Rockin' Robyn

Haven't been on in a while, and hate to be a downer. I used to get on here to motivate and cheer people on. I had my band placed almost 6 years ago. I initially lost 170 pounds in the first year. I had never heard of or been informed that the band could cause cancer! I have no family history, and am only 37 years old. I have had my band inflated and deflated numerous times over the years, but never experienced true esophageal reflux or heartburn. Over the past year, I kept having what I thought were hunger pains in my stomach. I would then eat something and the pain would go away. I never correlated the pain to being an acid issue, as it didn't really come before/after meals..it would occur at all different times of the day. I just assumed my band was too loose and I needed another fill at some point to get rid of the hunger pains. I have gained a large amount of my weight back, due to eating when my stomach hurts. Then about a month ago, I went to my family practice doctor because I was having pretty severe abdominal pain over my liver area, and I had already had my gallbladder removed. Eventually, I was referred to a GI doctor who performed an EGD (or a scope of my upper esophagus and stomach). He found what I can only describe as looking like blisters (aka lesions) and polyps all throughout my lower esophagus. He took biopsies of the area and told me results would be back in 2 weeks. I just received a phone call yesterday that the results were high grade dysplasia (aka the cells that occur right before full blown cancer). He wants to see me asap and refer me to a specialist/talk about the treatment plan. I am now planning on going to Mayo clinic to have an experimental ablation procedure done where the cells are burned off. I say all this because now doing research, I am finding articles on line from as recent as December of 2010 on "Barrett's esophagus: a late complication of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding." I can't believe it! Wondering what I have done to myself, and all for what?? The articles are saying that they have now associated the band with pre-cancerous cellular changes in the esophagus due to the band squeezing the stomach and causing acid to sit there and in some people seep up into the lower esophagus. Remember, I have never had the typical heartburn or typical symptoms of GERD. I used to say to people, even after multiple complications post op (such as port infection and removal, herniated tubing through my abdominal wall, and gallbladder removal) that no matter all the complications, I would do it over and over again. Now I'm not so sure....Cancer is a whole different ball game. Just venting, and hoping that if anyone else does a search on either esophageal cancer with the band or Barretts esophagus with the band I can let them know that there are others out there going through the same thing.

Hi Everyone- It has been on my mind lately to start a new post as a positive, motivational, and inspiring thread. I have noticed several threads lately where those considering surgery are asking if it is 'possible' to lose 100 pounds with the band. My answer to that is...Yes, it definitely is. Many say it is not realistic. But I have watched the amazing progress of LBT members on the board, and believe it is not only realistic, it is happening to many of our LBT members all around us. And for those that aren't quite there yet, many members are extremely close. As time goes by with lapband increasing in popularity and the number of LBT members growing everyday, I believe the list is only going to increase by leaps and bounds. Any and all weight loss is a huge accomplishment for us all. While I realize that many members don't need to lose 100 pounds or more, many do. And for those who do, it offers not only motivation to see that other bandsters have done it...but most importantly it offers the hope that it can be done with the band! This will be a running thread to offer positive motivation, inspiration, hope, and encouragement. Please PM me or post here to have your name added to the growing list when you hit 100 pounds lost, or if you want your amount lost updated. Congratulations to everyone on any and all weight loss! Member/Amount Lost A1ikou 101 Alexandra 125 Alexra 125 Angie C 110 Anillacookie 125 Apryl Showers 101 Arcael 101 :welcomeB: Audrey 188 Ausie Jode 125 Aussie chick 152 Banded in KS 120 Babsyintx 154 Beachbum 102 BeckyinTexas 148 BelBo2 106 Bermy 118 BethinSeattle 164 Big Ethel 132 Bigmom 115 Bigolalaskan 200 :wow2: Big Paul 150 Brittwoman 123 Burnsun 124 Bushbaby 101 Cadydid 102 Cambron KD 110 CaramelDiva1922 106 Carlene 130 Chunk 100 Cmstant 101 Corinnasue 125 Coyotegirl 107 Dadunwoody 132 DCPrincess 123 DebMoses (Wife of Frank) 135 DeltaDawn 132 Desertmom 132 Donali 100 Donovine 130 DowMoses (Frank) 165 Eleebana2 136 Emileekaye 104.5 Emmy27 117 Fauxnaif 110 FighterGirl 120 Firegirl 115 Fireman20 115 Firemanschic 142 Fionna 203 :wow2: Fran21497 101 Frisky 146 Fuelman 230:wow2: GayleTX 100 :welcomeB: Giveyouthemoon 100 Glossylips9084 227 :wow2: Gurly 101 Happenin'wa 240:wow2: Heathergurl 129 :welcomeB: Hodegard 113 IamCanadian25 110 Illude 376 :wow2: :wow2: :wow2: Iluvsammys 115 Itsyvonne 110 Jack 102 Jackal1209 201 :wow2: Jammin and Losin 100 Janie 132 Jqpublic 118 Julie Dizz 170 JulieK 101 JulieNYC 100 Kimmcneely 100 KLM3hrt 109 Ktbanded 100 Our 100th member!!!!!!!!!:clap2: La Madam 104 Lapbandit 105 Leighhoffman 140 Lioness81970 109 LisanJason 100 Lisaru2 118 MLJ 100 Melissalee 118 MicheleMonops 132 Michelle36 110 Molynn 100 Monymo 110 Moonshadow 132 MsButterKup23 112 Mstein 156 Muffinbirdie 125 Nigel 100 Nora33 106 Old 100 OUSooner 108 Patty103 105 PFernandez 100 Puddinpie 100 Rere49 151 Rharriet62 100 Rockin' Robyn 157 Sascijo 101 ShellyJ 133 Shirley77519 103 :welcomeB: Shirley Rohr 116 Sue72704 144 Sunni 116 Sunnykim 102 Suzan72704 154 Tamazon 59 100 Terese 156 TexasBlueBonnet 132 Thinkthin 101 Those eyes 2004 143 Tilly 128 Tracy in Texas 112 Tricia 115 Vera 115 Wheetsin 103 Whippledaddy 108 YiannisD 158 Zennie98 150 :welcomeB: 121 Members of the LBT 100 Pound Club and Growing!!! (or I should say shrinking )

Yes definitely...I have no other risk factors and all of the dysplasia areas are in my lower esophagus down by where the band is. There are a couple of research articles out there on the internet that are just starting to come out on this subject. I believe that with more time, there will be a lot of people who start to have this happen to them. It is considered a "long term complication" of the band. In other words, not something that will be realized right away.

Today's intake: B: 3 mini crustless quiche (270 Cals/ 24 Protein) S: 1 cup cottage cheese (80 Cals/ 8 Protein) L: side salad with 2 tbsp ranch (148 Cals/ 0 Protein), 1/4 c asparagus (10 Cal / 1 Protein), 4 sea scallops (100 cals / 20 Protein) S: String Cheese (80 Cal /8 Protein) D:Turkey Meatloaf (270 Cals/ 30 Protein) So that's a grand total for today of 958 Calories and 91 gms protein! Felt like all I have been doing is eating all day...thought I had more calories than that. Felt kind of nauseated with dinner. I still consider myself loose compared to what I was before, but every now and then I still get the uncomfortable stuck feeling. It takes all I have to not go make the pain go away and resist the urge to purge. My husband and I went to a movie today, and I consider it a small victory that we just simply watched the movie and didn't get popcorn (which was all you could eat for free today) or a soda pop. I can't say I wasn't craving it the entire time...but I made it through. One day down, many more to go. You can do this Robyn!

Great day today. Feeling much better. Found out I may get to go to Haiti on a medical missions trip..so that has been a good distraction! I'm just not very hungry and starting to dwindle on getting all my calories in. Here is my food log for the day: B: 1 cup cottage cheese (80 Cals / 8 Protein) L: Lean Cuisine, the chicken only (120 cals / 10 protein) D: Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup (heavy on the beef) (200 cals / 25 Protein) S: 1/2 cup pistachios(200 cals / 6 protein) S#2: Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup (heavy on the beef) (200 cals / 25 Protein) Totals for today are 800 calories and 74 gms protein. Surgery Date: 8/5/05 Starting Weight: 384 pounds Lowest Weight 1/2/07: 226 pounds Starting over Date: 1/4/09 at 320 pounds Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

Great day today. Feeling much better. Found out I may get to go to Haiti on a medical missions trip..so that has been a good distraction! I'm just not very hungry and starting to dwindle on getting all my calories in. Here is my food log for the day: B: 1 cup cottage cheese (80 Cals / 8 Protein) L: Lean Cuisine, the chicken only (120 cals / 10 protein) D: Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup (heavy on the beef) (200 cals / 25 Protein) S: 1/2 cup pistachios(200 cals / 6 protein) S#2: Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup (heavy on the beef) (200 cals / 25 Protein) Totals for today are 800 calories and 74 gms protein. Surgery Date: 8/5/05 Starting Weight: 384 pounds Lowest Weight 1/2/07: 226 pounds Starting over Date: 1/4/09 at 320 pounds Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

Down 11 pounds. Have had a bit of the stomach flu the last couple days...actually I think it is more related to stress and life. But nonetheless, haven't had an appetite, and unable to keep much down-so didn't see the point in tracking. Even though the same is true today, I didn't want to get out of the habit of blogging. So here goes. B: Slept L: 2 eggs-not sure how much kept down D: 4 oz mahi mahi with 1/8th avacado (the insides of a fish taco)..again not kept down. But there..I blogged! Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

Down 11 pounds. Have had a bit of the stomach flu the last couple days...actually I think it is more related to stress and life. But nonetheless, haven't had an appetite, and unable to keep much down-so didn't see the point in tracking. Even though the same is true today, I didn't want to get out of the habit of blogging. So here goes. B: Slept L: 2 eggs-not sure how much kept down D: 4 oz mahi mahi with 1/8th avacado (the insides of a fish taco)..again not kept down. But there..I blogged! Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. :thumbup: Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

Worked last night and slept most of the day, so calorie intake is a little weird. I'm tired again and getting ready to go to bed. So I didn't get as much as needed in today...but then again, my whole new outlook is I'm not going to beat myself up when I'm not 100 percent all the time. :ohmy: So here's my intake for today: L: assorted cheeses (400 cal / 15 protein), 2 slices summer sausage (120 cal/ 7 protein) D: 1 cup steamed chicken and broccoli (115 calories / 22 protein) Totals for today are 635 calories and 44 gms protein. :cursing:

Worked last night and slept most of the day, so calorie intake is a little weird. I'm tired again and getting ready to go to bed. So I didn't get as much as needed in today...but then again, my whole new outlook is I'm not going to beat myself up when I'm not 100 percent all the time. :ohmy: So here's my intake for today: L: assorted cheeses (400 cal / 15 protein), 2 slices summer sausage (120 cal/ 7 protein) D: 1 cup steamed chicken and broccoli (115 calories / 22 protein) Totals for today are 635 calories and 44 gms protein.

Here's the link to a prior blog entry where I gave the recipe... Starting Over-Day #9 - LAP-BAND Its so yummy and high in protein..and great to take to a party as a low carb treat to eat with celery sticks (before I was being good again, this was a family favorite to eat with tortilla chips). As far as the dessert recipe...its simple. Mix one package lemon (or cheesecake is good too) sugar free pudding mix with one 16 oz ricotta cheese. Blend together and eat. I like it thick, but I guess you could thin it out with a little milk if you want. I also sometimes put a squirt of whipped cream and a few blue berries on top for a low carb treat!

From experience, I'm fine with the second week plauteau. I remember from before I would lose 10ish pounds fairly quickly, then plateau for about a week. Patience and understanding is key :ohmy: Strangely been more hungry today than I have been. Not sure what that is about. I couldn't have lost that much fat around my band yet. Will ride it out and see. Here's the food log for the day: B: 2 String Cheese (160 cal / 12 protein) S: 1/2 cup pistachios (200 cal/ 6 protein), L: 1 cup Buffalo Chicken Dip with celery sticks for dipping (380 cals / 36 Protein) D: 4 oz Tilapia (90 cals / 21 Protein), 1/2 cup steamed broccoli. S: 1/2 cup ricotta cheese mixed with sugar free lemon flavor jello pudding mix (160 cal / 12 protein) topped with 1/4 cup blue berries (10 cal / 0 protein) S: 1 cup Buffalo Chicken Dip with celery sticks for dipping (380 cals / 36 Protein) Total calories for today are 1380 cals and 123 gms protein! Definitely in ketosis...another day down :cursing:

Made a yummy new low carb recipe today...Buffalo Chicken Dip. Very simple too. Just throw a bag of frozen chicken into the crockpot, throw one bottle of your favorite wing sauce over that, then sprinkle one package of Hidden Valley Ranch dry dressing mix over that. Cook until chicken is tender, then shred the chicken, mix in two 8 oz packages of cream cheese and stir well. You can serve it hot or cold, and could eat it with a fork instead of as a dip if you wanted to cuz its just that good! Anyway, here's the accountability log of food for the day: B: 1 cup ricotta cheese mixed with sugar free lemon flavor jello pudding mix (320 cal / 24 protein) topped with 1/4 cup blue berries (10 cal / 0 protein) L: Lean Cuisine Meatloaf (no potatoes) (200 cal / 20 protein) D: 1 cup Buffalo Chicken Dip with celery sticks for dipping ( 380 cals / 36 Protein ) S: 1 cup ricotta cheese mixed with sugar free lemon flavor jello pudding mix (320 cal / 24 protein) topped with 1/4 cup blue berries (10 cal / 0 protein) That makes the grand total for today 1240 calories and 104 gms protein!

From experience, I'm fine with the second week plauteau. I remember from before I would lose 10ish pounds fairly quickly, then plateau for about a week. Patience and understanding is key Strangely been more hungry today than I have been. Not sure what that is about. I couldn't have lost that much fat around my band yet. Will ride it out and see. Here's the food log for the day: B: 2 String Cheese (160 cal / 12 protein) S: 1/2 cup pistachios (200 cal/ 6 protein), L: 1 cup Buffalo Chicken Dip with celery sticks for dipping (380 cals / 36 Protein) D: 4 oz Tilapia (90 cals / 21 Protein), 1/2 cup steamed broccoli. S: 1/2 cup ricotta cheese mixed with sugar free lemon flavor jello pudding mix (160 cal / 12 protein) topped with 1/4 cup blue berries (10 cal / 0 protein) S: 1 cup Buffalo Chicken Dip with celery sticks for dipping (380 cals / 36 Protein) Total calories for today are 1380 cals and 123 gms protein! Definitely in ketosis...another day down :thumbup:

Still doing well considering low carbing it for a whole week now. I'm down 8 pounds in 8 days!! Not too shabby. I just keep repeating to myself..Keep it up Robyn, you can do it again! :tongue_smilie:Here's the breakdown for today: B: assorted cheeses (400 cal / 15 protein), 2 slices summer sausage (120 cal/ 7 protein) S: 1/2 cup pistachios (200 cal/ 6 protein), L: side salad with 2 tbsp ranch (150 Cals/ 0 Protein), 1/4 c asparagus (10 Cal / 1 Protein), 4 sea scallops (100 cals / 20 Protein) D: Tuna Salad Kit (no crackers) (100 cal / 18 protein) Total for today is 1080 cals and 67 gms protein. Surgery Date: 8/5/05 Starting Weight: 384 pounds Lowest Weight 1/2/07: 226 pounds Starting over Date: 1/4/09 at 320 pounds Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

A large bag of frozen chicken breasts are fine...sometimes I use the frozen chicken tenders as they are smaller pieces and they cook faster :thumbup:

Made a yummy new low carb recipe today...Buffalo Chicken Dip. Very simple too. Just throw a bag of frozen chicken into the crockpot, throw one bottle of your favorite wing sauce over that, then sprinkle one package of Hidden Valley Ranch dry dressing mix over that. Cook until chicken is tender, then shred the chicken, mix in two 8 oz packages of cream cheese and stir well. You can serve it hot or cold, and could eat it with a fork instead of as a dip if you wanted to cuz its just that good! Anyway, here's the accountability log of food for the day: B: 1 cup ricotta cheese mixed with sugar free lemon flavor jello pudding mix (320 cal / 24 protein) topped with 1/4 cup blue berries (10 cal / 0 protein) L: Lean Cuisine Meatloaf (no potatoes) (200 cal / 20 protein) D: 1 cup Buffalo Chicken Dip with celery sticks for dipping ( 380 cals / 36 Protein ) S: 1 cup ricotta cheese mixed with sugar free lemon flavor jello pudding mix (320 cal / 24 protein) topped with 1/4 cup blue berries (10 cal / 0 protein) That makes the grand total for today 1240 calories and 104 gms protein!

Still doing well considering low carbing it for a whole week now. I'm down 8 pounds in 8 days!! Not too shabby. I just keep repeating to myself..Keep it up Robyn, you can do it again! :tongue_smilie:Here's the breakdown for today: B: assorted cheeses (400 cal / 15 protein), 2 slices summer sausage (120 cal/ 7 protein) S: 1/2 cup pistachios (200 cal/ 6 protein), L: side salad with 2 tbsp ranch (150 Cals/ 0 Protein), 1/4 c asparagus (10 Cal / 1 Protein), 4 sea scallops (100 cals / 20 Protein) D: Tuna Salad Kit (no crackers) (100 cal / 18 protein) Total for today is 1080 cals and 67 gms protein. Surgery Date: 8/5/05 Starting Weight: 384 pounds Lowest Weight 1/2/07: 226 pounds Starting over Date: 1/4/09 at 320 pounds Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

Down 7 pounds so far...not to bad considering I should be retaining water about now and famished :thumbup: Okay, so I didn't post yesterday's food in a timely fashion because I have had to work night shifts..but I still wrote every bite down with plans to do a late entry. Yesterday was a very emotional day for me, and I was able to do pretty well considering. Me and my hubby went on a date to Cheesecake Factory and actually shared an entree. We haven't done that since right after my surgery. It felt good to just eat a few bites and be satisfied. Much cheaper too!! So here's my food for the day: B: 2 mini crustless quiche (180 cal / 16 protein), 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 cal /10 protein). S: 1/2 cup Pistachios (170 cal / 6 gm protein) L: None-I slept through it! D: 2 ounces steak (150 cal / 15 gm protein) 2 oz salmon (150 cal / 13 gm protein) 3 bites red velvet cheesecake (oops-but I contained myself to 3 bites!) ( I'm going to overguestimate 300 cal / 0 protein) That makes a grand total for today of 1030 cals and 60 gm protein.

Down 7 pounds so far...not to bad considering I should be retaining water about now and famished :w00t: Okay, so I didn't post yesterday's food in a timely fashion because I have had to work night shifts..but I still wrote every bite down with plans to do a late entry. Yesterday was a very emotional day for me, and I was able to do pretty well considering. Me and my hubby went on a date to Cheesecake Factory and actually shared an entree. We haven't done that since right after my surgery. It felt good to just eat a few bites and be satisfied. Much cheaper too!! So here's my food for the day: B: 2 mini crustless quiche (180 cal / 16 protein), 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 cal /10 protein). S: 1/2 cup Pistachios (170 cal / 6 gm protein) L: None-I slept through it! D: 2 ounces steak (150 cal / 15 gm protein) 2 oz salmon (150 cal / 13 gm protein) 3 bites red velvet cheesecake (oops-but I contained myself to 3 bites!) ( I'm going to overguestimate 300 cal / 0 protein) That makes a grand total for today of 1030 cals and 60 gm protein.

Nope...just mix the sugar free jello PUDDING (lemon and cheesecake are best) with ricotta...you could put a little skim milk in it if you wanted to thin it out, but I personally like it thick because it is very filling. I use one box pudding mixture for a 16 oz ricotta, and 2 pudding boxes if I use the larger carton.

Think I'm getting the hang of this. Think my previously stretched out pouch has shrunk back down because I have no more hunger pain, and I'm never hungry. Strange how overeating actually was making me hungry...Here's the calorie log for the day: B: 2 mini crustless quiche (180 cal / 16 protein), 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 cal /10 protein). S: 1/2 cup Pistachios (170 cal / 6 gm protein) L: 1 cup taco meat (200 cal / 20 protein), lettuce, salsa, 2 tbsp low fat sour cream (40 cal / 2 protein) D: Lean Cuisine Chicken/Spinach Dinner (180 cal / 20 protein) S: 1 cup ricotta cheese mixed with sugar free lemon flavor jello pudding mix (320 cal / 24 protein) Totals for today are 1170 calories and 88 gms protein. Surgery Date: 8/5/05 Starting Weight: 384 pounds Lowest Weight 1/2/07: 226 pounds Starting over Date: 1/4/09 at 320 pounds Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

I had the band. My doc always just recommended low carb, eat protein first, minimum of 60 gm protein per day. As far as calories, I never really had an official recommendation..but I always did well with between 1000-1500/day.

Wow..I'm glad I found you guys! I just got back on the band wagon as of one week ago today. I too was banded a while ago (August 2005), initially lost 158 pounds but through a stressful past two years have gained 98 back. I had my band loosened for vomiting so much, and never had it refilled. So now here I am 2 years later, low carbing it again. That's what worked best for me before, so I figure I can do it again. I started a blog, mostly just for my own accountability. I don't really care if anyone reads it or not..but it is helpful for me to feel like people are I have been logging my menu and daily cals/protein intake. Here is the link if it helps for anyone to look at what I have been eating: LAP-BAND I've lost 7 pounds in one week :biggrin: and have detoxed from Coca Cola and carbs. Yes the afternoon headaches are DEFINTELY part of that process! Usually 3 days after I stop the carbs, the headaches will lessen and then eventually go away. I actually feel great at this point. Not hungry or craving much. Good to touch base with others who are "Going for it again in 2010"..I love that!

Think I'm getting the hang of this. Think my previously stretched out pouch has shrunk back down because I have no more hunger pain, and I'm never hungry. Strange how overeating actually was making me hungry...Here's the calorie log for the day: B: 2 mini crustless quiche (180 cal / 16 protein), 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 cal /10 protein). S: 1/2 cup Pistachios (170 cal / 6 gm protein) L: 1 cup taco meat (200 cal / 20 protein), lettuce, salsa, 2 tbsp low fat sour cream (40 cal / 2 protein) D: Lean Cuisine Chicken/Spinach Dinner (180 cal / 20 protein) S: 1 cup ricotta cheese mixed with sugar free lemon flavor jello pudding mix (320 cal / 24 protein) Totals for today are 1170 calories and 88 gms protein. Surgery Date: 8/5/05 Starting Weight: 384 pounds Lowest Weight 1/2/07: 226 pounds Starting over Date: 1/4/09 at 320 pounds Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter