miminms

Queen Jane....Shortgal.....talk about some valuable information that needs to be shared!! You both have helped bring a potential problem out in the open. I (and I'm sure many others) are definitely interested in your progress. QJ...It just HAS to work for you this time! You have been through so much for so long, you deserve it! I love your attitude and fortitude! I certainly understand your battle and journey and I'm rooting for your success!! Shortgal too!! Much luck!!

I'm so confused and frustrated! It has been almost 9 months since I was banded. I have 8cc's in a 10cc band. Surely!!!..I should feel restriction by now!! Each fill, I am so hopeful that "this one" will help and do what I "thought" the band was supposed to do. I tell myself each time that I feel a difference, but after a few days, it's obvious that..once again...no difference. I have lost about 70lbs. to date and I know that is GREAT, but I have done it with my own fortitude (I want to succeed!!!!), and the FEAR of hurting my band and screwing up my last chance to change my life. The last couple of months, I have lost and gained and lost and gained. The same as I have done my whole life. I have reached the "set point" that my body gets to.....between 60-70 lbs. and I just stop losing. That's when my willpower fades and I start to overeat. I was counting on my band to get me through this and so far, no luck. My band never tells me I can't eat a particular food. I can eat anything I want---bread, rice, pizza crust, steak, chicken, ANYTHING!! I could eat as much as I want (I choose NOT to, as I'm trying to make this work!)---my band doesn't say "No..that's too much..stop!" What my band DOES do for me; I can't eat too fast, and I can't take large bites and "gulp" my food or drinks. I get chest pain if I do and I have PB'd and slimmed a few times, but only if I eat or drink too fast. Never because I've eaten to much or the wrong things. Is this all the band is going to do for me???!!! Am I going to pay all this money (I was self pay...that was HARD!) and be able to gain weight as long as I chew good and slow down? I know this is not a "cure all". I know this is a "tool". I know I have to do the work...forever. If I was not willing to do all that, I wouldn't have lost the 70 lbs., but I certainly thought that I'd get to experience a "full" feeling. I thought I'd have a band that would tell me "your full...stop". I thought it might just say "no....you can't eat bread, or steak, or SOMETHING, but nothing doesn't agree with my band. I'm nothing like what I read on the message boards. I'm worried that this is all I'm going to get! Do I have to do it all on my own even with a band, or is something wrong with me or my band???!!! I just went for my last fill 2 wks ago and no difference. My doc said come back in 2 months. I am losing willpower every day. I could be up 10-20lbs in that time, and who's to say the next fill is going to do anything either! Please forgive me for going on and on, but I just need to know if anyone else has experienced this. My doc is pleased with my weight loss, but as I keep telling him....I've gotten this far and I'm thrilled, but I need some help NOW from my band. If I could do it solely on my own, I wouldn't have needed the band! Please don't misunderstand....I KNOW I wouldn't have lost ANYTHING without having my band put in. It totally has put me on track and gave me incentive to do my best, I just need more help than I'm getting. Can anyone help me please?

Queen Jane!!! Hey! Yes, of course I remember you! You helped me so much to not feel alone, and yet I never really wanted any company along the "forever to work route" ..ha! How I know I'm at my "sweet spot" is that I can still eat (the amounts they tell us we're suppose to be eating)... and the difference is that now I'm "satisfied" with this amount and I stop. No more thinking...OK..what else can I have?....or worse just keep going until I'm stuffed...like always before! Now that I'm full on smaller amounts I don't stay hungry and I don't obsess about food. Obviously, I know that the work is never over for me.....I will always have to do my part, but now I finally have the tool I paid for and it's working to "help" me. Yea!!! Also, I am blessed that I can actually eat pretty much any type of food. I find I don't really "want" some of the stuff I shouldn't have, but maybe that is coming from my current "motivation" to do it right now that I have "restriction"!! Again ...... yea!!!! (forgive me for going on and on it's been a long time coming folks!!) I also decided to do what I fought for so long and "journel" my eating. I had done this with Weight Watchers for "years and years" and was hoping with the band I wouldn't have to, but with all the talk about how successful this is, I wanted to do everything I could, so I started this again and I believe it is making me "accountable" and is actually helping me also! I hope and pray that your "re-snap" is the answer for you!!! Please keep us all informed! As for the not enough/too much restriction..I can only speak for me of course, but mine is great just the way it is now. I know if I over-eat it "hurts" (know what you mean!!), so that keeps me in check and yet I'm satisfied so my band says "enough dummy-stop" and I'm full and happy! Life is good and I'm so thrilled!!! It was great to hear from you....keep up the good work and let me hear from you!

Thank you so much Fanny! You've done awesome! Congrats on your success and much luck to you achieving your goal as well!

Hello everyone! Well, it's been several months since I posted my progress on this thread. The bad news is that the last fill I mentioned did not bring me the restriction I was hoping for. My next apt. was 1 month away. I lost 4 lbs. that month and he gave me another fill of 1/2 cc. Next apt. was 2 months away. That apt. I had only lost 1 lb. (for 8 wks!) Bad....I know. Still not feeling restriction. I was about as low as I've ever been. Totally feeling like a failure. My Doctor had a long talk with me. Told me I was NOT a failure and that everyone is different....yada yada yada....Said that he was putting in another 1/2 cc and to come back in 1 month, and if I wasn't doing much better this time....we'd check things out again. WELL......FINALLY with 9cc's total!! I am RESTRICTED!!!! I am soooo happy I could shout it to the world!! For the first time in 13 months, by band is doing what I wanted it to do. I can drink my coffee in the morning with no problems (so I'm not too tight, right!? yea!!) and even eat an egg if I wanted to. (carefully and slowly) Then the best part....I'm not hungry throughout the day!! I eat a small lunch....I feel full!! OMG!! That makes me so happy I could cry! I can drink without problems. I eat a small dinner and I'm satisfied! How great is that? I am at my "sweet spot". It took a LOT longer than I wanted it to, but it's here and I'm a happy bandster! After all my "whinning" I just had to write and shout the good news! This band is working for me and now my Docs job will have to be to "keep" me here. I know I will always have to do my part, but it is so much easier now than it has been. I am on my way down again. It feels so good. Thank you all again for your encouragement! May God bless each of you on this journey as well!

amsderb... 1. I wish! ha 2. That makes sense. I'll remember that. Thanks for the info!

amsderb...No, I can honestly say I have never heard we aren't suppose to eat 30 minutes prior to eating. What does that do? I don't do it always, but I'm sure I have done it. The other two points you made, I know and practice. I never have a problem drinking and it doesn't make me full, so what does it do? Maybe that's one of my problems! Pam...restriction on the first fill!! How BLESSED are you!??!! That is great! I'm jealous! (but happy for you of course)

as for me....we were provided a dietian before and after the surgery. I could probably call them now, but they provided us with lots of good information and book references. Knowing what to eat and how much has never been my problem. Doing it "consistently" and throughout "loooong plateaus" and "never giving up"....that would be my problem. That is why I need restriction from my band. So I can have help and continue on. As for the drinking with meals...I always wait at least an hour. That was the hardest thing for me in the beginning. I have accomplished that task now though. I am proud to say I am still feeling "some difference" since my last fill...Monday morning. Haven't I read that some fills don't even kick in for a week or two?? I know I'm not at my "sweet spot" yet, but I'm paying very close attention to the "signs" of.....maybe if I give it time....I might be satisfied. Not full, not stuffed, but satisfied. Don't laugh...I'm trying to be positive here! ha

Queen Jane--I sure like your Doc. Sounds like he is trying and won't give up on you. I read in a previous post that you can be overfilled, but then I surely wouldn't know about that, huh?! You're gonna get there....I'll be waiting to hear and praying that it's sooner rather than later (for both/all of us). Much luck!

kbinaz, Thanks for the info, I've never heard that before. I was never unfilled until this time, so it could have been that. I so appreciate your confidence in me for losing the extra 8! I'll let ya know when I break even and start "adding" the pounds lost again...I do still feel a little "sign"....nothing drastic or "certain", but still a little different than before. I am hopeful and still on track. Good luck to you too! Karen, You're definitely not alone. One thing I have learned for sure, this is a process. No matter what we go through, someone else has been there and knows what it's like. That's very comforting to me. I wish you the best of luck also. Keep in touch!

Hey everyone, Well, I had my Dr's appointment yesterday and we talked over all my concerns. He withdrew the saline from my band to check for leaks and said "yeah, it's all here..7cc's..I said, "No, I had 8cc's" He said, "no 7". Then he put it back in with another cc...total now 8cc's. Now here's what I was told to date: 1st fill....3cc's 2nd fill....1cc 3rd fill....1cc 4th fill....2cc's 5th fill....1cc total 8cc's right? Yesterday's apt. "unfill...7cc's"..added 1cc more...now 8cc's I wrote down each and every fill level...I asked nurse, doc, and saw syringe amount. So....the conclusion is yours to determine; either I'm crazy (which is not a farfetched notion..I am "mental-pausal" you know, but I will say that I have payed VERY close attention as I am a little more than extremely interested in this investment...BUT....I never swear to being right about anything anymore) OR...I was not told the truth about the amount...OR..it leaked....OR...what? I don't know. I'm not going to argue with anyone. I don't want my doc to be angry with me, or have hard feelings, so the important thing is-I know my band is in place and I have 8cc's and today I can tell that I did indeed have a fill. I'm not sure of my restriction yet as I am still on liquids today. I'm hopeful and I'm determined to "work" with this and praying that this one will give me what I've been needing. The really bad part about my visit, was that I had gained 8 pounds back. (I know....that was horrible and I feel horrible about it...I failed myself and my band). My will/won't power (I'm sorry Jack..I failed you too) was gone...nada...zip...but--I'm shocked into reality now and I'm back into the "grove". I will not quit--I can't quit. I can only hope that my journey, my successes, and my mistakes will help someone else, as all your comments and inspiration have helped me. Thanks again.

Thanks for the support!! We all need it everywhere/anywhere we can get it! No, I don't have an answer yet, but I did call the docs office and they up'd my appointment date a month. I was so glad and am anxious to talk to the Dr. about all my concerns. I'll certainly let you know when I go! Thanks to all who support and care. I'm rooting for you and all our "bandster" brothers/sisters. Penny, I know it's hard.....Lord, I know it's hard (ha), but I know we can do it!! Hang in there and lets get back on track! Good luck and God bless!

kbinaz...Thanks for all the "wise" info! Monica/violet...94 lbs. lost and 10 to go!! WOW! Congrats on your success. I'm SURE you will hang in and make it!!! shortgal...I certainly agree with you on the "head hunger"..no doubt that's what got me to where I was! It's hard...everyday...and I'm sure it will always be. I thank the good Lord for any help I get! Go band go!! amsderb...Hang in there...it'll happen for you and you'll already have all that "willpower" working for you! Much luck! Jachut...Congratulations on reaching your goal...that's awesome!!! I want to be able to write that one day...I mean..I WILL...be able to right that one day!!! LOL I gotta retrain my brain!!!!!

Congratulations Cindy!!!! Your weight loss is fantastic!!! I am so proud of you and so happy FOR you! I can't wait to be "full" with a small amount of food!! That was my dream when I started this journey. I'm so happy to hear you are now at restriction....that's great! Now I'm ready to take the "learning period" to the next level and kick start the weight loss again!!!

I was so glad to read your post! I've been asking these same questions on another thread. I am in no way a "new-bandster"...9 months out, but I am still dealing with the same issues. I loved your feedback and I have to tell you it makes perfect sense and didn't make me feel so guilty for the problems I've been having and where I still am. Thank you so much. I'm still working on finding that "sweet spot", but I WILL get there! I'm not alone, YEA!!! (not that I want ANYONE else having these same problems...nightmares!.....but there is comfort in "understanding"!)

Ditto Queen Jane!!! I could finish your sentences!! You are in my prayers and wishes!! I will be waiting to hear from you! You go girl!!

Andrea, sounds like you and I need another apt. ASAP! ha! I know I intend to follow-up until I can post comments like "kbinaz"!! The "NO DOUBT" part sounded like what I paid for. Again.... I don't want to be tooo-tight, but I want to know I'm at my sweet spot and then I can work from there with my band. As for PB?...it stands for "productive burping". Obviously, I haven't had much experience with it (not being restricted), so I'm counting on a more seasoned bandster to explain what exactly happens.

You're so right on all accounts! I couldn't get through this on my own. This board is better than therapy and the price is right too!! LOL How amazing to have support 24/7 and with people who care (even when you sometimes come across as a "whiny baby")! Thanks!

Kitty, sorry to hear you're going through this too! Thanks for sharing your story and hopefully we'll both find that sweet spot...soon! ha! Hang in there and keep me informed of your progress as well. I want to hear!

Gosh!! I'm so glad to have my bandster friends!! This has helped me to feel so much better and not alone!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I have never been offered.... as my doc has never mentioned the flouroscopy. I will ask about that. Penny, I've never even thought about missing the port! Good point! So now, I'm going to call and make an apt. (not waiting the 2 months!!) and have a talk about all of this. I'm definitely asking about the pressurized aspect and taking it all out and refilling. That way I should know if he perhaps "missed" the port or if it "leaked", right? Juliegeracil...21 months, 15 fills/unfills...bless your heart! I feel your pain! ha! Glad to hear your doing better!! Yes....we ALL agree, we love our bands and in one way or another or "many" ways, it is working for us! I learned a lot I'm going to turn this around!! Now!! I have to stay on top of it and "learn" from all of you! Thanks again and god bless each of you!!

Thank you sooo much for your input! Yes, my doc only puts saline in and does not take any out to check for leaks. I asked the time before last if it could be leaking and based on his feeling of how the port "felt?" (I guess), he said that none had leaked. I'm not sure what he based that on, but with Jack stating that and now you, I think it's time to definitely have that checked out for "sure". As for the points you made (and Jack too-God love him-he is full of encourgement and wisdom!), I have to admit that my band is doing more for me than I have given it "credit" for doing. Yes, I know I have a band. That was "huge!!!" for me when I finally realized that. I have just been so frustrated with no restriction to date. I knew it would be a process, I just wasn't prepared to have it take this long. As I said in my original post....I am thrilled to have this band!!! I just needed to know if others have never reached the "sweet spot", as I apparently have not after 9 months. I know without a doubt I wouldn't be down this much without it!! Your point about me not being happy because I can still eat steak, chicken, etc.....I understand COMPLETELY. I agree. It's not that I don't LOVE steak, chicken, etc. and that I don't still...want...to eat them and basically most foods, it's just that I read so much about people NOT being able to eat foods and I've never experienced that. Thus my confusion....is it working for me? I do wish I couldn't eat breads, potatoes, carbs, etc! ha! That would make life a lot easier! Steak, chicken, protein...I hope I never have to give that up! Anyway, I appreciate your input more than you'll ever know! Thanks for taking the time to write me back. The "head" needing to catch up with the band makes total sense to me. I will "mull" that one over and try to "retrain" my way of thinking and dwell on the positives. I've truly done that to date....except for this last fill and my "eagerness" for "restriction". I just needed to vent and get another prospective from those who have "been there". Again...thank you and I'll do better...never give up...and definitely have this band checked for "leaks".

Queen Jane, I'm so sorry to hear you are having the same problems. How many fills have you had and how long have you been banded? What is your doc telling you is the problem???

Dear Jack, Thank you for the encouraging words! I have read your posts in the past and I know you have had a long and successful journey. You made a lot of good points....it is different this time. I'll take your advice and try to work from there. Thanks again and good luck to you in the future.

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery!! It is the best thing you could do for your future. Your Dw will soon realize it will "enhance" the person you are and make things better for both of you. My husband is so proud and happy. We are a better "team" than ever before! Now, I feel that I actually "have" a future to look forward to with him! Before, I was headed to an early grave...no doubt. I had surgery June 19th. 07 and I have lost 66 lbs. so far. I haven't set any records, but I certainly would not have lost ANY if it were not for my band. I am thrilled with my results and look forward to losing much more! God bless you and let us hear about your success! (who is your doc, by the way??)

Hey Betty Lue, I don't know you yet, but I'll chime in.....ha! I had surgery on 6/19/07 at River Oaks Hosp. in Jackson (Dr. Carroll) and I weighed in today and so far have lost 58 lbs! I'm so thrilled and I am feeling so much better. This band has been such a blessing and I am (for the first time-EVER) not scared of the Holidays approaching and the usual 20 lbs. or so, that normally followed. Life is good!! Hope all is well with you also!