caramia71

I wanted to thank everyone for their responses and give you an update. I went to my PCP today for my reflux issue and he said he definitely believes it is band related. He said it is not something that just began, but something that has been ongoing and it builds up to get to that level. He said anytime you mess with your anatomy things happen. He wasn't sure if it was because I was too tight, but definitely thought it might have started because of that and then just escalated due to the irritation and that's why I can't get it to go away. He put me on some acid reflux medicine and I will follow up with him in 3 weeks. I also have an appointment with my surgeon in 3 weeks so we will see what happens. Thanks again for your input!! I hope this helps someone else - don't wait to get that heartburn/reflux issue checked out, it can do a lot of damage!!

Hello all...need some input. I have been experiencing a lot of acid reflux since my last fill in November. I went in December for a slight unfill and my doctor told me acid reflux only happens when you are too tight. It continues and it has woken me up in the middle of the night several times. I'm not too tight and would like to get another fill at the end of this month, but the reflux concerns me. I'm tired of eating tums to soothe the problem. I have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow and am going to talk to him about it but wanted to know if other surgeons said reflux was caused because you are too tight. I feel sneaky talking to my PCP to help alleviate this situation, but I'm tired of dealing with it. Also, I have read that you are not suppose to take Ibuprofen on this board but my doctor never told me that. Does anyone know the reasoning? As always, thanks for any input!!

I wanted to thank everyone for their responses and give you an update. I went to my PCP today for my reflux issue and he said he definitely believes it is band related. He said it is not something that just began, but something that has been ongoing and it builds up to get to that level. He said anytime you mess with your anatomy things happen. He wasn't sure if it was because I was too tight, but definitely thought it might have started because of that and then just escalated due to the irritation and that's why I can't get it to go away. He put me on some acid reflux medicine and I will follow up with him in 3 weeks. I also have an appointment with my surgeon in 3 weeks so we will see what happens. Thanks again for your input!! I hope this helps someone else - don't wait to get that heartburn/reflux issue checked out, it can do a lot of damage!!

I am a slow loser too! Thanks for posting, it helps remind me that I'm not alone!! Congrats!

Heather this jut happened to me as well. My last fill was the beginning of November and a slight unfil in December. Everything had been fine and I was actually considering getting a tiny fill at my appointment next month - then Friday night - WHAM! I PB'd on fish! It was awful. Now all of a sudden I'm tight. I can get food down, but it takes a really long time. I was thinking maybe I'm getting a cold or something because the kids have been sick lately and I have been stressing a lot. I hope it calms down for you soon!! You are doing fantastic and look great!! Carol

This may be too far, but Dr. Singh is located in Maple Lawn, MD and it appears to be about 34 miles from Germantown. Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Kuldeep Singh

Welcome!! I am actually originally from the Allentown area (Nazareth, PA) and have family there. Good luck on your journey!

Thank you! I was actually going to post this question.

I found this article to be interesting. I have been at the same weight for about a month now and this gave me a little insight on the Protein vs. carb issue. Hope others find it useful as well. :thumbup: Eat Your Way Slim SELF.com By Lucy Danziger, SELF Editor-in-Chief - Posted on Tue, Jan 27, 2009, 1:08 pm PST Grab your fork: Filling up on healthy foods is the best way to say sayonara to those stubborn 5, 10 or 15 pounds. A few years ago, when I complained about the extra luggage I was carrying, a trainer told me, "That's between you and the bread basket." And she was right. I went on to lose about 25 pounds without counting calories or cutting meals, but rather by reducing refined carbs such as Pasta and bagels and increasing the amount of fruit, veggies and lean protein on my plate. Science helps me understand why: Studies suggest that we absorb 6 percent fewer calories when we follow a diet with at least 34 grams a day of Fiber (which is chockablock in produce). We also know our bodies expend more energy digesting protein than fat or carbs, and eating at least 50 grams of protein a day can delay hunger pains and boost energy. Try these other tips from our Jump Start Diet to whittle your middle and achieve the healthiest weight for you. Ruin your appetite: If you only eat three squares a day, you might be getting too hungry between meals, causing you to overeat when you finally sit down to dine. Treat yourself to two 150-calorie Snacks a day to keep your blood sugar stable and rein in hunger. Try a string cheese with an apple or lowfat yogurt and fruit. Supersize your eats: Sometimes bigger really is better. Selecting a high-volume version of the food you want can help you eat less. People who had cheese puffs for a snack ate 21 percent fewer calories than those given denser bites, researchers at Penn State University at University Park found. Because the food looks bigger, you’re happy and satisfied with fewer calories. Try rice cakes, popcorn or puffed Cereal instead of chips when you want a snack. SELF has more ways to trade up to healthier treats. Don't fear frozen meals: Eating an entree out of your freezer isn't something you want to make a daily habit, but once in a while it can be a smart way to refresh your memory on sensible serving sizes. Choose ones with about 350 calories, at least 3 grams of protein, 1.5 grams of fiber and no more than 1.5 grams of saturated fat per 100 calories. Put it on a plate and snap a mental picture of it before digging in. This will help sidestep portion distortion in the future. Plot your path: When you map out your meals for the day, you’re less likely to stumble on diet setbacks such as unhealthy takeout or king-size treats from the vending machine. Take a moment to jot down what you plan to nosh for the next few days, and check back to see how you did. This will help you pinpoint trouble spots (such as a few unplanned scoops of ice cream in front of the tube) and allow you to Celebrate when you help yourself to healthier fare. Eat Your Way Slim on Yahoo! Health

I was banded March 08 and I have lost less than you. It can be discouraging when you see some people losing 60-100 pounds in a year or less. When I did the math, I was losing almost a pound a week. That's not bad for someone who couldn't lose anything in a month. I know it's hard to stay motivated, but you have come this far and I know for me I never want to put those 35+ pounds back on. So it takes a little longer to lose weight, there are benefits to that too! I have been at the same weight for almost 2 months now and I just increased my exercise. I can see the difference in my body even though the scale hasn't moved. There is nothing wrong with being a slow loser at all. I definitely encourage you to speak with your doctor and get his thoughts. Mine encouraged me and made me feel better about the whole thing!! Best of luck to you!

You look fantastic! Thanks for the inspiration!

I’m not sure if this is the right section to post this, but here goes. I am a slow loser but seem to drop a few pounds at one time then the loss stops for a bit and a few weeks later I drop a few pounds. Something that I have noticed is when the scale isn’t moving my clothes fit differently…looser, and my skin might look a little strange. Like it doesn’t fit my body, if that makes sense. But then a few days later it is almost as if it molds better to my frame. Yesterday I noticed that my boots zipped all the way up and my sneakers were loose but the scale hasn’t moved since Christmas. Could it be in my head or has any one else experienced this?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

I've been reading Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. It says: Through forceful storytelling and wry insight, Levitt and Dubner show that economics is, at root, the study of incentives—how people get what they want, or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing. A very interesting read. I have also been reading Motley Crue: The Dirt, Confessions of the World's Most Notorius Rock Band. I can't put this book down, it's fantastic! I would not recommend it for anyone who is easily offended. But if you like rock and roll it's a must read and very well written. It will surprise you.

My doctor requires a food journal with 3 days prior to my appointment documented before a fill. It must include calories and protein. We review that along with my excercise log.

That makes perfect sense. I'd be frustrated as well. What a jerk for giving you a complete unfill. My doc has never done that for my tightness. I definitely suggest you seek out a new doctor or have a serious heart-to-heart withyour current doctor and remind him that you are paying for his services and expect to be treated with a little more courtesy and respect. After all, you are the patient and therfore know what your body (and your band) is telling you. Best of luck with your doctor. I know it's frustrating. I am sure once you get that fill you will be down in no time!

I too am a slow loser. My doctor’s first response is always what are you eating and are you working out. My problem is I’m sensitive to fills. The last 2 fills I’ve had to go back and get some removed. It’s crazy. My doctor’s thoughts were because I’m very short (4’ 10 ½”) that everything is just scrunched together for me. He also said because when I dieted normally I would lose slowly and that plays a part in my weight loss. He won’t give me another fill until I lose 15 pounds due to my sensitivity and this back and forth we play.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> If your doctor is unwilling to work together with you on your fills, I would suggest talking to other doctors. You need to have a doctor who at least understands your frustrations and can help you utilize the band . I agree you have to work at it as well with diet and exercise. I went to counseling to work on my mental issues with food. Can’t say I’m cured but it does help. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Best of luck to you!<o:p></o:p>

I've been banded since March 26, 2008 and have lost only 35 pounds. I complain to my surgeon every time and he reassures me that I'm doing fine. Everyone loses differently and he said the slower it comes off the less loose skin I will have. Congrats on the 51 pounds lost!! That's a significant amount in 6 months!!

Hi Patchelton! You have done fantastic!! How did you lose so much in 9 months? Since Dr. Singh is no longer with Averbach, do you travel to Columbia to see him? Congrats again!

I chose to have Lap Band surgery because diets weren't working and my weight kept going up. I was tired and sad because I wanted to be a more active mother and wife. I was banded in March, 2008 and all though I am a slow loser, the life-altering changes have been fantastic. Sometimes I am just amazed at how different I feel. I try not to let the number on the scale control me. I have dropped 3 pant sizes and 4 top sizes and I still can't believe how much smaller I am. I can actually walk up the hill at the college with ease and run on the treadmill without feeling like I'm dying. It's priceless to me. I think the best comment so far was from my 13 year old daughter. She was folding laundry and said Mom, look how small your jeans are. Imagine, my jeans small!! I credit the Lap Band for giving me my life back!!

Hi! I live outside of Hampstead and work in Westminster. I haven't met anyone in Carroll County that has been banded. Would love to chat and share support if you are interested.

What is your definition of restriction? I feel like I don't have much restriction because I'm still hungry. However, when I eat I feel like I get stuck quite often even if I feel I have been chewing things until they can no longer be chewed. Most of the time it's just an uncomfortable feeling, no PBing. But it hurts. I am wondering if I'm missing the signs of restriction and letting my head dictate what my hunger level is. Thoughts? How does restriction feel to you? Thanks!

I am in need of a new scale and want some input on which one is the best. I currently have a WW's digital one. And for some reason it weighs differently depending on the time and place. It's driving me a bit insane. I've had it for a few years so I thought before I freak out maybe I should invest in a new one. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Oneder Woman I want your scale. :eek: Thanks all for the input. I'm heading to get a new scale this weekend!!

It's easier to tell someone what to do when you aren't living it, but here are my 2 cents worth. I say go through with your surgery. You know you want to move on and you will need to be healthy for your children. Do not let them win, do it for yourself. You're strong, you can do it!! Hang in there.