the best me

Just a thought, there's a Denny's at Sunset and I-77. We could do 9:30 and Kim, you could come whenever since you won't be driving all over the world. I think Sunset is Exit 16? so it's not far from the I-77 and I-85 interchange. So, is it better to meet a little early and have Dianne drive all the way from Waxhaw!!!! Girl, I think NO place is easy for you!! then Angie is coming ALL the way up 77, it's no closer then Concord for you! But it might be worth it to meet a little earlier? Earlier is better for me but 11am is fine, too. It will probably be a bit more crowded the later it gets? Option 1: 11am at IHOP at 485/49 in southwest Charlotte Option 2: 9:30am at Denny's at Sunset and I-77 Both are great. I pick option 2 as my first choice. Both dates are the 27th. Let's Vote!!

Yep, Paula, it's the "am I full or am I stuck?" For me, stuck hurts, but it IS very similar (since my fill) to the "OMG I took one bite too many!" hurt. But think about it. There is a definate difference between being stuck at the band and being so full your food is in your esophogus, or barely past the valve into your stomach/pouch. Also in the mix for me is the kind of food I have eaten. If it's hard protien, well-chewed I don't have any discomfort at all and my tummy says "thank you!" Veggeis do this as well. Since my fill, I have trouble with fibrous foods...pineapple (PB'd that the other day) or celery. Also zucchini is difficult because the skin is thicker than yellow squash, and I also have trouble with pastas unless they are swimming in sauce. Haven't had lots of practice with these though, just bites of Pasta salads that golf-balled. Ew. I'd say work with the restriction you have, but I know how it is. If you can get an entire steak down with no problem, you need to be a little tighter. Just to slow the food from passing the band. The food is supposed to fill the pouch so it hits that nerve (the vega, vergal, vingal ? making up words here nerve) that sends the signal to your brain, "I'm stuffed!!" and it should stay that way for a good bit (hour?) until Water is okay again? That's how I'm thinking. Anyhow, Nicole, you describe occasionally getting stuck if your food isn't well-chewed or you took too big a bite. But it does pass and you generally don't PB (unless it's the sausage!). That is how I was eating BEFORE my first fill. So you are close, but may want to get a little extra help with a fill tweak. Since my fill, I have been forced to take smaller bites, chew better, even better than before! and I'm not as hungry at all. Some of it may the the full feeling, some of it may be just thinking, "man, it's so much trouble. I don't want to risk being uncomfortable so I'll just wait and eat a little something later" The danger of this is getting ravenous later and shoveling. I simply can't do that now. At all. That's me I guess. Hope that helped. If someone sees me doing/thinking something wrong, speak up, people! I need the help!

I got 2cc in a 4cc band the first fill, and had to go back for an unfill!! But he only took out .4cc, leaving me with a first fill of 1.6cc. I DEFINATELY have restriction. Good luck! Let us know!

hey Loobie! Big day tomorrow! Sports Bra or other non-wire comfy contraption, button up pajamas, if you don't like hospital gowns. Slippers!! Something comfy to wear home...I had soft, loose elastic wants and a big shirt. Some folks wear a loose dress. Slip-on shoes so you don't have to tie (bending over is tough) Personal hygiene items...just the essentials. Lotion, lip balm. Pack light. don't take everything. You'll be home in no time and what you need at the hospital will NOT be much! Underpack. That's the best advice I have Good luck tomorrow! wahoooo! Don't forget to post and let us know how you are!

Waiting with anticipation!!!

heh, oh yeah! I'm relating! I was so dissappointed to find out that Garlic toast was 10 points. bummer. Oh man...the 6th is NOT good...we are coming home from a week at Myrtle that day. the 13th works, the 20th does NOT, the 27th is fine. If needed, we can meet for lunch on the 27th. IHOP serves Breakfast all day if anyone is really stuck on eggs, etc. What time will you be done with the Consignment, Kim? If we met at 11am, would you be able to make that? Hey Dianne! Any suggestions on where we should meet? We want to be sure you can come, so let us know about resataurants that are handy for you. We have a few options...let me write this down Kathy...Denver/Huntersville area Melissa...Gastonia/Airport area Kim...Concord area Cammie...Concord area Angie...Lake Wylie Dianne...Waxhaw Ya'll, we simply circle the city!!!!! So we have... University/Concord area Pineville area Once any of us gets on the highways it's not too bad on a Sat morning. Angie said something about an IHOP in the Arrowood Road area, the new Arsley shopping area? If that one sounds the most centrally located, let's pick there and I'l post directions. Arrowood and I-77 gets me confused but I can find ANYTHING! I'm confused though because 485/49...is both in Concord and in Southwest Charlotte, out towards Lake Wylie! Whoa Nellie! Okay, I have rambled and verbally processed enough, whattya think?

Yea, tuna, ummmm! Okay, one can is fine, but 3 a day?! Hey, there's an old thread I remember reading about tuna causing hair loss and memory problems or something? Paula knows, and Dylansmom, I'm pretty sure. I'll see if I can dig it up for you. Wait here, I'll post the link... http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=5442&highlight=tuna

Welcome to LBT Cindy! Kick off your shoes and stay a while. So glad you found us!!

Yea, read the label. You just need to know how many servings are in whatever you are eating. If there are 2 servings per container, and you eat the whole container, double your nutritional volumes. The 100grams (or 3.5 ounces, thanks BTW!) is only a measure for the amount of tuna, not the amounts of nutrition. So if you want to eat 60 grams of Protien a day, you would need to eat (3) 100 gram cans of tuna. I hope I finally helped!

You mean the can of tuna was 100 grams...that's how much tuna was in the can? Was one whole can a serving? Or were there two servings in the can? (Forgive me, 100 grams should translate to ounces for me but it doesn't...) If there are 2 servings in the can, then eating the whole can of tuna should give you 20 grams of protien. Eating 50 grams of the tuna would give you 10 grams of protien. Know what I mean? Aw man, sorry if none of that helped...

Get a small unfill, do liquids/protien drinks for 2-3 days, then slowly add in your soft foods. You no doubt have swelling with all the PBing. Your food intake/calorie intake is so low your body is holding on to your weight. EAT! In order to do that, get an UNFILL! I got a .4cc unfill, yes POINT 4, and it has made a huge difference. Funny for me, though, I have an easier time eating foods like chicken and vegetables than I do eating mushies like cottage cheese or even mashed potatoes. My theory is that I take smaller bites of "real food" than I do with mushy food. Suits me, I'll stick with real food! Hard protiens, then veggies, starches if there is room, don't eat for longer than 20-30 min, no drinking with meals or for 1-2 hours after a meal, make sure you get in 1200-1400 calories a day. Track your food on FitDay.com for a few days and see what you learn. It helps! Good luck, Debbie. Don't live like this. It isn't the way banded life is supposed to be and you could end up hurting your band. 24 hours of liquids only after any PB. Stock up on Carnation Instant Breakfast! Fill us in! ((((hugs)))))

I used our Home Equity line of credit. The rate went up last month to 7.25%, it was 6.5% a few short months ago. Even less a few months before that! sigh. But I'm chipping away at it. The rate is much less than a credit card and, of course, it's a tax deduction. But it's the rate that chose the way we went. I'm planning to go back to work in the fall? so the bulk of my paycheck will go towards getting that monkey off my back. In the meantime, I'm shrinking slowly. It will be worth it!

Oh it's so good to see you posting!!! Penni let us know when she heard from you, but now I'm glad you are home. I'm thinking the worst is over and it can only get better and easier from here. I cannot WAIT to see your pics!! Rest up, my friend. Heal well. Thanking God the He gave you this one gift of beauty, however painful. You made it through! You made it home! God bless you!

LOSE HIM! RUN! DON'T LOOK BACK!!!!! The timing is perfect because you will have all of the banding stuff going on and will be too busy to mourn. Think about it later, ponder your self-esteem issues later. Figure it out later. Just get him gone or you won't be able to think clearly. This messed up relationship and it's everyday interactions muddy the waters. First let it go. When you feel a bit more past it, then think about it. And don't argue with an alcoholic. You are enabling him and allowing him to mooch. QUIT! Tell him to get out, be a man, figure it out on his own, go, leave, be done. Don't let him sulk, cry, get angry, blame you, or make it your problem. He will. You know it. Can you tell I have been through a bit of this?! hehe You life will be much improved, I promise!!!! Remember, you don't owe him anything! And you are not helping him by keeping him dependant on you. Silly selfish girl. Let him GO!!!!! Even if he doesn't want to (and why would he? hellloooo!) Let us know how it goes. ((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))) PM me anytime!

Buyer's remorse, EXACTLY! I had it, too. Though not quite as desperately as you seem to have it! I researched and read and was totally NOT surprised by ANYthing that happened to me Post-surgery. However, there's nothing like living through it. Some folks have the smoothest time, feel great, no problems. I wasn't one of them. I had swelling (with NO fill!) and could only take small sips of liquids. Any time I tried to push it, it would get a little worse, then I started to PB...jello, of all things! I was TIGHT! and miserable. Honestly. Once I got to week two post-surgery, I felt like I was finally back to square one. I pretended I had just been banded and started back at the beginning with Clear Liquids. It was hard. And frustrating. But I made it through. Believe me, there were a few good moments where I wondered, "What the Hell have I done!!!" It took me to week 13 or so post-op to get my first fill. Others were begging for fills at 6 weeks. Not me! I took my sweet time. I initially lost and kept off 15 pounds. I never gained it back, even when eating slowly got easier and easier. But I didn't lose again until I was ready to try and ready for my first fill. Now I have lost about 24 pounds. Not too shabby! I am finally below 200 pounds, just barely, but it feels so good to see a "1" instead of a "2". I can do this with the help of my aggravating, fickle little band. It's still a Love/Hate thing sometimes. But it's working, so it's hard not to argue with the little booger. Chin up, it DOES get better! Do lots of reading on here and get some advice about how to handle things both physically with your eating and mentally with dealing with banded life. Folks can probably give better advice if you'll tell us more than that you have been banded 5 days. Who's your doc (they all do a little different, some other patient's of his/hers might could help)? What size is your band? How much weight are you wanting to lose? What's your diet like at day 5 (another big difference between docs is the post-op menu)? I see this is your second post, so I will find you elsewhere...anyhow, welcome to LBT, the BEST support system for Bandsters! You made the right stop. You can do this!!!

Told ya!!!! AND, you didn't mention "2 bites of cake" hellllooo!!! THAT won't make you gain weight!!! silly girl. 4 pounds! wahoo!!!! I'm here with fill advice...lemme know! Yoohooooo! Dianne!!!! (She posted on Melissa's thread...pop on over here, lady!!!)

Cab't wait to hear about your day!!! Please post!! ((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))

Or Dr. Kuri...nothing against Dr Covarrubias, I haven't heard of him. I liked Kuri though. Keep researching!!!

199.2!! I stayed in Onederland!!! I'm thrilled. Thanks everyone! I love posting here every Monday!! That's 8 pounds since the beginning of the challenge. I can live with that!!

Hey lins, I'm sorry about all this reflux/gastritis/heartburn/acid/esophogits/whatever this is!! I had trouble myself. I don't know if what happened to me is the same, but I'll post the link to this thread and maybe you will find something helpful. First thing I'd do though is take your Prilosec TWICE a day rather than once. I know it says 24 hour relief. I personally ignored that and crushed it twice a day. Worked for me, and some other things...do a bit of quick reading and see...maybe it will help you? http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=6713&highlight=Esophogitis

wannabsmall, tomorrow! yippee! I'm sorry you are scared and hungry. Just know it will be all over with before you know it, and you'll be banded!! So I guess you know how to go to the Tickerfactory and choose your ticker. When you get to the end You have a selection of addresses to choose from. find the one that says it's for use on vbulletins. Highlight that address, click Edit at the very top, then click Copy. Now, come back to LBT and click on User CP in the upper left. then click Edit Signature. Put your curser in the sig block where you want the ticker to be, then go back up to the Edit button, click Paste, and the address will show up from the tickerfactory. Now, scroll down and click Save Changes. Then post, and it should come up. PM me if you have any probs, I'll be on and off here for another hour, maybe, and I'll be glad to help if you are still on. Good luck tomorrow! Post when you get home and let us all know how you are feeling!!!

Hey Brittany! There are two teens here lately I think...I'm sure they will post. Welcome to LBT! Make yourself at home! Oh, and BTW, it's Tiajuana. Whose your doc? Good luck August 2nd and keep us posted!!

Micki, you are experiencing more stress than you give yourself credit for. You are having surgery in 10 days and your life will change in so many ways!!! You are going to be stressed!! We all are/were in our own ways. I typed and posted and blabbed like a mad woman on my Countdown thread. Don't worry. Just post away your concerns and stress. It helped me alot. A few months down the road it will be such an old thread but you will be able to find it and look back. It's like journaling and it's a good thing! Okay, life changes in many ways post-banding. But I'm still me. The familiar isn't so much the weight, it's REALLY easy to let that go when the time comes for it to slowly fall off. The holding on has to do, I'll bet, with the ways you deal with stress, your routine, the familiar. I promise you will find a new familiar, and you will still be you. The mental adjustment is less climactic once you are dealing with the post-surgery healing and eating. It will be okay. Congrats on your 10 day countdown! It's happening!!!!!!

Hey! Still here, still figuring out this fill but all is well. I haven't heard from Dianne, but I figure she'll show up on one of these threads soon. Tomorrow is our weekly weigh in for the Summer Weight Loss Challenge so I'll post there in the AM. However, a sneak preview won't hurt? I was 198.8 this morning, wahooo!! Kim, the scales may surprise you. Don't beat yourself up...a few days of "bad" can be fixed by a few days of really good. Just so you don't go off the deep end for long. It's good to do an occasional "calorie spree"

Let go of the guilt!! It's over and you are back on track. So glad you had a great time and you are home!!! I know what you mean about the mental changes...my first fill is working well and I'm still learning how it's working. I PB'd pineapple tonight. Nope. Can't do pineapple! But I can eat 4-5 ounces of thin sliced turkey breast in one sitting (?) so go figure. I, too, will do liquids until dinner tomorrow where I'll do mushies, then slow from there. The good thing is, protiens go down well so far. Anyhow, welcome home!