txkrause

Depression isn't just "down in the dumps" stuff. It can be totally controlled by out of control hormorne levels. Mine was!! My testosterone was too high and I was sad and angry a lot. PLEASE ask your Dr. to do a check on your levels. My world was turned around in a matter of 6 months after being on meds. I am no longer on meds - as my body has reclaimed a normal balance. Thank God! Don't just try and 'get out of the moods, or blame yourself'. You can get help! Good luck.

It isn't an easy journey (what weight loss journey is??) . . . but it is a wonderful "changing journey". Change for the good. Ask away - your questions will be answered here. Welcome.

I've only lost about 23-24 pounds and it has been well worth it so far. I was banded in Dec.'05. I have a long ways to go, but any weight loss that allows me a longer healthier life, is well worth the change!

My insurance declined my request the first time; Dr. J's office (especially Liz) helped me gather the things I would need to re-send all the info to get them to change their decision and they DID! Your BMI and co-morbidities should work and if you have documentation (which I did not have enough of) you should be okay! Good luck and let us know what happens.

Texan here too! Lots of us, huh? I'm a Dr. Jay patient - and felt safe with him. I'm still learning about all this too - was banded in Dec.05 and have had only one fill. Getting another next week. I haven't lost any weight in awhile so I think the fill will help. It is easier to lose with the band, for sure!

He is a good Dr., but even more so - his staff is wonderful. I ask about a million questions and they don't seem to mind!

Someone talk to me about this "don't drink water after you eat". Either I was asleep or just not listening to this . . . when my Dr. told me the "rules". I thought it was DURING the meal we weren't supposed to drink. Please inform me! I am always sooooo thirsty when I eat and I try so hard not to drink during meals. I usually guzzle afterward. THis is a no, no????

I'm glad he realized his insensitivity. Sounds like you did communicate more and that it really helped. It is the number one way to HELP situations, in my book! I am glad you feel better.

Gosh, if I were a guy - I'de stay out of this male bashing thread. The best response in here was the one referring to "communication". How many times have we been 'mad' because we wanted our man to do something particular - and yet, this was an unspoken expectation?!! Men and women are not mind readers. Don't you think we set ourselves up to expect certain things, and then when our partner doesn't serve this need, we are horribly disapppointed? Some people (not just men) need to be told "Here's $200, you know V-day is coming up right?" or "Honey, you've been gone for 2-hours, where have you been?" or "I am so disappointed that you haven't caught on to my signals that I wanted this to be a special day?" Sure, it would be nice to think "he should know". But not all do. I am very blessed to have a husband who is kind and considerate, although he doesn't always "get it" (in reference to reading my mind). I've found after telling him once or twice over twenty years, that he doesn't mess up very much! Communication. It is key. p.s. I hate to say that my first thought was that this husband, who was so inconsiderate and gone for 2 hours, was not only depressed, but possibly not loyal. It was my first impression.

Remember everyone, we are not only dealing with a 'mental-relearning', but our bodies (from years of overeating and eating un-healthy) are suffering from a literal withdrawl. What we feel - desire, craving, want . . . for food - is real!! Have you every tried to quit smoking? Ever tried to stop drinking so much caffeine? Over-eating has the same physical affects on us that cigarrettes and cokes do. It will take daily fighting; minute by minute and sometimes second by second to rid ourselves of the physical connection we have to food. Have any of you see the movie "Supersize Me"? If not, you should. I show it to my freshman health classes. It will help you understand what I'm saying. It was a rude awaking for me -. I hope this helps. Lovingly stated by a high school biology/health teacher who was/is overweight and banded. Thank God.

Does anyone have trouble with weight gain after going back on solids? I had a fill on 1/30 and after a week of fluids/soft foods I lost 2 pounds, only to gain them back after going back to solids this past weekend!! Help! I know I'm not eating ANYWHERE near what I did pre-band. My body must just be fighting this whole weight thing. I know my metabolism is so slow . . . I'm frustrated. It feels like I have to be on "nothing foods" to loose.

I am a high school biology/health teacher and have coached basketball (both boys and girls at a varsity level) for years. I have a 16 year old daughter (wow) and a 12 year old daughter. I work with my husband who is a principal. We work at the BEST school in the Dallas area . . . Lutheran High School of Dallas.

No - I meant . . . You asked twice "are you there" and "I'm not doing this right" . . . so I said "what are you trying to do".

what are you trying to do??

First and foremost, food is an addiction just like smoking or alcohol. We all have reasons why we use food to "soothe" us. Emotional, past history, boredom, depression, joy, celbrations, family, culture, etc., etc. No excuses - just reality. Our brains chemically "change" the perspectives of our bodies partly due to the foods we eat. (I teach biology, by the way). It takes discipline and training to change remove our bodies from an addiction. Even with the lap band, my BRAIN STILL WANTS the same foods in the same amounts I have always eaten. However (and I thank God for this), my BAND will not allow me to eat that food, in those same amounts. After time with a band, and discipline combined with success - we CAN re-train our bodies away from the NEED for the food. Believe it. We can. It is no 'fast cure'. It will take time. Our 'fast food - I want it now' society doesn't help us deal with this very well, but if we are diligent and patient . . . the band will help us make this change. NOT do it for us, but HELP us. Hang in there everyone. I have enough HOPE for us all.

Dr. Jay banded me 12/21/05. I had my first fill this past Monday 1/30/06. I've lost about 22 pounds. The band DOES make me feel full. How can you eat an enchilada, with s.cream, chips, etc. My brain would LOVE to eat all that, but my belly and chest say "NO". Is it because ya'll don't have a fill yet?? Just hang in there, you have a lot to look forward to. Dr. Jay's office told me as long as you don't gain back more than 10lbs. you should be okay. I went up about 3-4 before my fill. I've lost those plus two more since my fill. HOpe this info helps.

I am totally new to this forum. I was banded on 12/21/05 and have lost 20 pounds. I am back on solid foods and have actually gained a couple of pounds back. Is this normal? I have not had a fill yet - I think the first one will be Feb.16th. Will this help? Any special diet pre or post fills? I am freaking out a bit!:cry

My fill didn't hurt at all. Just laid down, lifted up my shirt, she stuck me and it was like a regular shot. When she injected the solution I could feel it fill my stomach and tighten in my esophagus. Not a hurt - just wierd. Drank two barium sips to check all was good, got up and had to stay in the waiting room for 15 min. or so sipping water to make sure all was a-okay. NO big deal at all. Feel fine today. Grumbling tummy, but don't feel like eating. I suppose that means everything is working.

Can ya'll give me an idea of what you paid for a TT? I'de need a full one. I have had 2 C-sections too and am afraid they won't be able to do one on me.

:nervous I was banded 12/21/05. I lost 7 pounds the week prior to my surgery and have lost 11-12 pounds more since then. I always felt hungry but couldn't eat because I felt nautious when I did. Eventually (about 1 week ago) I realized I could eat a lot more than before and had gained about 2-3 pounds back since going on solids. My Physician's Assistant to Dr. Jay said it was time for a fill if this was true. I had my first fill yesterday and I do not feel hungry today. I think this is normal and is the way it should work. It means "WEIGHT LOSS" :clap2: Hope this helps. HOw much have you lost?

I had my first fill yesterday. I laid down on the table and lifted up my shirt, she poked me (little sting like a shot). When she pushed in the fluid I could definately feel my stomach and esophagus tighten. It didn't hurt, it was just wierd. I sipped the barium and watched it go through in to my stomach. They put on a bandaid and I sat up. Went to the waiting room and sipped water for 15-20 min. before they let me leave. I don't feel hungry today. I can still burp. I think I'm good. I have a 10cc band and I think she put in 1.2 cc's. Maybe 1.5 - I don't remember.

I have Dr. Jayaseelan too. I just got my first fill yesterday and it was because I was able to eat more than a handful of food and I felt regular hunger. The fills are by the bodies need, not the calander. I think that makes sense. I have found that if I do not tell myself "you cannot have this at all" (like bread) I do much better. This is why I see the band as an "internal policeman". However, I also won't say - you can't have a chocolate kiss. I eat the kiss and know that I normally would have had a whole candy bar. It is a special treat just like an occasional jolly rancher which keeps me from wanting to try bigger and worse items. I don't feel hungry after my fill yesterday - but I am having to "go to the bathroom" a lot again. That isn't fun.

I'm in Texas too - same office, but I had Dr. Jayaseelan. He is awesome. We have to be on liquids for a week starting the day of the fill. Go out with your "love" but eat soup (actually if its the same day, you may not want anything at all). I get my first fill this afternoon. I'm nervous and excited.

HEY! My ticker is there!! Never mind that part!!

First - Morsaille, thanks! I did what you said (I think) and still don't see it on my page. It is on my signature page though . . . Hmm??? I'm a computer dumb dumb. Any suggestions anyone? (I"m trying to get a ticker to show up). Second - Jamoorse - Hang in there. It gets better when you eat other foods. Make sure you are getting protein - drink the protein drinks. That will fill you up more! Don't eat meat yet, your stomach isn't ready for it! You'll feel sick! I didn't have burning sensations . . . ask your Dr. about ANYTHING that concerns you. This would concern me. You may have an overactive stomach lining and with no food in there, the stomach acids are bothering you. Who knows? I sucked on a jolly rancher once or twice and a chocolate kiss. That helped (not totally following rules) but it helped and that was important. HOpe this helps.