mercedes

Hi Princess, The truth about me is that if I were good at being disciplined and making good food choices I would never have had this surgery. I do make some good and some bad choices. One HUGE problem I have right now is that my husband and I opened a MaggieMoos Ice Cream store and I am the cake decorator. I am surrounded by "bad" choices 6 hrs a day! It's sooo hard! One thing I can say, is that if I did not have the band and was put in the MaggieMoos situation, I would have gained a good 20 lbs by now. I havent. I have maintained very well considering. If I'd had the correct restriction at 6 weeks out, I really think I would have lost a good 15 to 20.....but that isn't what happened. When I say "diet" I mean crash diet, like Physicians Weight Loss or the like. I did one like that 2 1/2 years ago for 6 weeks strictly and 4 more weeks after that pretty strict and I lost 18 lbs. I have decided that I'm okay with myself if I could just get down to 145. I'm 28 lbs away from that. I really think that if I crash diet and lose that 28lbs, I will be able to maintain because of the band. That alone will make it all worth it. Lil Angel, Maybe we can help eachother! Let's make a pact or something : )

Okay guys, I finally have got restriction! I am at 2.2cc. The first 3 days I was good and tight and full with just about 1/2 cup. The 4th day I wasn't very restricted. The 5th and 6th day after (today is the 6th day) I am very restricted in the morning and can only eat a few bites of an egg before I'm hiccuping and spitting up some of it. Then there is much less restriction later in the day. Any suggestions as to how to keep the restriction going as strong later in the day?

I had only read a short bit of your post when I thought to myself, "I bet her mother in law is very over weight herself and that this is the reason for this type of total over reaction to somebody elses life decisions." Sure enough.

Thanks guys, that makes sense because I have been eating more....in the evenings....because I can : ) Before my fill I was having a protein shake for breakfast. It is what I usually do have and I actually like them. But I was trying eggs and other proteins just to see and I end up hiccuping and spitting up when I do eat that. So I'm going to try shakes for BF and meat protein for lunch. I was loving the way I felt right after the fill on Monday evening and Tuesday and Wednesday because I could not eat more than 1/2 cup of anything even if I wanted to. I have another question. My Dr. lets us eat right after being filled. No days of liquid and then mushies and then regular protein. Why do doctors say to have liquids the first day or so after a fill? Why does mine say that I can eat whatever I can right off the bat?

By that title I suppose you can assume that I'm breaking a few. Remember, I have no fill yet.... 1st, I eat more than a 1/2 cup food at a time. Will this hurt me right now eventhough it feels like the food goes right down? 2nd, I don't always remember to chew stuff to shreds and I accidently swallow it. Will this hurt me in the long run? I don't do it every time....it's just I catch myself in my old habits! A question I never have found the answer to is.... When I get to my goal, can I then drink Water w/ meals if I want to or is there something about drinking w/ meals that will harm the band? Thanks guys :nervous

I can't (won't/don't/rarely ever) follow rules when it comes to food. I can follow all sorts of other rules and am very disciplined in other areas of my life. But I lose this battle with this demon so often that it's just killing me! I'm begining to wonder if I've made a huge 10,000.00+ dollar mistake. I should have known that I could not follow the rules. About the only rule I have followed faithfully is giving up soda drinks. I'm so afraid I'm going to hurt my band by over eating with it. How did you guys stop over eating when you'd always done it before? I was hoping that when the pouch was full, I wouldn't want or be able to keep on eating? But the food just goes on down, just like before the band. I know I have said this before, but.... If I could follow food rules, and had no obsession with food, I wouldn't have ever needed a band or anything else other than a plan/goal and the will to obey the rules of food & exercise. How is it that those of you out there have lost weight when you hadn't been able to before? How is it that you were able to go from binging all day long, to eating 3 - 1/2 c. portions of food a day without snacking inbetween meals? Are things really evergoing to change for me when I have sufficient restriction? I have gained back all but 3 of the 10lbs I lost after surgery. 5 lbs just since the 1st of November. It's like I have an obsessive compulsive swing in mood about every 3-4 months or so and boy does it take it's toll in my ability to think and act straight with food. That's on top of a milder swing associated with PMS! It's a huge inner thing that totally takes over my brain and view of body and mind. I spiral down and I can not get control of it. Then, a month or so later, I'm over it but I'm stuck with the effects. Usually 5 or more lbs gained and a feeling of what a loser I am. Sometimes it is spurred by a word or two or a weigh in. I can speculate as to the reasons for this self distructive behavior. Maybe it's because I was sexually molested as a child and hated my body for much of my childhood, I don't know? I don't hate myself at all now. It's more frustration and not hate now. Reasons don't really matter in the end do they? It is what it is and I must find a solution. Maybe you can help me. Why can't I stop this bad behavior? Is there any hope for me? It's a darned good thing I never did drugs or even drank alcohol....I surely would have been an addict to those things too. I suppose I should be thankful it's just sugar and carbs. Well, one thing I know that I can do to improve my situation is to get exercising again. It used to keep me sane when I was in my 20's. Now, it's so hard to stick to it consistantly with a constantly changing family schedule. I've got a good excuse for everything I'm not doing right! I know that I can do this much though towards feeling better. I know there are all sorts of spelling errors and that this post is hard to follow, but I'm going to post it as is and hope that it doesn't drive you all crazy!

For those of you wondering about my fills. I have now had 2 and am at 1.7 and am sceduled for a 3rd fill on the 4th. (I had to wait an extra few days because the kids are home until the 2nd. Sometimes I have some restriction. It's just not enough...BUT I am scheduled for the 4th. Kare, What you have said is also true for me. It always has been exercise that helps me in mind and body. I used to have an aerobics class that I loved because it was sooo hard and long (45 minutes of cardio!). I also decided then that I would never diet again. I lost all the weight and the demon had no power over me because food became a non issue because I was not on a diet. I didn't care about food because I knew that I could have whatever I wanted whenever I wanted it. There was no obsession. I became thin (125lbs) and demon free for 6 years. Along with exercise and no "diet", I did some self hypnosis. I told myself over and over that I weighed 5lbs less than what I did in order to set my mind to that weight and I wore tight clothes that were just a little uncomfortable. I also had some clothes that I could barely get on, but I would try them on every few days, laying on the bed to zip them up! I said to myself over and over that I was thin. I just have not been able to find that thin zone.... Yet... that is. Thanks everyone. So, how did you overcome and lose?

I just got my 2nd fill 4 days ago. I now have 1.7 cc in my 4.cc band. I can still eat a smaller normal sized meal. Should I feel full after 1/2 c. of food (protein)? I am not losing. Infact I have only lost a total of 3-4 lbs since surgery. I lost 10 originally but have gained. I guess I'm going to have to go on a strict diet. I was hoping that this band would work better than this. I was hoping that I couldn't eat more than a 1/2 c. food comfortably. Maybe I just don't have enough of a fill. How should I feel when it's working right? Anybody else have over 2cc's in their 4cc band?

One BIG problem is that I didn't ride the "wave" while it was there. I waited too too long to get that first fill. 3 whole months! And by that time I had gained back some because I felt (food wise) exactly like I did before I ever had surgery. So, a word from the now wise "me", after YOUR surgery, do not wait longer than the 6 weeks to get that first fill so that you can ride the weight loss wave as long as it will carry you.

I am not losing a thing but I realize that I have only had one fill of 1cc 2 weeks ago. My problem: We just opened a BAD business. It's a MaggieMoos Ice Cream Treatery. I make the cakes and sometimes do other things there to help out. The ice cream is soooooo good and I know it's a big "NO NO" but IF I could say "NO NO" to the "NO NO's" I would not be over weight! So, my question: Can we bandsters take Xenical the fat blocker? Do any of you take this? I'm just thinking that if I eat a little ice cream, I could take this and it would just go on through!

EEEWWWW! I don't think I'll go there. I would die if I left a grease sh%#$@ spot on anybody's couch! I'm a pretty private pooper too so I wouldn't want to use other's toilets. Your stories are making me think of that one scene in Dumb and Dumber! I'd have to tell people knocking at the door that I'm shaving! I guess I'll try self hypnosis and make myself think that I don't like ice cream and sweets.

Hey Kendra, If it makes you feel any better, I'm 3 1/2 months out and lost 9 but gained 3. That's a total of 6lbs. I just had a fill (finally) and it was not w/ floro so I know they are just trying to inch up on my "sweet spot" and so one fill hasn't been enough. I've come to the conclusion that it's just going to take time. Especially with my busy life! I would be over joyed if I were to loose 25 in 6 months. I'm not going to be even close to that.

I used to have those thoughts too. I did it anyway and one thing I can say is that I feel almost exactly the same as before banding because I still have no fill. I eat everything I used to, just a little less. Once in a while I will feel restriction and have to slow dwn or stop. You will have no trouble sticking to the 4 week plan. I can't stay on diets, but this was different. The first week, you don't really mind the liquids because you just had surgery. You'll be hungry, but you'll drink a little and feel fine. The first week I could NOT get in more than 350 calories per day. By the second week your stomach has shrunk and you will barely be able to get the thick drinks in to equal 5-700 calories. It's just little steps and it's not like a diet. You will be able to eat sushi (I do) after 5 or 6 weeks, but you'll eat it a tiny bite at a time. You may not be able to eat it after your first fill. You'll be amazed at how normal you still will be afterwards. I am finally getting my first fill this Friday. I'm a little scared about slowing my eating again and chewing little bites thoroghly. I know I can do it. It's been 3 whole months and I'm still a BP virgin! This may change next week if I'm not really careful.

Hi Bensmum So what is your advise to me (a total freak chicken) about the fill? I am getting my first fill this friday. I was going to take a Valium or something, but now I can't because I'm going there all alone : ( and I have to drive 3hrs there and 3 back home.... I doubt I can find any of that stuff you mentioned before my appointment. Is it a prescription drug?

I have 5 questions for anybody who has time. 1)How much of a fill you all got the first visit? 2)What size and brand of band? 3)Did your Dr. use floro or not for this first visit? 4)How much did you get on your second fill? 5)How long before you NEEDED (not got it, but needed it) your second fill? I'm finally getting a fill on the 4th! Thanks soooo much!

Sunset, what form of pill did you take? Was it capsule or what and did you crush it? There have been people here having problems w/ meds getting stuck in the pouch. Before I had a band, I took some pill for something and it got stuck part way down and I got really shaky and then hot and then sick and almost passed out! Then I layed down on the cold tile on the bathroom floor until I could move and I drank some water and began to feel better but weird for a while after. If your Doc can check and make sure there isn't a pill stuck, that would be good. If you crushed it to powder, or emptied the contents of a capsule into liquid, then this wouldn't be your problem.

Victoria: Is there a reason why it has been 3 months without a fill? Yes. I'm so busy and I just can't get there. I either have to drive 3 hrs or fly 6+ hrs and stay in a hotel. I have 4 children and a very busy husband. It's about impossible to get around his schedule...I want him to come with me. If I could just go at the drop of a hat w/out an appointment, it would have been done. But I have to find the "perfect time" so far in advance that something always comes up. I have an appointment on the 4th but I'm going to have to cancel it. It's very frustrating! Oh well, I'll just get it the next weekend. Thanks for letting me whine.

I was banded 3 months ago and that post scares me too. If I didn't over eat, I wouldn't need a freaking band. If it is going to enlarge w/ over eating, then I'm toast and might as well have the thing removed. I have had no fill yet and here it is 3 months out. I am able to eat whatever but I usually have no restriction what so ever. I wonder what the chances are that I have already stretched my pouch? I can usually feel the food pass right on down through the band, so I'm hopeful that the pouch has not stretched. I have never broken the soda rule, but the over eating I have...I have always disobeyed that rule....I was hoping that the band would force me. I guess I shouldn't judge anything before I get the correct fills....like I said, I still havent even had the first fill.

Seems like someone else had problems with their band and they found out that they had pills (a ball of pills) stuck in the upper stomach. I'm going to watch out for that! If I have to take capsules I am going to empty the contents into some pudding and then take it!

* Jachut wrote: "Yep, I reckon Anna Nicole Smith and I think Kirstey Alley too. You just dont get that fat, and be that out of control and suddenly switch it off like turning off a light and lost a tonne of weight so quickly. You just dont." My husband's office manager had been overweight for years. More so than either of those two, and she has lost over 100 lbs in a little over a year just from following weight watchers. Before that, she believed and often said she could not change and was basically doomed to be fat. She's got another 75 + lbs to go but she's doing it alone! Whenever we get together, she refuses the food....I'm not one of those types that can do that for that long!!! If she ever starts losing the battle after that much hard work, I'm going to tell her what I've done (the band).

I still havent had a fill and I have probably gained more than half of what I originally lost...(havent changed my ticker though) I Cant wait to feel this way too!!!!!! One question, how is it you get a rootbeer float? I was told no more pop EVER again. Is it okay to break this rule? I kinda thought this was the grand rule of rules.

Since my surgery (8/5/05) I have not had a period. Anybody else have this happen?

Hi Kathy, I had my last period 2 weeks before surgery. I have always been regular. It's like I feel the pains of period and it feels like I'm going to start, but nothing happens. Laura....You don't say that! You hear me? That would be the weirdest thing ever! I had my tubes tied 8 yrs ago after my youngest was born....but anything is possible I suppose....I'm 43yrs old though! Well, my mother was almost 47 when she had me. She had 6 kids.... and then I was born 9 years after the 6th one unexpectedly. Oh, this conversation is making me a bit nervous now. I just visited my good friend a couple of days ago, who had just had a baby. She asked me if I would consider having another.... A couple of days ago I mentioned to my husband that I was seeing those brown spots on my face that really showed up when I was pregnant.... Just tonight my 13yr old asked me if I would/could have another baby...and he never has asked such a thing before?!? Okay, that's it! I'm going to get a test kit tomorrow, eventhough I think it's just from the surgery. Maybe the surgery made the tubal come loose or something....and I am pregnant??

Hi Heather, I am like you. I am so scared to get this done. I've thought of taking a Valium (if I can get a hold of one) just to get the fill. My husband thinks I am the biggest baby, and I admit it....I AM. When I had my first C section, I bawled when they took the staples out (a med student did it and he sucked) and so for the next 2 C sections, I wouldn't let any body do it but me. I sat there on the couch at home unclamping the staples one at a time, and crying inbetween, because it bothered me so much. I have low pain tolerance when it comes to skin. Kick me hard in the shin and I'll barely say "ow" but get a needle and stick me and I'll be dying inside. It just grosses me out, it's like the fingernails scratching the chalkboard type of pain.

Hi Pamdin, I havent had my first fill yet and I am curious how this works out for you. Let us know if/when it kicks in. Even though I have no fill, every once in a while I have that pain (the one that lets you know it's there) and I know if that feeling were there all the time, I'd be afraid to over eat or under chew! So, I gotta get a fill soon!!!