S@ssen@ch

When I had to take vicoden after my gall bladder surgery, the pills were so big I was afraid to take them whole and I certainly didn't want to crush them.........YUCK :yuck: So, what I did was break them into about 3 pieces. I just kept thinking that as long as they were as small or smaller than the size of a pencil eraser I would be O.K. A couple of times I even put the pieces in yogurt and swallowed them down (or applesauce or pudding). That seemed to help them go down more smoothly. *If the pill is actually STUCK, warm liquids should help dissolve the pill. That is, if you can get liquids down and the pill hasn't occluded the opening. Fortunately, this too shall pass even though it may be very painful in the process. If it got STUCK, remember to treat your stoma kindly afterwards because it can get irritated. You might want to do soft foods or even liquids for a day.

I had really bad GERD before being banded and had to take Nexium. About 10 years ago, the doc said that I was heading towards an ulcer if I didn't change certain things about my diet. At that time, I had to give up caffeine completely. So I did. I still had to take meds. I've been on pepcid, prilosec and finally, nexium. My band doctor told me that there was a good chance all of that would go away once banded. And you know what....it did. The only times I've taken a Nexium, or any other acid reliever, since was for indigestion that I had and later found out was related to my gall bladder. On the other hand, some bandsters find themselves with severe reflux. Not just heartburn, REFLUX where stomach acid comes back up into the esophagus while they are in a horizontal position (mostly at night, while sleeping). It has been known to cause choking and what others describe as vomiting. I was lead to believe that this is caused by being too tight, BUT in my experience I get a little indigestion laying horizontally when I have NO FILL and when I've got a little restriction I'm right as rain. Talk to your doc and learn about the risks in your own case.

Welcome Rainbow. Keep reading, reading, reading. Post and ask questions, too. The more informed you are, the more confidant you will be and in my opinion, the better you'll do. You'll be on the losing side before you know it. Good luck,

Well, after the last entry I continued to hold steady. When I went back to solid foods, I jumped back up to 209.5 and there I've stayed until today. I'm back to 208 lbs. I'm starting to wonder if I do have a leak. Once in a while, I do feel my food. That is, I get a little bit of a lump for a moment until it passes through. But it's becoming more rare. I did last night for the first bite or two at dinner, but I think it had been a week since that had happened prior to that. When I first transitioned back to solid foods after this latest fill, it was a daily occurrance. I'm not too worried. I figure a port and/or tubing replacement is nothing compared to the band itself, so onward we go. Besides, just having the band there (for me, anyways) helps me to make better decisions and is keeping me from gaining the weight back. Deep in my heart, I'd really like to break that 200 lb mark. I'm confidant that I will, someday. I've developed a great patience about this. I'm not in a hurry about anything. I figure, "all in good time". I'm happy, I feel better than I have in years-other than that damn hip that those docs screwed up in my gall bladder surgery. I'm active, I have energy. I feel better in my clothes. I could go on and on. I suppose the only downer is that I've noticed that in my face I'm showing signs of aging. Those fat stores really kept me looking young. As much as I hate it, I don't think the obesity was worth the look of youth.

Well, after the last entry I continued to hold steady. When I went back to solid foods, I jumped back up to 209.5 and there I've stayed until today. I'm back to 208 lbs. I'm starting to wonder if I do have a leak. Once in a while, I do feel my food. That is, I get a little bit of a lump for a moment until it passes through. But it's becoming more rare. I did last night for the first bite or two at dinner, but I think it had been a week since that had happened prior to that. When I first transitioned back to solid foods after this latest fill, it was a daily occurrance. I'm not too worried. I figure a port and/or tubing replacement is nothing compared to the band itself, so onward we go. Besides, just having the band there (for me, anyways) helps me to make better decisions and is keeping me from gaining the weight back. Deep in my heart, I'd really like to break that 200 lb mark. I'm confidant that I will, someday. I've developed a great patience about this. I'm not in a hurry about anything. I figure, "all in good time". I'm happy, I feel better than I have in years-other than that damn hip that those docs screwed up in my gall bladder surgery. I'm active, I have energy. I feel better in my clothes. I could go on and on. I suppose the only downer is that I've noticed that in my face I'm showing signs of aging. Those fat stores really kept me looking young. As much as I hate it, I don't think the obesity was worth the look of youth.

Gee, except for the bra riding up my back I can relate to all of these. My bra doesn't exactly ride up my back and into my shoulders, but because of my shrinking "girls" and general fat shrinkage everywhere.........I can fully relate to the depressed girls comment. They just don't stand high and dry very well. l.l l.l <-That's about the way they look. Personally, I'd like (o)(o), but I'm not willing to pay buko bucks for them. I've had my undies hanging out, but not because my pants fall down. It's because styles have changed since the last time I was thinner. These darn new pants are low riders and my undies are still higher than the pants. I just refuse to break down and do the thong thing so I have to be conscious and kind of tuck them down. Alexandra, I have had the same thoughts about the bikini area. As my fat disappears and fails to hide some of those unsightly areas, I guess I'll have to do more maintenance. hehe One other thing I've noticed, and I saw it in a photo of myself just 2 weeks ago. Now that I'm losing the fat in my face as well, I'M LOOKING OLDER! EEEE GAAADDS!!!! I have faint, not deep but they're there just the same...what doctors call "puppet lines" from my nose to my mouth. I'm also getting laugh lines around my eyes. WTF? Of all places to get these darn things, why my face? Can't the demons of aging pick another spot? This is really bothering me. What's a girl to do?

Donna, I can't comment on the proximal stitch portion of your comments, but I can comment on the physicians. I certainly have worked with enough of them and have had my fair share of egos the size of Texas. Personally, I think that part of their training teaches them to have so much confidence in themselves that it translates into these super-size egos. No, I'm not saying that they have classes to teach arrogance. But I do know that they are preached to about not admitting errors and being confidant, knowing their stuff, etc. They start competing against each other as early as college (pre-med), it continues in med school and goes on into their internships and residency. Once they're into their own practices they think they've conquered the world. They have, haven't they? LOL As angry as some of them have made me, I have to bite my tongue and take them with a grain of salt. Arguing with them seems to only make those egos pump up and get ready for a fight.

Through a little bit of research, there actually IS an obsessive-compulsive eating disorder. What it actually is would be obsessive compulsive disorder with the symptoms manifesting as eating/not eating versus compulsive handwashing or locking of doors or cleaning or a variety of other potential compulsions. Eating is the symptom rather than the disease itself. In fact, anorexia and bulemia can be obsessive compulsive disorders depending on how the symptoms manifest. If it interferes with your daily activities and crosses the line into obsession and you cannot stop yourself from engaging in the activities then it is compulsive. On the swing side, compulsive overeating is a well-documented eating disorder. *The most common eating disorders are Anorexia, Bulimia, Compulsive Eating, and Binge Eating Disorder. (copied from psychotherapist.net regarding eating disorders) Just my 2 cents.

Telly, I just want to take exception to the one thing.....there IS a such thing as OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and it's not a fake diagnosis. I don't remember reading anything anybody said about OCED. Although I have not thoroughly researched it, I suppose it has the potential to be a valid dianosis. I have seen evidence of individuals who seem obsessed with food and eating. What other diagnosis would you give it other than food addiction? And, I can see that it could go both ways....either obsessed with NOT eating or obsessed with taking in the food. Otherwise, your determination (I think) should be commended. I am not one to publically judge your actions on how you meet your goals. The only one you should have to answer to is yourself. You, as articulate as you are, have explained yourself and appear to have researched and thought out your plan. What more is there to justify to others?

Jayme, What an inspiration you are. To have such a positive outlook on things after what you've just experienced. I hope that if such a thing happens to me that I can say the same. Here's to your speedy recovery and all my best wishes to you achieving your goal.

Kat, Since I didn't read the exact nature of your problem, but from extrapolation I understand that you have a low sex drive, are on the pill, may not want to be on it, do not want children (right now) and are using condoms. I'll go from there. Any form of hormone therapy, whether it's for birth control or other reasons, may affect your sex drive. Let's face it, hormones have a lot to do with our sex drive. Hormones have a lot to do with a lot of things, including our weight and can even contribute to depression. I say, if you don't want to be on the darn things get off of them. There are other methods of birth control. The shot and the patch are also hormone therapy, so they would be out. There are diaphragms, IUD's, foam, jelly and condoms. Rhythm method can be dangerous only because if you're not vigilent, using ovulation predictors, basal thermometers, calendars, Oh God knows what else, you could find yourself with an unplanned pregnancy. It's not that it can't be done, but I personally feel that it takes entirely too much mental energy. If your hubby isn't complaining about the use of condoms, they're pretty effective if used correctly so use them in conjunction with a spermacidal jelly or foam and you've got double the protection and double the lube. I suppose if there's any more questions or if you're still not sure, you can always talk to your doctor, the one who prescribed the birth control pills in the first place. Let them know how you feel and your goals for the future. They'll usually work with ya.

WHAT?! IMHO what's good for the gander is good for the goose, too. Thank God my hubby loves to be on the giving end as well.

Mini, If it hadn't taken me nearly 20 minuts to read this post, I might have been able to help you. I love the idea of it, at the very least. I'm 35, married for 15 yrs. I have 2 boys, age 14 and 9. My other children are 2 yorkies age 6 and 2, currently they're my babies. I work for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation as a rehab case manager. I was banded 4/4/05 and have lost 76 lbs. I've been on a long plateau and am working to break it. Last doc appt got a fill and thought I'd get going again, but doc thinks I may have a leak.

Yeah for this quote. I couldn't agree more. I didn't have surgery to look beautiful. I had surgery because I wanted to feel better, both physically and spiritually. I didn't like myself the way I was. I'm still a work in progress and I'm happier with that now than I ever was then. Ironically, now that I AM happier with who I am.....everything else seems to be falling into a better place. I have a job that makes me happier, my finances are looking brighter, my marriage is happier. Life is good. It's only in looking back that I realized how embarassed and unhappy morbid obesity made me.

Gee, I'm outta here for a day and I miss the most interesting things.

Jennie, Only you can decide if the risks and lifestyle changes are worth the outcome. Keep doing your research into the procedure, know what it is, what you're role in the process will be. Keep talking to people who have already had the procedure done. There are lots of considerations, not just the health considerations. What about financial? Will your insurance cover or will you be self-pay. Again, keep researching. Take your time to make a decision. Few decisions made in haste are good ones. I keep reminding my friend who is looking into it who has probably about the same amount of weight you have to lose..."this is not a magic bullet", "you will still have to learn to make wise food choices, even though the band does help you feel full", and other such phrases. I don't want her to go into it without understanding that she will have to put forth some effort.

Stand tall, be proud, toot your own horn :horn: CONGRATULATIONS! :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

Cheryl, It's not uncommon to gain a pound or 2 or 3 when you transition back to solid foods. Remember, you've been on liquids or semi-liquids for the last few days or weeks. Basically, your body holds on to them by holding them in your intestines as bulk. You're not really gaining weight it's just in your intestines and it looks on the scales as if you've gained weight. Be careful about weighing yourself every day. It's not a good habit to get into. You'll find yourself in exactly the panic-like situation your in right now. Set a time frame, whether it's every week or every month and stick to it. Weighing to frequently only puts us in a mental mode that makes us fear failure and quite frankly puts us at risk for poor food choices as a result of not seeing what we want to see on the scale. Regarding your question of what to eat..........well, unless your band doesn't allow you to eat it, eat what you want to (within reason of course). So, you had an ice cream treat last night. Big deal. As long as you don't have a big bowl of ice cream EVERY NIGHT. The bandster guidelines are very generalized, stating make quality or healthy choices. This is NOT supposed to be a diet, although some do diet. It's up to you. You can find a diet plan, if that's what makes you feel better. Personally, since the band restricts my portions, I do my best to make good, low fat, low cal choices MOST OF THE TIME. But, I do allow myself treats ONCE IN A WHILE, as long as that "once in a while" doesn't turn into every day. The band is about learning healthy eating habits, making better choices. I would recommend, whether you decide to follow a diet plan or not, to do a food journal. It helps you keep track of what you're eating both calorie-wise and nutrition-wise.

"huge amounts of protein". Be more specific. How much? And, if you're staying satisfied for 3 hours, that (believe it or not) is actually pretty good. Like someone else said, it's possible that real hunger is something kind of new to you. All these feelings are new. It could also be some head hunger. Learn to listen to your body. Just because your stomach is gurgling doesn't necessarily mean you're hungry. Our "guts" or intestines are always contracting and often gurgle and make noises. It's not uncommon to hear them or even feel them. I know I've occasionally confused their sounds with hunger or had people hear their louder rumblings and asked me if I was hungry. A fill could help make you feel satisfied on smaller amounts for longer periods of time, but you still have to learn to listen to your body's natural signals. It's something new to all of us. Take it slow and when you're eating slowly, take the time to pay attention to how your body is feeling. You're teaching yourself all over again. Good Luck,

I'm not so sure, but I think I'm glad I don't know THAT guy.

How could THAT get stuck?

I have a tat of a "bird of paradise" on my left thigh. Basically, it's a peacock with it's feathers down instead of up. When I reach goal, my plan is to get another tat. I'd like a phoenix, but I haven't decided on the exact design yet or location (I'm thinking near my port, if it's possible to tattoo over a scar). I want the phoenix to symbolize the new me rising out of the ashes of what once was.

First, 4 ounces.... WTF? That doesn't sound like normal bandster portions. Who told you to only eat 4 ounces at a setting? Your doctor? Your dietician? Somebody sounds like they've got you confused with a bypass patient. My understanding of normal bandster portions is 3 oz of solid Protein followed with about a half cup of veggies and THEN, carbs (if there's room, and 1/2 cup at the most). That would measure out to be between a cup and a cup and a half. 4 ounces is only a half cup. It's no wonder you're still hungry after 4 ounces. You didn't say whether this is your first fill or not, but remember it does take (on average) 3-5 fills to get proper restriction. That's not to say that someone fresh out of surgery can't have restriction. Some lucky ones do. But if you're not eating adequate portions to feel satisfied, it's hard to tell if you have restriction unless you're saying that you feel satisfied with the smaller portions or have difficulty eating at times. Talk to your doc, or somebody, and ask these questions. Find out exactly what you're supposed to be eating, how much, and WHY. Does your doc primarily do bypass. That may be why he or the dietician recommended such small portions for you. It's what they're used to. Bandsters can eat larger portions than bypass. Second, don't be so down on yourself. You had surgery for a reason. The tool may not be fully working yet. And again, if you've been told to eat such small portions it's not suprising that you feel the need to snack or graze. Get this cleared up and you'll be up and running in no time.

I just wanted to add my experience with Nioxin. After I read another post about Nioxin and hair loss I decided I should try it. I had been losing hair since about 4 or 5 months out from surgery. I wasn't losing enough for anyone else to notice, but I was noticing it and it bothered me. I've been using Nioxin for about 2 weeks now. I use the shampoo, scalp treatment and follicle treatment. It came in a kit and I've noticed a significant difference in the amount of hair in my comb or loose hairs on my bathroom counter. Good Luck

Penni, I hope this doesn't hurt your sales too much........but I've tried Good Head. Not because I needed the numbing effect, but because I wanted to "spice things up". I didn't really like the flavor. I know it comes in several, but whatever flavor I had........YUCK! I think it was a pink tube, maybe strawberry or passion fruit or something. After one taste, I threw the whole tube away. Now..........I've got one Kama Sutra something or other. It tastes good, has a warming quality when applied and ..........I think I just got off the subject here. LOL