BandVirgin

I also agree that blessings should be sent your way. It's just too damn bad that you have to be a US citizen. Why do all the good contests and giveaways ALWAYS have to be exempt to canadians? So unfortunate ....

Estevan, Saskatchewan here. Down 70lbs with 30 more to go. Was banded in '07. No regrets whatsoever ... well maybe one; that I didn't have it done 20 years ago :rolleyes2: The name Joel Sopp is very familiar. I am wondering if you are from my neck of the woods?

Has anyone starting taking the Depo Provera shot since being banded. I was banded in June/07 and received my first shot last week. Just wondering if anyone has experienced any changes as a result. For some unknown reason, I had the Depo shot, and did it on a Saturday. The following week (last week) I managed to gain 11lbs. I bought another scale wondering if mine was out to lunch, but the new scale shows the same increase. I did notice a difference in my clothing, but not 11lbs difference. Just wondering if this is my band and head playing tricks with me, or if it could have something to do with the Depo shot. I am feeling hungy, thus went for a fill yesterday.

I was banded on June 21/07, and am nearing my bandiversary. Unfortunately I might add ... I have lost only 44lbs, and a difficult 44 I might add. For some, that might be a great milestone, however for me, it is not. I came into this believing that 100lbs in a year was achievable. Um .... if I do the math, I'm a little off from 100. Anyway, looking over the last year, and all of the challenges that I faced, I guess all I can do it learn from those situations, and go forward. That is exactly what I plan to do. So, for all you bandsters who have any advice, have at er. I'm ready for whatever you got. I like to be tight. I tend to stay very restricted. My caloric intake would average at around 700-800 calories a day. That is good for me. Focusing on Proteins, and then filling up with a bit of everything. Even though I am quite restricted, I am able to eat numerous times throughout the day. As long as I eat VERY slowly, and just a little at a time. I believe I have this part down ... not to say I don't cheat and enjoy the odd milkshake or pudding, but I know what I need to eat to make this work. My problem is THIS ... I do NOT excercise at all. Not one little bit. I get up in the morning, head to work where I sit at my desk for 8 hours, and I come home. That's it. No suprises, no variety. The same thing day in and day out. Now I know that excersice is important, but tell me ... is it absolutely necessary ... Is that what I am missing in trying to figure this out? How many people actually excersice faithfully, and please ... tell me ... how many people were right where I am, and found sucess with excercising. I really want to know if any of you were sitting stagnant like I, started to excercise, and found that the weight started to come off. I have never excercised in my life, and obviously it contributed to why I was banded in the first place. Tell me please, where do I start. And what do I do. Do I do 100 sit-ups each night, and run on the spot for 20 minutes, and do 50 jumping jacks? I might mention that I have the most beautiful $1000.00 treadmill sitting in my basement collecting dust. What do I do ... walk for 20 minutes ... try to run, and last 30 seconds? PLEASE PEOPLE ... help me out here. PLEASE!:tongue2:

I have an RN do my fills, at her home. She does her own fills, and has no trouble. Now I don't know if it matters that she works in L&D and probably has many years of experience under her belt, as the band is different than anything else. I just know that she has never experienced any trouble. The doctor came to her home town to personally teach her how to do the fills. I believe that he brought her an instructional video, and probably did a fill or two and had her watch, but it wasn't more than that. I know if I could do it, I would. But that is me .... and usually, I end up doing exactly the opposite of what I SHOULD do. Now I am assuming, and ONLY assuming, that because she is an RN, that the needles she uses, she probably gets at the hospital where she works.:shades_smile:

Hi Everyone. I have been searching through all of the posts looking for answers, but figured it might be best just to start a new thread. Please help me here if you can. I like alot of restriction, and I am satisfied where I am currently. The weight is continuing to come off, and I am feeling well, but I am hungry, and am needing help with some ideas of things to eat. I am currently at 9ml in my 10ml band, so am very restricted. I can drink fine, but cannot eat anything that is not liquified. I am hungry, and aside from soups, are there any suggestions of foods that I can eat to make sure that I am getting exactly what I need. I know what makes me happy, and being restricted (very) is where I need to be. I do know however, that it is very important that I am getting the proper nutrition. And I am failing in this department. My hydration is good, and my energy is okay, but I am going to run out of steam very quickly if this keeps up. So fellow bandsters, knowing that protein is essential, can you please give me some ideas as to what I can eat? I bought some Slim Fast shakes today, and I can tell you that I will not be drinking a second one. The smell made me want to vomit. After drinking a half cup of the stuff, I felt like I needed to vomit all night. Not because of the restriction, only because of the smell and taste. Thanks in advance for any comments and suggestions.

HI Everyone: I love nothing more than taking an hour each night and going through this forum. The information is invaluable, and the support is phenominal. Kudos to every single one of us for taking an active role in bettering our health. I know that I have certaintly had some struggles on this journey, but WOW:lol: what a journey it has been. As I read through the forum, time and time again I come across individuals who are frustrated with their band, and the negative results they are experiencing. Some people, talk about falling off the Band Wagon, and are worried about jumping back in ... but fear what the doctor is going to say to them. Others, never did fall off, and have stayed on the wagon, but they too feel ashamed to visit the doctor for a much needed fill for fear of the negative criticism (sp) that they are going to be subjected to.:blushing: My heart goes out to all of these people. Which is what brought me to start this thread. My fills are NOT done by my doctor, and instead I go to a RN who does the fills out of her home. I am not weighed, I am not questioned, I do not visit .... I simply lay down, pay the cash and get out.:wub: Now I know that some people might jump in here and ask me about accountability if there is none, by not seeing a doctor. But I say this .... I paid the $20,000.00 and this is about ME. If I wanted to be held accountable, then I would join Weight Watchers to attend their weekly group. I have struggled with my weight my whole life, and just because I have a piece of plastic wrapped around my stomach .... does not mean that I have changed all of my old ways. I struggle constantly ... physically, emotionally .... I did not have the banding done to be shameful or guilty. Every month I learn new things about my band ... and every month, I start to see one more positive result that I had not seen the month before. Be it big or small. I am rambling here, and going way off topic, but It makes me furious that these people who are so down and frustrated are even made to feel this way. It's time to make this a FUN journey, instead of a depressing one. It's time to enjoy all of the neat things that come hand in hand with this tool. You are missing out .. plain and simple. And it is the Dr that is making you feel this way. My advice, check out another person that can do a fill for you. I know with mine that there are some risks associated without ever having fluoro, but $75.00 with no bullshit attached just seems to be an awesome deal to me. PS. To date, I am up to 11 fills. The nurse allows me to come whenever I want. If I wanted to come every second day, she would gladly give me 5 minutes of her time and take my cash. Now that is just ridiculous, as a person would not truly go that often. But you can bet your bahooti, that I am lining up on a weekly basis .....

My 20,000 did not include anything. Surgery, nothing else. No hospital stay, no hotel, no flight, no taxi, no aftercare, and certainly no fills. I am on my own here, and to be honest, I don't mind. 12,000, 15,000, 20,000 ... it's all too much, but I was that desperate, and am quite happy that I went ahead. Jack: Sorry for my ignorance here .... but I did not understand one thing that you said in your post. Im confused ..... can you break your post down for the average grade 12 graduate with no post secondary education.:rolleyes2:

That is LUDICROUS! I sure hope that doc isn't looking after patients with any conditions or life threatening ilnesses. Can you imagine a diabetic ..."Um, sorry maam, but I cannot tell you how many units of insulin I just gave you". "I prefer not to tell my patients." Tell you doc that you have decided to hold back the funds for the surgery, and that you have cancelled the cheque. Tell him you think it would be better if you paid him in installments. You will determine just how mcuh he gets each time you see him Can you honestly believe that "professional" people pull this kind of crap? Sorry for coming on strong here, but in my opinion, you need to be involved in every aspect here. In order to manage your band, you need your doctor to be honest and upfront with you. Just as he would expect from you. This cannot be a game of chance ..... UNREAL!

I so hear you sweetheart, because this is me exactly. I have the same issues as you, and have ever since I got the band. I slime or PB or whatever you want to call it every single time. And, if I don't, I have to make myself, because the food simply will not go down. I was at a standstill for 2 months, never lost a pound. Last week, I was able to drop 11 pounds. I have no doubt that my caloric intake is pathetic and next to nil, after my body digests what little is left over. I am not a sweets person, and am lactose intolerant, so never have a desire to reach for ice cream treats. It doesn't matter what I eat, mushy, liquid, solid, it comes up. There is no excessive force, and I am NOT vomitting. As quickly as I swallow, I immediately have to bring it right back up. I have wondered for months if this is right, but it doesn't matter if I get filled or unfilled. The situation does not change. The only reason that I get a fill is to see if my weight will change. I know that I am not eating many calories, but yet when the weight does not come off, you immediately wonder why not. This whole process is frustrating, and I can hear your frustration. I am right there with you. I don't know what the answer is, and wish that I did, because I could benefit from knowing myself. My doctor that did my surgery called me the next day to make sure I was fine, and I have never spoke to him again. (I had surgery in June/07). I see a lady 200km's away for my fills, and she could care less about how I am doing. Pay the money, lay down, get a fill, and get out. There is no aftercare, no fluoroscopy, nothing. I don't have to get a requisition for a fill, just call my lady and book in, usually the same day. No questions asked. I am at 8.6ml's in a VG Band (holds 10ml's if I am not mistaken.):confused2:

I keep reading on here that ibuprofen is not allowed with the band. Am I reading this right? And if it is not okay, then what am I supposed to be taking for pain such as a headache that won't go away on it's own. If this is true .... I am shocked. :party: I have been taking ibuprofen and Aleve for 7 months now ???:thumbup:

Thanks annieM. Sorry for my ignorance, but what is NSAIDS? I missed the boat with that one. LOL. :biggrin:

I was in the same situation a few months ago, and if you don't mind, I will share with you what I did. I felt the exact same. I came to this board looking for advice, which I do regularly. I appreciate everyones comments, and everyones advice. Each comment is sincere, and I chose to agree with many, and have an unfill. I suffered for 1 week with sliming and PBng. Lost 15 pounds in that week. Although the weightloss was wonderful, I was miserable.. Now, in hindsight, when I look back. I was scared. I just needed to know that it would be okay. Like I mentioned, I had an unfill. Would I do the same all over again? Not a chance. Since I had the unfill, I have struggled to get any restriction. That fill was 7ml in a VG band. Now, I am currently at 7.6 with no restriction at all. Because of the unfill, the doctor is hesitant in doing fills, and I am only getting 0.1-0.2 each time I go. I am so frustrated and wish that I could turn back time. I would have suffered through it. Again, just sharing my situation with you. Ultimately, you will decide what is best for you. Good Luck, and HUGS to you ....:eek:

I have had some trouble with finding that "sweet spot", as I am sure most of you have also. I was filled too tight about a month ago, and went in for an unfill. I was left with no restriction, so back in for a fill. Still nothing, so back in for a fill again. Two days ago, I thought about calling to go for yet another fill. Lo and behold, since yesterday, I am so restricted again, that I am having trouble with liquids again. I am able to sip Water, but cannot get coffee down, or even pineapple juice. Keep in mind, that I DID not get another fill, although like I said, I was going to make the appointment. So tell me you experienced banders .... what up? Can a fill really take 3 weeks to "kick" in? On Friday of last week, I had a cheeseburger for lunch. Yesterday, I was able to take in 6oz of water, and nothing else. ??????:help:

I am 5'6 and started at 234lbs and wore a 2XL shirt, and 18-20 bottoms. I am currently at 195lbs and am wearing a L-XL shirt, and 14 bottoms. I too carry my weight around my midsection. I have long skinny legs, virtually no chest (due to a breast reduction), and a rude looking rear end. You know the long, flat looking type. I would love to see 170 lbs, and a 10-12 bottom.:kiss2:

I had my fourth fill last week on Tuesday. Was at 6.4ml pre-fill, and they topped it off to 7.0ml. I immediately felt tight, but thought it was best to keep quiet. I am an aggressive person, and have yet to achieve real tightness or good restriction. I live 400 miles away from the lady that does the fills. Tuesday evening was difficult, and I was unable to take more than a small sip of water every 1-2 minutes. There is absolutely no way that I could try taking in any food. On Wednesday and Thursday things did not improve. Friday, I had to catch a plane to a family vacation, and was starting to get worried. I called around to my local ER, and nobody would help:( Understandable I guess, seeing as nobody here has even heard of the procedure. (Ilive in a small town, and travelled 2000 miles to have the surgery done.) I called the lady that did my fill for me, and she was out of town and unable to help. I went on the trip, and although I tried to stay upbeat, it was horrible. I spent all mealtimes in the room by myself crying because I was sooooo hungry. I can not even drink milk or coffee. I can only sip water. I just flew home tonight, and cannot get a hold of the lady that did my fill. I am soooo hungry. I feel disorientated, and weak, and so darn hungry. I am pretty sure that the answer is obvious, but could someone please confirm that I am too tight? I don't know how this can be good for me if I can't even drink, let alone eat. Today is Wednesday, and I had the fill done last Tuesday. Since that fill, I have lost 15 pounds. I weighed 214, and tonight I am 199. Can someone please help me by telling me if I need to wait this out, or seek for help now?

Thanks for the concern, I really appreciate it. Being fairly new at this whole band thing has got me on such a roller coaster, and that is why I look to this board. I really am looking for advice. I was a little scared myself, but more hungry than anything. And, tonight ... I am wishing that I would have shut up, and just lived with the restriction that I had, because at this very moment, I have zilch. Arghhhh, so off I go tomorrow, to call the clinic and the nurse, and beg for another fill. This game is really making me tired and frustrated. I am sure it will not be a shock the more experienced banders, but the fifteen pounds I lost in one week .... well guess what? I found them . What a roller coaster:faint:

Hey Everyone: Just a little update to let you know that I finally got unfilled last night. When the nurse stuck the needle in to withdraw some fluid, I immediately felt my throat open up. I could instantly feel the saliva go down my esophagus (sp). I feel a million times better. I probably should have got some IV fluids to rehydrate, but I am making sure that I drink lots of water today. My restriction is still quite great, she only took out 0.4ml, but atleast I am able to swallow fluids without too much difficulty. Thanks to everyone for commenting. I really appreciate it. LOL, I don't know if the nurse really appreciates it when I tell her that my friends on LapBand tell me that I need to get an unfil, but oh well. Thanks everyone!:faint:

Thanks Pretty. It's tough, because a part of you is thrilled to see the weight loss, and another part is saying that this is not healthy. You have to wonder about nutrition, and question how this is any different than anorexia. I am not learning anything if I continue on this road. I am so thirsty, and sooooooo hungry. I have called and emailed the nurse that does my fills, and still no reply. Perhaps I should just call the clinic and explain that I am not able to make contact. Today, in total, I have taken in around 8 ounces of water. Did I mention that I am hungry???? lol. I will keep you updated. Thanks again for your concern and quick reply.

I was banded just about 2 weeks ago, and am feeling 100%. I truly feel as though I did not even have surgery. My pre-op weight loss was great, and I was really excited about the future .... But, things have taken a turn. I am on solids, and everything is going down fine. My appetite has not lessened, and I have no trouble with any food. I am able to eat the same foods, and same amounts as I did before surgery.:angry Since last week, I have gained 10 pounds .... what is up with this. No trouble eating, no feeling of any kind of restriction, and a 10 pound increase .... all for 16000.00 plus. Doesn't sound like a great deal on my part?:phanvan Obviously, there will be no restriction as I have never had a fill. Does this mean that it is time?:rolleyes As always, I appreciate everyones help.:kiss2:

What an interesting thread Wasa. Although I will wander off topic a little, I felt I needed to respond to some of the comments/opinions. I started this journey at 234 lbs, and although my BMI was not morbidly high, it does put me into the severely obese category. 234 pounds to some people may be what their goal weight is, but to me, the 80lbs I need to lose, truly feels equivalent to the 100+ that someone else needs to lose. Although the the difference seems significant, my feelings are no different. I have struggled my whole life, have never felt that I was beautiful. I have never looked in the mirror and liked who was looking back at me. I have backed down from people and situations for fear that I would be insulted about my weight. I have avoided people that I see in the grocery store or shopping mall and have turned and went the other way. I have lied about going to family functions to avoid seeing people from my past for fear of how I look. I have not attended any school functions with my children for fear of embarrasement that my children will suffer. I have never been naked in front of my husband (we have been together for 16 years in January), and I have never swam in a pool with my children (My son is 14 and daughter is 10). Please understand that I am not trying to come off as some sort of head case. If you were to meet me, you would probably assume that I was no different than your next door neighbour. I tend to be extremenly friendly and compassionate ... probably to compensate for my being overweight, and the fear that you may not like me because I am so big. Arghhhhhhhhhh, as I read this over, I feel like I did not make my point clear enough. I just can't stress enough that regardless of how high or low our BMI is, it is such an individual decision. At the end of the day, I think that our struggles surrounding obesity are all so familiar to each and everyone of us. This is why I have spent so much time lurking around this site, and decided that I wanted to become a part of it. Each person, whether their BMI is 30 or 50, male of female, young or young at heart, has so much to contribute. As I read each post, I come away with so much information, and I respect each person for their contribution .... but in the end, I feel that we are all the same .... all in this together.:kiss2:

Welcome aboard! You will find this site amazing, and the wealth of knowledge and experience is incredible. I have found everyone to be so helpful, and encouraging as well. Congratulations on your BIG step. Although your journey is only beginning, take comfort knowing that there is always someone who is going through exactly what you at that moment and time. You must be so excited? Or perhaps you are scared ..... So many emotions are attached to this procedure. I have been banded since June 21, 2007, so am very new to all of this. I have to admit though, that at this point, there are no regrets. I welcome the future, and am looking forward to each stage as I progress towards my goals. I have to tell you that the fact you have 7 children encourages me greatly, let alone your decision to consider the band. As far as I am concerned, there is nothing more rewarding, or deserving of a medal, than a woman who has raised multiple children. Compared to that job, this will be a breeze. So ... with that being said, sit back, relax and enjoy this journey. Best of luck to you.:clap2:

Greetings to Everyone. Although I have lurked around on the site, I have now been banded for 4 days and have some questions. I don't know if all of you know how much your words of wisdom are appreciated, but please know that they are. Like I mentioned, I am 4 days out, and am feeling weird. I had a great surgery done in Mississauga, ON, Canada, and everything went great. Very little discomfort, and little to no gas pain. Very manageable. (Sorry to brag ...):guess I am not able to take much by mouth. I feel sooooooo full, and after taking 2-3 little sips of water, it feels as though my throat is full and nothing is going to go down. I takes about 15 minutes, and I can slowly feel the liquid moving down my throat. Very strange. And, when I do feel hunger, or possibly some gas moving around, I can again only attempt a sip or two. Is this tight feeling normal? Am I so fresh that I need to just ingnore how I feel over the next few weeks? Also, any suggestions on what I could try to eat at this point, other than water or broth? Thanks a bunch, I appreciate all of the help I can get.:kiss2:

Thanks a million to everyone! I sure appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. Last night was a very difficult night for me, I guess that is what I get for bragging about how well I did initially. I ended up calling the surgeon, and he was able to go over my post op diet. As it turns out, they just revamped the post op diet last week, so any instructions that he would have given me have since changed. This is what he suggests: Liquids - 1 week Mushies - 1 Week Pureed - 1 Week Solids - After then .... I think that a person needs to be really careful about reading up and researching the band. I am one of those people who wills myself to have bad things happen, and I tend to focus on the negative and work myself up. I think that I need to focus on the posts that talk about "loving" their band, and that I need positive reading right now. Thanks again for all of your comments, I truly appreciate them.:kiss2:

:help:Thank you so much for the replies. I really appreicate the help. I am a little concerned with my lack of information, and am sincerely hoping that I have not harmed myself so early into the procedure. Yesterday, 4 days out of surgery, I ate 3 cherries, chewed up really well, as well as 1/4 of a hamburger with the bun. Again, ensuring that It was chewed to an almost liquid consistency ... but nonetheless, a far cry from a liquid diet. Today, after speaking with some local bandsters, I have immediately started on liquids only ... but I am so concerned about the possible damage I may have created. I tolerated the food fine, and had no issues, other than an extreme full sensation in my tummy. This morning when I woke up, it felt as though any pressure that I had been experiencing had completely dissipated??? It felt as though I had never even had the surgery. Do you think that I may have caused my band to slip so soon, and other than allowing my body to heal, is the post op liquid diet in place to avoid slipping of the band? I am not clear about why I must wait to start eating? Sorry if I sound ignorant, I certainly am not meaning to be, just really unclear. I have called the clinic that I had surgery at to get some clear instructions, just praying to god in the meantime that I did not do all of this for nothing. I have just had my first "meal" of the day, 1 cup of Optifast, and am feeling so stuffed and full, it feels as though the liquid is going to start coming back up at any minute. Feels like if I were to Burp, that everything would start gushing out. (Sorry to be so detailed) Arghhhhhhh, am I stupid or what?:mad: