lindaa

Hey Lynette. I was noticing a similar problem that I think has to do with concentrating on eating all that protein and not eating enough fiber. We used to get fiber from whole grains--or in other words, some of those breads that we are now avoiding--and vegetables. I find that after eating all the protein in my meals, I can't eat nearly the amount of vegetables that I used to. Instead of laxatives, you might try something like Metamucil that will provide a fiber bolus. Just be sure to take it with enough water. That's the other thing, I think--water. I struggle to get enough water every day and that may be contributing to the problem as well--especially in the summer. Keep us posted on what works for you. You are such an inspiration for me.

I admire those of you who are exercising! I am so tired after working all day I just can't get up the energy to do it. Since I got my fill 2 weeks ago I've lost 10 pounds (6 the first week and 4 last week) and I'm thinking that's too much too fast. The problem is that I think I was a little overfilled b/c after even a couple of bites (or even sips of water) I burp and belch and hiccup for a half hour or more. I tried eating a protein bar for lunch today--very slowly--and couldn't eat it all. Hopefully soon I will lose enough weight that the band will "losen" up and I will be able to tolerate a little more, but in the meantime, I can't even think about exercising. If you haven't been filled yet--never fear! It makes all the difference. The good news is that this weekend I plan on going through my closet and purging all the really big summer clothes because they're not gunna fit next year! (I live "up north" and fall gets pretty cool pretty fast, especially at night. Plus I have to work during the day and can't wear capris and tee shirts anymore) Have a great weekend everyone! Be tough at the cook-outs :waytogo:

Maria, What I am doing is trying to drink water as much as I can and drinking protein drinks for meals. I am hoping that as I lose weight my stomach will shrink and the band will "loosen up" so that I can tolerate more than a couple of bites of real food. I also let cheese melt in my mouth sometimes and yesterday I was able to eat about 1/2 cup of tuna salad (without bread) very, very slowly. Today, however, I had, myabe, 4 bites of a sweet roll (danish to some) with frosting. About 1/2 hour later it all came back up in what I think they call a PB. NOT FUN, but I did lose 6 pounds in the last week so that's the silver lining in this cloud.

:clap2:Way To Go Hunter!:clap2: I have to wonder how valid that "testing" is, but I''m happy for both you you! Contratulations :whoo:

Maria, I am going through a similar situation after my first fill (2 ml) , and I definitly would NOT get another fill so soon--especially with your fasting month aproaching. My concern right now is that I am not able to get enough protein (or other nutrients) or enough water every day, and I don't want to lose the weight too fast.

Sunny--we have a li'l Shitzu too and they're so cute--she's 13, and I know our day is coming. It is so sad. Sounds like your puppy didn't suffer much which is some comfort. The next couple of days and weeks are gonna be tough, no doubt about it. I'm sorry you have to go through this. Thanks for the shout-out Chim. You guys are all so sweet. I love being a part of this group,

ssankofa73 vbmenu_register("postmenu_546027", true); Thankd for the advice--I'm going to try the tea and tenderizer idea

Hi Maria, I'm having the same problems after my first fill on friday. No matter how little or how slowly I eat or drink--even water--I gurgle and burp and hiccup. Maybe it's getting a little better, but I haven't been able to get in more than 500 calories a day. I'm going to try to wait it out for awhile b/c I hate to pay for another appointment and then have it refilled again later, but all of this noise is annoying Lynette--I don't know how much you can do in 2 days! I am shocked at what they expect from a 3-year-old, but I wouldn't worry about him falling behind. Kids develop at their own pace, but usually by 7 or 8 they are all about the same. I had 4 kids, and really, they are all different, but in the end they all came out OK. I agree with you that preschool is to learn these things--maybe you should look for a different one?

Lynette, I'm sorry about Hunter "failing" at motor skills? I never heard of such a thing! I guess I'm getting really old because my kids didn't have to take tests to get into preschool! Did they give you any suggestions or tell you what he needed to be able to do to pass the "test."

I had my first fill yesterday, and since then I've been making a lot of loud, involuntary noises. I haven't eaten any solids or mushies either--only sips of fluids. No sliming or PB (thankfully); a little acid reflux last night. Not the least bit hungry! Is this normal? Will it get better by next week when I have to go back to work and attend meetings all day? Am I overfilled? I didn't feel much restrictin before and I was pretty hungry all the time, but this is an all new ballgame. Thanks!! :phanvan

I had my first fill yesterday and can only tolerate sips of water or a protein shake since then. Absolutely no hunger. I don't mind not being hungry, but the burping and loud hiccupps are annoying--hope that improves before I go to work on Monday!

I am satisfied with my experience in Tijauana. You will find people here who love their physicians and others who have nothing good to say. The city itself is dirty, smelly, and not particularly friendly, however the hospital itself and staff were modern, clean, curteous, and professional. One month out I am not sorry I went there--it was half the cost and I am losing weight the same as everyone else.

Hi all. Remember how I was complalining about all the food events? Well inspite of it all, I did manage to lose 5 pounds last week! And better yet, I got my first fill this morning and was able to talk the doctor into 2 mls instead of 1 1/2 ml. I'm feeling good and tight now--can't get down more than a couple of sips of water without burping and hiccupping for a 1/2 hour afterwards. I don't feel a bit hungry now! I know it's pretty aggressive, but at $300/fill + traveling over an hour one way, I don't have the time or the money to keep going back. Hope things settle down over the weekend. I did learn something new at the doctor's and am wondering if anyone else has heard of this. My doctor said that about 60% of his patients have the bacteria H. Pyloris in their stomachs, and he doesn't do surgery on them until he has treated that with three different medications. H. Pyloris is the bacteria that is associated with stomach ulcers and he said that it can cause erosion around the band if he doesn't treat it. The bacteria is detected by testing your breath for the presence of amonia. Did anyone have a breath test before surgery?

Congratulations Caolin! You'll never see it again!! Hourrah!

Why oh why does EVERYTHING have to revolve around food? Saturday we went to a resort area to visit friends who have a summer home there. They took us out for lunch--I had chili--not bad, but then they wanted to go to a place that specializes in homemade icecream--VERY BAD. THEN, they took us wine tasting. . .well, of course there was other kinds of tasting to be had as well. And everything tasted SOOOOO good. But they weren't finished yet! For dinner they insisted on grilling steaks and served delicious home made pie for desert! I had a sliver without ice cream, but still way more than I wanted. I'm not done. Yesterday the DH wanted to go to a another resort area near our home that closed up the streets downtown and all the local chef's had booths set up where you can go and sample their specialities. As hungry as I was, I succumed to the crab-artichoke dip on fresh french bread. Oh my goodness--I couldn't get enough. So today all I had was a protein shake for lunch, a bowl of split pea soup with protein powder for dinner and a glass of wine (that I bought from one the wine tastings) My DH is just the OPPOSITE of yours, Anut Phyl. He went to Mexico with me and he knows what I've been through--the money I've spent, yet he still wants me to go with him and eat, eat, eat! I could scream!!

Anyone finding that they are less hungry after the first fill? Please post!! I need hope. . .

About these plateaus: I lost over 100 pounds once before and I remember the plateaus. The way I understand it is that after cutting your intake back for a while your metabolism slows down and that is what causes the plateau. You just gotta be tough and believe and all of a sudden you will drop 2 or 3 pounds overnight. It really is best not to weigh yourself too often because the plateaus are discouraging--especially when you are really hungry. All you want to do is eat. I know because I am there too right now. But cutting back on the calories even more isn't going to help. For me all that did is make me even more hungry and more suspectable to temptations. Just stay with the program and have faith!

:clap2:Horray for Jackie!!! :clap2:

Hi, I'm just checking in for the week. I've had family visiting all week, and my family is all about food. While I was strong sometimes, other times I gave in. I'm almost a month post-op, and don't get filled till next Friday, so I was able to eat pretty much anything, and I did. Only lost one pound this week. Well, that's better than gaining I guess, but still. . . Thanks for the weather report Only4me. My son is visiting Long Island this week. I can relate to you in that the only time I am aware of the band is if I eat too fast. At this point, it's doing nothing to control hunger, which it seems that I am constantly feeling. But hopefully after the fill I will notice a difference. Is this Banster-Hell?

Dr Corvala placed my band about a month ago. I was neither overly pleased or displeased with him. He only spoke with me for maybe 2 minutes total, and seemed rushed. However, I got my band and so far have had no complications. The hospital and staff staff were as good as any in the states; I particularly I loved my anesthesiolost. A few things about going to Angeles Hospital in Tijuana: If you are not sure what they are giving you something, ask. Patients don't wear arm bands and there was some confusion around giving someone medication intended for another patient. If you can, bring along a pillow and washcloth. Many of the nurses don't speak English but knowing even a little Spanish helps a lot. Be clear about hotel arrangements before you go. "Un momento" does not mean "one minute," it means later (sometimes much later). It can take hours to get back over the border into the USA, so leave plenty early. Good luck! I'd be interested in hearing about your experience.

Dini--To be perfectly honest, it does seem that you are unhappy in your relationship with Adam. You are in a difficult situation because of your daughter. You have to decide to 1. Make the best of the situation with Adam because you believe it is better for your daughter to be raised by her mom and dad together 2. Cut your losses with Adam and move on. You sound like a fun-living, caring, and responsible gal. You are only 24 years old and you still have your whole life ahead of you. (That's my perspective as a 50-something mom with kids your age.) You are entitled to spend that life with someone who you love and trust and who loves you back. On the other hand, you also need to consider what is best for your daughter. The thing that will make the biggedy difference is your attitude. Adam is not going to change. Today it's facebook, next week there will be something else. You have to decided not to be bothered by these things if you are going to stay with him. That's my 2-cents worth!

Lynette--Thanks for sharing everything you learned from your doctor and dietician. I went to Mexico for the band, I am not receiving much in terms of follow up, so it really helps to hear what you are being told. I did find someone who will do my fills for me and have an appointment in 3 weeks. Maybe I will receive a little more personal guidance then. Just want to let you know that I appreciate hearing about your experiences.

I am relieved to hear that other people are feeling hungry besides me. I stop eating after a couple of bites b/c I don't want to stretch anything, but then 2-3 hours later all I can think about is finding something to eat. I am getting in between 40-50 grams of protein, so I don't think that is the problem. I guess it's just my body fighting for me. I'm gonna have to tough it out.

Christina--Congrats girl! What a great accomplishment! I'm celebrating with you!

Phyl--I was able to buy a bottle of Raseberry flavoring at Starbucks. I probably spent too much on it, but it does make the chocholate shakes drink-able. Things are going better this week, no more tragedies. Thankfully I am doing well on mushies now, so I have a littlem ore stamina which is good as my sister and her 5 kids will be staying with us next week. Still hungry 2-3 hours after eating--I was hoping to be able to last a little longer than that! New CC: You have every right to expect the doctor to return your calls promptly. You did the right thing by persisting. You know that you had to do this--sucking it up and losing the weight does working for you or you would have done it before now. I hope you will feeling better soon, and I know that once you do, you will know that you made the right decision.