Anwyn

I was told no NSAID's (i.e. ibuprofen) after banding. There is a lot of conflicting information being given out by the doctors (carbonation anyone?), so I was just wondering if anyone here has been taking ibuprofen at all. I've been having sciatica problems the last few days. I don't want to hurt my band, but nothing helps it like ibuprofen. I've stuck to tylenol so far. I guess what I'm asking is... Were you told by your doctors to avoid NSAID's? Do you guys think it's okay to take ibuprofen occasionally?

Just out of curiosity, where do you work and is it within driving distance? Hang in there! I say, promise yourself two of your favorite chocolates at the end of the day, but not until you've gotten rid of the rest. Good luck!

It's the Phantom Band! I say grab on and enjoy it!

Alex, It works better for you now because adult dosing on OTC drugs is based on a weight of somewhere around 165 lbs. So, it stands to reason that a dose of tylenol won't work as well if you're 300 lbs. Children's medicines dose on weight, adult ones should too (in my very non-medical opinion).

I second LeathaG... You need to spend some time on this board reading old threads. You're not alone in your struggles. A few thoughts: 1. You will only lose 1 to 2 lbs a week (sometimes less) with a band. I hope that your doctor made this very clear to you. Since you're upset with a 16 lb weight loss over 3 weeks, I'm guessing not... The 1 to 2 lbs adds up quickly. It's important to focus on where you will be in 6 months and not get caught up in your daily weight. Losing slowly is easier on your body. Think healthy, not skinny. 2. It's very possible that you will gain some weight back between now and your first fill. I myself gained 5 lbs during this time. The first 6 weeks after surgery are for healing, NOT weight loss. I'm not saying you can't lose weight, just that it shouldn't be your primary focus. I know that's counterintuitive, but it's true. You'll get through it! Once you get proper restriction you will be able to control your eating. 3. Notice I said "proper" restriction. Warning: for some people it can take several fills to achieve restriction. 4. I've never heard of anyone being told that they can never have sugar again (unless there is an insulin issue of course). Of course we should all limit our sugar intake to maximize weightloss, but digesting sugar is no problem with a band. It's a common problem for gastric bypass patients... maybe your nutritionist thought she was talking to a GB patient. I'm assuming here that you don't have any sort of medical problem with sugar (ie diabetes). It really ticks me off when I see people get banded and then get thrown to the wolves not understanding all of the issues we face after surgery. Fortunately for you (and me) we found this site. Read as much as you can. You'll feel much better once you're informed. Good luck!

Don't worry - I think everyone goes through this to some degree. You're taking a life changing step tomorrow, but you're going to be just fine. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Let us know how you're doing when you get back home!

That's great news Cindy!!

Thanks for your responses everyone. It's interesting that the doctors are split on this issue. At this point, my sciatica isn't so bad that I'll risk taking ibuprofen. I'm going to look into physical therapy to see if I can head it off before it gets too bad. It seems that the consensus is that taking it once or twice a month probably isn't going to cause the band to slip, but it can't be taken on a regular basis.

Great job Paul! Keep up the good work. 52 lbs in 5 weeks... amazing!!

Great idea Margo! Here's my list: 1. I can get down on the floor at my son's school to help him with his boots and not worry about being able to get back up again. 2. I can hug my husband without bending at the waist to get my arms around him. 3. I'm more easygoing. Life just seems easier when it doesn't take as much effort to do the little things. 4. I don't obsess about my next meal. 5. I don't feel guilty about indulging my cravings because they have been drastically reduced and I won't be able to eat much anyways. 6. Like Cindy, I also take way more time with my appearance now. 7. My hubby was always attracted to me, but now... it's just better all around. 8. People are always telling me how great I look. That hasn't happened in years! 9. I can sit in the captain's chairs at the end of my kitchen table. I remember buying the table two years ago and thinking how dumb it was to spend money on chairs I couldn't fit into. 10. I don't feel like I ran a marathon after climbing the stairs. 11. I can shop at plus size stores again (I was out of 3X shirts at my highest so catalogs were my only option). 12. I eat less than my Mom!! She has always been small. She's always talking about how she eats 1/2 piece of toast for Breakfast and then is too full for lunch... Wahahahahahah!! Don't mistake me - she's an awesome mom and I love her dearly, but it still feels good!

Good luck on Friday - we'll all be sending positive thoughts your way!

Ahh... If hubby wants more kids that could be why they aren't supporting your decision to get your tubes tied (in addition to your age of course). I went through a period last year (before hubby's vasectomy) where I was deathly afraid of pregnancy, so I know what you're going through. I had a scare and cried for two weeks until my period came. I only had the baby blues for a few weeks after my two kids, and that was so awful. I can't imagine what full on PPD would be like. There's always adoption if he wants another. I'm looking at my friends beautiful adopted toddler right now. He is the spitting image of Blair Underwood. Wonder if he's his love child, lol. Good luck with the new doctor!

One word: vasectomy Not to get all feminist on you, but our bodies go through enough with pregnancy. Time for hubby to get a little snip snip.

I'll bet that was really exciting! You're doing great. Congratulations on your weight loss!

Best Planner - Dylansmom There's gotta be a better way to word that one... I'm trying to nominate Kelly for organizing the secret santa exchange!

Porclndoll, I'm going in for a small unfill next week. I'm having the same problems. No PB's, but I burp for an hour after every meal. Heck, I burp for an hour after coffee. I've been afraid to get rid of any fill because I don't want to wake up with no restriction, but it seems like the smart thing to do. I only want .1 or .2 cc's out (I only have 1cc). I hope he can take out that little... With all of the problems being reported we should play it safe.

A little retail therapy always helps ease the blues, I always say! Unfortunately, I'm not quite to the point where buying clothes makes me feel good, lol. Sorry to hear that you had a tough day. It was two weeks out from surgery before I was feeling really good. Feel better soon!

Okay, I'll bite... Spydr where do you work?!

I have a 6 year old black lab/dalmation mix named Sebastian. He's my first born. He's been prematurely gray around his muzzle since he was a puppy so people tend to think he's older. I also have a 5 year old cat named Tasha. She's a pastel calico. Just remembered... I have to go shopping for their Christmas stockings.

Happy Bandiversary!

So, where can we purchase Basic Instincts? Is that the Victorias Secret cologne or a Slumber Party thing? I'm very smell-oriented - always wanted to try pheremones.

If you have a full week off for Spring break, I say go for it. You may still be a little tired after a week, but most people are able to return to school or work. Good luck with your approval!

Body surfing at a rock concert... now there's an NSV that is NOT one of my goals! That sounds like soooooo much fun. I always say if you aren't half deaf after a concert then you didn't get the full experience. Glad to hear you had such a good time - you deserve it!

I think you're having so much trouble because you are picking some of the hardest foods to get through the band. I had my first PB on a rib before I even had a fill, so I would never try them in a restaurant. I eat out all the time. I usually order soup and an appetizer or a side salad. It's definitely an adjustment eating so slowly, but if you take your time and stay away from your trouble foods you'll be fine.

I think the important thing here is to figure out whether your band isn't working because you don't have proper restriction, or whether you are sabotaging yourself. The first questions that popped into my head are: 1. Are you exercising? It's a must - especially when you only need to lose 40 lbs. 2. How many calories are you getting in a day? If you're not sure, try tracking it on fitday.com. If you are eating properly (i.e. Protein first, fruits and veggies, limited crap) and you are still getting in too many calories then consider another fill. There are plenty of people who need more than two fills to get proper restriction. If you aren't eating properly, then you need to change your diet. I'm sorry that you haven't had better success, but don't give up. Good luck!