hatmama

I do bellydance one day a week also. Since I haven't mastered the "tummy roll" yet, I don't know how that will effect my band. I'm not real good at the shimmy yet, but it is so much fun. Our instructor works several nights a week dancing (teaches 5th grade otherwise) and she has shown us a video of her dances. I made 4 different outfits, including the headband so I could practice with different types/weights of material. It is a good all round exercise if you do it a lot (which I dont, sigh). I like my group, we have fatties and twiggys, and we help out each other with different routines. Several women have lost weight and/or firmed up. I found it thru a local recreation dept, now I go to her private classes. Sorry this post is so long, it's a wonderful exercise and fun.

I have the arm thing too. Where I'm from we call them Angel Wings, makes them a little easier to bear! I'm getting plastic surgery (if I ever lose any weight that is. Im still in bandster hell), i have already set up my budget to save the money. Now, I'm just searching for drs.Good luck.

... but I couldn't find another thread about this subject. It is not constipation, if I eat the metamucial crackers at night, I'm ok with regular bowel movements. There is no polite way to say this, but I am constantly farting! Sometimes it is just a gentle poot, poot, poot. Sometimes it is just very loud. Usually happens in the evening and at night. I have never had this problem before and it is very embarassing! I also have stomach pains, I swell up andmy stomach is very tender. So far, I have not done this out in public, but I live in permanent embarassment thinking about it. Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong with me? I'm having trouble getting my water because of meal times. I used to drink my water regularly each day and had no problem getting in my 8 glasses. Because of not drinking until an hour after meals, I find myself in bed at night trying to make up for the day's water deficenty. Any ideas?

Thanks for the good advice. Idid get some gas-x. It is working great. And thanks for the tip about the water, I've started drinking an hour before I plan to eat and am managing to get in at least 8 hours a day. Now if I could just get good restriction! hopefully, that will be soon.

The protein shakes are expensive but you get your money's worth in weight loss. I found some protein water mix by Special K, a powder to mix in your water. It is only 5g protein but you have to drink water anyway so this way you get a few extra grams.But it does have 30 calories, so you have to factor that into your diet. good luck

I am still in bandster hell, I guess. Gained back some of the original weight I lost Post Op, slowly getting it off. Have had 2 fills, go back Mar17, I think. It is just so cold outside (I am "not" a winter person) but am trying to get in some walking daily (walk to metro each afternoon instead of riding shuttle, 20 mins). I leave home at 4:45am and get back home about 7:15pm, so lunchtime is when I really get to do anything. I am not discouraged though, I knew it would take work on my part and I am improving. My worse problem is stress at work, then I eat everything in sight. I emptied my desk of all junk food and keep some diet popcorn to gobble up when things get hairy. I do have some restriction, hoping my next fill will hit the sweet spot. Good luck to all of us.

I'm sorry you're having a hard time. When I told my dr how hungry I always was, she said to take a couple of boiled eggs with me (to work) to curb my hunger pangs. I find it does help. I'm not losing much but know it will come in time. Hope you're better soon.

want-so-bad;this forum is here so you can rant about things that bother you. A lot of self-pays can understand where you are coming from. When you pay out a lot of money, even when you "know" it is going to take time,you get spooked when you don't automatically lose the weight. And most of us know the LB is a tool, not a majic wand. Hey, if most of us could control our eating habits and make good choices, chances are we wouldn't have gotten a lap band in the first place! My dr is a real sweetie, she reassured me this is just a small blip on your way to weight loss. So keep talking whenever you need to. :smile: Laura

Hi timeforme, at least he didn't remove your sense of humor:)! For aout 2 weeks after my banding, I had to use a pillow pressed to my tummy (port area) to get in and out of bed. It does wear off, eventually. Good luck and keep laughing. Hatmama

I also am having problems. Lost 5 lbs pre surgery, 14 lb after surgery (10-4), then gained 10 back! Had my 1st fill 11/22, felt restriction for 3 days, then nothing. By strict dieting (900 cal) I have lost 5 lbs. Called the dr to schedule a week earlier so I will get my 2nd fill on 1/9.I sure hope this gives me restriction. To cheer myself up I have set up a savings plan so I can have upper arm surgery after I lose weight:) But I am a little lost when you all talk about protein. No one has told me I was supposed to eat it first:why? I usually eat my veggies 1st since I like them best but I'm going to talk to the fill dr when I go in next week. I've gone back to 2 Metamucial cookies at night (with LOTS of water) so the diarreah is somewhat better. Good luck to all. Laura

I had my surgery Oct 5, lost 14 lbs in 1st 2 weeks, then nothing, felt no restriction. Dr left 4 ccs in band. Gained 5 lbs. Had 1st fill, 2ccs, 3 days before TG, managed to lose 2 lbs over TG by sticking to a 900 calorie diet. Have had no restriction since 3 days after 1st fill. By sticking to 900 calories have lost another 3 lbs but I am hungry all the time. Helps since I stocked up on Optima Slim Fast (which I really do like) and try to eat only a small salad with it. I am trying to stay positive. It has helped a lot to read the posts here so I know I'm not alone. Called the dr and was able to move my appt for 2nd fill up to Jan 9, so I've really got my fingers crossed that this fill will give me some restriction. This season has been rather hard since I don't have much will power anyway and the added stress makes me dive for chocolate. Unfortunately, I have been unable to convince my 8 yr old granddaughter (or myself to be honest:))that she should not give me 5 lb boxes of Godiva for Xmas! So I bring them in to work with me in hopes someone will help me eat temptation. So far that works! But can't wait for next week. I really like the fill dr I found (she has been banded also) and my first fill went great, she does not use fleuro but read my info and x-ray I took in and hit the port with no problem. I laid there for a minute because I didn't realize she had finished! I have not been able to incorporate much added exercise into my day (I get up at 4:15a commute to job in DC, usually get home between 7:30 and 8 pm) so I'm going to try to start taking the stairs down daily, they're locked so can't come back up. And I'm sorry but I cant stand the cold plus being weighed down by a heavy coat so my walking has been postponed until warmer weather. I feel better for venting. I hope everyone had a good holiday and is doing ok on their respective diets, etc. Laura

DiBaby, sometimes the cute guys get tired of being "arm candy" and are looking for a girl who's confident in herself no matter her size or weight. I know a couple of really cute guys who tell me they get tired of gals who judge them on looks alone. They understand it's whats within that counts in the long run. Good Luck :)Laura

Thanks kagoscuba, so what I experienced was a PB but, thankfully, I did not slime. That sounds too gross for words! I am so pleased to be part of this forum. I was really worried because with 6cc in my band, I can still eat anything, basically. Have only felt restriction 3 or 4 times. But after reading what everyone else has to say, I know I'm not alone. I will be getting my 2nd fill week after next and I am really looking forward to it. I gained weight over Christmas, which is weird since I ate much more at TG, but lost! My friend is still unhappy about my banding, because he is a "closet" cook and he will be losing his chief tester! Im sure he will get over it, he says he will just have to take more stuff into the office. You know government workers and Marines, they eat anything you put in the break room! Anyway, let me take this chance to wish every one a merry new year. Some of us are just beginning our journey to a new, "lighter", life and some of us are well on the way. May we all meet our goals this new year. Laura P.S. My friend has promised to buy me a new hat for every 20 lbs I lose. Boy he doesn't know what he's promised yet, I'm looking at 5 or 6 new chapeau's, whoohoo!

AZSadie, From what I have read on the Forum, it will get better for us. My dr said that some people reach the "sweet spot" after 3-4 fills, others take a little longer. I'm hoping that's true because I'm making myself sick. I eat, then scold myself because I ate. I try to eat 1/2 to 1 cup then wait a while before I eat anything else. I don't think you've wasted the money, just hang in there a little longer. There's lots of hints on this Forum to help you, and everybody is very sympathetic with some good advice. Keep your chin up. Laura

I hope you are feeling better now. I had my surgery 10/3 and my first fill Nov 19, and I have only a little restriction once in a while. I have a 10 cc band, dr left 4 cc in and I got 2cc at my 1st fill. The worse thing is that my job is so stressful and if there is any food near me I will eat it without thinking. I did go out and stock up on low calorie snacks so that is helping some. My next fill is in Jan, which is ok, since that's the next time I can get off to go to the dr. I have been able to manage most holiday parties by going in when they are half over (less food remaining!) and leaving as soon as I can politely do so. But I am still a little depressed about the whole banding. I wanted it before the holiday so I could get used to eating less. Well, I guess all I can do is take a deep breath and keep on plugging. good luck :)Laura

OK, someone please tell me what a "positive burp" (aka PB) is! A burp itself is positive, as you are getting rid of gas(es) in your stomach, which might otherwise give you a tummy ache. Or is this another thing that can't be explained until I experience it myself? So far I have experienced only diarriea (sp?) and since that was a normal condition for me before I had the lapband, I am assuming it is never going away. Which has always amazed me. How can someone have diarriea after every time they eat and not lose weight? Ahhh, the unexplained mysteries of weight gain and loss. Thanks :)Laura

Hi Iluvcarbs: no, I'm almost as far from Phonix as I can get without falling in the ocean! I live in the Washington DC 'burbs. Thanks anyway. Laura

Hi Iluvcarbs: Where or how, did you find a support group? I'm assuming it is other than this one? There's nothing like the encouragement of people you can talk to face to face and see how they are faring also. Thanks:)Laura

I've had my 2n fill and hardly ever have any restriction at all. Dr left 4cc in my band and fill dr put in 2cc more. Says she will put in 1cc next time. I hope that is going to give me some restriction because my will power, especially at this time of the year is nil. In fact that's why I had the surgery at this time of the year, hoping it would curb my appitite. ha, as if! Oh well, I knew it was not going to be all roses when I went in. Just hate to make that 2 1/2 hr drive in DC traffic for noting! I go back mid Jan I think, we'll see how I do then. :)Laura

I was complaining earlier about no restriction. Well, today I sat down for lunch, had 1/2 cup of soup (didn't want to hurt friend's feelings because I really didn't like it), thenstarted to eat part of a gyro. After about 4 bites, I got that tight sensation in my chest! So I'm happy, my band is still there it seems. yaaaaaaa! Laura

I can eat bread, pizza, spegetti, beef, pork, you name it. Of course, it does not help that my friend's hobby is cooking. Don't forget banana bread and chocolate cake!! Can't wait for my 2nd fill. Laura

I had surgery Oct 3, just got my first fill Nov 19 in a 10cc band with 4 cc's left in it. She put in 2 cc's and next will be 1 cc. She has been lapbanded so she knows what she's talking about. I could feel the fill on the 3rd day, after eating scrambled eggs too fast, after that, nothing. I ate anything I wanted also. I have called to talk to the dr but she says give it time. Laura

my god, I've FINALLY found a thread I can relate to! I had my lapband 10/3. The first 2 weeks I lost 14 lbs (8 the first, 6 the next), then could not feel any restriction. Gained 2 lbs but lost it by sticking to a 900 calorie diet. Got my first fill 11/19 and felt a little resriction for about 3-4 days. I have lost no further weight, feel no restriction and I'm starving. My next fill is 1/22, and I want to go back to the dr earlier, but because Jan is so hectic at the office, I can't reschedule enough time to get to the dr before rush hour starts (I live in the metro DC area, traffic is hell). I am trying to stick to a more rigid diet, but not doing real well. It's just such a relief to know that someone else knows what I am going through! I hope you start losing soon. I hope I start losing soon! It really made me wonder when I read some of the postings where they are losing a good amount of weight, if there was something wrong with me! I sure hope we both start losing soon. Laura

Does anyone have an exercise for tightening up "angel wings" (the underarm flaps which show up on some of us as soon as you start losing any weight)?Thanks Laura

Hi all, I got my 1st fill Nov19 (6 wk after surgery). Fill went ok,no fluero but she studied my x-rays, felt around a little, and hit it the1st time.No pain, no bruising. However, I have not had any restriction since the 3rd day (when I threw up after eating my scrambled egg too fast, you bet I go slow now). I can basically eat anything I want and I am hungry all the time. My next appt is Jan 21, 2 mo after 1st. After initial surgery 4cc were left in my band and she added 2 cc, and explained her methods, etc. She has also been lap banded and seems really knowledgeable. How long should it be before I stop feeling hungry? I eat slowly, chew everything almost to water and put down fork or spoon after each bite. When first banded, I lost 14 lbs. Then I gained back 2 lbs. Over TG I lost the 2 lbs back, but I really had to watch everything I ate and still felt hungry. Is this normal? Does this sound normal so far? Thanks. :nervousLaura