NDPrairieLover

I am returning to this site after a very long absence. Two years to be exact, but I need to find some support and find out if anyone else is having the same issues I seem to be having. First of all, let me say, I have lost weight since my lapband (70 pounds to be exact), but unfortunately I have not reached my goal and have gained back 8 lbs. I am struggling with medications that are continually causing hunger issues. I am now officially in menopause, so doctor started birth control pills, and I take Paxil which also has increased my appetite. I have tried not to take either, but the non-treated symptoms are worse. I am constantly craving food eventhough I am full and I am afraid I have stretched my pouch. I am starting the 5-day pouch diet that was recommended on another thread, but I am feeling out of control and I so want to get back to feeling in control of this hunger thing. I noticed the minute the hunger started again, right after the increase in the Paxil for stress, and the birth control. Any way, just needed to vent and I am not looking for anything else but others' experiences in these past two years and how are you working through the tough times. NDPrairieLover

Hey Dini, just missed your quick message, but if you are already in the morning of tomorrow. Have a good one and thank goodness you are eating healthy and your co-workers will just have to watch you get better! Night.

Well, got to go get more protein down in this little bitty tummy of mine:D. I think I will go for cream of split pea opposed to the cream of potato (for the fifth time):bored. Definiely loved the SlimFast with Peanut butter shake someone recommended. It was heavenly. But, now it is the 8 ounces of soup and I am ready for it. You guys have a good night and do not think about bad thoughts. Tomorrow is another day and another shake and we will do this:eyebrows::eyebrows: Denise

OH MY GOSH You work at my school. I swear I eat more there than anywhere else. When I had to look at my eating habits to see where my food addiction was getting me in trouble, it was a hands down...it is at school. I also think that carrying around this weight was really getting hard on my teaching as I found myself wanting to get up front and roam around because my feet always hurt. The last straw was when I tore my ACL and ripped my Meniscus (knee) playing in the 6th grade versus teachers charity basketball game. I was so embarrassed when they could not pull me off the court. It was time! But, I think I will really be changing my eating habits and I will no longer be buying and eating those icky school lunches. HEY YOU MOMS OUT THERE Do you know what your public schools are feeding your kids? I am becoming really vocal at our school about the horrible food and at the same time they keep removing pop machines. I do not have a problem with that, but if you want healthy, nonobese children, get better lunch foods.

Hang in there Rain. I cannot think of anything worse than hearing those words, "this is boring" and I definitely lose it when they do the "this sucks" thing. Enjoy those little ones as they too start saying these things and by that time, you might be ready to start something new for yourself. I cannot wait for my grandkids, but my girls are still too busy in that other icky stage called college life. Oh well, guess I will have to wait.

I do not know how many of you are moms, but have you all experienced this almost as a pregnancy that has ended and now we have a case of the "baby blues"? I swear I feel like that feeling of being a bit depressed. Is this medical, because it sure isn't hormones is it? I have been a bit weepy all day. Maybe it is symbolic of a loss and a life change. Seems reasonable to me. Hang in there Ranier. I'm with ya' Denise

Ranier: I have two things about teaching I know are true. Both high school English teachers and Kindergarten teachers are going to heaven. No doubt about it! I teacher 5th and 6th. I am also Vice Principal. I love my job so very much, but am working on a Ph.D. so I can teach preservice teachers. No Child Left Behind is getting hard and unrealistic. I work more with administrators, tests and things that will never mean as much as the child themselves and what they need to learn versus what the administration thinks they should learn. Dini: I have never seen Denise as Denisa; however, it looks beautiful in writing. I was always called Deni. You have a beautiful name and live in a beautiful country (so my older daughter tells me). You can bet if I ever get a chance to go to Europe, Ireland will be my first stop and you will be on my list. I have always wanted to see and have a brewsky in a pub. But, now that the beer is taboo for the LBers, I will settle for something else refreshing. Your cruise sounds fun, but I have to wait for the next cycle as I am broke:embarassed:

I am going in for my first fill on July 31th. I will be attending my class reunion on August 3rd. When you have a fill, are you on liquids for two days? I will be meeting with my dietician on July 30th, so I am sure we will work out a plan, but I want to make sure and prepare so I do not cheat too much at reunion. I also do not want to be PBing either.

Absolutely! I started with an ice pack on the largest incision, the port. I have 5 small incisions and the port. I kept it on for 20 minutes and then off for an hour. After the third day, I put a heating pad on my entire stomach. I am on my 6th day, and I sometimes still put an ice pack on the port area as it is sore. I am not sure if there is a prescribed way to do this. I just was told to ice the incisions for the first couple days and then I could do either. It does help.

Hi folks. I am on my 6th day post-op and I notice sometimes I am bloated and other times not. Is this normal. WASaBubbleBut you say it is normal for it to take two weeks for the gas to leave your body? Is that the CO2 they used or is it just the gas that keeps producing itself. I keep taking my Gas-X and walking, but I notice the left shoulder pain and I keep thinking it is gas pain. Also, I have found I do so much better if I try not to be a "hero" and stay on top of my pain. I too have hydrocordone and I find if I do not take it when I need it, I get too weepy and I hurt without realizing it until it is too late. I really am working on staying on top of pain.

It is nice to see so many teachers on this sight. You suppose a lot of our weight gain is the staff room and STRESS? I will be looping with my last year's class. They will be sixth graders and I am excited to show off the new me on the first day. Our school has set up one of our school improvement goals as staff wellness. I feel I am really steppin' up to the plate and will be asking students to participate in a wellness program with me. I think we may take a walk for 15 mins. just to jumpstart our day. I may not get to do all the time, but it really helps those Monday sleepers. I have been thinking with all the obesity issues in children, maybe it is time I model better eating and exercising habits. Hope I am up for the task.

Thanks dmtjet. It doesn't seem as being the 6th day does it? Time flies when we are having a ball. Anyhow...Remember you all, how I told you I didnt' have a scale in the house for several years? Well, it is official. I bought a SCALE:omg:!!!. I immediately set it up and put myself on top of the thing and whala...it said "ERROR". That was scary. I couldn't figure out if I was over the maximum limit or what. I kept trying it over and over with no luck except that stupid "ERROR" code. So, when all else fails, read the directions right? Well, I did and guess what? I was not doing it right. I had to tap the left-side with my foot and then step on. Now for the good news...I lost another 5 pounds since Monday:clap2: That really helps because this over focus on food is really starting to get tiresome. Have I had enough fluids? Have I had enough protein? Have I had enough whatever? Now no more bit__ing and here are the good things, besides the weight. No more runs! I notice peaches9 you have been struggling, but I went through the same thing and it too shall pass. Of course, always check with doctor if you have any concern. I am just saying I spent a lot of time up until yesterday on the john. Now its over. So all in all, I guess the little crying spell was just a fluke. I took my pain meds (as of course I wasn't paying attention and port is really sore), took a shower and now I am all better. Thanks guys. Your replies have helped bunches. Denise

OH MY GOD!!! LOL That is so funny!!! But, quit as it hurts to laugh. Thank you for brightening up what has been a sort of teary day. It comes and goes, but you made me laugh. I too go the little cards that let me have a kiddy meal. Yeah! I also got a card to let me go through airline security without having to strip search when the band sets off the detectors. How about you?

I truly understand the feeling guilty for cheating. I must have "fallen" umpteen times. I was in denial that I had to start, so I kept cheating until about 7 days before. Part of problem was 4th of July, company, too many social events. It was very hard. Do not beat yourself up because it causes you to want to eat more. Just keep busy and do your very best. I found working in yard, cleaning house, wallpapering, almost to the point of being overzealous really worked. I almost looked at it as if I was having a baby and I needed to get everything in order so I would not need to focus on anything else. The busier I was, the less I thought about food. In fact, I had to stop a couple of times and remember to make my SLIMfast shakes. Now as I recuperate, my house is clean and I do not have anything that is necessary to be done but to work on healing. I am doing my best to enjoy this quiet time and I have given myself permission to read as many trashy love novels as I want. Just do your very best and have fun planning for your recuperating time. It will be worth it!

I noticed your last reply and it is a month old; however, if you are still needing some good talk and support I live in Bismarck. I was just banded on Monday and am sure I will need support and right now just the courage to get through this liquid stage. I am willing to meet in Bismarck if you can find others to join. I am a teacher so am not available during the school year until after 4 or of course on those break days. Would be happy to be part of the N.D. Band. Denise

OK Folks, I think this might work. I figured out the ticker, figured finally how to get it on the signature. This is just to see if it worked, do not mind me, just keep on chat'n this is just my little test.

Hi Peaches9 I woke up first thing Wednesday morning (3rd day) and made a (slow) beeline for the fridge. Yogurt never tasted so gooood! It is amazing how something as trivial as pudding can be divine! I know now what this whole thing is about. You are so sick of what you can have that plain ole cream of wheat and nutritional food looks perfect and will be fulfilling. And thanks for the tip on the UserCP. Now how about the ticker? Any ideas?

Hello to all! I feel like I have graduated from the Intro. site to the "real" band site. My name is Denise and I was banded on Monday, July 9th. I am an Elementary teacher working on my doctorate in Higher Education. I have no children at home (three girls, all in college) and my husband and I have been married 21 years. It has been a rather short journey for my lapband compared to most of you as I started looking into this process on May 25th, was approved on June 15th and started the preop diet by June 25th. I thank God I did not have to wait as long as other as I may not have followed through. I had my surgery performed in Bismarck, ND at St. Alexius. Great staff and I loved my team. My surgery went well. I lost 21 pounds before I got there for the surgery which made me happy as my doctor wanted my liver shrunk by surgery time. Staying on the preop was one of the hardest things I had done. I admit, I cheated on the 4th of July as it was my daughter's birthday and the dreaded cake was abundant. However, I did stay active and walked so the weight obviously came off. I have no idea how much I have lost since Monday as I have refused to have a scale in my house for over three years. I just couldn't face the damage. But, I am ready to go buy one and will have one in ASAP as I need to know how much I have lost. I actually am looking forward to it. I have been reading your posts and see some things that are happening to you are happening to me. The surgery was not so bad, but the gas has been a challenge. Had to stay close to bathroom because I never quite knew if it was gas or the runs. It definitely is whatever goes in is coming out. I imagine the runny stools will be until I get to eat solids? I do have the pain in my left shoulder that I am still trying to figure out if it is telling me I am hungry or full. I am still learning what the feeling of my stomach is telling me. Cannot always tell unless my stomach grumbles. It is really a new place. The port area is very tender and I am staying on top of my painkillers. I decided no hero award for not using pain meds. I really recommend to you to stay on top of them and do not try to go without. I tried today and it was not worth it. I read somewhere that pain management is the key to faster healing. I am going to stay on top of the pain. Do not get me wrong, it is not inbearable, just..irritating at times. Other than the few minor aches, I am very happy I did this and was very excited to hear my experience was not much different from others. Now I just want to get to eating a bit more substance and I am really tired of creamed soup with no substance. I do not think I will try the refried bean trick just yet, but any other ideas besides, popsicles, fudgesicles, pudding, yogurt, liquids of any kind, jello, broth....?:nervous Thanks for letting me just get this story written. I know the better the support, the better success I will have. I have never chatted on a site before, but I decided it was time to start as we do not have a lot of support groups here in Bismarck. I also need someone to please tell me how to get all this stuff at the bottom of my replies like you folks have on yours. If it is not too much trouble. Thanks bunches and I look forward to keeping up with this site and hearing everyone elses successes. Because that is all we are going to have after this much money and dedication, right?

I was told no lifting, pushing or pulling anything between 10-15 lbs. for 2 weeks as this may strain muscles trying to heal around port? I did not hear about bending, but it hurts to bend, so I do not have a problem avoiding. The best part was light housekeeping only. Yipeee!

I was banded yesterday and indeed there was the shoulder pain everyone talked about. I am glad the previous warnings and chats did not discourage me as I was really worried about the amount of pain it might cause. I did come out of the procedure with the "dreaded" shoulder pain, but I did walk as many of you recommended and I really liked the warm towel idea. I also have one of those neck and shoulder pads that can be warmed in the oven or microwave and that is so helpful. Today I have more problems with gas around the port area, so am icing that area frequently and still making sure to walk to get that gas out of there.

Hi! I just got banded yesterday and I do have a lot of pain around the port area. Cannot bend over, lots of gas gurgling, but I do not seem to be bloated. I do not think at least. Does this come later? I absolutely do not regret my decision, but the pain is more than I expected. I am keeping on top of pain management meds as they said I should not let myself hurt. I too am taking Mylanta to keep the gas down, but walking is definitely helping. I am trying to walk at least a few minutes every 1/2 hour. Getting my regular meds taken is hard as it takes some time. I feel like all I do is take my meds. I just am worried the port pain suggests I might be moving stuff around inside. I am worried about the band slipping.

I am taking the sustained release Wellbutrin two times a day and I also was told it could not be crushed; however, my pharmacist had my doctor call in regular Wellbutrin that I must take three times a day. It can be crushed. I take the generic called Bupropion HCL and I take 1.5 tabs three times a day crushed. It is awful tasting, but I put it in jello as per pharmacist.

Adventure-Rider: I too have a CPAP I am tired of living with and I desperately want to get rid of it. My respiratory therapist said to make sure and go in after every 20 pound loss to have them make sure you are at the right pressure. I have one with the memory card and they can read it quickly and adjust right away. She also said that there is a big chance I will eventually be able to live without it. Of course, she cannot promise as she said even 90 lb. people can snore, but most cases are solved by losing weight. I am very excited at the possibility of getting rid of this cumbersome thing. I hate it!

My doctor and nutritionist advised Slim-Fast/Low Carb. I only like the Chocolate and have found blending it with ice helps "bulk" it up so I do not feel like I am getting nothing. I on the other hand only get 4 oz. of lean meat, no beef, and 1/2 cup vegetables for one meal. After reading several people's pre-ops, it is obvious there are many different versions. I think it is just what the doctor prefers, but I was told it had to be done for 14 days to help shrink liver to help surgery and recovery. It has been a challenge, but I am really trying hard to stick to it and my fear of surgery problems if I do not helps keep me motivated. Also, my nutritionist says you lose several pounds and that helps you go into the process feeling better about yourself already. For me, I am hoping for one clothes size before the surgery. Keeps me motivated.

:hungry:OK I am only 15 hours into what should be a 2 week pre-op diet, but I am starving. I had my low-carb Slim Fast as advised, have drunk enough water rationed for morning, and just cannot seem to get rid of the stomach growls. What else besides lots of walking, exercise, meditation, prayer, etc will get me to the big day? I am excited as I did get the itwo nsurances letters approving for 100% coverage, now I just need to comply with doctor's orders. HELP I am fading.....