mbanja

Some say it is a sign of being too tight. I am a litte on the too tight side as well and get it sometime. I take Zantac 150mg when it comes. Try taking Zantac 30mins before your night meal.

:wacko:I am sick with a nasty cold. I have been a little on the too tight side for just over 2months now. I am unable to get an unfill at the moment because of money issues. Yesterday, bam it totally hit me outta nowhere, I am sooooo tight I can actually feel the band. I can still get fluids down, I feel them going thru, but not much else. I guess alot of it has to do with the mucus that is draining into my stomach as well. Ugggg. This is not easy. Everyone pray for me that this will pass with a quickness, please!!:cry

Taking Niquil and dayquil. Got a terrible cough only at night when I am trying to sleep so I went and got some robitussan max cough. Hopefully it works tonite. If not, I am going to the doc tomarrow and demanding some cough syrup. I can't run on no sleep and no food. Hopefully the robitussan will work, but if not codine cough syrup here I come!

Juli has the right idea!! Cost him money, then he'll start listening!

Yeah, the place I use for fills is money upfront only. SUCKS!!! Thanks for the best wishes though! Ugg sometimes I wish I was a my husband. And he was the wife. You know cuz us wives try and take on all the responsibility. He by the way is sick also, so is my little one. So it all falls on me to do the care taking. All of that on top of not being able to get in any adequate protien or calories, I am really running on empty!!

I definately am!!! My husband is glad though cuz he always said I need a hobby and now I have one! It is a weird hobby, but hey whatever works, right!?!

I am soooo glad you decided to wait. It IS a vacation so you should be enjoying it. Plus, it is MAUI. How many times do you get to go there? I am almost positive that you won't do as bad as you are thinking. But hey, if you gain a couple of lbs, so what. Did I mention it is MAUI!!!! If I were going I would be sooo stoked I'd probably get an unfill. LOL. I guess that's one of the reasons I have the band in the first place! Have fun and enjoy the hell out of yourself. You deserve it!

I have one out of personal choice. I was not told to get one, but I feel better having one. If I was ever in an accident and a paramedic was feeling on me and felt my port, I want him to know what it is. Also, there is a poster on here that has her port positioned between her breasts. In a situation like that, if she was in an accident and needed cpr, I personally think it would be a good idea for the paramedics to know it is there. I mean during cpr they have to do chest compressions, which in some cases break ribs. If the port is even close to the sternum, I'd want them to know what the bump was. If it was an emergency situation there is probably no way they could get around not damaging the port or tissue it is stiched into, but hey it might give them piece of mind knowing it is there. It is a personal preferance, if you want one get one, if you don't, don't.

I agree with Miztrniceguy! Also, are you using the cross cut blade to chop it. I have more sucess with chopping meat with that blade than the flat blade. I hardly use the flat blade it is more for whipping than choping. I bought mine from ebay, but when researching it I noticed that all the kits didn't come with the same thing, which is strange. I hope your kit came with that cross cut blade cuz it is the best.

WAIT!!! I would so wait, if you have problems with dry chicken, if you get another fill you will probably have problems with alot more. Not to mention that with some LBers it takes a couple of weeks to feel their restriction kick in after a fill. You don't want to get to Maui and all the sudden can't eat anything. Plus, I have heard that riding on a plane makes some LBers tighter. All this could snowball and you could be so tight you can't even swallow your spit, so then you get dehydrated and might possible have to be hospitalized or at least have to try and find somewhere in Maui to get an unfill. As with other posters here, emergency room unfills are not fun, because most of the staff have no idea what a Lapband is or how to access the port. If you are still steady loosing 2lbs a week, why not postpone it until after the vacation. You are still at the recommended loss rate. I am just saying this, because you want to enjoy your vacation! I was like you and only had problems with dry meats, but was loosing very slowly so I opted for another fill. Man, it was a bad idea. I was so tight. You should always be in a postion after a fill where you can immediately be in contact with your fill doc if there is any problems. I know it took my first fill 4 weeks to kick in, so don't think that 2weeks after would be ok. I am not trying to lecture you, from experience of being too tight I just want you to be able to enjoy your vacations without complications.

All of this being said, keep in mind that fluro is not going to garuntee a 1 poke hit either. It does show the doc the area he/she needs to shoot for but its not like it has a map with "X" marks the spot on it! Thank goodness I have an exceptional fill doc that hits the port on one poke every time, fluro or not! I am just saying this so you don't think you have to switch to a doc that uses fluro. For me, a self payer, fluro fills are more expensive and if my doc didn't use it, I'd still have no objections. Unfortunately, my doc requires it at the location I go, I guess because she has the machine there and needs to pay for it. I have been to her other location twice for emergency unfills and she didn't have the machine and did a fantastic job. Having fluro is a reassurance though, so I can get an update on how my band is doing and make sure there are no visible problems. I agree with Gwenn, in that, switching docs is no garuntee that it will be any better. But, I'd have a serious conversation with him, and tell him he needs to start listening to you or you will not quit bothering him until he gets it right.

Update: It is bandaide anti-itch gel in a clear tube with a green lid. It is for bug bites and posion ivy but it is the best, it will work!! It was the only thing that made me not scratch.

OMG I totally had that after my surgery. I guess I was allergic to the tape they put over the incisions. You are stronger willed than me though cuz I scratched the heck outta mine. I had big red welts over every incision. The ONLY thing that helped me was Bandaide brand first aid gel. It is mentholated and that kept me from feeling the itch. Cortizone cream and benedriyl did nothing but this stuff really works. I recommend going out immediately and buying this stuff. It is in the first aid section and it is a clear gel. It might be called baindaide first aid gel or something but it looks like a tube of hair gel. I highly recommend it!!!!!

Sadly LA, I think all of them have the artificial sweetener in them. The main thing is to check the ingredients. If you do try another type, go to like GNC first and tell them the issues that you are having and see if they can recommend anything. Even if you don't buy from there you may possibly get some good advice. If there is not a braindead bozo working the counter. Also, check Whole Foods or any type of all natural health food type store to see if they carry any protien shakes with other types of sweeteners. I think they make one with stevia which is an all natural plant that is used as a sweetener.

It may actually be the sweetener that is used to sweeten the shake. Some brands use malitol or sorbitol as a sweetener (as do most sugar free foods) which is actually a baby laxitive. If you are having stomach cramps and diarrhea it might be that. I know that slimfasts really tear my stomach up, and it is the sugarfree sweetener in it that does it.

Why not just get the unfill and have the doc document how much you are currently filled to. Have the surgery and then once healed get refilled and get the same amount or maybe .1cc over? Is that possible? Just a thought.

For some reason I can't see your pics, but wow you got guts girl. It must be so liberating. Being big all my life my strongest asset was my hair. Now that I have a baby it is a pain to take care of. I wish I had your courage. What an inspiration, I hope to be able to view your pics!

Preband I drank Super Dieters Tea, not sure if it is the same thing, but it is supposed to clean you out, basically it is a laxitive. Man, I would drink that stuff before I had a huge fatty meal and 15mins after I ate I was running to the toilet. It was like instant cleansing though, it didn't take all night to "activate." Maybe I was using it wrong, or maybe it isn't the same thing as you are talking about. All I can say is it worked. I was highly tempted to install handle bars on my toilet, but it worked. I guess it was my sick way of thinking it was ok to eat crappy. If the crappy meal only hung around for a few minutes, how much harm could it really do. I did loose about 10lbs taking it, but it never stayed off. Post band it might work, I don't think it would hurt the band, I mean its not like you are swollowing a huge vacuum cleaner hose that is gonna suck your insides out.

Well, I hate to say this, but you said it all in your post. "I continue to find ways to circumvent the band." If you want this to work, why are you looking for and finding ways around your band? Who told you that this was a foolproof method of loosing weight? When I did my research the first thing I discovered is that it wasn't a foolproof, no work, and no dedication method. I learned that you had to eat healthy, and be in constant consideration of the band ( for the most part) until you learned what foods you could tolerate and what foods you had to lay off of. I also learned that you had to exercise to achieve maximum benefits. Just because you can't eat much doesn't mean you will loose weight. If you can only eat 1/2 a cup of ice cream and you eat that at every meal are you expecting to loose weight? Keep in mind that the band doesn't restrict your "head hunger" or "emotional hunger." That is why many of us belong to this forum and other support groups, and some even see therapists to deal with their emotional issues related to eating. When you got your band did you see a nutritionist and psychologist, did you get a basic eating instruction manual? Most of us on here were required to see the nutritionist and psychologist before the surgery even took place. That was so we understood that this was not an end all quick fix. I was a self pay and went to mexico to get my band and I even had to see them before my doc would perform the surgery. I am not trying to badger you, I think maybe you were missinformed and are going thru bandster hell, which gets to all of us. My advice to you, would be to check out some local support groups maybe OA (overeaters annonymous) or maybe joining your local weight watchers ( that is why my psychologist suggested to me) for support. Also you might want to see a therapist to deal with the emotional side of things. I have heard on here that when people get stuck in this rut, they go back to basics. They start from the begining, liquid diet, then mushies, then start introducing solids again. It may help to put you back in the mindset. Also, I would try getting another fill. For some it is hard getting to that sweet spot of restriction and takes several fills to find it. Stay positive and know that you can do this and you can make the band work for you. Stop trying to find ways to cheat yourself of your goal. I hope you find something that helps you thru this. You are not alone in feeling this, I think every bandster goes thru this in the beginning. That is why we call it "Bandster Hell!" Good luck, and best wishes!

Oh no, Mone!! I am so sorry for your ordeal. I too have been following your posts and got to wondering how your surgery went. I hope the best for you and I hope that this band will work for you without complication. The surgeon that took you on is not a surgeon that does lapbands, is he? If not he could just be spouting off at the mouth his own "opinion." It is good that your lapband surgeon was alerted to your complication and followed up with you and your doc!! Did you discuss what the new doc had to say about your band with your band doc, if so what did he say about it? If not, I would. I would make sure to let him know, and get his opinion. Hopefully this is just a speedbump in your road to band success. Know that we are all rooting for you, and praying as well!!

I LOVE MY MAGIC BULLET!! It is the best kitchen investment I have ever made. About a week after I had it I cleaned out my kitchen cubbards and donated all of my other small appliances to clear up space. No more juicer, food processor, blender, coffee grinder, ice crusher, smoothie maker, etc. My bullet does it all and it is so small!!! I got mine on ebay (the whole 21piece set) for $38 brand new. It was a steal of a deal. I went the cheap way before and bought a lookalike and it didn't crush ice worth a crap. The bullet cushes the ice just like a restaurant style blender does (you know the one that makes frozen margharitas), well let me just tell you, the MB makes the best damn margharita I have ever had. No more going out for a good margharita. I could sing praises for my MB all day long.

One question, on your other surgeries did your family help with the kids. If so, drop the lapband subject all together and continue on your own thru the ins approval. Once it is approved and you have a date, why don't you suddenly develop a "hernia" that needs immediate surgery and ask your parents to watch them while you "have it repaired." They can't argue with a "manditory emergency surgery" can they? Then when you start loosing weight, and they start asking questions, just say you are doing the whole "weight watchers" diet thing like your mom suggested. I know it sucks lying, but what sucks more is that your family doesn't care enough about your feelings and health to help you out. That's just my opinion, I would keep you children if I lived close to you. I hope you find a way to make this work!

I went to Dr. Huacuz in TJ, Mexico because I was a self pay also. My total cost for surgery, care, and round trip airfair was $8,000. I had a great experience and was very impressed with the Dr. and the facility. My family freaked out when they found out I wanted to do this, and they blew a gasket when they found out it was in MX. I told my dad I really wanted this and it was half the price if I went to MX. I did my research, found a great doctor, and told him no matter what I was doing this. His major concern was that I'd come home with a major staff infection or my organs messed up. He finally conceded and said he would support me on one condition, If I got there and didn't feel safe or comfortable, and the facility was not clean to immediately leave. Well, I got there and everything was fabulous. I would do it again in a heartbeat. This experience was my first time leaving the country and flying, and I did it by myself. I found a website called group lapband trip to mexico and filled out their intrest form and was immediately called by the patient coordiator (Melissa), who immediately scheduled me for the next trip. She arranged everything for me, my flight and all. She met me at San Diago airport, with another woman who was having the surgery as well, and we crossed the boarder and within 15mins were at the facility. She stayed with me and the other woman the whole time. It was a great experience. I just wanted to tell you all who are intrested to not discount going to Mexico for the surgery, there are some very good doctors there, and in my opinion, they took better care of me than I have every recieved in an American hospital.

Glad I could help. Wow an 8lb loss shovelling snow, that is great. Although I don't think it is enjoyable for you. I might try the Zumba too, it looked kinda fun when I looked it up. I live in GA so snow is kinda foreign for me. Well, I've seen it here just not in depth, and it melts very quickly. When it snows hear all the kids freak out and go make snow men which look like orange (GA red clay)and white dirtballs. LOL. Oh, and the schools close, the grocery stores sell out of bread and milk, and everybody has major car accidents. All this for what looks like God to a giant salt shaker and sprinkled the ground with a dusting of salt. LOL. Home sweet home. I couldn't imagine living up north where there is so much snow you'd actually have to shovel it. You are braver than I! Anyways, I'd still run it by your doc, just to make sure everything is AOK, but I think you are fine. Hey what's the old saying, "no pain, no gain, er well in our case no loss." LOL. Stay warm!

My fillcenter that I use has a 72hour overfill policy. If you fill you are too tight, notify them with in the 72hour window and the unfill is no charge. Ask your facility if they have an overfill window.