notateechanow

Wow...20 minutes? You must have either had a tough time getting them back up or eaten a lot of them! It takes me 3 minutes to get rid of everything.... That burning in my chest is ok. I find that it gets worst when I haven't eaten......but I'm thinking that it's not reflux. I'm doing ok. I'm PMS'ing and having a rough week both with work and with my emotions.....it will get better, right???? Thankfully, I haven't had a broken heart in YEARS, so I forgot how difficult this can be....

Hey there, girly..don't give up yet. You've worked too hard. It will come. Clearly you just need more in your band than others. I sincerely hope you're taking measurements. That was my only saving grace in all of this---was having measurements to look at when the scale wasn't my friend. It's a hard time of year to battle with this. Go back, get another fill, and do your best to work at it. You knew this was the right choice for you. For some, this is easier---for us, not so. I'm telling you---I didn't lose anything but a few pounds for like 3 months or more. If not for my monthly measurements, I would have given up. Eat as well as you can....until you're at the right place in your band, you're simply dieting. You'll get there. We're here to help. Don't be a stranger. This is when you most need to be online.... OH, and stop worrying about what others think. You'll drive yourself crazy. They'll notice soon enough. :thumbup:

Well, I'm not sure it's even heartburn. It's in my chest, not my throat where it was before surgery. I have been ok today and didn't wake last night, though I didn't go to bed til after 2 and had to be up at 5:30.....so it's not as if I had much time to try! Is the support meeting next week? If so, I won't be able to go. My bosses are taking us to dinner for the holidays---and since they've never done that before, I don't want to say no. I'm sorry because I'd really rather go with all of you and talk with you than sit and pretend to eat with people I don't really care for.... Anyway, having a rough week. $2k in car repairs and hours online with my ex last night. Did finally get some answers to questions in my mind with him, though, and hoping that moves me toward closure. I also stopped wearing jewelry he's given me.....hoping that out of sight, out of mind will help. Being tight and not being able to eat is just an added bonus:frown: I'm PMS'ing so hoping next week is better. First fill in 6 months and I'm not willing to give up on it yet!!

Ok...so I have this tightness in my chest and a burning--but not in the base of my throat the way it was pre-surgery for reflux. I am sore on the spot in the center of my chest, at the base of my ribs.....am I too full?? I finally got my first fill in 6 months and need the scale to move. UGH. I've been really stressed and just realized next week is my TOM...so I'm probably PMS'ing, too. I don't want to be on liquids for the rest of my life, but if it helps lose weight....oh, I'm up for it now!! Anyone else get the burning in your chest of the soreness at the ribs? I feel congestion in my lungs, so I'm wondering if I'm just getting a cold or if I'm overfilled....anyone??

Not sure I did this correctly, but I'll try! First pic was taken in January 2002 (I didn't allow pictures at my highest weight when I was sober!) at about 310 pounds. The second was taken in August, at about 240, though I've lost more since then.

If you're sensitive to sodium, read labels carefully. Heck, even if you're not particularly sensitive but happen to eat anything with a lot of MSG or sodium, it will have an effect. (Watch canned soup, processed foods--frozen meals, etc....they're loaded) Congrats on your great work! Keep it up. If it came off before, it will come off again...just give it time and stay away from the scale! :thumbup:

Depending on when you went to the meeting there, you may have already have met most of us, then!! Glad to hear you're feeling well, aside from the milk issue. I actually tried taking some lactose intolerance chewables with mine. It really helped me tolerate being on liquids. Are you able to sleep? Are you in much pain? Have a good weekend. :thumbup:

Welcome, YLJ. How are things going for you thus far? Who was your surgeon? Many of us tend to go to the support group meetings at the Brigham, rather than the Faulkner because they're more widely attended and easier access from the highway for all of us. Tiny, glad to hear you're home safely. I'm not losing since my fill, but I'm at least able to once again eat some solids...I'm hoping it's a girly thing, but we'll see. Only time will tell. I saw my ex on Thursday briefly and I expect that'll be it for us. I am going to indulge in a haircut and color tomorrow morning...new look for my new life. LOOK OUT!! Have a great weekend, ladies! :thumbup:

Ok...I've definitely confirmed it--my band tightens when I'm stressed out. I can't even get water down right now but ate full foods last night. My ex came by to deliver the box for my tv. Now that we're definitely not on good terms, figured I'd better take everything in the event he gets nasty....and I didn't sleep at all last night worrying about seeing him. Funny thing is, with as much thought as I gave it, he nearly drove and dropped at the same time. If it weren't for the box being so large and cumbersome, he probably wouldn't have even gotten out of his car. So...best news is that it's been almost 45 minutes since he left and I'm starting to feel better and relax. Frustration is that he still has this effect on me. Oh....time....time heals all wounds, right? My bandiversary is a week from tomorrow--and we had that HUGE snowstorm the next day! One day at a time....I'm working on it. :cursing:

Call back again. Someone has to be on call. If the pain is intense and you can't sleep, go to the ER. Why take unnecessary chances if you have insurance?

Congrats, Heidi! I hope Fatmommyslim will find the same thing with her new fill... Fatmommy, how's the liquids going? Are ya eating the solids yet?! I gave in. I'm stuffed, but I couldn't do liquids. I figure, it went down, no issues, just restriction. I'm good. :cursing:

Oh, and I'm on liquids for the first time since April. I never was very good at following directions. I don't know how you guys do, but I'm not good with things like mashed potatoes. They're just too thick. It's not a restriction thing for me--I got stuffed really fast on them back when I needed a fill, too. I'm hoping that this fill will make things move along. Glad to hear you're feeling better, Tova. You may be up a few pounds, but with your emergency room story, I'd rather hear you're up a few!! I haven't worked out since Sunday. Monday I wasn't feeling well, Tuesday I felt worse and had the fill and just can't drag myself out today.....I figure I deserve a few days off. Oh, well.

My father went to jail for allegedly raping a woman with whom he was involved. My dad is a pillar in our community. It was--without a doubt---THE hardest thing I've ever been through in my life. Please, keep a close eye on your daughter. I was an adult when it happened to my father but it was still tremendously traumatic. Support her, let her express herself and grieve in her own way. She's old enough to get it. She'll need you to help her through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My dad had a 3 week trial. He was found not guilty of every charge. I still have the panic feeling when I see tv programs that involve jails. I don't think it's something you ever get over.....Be strong and keep the lines of communication with your daughter open. Be sure to remind her you're there for her--for anything she needs. If anything inappropriate ever happened to her, she'll be more likely to open up to you. Be well....

I'll bite!! I'm fairly careful about following the plan. I originally had surgery on Dec. 12, 2007 and had 3 fills. I subsequently had 2 slight unfills, with today being my first fill in 6 months. I workout at least 45-50 minutes 5 days a week. I watch what I eat, and yet I'm not losing many pounds. (I'm down about 75-80 now...) Ideally, I'd like to lose another 45-55 pounds. I expected to struggle with the LAST 10 when I got close, but this doesn't make sense. I do build muscle easily, but my workouts are almost entirely cardio now to avoid building muscle. I thought this would all be a simple mathematical equation--I eat less than I expend and I should lose weight. I should mention that I went about 2 months before losing much weight initially. Please, tell me that as long as I keep at it, the weight will start to come off again? I'm working so much harder at this than most of the people I know, and I just want this to work. What can I do to jump start the weight loss again? (I went for a fill because I had little to no restriction for a while....) Suggestions, please?! I've tried changing up my workout, increasing protein, even liquids for a few days here and there. I lose 1-2 pounds, but seem to gain it back on. I've been at the same weight--within 5 pounds or so--since August. Help, please.... :cursing:

I'm headed in for my first fill today since April. Like you, Lachica, I went months before going for unfills. I have been trying to figure out how my band could get tighter as the months went on. I round that the days when I worked out hardest were easier to eat. My surgeon and I haven't been able to make any connections, but I think---now that I've had a lot of stress in my life lately--I finally have it all figured out. Like most, I tighten during my TOM. I also tighten when I'm stressed out. I have always gotten sick to my stomach when I was bothered, so I'm not terribly surprised. So, after 2 unfills in 6 months, I'm finally going to get a fill. I've been losing inches again, but not pounds....As I near my one year bandiversary, I want to get back to losing..... Do any of you notice that you're tighter when stressed out??

Ok..so the joke with this whole setting me up thing is on me. I talked with this friend of a friend again today. We've been talking for a few days but haven't gone out. He was talking about having his monthly dr. appointment this week--so I asked why. He simply said he's been going since April and left it at that. SO I had to ask....and he's had LB surgery. My friend who set me up with him has had GB and is one of the few people who knows I had surgery. I think he intentionally set me up with someone else who had surgery, too! How funny is that?? Sad part is, the guy had surgery 6 months after me and has lost as much weight as I have...WITHOUT working out. Not fair. He drinks beer. I bust my butt on the treadmill and stay away from carbonation. So unfair. Tiny, have a super trip. Hope the weather is good and you are able to get a little time to yourself. What's up for this month's meeting? Are you guys going?? :biggrin:

silly girl, they don't get rained out. My friends are all married, too, but they all have coworkers, friends, etc.... No more BC games this year. Season is over. League Championship is on Saturday in Tampa! Have a safe trip. Fill tomorrow for me! I'm so excited!!! :thumbup: Katie, good luck with your fill. let me know how it goes!

I have a 9:00 AM appointment! Don't give up yet...and, as far as your MIL goes, LIE! Don't let her be one of your stresses as the holidays approach. You have so many other things that demand your attention--focus on them. I did go out and eat everything and anything at the Melting Pot last night. I've been working out hard and finally broke to the low 230's.....then, after a big weekend out, blew it ALL! Yep...back to 242 this morning. LOL. ONE WEEKEND! It happens. I'm just happy to get a fill. (I'll have to ask how much he's put in there and how large my band is, too......) So, my darling, you're not alone. Get your fill--it's in 2 days. Follow the rules as much as you can. I hate to say this, but you would not have gone to the extreme of having something surgically implanted if you had the self control to do this yourself....when you're adequately filled, it will get easier. Of course, as Tiny and Tova will tell you, there are things that get far more challenging, too. You will start to lose more weight, but it won't be easy. The whole getting stuck thing becomes a challenge and makes you focus on something else, no doubt! Keep your chin up and face each meal as it comes. Forget about the pressure from you MIL. Lie. Tell her you've lost a few. She won't know the difference!!! Talk with you soon! :cursing:

Ok, first, I want to complain...I ate very little food at our Thanksgiving dinner because I wanted to save space for apple pie. Yes, I did have a slice of turkey, but didn't want to fill up on the other stuff. Then, a few hours after eating, I was told everyone was leaving. NO PIE. I know it was there--My Mom made it. I have no idea what happened, and I didn't dare ask, but what a bummer!!! I'm not on Match, I'm using another site, but in addition, I've taken matters into my own hands--talking to friends, socializing in bars, and meeting guys at games. I was at the Celtics game on Friday--wish I could talk with that young girl from out last support meeting now. I can answer the questions about drinking and shots now!! Met a bunch of guys Friday then at the BC-Maryland football game again today. A friend of a friend was surprised to hear I was single and wanted to give my info to a friend. Going out to watch the Patriots' game tomorrow, too. I'm finding that just putting myself out there and leaving my place is a great way to meet guys! I've never had issue meeting them, just keeping them. As far as the conversation goes---it hasn't come up yet. I've been on like 5 or 6 dates, but haven't progressed to the point where anyone might see my scars or worry about my eating. I am finally going for my first fill in like 6 months on Tuesday, so things may change by the next date....and I'm about to start going out on 2nd dates now, too. We'll see. I did mention weight loss to one guy I met because he was saying some disparaging remarks about a fat girl out at the bar and I found it all pretty offensive. That's when I asked how he'd feel if I was over 300 pounds......conversation really changed at that point. He was cool, though. He realized he was being offensive and apologized. I'm headed to bed finally. Busy weekend......lots of going out, but that's a good thing. Hope you guys have had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend. :thumbup:

Wow, Katiebug....look at the collar bones! AND you still have great cleavage. I'm sadly losing mine, even though I'm only down 80 pounds......

Jewelry is definitely something I never really considered. I was given a diamond tennis bracelet for Christmas last year and had to have it extended to fit and now it fits over my hand to take it off. I have to get it made smaller, but figure I should wait til I'm closer to goal weight. I have a ring that can't be sized because it has flat sides....so sad. I was under the impression that Tiffany would fix it, but they won't. I wear a small pony tail holder in front of it to keep it from falling off! I, too, tend to have my rings slip off, particularly when it's cold out--and it's been quite cold in Boston lately! Happy Thanksgiving everyone. This year, I'm giving thanks for being in control of myself, my eating, and more importantly, my life. Enjoy!

Ha, ha, ha...I don't think I'm in any position to give dating advice. I made the mistake of telling a few key people that I'm single again...and before I knew it, the guys came out of the woodwork. I realize most people would be excited by this---but it bothers me on several levels. First, I wasn't interested in them before I was with my ex. Nothing has changed since then! More importantly, I find myself horribly offended by men who wouldn't give me the time of day last year or before....and now, after LB surgery, I'm suddenly the kind of woman they want? I get really annoyed about that. So...dating is a challenge. I went to dinner last night with a guy. I started getting nervous. Not horribly stuck, but stuck enough that I couldn't eat but 3-4 small 1/4 inch pieces of chicken....so I had to use the bathroom to clear it all out. Pushed my salad all around the plate and spent more time talking than eating. Was difficult! Been out on 3 dates with 3 different guys. Guy from last night wants instant relationship. NOT happening right now for me. Gotta learn to be more assertive....hard to imagine, right?! Not assertive with men, though. Still talking to a few guys and waiting for a friend of a friend to call me. Hasn't happened yet. We'll see....Call me. We'll go out. I don't have issues meeting men or getting dates. I have issues with relationships!!!!

Oh, Tova....I'm so sorry to hear about that! Weren't you without a fill for a long time, too? I haven't had a fill since either April or May. I've had 2 unfills since then, but no fills. I am scheduled for a fill the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. I have very little restriction and have (and can) eat everything I want. I've been balancing with working out more to compensate, but I'm getting a little tired of the whole workout thing....... Somehow this is frustrating when I see others losing so much more weight without the extra effort I need to put into it..... Feel better. I'm surprised they took out so much, but I suppose it wasn't your usual dr......Dr. Robinson is pretty conservative. I'll be curious to hear what he puts back in for you! Keep us posted. Happy Thanksgiving!

I read an article today on Newsweek.com that I thought you might all enjoy. How It Feels to Be Newly Thin | Newsweek My Turn: Health Triumphs | Newsweek.com