SherryW

Hello Singininthe rain - I have HPHC and I went to Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center (BIDMC) for my surgery with Dr. Jones. I highly recommend BI's Bariatric Center. The nutrionists, docs and surgeons have all been terrific and they really work with you and the insurance to get things approved. Good luck!

Hi Liz, The best one to explain anything with your surgery and any complications would be your own physician so ask him the questions for sure! I can tell you that my port is slightly tilted right now mainly because of the weightloss. Ports do flip for some people...if you felt a little pain there is a chance you moved yours. Depends on how far out you are from surgery, how well it was sewn into place...how hard did you do something to cause the pain you had etc. So sounds to me like your doc is doing the right thing by getting it xrayed for you, IMHO. From my understanding people who ended up with a totally flipped port were able to have it corrected in the office too. Good luck!

Shellhisto...I guess I'm not understanding your question. Hardness in the belly? If you mean your tummy is still sticking out well...everyone loses different and for some the losing of weight seems to show faster in some areas versus the others and unfortunately the stomach is usually one of the last places for weightloss to show for most people, myself included.

KayKay...although they told you 30 days are you sure that didn't mean 30 business days? Which for us would be more like 6 weeks not 4 weeks. If it's business days then you're still within their 30 day window. Maybe you want to ask that question of your BCBS rep just to be sure and ease your mind. Also...my surgeon's office actually helped me with that whole process...I called them and they called the insurance carrier when it was past the timeframe we were given that things would be approved. Turned out that for some reason my insurance carrier had me down as a different race than what I am so it threw their test results off somehow? Who knows how but it did and when the docs office corrected them, then my tests were fine and I was approved. Anyway...definately check on if that 30 days meant business day...it usually does.

Ezma..sounds like you found some great finds! Anything to help us along is always nice. Congrats and thanks for sharing!

Good morning alsorl, Yeap you apparently have missed them because there should be loads of threads with that same hairloss question. Naturally everyone is different but, quite a few bandsters do suffer from hairloss. It usually starts around 3 months out from surgery because we're all getting used to eating differently and trying to get enough Protein in our diets. Definately follow the nutrional information your doctor gives you and when and how much you should eat. Protein is very important not only for weightloss but, hairloss can occur if you don't eat enough of it. Some of us still lose some hair even with the right amount of protein mainly from the big change in eating but, it can be cut down to minimal loss if you keep the Proteins at the level they are suppose to be. Do a search of the website for hairloss and I'm sure you'll find more info. Good luck!

Hey Georgia Girl....sounds like a great idea. The yogurt didn't get too crystally doing that? If not that might just be a great thing for me to try especially with summer coming. I don't really care for alot of the frozen yogurts out there, I find them too sweet but, I do enjoy regular yogurt so if it make is just thicker I might just have to try that :w00t: Thanks!

Hello Devotion and welcome! This is a great place for information and support so you're already off to a good start! I wish you the best with your surgery and for a speedy recovery!

ozscot - sounds like you're at the perfect fill right now for you. That's always great! A fill isn't a science that's for sure since every patient is different with different needs as fills go. I've been there myself....A FEW TIMES...on the overfilled part. It stinks having to go back for the slight unfill but, it's worth it. For some people, like myself, you don't get the full effect of the fill in the office, it comes a day or two later. I've been to the point where I couldn't swallow my own saliva and that's scarey! Anyway good for you to let your doc know you were having an issue and for getting it taken care of. Good luck with your band and have a great weekend!

You're rigth it is a good idea for ANY surgery or visit especially sick visits. Thanks for the info.

kblades, Welcome and I wish you the best with your band. It's still just a tool, you're going to have to do the work to keep losing once it's in place but, I was like you. I tried so many diets and did well the first 3 weeks...then the 4th I'd hit a plateau and if I was "good" I tried another week...if there was still no loss I'd give up and end up gaining anything I lost back plus some. My thoughts for myself with the band was...I always did good when I started a diet only to lose that momentum after 3-4 weeks and gain it back...with the band, there is no going back to that eating again so it will keep me motivated to keep going, to break that plateau. It's definately helped me..I'm far from a perfect bandster but, I'm happy I did it and never regretted it. So keep the positive mindset that it's a tool, it's going to help you make better choices and eat less even if you did make a not so good choice :w00t: Take any bad days and put them in the past and move on to the next day trying to make it better and you'll do just fine. Good luck with surgery.....we're here to support you!

Diane...you're far far from a failure and you haven't failed your band. We all hit plateaus...we've all played with a certain amount of pounds...it is tough NO DOUBT and you know what? I'm two years out and still struggle. I just got a fill Wednesday myself. I can tell you that prior to this fill, 5 months ago I went in to the doc to possibly get a fill after that long bought of reflux and having my band unfilled by 1/2 the total amount in it..my God that had my band wide open. Anyway...When I went in after that bought and got weighed in October I had weighed EXACTLY what I did a year prior. Not one month Diane...but 12 MONTHS of no weightloss. I'm telling you it was EXACTLY the same as it was the year before. A year wasted with my band is what I was thinking but, at the same time....my good friends here and Christine told reminded me...I didn't gain. Sure I actually had and played with a certain amount of pounds up, down, up down, up..and apparently it was the up part that stayed to keep me at the same weight..so I got that fill after much fear of the reflux coming back. Well he did the fill, I went home and BINGO back to his office the next day because I couldn't swallow my own spit! UGH. Initially I lost 15 pounds and I was finally under 200. I was so excited. Slowly but surely I'm went back up 11 pounds...lost 15, then gained back 11 as my band loosened and stress at work got worse. (Stress just sucks for our banded life let me tell ya.) So back up to 208 for me and that was gradual too first lost the under 200 goal I had for myself...slowly up to 204 then 206, then 204, then 206 and finally at 208 just before having to go to the doc. UGH. I was kicking myself pretty hard that day. Turns out on his paper looks like I didn't lose at all since the last fill. Anyway....I was determined to get another fill EVEN IF it caused me to get reflux again I just have to try. I know I haven't been good to myself or been true to the band rules and I need to kick it in gear. I am suffering with reflux right now...so I'm trying natural remedies to see if I can just get through the first 10 pounds to see if that will help ease up the tightness. I guess a new determination has kicked in...but, I can't say I'm perfect that's for sure. Have I exercised...nope....should I of course! I haven't really been able to eat much the first 3 days because it's suppose to be all liquids and today is mushy day 1. Since Wed I had lost 4 but, naturally my scale is up a pound today so I've lost 3...got 6 more to lose before I'm back under 200 again......but, one day at a time. I can't keep knocking myself (we are our own worse bully you know!) I just have to try. One day at a time, one meal at a time.....especially one forkfull at a time. You can do this Diane, you really can. A fill is scarey my friend...it really can be when you've had trouble before but, take small steps. How about eating more fiberous foods or something that takes longer to digest to help fill you up first? I know BELIEVE ME, easier said than done...because Me...my downfall is Ice cream, chips, any crunch salty snack and figures...they go down no trouble. It's all a head game really and that sucks because thats the hardest hunger to put off. Can you get a slight fill with your doc? Tell him/her listen last time I couldn't swallow...so instead of putting the 1/2 back in....give me .10 or .25cc only. It won't make a big change but, enough to get you going in the right direction again and see how it goes? I do wish you the best with your battle...I know all too well how that goes. At least you're recognizing it while it's 1 month along hon......do something about it for YOU before it turns into a year because I know all too well how quickly that year snuck up on me. You really can do this and you've done so well. Figure this...It took us a lifetime to get where we were prior to surgery right....so should we really expect to be at our goals in less than a 1/4 of that time? AS my nutrionist told me as I was apologizing and beating myself up....this isn't a race....the tell us upfront 2 years is average for most people to be able to lose 50% of their excess weight and some people don't lose all that..some lose more up to 70% and a rare few actually loose all the excess weight. As she says...it's a tool and where would you be today if you hadn't made that choice for yourself. I can tell you Diane...for me I would be well over 300 pounds by now and that scares the chit out of me and makes me realize that yeah I may of had a year of not loss but, at least I didn't get bigger! Love ya!

Welcome to Lapbandtalk...poke around, do some searches lots of information and support here for you. Wish you the best with your recovery and start of your banded journey.

Hi Ann, Alot of folks are tight during the mornings. I know I usally can't eat breakfast until 10am and I get up at 5am every day. I have to go slow and chew well and only certain foods will work in the morning. I'm usually ok for the rest of the day. You don't say when you can usually start to get food down in the AM or early PM etc so I'm assuming you mean you usually can't eat until supper? That may be wrong but, limited information here. If that's the case.....in my own opinion I wouldn't want another fill because in order to keep your metabolism going ok...you need to eat at least a little something in the AM hours. Also....if you're feeling you can eat more at night...maybe you need to adjust some of the things you eat to something more fiberous or takes longer to digest. I know there are times i've been able to eat quite a bit...even though I know I shouldn't I know I could. It's definately a mind game.....head hunger is what they call it. So are you REALLY hungry or is it head hunger where you tummy isn't really hungry but, because you can fit more...your brain is telling you you are hungry? I know for me...it was head hunger and that's one of the hardest things to fight. I wish you the best with your issue...don't forget there is no harm in asking your doc what he/she recommends. That's what they are there for :w00t: I know I just talked to mine and I ended up with a fill after 5 months of no weight loss after my last fill. I wish you the best with your decision.

Bike is finally registered and street legal...geesh I went through heck for this. Had so much running around to do Thursday went to registry first and got rejected. The woman claimed I needed the odometer reading to be on the bottom of the title or on a separate claimer page. I don't get it considering its a brand new bike..the dealer wrote 3 miles in the section that is handing me over the bike on the title. There were no previous owners...just the dealer yet the registry says this. So I called my insurance, she called the main branch in Boston and the main guy of the registry said absolutely not needed and to have them call him if they give me a hassle again. WEll my son had to go for placement testing for college so I brought him there and hit the registry in that area. I was just about done with the process, the plate was in front of me and the final part of plugging it into the computer almost done..and she says...oh I do need the odometer disclosure. Ummm it's right there the bike is brand new the dealer put 3 miles. She said but we need this part filled out...I told her no way no how I'm going all the way to NH and then told her the guy's name in Boston and what he said. She said ohhhh Bob...ok never mind just sign and print your name here and I"ll mark that he said it was ok. Yeap whatever will get my bike on the road lady! So it's now on the road but, I'm nervous lol. I did go up and down my street today about 8 times...did a uturn in the street...yikes that was nerve wracking but, I did it. Came a little close to one mailbox but, by close I mean 3 feet so really not bad but, still made me nervous. Hubby says it's not all that often you gotta make a turn like that and he said I did really well. I still have to get used to my bike, I know that and I know once I do I'll feel better about longer rides. I told DH not to push me that I need to go at my own pace...but honestly without a little pushing from him I probably would still be looking at the bike and not have been on her lol. I love it! It's really a good size for me....but you can still get killed out there so i need to know I'm comfortable prior to taking a trip with it. I did buy a few things for it today though...some really cool vinyl stickers that look like chrome. I put the roses on the sides and I found a guardian angel one I put on my tank. I feel better knowing my angels are with me when I'm riding. Lord knows I asked them to please be with me today while I took her out for the first time on the street. I have to say it is fun :thumbup: Now I need a windshield for it....it's warm here but, burr it was cold with that wind going by me hahaha I've been on vacation all week and we've had the best weather here in Massachusetts. It's been perfect all week. I did manage to clean my livingroom including dusting and cleaned out my kitchen cabinets. Amazing how much food is in there from ummmm way too long ago. Needless to say my trashman wasn't pleased with the lifting he had to do this week hahaha. All cleaned now I was hoping to hit a few closets but, I didn't make it. Not with the running around I needed to do plus I didn't sleep well the other night because of the reflux. Took a course last night on how to give Nurses CEUs when they take a Reiki Course. Lots of laws and rules you need to follow but, I think we'll be able to offer those to them now so that's great. The teacher was great too...lots of humor so it kept us going even though it was late at night. How is everyone doing? Seems our threads have really gotten alot smaller aye? I can understand it though...we're all so dang busy that's for sure. I know I am...and brain dead after being on a computer all day. I've been here posting this week because I haven't had to be on the computer all week. I have to say I feel pretty rested....the problem is I have to go back on Monday UGH. I like it once I'm there but, prior to....oh I dread it lol Well I have to run to the grocery store and finish up the laundry. I hope you're all doing well and shrinking. One thing I can say about the liquid stage after a fill....I lost 4 pounds in 2 days so that's at least one good thing! LOVE YA

Yea my hubby suggested a scooter too but, I really wanted the look and feel of a motorcycle but really wanted an automatic. Well the Honda DN1 looks awesome but, it's not here yet and a Ridley is way out of my price range. I figured this was a great starter bike to see if I really enjoy riding on my own or not. MyKidsDad - I've tried Pepcid OTC, Pepto Bismol, Tums, Rolaids and a prescription Pepcid with no luck so far :rolleyes2: Might have to try this tagament. Can she take the pill with no trouble? That's another worry...some meds we can't take whole like that. Whosyadaddy - I got it brand new for $3250 in NH. I think most dealers sell it for that price. I don't know where you're located but, you can go to the website and find a dealer near you. I just got mine registered and insured today so hopefully the weather will hold out so I can try it out tomorrow :cry_smile:

Babs I'm with you...I've tried prescription Pepcid (I believe that's what it is who can tell with the dang generic name but, if I'm remembering right that's what my PCP told me), Tums, Pepto Bismol, Rolaids, OTC pepcid....Heck today I even tried what I've been reading...Apple Cider Vinegar in water with a little baking soda. Reasoning for the ACV? Well they claim that it's not always over production of acid but, under production which causes the food in your stomach not to digest enough so when you lay down you end up with sour stomach...food coming back up your esphogus. Well.....when I really think of it especially for today....I've eaten nothing solid AT ALL today because the fill kicked in and my stomach I believe is swollen. I can't do solids, mushies and can barely do liquids today. I can only take small sips. So it's definately not because something is stuck in my stomach. It's 11pm and I just fell asleep on the couch, sitting up and got woken up by the rush of acidy fluid in my mouth. It burned and was very uncomfy. Well dang nabbit I haven't had anything to eat and I'm sitting up what more can I do? It's definately when my esphogus relaxes just before sleep or as I'm falling asleep that the rush starts. I'm going to keep trying for a few more days to see if I can find something natural to fix this...if not looks like yet another visit to the doc for a slight unfill. I can't go without sleeping for too long that's for sure. Last night I got 4 hours tops....not sure what will happen tonight but, I"m not off to a good start. So If you find any cures or remedies please share as well :rolleyes2:

Thanks Randy! I was able to pick it up yesterday after my Band Doc visit. I'm really happy with it and drove it around my yard yesterday. Going to get it insured and registered today. Went to my band doc yesterday and got a fill. I'm now close to 2cc and yeap I was up really late (1am) because I tried to sleep but the reflux is back and now I'm up early (5:20am) because it woke me up again even through I tried to sleep in the lazyboy recliner :redface: . I need to find a solution to this reflux because the med my doc gave me isn't working. Going to have to call her today to see if she'll prescribe something else to try UGH. This prilosec prescription didn't work the last time I tried it and I ended up with almost a complete unfill. I need this fill to help me in the right direction but, I'm praying the lack of sleep doesn't continue. Anyone have suggestions on how they get ride of their reflux/sour stomach?

Mandy glad to hear it went well. Kat your daughter is in my prayers. Hello everyone....just got a fill today and it's 12:07am and I already have heartburn :redface: Grrr this reflux/sour stomach thing put me over the edge before and I'm trying to keep an open mind...thinking...if I lose 10 pounds it may go away but, man the first night and cripe I'm on liquids! I actually posted a thread in the complications area just to see if anyone has a natural remedy for sour stomach/acid reflux. I've poked around the last hour trying to find a natural remedy online. Cripe it seems I've found something then BINGO they want $34.95 for the answer grrrrr. I poked and read drinking 1 Tblsp of Apple cider vinegar with 8 oz of Water 2-3 times a day will do it. Ewww not sure how that will taste..then another said add Baking Soda to that concoction. I also read eating a slice of apple before bed...and another was grating a grapefruit peel, let it dry, store it in a baggy and when you feel sour stomach eat a little of it. Another was cinnamon and corrander? I'm at a loss...I might have to try all of them to see if one works but, right now I'm on stinking liquids as it is. So if any of you have a home remedies book at home can you look it up for me? I'd greatly appreciate it. Oh Picked up my bike today too :rant: She's a beauty. I was so nervous though...just getting used to the thought that I even have a motorcycle lol. I've had my license for two years but, never really drove on my own other than the classes and test on a very small bike. This bike by most standards is small but, to me it's big. I ended up driving around my yard.....started to get used to it but, need some more practice before I hit the road that's for sure. I actually wore tracks into the grass. I'm sure the neighbors were thrilled but, hell it's my yard lol. DH wanted me to get on the bike today but, it took me a while and I told him I'm going at my own pace not his lol. He understood but, naturally encouraged me until I was on it and drove it around a few times. He's all excited that his wife has a bike it's funny. Well it's now 12:15pm...suppose I should try yet again to sleep. I'm nervous though :hurt: Anyone know why we don't get notification when someone posts now? Are you all getting them because I"m not. Not for one single thread I belong to Sweet dreams ya'll

Here is a picture of the bike I got

Hey Everyone...DH had been doing alot of riding here in New England lately. We've been very lucky with the warmer weather. We went out on the bike over the weekend and it was great. Well yesterday I finally got myself a ride...now it's probably a wimpy bike to most of you shifting gurus but, I get so dang nervous trying to shift, clutch, break, balance, watch traffic all at the same time....newbie rider I guess huh? Anyway...I've been eyeing the QLink Legacy for a while and finally did it. It's an automatic and I'm so excited. I've been wanting to ride on my own. The dealer said alot of new riders like them so they can concentrate on the road and traffic and get used to how a motorcycle feels...then they move onto bigger bikes. Me...I'm thinking this will be great to putter around town with, simple chores that I need to get done and if it comes to longer and/or highway rides well I'd be hopping on my DH's bike anyway.....just so comfy and spoiled sitting on the back of the Midnight Venture...speakers playing yeap. Anyway....just had to share my news...I'll post a picture when I get it. I read here all the time how much fun everyone is having and I hope to be joining you:) Here is a link to the bike...I got the black one ::QLINK MOTOR:: hee hee get to pick it up this week.

Quasi..I've gone through a few fills and slight unfills myself. I think my doctor thought I was nuts. I'd be ok the day of the fill and then that night or next day it would start. Tried to stick to liquids as instructed for 2 days so tried Protein drinks...too thick...switched to carnation instant Breakfast....no go...water no go and I ended up taking a 40 min trip back to the doc with a bowl in hand spitting up my own saliva. It's scarey really. So I also ended up with acid reflux issues....we ended up taking more than 1/2 of the Fluid in my band out and let my system settle down. A year later I weight the same as I did the year before so time for another fill. Went in, got it, drank Water no problem...next day back again for slight unfill. He said if you lose 10 pounds this will go away but, ya know I don't want to lose it because I'm unable to drink at least water! so a slight slight unfill and it worked. Now....6 months later....I'm hungry in between meals and feel I'm eating too much. I so want a fill to help with the hunger and getting back on track but, scared to death about reflux coming back. It's a toss up for me right now....I go in on Wed so we'll see how things go. Good luck with your slight unfill...I wish you the best!

Hmmm no clue what the heck is going on I've been gone so long. Cripe! I must be the only person that doesn't get an email when someone posts something new..even though I put this thread on "instant" notice. WTF? Those message remind me to get the hell in here! I'm actually on vacation this coming week WHEW. I've been so freaking busy I'm braindead. Hopefully this means I can get my fingers in here more often to say hello...at least for this week. They made me promise NOT to look at emails for work during the week so I'll keep that promise. I have enough to do around here anyway. Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes. It was a very good birthday and today (20th) I finally went ahead and actually splurged on something for myself. ::QLINK MOTOR:: it's the black one. I get to pick it up sometime this week. They need to prep it for me. I've been nervous about my job...still am really....so I saved the tax refund instead of applying it all toward bills...well I guess I just created a big bill by spending it on this. Oh well. Things have been shaky at my work...still are...long story. This economy is really getting rough. I'm hoping by using my new toy I'll save gas money doing the errands around here and stuff. i can't believe how much it is right now Mandy hope you feel better after your surgery. Ladies who just got your band...congrats and hope your'e feeling better as well. Betty...I miss ya too :thumbup: Kat - you are so sweet, I'm glad we've become friends too and I've really missed being here. Thank you for the sweet birthday message it meant alot to me. Diane, Pat - you gals are the best and I hope you're doing well. Pat sunning it in FL huh? Eileen - I'm right there with ya girl...busy busy. I hope you got some ME time this weekend and not just with your book. Ivan - hey there ....glad you made it back :thumbup: Everyone I missed...so sorry...it's past my brains time to keep working. It's retiring early lately haha Miss you folks very much Hugs to you all!

You should call your band doc and PCP to make sure this isn't something more serious. No harm in calling and making an appointment to be seen. If it's that painful I wouldn't want to wait. Good luck and hope you feel better.

I'm glad you've been able to eat and you're feeling better.