mommytokk

LauraP, Great info! I too fall into several of the categories...weight loss, hormone changes (my period has been out of whack! my gyn put me on BCP's for 2 months because of it), surgery, stress...no wonder my hair is falling out!! Thanks, it makes me feel better!:waytogo: Kathy

METALBAND, HA! You crack me up! I guess I'm tired or something, but I really got a chuckle out of that! and Cindyluhu...I guess we're all experiencing the same thing. I didn't think about the vitamin issue. I have not taken ANY vitamins yet...guess I'll start tomorrow. I have not been the model bandster as far as food choices. I TRY to eat good things, but it's hard when I continue to lose when I eat what I want (usually includes something in the chocolate food group!). I know it will catch up with me, so I need to get serious and start eating better! Thanks for all your answers. I feel better, although I'm still not sure what to expect. Hopefully it will stop. If anyone has any other info, please share! HAVE A HAPPY WEEKEND!!! Kathy:)

:help: Hi all! I haven't posted in a long time, but knew I could come here for some insight. My question: has anyone been losing hair??? I have lost just over 50 pounds now, and suddenly my hair is falling out (thank goodness I have lots of it...but I don't want to lose it all!) I am not very good at eating as much protein as I should, and I am trying to get more each day, but I still am a little nervous. Anyone else??? My weight loss has slowed down quite a bit (only about 5 pounds a month in the past 2 months). I am a little frustrated, but happy it is still going DOWN and not up! Hope all are doing well, and I am sorry if this issue has already been addressed. I just haven't had time to go back and read all the past posts. Thanks in advance, Kathy

Sue11, METALBAND, sjrgilman: Thanks for your responses! I feel better already. I have an appt set up on Monday with my ob/gyn. The nurse didn't seem overly concerned, but thought I should be seen next week. I know I'll feel better after that. Thanks again...I really appreciate your input!:eek:

Hi to all A-MAY-zing bandsters! I haven't posted for awhile, but try to catch up on everyone periodically. I have been busy with typical summer things... travel, ball games, work, etc. It's been hectic! I have a big question (guys, you don't need to answer): is anyone having unusually heavy or prolonged periods????? I was late for my period this month (probably by about a week...I'm not good at tracking it). Anyway, when I DID finally start, it was lighter than normal. I typically have a light period - about 3 days, with only the 2nd day being anything significant. I can usually wear just one tampon throughout the day, even on my heaviest day (I know, not a good practice). But, this was lighter than normal...THEN, the flood gates opened! I have been bleeding for at least 7 days now. It is heavy (for me)...and shows no sign of stopping. I guess it is considered prolonged, not neccesarily heavy. I am not crampy, no pain, etc. I also have lots of large blood clots...eeewwww! Any ideas?? I have been doing some reading, and it seems like this is not uncommon. But I have not missed a period (other than when pregnant) or have been unusual since the 1st time I started at 12 years old. You could set calendars on my cycles cuz I'm so regular! HELP!! I have called my gyn...her nurse will call me back today. I guess I am just looking for some assurance. My hubby is out of town this week, and I need some uplifting! As far as the band goes, I'm doing well. I have lost 40+ so far, and am wearing clothes that I haven't been able to wear in years! It feels SO GOOD!!!!! I hope all of you are doing well...it's great to have all of you out there! Blessings.....:confused:

jsrico I had my fill with Dr. Spivak today...it was NOTHING!!! I honestly didn't even feel the slightest stick or anything! He fills you in the room, then takes you to the fluoroscopy thing and you drink barium. I could tell right away that it wasn't going down, and you could see it on the screen. So, he removed some of the saline (he uses a VERY small needle in that is hooked to a small tube, connected to a syringe...that way he can adjust it while you are in front of the fluoroscope...it just hangs there when you are drinking, etc)...as soon as he took some out, you could see the barium going through. He was happy with it, and took the needle out. It was the simplest thing ever! DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT! It was so very easy. You will do FINE! Hopefully now the scale will start to move again. I have officially lost 15.5 pounds since my 1st meeting with him. He rocks!

I go in for my 1st fill today (hope I see you there, Stacey!). Does anyone have any experiences with it (good or bad)?? I read somewhere to eat softer foods on the day of the fill, and to be prepared to do liquids for a day or so afterwards, followed by mushies, then solid food. I am SO READY to eat a salad!! :hungry: I have been able to eat most anything, as long as it is not doughy, and if I eat s-l-o-w-l-y! I know I am supposed to be on mushies still, but if you chew your food 7,000 times, it IS mushy!! HA!! (I know I am rationalizing why I ate some things I shouldn't, but I just could NOT do the Protein Shakes anymore!) I have eaten some crackers, chips, and crunchier things, but try to stick to yogurt, sf puddings, mushy chicken salad, and Soups. I really don't care to see another pile of mashed potatoes again...or at least for awhile! I have lost 14 pounds since the surgery, so I feel good about that, but the scales have not moved (have even gone up & down) for the past week. I am soooo ready for a fill! Like Samiam, I could also eat a horse! (as long as it is not served with mashed potatoes) Please let me know what your fill is like, and how you are doing since. I know some of those who had their bands placed before I did (on the 11th) still have not gone in for a fill. Dr. Spivak says you have to be 4 weeks out...I guess other dr's recommend waiting longer. Hope everyone is doing well!

susaninnkc, I am SOOOO sorry to hear of your complications. You sure do have a great attitude, and I am SURE you will heal soon. Please take care of yourself! ragdoll, I really didn't experience any port pain OR swelling. My port is about 2 inches below my bra, smack dab in the middle! I know a lot of people have the port on the side...I wonder if one is more uncomfortable than the other??? Have you tried OTC pain meds, like liquid Tylenol?? Or is it even the kind of pain that is fixed by that?? (I feel like if you have muscle pain, ie if it hurts when moving, the pain meds dull it, but doesn't take it away). Either way, I sure hope you feel better soon. And you have every right to have a big 'ol pity party!! You have been through a lot, and deserve some slack! Keep your chin up, and good luck! Samiam, I think you're right!! I DID read something in Dr. Spivak's info about a recommended glass of wine, or was it a margarita?? or was it a dream??

I want YOUR doctor!! Just kidding...I think Dr. Spivak is awesome, but gosh, a REQUIRED glass of wine sounds GREAT!!!

Maalani, I said a prayer for you this morning. Try to stay positive, and take care of yourself.

Hey...my mom told me about Muhammed Ali's daughter...she was on Good Morning America this morning talking about the gastric band she got. She has written a book about her experience...there is an excerp on Good Morning America website. I am 11 days post surgery, and honestly, I feel completely normal. I have no pain at all, unless I take too big of a drink of water. There really isn't pain, just some of the shoulder discomfort again. I have hunger now, but find that I am satisfied with just a little bit of yogurt, oatmeal, etc. I HAVE cheated some though (ice cream goes down pretty easily...UGH). I need to get a fill SOON...I can see why this period is frustrating for people. I feel that I can eat more solid foods, but resist because I am supposed to be on mushies for 4 weeks. I have lost 11 pounds since surgery, which is good, but it has slowed down a lot...I haven't lost anything in the past 3-4 days. I know a lot of that was water weight, but I feel like I should be losing because I am eating SO MUCH LESS than I ever did before. Oh well...I just keep plugging along!! Thanks to all for the posts...I learn so much from everyone, and feel like I have my own little support group! Y'all are great! Good luck to those who are still being banded this month...just think...in several weeks we will all be talking about how much we are LOSING!!!!!!! WOO-HOO!!

Hi all! (and hey to my roomie in the hospital...samiam!) I guess I need to go get some of the whey Protein. I am NOT doing so well at getting in my protein. Some other things I have eaten on the mushy stage: tried instant oatmeal today...the Heart Smart one has less sugar and more protein. It went down FINE! I felt pretty weak today at work...just NO energy. I felt MUCH better after my oatmeal. I think I just need some energy (ie calories). I also had soft green Beans tonight at a BBQ restaurant. I avoided the little pieces of ham, and just ate the beans, slowly and thoroughly. Again, did great. I am just NOT a fan of Protein drinks. I guess I'll have to find other ways to get the protein in. (I can't wait till I can have some chicken, or chopped turkey, etc). Hope all are doing well...good luck to those who are to be banded soon! Remember, you are in good hands!

thanks! we have Kroger here (Houston)...I'll go look for it. Is it in the health food area (ie near the pharmacy)??