nanster

Cashley: I agree totally with you...eating out and/or fast food make it difficult to eat and eat healthy. Nachos Bellgrande is also one of the few fast foods I've found that stay down. We went to Joe's Crab Shack last night and I had a tossed salad and crab-stuffed shrimp. They were very good, just had to eat VERY slowly. Couldn't eat the broccoli, rice or bread but the rest was the biggest meal I've had in over 2 months!! Can any of you "suggest" some of the better eating out/fast food choices you get that go down well. I hate to order something that I end up unable to eat or throw up and waster the money and still go home starving! Also, it REALLY sucks to PB in public and have to rush off to the restroom. I'm otherwise doing very well except I cannot seem to get myself exercising as I should. Story of my life. Later, Nanster

Hey Fellow Feb Bandsters! I'm baaaack! I've been doing pretty well, although I've had some ups and downs for sure. Had my second fill May 15 and it has been very tight. Got a small unfill and I have very good restriction. My band is VERY fickle. One day I'm PB'ing on liquids and another day I'm able to eat and eat and eat. I'm finding the "honeymoon's over" syndrome hitting me a bit too. I'm bored with eating the same old things, but I actually find I have very few foods that I can eat more than 3-4 bites of comfortably. Surprisingly, I had one very small piece of pizza last week (first time trying that) and I did pretty well with it. I ate like 2 bites with crust and the remainder of toppings only. I couldn't eat much, but it sure was good. I had hoped to eat a hamburger for my birthday dinner. But, for whatever reason, burgers don't go down well...even meat only! I actually ate a tiny piece of steak twice...the pieces were about 1" X 2" and about 30 pieces, but I got it down no problem. I do NOT eat bread AT ALL (minus the one pizza slice!). I eat WAY TOO MUCH in "junk" food...crackers, cheetos, fritos, cream cheese/crackers, but that stuff just goes down well with no vomiting or PB'ing or chest pain!! Scrambled eggs are not going down as well as they once did. I can eat refried beans. I CANNOT eat corn on the cob. I CANNOT eat rice. I'm getting to the point that I only eat crabmeat, shrimp (although since my last fill/unfill, I can only eat 3-4 and I'm done!), tuna, cheese grits, crackers, cheetos, fritos, coffee, watermelon and salad. I love those foods, but I miss eating a "regular" meal from time to time. Chinese food almost ALWAYS makes me throw up since my last fill. I can eat the inside of about a 1/3 to 1/2 of a burrito with refried beans. I can't eat sandwiches of any kind. I can eat soup of almost any kind. I MISS MEAT. I MISS HAMBURGER PATTIES. I MISS SHRIMP. I throw up still every few days or so...the food just sits there and I slime and then it comes back up and I feel better. I just worry about the "damage" it could do to my band. (and my teeth, etc. from vomiting!) I almost feel anorexic/bulimic - how weird is that???? I really feel awkward when I go out to eat. I try to get just an appetizer, but many of them are things I can't eat...wings, potato skins, potstickers, etc....I can usually eat stuffed mushrooms or fried cheese, but I have to make that my entire meal, which seems a little odd--no veggies or meat or salad with it....just cheese???!!! I think I have quite a bit of restriction, but I feel I'm getting "hungrier" because of not having a more varied diet. Do you think that's just part of the "banded life" adjustment or is it a behavioral thing (longing for bygone food friends??) or what? Obviously if I'm PB'ing often, I'm pretty restricted; yet I'm hungrier than I've been in over a month!! I have to admit, I haven't gotten on the "exercise as a lifestyle" bandwagon yet. I am more active and I WANT to do more, but I just HATE exercising!!! I admit it...I will NEVER be one who says "I just don't feel right if I don't start out my day with a brisk workout"...it just WILL NOT HAPPEN. We have been having a LOT of rain here in SE Texas, and it's hot, hot, hot....maybe I just have a small case of rainy day blues. My knees have been bothering me more than usual for the last 2 weeks or so, which is unusual (since my knee replacement surgery), so maybe it's just a little minor "funk" that I will come out of when the weather clears!! Hope all are doing well. My loss is still hanging at the 35 pounds mark. But, I have noone to blame but myself. Although I don't write in as much, I'm still reading about everyone's progress. Where IS Janet?? What about Julie...are you out there? Looking forward to reading your posts when you can, Feb bandsters. Nanster

Hi All! Just had a birthday, so I indulged in birthday cake...several times! My weight loss is still happening, but slower than I'd like. Hopefully, I've found my "sweet spot" with the 0.2cc unfill...I can eat solids, just small quantities. I ate my first STEAK!! I cut a 1in x 2 in piece into about 15-20 TINY pieces and savored each one! Wow, when it comes to steak, I'm a CHEAP date!! I can't eat much, but if I keep pieces tiny, I'm able to eat almost anything I want. I STILL have not had ANY bread since surgery and plan to continue to avoid that. I can drink a coke from time to time, as long as I drink it on an empty stomach, by itself. I don't feel that it's "outsmarting" the band, it's just a way for me to have some of my favorite things, but have them in quantities that are acceptable/agreeable with weight loss. I almost feel that I can eat TOO much, but I can't make the band do the work....it has to be partly my responsibility too! Decreased portions and smaller bites are the things the band provided to me...along with a feeling of fullness that I didn't have before. BUT, I have to be the one that changes my eating habits and exercises and eat more like I should. It's a partnership, me and my band!!! Nanster

Hi all, Well, today I ate a 1/2order of burrito/refried Beans for lunch today...very full, but NO slimes, NO PB's and NO chest pain. Yeah...maybe this will be the sweet spot for me...1.2cc. Dancer...I've noticed just today that my port is "pulling" a little after having it "messed with" yesterday at the unfill. I suppose it readjusts with any changes in that area...exercise, weight gain, weight loss, snug clothing on top of the area, etc. so it kinda makes sense that you'd be having lots as you increase your workout routine!! Way to go!! At least now, you won't have to "worry" about that little "TUG" from time to time. (P.S., the lady that did my unfill said she speculates that its related to increases in body temp...take it or leave it!) No cheetos needed today...or crackers! Just a nice, nourishing, satisfying 1/2 order of Mexican fare!!! It has been a good day!!! Nanster

Hi All!! Got back from the doctor's office about an hour ago. Had a SMALL unfill (about 0.2cc) and hope it will be just enough to help me eat, but not enough to stall my weight loss. YEAH!!! According to the doctor's scales, I've actually lost MORE than I thought from my scales at home...a total of 34 pounds!! WHOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!! My original fill was 1.5cc; they said only 0.9 was left at my 2nd fill. That fill was 1.4cc - I've kept all of it and that was slightly too restricted. Today she removed 0.2, so I'm at 1.2cc now. I had grits for supper, as I'm supposed to stay on mushies for 24 hours, so I'll be able to report back after that whether I'm TRULY able to eat a meal. Tips given to me today at my appointment: 1) Do not eat for longer than 30 minutes - if you do, you're GRAZING; you need to eat a meal. 2) almost ALL bandsters keep cheetos on hand for emergencies--either can't eat other stuff or just have a dire need for crunch. 3) The "pain" that some people feel around their port is SMALL adhesions (which is normal) and, as you exercise, lose weight, get a fill/unfill, etc., it "adjusts" slightly to your "new anatomy" so you feel a little "pull". (She said to expect it quite a bit when first starting to exercise!) I guess those are all the tidbits I got from today's visit. I'll report over the next few days whether I can actually eat a (small) "meal" with my 0.2cc unfill. Thanks for your support, guys! YOU ROCK!! Nanster:D

Hi Everybody! Seems odd that so many are reporting more frequent PB's and/or tightness. Is this just a coincidence because we're all at the 2nd, 3rd, 4th fills??? I "lost" my first fill and they said that was "normal". Ever since my 2nd fill, I haven't eaten much in the way of "real" food. Tonight I had 1/2 a (small) new potato and 5-6 green Beans...it all came back up immediately. For lunch I had a strawberry yogurt and for Breakfast a 1/3c. egg salad (which really caused major chest fullness). My dear sweet hubby just about has me convinced that I need a slight unfill. I hate to take a day off work to go downtown to the surgery center for it, but I am really negative about eating now...I actually dread mealtime! (Never thought I'd see the day.....) I feel like I should be able to eat a small salad or a 1/2c. egg/tuna/chicken salad or a small amount of meat and right now I can't do that. Julie...you're a bit ahead of me in your weight loss...but I'm betting you are better at exercising than I am!! I'm right on your coattails, so watch out....I just hit the 29lb. mark!!! I'm gonna try to be committed to exercise from now on so that even if I get an unfill, I'll still continue to lose weight. Now I have another reason to work towards a goal...to get "ahead" of you!! Ha, Ha. Not that it matters, but it gives a reason to "compete". PB'ing sucks, huh? I find that sliming is almost as bad as just throwing it back up. I walk around "spitting" slime for a long time, then STILL end up throwing up. Now I just lean over the toilet and let it come on up and get it over with!! I'll keep you posted on if/when I'm able to schedule an unfill. Thanks for your support, you guys!! You're the BEST! Nanster

Hi Everyone! I'm down to 229.1....woohooo! I finally broke the 230 barrier (just barely!) I have been feeling somewhat angry and/or depressed about the restriction I've been getting. I can't eat much at all. I know that's good for weight loss, but it's frustrating to not be able to eat anything. I can eat yogurt, cheetos, cheezits, coffee, creamed soup, (sometimes) lettuce/tomato, cheese and a bite or two of egg salad or scrambled eggs. Went out to eat with a couple friend of ours and their 5year old daughter. To OUTBACK no less!!! I had an order of garlic mashed potatoes and a ceasar salad. I ate about 3/4 of the potatoes and about 1/8 of the salad. NO MEAT!!! NO DRINK!!!! We had a family get-together last weekend--a shrimp boil. I ate 3 shrimp and PB'd them back up!! Tonight I tried a hamburger pattie. Ate slow, small bites, chew, chew, chew....PB'd back up. I don't understand how cheetos and cheezits go down fine and no other solid food will go. Even egg salad makes me have the chest heaviness...but I always manage to get a little bit of it down each day. At least I know I'm getting some protein in that way! I'm still losing weight very slowly, so I'm hesitant to get an unfill. Am I just being whiney that the band is doing it's job, or do I need an unfill??? I just can't be objective enough about it to make that decision. I miss eating meat and veggies and eggs!! Amazingly, a piece of wedding cake went down just fine at my neice's wedding reception!! GO FIGURE!! And, I had several (probably 6-8) peanut butter M&M's last week at work...they went down fine too!!! Any suggestions would be appreciated. Like many of you, I just need to make a commitment to exercise as a part of my daily routine...I hate it, but that's what it will take I know. Small NSV...I ate part of a chocolate/caramel jr banana split from Sonic...it came right back up...I think it was the banana. It also gave me a tummy ache...maybe too much sweet/calories?? Does that mean I've actually gotten out of the habit of eating that poorly (maybe, maybe, I hope so!!!) Thanks for your feedback bandsters. You all have more good advice for me than the doctors or the band manufacturers. THANK YOU ALL!!! Nanster

Hey Feb bandsters!! Good news, bad news with me. Good news...lost a total of 27 lbs now at the 3 month mark. Bad news...still not able to eat much AT ALL since my 2nd fill. I'm feeling good and not particularly hungry, so I'm going to keep the fill in for now. It sucks for socializing, because everyone wonders why you're just sitting there, but it's nice to continue to lose a little every few days!! Went to my husband's neice's wedding this weekend. Couldn't eat anything (although I SOMEHOW managed to get a half piece of wedding cake and 1/2cup of punch down!!) except a few green Beans and a few pieces of lettuce. Several commented on the fact that I'm showing my weight loss now. (YEAH!!) But...I couldn't find any new outfit to wear to the wedding (Boo!!) I thought I'd be feeling "prettier" when I went shopping, but it was depressing. I wanted to go home and drown my sorrows in some junk food....but I COULDN'T!! How's that for a bummer....couldn't even drown my sorrows when I saw my figure in those darn dept store mirrors!!! I may still have to get a little unfill, and probably SHOULD, but I'm enjoying the weight loss for now. I had 2 bites of grits for Breakfast and 2 boiled shrimp for lunch. (Had coffee in between). Not much food, but---then again---I have lots of EXTRA fat to use for fuel. Please keep me in your prayers, as I have PB'd and/or vomited food up quite a bit lately. I guess I'm getting the "negative" feedback ingrained in my brain, because I'm beginning to not even want to eat at all...partly for fear of PB'ing, but also because it's easier to avoid food completely than to try to figure out what will go down smoothly or what won't. My biggest issue is not exercising...I just hate it. I know I need to...my knees are doing better...I just don't like to do it at all. But, I know it will make the difference in my measurements as well as my weight loss....so I'm gonna do it....tomorrow... Hope everyone is having great success with their band. Love and prayers for you all! Nanster

Thought the post didn't go, so I re-did. Sorry to bore you!

Hey Feb Bandsters! I had my 2nd fill last Monday. Ever since, I've PB'd pretty much every day if I eat "real" food. I've been living on coffee, yogurt, cheese-its, egg-drop soup and omlets. I've even PB'd on omlets and soup. I'm losing again, which is great, but I'm afraid I'm not getting enough nutrition. I don't understand why, but cheez-it crackers and cheetos are the easiest things for me to eat! Yogurt and even a "large" drink of liquid sometimes make me slime...sometimes it's fine. I've definitely been feeling discomfort in my port area...slightly to my left side of the largest port incision. The incision is totally healed and "clear". But, when I lean over, I feel it and sometimes it's just annoyingly evident...like it feels raw or rubbing or something like that. It doesn't do it if I push on the port site, so I'm wondering if it's the actual band site (i.e. stomach) instead of the port...maybe where they "cinched" it up tight?? I don't know, but I never had it bother me like this before. Yesterday and today I've had a "lump" in my throat. I think that's just from PB'ing...don't you??? It's almost like my esophagus is irritated. I'll do liquids for another day or two before deciding on an unfill. JanetC (and others)-I asked the PA at my last fill about the "spasms" that everyone mentioned. She said it was ESOPHAGEAL spasms, not stomach. She said there's nothing you can do about them, they just happen. I said I guess that's why I had acid reflux??? And she said yeah, I guess. SO....nothing sinister, just spasms. I don't know if I consider myself as still having GERD, but maybe that is contributing to my PB's, port pain and throat "lump". I sound really whiney, huh?? I'm actually feeling pretty well and losing slowly again. I don't understand...they tell us that they need to keep track of exactly how much is in our band, but then, when I "lost" .7cc, they said it was "normal" for your first fill and that from the 2nd on, you usually "keep" it. Is it just me or do they contradict themselves a lot? On the one hand, it's bad...on the other, it's no problem. If anyone has any advice on the port/unfill, etc. I'd appreciate your feedback!!! Nanster

Tamryn: I have found it VERY common to PB one day on just about everything and then be able to eat fine the next day. Are you PMS'ing? Many report feeling more restriction then. I just had my second fill and the first two days was PB'ing on EVERYTHING. I'm starting to eat small bites of food now...but I fill up QUICK!!! But, the scale has restarted some minor movement downward, so I'm happy. Several at the surgery center expressed real frustration...most were at the 2nd/3rd fill stage and were disappointed with their overall weight loss. So, I consider myself pretty lucky that I've had some losses and haven't felt particularly deprived. I've had some episodes of PB'ing and some episodes of being able to eat almost pre-banding...it has been an experience of ever-changing situations. I can't say I'm not slightly disappointed in the slowness of the loss, but I realize it took me a long time to put it on, so I expect it will take even longer to take it off. I'm generally pleased with things overall. Does anyone else have "pain" in the port area?? I don't really consider it PAIN, but I feel a "raw-ness" in that area almost daily. Do I need to be concerned??? I mentioned it Monday at my fill and the PA said she'd look closely on fluoro at the port and band, but didn't indicate any problem during my swallow. When I bend over at the waist, I feel it almost every time. (I AM very short-waisted, so could that be it???) FYI--didn't have this feeling when I first got banded..after the initial post-op phase, that is! Slow and steady it goes. No major hunger attacks. A few too many PB's. Not missing chocolate or coke much at all (what a BIG NSV!!!) and rarely eat rice, pasta or potatoes. Never eat bread. Don't drink at meals. Saving money on eating out!!! Starting to lose again. Life is pretty good for me these days! I am still undecided about getting an "UN-fill". I think if I hang in there, I'll be fine after another day or two. After all, the whole point of the band is to have restriction, right? WELL, I GOT WHAT I WANTED-and then some!!!! Thanks for your support and valuable opinions Feb. bandsters!! Nanster

Hey Everyone! Been MIA for awhile. Had to work lots so I could be off when my family came from FL. My sister, neice and GREAT-neice came to TX for 5 days. My little great neice is 11 months old and is ADORABLE! Of course, I'm biased, but I think she's gorgeous. So, to catch everyone up.... I went for my 2nd fill yesterday (Monday). Had only .4cc left in my band-the PA told me 95-99% of bandsters lose some of their first fill, probably just evaporation, seeping into the band material, etc. She put in 2cc and I was "closed" so she removed some twice...I think she said she ended with just 1 cc, but I don't know if that was PLUS the .4cc or if that was the "grand total". Anyhow, the fluoroscope showed it to be "trickling" through (that's the phrase the PA used). It's good to have such restriction, but I can't eat hardly ANYTHING. Even liquids make me almost slimey. I had 4 cheetos, 2 bites of chicken salad and I was PB'ing like crazy. Last night, I had 4 bites of a cheese omelet and I threw up twice at the restaurant. On the 20 min drive home, I had to stop to "spit" about 7 times. I was so embarrassed but I had to do it I was so miserable. I asked about my port being more "evident"--the PA didn't have any comment or concern about it. Fairly often, I feel a little of a "raw" feeling, but it's slightly to the side of the port. I guess it's no biggie. But, sliming and PB'ing with almost ANY food is annoying. (Although, that's the whole point of the band, isn't it?) I have "officially" lost 23 pounds total. Not great, but in listening to other bandsters in the surgery center, quite a few are either gaining or not losing at all, so I'll consider myself doing well. Several indicated a growing frustration with their band and/or their lack of loss. I have to admit that I was eating more and more just before my 2nd fill. The PA said most people keep their fills from the second time on...that first "fill loss" is a one-time phenomenon. I need to increase exercise mainly. I have altered my food choices but haven't really gotten on board with exercise. Dancer: My knee replacement went quite well. The first two weeks were somewhat painful as well. Once the post-op pain ends, there's a period that is not painful but is VERY frustrating and you go through that "this isn't any better than before surgery-why did I do this?" phase. But, several people told me it would take a YEAR before I'd REALLY be glad I did it and they were right. I am now 1.5 yrs out and I'm pretty much pain free and more mobile than pre-surgery. It still has some "crunchy" days or there's swelling when the weather changes, but I'm finally at the point of being HAPPY that I did it. (Of course, mine may not be typical, because I had broken my leg in a car wreck the year before (right at the knee), so my recovery may have been slower). But, tell her to hang in there and that everyone gets frustrated with it at times...it's just part of the process. (HMMMMM...kinda sounds like the band, huh? Frustration is just part of the process!!) Anybody have suggestions on when to get a little "UN-fill?" Obviously if I PB on everything that's a sign, but what if it's not all the time...then should I just be happy with BIG restriction???? Talk to you all more soon. Gotta go back to work tomorrow....back to the real world. <<<SIGH>>> Nanster

Cashley-thanks for the "ticker" help....I think I got it done!! Now to try to cut/paste the May worksheet from JanetC...wow, ultimate computer challenge, huh???

Hi all! JanetC: Count me in too. Although I don't know how to "download" the recording sheets you so kindly provided. Could you give me some instructions? I am scheduled for my 2nd fill on May 15th. I find my band to be very flexible...meaning, one day restricted like crazy and the next very little restriction at all. I can eat salad REALLY well, which is surprising to me. I haven't really eaten ANY meat yet at all, other than ground beef or chicken breast (bite size) pieces. No pork chops, roast, steak, etc. but I honestly haven't felt deprived of it either. I have not been PB'ing much at all anymore, but I do get the golf ball rather quickly when I reach a "full" level. No warning usually, it just starts. But, if I stop RIGHT THEN (with THAT bite!) I do okay. My most annoying problem has been taking my medications. I have a total knee replacement, so every time I go to the dentist I have to take prophylactic antibiotics. I have to take FOUR capsules at a time. I open them and put them in a spoon of yogurt but they are still REALLY nasty (bitter) and it lasts a long time in my tastebuds!!! They tried to find an alternative, but liquid would require drinking almost 100cc and injections can only be given IV, not IM, so my dentist won't do it. So, I'm stuck with unloading capsules every time I go for an appointment. Also, one of my daily medications is a capsule and I have to do the same thing with that one. It's not that bad, it's just a hassle that I never had to deal with before. If I needed a medication I could just pop a pill--much easier for me than liquids. But, now I HAVE to take liquid because of the band. I know, I know...small sacrifice to pay, but it's just annoying to me. I am hovering again at the 22 pounds lost mark. I confess that I haven't been exercising like I should, although I do eat quite well, I think. And, I have to confess also that I had a part of a caffeine-free Coke last week for the first time...it was AWESOME!!! But, I'm not going to restart that habit. I have gotten used to no drink at meals and am satisfied with my Water and coffee the rest of the time. All is going well for me overall with the band. It is no longer the entire focus of my life/time. It has blended smoothly into my life. Stomach flu has been very rampant here the last 2-3 weeks. I really have a phobia about getting that...would that cause erosion or anything or would you just be sick like everyone else is sick?? Just wondering. Guess that's all for now. I'll catch up on personals later this week. My sister, neice and GREAT-neice are coming May 11, so I have quite a bit of getting ready to do. Mainly house cleaning and shopping for baby stuff. I can hardly wait to see them!!! How do you guys get your "ticker" and "signature" and photos into your log area????? Do you have to download from a site??? Please help me, all you computer wizards out there! Have a great week, Feb bandsters!! Nanster

I was "shy" about eating solid foods at first...which, although helpful, is not really an option. But, I do use small utensils and small plates/bowls too. I don't drink with meals AT ALL...did once, and the liquid BURST back out of my throat immediately. It was not pretty. I must have a bit of the "first bite syndrome". I often start to feel full after 2-3 bites, even small ones that I chew well. Then, if I go slow, I can continue fine. But, I have to admit that I'm not GRADUALLY crossing that line of full-to-overfill....I tend to go from still hungry to golf ball (or maybe a LITTLE golf ball!). I have PB'd a few times...not more than a handful of them, but they are pretty miserable. BUT, having said that, I'd rather PB and get it out than sit with it hurting for an hour or so. Golf balls and PB's are NOT made for public restrooms either!! I don't puke ladylike or quiet at all...I wretch in every sense of the word!!! I do find that if I eat Protein (especially cheese, meat, fish or shrimp) at the first of my meal, I stay satisfied longer after the meal. I do salads REALLY WELL...I can eat a decent quantity AND it goes down easy AND I stay pretty satisfied. Adding meat to a salad really helps...but no croutons, etc. I'm still finding my restriction coming and going from week to week, day to day and meal to meal, without any particular rhyme or reason that I can find. But, I just eat according to how it is at that meal. It's unfortunate when you're out to eat and/or wanting a particular food/meal and your band has decided it's time for a TINY meal!!! Never fails...my band and I aren't on the same page!! But, my band knows best, so I do what pleases it. Gotta run..It's IDOL night!! Nanster

Tammy: I found that my first fill didn't "kick in" for about a week or two either...but, it has now and I can only eat about 1/2 of a Lean Cuisine or a small lettuce or spinach salad and I'm full to the point of golf balls. It's nice having restriction now, but I'm not thrilled about being hungry in a couple of hours...I'd like to be satisfied with JUST 3 meals a day like that!! Of course, if chocolate could be made to make us skinny and life would be so fulfilling!!! :biggrin1: :biggrin1: Feb bandsters...you guys are the GREATEST!!! Nanster

Hi All, Wow, we're a busy bunch this week! I have a new "issue"...all of a sudden, I have MAJOR restriction, but I'm hungrier than ever!!! Yesterday, I PB'd/slimed over ONE EGG at Breakfast. Then, for lunch, I had a Wendy's side ceasar salad-just right. For dinner, I just had a serving of grits...and I had to eat it in 4 stages (because I was getting the golf ball)!! Then, today for lunch I had a Lean Cuisine and after LESS than half, I was golf-balling again!! This would be GLORIOUS restriction EXCEPT for the fact that I'm hungrier than ever!!! I don't want to be like my RNY friend, who eats two bites ALL DAY LONG. I want to be able to eat at mealtime and learn to omit snacking completely except for a special occassion. In the last week, I have PB'd at least 4-5 times---what's up with that? Oh, yeah, one day I PB'd on (chinese) fried rice/chicken after only 3 bites. I chocked that one up to being out at a restaurant, hungry and socializing, so I maybe forgot to eat small bites and chew lots...but now I'm thinking those weren't the issue...since it's happening regularly. Have any of you had severe "swing" in restriction?? How long does it take after a fill to "kick in"?? After my fill I didn't notice too much difference, but now I sure do! But I'm HUUUUNNNNGGGGRRRYYYY!!! I have had a few people say they can tell I'm losing weight-that it's showing. (but all those people KNOW I had the surgery, so it may be wishful thinking!!) What's the big "NO NO" about Slim-Fast??? The surgery center staff said the company should be out of business!!! Did I miss the memo on that??? I'm coming to the conclusion that I have to ALWAYS remember that I have the band...and I CANNOT eat in the same way as before surgery. I can't just "forget" and eat "normally"...I have to consciously eat tiny bites, very slowly, chewing it all TO DEATH!! I haven't lost any more pounds in several days, but I haven't gained, so it's all good. I have decided that I am going to allow myself a candy bar (or at least part of one) for Easter...gotta have some chocolate on Easter. (Sorry JanetC and JerseyTammy!) One "cheat" will not stop my progress. I have been more "aware" of my port lately...not painful, but definitely reminding me it's there. Is that normal? I hope my 4-5 PB's haven't hurt anything. Oh yeah...PB'ing in PUBLIC PLACES is the absolute worst!!! (I don't throw up easily, or quietly-and public bathrooms is not an ideal place for it!!) And, being in the car driving when the slimes start is also bad. (Just in case you had wondered about those subjects!!:biggrin1: ) Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter holiday and is able to enjoy a LITTLE Easter sweet-treat, even if it's not chocolate!! And, for those who believe, Celebrate the miracle of the resurrection. Nanster

Nataly: I'm right with you! I was banded 2/24/06 and lost 12 pounds over the first weekend. Then, once I started eating mushies, I didn't lose AT ALL for almost 4 weeks. I stayed below 1000 cal/day, made good food choices, got more active, etc., etc., etc., but no movement! I am JUST NOW, at almost 8 weeks, restarting to lose...and it seems to be coinciding with eating MORE! I've been SO hungry and so bummed with the slow loss that I had a weekend of more food...not binge eating, just that meals weren't satisfying so I'd have something more. I don't think I went over about 1200-1300 calories even when I did "indulge", but I had been more at 800-1000 each day. I do believe that our bodies go into a STARVATION mode, like you described. I also think that some of us just don't lose easily, regardless of the method. When I was dieting (way back before banding!) I could LITERALLY eat almost nothing and not lose. My husband always said "just cut down". For him, that meant going from 2-3 sandwiches, chips, drink and fruit to only 1 sandwich with the other stuff. For ME, it meant going from 1 sandwich ONLY to 1/2 sandwich. AND I STILL WOULDN'T LOSE AN OUNCE! That's why I was so excited about the possibilities with the band. So there would at least be HOPE of eating less and STILL feeling satisfied and STILL losing weight! So, I'm re-starting to lose weight now, after a 4 week plateau. And, it's BECAUSE I started eating more. It's bizarre, I know, but it's happening, so I'm not going to complain but just enjoy it! It DOES make sense that our bodies do that for self-preservation. The first week after my banding, I went through a MASSIVE withdrawal phase....I was weak, sweaty, SICK feeling...and could barely pull myself out of bed. Since I "recovered" from that intial phase, I've been much more satisfied with my meals (although they're small) and I've increased my Water intake and I've been able to choose better foods without the DEPRIVATION mode kicking in. Not to say that chocolate or cake doesn't sound YUMMY at times, but I have a candy bar in my desk at work that has been there now a total of 3 weeks...and it only has 2 small slices out of it. Prior to banding, I would have "heard" that candy bar until I couldn't stand it anymore and ate the whole thing. Now, I can't tell you if it's the band, the fact that I went through "withdrawal", the fact that I've just gotten out of the habit, or what, but it is DEFINITELY different for me now--and I LIKE IT! I'm discouraged about my weight loss...at 8 weeks I've just now hit the 18# mark, but I'm doing what I'm supposed to and I think it will eventually start coming off faster. I HAVE TO BELIEVE!!!! So, hang in there. Some of us are slower, but we'll eventually catch up with the others...and if we don't, so be it. We can only do what we can do, right??? You'll get there. I believe you have the right attitude and are doing the right things. Nanster

Hey, Got on the scales this morning and hit the 230's...barely, but 239.8!!!! I'll take whatever I can get! You know, the weird thing is, I was SOOOOO having a hard time sticking to things all weekend, but I still lost a pound...bizarro world, I guess. I have a couple of questions for ya'll. 1) Do you ever feel a kinda "stingy" pain in your port? Just like when you move a certain way or clothing rubs it or something? 2) I forgot my other question...I'll write when I remember it!! I have had a SMALL (very small, tiny in fact) losing trend restart, after almost 4 weeks without a loss. Sunta: Hang in there; with the way you're eating and exercising, losing again HAS to be right around the corner. I stopped for 4 weeks and am just now starting again. JanetC: I bought the Fitday program, but it hasn't been very "fun" for me yet. Maybe I'm just not patient enough to get everything entered in. I'll keep trying! Maybe I'll remember my other question soon! Til then, Nanster

Happy2: My posts are just my opinion, but I just try to look at things from a "logical" point of view. It makes sense that you want to keep your band for a lifetime if possible...even as you lose weight and need a tightening to maintain the "same" effect as when you were heavier. Also, to minimize complications at every point that you can...it's just a no-brainer to me. Having said that, it's hard to not want to kick it up a notch when you don't lose as quick as you'd like and/or as quickly as everyone else on LBT does. I believe I MAY be ready for another fill myself. I'm able to eat an awful lot more in the last 2 weeks. I AM losing again, actually, so I'll just have to see. I hope to break into the 230's this week...:biggrin1: :biggrin1: I just say...do what feels right for your situation, your body and your psyche. You're the only YOU you have!! Listen to your doctors and to yourself and you'll do great. Try not to be too nervous about your fill...mine was absolutely NOT a big deal AT ALL, and I feel a little silly for being so nervous about it. Hang tough...this isn't easy, but it IS do-able! Just stay focused on your goals. And, when you feel weak...read/write to us; when you feel strong, pull us up, because we're likely to need you from time to time too!! Nanster

Happy2: I was on liquids for 24-48 hours and "full" liquids (including creamy soups, etc.) for the rest of the first week. Then, mushies for 3 weeks...meaning pretty much anything that was blended into a soupy consistency. When I went for my first fill, they couldn't decide whether or not to do it because I hadn't been on solids yet. When I said I wasn't supposed to (per the directions) they said, yea, but nobody waits that long. They start trying out solid foods usually by week 2 or 3. So apparently it's not a problem as long as you start slowly and try things a little at a time. They seemed rather shocked that I HADN'T had solids by week 4. Most of us dropped weight the first week or two while on liquids/pureeds. Then, once mushies got "substantial" and/or started solids, we all pretty much backed off much loss for a bit. Seems to be normal as your body heals, adjusts to fewer cals and adjusts when you start solids. Almost noone continued to have the DAILY losses, so don't be discouraged. My first fill was a total breeze. They didn't even use numbing shot or anything...just a quick saline injection into the port and then a swig of barium liquid to see if I had restriction. No biggy and ABSOLUTELY NO PAIN at all. Then, had to sit and drink a water to make sure all was fine before leaving. Definitely don't be nervous, but I also wouldn't push them to fill, fill, fill either. A) it can make you more prone to complications (erosion, slippage, stuck, etc.), you're going to want to be able to fill more and more over time as you lose weight and your stomach/abdomen shrink, and you have a limited amount of fill available overall in the band, and C) you'll probably restart to lose after you go through the healing-to-solid phase like everyone else has, so just TRY to be as patient as possible. Certainly, if your MD feels it's safe and advises it, go ahead; but otherwise, don't push it too fast too far. JMHO. Mushies stunk for sure, but following the guidelines as closely as possible gives you the best chances for success in the future and lessens complications, which COULD put you back into liquids/mushies for indefinite periods of time. All in all, mushies serve a good purpose!!! And, it's the ONLY time your doctor will actually say it's fine to have a milkshake!!! skbishop: Only HALF of a Lean Cuisine???? I eat a whole one...it is satisfying (before surgery I probably would still be starving after a whole one!!) but do you get ENOUGH calories in when you can only eat HALF of one??? That's only about 100-150 calories! You're obviously doing GREAT on it. Are you satisfied with only that much or do you have to eat sooner the next meal? I'm mostly eating at 7:30am/12 noon and 5:30 pm--that's it...no snacking, except an evening cup of coffee half hour after eating. Just wondering. I wanna be like YOU!!! Feb bandsters are really rockin'!!! Nanster

Good morning all! Well, my scale FINALLY moved...only 1.2 pounds, but at least it was in the downward direction! I've been getting frustrated and wondering if I needed another fill..that's the first loss in almost a month!! For me, a Wendy's side ceasar salad is a full lunch. (minus their dressing...use my own) Sometimes I add some boiled shrimp on top...YUMMY! I actually think the boost of protein may be what moved the scale. (We just got 50# of shrimp so I've had some every day.) Ms Vicki: How do you like Dr. Spivak and his staff? I have been less than impressed in all honesty. I haven't seen Dr. Spivak since surgery and only for a moment on that day. I've called his office on three occassions and none of the three did they return my call. When I had my first fill, noone even identified themself as the Nurse, PA or whatever, so I don't even know who it was that did my fill, although it was totally easy. They gave me the "fill criteria" as 1) wanting to eat everything in sight, 2) loss of less than 5# in a month. Otherwise, said they never need to see me again. (that's real friendly, huh?) skbishop: third time's a charm, huh??? I have only had one- hope I don't have two to go. With what I'm eating right now (and how the chest feels when I eat) I'd be a little nervous about getting another fill right now, even though I'm not losing hardly any. SIGH...guess I'll hang in another couple of weeks before deciding. Julie: I'm a coca-cola junkie too. My RNY friend says "yeah, I'm not supposed to, but I drink at meals and I drink diet coke all day long" but I've decided that I'm not going to have any coke for now. I don't miss it THAT bad and I look at it this way...either I won't be able to tolerate it, then I'll feel deprived OR I will be able to tolerate it and I'd probably overdo it...so either way, leaving it alone AS IF it's off limits serves me better. I'm sure at some time I'll try a swig, but until it's just really "CALLING" to me, I'm gonna consider it an "OFF LIMITS" item...very black & white...makes it easier for me to resist in my mind. prinnie: WELCOME to the best thread on LBT. We have plenty of support for you!!! JanetC: I think you're right...we all PMS and/or are prone to binges at roughly the same time each month. Harder to have a "voice of reason" available, but easier to have "pity parties" together!!!! I don't want to take any chances at stretching my pouch or "causing" conditions right for slippage, erosion, etc. so I'm trying to stick to the rules as closely as possible. For me, if I give myself an inch, I'll be eating the entire pantry!!! I know me, and it's not PRETTY!!! That's why I've chosen to keep portions down to 1 cup or less...no carbonated beverages...no snacks between meals (unless a protein shake or yogurt if feeling poorly)...trying to up my activity...no bread...I want to TRY to help the band do it's job as much as it can. Like all of you...WAY too much money, WAY too much post-op misery and WAY too much pressure from those who know about the surgery to let it NOT be a success. I'm just trying to measure my success by the doctor's standard, not by the by-passers or the people at work, etc. who don't understand that the band works differently. That's the only way I don't feel overwhelmed by the task at hand and just crumble! When I feel deprived or overwhelmed (which actually I haven't much--which has been the best surprise of the whole surgery!) I allow myself 1-2 M&M's or a fat-free fudgcicle or ice-cream bar as a "SLIP" and drag myself back onto the wagon. (kicking and screaming, but I get on!) Hope everyone "weathered" the weather in the plains states and everyone up north is enjoying some springtime. Texas is already headed for "HOT"-the main season here! Talk to you all soon! Thanks for your support. Nanster

skbishop78: how much do you eat for a meal now that you've had your two fills? Are you able to eat most "normal" foods? Just wondering if another fill should be considered. (I want to lose like YOU do!!!) Nanster

Hey Everyone! Wannabelean: I'm right there with you on "mourning" the foods of our past. I'm getting better about being satisfied with what I CAN eat. But, every now and again, I crave one of those old foods too. I seem to do fine with salad, yogurt, deli-sliced meat, tuna salad, chicken breasts (if they're not dry) and most seafood. I do cut everything up before I eat it...in TINY pieces. I chew and chew and chew. For some reason, when I have a salad at lunch I do fine..even with a little chicken or meat in it. But, at dinner, I start having the heavy chest syndrome within just 4-5 bites. I don't get to the point of PB'ing but enough to make me stop eating. However, I find myself actually satisfied...I don't end up "snacking" the rest of the night to make up for it. But, believe me, in the a.m. I'm STARVING!!! Since my surgery, my stomach really GROWLS and I feel REAL hunger deep down in my gut...a new experience for me, I have to admit. (embarrassed) I haven't tried the meat tenderizer suggestion yet, but I hear many bandsters AND RNY'ers swear by it. Compared to what I ate before, I thought I'd lose quicker than I am, but I have to remember that it didn't fall on me overnight so it's not gonna fall off overnight either. My hubby rolls his eyes when I mention a "mourning" or "calling" from food...like candy bars, etc. He has NO CONCEPT of longing for chocolate or "dying" for a coke, etc. He's one of the lucky few!! (darn him!) But, I'm glad many of you can relate with me...makes me not feel so alone and WIERD! I also am a food ADDICT. The main reason I guess we allow ourselves more lenience (spelling?) with food is that it doesn't make us do WILD things like "drug" addicts or "gambling" addicts...ie, stealing money, losing time from work, acting a fool in public, etc. But...our addiction IS hurting us and those around us...it's just more insidious and sneaky!!! Our self-steem is crushed, we hide from others, we lie about what we eat, we spend lots of money and effort trying every diet trick out there to no avail and then we just get sick and tired of being sick and tired and the "butt" of skinny-people's jokes! Now don't get me wrong, I'm thankful I don't do any of those "horrible" things other addicts do, but I almost think it makes it MORE difficult for us because we still have to eat food. We can't go "cold turkey" off food forever like an alcoholic or gambler and just "stay away". We have to eat food in moderation and manage to keep ourselves from overindulging in the things we love to eat. Oh my...I need to get off my soapbox!!! I'm just thankful that there are "like-minded" people here at LBT to discuss things with. Thank all of you for posting such inspirational, funny, ingenious and informative ideas on here for us all to benefit from. Although my loss isn't going as well as I had hoped, I'm not going to give up. I've put in too much money, too much misery and too much effort to give up now. I believe this can work, but I know it's a slow process and it's a LOT of work!!!! Thank you-thank you all. Nanster

skbishop: Thanks for your support. I'm not scheduled for a fill just now...had 1.1 cc (first fill) on Mar 22. Do you think I need one? I only eat about a cup (or less) at a meal. I'm under 1200 cal/day. I guess I COULD get another, but also nervous about erosion/slippage, etc. that everyone talks about. (I hear the more you fill, the more likely the complications...is that true too??) The surgery center said come back "when you want to eat the fridge" and/or "when you lose less than 5 pounds per month". I'm not in the former, but definitely in the latter. Any thoughts, gang??? Nanster