Looloo

Well, it is my doctor looking at an espohogram telling me that the stoma is stretched. . .so i kinda have to go with what she says, and I saw it for myself, and it does look bulg-ee.

Want to start a thread that has input from the "veterans." There are always a LOT of people new to the band, or just about to be banded on the site (and keep on keepin on), but I get the MOST out of people who are "living" with the band, you know, the novelty has worn off, they have tips and ways of doing things that you only know with time. . . Where are the stories?

tell me your story, as mine is a little soo big and being monitored. has anyone had to open their band all the way? or is their an alternative? thanks

Last time I went to Dr. Ren she told me that my stoma was a bit too stretched out- almost creating a little bulge on top of the band. We are going to monitor for a few monts, but one other patient's stoma stretched too much, and their band was opened ALL the way, resulting in the gain of 40 pounds. Has anyone had a stretcvhed stoma that went back to smaller size? ANY stories, advice would help. And no, I have not lost any additional weight in the last year (maybe 6 pounds). I have been banded for 2.5 years.

My nurse at Dr. Ren's office suspects that I have a leak at the port sight which slowly allows my band to open. It will be confirmed the next time I go back in after the holidays. I know this means surgery. Anyone have this experience? Please share. . . Lizzy

Would love to see an ongoing group food diary here, including things that were hard to get down, things that were easy, things that were 'refeunded" as it were. . .I'll go first, and I'm starting on a REALLY bad day! coffee with milk, one sugar double esspresso, one sugar 3/4 cup scrambled eggs 1 piece of bacon 1 slice of sausage (of a link) COKE! yes I know personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut, eaten in two parts 2 Halloween size butterfingers SO FAR, SOOOOOOOO BAD! This is why I need to do this, and I think if I know others will be watching, maybe I can get it together. Also getting a well-needed fill next week. Come on people. . .tell me WHAT ARE YOU EATING??

hey, search 'soda is a myth" and it will take you to the post wher I go off on this soda freak-out. In addition, yes, soda, diet, sugarfree or otherwise is not the BEST thing for one to drink, but weigh it against the other evils in the food world-- it aint so bad. let's get real people.

Just thought I would let everyone know that Dr. Christine Ren of NYC says the soda restriction is a big myth. It is (now this is according to her, y'all, okay? And she's had some learnin'!) NOT harmful to the band. If carbonation is harmful, then think of a lifetime of food cruising throught the port-- come on, it's totally illogical to think that bubbles are going to "stretch' the stoma or whatever it is that people are afraid of. I drink semi flat seltzer in small sips or with a little spash of juice (or vodka;)) occasionally and except for burping, have felt no side effects. Now, if I did drink soda on top of food- it's like a a plunger and you know what that means! My flattning trick-- pour a can of soda (and it works for beer, too--not a big fan of the brew, tho) into a tall glass directly upsidedown about a foot up from the glass/ It will release the gaz and create (after the foam settles) a really nice, semi-flat soda. Very satisfying. Heck, if the ice sits in a regular soda (you know I am talking diet soda, right?) for a spell, it usually will go down pretty easy. So, that's my side of the story!

Need to seek counseling, (I've been banded for almost two years now) but I'm checking to see if anyone on the board knows a good doctor who has dealt with WLS patients before. Prefer a psychiatrist, as I am currently on meds, but I'll take any suggestions.THANKS!

Lane Bryant size 14 petite stretch bootleg jeans-- AWESOME, especially if you are short, which I am as well (although I do buy the average, cause I like the draggy long pant look, I'm 5' 4 3/4"). This paticular jean style is "low waisted", but on me, it hits my waist. They are constantly having sales online, so check it out. And the cool thing is, 14 is the SMALLEST size they make in pants! This is the first time I've shopped in a store and had to find the smallest of ANYTHING! Good luck. These jeans are super fresh--I'm sure you'll LOVE them!

Hey Everybody, I've hit a wall-- started out at 260, down to about 200, and it has been almost a year of little or no weight loss. I had some trouble with a tight fill and had to be opened all the way up to let it heal, and also another meidcal issue that will remain private, but still maintained 200 and am healthy, now.. Finally found the 'sweet spot" fill, I think (meaning, I can drink more than a thimble size mouthful of water). . .but feel as if if I get any tighter it will be too tight, yet, not really losing. Okay, so I can get real about choices and exercise, and really how well I am WORKING THE BAND, etc. . .but I would like to hear from others who have hit a plateau, and then broke on through to the other side. What changes were made, etc. And if not that, I'd like to commiserate with Plateau People just to let off a little steam!! Lay it on me brothers and sisters, LL