gentlespirit

I haven't been here for awhile and didn't realize all that you were going through, Crystal. You're in my prayers...hope you're feeling better! Emily

Sounds like kind of a weird place to have a port, from what I've heard...and your doc sounds like a real jerk. There's no excuse for not taking time to explain a procedure to a patient the first time they are having it (except in an emergency, of course!). My surgeon does my fills and is very matter of fact about it but did take time to explain the first time. If there is anyone else to go to for fills, I'd sure do it! And I agree that not picking up a 2-year old is not an option. Sometimes you just have to. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. Emily

I"m battling the night time head hunger thing, too...habits are powerful things. But NJ Chick is right...even if I give in, the band makes me stop way before I would have before banding...and that's a good thing. Just a couple of times in the last 8 months have I missed not being able to sit down to a big plate of spaghetti or something...but it's only for a couple of minutes and then I remember how great it is to have to put another outfit in the "too big" pile, and I'm thankful again for my band. I also agree that many of us go through a phase of mourning for our "friend", but knowing that's normal helps. Good luck on your journey! Emily

I'm not a newbie...was banded Jan. 24, 2006, but your pot was valuable for me, too. We all need to be reminded that it's not just about the scale. I am losing pounds very slowly but I'm finding that some of my clothes are now too large (LOVE that!!) even tho the scale isn't moving much. And I can feel my collarbone even though it isn't very prominent yet!! We all get frustrated with ourselves when we make wrong choices, but what we do one or two days isn't what makes the difference...it's the long haul. As long as we make good choices most of the time, we'll do fine. Thanks again for your words of wisdom! Emily

I chose the band because I have seen too many people who had major complications the gastric bypass. For me it was the band or just give up, and I knew I couldn't give up. The possible complications from the band were just more in line with what I was willing to accept. It's a very personal decision for every one of us. Keep researching and reading here until you are very sure which surgery is right for you. Best of luck~ Emily

I'm in sort of the same situation...the first 30 pounds just dropped off and then I stayed at the same weight for quite awhile. I feel I have decent restriction and am able to eat about a cup at a meal. Have had a few sliming episodes since my last fill so am not really sure I want another fill just yet. I have started eating oatmeal with craisins, cinnamon, and a few nuts for Breakfast and eating more garden veggies and am starting to s ee the scale move again. I'm worried about getting in the Protein, though. I don't eat much meat...usually only chicken or turkey. Those two things, along with tofu, refried Beans, and Atkins Protein shakes are my protein sources. Oh, and lots of cottage cheese, which I love. I'd been getting pretty discouraged but am now feeling a little more optimistic agin. Emily

Congratulations, Mandy!!! That's a phenomenal NSV! I hope to see that lady someday, too! Emily

She's so beautiful! Enjoy her! Emily

Good for you that you found someone else to do it and won't let him! I would have made him stop after the third time, too. But hopefully now the NP will do much better and you'll be happier. I think NPs are great...I have one as my PCP and feel that they listen better and take more time with you. Emily

Absolutely! Will watch for her address. Emily

I don't have any advice that others haven't already given, so I'm just sending a hug. At some point down the road, you might consider hospice, which is a great program. The criteria are different in different places, but basically when a doc says someone is terminally ill hospice programs will accept the patient. That program gives you access to volunteers who can stay with the patient for a couple of hours to give you some breathing room as well as to home health aides and nurses. It may not be time for that now, but keep it in mind for the future. Emily

It seems to me that a lot of right-wing Christianity is just like the Taliban only dressed up a little to be more "respectable". And I am a Christian...I think we need to be very careful about forcing others to accept our interpretations. Just MHO... Emily

Definitely call your doctor...this doesn't sound right at all. Sounds like an allergic reation to me. Emily

Sounds good...I'm going to try it for dinner. Thanks. Emily

I really relied on refried Beans, salsa, and a little cheese. I also did noodleless lasagna like Barbara mentioned. Both were really filling and kept me "full" for a long time. Emily

Yeah, I do occasionally. I'm 7 months out and had low-carb Pasta last night (a whole 3/4 cup!) and just wanted my big full plate of it like I used to eat...it's totally psychological, I know, because the 3/4 cup filled me physically. But I'm glad I have my band because I don't have the option of just quitting and going back to my old ways. I sometimes get annoyed with having to consider every time I eat whether I want to use up my small capacity on this or that food or whether I need to make a better choice. But overall, I'm still thrilled I have my band...I know it's hard, but we can do this. Hang in there! Emily

Congratulations!!! I'm so glad for you and a little bit envious, too...I'm 7 months out and have lost 40 pounds. Way to go!!! Emily

Vera~ Way to go, girl...you look amazing!! Congratulations, and thanks for reminding me why I'm doing this! Emily

Donna~ I've read this thread with interest...I applaud your willingness to consider adoption. My children are the most wonderful, frustrating, fulfilling part of my life, and I wouldn't give them up for the world. I was a single mother from the time they were 12 & 14 on, which is really hard, but they are also what got me through the tough times. I think you're being very wise to try to get the pros and cons from people with experience! I wish you wisdom and guidance from the Lord as you make this decision and peace with whatever that decision is. Emily

I went in to my gyn yesterday for my annual (more like 16 months!) pap and exam, and he was SO pleased for me that I'm losing. He's a sweetie, although he did get a funny look on his face when he was palpating my abdomen and felt this lump! I said, "Are you feeling my port?" and then he laughed and said he didn't realize the port was so close to the surface...he thought they put it deeper. He's been so supportive and was thrilled with my almost 40 pounds gone. We have the right to shop for doctors just like we shop for other things...it's an important relationship and we deserve one who will be positive about our efforts and not critical. Emily

I take Wellbutrin XL but I take it as 2 150 mg pills. I take them at the same time but they are smaller than the 300 mg. pill. I also take Lexapro. I know that many times a single antidepressant won't work and they find a combination that will work. Everyone is so different, and sometimes it takes a while to find the right med or combination of meds. Give it a month or so and then see if you're feeling better. If not, go back and ask the doc to try something else or combine it with another med...there's nothing that's right for everyone. I hope you find something that works for you...I feel like I got myself back with this combination. Emily

I also think of my Viactiv calcium (chocolate mint) and my Viactive multivitamin (chocolate cherry) as treats, and they do help with the times you just HAVE to have something chocolate. Emily

What a great story! We don't have to take crap from anyone, and I'm proud of you that you stood up for yourself! And congratulations on the better endurance!! I want to go to Italy when I can enjoy the walking...it'll be awhile, but I"m working on it. Emily

I stopped in at my bank to get into my safe deposit box, and the woman who helped me hadn't seen me for awhile. She mentioned that I had lost some weight and that it was really noticeable. I thanked her and she asked what I was doingto lose, and I told her about the band. It feels WONDERFUL to have someone notice, and really reaffirms my commitment to follow the rules. I don't think it's petty, and I plan to enjoy every compliment to the max! Congratulations!!! Emily

I tried to use my card at Old Country Buffet and was told that they don't honor them because people who haven't had WLS duplicate them and use them. Don't know if that's true or not, but the cashier said her mom had a band and she was told the same thing. I just don't go there anymore because I can't afford to pay almost $10 for a cup of food. But we are getting an Olive Garden, so I'm glad to hear they will do a discount. Emily