nurse4126

Wow, can I relate. I am out about 2 years as well, and have not been a "good" bandster. My loss has been slow and not steady. I am down 50 in almost 2 years. But...without my band I surely would have been up at least 50 more plus another 50. I got a fill yesterday and today I am recommitted - again. If the band could go around my head I would be much better.

Hi- just to let you know, I have been out going on 2 years with absolutely no complications. Just kind of a slower paced loss- the band should have gone around my head! But I am working through the emotional stuff that is the basis for my overeating and the band is definitely doing its job!

hi- I was out for 5 days- I am a nurse but I work with newborns- so no really heavy lifting and my co-workers were awesome! Almost 2 years later and no complications either

I too, have issues with eating the "good "food. I can eat Cheetohs like there's no tomorrow, but sometimes even ground up meat gets me clogged. I did go back to my surgeon who 1) refused to fill me any more and 2) refused to entertain a switch to an RNY. His reasoning is that if I am not behaving with a band, then I will not behave with an RNY. I need to get a handle on my eating and I don't know how. I have gone online to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting (very confusing and foreign to me) and I have joined WW a hundred and ten times at least in my life. Any suggestions??:help:

Hi, I just started WW last week for the 156th time. I was banded in Aug 2005 and have lost 60 lbs. I need more structure and the points are going to work I think. I can now be satisfied with the points I am allowed, where as before, I was hungry. Also, the meetings are very important for support.

You can't have any jewelry on because of the cautery they use during surgery- it can cause major burns. That is why you can probably keep your wedding band on with the tape on it. Just my 2 cents...

I graduated in 2001 with my A.D.- and no, we did not have to do anything in our underwear. That is kind of weird, and I would have undoubtedly had issues with that.

Hi guys, I went to see the Doc and nutritionist yesterday- got a tiny fill. I am not impressed with my loss- 5 pounds in the last 2 months, but they were OK with it. I definitely need to get exercising more. I am so tired all the time- I know that exercise is going to help with the stress etc, but it is so hard for me. I work nights, so it is a challenge to find the time.

I am an RN- I work on an LDRP unit- delivering babies.

Welcome! Southbridge MA here. I was banded 8/05 at BIDMC. Good luck to you!

Hi. I had lost 70 pounds doing Weight Watchers in 2001-2. It was hard, but I thought I had to give it one more good try before I would consider any weight loss surgery. Well...I gained it all back, plus. The stresses in my life led me down the comfort eating path again. I opted for the band and had it done 8/05. I have lost close to 60 pounds. When I comfort eat now, I can't eat nearly the quantity I could have before. And I am not really hungry. Of course, I have tested my band- I have rebelled- I didn't exercise for the first year. And I still lost nearly 50. Now with that off, it is easier to move and I have recomitted myself to lasting weight loss. I didn't exercise with WW either, and I probably wouldn't have gained so much if I did. I work full time 11pm to 7am with a husband and 2 young teens still at home, and I try to make it to the gym at least 4-5 times a week. It can be done. The band is only a tool- it isn't a miracle device. You have to diet and exercise to lose, band or no band. Good luck with your journey.:nervous

Hi! My name is Maura and I've been banded since August 2005. I had my surgery at BIDMC and have lost 58 pounds so far. It has been a little on the slower side because I had rebellion issues and would test my band. I also didn't exercise either. But...I've turned the corner and worked out some issues in my head. I have started exercising and am losing again. I am a nurse, and between my husband and I, we raised 6 kids. The oldest is 23 and the youngest is 14. We also have a granddaughter who is 15 months old, and our pride and joy. Nice to meet you all.

When do people generally visit the chat room? There never seems to be anyone there.

I was 40 years old when I graduated from RN school. My husband and I raised six kids (his, hers, ours) and I always had to work full time. So...It can be done! Good luck Nana!

Yup, nurses are the worst patients! I went back to work 5 days after surgery. But... I work in labor and delivery, so there's not a lot of lifting involved (babies don't usually weigh more than 10 pounds, max) and my co-workers were awesome. So all I did was work, and come home and rest- my family was very supportive as well.

hi Rainbow- yes, I have to say I am ok with my loss. As I've said though, I have been really really bad with the exercise; I could have lost a lot more. I think I was kind of going through a rebellion of sorts- like testing the band and undermining myself. But... I have begun to exercise and really behave in the food department. I really needed to have the band put around my head instead of my stomach.

I live a good hour away from Boston, so I don't do the meetings- it's too hard with my work schedule. I use this board and others for support. I finally have made it to the Y for 2 mornings in a row- hope to make this one the 3rd! We are going to Six Flags today for my hospital picnic, so I will get lots of walking in as well. I was off last night- that is why I am up and awake at 3 am.- It is hard when you are used to being up all night, and then trying to sleep like a normal person on nights off. Am I whining???- LOL

Thanks Rainbow! I feel pretty good, actually . I just need to climb on the exercise wagon- I hate to do it. My surgeon is really pushing the issue. I don't know why I have such a hard time. I did join the Y and now I just need the motivation. I work full time nights- 11 pm to 7 am and I am usually pretty tired. I planned on going yesterday morning, but I had a really tough night- didn't get out of work until 9 am- 2 babies decided to be born at pretty much the same time, so I ran my butt off!! I was off last night, so I am planning on the Y today.

I had my surgery with Dr. Schneider last August. I have lost almost 60 so far. He and his staff are awesome!:clap2:

I had my band done at BIDMC with Dr. Schneider. He and his staff are awesome!! I am finally getting with the exercise- joined the Y. I haven't done a whole lot of extra moving since surgery and haven't lost as much as I could have. I didn't think it would be this hard! Wah, wah, wah....Anyway, just dropped in to say hello from Southbridge MA.

I had my surgery at BIDMC by Dr. Schneider. I had an awesome experience while in the hospital, and the follow up care is good too.

We were celebrating my daughter's 15th birthday last evening, and as luck would have it I had gotten a pretty good fill the day before. Whatever possessed me to think that the fish would go down ok, I don't know. But I ran to the bathroom, pb'd my guts out, AND pee'd my pants!! Oh my God! I had to throw my undies away, and go commando for the rest of the night. It was awful!

Do any fellow bandsters go to Weight Watchers? I am finding that my band helps me with quantity, and the Weight Watchers helps me with quality. I don't know of any other bandsters who do this though. :eekB:

Has anyone gone back to weight watcher's after being banded? I am a turtle, making very bad choices and am wondering if some structure is what I need? Thanks for the support.

Has anyone followed the weight watchers points system after banding? I am having all kinds of trouble sticking to a healthy eating program. I kinda thought I would have it easier than this. I have had 2 fills and still have room to be bad!