. Thumbs up or thumbs down!

Gina, Good morning! I posted earlier in the week that I had my second fill. After 4 days, I still don't feel to much difference. I wish I did. I am a little disappointed. I do feel when I am full and stop eating so I don't regurgitate, but still don't get that restricted feeling or food ever stuck. But do I want that anyway??? I just feel that I have to stop, the band does not stop the food for me. But I don't push it either. I beleive that my NP feels this is what the band is suppose to do. Not make you vomit. What do you think? I read about others saying if you can eat more than 1/4 of food, you need a fill. Well, I can eat more than that, maybe 1/2 to 1 cup of food. Last night I went out had a slice of pizza, cut it up and ate small bites, I was fine. I love pizza, so eating one slice is an accomplishment, for I could easily in the past eat 3-4 slices. I don't want the band in many ways to limt me never to have that again. I would rather have that then sandwich or pasta. I can eat pasta too, I had 2 lean cuisines this week, no problems. sorry for rambling. I just want to be successful!!! how are you doing? Are you ever up in this area? I would love to get together sometime.

I can relate to the frustration. Sweety, how are you doing since your fill? Maybe you posted this on the main June thread. Julie I agree with you regarding getting to the right spot of 1/4 c. I have a 10cc band, had my second fill on Tuesday. I had 4.75cc from my first fill and my NP added 1 cc, total of 5.75 cc. She feels I am at my spot, and not to look to much for another fill, however I disagree. I can eat more than 1/4 c of food at a time. I do feel full 1/4 -1/2 way through a dinner however it is more than 1/4 c. I rarely get stuck either and feel little restriction. I have not tried eating bread, like sandwiches or burger buns since surgery for I had problems then. But I can eat a slice of pizza. But not more than 1. I know what my NP is saying, I don't want to be at the point of pbing all the time, however I feel I am controlling the eating,not that band. I think it should be a balance leaning more to the band telling Me, me not telling the Band. Does that make sense??? I agree with others that every fill is different for everyone. I have a friend who has the same amount as me, well less now, she has had one fill of 5cc. she can't eat at all, pbings alot. I don't want to be there, but in between. Her PA feels she may need to adjust her bite size and chewing. Her PA is pushing her for another fill! Everyone is so different!! that is what we need to rememeber. I agree that we need to look at our weight loss, and if we did not get banded, where would we be!!! Hard to focus on when the scale is STUCK....!!!!

I have been looking through our June threads, and am glad to see this one. I will join in and GO FOR IT!!! Good luck all!! MY UPDATED WEIGHT Name....Challenge start wgt....current wgt.....chall. goal.....To go Huntersmom... 174...................174................159...... .....15 SWEETY.........202...................200....... ... .....180............20 MJsafari..........268...................268.... ... ........238............30 captdanbo.......211....................211..... ... . ....185............26 PaulaD............216....................216... ... ........199............17 Stefanie42467..206...................206....... ... .....175............31 Suzzzie. .........346....................346......... .....315............31 glindab............277....................277.. ... ..........250............27 MM.................242....................242.. ... ..........227............15 finallythin.........254....................254. ... ...........225............29 BeckieT...........259....................259... .............239.............20 Miscontext.......303....................303....... ..........275.............28 ja9va...............207....................207.................182..............25 _________________

Ashley, welcome. This week when I had my second fill I asked the NP why some docs give tiny fills, and some folks banded in June with me have had 3-4 fills and I am only on my second 3 months later. She said it is all a different philosophy, but not wrong. My NP is more agressive, almost 5 on the first fill. So, good luck! Suzzzie good luck with your roomate. Maybe after all the posts over the past two days, you will have no tolerance either and boot him out before you get to angry! I would not tell him either. Your WL is great! I wish I was at the point of 3 bites of anything! I do get full and stop eating, and can't eat as much as I use to , however it is more than 3 bites. waters:girl_hug: :clap2: You made me laugh and want to give you a hug! I understand how you want to give your family a wake up call too! I really don't want people to tell me what to eat. My dh said one time, " Isn't that to much food on your plate!" Well that was the last of that!! bcrazy I think that is what happens to some after their fill. You don't get a reaction at first. How are you doing today? If you can't drink after a couple of days I would call your doc. if you can't even drink then that can be dangerous. I wish I had some reaction after my second fill on Tuesday, but only feel a little tightness. stef great clip again!!! you keep us all laughing. Love your secret thoughts too!! pippz you are doing GREAT with your weight loss!! Do you think this is why your doc does not want to fill you agian? how much do you have? Hello to all you other Junesters!! Keep reading and talking..

Gina and Zannie, I have decided to cancel my trip to VA Beach this coming week. I have been out on vacation and feel like I have so much to catch up on at my desk. Therefore, I really feel I don't go. I am there other times, and will let you know when my next visit is!!! I would love to get together. I posted on the 10cc thread that I had a fill of 1cc yesterday, total of 5.75cc. I will see what that does for me! I really feel that I have to concentrate that it is there, and be sure not to overeat for that is when I feel it! other than that I have been able to eat Pasta, some crispy pizza, etc. I haven't tried those foods yet since the fill. Liquids yesterday. Zannie, hope all is going better on the home front! Hang in there.

missb, I understand how frustrating it can be, I feel that my weight loss is as slow as any other diet, and I get angry. But I really feel this is a commitment that will work that we need to stick with it! I read where some had fills up to 10cc before they were in the ZONE, it sucks but it happens. gina, I had my fill without the drama this time! They did it in the office. I had 4. 5 or 4.75 in there, and they added 1 cc. My NP felt that I was very close to the zone since I had to stop eating and I was regurgitating food when I ate to much. she does not want me pbing or sliming all the time. I don't either, BUT I would like to feel a little more restriction. we shall see how this fill goes! I don't have another appointment until October 8, at which time she told me not to count on and adjustment!! they have such a different approach. Not sure I like it!

waters/joeygirl I know how frustrated you both are, I keep looking at my weight that does not move, and I get frustrated too. BUT, I know that I made this commitment and I hope to stick with it! I agree that sometimes it feels just like a "diet" but in some ways the Band is a diet( I know we hate this word). I agree with the advise to call your docs office for a fill appointment if you can. Don't give up!! :eek: Dan thanks for your honesty, I think that sometimes it is easy to look at your success and get envious or say, " he is a guy!" but I know it is hard too. I appreciate your in put. second fill Yesterday, 1 cc added! My fill went much better this time, I laid down and she took out 4.5 cc and put that back with 1 cc. My NP really feels that I am very close to the zone because I do get full and have to stop eating. she did not want me to get to the point of vomiting. however, I to hardly ever get food stuck! Or the feeling it is hard to go down. I agree that having that feeling once in a while would be a good red flag that it is working, rather than me making choices not to eat, bread etc. I have to make choices not to eat certian things. I have my next appointment for october 8, at which time she told me not to count on an adjustment? I will see how the next week or so goes! Laura G, Gas can be from eating to fast and not chewing! My son belches all the time and I tell him to stop eating so fast!

Goodmorning everyone! Suzzzie today is a new day, start fresh. Great NSV with the scrubs! lo2 I also heard to mix salads with the meat, this will help it go down, the same with pasta and rice. if you mix a little in with vegies and some type of sauce you will be able to eat it. And of course small bites! cj your weight loss is GREAT, 20 lbs a month most likely will not happen. The band is slower than GB. I go for my 2nd fill today. I know I currently have some restriction in the sense of when I am full and to stop eating. But, I also know that I currently still eat larger bites and eat to fast. I think later today this fill will change all this! I will keep you all posted.

I had my first fill on July 31. A week after my fill, I felt like a piece of food was stuck in my throat and I could not get it to move. I started eating slow and measuring my food to 4 oz. the food stuck eased up but now I feel like a lump when I swallow, like mucous or something? I tried to search the site, but could not find an answer. Does anyone know what this may be??

Hello, I too have the 10cc band. I had my first fill on July 31, 5cc. I did not have an easy fill, my port was tilted and being a big baby, I got dizzy. I feel when she pulled the needle out some may have come out? But I do have some fullness feeling and there are some foods I can't eat. I really think i will only need one more fill. I don't want to get to tight, but want to see the weight loss numbers increase. It seems some docs fill little amounts, and you ahve 6-7 fills before you get to the spot. I think my doc is more agressive. Not sure what is best.With my weak nerves, less fills is better for me. I have a fill appt. on Tuesday. I was on vacation for 10 days, so at my appt. before I left, they said NO to the fill until I came back. So, as a result I gained 3 lbs!! Well, can't blame it on the band, but my BAD choices..

Crishell I was also banded at St. Mary's and my doctor was Dr. Batista with Commonwealth. I went there after talking with three woman that work with me that had gastric bypass there. The last one had Amy too and she said she was great. I was disappointed to hear she was gone. But Dr. Batista and Jeanine are great. I had my first fill on July 31 and have been doing ok, but I think I need another fill. I was on vacation last week so Jeanine would not do another fill until I returned. My appointment is on Tuesday. You have been banded since January? How are you doing? Do you go to the support groups? Jeanine suggested I go to the joint one rather than just the band one. I was so eager to learn from the first one I went to but there were so many questions from pre banders and then a guest speaker, that I really needed discussion. Mary Glad you finally have your DATE!! Sept. 27 will be here before you know it!

:angry I did not make my challenge! I was on vacation for 10 days and did not exercise. I was so lazy! I did walk some, but not enough for me to chart it. I will work harder in September!! GREAT JOB to all you other movers and shakers:whoo:

meltina when I went to the doctor, and saw the nurse, she felt that I was regurbitating, over eating and the food was backing up in my esophogas. It feels more like a speck of fodd that won't go down and it can feel gross if it is something bad like onion or acidic. I have been trying to work on my portion size and when I feel full. it works. try to stick to 4 oz if you can. I was on vacation, sorry for not responding;

Hello Junies, I have been on vacation, and no internet access, well if I went to the library. But we were at Myrtle Beach, SC, and it was family time. SCALE shows a gain of 3lbs, but that is not a surprise, :cry ! I ate small meals, but ate junk food in between along with frozen drinks on the beach. That did it for me, but I did have fun and enjoyed the beach and the being with the kids and my grandaugher, her first time at the beach! JoJo Welcome to the site. and what a great weight loss!! Rhonda I did not know there was a 10cc thread. I will need to check it out. I have a 10cc and have 5cc. I am going for a fill on Tuesday. I do feel that full feeling, and have some issues with food, but I do think I need a tweeking of a fill! But I don't want to be pbing all the time either. suzzzie You try a lot of different foods, sounds good too. From others some things that don't work now may work later? You are having great success!! I understand the food waisting too. I told my dh that we need to bring a cooler with us when we go out if we plan to eat and do other things, or my left overs will be thrown out like we have been doing! I went to the doc the day before my vacation, and they immediatly said no fill until I get back. It is for safety in case you have a problem. stef How is your Hubby? You were so excited. I hope you are having a great weekend. I have not been measuring my body, however I have had a NSV, clothes I could not wear before fit great and some are to big. that is a great feeling. Dawn how exciting regarding your wedding band. Just before my surgery, I took the dreaded step to have my wedding band and other ring on my right hand cut off. My engagement ring fit still. My goal is to get new bands for my dh and I when I reach goal, and to NEVER be in that embarrassing moment agian. Holli What a great LOSS:clap2: the second fill must have kicked it in for you! I hope that works for me on Tuesday! Laura At the support group meeting the leader said not eat bread, rice and pasta. Mainly to prepare yourself for when you cant and to reduce the calories. I can't eat bread, but can eat a little bit of pasta and rice. I just don't select it often. I also can eat crisp pizza crust and torilla's. she still feels we should not try it, but I feel in moderation until my band says No. insub Great about the gym, you will love it and no one looks which we all think people do. :bounce: GREAT to hear from you Toni and others. I am back on line and program! Sorry for the long post but I wanted to catch up!