SHAZ

Hi Everyone It's been a while since I posted anything, but I think this is worth my effort. I was banded Jan 2005 and have had some of the difficulties I have read here, such as acid reflex, vomiting and trouble swallowing. I had my band completely deflated and was still experiencing the clogging of the band therefore vomiting. I decided to try and deal with this but it definitely decreased the quality of my life. Recently, I began experiencing sharp (ice-pick-like) pains in my lower abdomen. The pain moved from one side of my abdomen to the other constantly. I visited two emergency rooms, my private doctor and an urgent care facility before finding out via a c-scan (the second one), that the band had completely broken away from the port and was floating around in my belly. I had the band totally removed a week ago along with a Diagnostic Laporoscopy ( they look around in the abdomen while they are doing surgery). Now, I am experiencing something that feels like some stitches may have broken. I took a deep breath and felt something like stitches breaking away. Has anyone had an experience similar to this? Thanks Shaz

I've been PB-ing a lot lately. Could it be a result of swelling? I haven't had a fill since about three months ago and was doing fine with salads and soups. But, ever since I PB'ed several days ago, I cant't seem to get anything down except liquids. Does swelling take place after PB-ing usually? Miserable

Nana, did you say you're 209 presently???? Where are you carrying the weight??? You look sooo slim!!! I am 202 (down from 235) and 5'8" tall but I have way more tummy (smile). Keep up the good work!!!

Hi Ira Here's hoping you get your date soon. Good Luck!!!

Hi Vickitoo I too am taking about 40 per day and I share in your frustration. I also thought I would be losing weight and coming off medication. I can remember reading in one of Dr. Atkins' books that insulin is definitely a deterant when trying to lose weight. He named several factors but insulin usage was numeral uno. However, when I do not use the meds my sugar is very out of control (even though I eat so little). When I last saw my MD, he felt the lack of weight loss was due to eating too much or eating the wrong foods(not true). I didn't argue, just went home and tried harder which is when I joined the gym and began walking. I've since lost only about 5 more pounds. Of course this makes me a real believer that insulin is affecting my progress. All I can do is go with the flow.

Is anyone insulin dependent and if so, has the rate of your weight loss been affected? I am eating 90% (if not more) the way I should, working out at curves 4 to 5 days a week and walking on weekends. Maybe it's just my impatience but I seem to be loosing at a very slow rate. I realize too that my age may be a factor (57). But, GOSH!! I've been feeling sooooo discouraged lately. I am able to get into some skirts that I previously was unable to wear but that's still not enough weight lost, in my opinion. I plan to speak to the nutritionist as well. I feel down-hearted at current. Sorry for posting a negative coment. I really need your input!!!

Congrats!!!!!!!!! Keep us posted.

Jennifer, As women our weight fluctuates because of water retention during our cycles. I really wouldn't worry about it. Sounds like you're doing great. Keep up the good work!!!

Hi Porclndoll, I think I felt that way pre-op since I thought I would't be able to eat anything "good". But, now I eat pretty much what I want only in very small portions and very carefully. I really don't miss gorging myself anymore, and I am no longer preoccupied with thinking of what I will eat next. As far as will you feel the band or not, I think there is a thread on that(do a search). No one seems to be able to feel the band around the tummy. It's as if it is not even there. But, when we eat is when we know it's there as you can feel the food moving through. Nothing to worry about... Good luck on your surgery!!!

Port pain does get better and go away. However, I was told that the port is stitched to stomach muscle (lots of stitching) to assure it remaining in place. So, it takes longer than the other incisions to heal. Mine is fine now, although I did have some problems with it in the beginning. Hang in there, it will be fine.

Flower, sometimes others will sabatoge your decision to do something to better your situation. They may not understand, or could be AFRAID you may succeed. I hope the latter is not the case but anyway, go for the gusto. This is your LIFE we're speaking of.

Alex, you look great!!! And your chin area looks good (I'm very concerned about mine and if it will look anything like yours one day). And the blouse is very elegant.

Isn't it funny how all the foods that make you fat, go through the band sooo easily!!!! But the healthy stuff (fish of any kind, most veggies and fresh fruit) are a problem. At least for me they are. The junk goes right through - no problem!!!! (SIGH) But then, I'm feeling discouraged today so pay me no attention. Just throwing a "pity party" is all.

Megan, What a damn JERK!!! I'm just glad you found out sooner than later. You deserve so much better and you'll find the right one for sure. Get as far away from this clown as you can and he's certainly not worthy of looking back at. WHAT BALLS!!!!!!!!!!

OMG Trish - LOLOLOL - That's so funny. I'm sitting here cracking my side laughing.

Penni, you deserve the attention you're getting. By the way, YOU LOOK GREAT!!!!

I had acid reflux every night before the band but totally gone after being banded.

No bread for me. Can eat all the chips or pretzels etc I want but not the almighty BREAD!! That's a sure PB for me.

Check with your doctor. I didn't have any dressing as I had no stitches or staples. My incisions were glued with surgical glue (a new item I suppose).

The only thing I would change is that HE WOULD BE MARRIED TO ME INSTEAD OF WHOMEVER HE IS CURRENTLY MARRIED TO!!!!!! (OOOOOO LA-LA)(LOL) He's a sexy guy and smart too! (smile)

It's when a food item won't go through the band. I think the slime comes from your body trying to make the food go down.

Hi Katerzz, Sorry you're feeling so blue. It's gonna get better. When you first start the liquids, just the thought of it even hurts your heart (smile). But then you find after a couple of days that it's really not as bad as you may have thought. I used the Atkins protein mix and incorporated some other liquids in between (broth, jello, popsicles, fruit 2-0...) to help ease the boredom. I know you can do it!! The best to you!!!

Good luck on your new band!!!

I can relate to this problem. I just figured it must be my age. However, it is VERY frustrating!!!! After all the trouble, I guess I expected it to come off faster. I hope I am slim by summer. Oh well, at least I'm losing, just slowly.

Welcome to Bandland!!!!!