at last

I am trying to tell the difference between esophageal spasms and too tight? It comes and goes and when it is happening it is even with liquids. Had .25 cc removed two weeks ago and no difference. Anyone experience this? I was banded 18 months ago have lost 120 pounds with really no complications until recently. Have figured out that the band does not like stress and closes right up. That is why I got the small unfull but not helping. Worried that it is something else.

I had wonderful insurance coverage, (Federal Employees Blue Cross) so my co pay was minimal. I think the whole deal was approximately $18,000. Hope this helps. I was prepared to pay out of pocket if I needed to because I figured it would be a cheap car and I was definitely more important than a car. Again, very greatful for the insurance coverage. Good Luck. Highest: 400+ Surgery: 276.5 Current: 181 Banded: 19 Oct 07

That is exactly what I did, thanks for the response

Me too, my cholestrol had gone up 20+ points with a 70# weight loss at the time it was taken. Don't know if it has gone down yet but will wait until my next annual exam (april 09) to see if it goes down. I suspect for me my ratio of meat to fruit and veggies is now reversed from what it was pre-band. Hope it reverses. My doctor did not seem worried. I am down 22# since it was taken in April so who knows. I am very excited, I just had total hip replacement 30 June 08 and my goal was to not gain weight during my convalescence and I have lost 7#!!! Hopefully once I can exercise again in another 5-6 weeks I can lose the 7.5 # needed to hit the 100# mark. I love the support from this forum. Banded 10-19-07 pre:276.5 Highest: 400+ Current: 184 GOAL: 134

I was banded 10-19-07 by Dr. Hunter. He was wonderful. Banded: 10-19-07 Highest: 400+ Day of surgery: 276.5 Current: 191

Hi, I live in Oak Harbor and was banded 10/19/07 and love my band! I would enjoy getting together with you but it will have to be in a few weeks. I have to have surgery on Monday 30 Jun and will be out of commission for a while. Let's keep in touch. I know there are several of us on Whidbey. Banded:10-19-2008 Highest: 400+ Day of Surgery: 276.5 Current: 191

It will get better. I too was banded in Oct and in the past month have had tons of hair fall out. It is normal and as long as we eat healthily and get the right amount of Protein it will come back. I have lost large amounts of weight in the past and experienced the same thing so I am not worried. Hang in there. Banded: 19 Oct 07 Highest: 400+ Surgery: 276.5 Current: 198 Onderland!!!!!

Should I get professional help? KareyQuilts, You are amazing and have great insight I believe. I know that if I am trying to fill a hole wheter it be with food or plastic surgery it will only get bigger and I will never fill it. So, I believe that I have to do the inside work so the outside work will be enough. Therapy to address everything you asked for feedback on would be the key, I believe. A professional that understands WLS/obesity is essential. You have grown and know so much, therapy would wrap it up for you then you could have whatever surgery you want for YOU and not to fill that black psyche hole. My thoughts are with you.

I am so proud of you for seeking therapy. I believe that it, like the band is one of the tools for success. It is essential for those of us that have underlying issues. Don't give up. It will happen if you continue to do the work.

I believe that my brain clicked in before my surgery and once I really realized the "chew" concept I had it down for sure. The exercise was already in place. I have done the professional dieting since age 3 so knew alot before the decision to band. Banded: 10-19-08 High: 400+ Surgery: 276.5 Current: 199.5 Goal: 135

Hi, I was banded 19 Oct 07 and to date have lost 77 pounds and am just thrilled!!! I exercise 5-6 times a week and feel great despite the need for a hip replacement. I have had 3 fills and one emergency unfill. I have an AP 10cc band with currently 5.5 cc's. I will have one cc replaced 7 May and hopefully that will get me back to where I was before the last fill. I learned that when you get close to your Sweet Spot a little fill goes a long way. It was a painful but learning experience and despite it I am still in love with my band. Currently no restriction so definitely looking forward the the fill in 2 days. I am so proud of all of us and really admire the work we all do on our personal quests to healthy living. Banded: 10-19-07 Highest: 400+ Surgery: 276.5 Current: 199.5 Goal: 135

Indigo Girl, Bra fat, back boobs.....the area I am most conscious of. It is getting better so I am very happy. The clothes thing is definitely a challenge. I have a whole closet of 12/14's that fit again but not for too much longer. I am struggling with the geometic prints of the 60/70's so hope by the time I move into 10's the styles will change. I too tend to dress more classic....styles that are sharp and not too trendy but no old lady either. My granddaughters were telling me the other day that we all needed matching outfits...pretty funny since they are 8 and 12. I have committed to be more than a lurker and writing more. Mary Banded: 10/19/07 Highest: 400+ Surgery: 276.5 Current: 199.5 (Onederland!) Goal: 135

Welcome Beach Bum, my thoughts are with you today as you get banded and start your journey to permanant weight loss!! I read a lot but rarely post but realize I need to do this more. Like most of us, I have been a professional dieter and can lose the wt but not keep it off. The band is a wonderful tool for me. I was banded 10/19/07 and have lost 78 lbs. I had a small set back last week and had to have an unfill(boy never want to do that again, not only painful but now without restriction until next week.) It was definitely a learning experience but I am still so pleased. Welcome again and know that there is lots of support on this forum. Mary Highest 400+ Surgery 276.5 current 199.5 (yeah! Onederland) Goal: 135

My doc recommended Benefiber. It is awesome. No taste, no thickening no grit. I put it in tea, crystal light and can't tell. And boy, did it make a difference!!!! I was not constipated but the other way and it fixed it. Top wt: 400+ Banded: 10/19/07: 276.5 Today: 200.5

Don't give up!!!! You can do it. Professional help may be the key for you. We all have issues to address and sometimes getting it out of our head is the best thing. Just DON"T give up.

Cookie Lover and BrandyK, I am doing just about the same thing and feel so blessed. What has amazed me is that even though I have worked very hard at eating slow, small bites since day one, having restriction for the first time has forced me to slow down even more!!!! Learning to recognize that first hint of being full has been a challenge. I just finished a half cup fo spicy veggies and chicken for lunch and was able to eat slow enough that I didn't get that uncomfortable throat feeling. I love my band and feel so free to actually experience full and KNOW it now (sometimes too late but still awesome!)

HI, I was banded 19 oct 07 and have been lurking on this site since then but now want to "speak". I realize to not share is selfish. I have learned so much from this site and another site and want to give back. I have lost 53 pounds as of today. I exercise 4-6 times a week...4-5 times a week at Curves and once a week "hot" yoga. I have had two fills and now have 6.5 cc's in a 10 cc AP band. I have restriction now and have to revisit the band eating guidelines. For the first time I know what slimming is and PB'd once. Don't ever want to do that again. My biggest challenge is that I am short waisted and have a lot of loose skin around my waist. When I am sitting now, even with loose clothing on, it puts enough pressure on my stomach that with this fill it only takes a few bites to get that throat pressure. If I stand up it is easier. I am definitely eating even slower than before and really paying attention to that first sensation of being full because if I don't I am miserable. Don't know if I might need a small unfill or not. I see my Doc 20 Feb 08. Thanks for all the support.