Allinmyhead

I'm with you Mary - Bon Jovi all the way! I saw him in KC TWICE - I know one was '86, but I can't remember if the other was before or after that - it sucks getting old, doesn't it?? I know I pushed my way to the front, up against the stage, and when my friend couldn't stand everyone pushing up against us and "woosed" out and had the bodyguards pick her up so she could go sit down, I said "see ya'" and enjoyed the show UP CLOSE - no regrets here :-)

Alternative plus size shopping - Dress Barn, Coldwater Creek, Talbots, Casual Corner. Hopefully I won't need these much longer, either :-)

I do always get fills under x-ray, but I don't think they're looking at the pouch or band during this process, just the port. I know, I am trying to keep the portion thing in mind, but I am struggling with the same old "cravings". I think I'm just eating too fast still, and am so used to "finishing" something, I don't stop until I do. My full feeling does last for several hours, and prevents me from eating something later. Also struggling with not drinking at all while eating....I know - get all my Water in between meals, and I won't be thirsty while eating. I need support, that's all. See my user name!

I have expressed this concern to my PA that does my checks and fills, have told her what I've been able to eat, and how much, and she does not seem at all surprised or concerned. The stretching of the esophagus especially. Are there any signs that this is happening?

My instructions were to take Flintstones and Tums for the calcium. I have only been taking one of each per day, but it sounds like that might not be enough?

Wow, I must not be very restricted; I ate turkey and cheese on a grilled bagel last weekend - the whole thing! And I've eaten steak - a 5oz. petitie fillet from a steakhouse, and a decent size ribeye at home - with no problems, either. I was banded 2/27, and have had two fills so far. I do not know what size my band is, but think I had 1cc in the first fill, and 1.5 in the second. Anyone else having these experiences?

I had my first diet soda about 1 month after banding, and found that it worked best to swish it around in my mouth a little before swallowing, to get some of the air out. Before surgery, I drank 2-3 32oz. or larger REGULAR sodas per day. Now I have one 12oz. diet soda per day, just for the flavor of it. When I first let myself have the soda, I noticed my tendancy was to not get all of my water in for the day, so now I make sure I still get in all the water (a gallon a day), or I can't have the soda!

Hi Carol, my surgery was also with Dr. Nigro, on February 27th. I had my second fill today, and think it might help quite a bit more than the first fill did. Judy is my NP, or PA, or whatever they're called, that does my fills. I love how almost everyone in the office is banded, and it is encouraging to see their success. Have you been to a support group meeting yet? I keep forgetting to get it on the calendar and end up remembering the week after! Planning on making the next one, though.

You're right; I have changed from weighing everyday to every 3 days; that helps a lot! Then I also know what you mean about "fluctuating through the month" - I've learned to pay no attention to the scale at all for 5-7 days each month. One of the hardest things for me to do has been not drinking anything while I eat, especially since I got to the point where I can drink diet soda. I know it affects how much I can eat, I just need to use my head more to stop eating sooner, if I really want the fluids with my meal. Not having any luck getting my ticker into my signature; guess I'll go to the other thread for help on that one. Thanks for your words of encouragement!

Think I got that ticker working now....

Looks like I found some fellow KC banders, and am feeling discouraged, also. Banded 2/27/07, lost 12 the first 2 weeks, then 3 more by the end of the month, then gained a couple the next month. I have been able to eat whatever I want, and more than I think I should. Had my second fill today, and am hoping this does the trick. Also posting this message to see if my ticker works :-)