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HI Cubs, I've been off for a few days (TOO MUCH WORK) but it sounds like you're getting good advice. You're in this for the long haul and the few pounds you'll possibly gain getting your levels back up will make a big difference in the long run. Like Brandy, I eat a lot of fish. My band has been so tight I'm barely off mushies this time around but I drink my protein shakes and chew my vitamins and try to get fish down, even if I have to chop it up fine and put it in soup. I tried salmon burgers with egg (more protein), a little soy sauce and green onion in it. I couldn't get it down but crumbled into split pea soup, it was yummy and very nutritious. I also TRY to drink a glass of lactose free milk every day as well for the vitamin D and the calcium. Take good care of yourself. The band sure is no panacea, is it?

Hi Colorado Girl- ONE of the days, I'm going to be able to say YES to sending 16/18. Not yet, but one of these days!

Okay....HELP.....hiccups all day. I think I accidentally gulped down too much Crystal Lite in one gulp and banged my diaphragm. Couldn't get it to stop until I used the teaspoon of sugar under the tongue cure...which worked. However, everytime I start to drink it again,the hiccups start again. More sugar. I know the teaspoon isn't much and I can't eat, but oh boy, it's not fun hiccupping like this. I'm going out to dinner tonight and I don't know what I'll do if it starts again. My shoulder hurts because I'm not eating enough today (sugar isn't very filling) and I hurt when I hiccup. Anyone ever have this? Can you imagine....almost a year and I'm still finding new things to bother me! LOL. Got to go get another teaspoon of sugar. Later...........

Hey NG- I take Protonix for Gerd- have for years. The surgeon thinks when I lose more I can go off, but who knows. However, I had the same "heartburn" pain a couple of times. When I'm getting the fill and I drink to see how it goes through- if it doesn't, it backs right up and burns. And, this fill was very, very tight. So much so that fluid has backed up a few times because I drank too much. Then I get the burn! It was bad a couple of times so I popped a Zantac - and it disappeared. So, it could be that you're backing up a bit? I simply cannot believe that it's almost a year. It stuns me how fast the year went. I feel like it was just a few months ago. Amazing. I REALLY wanted to hit 100 by my bandiversary, but I plateaued and ate badly for two months. Maybe I can get to 90, and believe me, I won't complain! You're doing an AMAZING job of it. Like you, I would like to lose a lot more. Other than my little mini-goals, my first goal is lose 100 (215); then my next goal is to lose 16 more to get me below 200. So, that's 30 more. After that, it would be great to keep going to get down another 35 and make it 150 off. But once I'm under 200, I can start to think of boob and belly fix. Hey, not only would my breasts come back above my belly button, but it's like 15-20 pounds for "free." LOL. Right now, though, it's a day at a time so I don't make myself nuts. Looking foward to celebrating together!

Hi All, Carol- how are you feeling? Brandy- Interesting about the bands. I know very little about them. I don't even know what type I have - I should ask. Hope everyone else is well and feeling good. I'm still hovering between 230.6 and 231.4. Drinking all I can and walking a bit. My new mini-goal is to leave the 30's behind and see 229 peek out at me. I really see the difference the changes have made. Far beyond the compliments- though I love those. THis is the WORST time of year for me - my biggest event for the year, and it always come the same time as the Passover holiday. STRESS, STRESS, and more stress. I work so late that most nights I end up eating take-out or just handfuls of pretzel and candy. And of course, I always know that the sugar makes the stress worse, but I could never get out of the pattern. THIS YEAR, more energy, more focus, not snapping at my husband out of stress...and sleeping! I don't eat much at all during hte day- my band doesn't like it- so I'm drinking water and protein drinks and soup. I have dinner and that's usually fish these days. I cannot tell you how great it is. Only down is that excercise is difficult, cause I'm pooped when I get home, but I'm trying to at least walk a couple of days. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT ONE BY ONE, WE'LL HIT OUR BANDAVERSARIES NEXT MONTH! I'm last- April 30th, which is the day of my event!

Wow, I'm gone for two days and so much has happened. Hi Mom! Glad you went, spoke up, had the scoping and got some answers. And happy to hear your daughter is feeling some restriction. Water all day is hard for me as well. I took the advise I got here and started taking a big jug of Crystal lite water to work and it sits right in front of me. That doesn't mean that I don't get so busy that I forget to drink, but most days I get my 8+ in, and that's when I lose the weight. If I don't drink, I don't lose. There are support groups on this form for both teens and twenties. Perhaps you might encourage your daughter to get involved with others going through not only the same band challenges, but others going through the emotional issues surrounding weight loss at a young age---not being able to eat what one's friends are eating, to suddenly looking like someone you've never been before, to the new attractiveness to boys, etc. This may be "healthier" group to chat with than on facebook! There's nothing like peer support...that's why the rest of us are here. We're bound because we started this together. But I also go on the over 50's group because there are body and weight loss issues that need the support of other women my age (like how far below my knees my boobs reach now!) I give you so much credit for jumping into this- you're a very involved parent and by coming to those who have been through the surgery, you really are getting the lowdown on the ins and outs. Now, you're daughter should get involved because as we've all said...bottom line, it's up to her. Continued good luck to you.

Hi everyone. Hope everybody is well and happy- you know what...we are so lucky to have been banded this past year. With all the bad news in the world right now....we have good stuff happening for us and we're all feeling better and our bodies can probably handle stress better too. Okay, so new wardrobes have to be purchased VEERRRYYY slowly, but they will be purchased! I'm still at work and am taking a break. This is my busiest time of the year. I have a big charity event I do end of April...in fact, it's on my "bandiversary". Today I saw 230 start to emerge. 230.6. I'll move to 85 when it's solid at 230 but I just keep pinching myself. Later,

Dear "MOM", Honestly, it sounds like this is either of two things and please don't be offended by my response: 1. Your daughter is eating- and it isn't hard to do that with a band. You didn't give her age (or I missed it) but if you're working this, it sounds like she's very young- and maybe not as invested in this as you are. Even with restriction, I can put away a pint of Haagan Daz ice cream in minutes. High caloric liquids are the bane of the band, as are crunchy things like potato chips and crackers. Been there and had to pull myself back before I put the weight back on. And as a secret eater, I can tell you someone can eat a heck of lot without anyone knowing. If that's what's happening, you have to get her therapy to understand this now. 2. You need another surgeon. Your circumstances just don't sound right. Just don't. Small people, big people; one brand of band or another.....it isn't making sense and it's not your fault....it's the doctor's (if it's the banding). Could be many things- are the fills done with a fluroscope so that you know the saline is actually going into the band? I've heard of this and this is only one example of what can be happening. You need to see the band, and see how the food goes through to know if its really restricted. Get a second opinion. Anyway, my two cents for what it's worth. This is too big a commitment and too much $ involved to be torturing yourself and blaming the band when your surgeon should be working hard to find out what's happening. Best of luck,

There I agree. I haven't had a lot of luck. I find that tuna or salmon salad stick sometimes. I have to be careful. I'm okay with veal but can't touch white meat chicken....just too dry. I can eat dark meat, but this is all when the band is a little softer- right now, with this tight fill, I can't get much down at all. I had a bad episode today with salmon salad- and I'd really pulverized it in the food processor. I irritated myself and now nothing but liquids will go down, and even that's not easy tonight. Happens. I know it will soften up in another week or so. I get scared to add foods. Quiet here this weekend, eh?

Dear LA38, Don't be hasty. The left shoulder pain after the surgery is very very common and will start to subside. Walking does help it a lot and so does heat. Some of us- and of course numbers are hard to determine and here you get the folks that HAVE the problem, not those who don't (like my brother in law) do have a problem with left shoulder pain. Mine went away for months and then reappeared and now it seems to be a balance of keeping a little food in my stomach to keep it at bay. With almost 85 gone, it's a small price. I do worry about the future....will I have this always...how will I stand it when I'm old...etc etc. But I'm not there yet, and it's very possible they'll figure this out. Most important is patients telling the doctors so that it becomes an challenge they feel they should overcome. What price beauty (and health)? Good luck with your band. Does the LA stand for Los Angeles? If so, me too.

You can complain to us anytime, Carol! HOWEVER, you're doing great and moving on so now you'll have lots of good news....do I sound just a tad Pollyanna-ish? LOL. But you can complain to me anytime...believe me I have mine also. I love mushies so I can never complain about that. Give me soup or mashed potatos with a little fish and I'm in heaven. NOT that I don't like all the bad foods (I mean, Haagen Daz is technically a mushie, right?), but I like soft foods so I'm easy. I made a big meat sauce and tonight my husband will have it over pasta, where I'll have it inside a baked potato. I don't miss much in general- I almost didn't band because I'd have to likely give up Sushi, but I haven't even missed it. So, you don't know until you do it. My only problem is when I'm at an event, or a synagogue meal, or something like that, when there's nothing that will go down. I try to work around it, but that's my biggest frustration. Anyone else on the boards today? Is everyone out gardening with the onset of Spring?

Fantastic! Banded again! And you didn't pass out... another fantastic for you. I'm so happy for you. When I just came on (I had a little more time so I came back) I accidentally went to the first post on the thread- your's Carol. You were being banded on April 10th -it was so cool reading it and thinking about your journey and everyone's to get to today. I know what you mean about the fluroscope! I love it too. It's fun to watch and diverts me from what's happening with the needle. After all the anxiety and waiting, you may have been a bit over-anxious, hence the nausea etc. And you're fine now, right? Great good news and now the numbers are gonna fly as well. YAY.

Brandy it's amazing transformation. Amazing.

WOO HOO. Down one more. This last fill has made a big difference. So has being back here. Thank you all for your companionship and sisterhood! I'm going into the Sabbath so I'm not back until late Saturday or on Sunday. Hope everyone's doing well.

Hi. I would like to understand this better. I only know the one reason for the shoulder pain- the pressure against the diaphragm. In what way is your lapband "revised" and what about the revision corrects the shoulder pain? Curious minds want to know. Thanks

I wish you luck with having it disappear. Most people who get it (not everyone does), tend to have it now and then. I think what your doctor said (or agreed to) mirrors what everyone else says as well. I doubt everyone's surgeon is "bullshitting" them! It's caused by pressure on the diaphragm. But what seems to differ is the trigger. Some get it only on empty (mine), others when too full, and some either exteme. It's a matter of knowing your own body and how to control the triggers. Again, good luck.

Hi All, Been using a new drink I found at the supermarket. Called "LEAN BODY" it's in Choc or Vanilla Ice Cream and is 17oz container- 260 calories for the container. 40 grams of protein. It's sooooo delicious. I used to like Atkins but the new formula is not as good. This is very creamy. I sit it on and off during the day because I am one of those people who can't get food down in the AM. Carol, it's good to see you getting your fill. You've really been a champ. Brandy, you're absolutely correct. This is a wonderful, accepting place and I'm really trying to keep up now. I'm so sorry I stopped coming by for a while. See ya tomorrow! Night all. I agree with Brandy...it's good to

Oh boy. Exercise. Hard to believe that in my 20s and 30s I was a gym and dance rat. Living back in NY I walked everywhere. Now in LA, I work longer hours, do more chores (got married) and have become lazier. Need to work on that one. I saw a 2 sneak in my number today- 232.4, but I'm waiting a day or two to see if I can get it to 230 and then I'll post it. Tonight I thought I could go from sole or roughy with mashed potato to trout and sweet potato, but obviously not easily. I've got a piece stuck and I really don't want to bring it up. So, it will eventually go down. I guess I'll put the rest away and try again later. I was hungry but now I'm not. I actually could have gone the entire day without eating today...it was busy at work. But my SPECIAL alarm went off at 1PM- the left shoulder pain I get if I'm on empty. Okay, I feel so sad about Natasha Richardson dying. She's always been one of my favorite actresses.

Depends on which type of matzah ball maker you are. If you're the chewy type, it could be a problem. But unfortunately, I've had no problem getting down the light, fluffy ones....just mash them a bit inthe soup.

I know we all but in here, Darla, so I'm going to do part to continue in that tradition- LOL. I don't think you're eating enough calories. With the exercise added, your body may be in "survival mode" and is conserving fat. Now, that doesn't mean that you should eat alot of ice cream, but maybe adding some liquid protein for some calories if you can't eat more. And I would talk to your doctor or nutritionist about it. A healthy is about 1200. I'm at about 900-950 just off the fill and I know it will go up a little. I like 900-1100 for me. That plus the water and I lose. Don't know your system but any doctor or nutritionist will tell you you're body needs more calories for healthy functioning if nothing else. Let us know what you find out.

CUBS GIRL: that is FABULOUS FABULOUS FABULOUS!! I hope you'll stick around even though you're at goal. I'm setting mini-goals instead, as I don't really know what this old body will be capable of doing. Thank you for talking about what worked for you. I've never counted calories before being banded, but now I almost enjoy it. I use myfooddiary.com. Even though it's not free, I like it and am comfortable so I'm staying there. I've got some of my recipes in and also lots of foods I use that I've entered into the system. What's good about calorie counting is that one eventually gets an idea of what a portion is- what will be added or subtracted. And its a good lesson on choices. I think many of us never made a choice. Never said "mashed potato with dinner, or a dessert later". We ate both. I feel a strong sense of satisfaction when I accomplish the goals for the day. WATER- so important. If you don't drink a lot of fluids, no weight loss. CAROL- glad you're feeling better and better and I've been wondering about Leslie too. I dropped out for a few months and came back so maybe she will too! I hope she's doing well. BRANDY- I feel the same way, but my problem is that if I streaked around town, my boobs would be trailing so bad that they'd get home a while after I did! As you can see everyone, being in LA means I get caught up after most of you have retired for the evening! I'll be home tomorrow, so I'll check in earlier. Night now!

Where did you buy that wonderful scale? Yes, I'm a few messages behind. I'm in bliss right now....can't eat much and can go hours without thinking of food. Hope this lasts. I was 240 at the doctor's last week and 238.5 at home. Now I'm 233. Nothing like a few days of liquid. My only issue is that when I'm on empty, I start to get the shoulder pain. Even if I get a tablespoon of food in...it goes away. And thanks for the update on Protein....I didn't know that. So today I drank too much at a time....I'll watch it now. My husband's been away for a week- coming home tonight. It's been so easy to eat without worrying about what to make him - I'm happy with fish almost every night. When I was first banded I made separate food and I think I'm going back to that for a bit longer. But boy....do I miss him.

Dear DRH, It is harder to lose the closer one is to "goal." So, maybe there's something there. And a 8 oz of meat is a lot more calories than 8 of fish.So there are so many variables. Best talk to your doctor about it. When I went to the surgeon last week, he warned me that at this point I many only lose 3-4 a month and I have a lot more fat on me than you do. You need to ask about it. You don't want to start getting frustrated. And you have lost a substantial amount of weight. Don't lose sight of what you've accomplished.

NurseMelly, Just spoke to my surgeon about it and there's not much to do. I haven't heard of anyone getting it after the first fill.....it's very common to start right after surgery but perhaps you've been eating enough to not get it. It's usually associated with gas that fills up the stomach and it then pushes on a nerve. Some people have it when they're too full, same reason. Pushing against some nerve that's affected once you're banded. I had it today because I was out and didn't eat/drink enough. The minute I hit the house I grabbed a tablespoon of hummus and that's all I needed for it to stop. I just can't be on "empty". Best to do is small meals and if you're back on mushies it's the same. Several times a day. ANd hot liquids. Good luck

Carol, I've loved your ticker for so long and finally had a few minutes (I'm home today) and uploaded it - I love seeing the weight loss in BIG NUMBERS- LOL. Thanks for the idea.