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The BAND-ONLY support group in Sacramento meets next Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011! ALL LapBanders are welcome! Even if you are pre-surgery!!! Sacramento Valley Bandsters Support Group third Saturday of every month from 10:30-12:30. Sutter Cancer Center Classroom 1, First Floor 2800 L Street, Sacramento Easy parking is available one short block away in covered lot on 29th Street, between K and L streets. Costs $1 per hour. This group was purposely set up so as NOT to conflict with the other support groups in the area. Any and ALL band patients from ANY doctor or hospital is welcome to attend. Please join us!

Long time no talk girlfriend...keep your head up...you have been through so much but you are a strong independant woman and you can get through ANYTHING! :huh2: Let me know if I can do anything for you. We need to get together and talk...it's been a while. By the way in case you didn't know I am helping with heading up a Band-Only support group on the 3rd Saturday of every month including November and December. For the next two months the dates are on Nov 20th and Dec 18th and it is from 10 am - noon. Please come we would love to have you!!

I have some great news for all you LapBanders out there! Another lady Tammy (from the SacValley Yahoo Bandsters online group) and I have started a new LapBand ONLY Support group with the help of one of the Bariatric Physician's at Sutter. The meetings will be on the 3rd Saturday of each month at the Sutter Cancer Bldg. in Downtown Sac. They will not conflict with the current 4th Saturday support meetings held at the Point West Kaiser so you would be able to attend both meetings each month! They begin on Saturday Oct. 16th from 10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m and will be held on the 1st Floor of the Sutter Cancer Center at 2800 L Street in Classroom #1. The next few meetings will be held on the following dates: Oct. 16th Nov. 20th Dec. 18th Jan.15th All the meetings will be at the same time 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. This is open to ALL Bandsters no matter which coverage they have or do not have. Tammy and I are so excited to have this opportunity to start this band only group and to have the chance to be able to support one another and discuss band specific things with each other every month. The other great thing is since it falls the weeks before each of the holidays this year (ie. Thanksgiving and Christmas) we WILL be holding the November and December meetings... I know we all could use the support especially around the holidays! I hope you ladies are doing well and just let me know if you have any questions! Take care:thumbup:

I'm here too! Just been going through it like everyone else...I hope you all are doing well. I miss everyone! Where was everyone on Saturday...no one was at the support group. :smile: I am so sorry to hear about your losses Sherri...hang in there and let us know if there is anything we can do for you. My prayers are with you and your family during this time. Please remember to take care of yourself, I know how painful things are probably feeling right now but your health is important! Take Care, April

I have been having some similar symptons. I am over 2 1/2 years out from banding. I was banded in Nov 2007 in California. I was wondering what that bacteria is from and where or how would you get it?

Thanks...What is CARAFATE? Never heard of it. What do the esophogeal spasms feel like to you? Pain or just feel like you are breathless? The pain around my band hasn't stopped for almost 5 days now and I feel it in my back and in the front but mostly is noticeable when I drink or eat anything! I am still waiting to hear back from Dr. Alami. I hope he is in the office today and will message me back before the weekend. Glad to hear that everything is okay with you and that you know how to handle the panic attacks. I hope you feel better real soon...hopefully I'll see you at this months meeting and we can talk? Thank you for the prayers they are appreciated! I hope that everything works out well with your leg...remember some of our weight loss is what we eat too so even if you can't exercise right now just keep eating right and you will either continue to lose (maybe a little slower) or you will at least maintain. But you need to take car eof your leg and make sure it heals well so you will have the opporunity to exercise far into your future. Everyone here will support you through this time. I will be praying for you as well for a speedy recovery. Take care Thank you hun... love you too! I miss my bike as well... I feel so FREE and happy when I ride bikes!!!! We will go for a bike ride soon but first I want these pains to go away! I couldn't even work a full day yesterday because the pain was too bad, I left early.

Hello All!!! Let me start of by saying thank you to everyone for the well wishes...it means a lot to me to have so many wonderful people around who care! I still don't feel like I am 100% better but I am hoping to be there soon. It was great to have Chrissy come drive all the way out there to keep me company and to make sure that I was okay even though she didn't have to, I really appreciate the support. And then to have Donna who happen to be in Dr. Alami's office that day run into Chrissy and come to my room and to wait for me to get out of my procedure to make sure I was okay is just so speacial. It really means a lot to me to know that you both were there for me. I haven't had one PB episode since 2 weeks prior to my slight unfill on June 22nd. I went in on June 22nd since I was on my way out of the state and just felt like I had been slightly too tight for the last 7 months or so. Every time I stressed out or started my cycle I became too tight to get anything other than soup down. That was obviously why I didn't loose more than I did at that point so I decided to get .5 cc's taken out. When Paul took out the .5 cc I felt this awful pain around my band (not my port) that I had never felt before. But I was in such a hurry and so excited to go see my best friend James in South Carolina graduate from Basic Training (who I hadn't seen in over 2 months) that I decided to try and ignore the pain and just rush off to my flight that was leaving in an hour from then. After having a few conversations with Chrissy and others about what had happened I promised them that I would get checked out when I returned to San Francisco the next week. On Monday June 28th I arrived at the SSF Airport at approx. 11:30 and called Kaiser. After speaking with Susan (head nurse) she advised me to come in and wait to be squeezed in to see Dr. Alami around 2:30. When the doctor came in I explained what had happened the prior week and that even though I have felt pretty good eating the prior week until; then; that I still have felt some slight discomfort when the food passed through the band area into my stomach. It wasn't a stuck feeling it was more of a bad irritation. I was also feeling some acid reflux which I never felt before so he decided to get and Upper GI (with the camera) and also do the barium with flouro to make sure there wasn't a slip. The flouro seemed to be okay and he called Sac to schedule me for the camera procedure to make sure there was no erosion of the band into my stomach. He decided before he was going to send me home that he wanted to take out some more fluid to make sure that the camera procedure was easier. When he attempted to pull out some more fluid I immediately felt that same pain again that I felt the week before but this time it made me cry it hurt so bad. I don't even get the numbing stuff when I do fills or unfills because I have such a high tolerance for any kind of pain. This pain was definitely something I have NEVER felt before the last week. When he saw the pain he immediately said he was admitting me into to the hospital. That night they put me on clear fluids only until midnight and then nothing after midnight so I could have the procedure the next day. At 11:30 the next morning they took me to do the procedure. They put me half under to where I wouldn't remember much if anything and proceeded to put the camera down my esophagus. Dr. Alami was in there for the procedure so he could see for himself. Afterwards he came in and told me that it doesn't look eroded at all and that he wanted to leave out the fluid that he removed for the next month to let any possible swelling or irritation heal by itself and then bring me back next month to start filling it back up again (at this point I am at approx. 4 cc's down from 6.5) at first this seemed like a great idea but then it hit me. No erosion (GREAT!) but what is the problem (why all this pain) I have NEVER felt this before! Also I was upset because anytime I have had such little fluid before I have gained weight so all I could think was that I was going to put on 20lbs in the next month! I know it was a crappy and negative attitude to have but I was just feeling stressed and slightly defeated and just needed to get through it in my own way. Now I am not feeling so defeated but I am still having pain. I'm not going to lie; the pain DOES scare me. But I am trying to not let it take over me. I have pain when I eat or drink anything...now I can admit that the pain is not enough to stop me in my tracks when I am eating but I do notice that it is there and it hurts where my band is not at my port site. As for the port pain; I have felt some pulling sensations around my port itself (kind of like when it was healing when I first had surgery done). I do feel the pain that is around my band clear into my back. I am keeping in touch with my doctor by emails and I am letting him know what type of pain I am feeling. As well as eating very soft foods to try and let any possible swelling heal itself. Again let me thank everyone who wrote such special messages to me and who kept me in your prayers during this time... please continue to pray for me. I will keep you all updated as often as I can.

Thanks!!! Good to be back on here...always busy so don't know how often I can post but wil be in and out as often as I can. I was real nervous last month so thanks...maybe I'll do it again and plan a little better for it next time What do you mean by "the 8cc's coming off" did I say something about that??? Or did you mean something else? Thanks! :scared2:

Hi Becca WELCOME!!!! I had my surgery in South San Francisco but most of the ladies in our support group had theirs in Richmond and since most of us were within a 100 mi radius of Richmond Kaiser we all chat on this site together! I live in Sacramento and really enjoy most of these ladies! They are so sweet, caring and thoughtful! I haven't been on here in a few months but I make sure to go to the support groups each month to reconnect with most of the ladies on here. The lapband ladies like to meet after our support group each month for lunch too which is really fun and extra bonding time! BTW - Hello everyone!!! I cannot go to the meeting this month :thumbup: I will be in South Carolins, North Carolina and Georgia from Tuesday 6/22 until Monday 6/28. I am so excited to go see my best friend James' graduation from Army Nat'l Guard Reserves Basic Training!!! I will miss all you ladies terribly but will definitly be back in July!!!! I hope we get together for a walk or something before our July meeting. I am thinking of organizing one for the 2nd weekend in July...who might be up for it if I do? Oh yeah on a happy side note....I've lost 8 lbs more since last months support group....I can't believe I am at 144lbs LOST!!!! I have 102 to go.....I am aiming to hit that goal before I turn 35 (23 months away)

I'm doing well...just been busy with work. Just catching up on the last 2 days of reading on here. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss Nicole....but everyone is right....don't stuff food down. We all know where that has gotten us before!!! We are all here for you. If you need to call us please do. I would rather you talk or text on your phone to each us for a few hours a day then spend that time eating junk! We love you and want you to stay physically healthy through this tragedy as well as mentally. Call me... you know the muber and if not I am texting it to you now!! Take care and God Bless you and your family hun!

For that price and that amount of Protein it really wouldn't be worth it compared to the carbmaster...however; if you buy the stuff at Trader Joes...it is WAY worth it!!! I am talking about the 'plain' (16oz.) container of it. If you compare the calories, fat and Protein in alot of the greek yogurts it is much better for you....The 0% and 2% fat of their brand has between 21-24 grams of protein in 1 cup of it and it is unflavored. So I use it in recipies like stroganoff, tacos and it makes a great dip when you mix in dry ranch seasoning and dried dill. Dip some carrots and red peppers in it and it is like having a piece of meat with your veggies. But when I eat it ad a yogurt I stir in 2 pkts of splenda, drizzle of honey and some fresh or frozen fruit. In Sac, Ca. it costs approx. 2.69 for 2 cups worth. Each cup has more protein than the average chicken breast, so when you look at it like that it is worth it. And it is something you can eat almost right after a fill too.

I just started posting on here again, been off for a while and saw these posts about a get-together at your place. I could make it on the 6th depending on the time. I live near Rancho so it would be close for me but I am doing a Mary Kay Party for my mom on that same day in the early afternoon. I should be done by 2:30 or 3:00 at the lastest. Were you looking to do the get-together at lunch time or later in the day?

Well I will be there!!! I am so excited to see everyone. Will you be there?

Hi Ladies!!!! Long time no talk....been keeping busy! I have finally slowed down but now things are starting to pick back up again as far as distractions and being busy goes. But I really need some support, I 've still lost weight since the last time I saw all of you but not as much as I would have liked to. Is there still a meeting this week? I really need to see everyone! How is everyone doing? Things are good with me too much to type right now but we will talk soon. April

Hi Ladies! Oh wow it has been that long!!! I will be 2 years on 11/7. That is only 2 weeks and 2 days away! I can't believe how much time has flown... LilMissDiva - Hang in there, remember this a lifelong tool you will always have it and it can always be adjusted depending on the situations we are going through. I know you can do it!!! One thing that has helped me is having faith and also a great support group. I found a support group that had/or having their surgeries out of the Richmond Kaiser (I had mine in SSF) and they meet here in Sac once a month. We have the meeting and do lunch right afterwards. We also chat online and meet up for walking events sometimes (depends on where everyone lives). It has really helped me remember I am not in this alone. You are welcome to come sometime to the support group...there is no charge and it is open to ANYONE no matter where you had your surgery at. It is held at the Kaiser Point West near Cal Expo on the 4th Saturday of each month, we are also trying to set up a time where we can get together another day during the month for added support. Vicki - Sounds like you are doing great! Great job on the weight loss!!! I have had my ups and downs too but I am finally on track again. I had a .5 cc unfill (that was my 3rd fill/unfill/fill process in about a year) this was right before my cruise in May 2009. It was too much out because in the next 3.5 months I gained 10+ lbs!! Yikes, I was so disappointed! So I finally mustered up the courage to go see my surgeon's assistant on Sept. 4th and had .3 cc's put back in....well it was slightly too much. I wasn't able to eat much of anything mostly broth, Water and Protein shots (3 oz shots and they have 25 grams of protein and only 100 cal) the down side was some days it took me 3 hours to drink the 3 oz. I was so tight! I went back to see the doc on 10/2 (28 days) after last fill and I had lost 20 lbs!!! Yeah for me but still know I was too tight, he was kinda shocked that I still wanted soem Fluid out even though I had lost so well finally after 8 months of no lose and only some gaining; but I knew it was right. Well I had him take out .2 cc's and I am doing much better. I still have my days when I am way too tight and can barely drink my tea (usually around TOM, when I'm too stressed, or didn't get enough sleep) but other than thatI am still losing. I am down another 8 lbs since 10/2...not as quick as last month when I was TOO tight but still not too bad. How is everyone else doing?

For those of you asking for the address, here it is... 1650 Response Rd. Sacramento, CA 95815 Right across the street from CalExpo (where the State Fair is held each year)

Okay ladies...as it turns out I will be able to make it to the meeting tomorrow. I will probably be late since I have to work in the morning until 11 but I will be there as soon as possible! I am so excited to see all of you, I can't believe it's been a month already since our last meeting! Candra - How are you doing? I'm doing okay...so I decided to get a little bit of fluid taken out. I made an appointment for Friday Oct 2nd (next Friday) to have it done in SSF. I am finally not PB'ing anymore (since Tuesday) but I am still getting food uncomfortably stuck and I feel full sooo fast that I am not able to get in enough nutrition on some days.....Some days I can taken in 700 - 850 cals then I have days like yesterday where I took in MAYBE 550 cal (ALL DAY!) and that was only because after 9:30 last night I was able to eat 150 cal Skinny Cow Ice Cream and then at 12:30 I was still feeling kind of dizzy so I have about 1 oz of steak (4 small bites) half of small corn tortilla. But before that I had had barely 250 cal. Enough rambling for now...I'm just hoping I can talk the surgeon into only taking out .1 or .2 cc's since he only put in .3; I would like to keep some of it.:scared2:

That's weird cause all the info I have read on different Weight Loss Surgery sites and my from my nutritionist all say it is from lack of protein. They say protein is key in growth of hair and nails. I have heard something a little different with RNY patients that some of it is lack of protein and some of it is rapid weight loss and that both factors come into play for them...but they lose weight super fast! We don't lose weight that rapidly with the band...if you think about it, it has always been said that "healthy weight loss" is 1-2 lbs a week as per any trainer. I know for me when I started getting at least 55-60 grams and most days more my hair was shinier and fuller than it had been in a while. Oh well maybe some people are different than others. I'm just going off of what people have told me and what I have experienced.

I love those crazy lifetime movies...they get addicting!! LOL! I know most cream soups are low in protein but you can only eat what your stomach can handle....just try not to go too long without a good amount of protein. That is one reason I love those shots....because it is such a small amount of liquid for such a high value of needed protein. Which is kinda crucial after surgery and I use them after fills too. Especially since I stay a little swollen in my pouch for longer than most people do after a fill. When I first had my last fill it took me 3 hours to sip that 3 ounce protein shot...then that night I was able to drink in about 30 minutes....so I might have only had like 200 total calories that night I had 50 grams of protein!!! Enjoy those movies...I'm jealous...I've been at work since 7 o'clock this morning!!! :blushing:

Heather - I am so proud of you....you are such a trooper with your weight loss!!! I struggled so very much with the initial weight loss and I thank God that my surgeon was so leniant with my goal weight because if he wasn't I probably still would not have my band and it has been almost 3 years since my orientation date. As it was it took me from Orientation on Nov 14, 2006 to Surgery Day on Nov 7, 2007 (almost one year to the date!!!! My original goal was that I had to lose 60 lbs. I weighed in at 416 on orientation.....I think I lost thefirst 12 lbs no problem then I just struggled so badly. Finally in May 2007 I decided to buckle down and really try (in my own way) not the 1200 cal diet plan. And when I went for a follow up in Sept to see my surgeon I had lost a total of 30 lbs....my surgeon said oh that's great and went ahead and put me in to schedule surgery. They were soooo backlogged at the time (because this was before Kaiser really started turning people (from Sac) towards Richmond or Freemont so I had to wait 2 months for a surgery date. But I had the best surgeon EVER and I am so happy that he wasn't as strict as some of the other doctors with me. Okay I got all off the whole point of this message and that is again....you are such an inspiration to sooo many people. I am so happy for you how well you are doing and I just know you are going to be a hugh success with your new band. I'll be praying for you! :blushing:

Jes, I suggest that you switch to full liquids or at least 1 or 2 times try full liquids. It is much easier on the full liquids to get in your recommended amount of protein which is very crucial for your body. I know I feel tired and grogy when I don't take in enough protein for the day myself. Have you tried Protein Shots? They sell them at most Costco's and I think GNC but not sure on that one. It is only 2.9 ounces but it has the prtein equivilent to a large chicken breast (25 grams!) With no sugars or carbs it only has 100 calories in it. It is a clear colored liquid that tastes GREAT!!!! I hope you get more energy soon! Oh yeah a little side note on the importance of protein..... most the women who loose their is because of a protein deficiency. So no matter how bad I have felt I try to make sure to get at least my 55-60 grams in minimum. (That's the amount my nutritionist told me for my body height) Take care!

Tina - I am so happy for you. I t is a relief to know that you still have a job and such an important one at that!

Actually I spoke to the nutritionist the same day as my fill. She agrees that as long as I am getting in my 50+ grams of protein in a day that I am doing okay. Now don't get me wrong that I would like to eat more but I am just not hungry. I feel like I do the 2 or 3 days after a fill when you feel a little extra tight from the swelling. I appreciate everyone's concern, it really does make me feel good and I don't take offense to it at all!!! I am making sure to get at least 2 protein shots in a day and that is 50 grams right there. And on some days I can even eat a couple of ounces of meat. I am just taking it slow like I did when I first got the band.....and it seems to be working. But if i am still this snug in a couple of weeks I will go in and have .1 or.2 cc's taken out since he only put in .3, I think that will be ok. Sounds good I would love to see you there!!! We can go have soup after wards or something!!! Then that night I am going to Oakland for a Gospel Concert/Competition type things...it's called "How Sweet the Sound" and it's put on by Verizon. That sounds like fun.... I would love to have another adult to talk to on that long boring drive!!! By the way do we have to sign up on the walking site or do we do it through you if we decide to go?

I know and that will be # 1 but it is sooo nice to be losing weight again! I told you how very sad I was at that 7 month plataeu....but now my spirits are lifted....when I weighed last night I was down 14 lbs and it had only been 13 days since my last fill!!!!! How exciting is that. I can't wait to go to my mom's tonight when I take care of the dogs, cause I am going to see what the scale tells me tonight! On another note who is going on the walk...I think I might have work off that day and I would really really like to try it out...not sure how well I can do but I am willing to try! Does anyone know what the weather is supposed to be like that day?