lins12

I am a month out today and I can totally relate. For me it has not been as much about the actual food but the fact that my best friend has gone away. I have out of control emotions that I never knew I had...rage, for example. I just don't know what to do when I get anxiety or emotions that I cannot control. I used to eat to stuff them. Or when I want to Celebrate or just give myself a treat. This is a challenge whether it be food restriction or the loss of food as a "buddy" BUT WE CAN DO THIS!! Did you ever think you could go 7 days on Clear liquids? What an amazing thing! I just kept reminding myself that I did that and I would have never expected that I could....so I can do this... I bet it gets easier too!

I would like to join in also. I am 207.5 on 7/4. 15 pounds for me. Please. THANKS! Lindsay

So... I was banded on June 7. I have hovered at a loss of 13-14 lbs. It has been almost a month. I will not lie to you, I wanted more than 14 lbs to be gone by now. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I started real food on Tuesday and my restriction is mild. I really want to get kick started. I want to succeed. I want to do this for me. What I don't want is to fall back in my old habits. I have already gained some great new habits but I fear losing them and reverting back to the old me. The me that wanted to take a nap when I got home because I was tired, the old me who ate out of a need for comfort, a feeling of loneliness, and boredom. I can already tell that I am feeling emotions I am not used to because I don't have food to run to anymore and it creates such a draw to revert. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I have a hard time forgiving myself, mainly for not being perfect. I can feel the need to do this lapband thing perfect and I know I will want to punish myself when I veer off course. I went and got my Protein and veggies last night (chili and salad) then I had some peanut butter--more than I would have liked to have. I feel like I could beat myself up for the Peanut Butter. Why did I do that? You are such a failure...etc. I was hungry and emotions were strong. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> So, basically my questions are (1) any ideas for succeeding in the in between time? and (2) thoughts on how to deal with the fear of failure and punishment?<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> BTW, I do see a counselor...Just thought I would throw it out there for those that truly understand and can relate. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Thanks so much for letting me spew my thoughts and feelings.

Thanks for the great thoughts. I am actually down 16.5 pounds today and it is my month date! YIPPEE. Loved the thoughts of 80/20 or 90/10. It makes sense. AND about the 3500 pound. That really puts things in perspective. I felt like this weekend was going to be difficult for several different reasons but it was a great weekend. I really am thankful for this board and all of you who responded. THANKS BUNCHES. I think I will take it easy on myself...for a little while at least. Thanks again! Lindsay

Can't wait to her all about it and to see some pics!!! Good luck. My prayers are with you. Lindsay

I could not burp either and it drove me CRAZY. I don't have any good advice on the burping, wish I did. I still get annoyed when I can't burp. As far as BM, the pain meds do it to me EVERY time and after an awful experience after knee surgery I refused to go at it again without help. My Mom is a nurse and suggested I take mineral oil. It is not a quick fix but can help move things along. I still take it. (almost a month out) GOOD LUCK! Let us know how everything goes...well not evreything. Lindsay

I just complied the same list! I was worried about some free time this weekend. What would I do with myself? Walk Book store Lake Shopping --love this one! pedicure--manicure Call a friend Go see my parents Take a nap! Rent a movie/go see a movie Workout Work on training my puppy! He is such a little mess Read Play games online --yahoo games is great SING--I have a karaoke machine and I put on some good music and jam! Download music

Thanks so much for all the advice. I don't get it everyday. I don't get it at night. I get it during the day but it lasts pretty much all day after I get it. I suspect something is triggering it. I think yesterday it may have been coffee at about 8:30 pm that did it for me. My throat is sore and I feel as though I am probably inflamed. I am going to take it easy today. Probably do liquids. Has anyone noticed lemonade being a trigger? I may be just hallucinating but it also seems to be a trigger also. I welcome anyone else's comments on their reflux.

I would not have made it without Maalox Max. I had a sour stomach.

I had pain meds in the hospital and I took them the next day but after that I only took them when I went to sleep, in order to get a good night's sleep (and oh boy did I get a good nights sleep). I found I really did not need them. I had such a great recovery. REMEMBER that pain meds can cause constipation. I did not have a bowel movement for almost a week so you may want to ask your doctor about taking stoll softners or soemthing like that. As fa as work, I told a coupld of people but for the most part nobody knows. They thought I was in San Diego for the week (which had some truth, I went to Mexico). Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

I am at the end of three weeks today. I get solid food tomorrow. For me it has been an amazing experience, mostly because of the mental component. I NEVER would have thought that I could go three weeks without solid food. (Well, I did do mashed potatoes twice, Peanut Butter and mashed avocado three times.) BUT for the most part I did AMAZINGLY WELL! I am so proud of myself. I am down 13.5 pounds. I feel good. Somebody at work today (a man no less, who did not know I had surgery) told me I was losing weight. I thanked him for noticing-hell I wanted to grab him and kiss him! I am having a great deal of work at stress but I am still holding on. I have decided to do 30 good things for myself in 30 days. (watching tv does not count). I have had a pedicure, gone to church, gone to a support group, took a nap and various other leisure activites. PLUS I had a guy I have thought was cute ask me to lunch! I feel like I am in a better mindset already. I look forward to the future and I know through GOD all things are possible...even me getting skinny. He is a true miracle worker!!!!

IT WILL GET BETTER!!!!!! I PROMISE. I am on day 18 and I feel GREAT. I have lost 14 pounds. The gas finally is gone. I have not had any more reflux. I feel perfect.

I lost about 10 pounds in the first two weeks. I am on day 18 and I have lost 14.

I had no catheter and no problems.

Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez did my sugery exactly 16 days ago. Everything went perfectly. La Madam and Karen B are supporters of Dr. O and M also. Feel free to Pm me with any questions I can awnser for you. Good luck! Lindsay

<!-- BEGIN MESSAGE BODY --><TABLE class=tblMsgBody cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width="100%" height=300>I had my surgery done two weeks and two days ago. Yesterday I went to the chiropractor for some neck and upper back pain. I asked him to only work on the upper portion of my body. I motioned from chest up. He then ran a vibrator type thing along my spine several times and adjusted my neck and shoulder area. Right after the adjustment I noticed some swelling directly above my port area. It is not a great amount of swelling. It does not hurt. It is not red or irrtated. There is just an area that is slightly raised above the port incision. The area is about 4 or so inches wide and 2 or so inches tall. Is there any need for concern? Anything I can do to combat the swelling? I have emailed my doctors but you guys seem to always figure something like this out. THANKS! Lindsay </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

BABS, YOU HAVE LOST 154 POUNDS AND QUIT SMOKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW WOW WOW. You should sit back and congratulate yourself on a job well done. Give yourself some time and be kind,VERY kind to yourself. Your body is treaing you well. YOU CAN DO IT!

YEAH FOR ALL OF YOU MARCH BANDSTERS!!! You guys are doing great. ALL OF YOU! Hope I am doing that well in a couple of months. Lindsay

Thanks! I have an email into Dr. Ortiz. I will let you guys know what he says. I don't think it is anything terrily wrong. It is more weird than anything.

FYI. Not two inches raised up but a 4x2 area. It is only raised like barley a half a cenimeter.

Thanks so much for the great information.

Good luck! There is a lot of great information here. Let us know when you find out about your insurance!

Yeah!! I cannot wait to go down and see Dr. Martinez (LOVE HIM!). Actually, I can't wait to eat solid food, then go see Dr. M. I am so hungry. One week until solid food. YIPPEE! Happy for you Michelle. Let us know about your fill. Have you ever been overfilled by Dr. O or M? I have concerns about bveing over-filled.

BIG WOO HOO for Kathy. I am only on day 13 and I was having BAD reflux. I do the priolsec twice a day -crushed with the aloe juice (which I found at my grocery. It said it was a new item). I am doing SO MUCH BETTER!!! THANKS KATHY!

I have been reading and reading and reading this website for the last month and a half. I have posted several times and gotten great advice so I figured it is time I introduced myself. My name is Lindsay. I live in Austin, Texas. I am 28 and have been struggling with a weight issue my entire life. I am thrilled to have finally found a tool to really help. After a ton of research, heart ache and fear, I finally took the leap to get banded in Mexico. I do not weigh enough to be covered in the states. I was banded on Tuesday by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez were wonderful. I have a wonderful job, a good education, lots of friends, a good family and lots of laughs but my weight was finally to the point where it was causing me to miss out on life. I consider the band a leap of faith in God, myself, and modern medicine. Thanks to all of you who have posted. You are brave, honest and inspiring! Lindsay