Terri-ific

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I am also having a weird skin thing! I was banded almost 2 years ago and have suddenly started getting "blister" looking things on my body. When they first started, they were on my hands but now they appear all over. They sometimes itch, then dry up, and go away. They move to different areas of my body. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

Hey, Fellow Arkies! I am in Conway (central) and was banded in July 2005. If you have any questions I would be happy to attempt to answer them. (of course, it will be from a personal perspective--I am not a dr) Fortunately, my insurance covered the procedure, so I don't know much about the cost! Terri

I felt the same way before my procedure! I had one surgeon tell me that I was "too small" for a by-pass and I almost gave up all together until I heard of the lap band and found a dr. who considered the co-morbids as serious enough to dosomething about! Believe me, I had doubts right up to the time I left for the hospital, but it was certainly worth it. I feel great, look great, and my family is proud of me. Please understand that the band is a tool, not the answer! It takes work along with the band to get where you want to be, but that's how anything worth accomplishing starts! Best of luck and God bless! I know you will make the decision that is best for you, whether it is to have the surgery or not. I will be happy to answer any questions I am able to answer, if you like. Just let me know. Terri

David: Welcome fellow traveler to good health!! Best of luck to you in this effort. It isn't easy, but it is SO worth the effort!! Listen to your doc, follow instructions TO THE LETTER, and it will be a wonderful step in your life! Terri

I wouldn'y let that Doc touch me again! PERIOD! If the NP can't make the time to do it, I would ask my surgery doc who he would recommend. I also give them one stick, them I ask for someone else. Of course it doesn't hurt that I was a nurse for 17 years, and now make a point of letting them know that I am now an attorney!! Thank usually helps their aim. Best of luck and hugs for future fills! Terri

Mine is on the right side, just under my ribs. No problems for the last year! Good luck! Terri

I've had what sounds very similar to your "chicken bone." I was over filled and threw up for 24 hours! It sounds as if you just have some swelling that needs to go down. Any time that you PB it irritates that area, according to my doc, and needs time to get over it. Also, when you throw up it can cause the band to tighten, also according to my doc. Go to liquids, get lots of fluids, and don't be so hard on yourself--most of us have done it at one time or another! Best of luck to you! Terri

I can't do regular bread at all! I have tried, it just won't go down and causes me a lot of pain! I like melba toast, wassa crisps, or certain types of crackers, but other than that -- NO WAY! Good luck on the journey! Terri

I has similar problems at first, but now everyone seems more worried that I "don't eat enought to keep a bird alive." (Maybe if its a HUGE bird) Anyway, people like to focus their attention on others so they don't have to look at themselves. Anyway, good luck to you and your journey! Don't let anyone get you down. You are doing this for yourself whether anyone else understands or not! Terri

Talk it over with your doc! He/She is the best resource as to your specific case! Best of luck with the band! I know you will grow to love as much as the rest of us! Terri

Melanne: The problem you are having could be based on the anestheia(?) leaving your system. I was VERY depressed for a month after surgery due to this. Take it easy on yourself! You have taken a HUGE step toward improving your health and life--but it isn't a quick one. Also, if you do not take in enough calories YOU WILL NOT LOSE WEIGHT!! Thant's just the way the human body works. At this point, don't worry about losing. Drink the water, eat the food you are supposed to, get up and move and the loss will come. Psychologically, you have suffered a real loss--the loss of the very dear friend which food is to all of us who have fought the battle for so long! Grieve that loss and then let it go. My surgery way almost a year ago, and at times I still miss being able to go wild at the buffet! You are worth the work it takes to be successful on this path! I know you can do it. You just need to know it too. My thoughts are with you, because I DO know how hard it is and can be. Let us, here on the board, help you when you need it. Please don'y hesitate to ask! Terri

So glad to hear your better!

Keep up the good work! Just wait until you fit in an airplane seat!!! Awesome!

I to have a problem with mucus, but the band being too tight is your main problem. When the band is too tight, and the mucus drainage is going wild, you won't be able to keep anything down because there is no place for it to go. I had this problem and my Doc said that I (and everyone else, I assume) produce 2 lit. of mucus EACH DAY! You put that amount into a small pouch, with an over-tight restriction, and trouble is bound to follow!! Good luck and hang in there!! You can get past this! Terri

Ihad the same problem with different scale readings! Here's a quick tip: Take a new 5lb bag of sugar (or flower, or whatever) and put it on the scale. If the reading is not 5lbs, use the adjustment on the scale to make sure that it does. This will give you a more accurate reading. Also, make sure that the scale sits on a hard, level floor (not carpet). Hope these ideas help! I keep everyone on this site in my thoughts! It is so good to have such a large "band" of friends who understand what I have done and why! Terri

Last week I had a plane flight that took me half way across the country (Arkansas to Oregon). When I arrived there, I felt a lot of restriction but just thought it was because I was tired. The next day, and for the next four days, I was so restricted I could only take a bite or two (at most) or I would upchuck! Now that I am back home the restriction seems better, but still tighter than it was! Has anyone else had this or a similar problem? I would rather think the flight caused it rather than something worse. If anyone has any thought, I would appreciate your input! Terri:help:

I've had it disappear too! So glad it was nothing drastic!!! Terri

Jules: You get the band, lose weight, look and feel great and then KICK THAT ASS TO THE CURB! Neither you nor your child need someone who is that shallow in your life! Terri

I had two before a I noticed any real restrictions and then had to have some removed because (about 4 hours later) I couldn't keep water down. Now, it is better and seems to be working as it should. Don't be tempted to get too much of a fill because it will hurt you if you push it too far!! Good luck! Terri

Thanks so much for the info! Went to Doc today and he pulled out .2 cc! He also said that allergies could cause tightening. Just thought I would pass that along! Terri

I've read the threads here and have a question. I have severe morning and nighttime restriction! In the morning, I can only have Instant Breakfast (for the protein) and I can't eat more than 2 or 3 bites after about 5:00 pm! If I eat, or drink, anything after that I wake up in the morning with "spit up" on my pillow! Anyone have any ideas? When I had my last fill about 2 months ago the Doc put too much in at first (I couldn't even keep water down for 24 hours) so he took some out. It felt OK at first, but this seems to be getting worse. Also, my husband reports that he hears "gurgling" from me at night. Anyone with an idea as to what is happening would really be appreciated! Thanks so much! Terri

Thanks soo much! I'll call my doc today!

Hang in there, Willy! There are times now, I was banded last July, when I still want to eat too much! I WANT to finish the plate even if I feel like I need to throw up! food was such a "dear friend" for sooooo long that it is hard to let go! Try to really FEEL your body by using relaxation. When you do that it is easier to tell if you are hungry or 'thungry' (that's when you think you are hungry, or just want more time with that old friend! Good luck to you. Remember, each journey is made one step at a time! Terri

My thoughts and prayers are with you! Hang in there and know that adversity only makes us stronger!! Many hugs! Terri