C.N.

I was just looking at my legs this morning. It wasn't pretty. Skin is sagging all over. But, given the other results -weight loss and a new pride - its minor. Yah, don't know what it will look like when I lose more weight. I do know I won't be doing the plastic surgery. Just too much money. C.N.

My last post should have read: left hand and arm extended above my head. Oops. C.N.

I hope it starts feeling better soon too for you. That shoulder pain can be tiring. I am not sure it will totally go away for me, because it still rears it's ugly head. In a way though, it is a reminder to me, to take care of myself. Have you tried stretching out on the floor with your left hand extended above your hand? I started doing that along with the heating pad kind of instinctively. Well, just know that alot of banders have been through and are going through what you are. All the best. C.N.

First of all congrats on your band. It is wonderful. What helped me somewhat was an electric heating pad over my shoulder. Not sure how it did - but it felt better. Good luck. C.N.

Shoulder pain can last a long time. I found that when I got too hungry, in opposition to eating too much, the pain started. I am 5 months out and still will get it although not as bad

Hello, I was banded on the same day as you. I was really surprised to read your post; because, I thought that you would only get completely blocked closer to higher fill levels. So this sparked my attention. I hope you are doing better. I know how disappointed you must be. But, glad you got the attention you needed quickly. I go for my 3rd fill Monday. I currently have 3.5cc in my 10cc band. Hang in there. C.N.

Yes, flying affected me most definitely. I was uncomfortable for about 3 days.

Chris and Jewelee - want to congratulate you both.

No. At the time of that flight - I didn't know what if any fluid I had in my band. I delayed getting my first fill prior to the flight and didn't find out that I had 2ml in their from band placement until my first fill in March ( 3 months post-op). I would really suggest waiting until after a trip to get a fill. I guess everybody is different and we have to know our own bodies. C.N.

Chris, I had a flight from VA to Arizona back in February. With just what fill there was in the band from surgery on 12/12/07. I was miserable for probably 3-4 days. If you ask me - a long flight really does make you tighter. JMO. C.N.

I have a NSV that really made me happy. I went shopping today to an outlet mall close to me. I needed a few new shorts for golf. I have already gone through my saved "smaller sizes" and was really ready to buy something new. Well, for years I have been in the plus sizes, as so many of you can relate. I cautiously picked up a pair of size 16 bermuda shorts and headed to try them on - all the while thinking "I know that salesperson thinks I will never get into them - I should be over in plus sizes." But I was shocked. They fit and were even a bit loose. Thinking I wanted them to fit for a while, I slipped backout onto the floor and picked up a size 14 just to see how snug they were. I could absolutely not believe - they fit! I can lose and they will work for a while. So, today was a red letter day for me. Thanks for the post - so I could toot my own horn. Heaven knows - it's been a long time. Down 59 lbs. and loving it. C.N.

LYNNE731 By the time you get this you will be post-op and I wanted to wish you all the best with your recovery. Don't push yourself - each day will get better. Day 6 post-op was really my turn-around day. You are on your way to "lighter and better days". C.N.

Hi marymc, welcome to the site. I wanted to respond about being tired all the time. I was banded 12/12/07 and have lost 47 lbs. and, I have to tell you that I have so much more energy it is incredible. I used to nap in the afternoons and still slept at night. I never had energy to do anything extra. Now that I have virtually eliminated the sugar ( I was a junky) and increased the protein - I actually feel like getting some things done. I really had to push myself prior to this. Good luck C.N.

I absolutely love my Bullet. I recommend getting one highly. It has made my life so much easier than using a blender. My husband and I have a shake every morning. With the bullet we have our own cup that we blend in. It is so easy. C.N.

2bethinagn, I feel your pain. I have this hangey down part on my upper arms and to top it all it looks like cellulite - bumpy. Yuck. I have really big boobs that I wish would get smaller. I am so tired of the weight of them. It is funny on some people they are the first to go. But lucky me - these boobies hang around. Oh sure I have lost some from them - but, they are still such a hassle. My hope is that the skin will tighten up a bit. Been exercising my body with bands and hopefully it will improve. All the best to my 50's buddies. C.N.

Thanks for checking into the meeting for me. I am a golfer too. C.N.

Is the support group at Stonypoint only for people who have had surgery MCVHS-VCUHS? C.N.

Oh my gosh Reif - what an amazing loss since 12/12. By the way that is my band date also. Congratulations! C.N.

Hi Roxy, A PB is a productive burp. Which means food comes right back up with the burp. From what I understand, it is different than vomiting. Not all the stomach acid. I am sure some more experienced bandsters have more to add. I haven't had one yet - but I am sure I will at some point. I hope you get your surgery date soon. It seems sometimes as long process - but well worth it. You will become much more mobile after losing weight. It amazes me that insurance companies just don't have a clue about the band and how it can improve your health. I pray that in the next few years it becomes apparent. I can't imagine working (probably on your feet) with such back pain you must be experiencing. Please be careful. C.N.

Hi Chell, I felt a bit noticeable as I only ate 1/4 of what was brought to me - for instance - one day we went for breakfast. Everybody was having huge portions. I ate a corner of the omelet and 1/2 of a pancake. The rest went to waste - but not my waist. HaHaHa I ate grilled chicken on a salad. - Ate all the chicken but just some of the salad. For Mexican - I ordered a shredded beef taco for a change of pace. I didn't have a problem - but I haven't had a fill yet. I hope to get one soon. I used the Old Chew. Chew, Chew technique. Missed my Margarita - had a glass of wine instead. Check out the appetizer and side orders instead of a full entree. Just some of what I did. C.N.

Hi everybody, Good to be back to the boards - had my first vacation and golf following banding. Phoenix was great - considering it is in the teens here. I was concerned about how I was going to eat - we stayed with friends.I was especially concerned about going out to eat all the time. But, did well. Thank God. I am down 40 lbs. I am boasting I know. IndioGirl - your new picture looks fantastic. Congrats on your weight loss too. I went through the posts pretty quick this am. The chocolate ones made me drool. I laughed when I saw the ALERT post about the Sunday paper. You guys are great. Everybody have a great day. C.N.

I haven't had a fill yet - probably won't get one for several more weeks. But, I have this worry that my port has moved. I feel it about 4inches above my port incision. The NP also felt it in that location on my last followup. I was sitting and she said that it feels that way in the sitting position. But, mine is like that standing. I wish I would have checked it out standing at that time. I will not be seen for 2 1/2 weeks. It's been bothering me. My question is: Is your port right around where your incision is? C.N.

Kelly- What foods are you having trouble with? From what I've heard, the notorious problem foods are bread, pasta, and rice. You need to keep your eye on why you had this procedure. Eliminate those foods you have trouble with - and get back on the program. Your fills will help you, but you need to work the band as it was intended to be worked. Chew your food 25-30 times per teensy bite. Put your fork down in between bites. Listen to your body. If you are currently getting stuck after that 1st fill - I would learn to work with the first fill before getting tighter. Now, after all I wrote, I want to wish you a better day. Know that all of this will pass if you will just follow the bandster rules. C.N.

I also need to wish you a Happy Birthday Janet. Wishing you a great year. Do we have any February birthdays in our 50's bunch? Welcome beautymaker - I know you will really enjoy our group. I have been having some discomfort lately. I really feel my band/port -especially when I am hungry. And - I am still getting dizzy. I am trying to drink enough water. I am eating properly. But, I am just not bouncing back to my old self. I don't know if my body is just trying to adjust to my weight loss or what. I sure hope I start feeling back to my old self pretty soon. Last time I had a followup I discussed the dizzy part - I was told the water thing. Guess I am having a bit of a pity party. CN

Thanks everybody for your replies and your reassurances. Maybe what I am feeling isn't even my port - just like some of you said. But, I really thought that it would be really close to the port incision. I will quit dwelling on it and wait for my first time under fluoro. Hope everyone's day will go well. Keep your eye on the prize. C.N.