chichigirl

Me too. I can barely handle crackers. For me this is a good thing as bread is my real downfall, along with sweets. I can't eat pastries, baked goods, cakes anything like that, but it's so worth it for me, hope it is for you as well. Happy Holidays Cindy

Bonnie - Band rule #1, NO GUILT!!! It is the most destructive, useless emotion there is. As much as your daughter or anyone else could use the money, I am sure she would make the same exact decision for you. Having your Mom around is priceless, as is good health. So get off the guilt wagon and jump into lapband, it's a far happier place to be:-] Cindy

So sorry that you are not feeling well. Alex is right, this really sounds like the aftermath of anesthesia, it effects us all differently. The broth sounds like the best idea as it is somthing warm, which is very soothing to your healing stomach. I live on that stuff when I am sick, it has been a lifesaver for me. I also drink SF hotchocolate, that is also warm and soothing. If you are whining, then we all are whiners when it comes to hurting and feeling lousy. No one tolerates that, I don't care who you are. The really good thing is it doens't last forever, though it may seem like it right now, but you will feel all that much better when it does past. Trust me I know. Here's hoping this passes quickly for you and that after one of your glorious naps, you wake up and it is suddenly better for you. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Cindy

Just letting you know that I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way for a speeeeeedy approval from the insurance company. I often tell others, the approval process can be more stressful than the surgery itself and you have already done the majority of the work. I call it jumping through the insurance company hoops. Persistence is an extremely valuable asset during this time, if someone isn't responding to you quickly enough and you are really frazzled by that, call them again. Eventually you will get the answers you need and want. Good luck and please keep us posted. We're all rooting for you. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas Cindy

Congratulations on making this very important life decision, one that I don't think you will regret. That was an excellent post and certainly not rambling by any means. You were able to adequately express your mourning over the loss of an old friend - food. You will replace this obsession with another, but hopefully it will be for something alot more healthy. That part of it doesn't have to be negative at all. The mourning is one of those stages we must go through, but it will pass realtively quickly in the grand scheme of things. It's really important that you have the support of your husband, as that will be invaluable to you as you walk this path. It's also fortunate that you found this board to come to. Everyone and I do mean everyone here is sooooo supportive, helpful, intelligent and caring, you will always have others who can totally relate to whatever you are going through, no matter what it is. There is always at least several people who have already experienced whatever it is you are going through. I wish you luck and will be praying that you have an uneventful surgery and super speedy recovery. Take care and keep us posted. Happy Holidays Cindy

As you can tell from the posts from others before me, it's like everything else, we are respond differently. I would imagine that if you tend to be a slow loser to begin with, that that tendency will be similar. What is different with the band for myself, is I do not experience constant hunger, I don't have cravings for foods I shouldn't eat and those things are what makes it possible for me to chose the healthier way of eating. I am the type of person, when I am on a diet, I am very,very good, when I am not, forget it, off the charts eating the wrong foods. Funny thing about me, I really enjoy a variety of foods, alot of them very healthy, like fish, fresh fruits and veggies and whole grains, problem is, when I am not dieting, I only eat the less healthy foods, won't even touch the good things, weird, huh? I am losing really rapidly on this band diet right now. I never really knew what that was until I found this board in August. I sincerely try to follow it as close as possible, but I am human and do occassionally indulge myself in something a little less unhealthy, but that's okay. It really is. I don't feel deprived or guilty, doesn't get much better than that. I wish you luck on your WLS journey. Happy Holidays Cindy

There's an old saying, the grass is always greener on the other side. It's only human nature that you envy her for her rapid weight loss as you are in the process of losing weight yourself, albeit slower. I doubt very seriously that there are very many banded people who haven't at one time or another questioned our original decision and thought about what if. It's human nature. If we could take a pill and wake up thin tomorrow, there would be a line wrapping around the globe itself to get that pill. I'd be in it, I know. Stating that she eats anything and everything isn't possible without her suffering some really adverse side effects. We all know that, but if you are basing this on her word alone, don't be so easily taken in by her. If you have witnessed her yourself eating things that she shouldn't be able to, I doubt if you get to see her bodies reaction to it. Besides, what is she learning, how to continue her unhealthy habits, resulting in the usual outcome eventually? Instead of putting down your own accomplishment, which is wonderful BTW, try giving yourself credit and be proud. You are doing what you felt was best for you at the time you made the decision. Try to remember those reasons why you opted to be banded vs GB. Those reasons were important to you then and still should be. You are losing at a perfectly normal healthy rate. You are also learning to make better food choices and living a healthier lifestyle. You cannot tell me that after all of the weight you have lost, you haven't noticed any changes, it would be impossible. Think NSV, write them down and remind yourself of what has changed for you. Do you not have more energy? Are you not wearing a smaller size? Are you sincerely not happier than you were before you lost this weight? Sorry to go on like this, but I think you are selling yourself short. You do not deserve to be treated like that, even by yourself. You are better than that, recognize it and respond to the positive thinking rather than the negative. Take care of yourself, please. I personally think you are doing a wonderful job and I know I am not alone here in thinking that. Cindy

Congratulations and welcome to the banded side!!!! Take this journey one step at a time and you will be fine. It sounds like you are off to a great start and I hope it only gets better for you. Cindy

Sweetie, I don't think overeating or eating period affects our ports. In my case at least, my port is on my left side, far away from my stomach, so eating or not has no effect on it at all. Just try and calm down and check the port site for any redness, warmth to the touch or anything else indicitive of an infection. It is possible, though highly unlikely, to recieve an infection from the fill. If anything got in bacteria wise with the needle, it is possible. Some folks here have sadly lost their ports due to serious complications. Perhaps if you check the port threads and take a look, there might be an explanation as to what is happening with you. I hope you are feeling better and I would much rather think that you might be 'overly sensitive, which by the way is soooo normal, than to think you might have a really serious problem. It's really great though, your having noticed it and not just ignore it. The best time to resolve a problem is always early in the game. I will say a prayer that everything calms down for you and that it turns out to be nothing more than a false alarm. Cindy

I do not blame you for wanting the doctor to be fair and educated about his comments. Unfortunately, they rarely change their own opinions and not concerned with the actual stats. I don't really understand why a physician would be so strongly set against the band, perhaps it's personal, who knows. It's really not important what one physician or even one person thinks. The only opinion that really counts is that of the individual making the decision, period. I have very sound and solid reasons for chosing the band over GB, but that doesn't mean that I ignore the feelings of those who have chosen that path. Each of us is different with different goals, reasons and issues. For the band to truly be effective, you must be willing to do the work and relearn your dietary and exercise lifestyle. If you feel that you are not ready for that, then maybe GB is better for you, I cannot say. The success or failure of each, with the exception of problems such as slippage, erosion or dumping and malnutrion, lies pretty much at our own feet. Each WLS has it's own pros and cons and each have success stories and sadly failures(for lack of a better term). I am banded, that was my educated choice and I have never, ever regretted it, even to this day. I love that I have control and that I can learn to live with a new lifestyle. For me it's perfect. But that is my experience and certainly not everyone banded feels this way. We have all made choices that we have come to regret, thankfully, for me, this wasn't one of them. Good luck with your efforts. I sincerely hope that you can shed some educated light on this doctor and if not, it won't be due to your lack of trying. Happy Holidays Cindy

It's really so sad when people react and behave like that. I usually feel sorry for them, they must be so miserable with themselves that they try and drag everyone down with them. It's too bad. Such a waste of energy. As long as you don't take her words to heart and allow her attitude into your own mind, you will be just fine. On your weight loss - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! Keep up the outstanding work and be proud of yourself, we are:-] You keep this up(and I hope you do), you'll be at goal in no time. Just don't forget about the rest of us here, we need all of the inspirational people we can get!!!!! Happy Holidays Cindy

I just pasted mine to the top of my signature page. I think that's what everyone pretty much does. Cindy

Try eating a dill pickle. A nutrionist actually suggested this to my Dad, who has the second biggest sweet tooth on earth, I'm number one on that one. It really works pretty well. I only eat the dill chips, like the kind you put on hamburgers, cures me of the want for sweets every time. I still love chocolate, but it doesn't love me. I'm a diabetic, so I only by the sugar free. They've actually gotten pretty good with those. The Reese's sugar free even have 5 grams of Fiber per serving! Now that's getting your fiber the easy way, LOL! If you still insist on the Godiva, allow yourself one piece every night, savor it and then wait until the next night. If you can do this, it will only be 55 calories a pop, not the 220. We really need to stop torturing ourselves. STOP THE CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!:-] Cindy

Congratulations, welcome to the banded side!!!! Wishing you the speediest of recoveries and as for the liquids, a sip at a time, that's all you can do. Each day does get better and better until it becomes a long lost memory. Hope the memory comes quickly for you. Happy Holidays Cindy

At the top go to User CP and choose the option edit your signiture. Really easy and user friendly. Still thinking good thoughts for you. Cindy

That's great about the weight loss!!!! It's about time something went right for you after all that you've been through. Hope it continues and congratulations on dropping below the dreaded 200, what a great Christmas gift!!!! Cindy

Sounds to me like she already has the best tool for success in all of this, you. What an incredibly sensitive and compassionate person you are and I am sure you will make things soooo much easier for her. As a spouse you too will need support. It can be an exhausting and sometimes frustrating and helpless feeling when someone is needing support. Coming here should be able to help both of you greatly. I wish both of you the very best luck. It is so nice to hear from partners who really care for each other. It is an invaluable resource and I'm quite sure she is aware of it. Keep us posted on how everything turns out. Happy Holidays Cindy

I am sending positive thoughts and prayers that you get the positive response today that you are looking for. You don't have to have a band to be a part of this group. We have all sorts of folks here that just want to be supportive of others going through weight loss issues. The pre-requiste testing and waiting for approval, in my humble opinion, is more difficult than the actual surgery and recovery, it was for me at least. Sounds like you have already jumped through the hoops, but sometimes they try and throw up road blocks to discourage you, don't let them. This is your life and you are the one who knows what's best for you. Please, let us know as soon as you hear anything, good or bad, we are all here for you. Cindy

Dody, so sorry to hear about your ulcer and that it is so painful. Reducing your stress will definitely help all the way around, no doubt about that, stress isn't good for anyone in any situation. When I was really sick last week with the kidney stones and had the really serious nausea and vomitting, with nothing in my stomach mind you, I knew it was really dangerous for my band. When spasms began with the heaving, I stopped it by doing deep breathing exercises and it really helped. Much more than I thought it would have. I am on the fence sometimes about alternative methods of self care, but I am more convinced than ever now, it really does work. I had to concentrate really hard and tell myself I would not allow my body to respond to the dry heaves and began breathing through my mouth and really focusing on that. It stopped the dry heaves every single time I did that. Try something like that when your pain starts and perhaps it will help. Also, I know that some people get ulcers due to a specific bacteria in the stomach, h. pylori(I think) is the name of the bacteria and it can be resolved with a good course of antibiotics. Do you know, or has the doctor mentioned this to you? If this is the issue, the band may not be any problem for you, once it is cleared up. Alot of people have this and don't even know it. I say lots of prayers that you heal quickly and that you can be banded once everything is cleared up. It is so good that they found this before the band, as your pain may have been more intense and the problem more difficult to treat. Everything happens for a reason and I am glad your doctor is taking such really good care of you. Don't give up, this is all within your reach now, just take things as they come as much as you can. You can use this time to start really working on any emotional or head issues you may have with the weight or your self esteem. It will make things that much easier once you get the band. Cindy

I'm sorry to report, that unfortunately, after almost 4 years, my band has slipped. I have not been tested yet, but I know where my band is and I know where it was before. I am 100% positive that it has definitely slipped, no question. I just want everyone to know, however, that the reason it has slipped is because of a health issue with me that finally landed me in the ER last night. From Thursday night through yesterday evening, I was passing Kidney stones. Not only are they extremely painful, but they also cause severe nausea and vomitting, and I mean severe. I just knew my stomach was coming up through my throat. I couldn't even tolerate Tums, as soon as they went down, up they came. I had nothing to eat from Thursday night until this morning, when I simply had a Protein shake. Too nervous to really eat real food because of the slippage. I am going to stay on liquids until after I see the doctor tomorrow. Needless to say, this whole situation has me extremely upset. I am hoping that the doctor can simply put my band back where it belongs, although the thought of yet another surgery for me is overwhelming right now. I have already had more than ten surgeries for different things in the last ten years. I won't tell you that I'm not scared that this has happened. I do know that I have loved my band from day one. I am taking a risk that this may happen again for me, as the kidney stones run in my family big time. Lucky me, had to inherit all the rotten health genes in my family. That's what I get for being first born, LOL. My three younger brothers have no health issues and never had. I don't wish this on them or anyone else, it is just what is. Thanks for allowing me to share my feelings. I really needed to tell people that understand what this means to me and you all definitely do. Cindy

Believe me, I have been thanking God not stop since I got the really great news!!! I thanked him not only for the good news, but also for having all of you in my life. You all mean the world to me, I can't say it enough, how much you each have helped me. It was even better getting the good news and being able to share with all of you. So yes, I agree, God is Good, Amen!!!!!! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ALL!!!!!! Cindy

That is so wonderful, I couldn't be any happier for you. It's so nice to know that all of that hard work, determination and never give up attitude brought you to this point and will continue to be something you will find yourself using again during the journey. What an inspiration you are to others, thanks for sharing such super news. Can't wait to welcome you to the 'other' side:-] Happy Holidays and keep us posted. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. This was meant to be for you, but you already know that, don't you? Cindy

Congratulations on your huge accomplishment. You are truly inspirational and a definite assest to this board. Thanks for sharing such wonderful news! Cindy

Thanks once again to everyone here. Your support is invaluable to me, as is all of the wonderful advice. Even an 'old' banster can learn new things from time to time. You are all wonderful and very kind. Happy Holidays Cindy

Just to let everyone know, I just posted on the original thread about today's outcome, I meant to start a new thread, but goofed, something's never change, LOL!!!! It's really good news, so if you want the results of today's outcome and an explanation as to why it took me so long to post, go to the support thread and look under A New Band Slippage(I think that's it) or is it Another Band Slippage, sorry, too excited to think. Cindy