Kat817

Have you tried calling and talking with your Dr. to see if it is something he thinks he needs to look at? Is it warm/hot to the touch? If so I would go to a Dr. today. If not, I may watch it to see, if maybe my port had popped a stitch. If that is the case, you need to tell your Dr, as it may cause the port to flip, which can be repaired easily, but they need to be aware that something is going on. I don't think what you are feeling is exactly "normal", it may however be nothing unusual. The best thing to ease your mind would be to check in with the Dr., and if he is worried, he will want to see it, if he isn't then you too can relax. Let us know how it goes. Good Luck! Kat

Sounds like maybe you are still too tight. Since you can get some liquid down, but not all. I would consider myself too tight, if I couldn't eat solid protein, let alone slim fast. You may have to go back to a smaller fill, it may have left you with swelling still, especially when your stomach starts trying to digest. I think I would call my Dr. You don't want to lose weight this way, you will lose muscle---you need nourishment! Good Luck!!!! Kat

Oh yeah they can happen anytime, but since you travel so much it is already less likely to hit you that way, as your system is accustomed to the changes. I would suggest maybe finding a list of band approved Dr.s world wide if possible on the Inamed site---you could carry it with you to have for the area you are going. I mean search the areas you are going, and keep those names & numbers handy. So you could be prepared. Also take the info about your band and port, so if you have to hit an ER somewhere you are armed with your info. You may also have your Dr. prescribe you something for nausea---mine gave me phenergren (sp?) so I would have it to avoid throwing up if possible. All in all, just be as proactive as you can as opposed to waiting to be reactive. I know personally if I prepare for the worst and hope for the best it usually works out, but the time I do not prepare---all hell breaks loose!!! Have fun!!!! Sounds like a great trip! Kat

LOL!!! I live in the NW corner of New Mexico. It is a unique area in regards to the GC. If you travel north for 30-45 minutes, you can be deep into the mountains in Colorado. Drive south the same distance, and be among cactus in the desert. We are surrounded by sandstone formations, and some awesome rock deserts. We have rock crawler contests. 4 WD vehicles with the ability to climb rocks, it is unreal! We are within 50 miles of the 4 corners...where you can sit or stand in 4 states at one time. so getting to some of the areas in each state is possible. Have fun!!! Kat

I know it would be hard to see the weight come back, but not nearly as hard, as causing an uproar in the vacation trying to find someone to do an unfill, or worrying over every bite or drink whether it will work. That would hold up everyone, and in the end cause the unfill, which would put you back another 4-6 weeks anyway. Keep in mind, you can eat perfectly normally, and still have a problem. Many times your stomach gets upset with the different water for instance---and wham, your stomach swells---and if you have restriction already, you can be in trouble quickly. Consider all the issues---I know how excited you are to get started!!! I feel for you, I just would hate to think it caused problems right off the bat---it is here to help you---not cause problems!!! Good Luck!!!! Where you going???? Kat

I would go beyond the date as opposed to rushing it. Without fill, many of us can eat as we did pre surgery. And while that is not ideal, it is not immediatley threatening health wise. If I were traveling, I would postpone, and plan on a full attack when I returned. Helen, you are in bandster hell---as it is referred to around here. You are banded, and empty. Just do your best, soon the fills will begin to help. Until then refuse to beat yourself up. It will happen when you get the band to help you---that's why we got it. None of us are perfect dieters, or we wouldn't be here! It is normal you feel like you do. The good news is---it passes! Soon you will be on your way with a WORKING band!!! Kat

This may sound very silly---and I am not at all familiar with the situation you are in. If anything, I can only hope to be as supportive as my Mom. Would it work for you to be just a little rebellious? Keep a secret. Guard that secret CLOSELY!!! She cannot know about your band---and then when she dogs you over food, you can secretly smile to yourself---because you know something she doesn't. Eventually the band itself will help you with the eating to insulate the feelings. And you have everyone here to share the secret with, As time goes on and the weight comes off, you will have to find a new secret, same as she will have to find something new to pick on. I had similar issues with my ex husband, I finally figured out he hated if he thought I knew something he didn't. So when he would say something, that I knew was just the start of a tirade, I would very slightly smile, or make myself look like I was trying not to smile---it infuriated him, because I would not tell him "what?". Eventually he refused to talk to me about important things, because I refused to speak. Inside I was imagining my life without him, and him nagging someone else! I know you don't want that---but divorce was my salvation. I just thought the same mind set may help you. I hope you get some answers with experience! Good Luck! Kat

Hi,bread is a biggie!!! I personally can eat it. I have not attempted to just sit down and eat it alone. It seems risky!!! I can eat a sandwich if I keep the insided moist, and take small bites, chewing well. I can order a burger, but I usually remove the top bun. I have so little room to fill, I hate filling it with empty bread calories. I can do toast, with my breakfast for instance. But if you think about it, I take a bite of it, along with eggs....so it works like a sandwich. Pizza is the same way. I try to do thin crust, so that I get more toppings which are more protein than the heavy dose of just bread in my little pouch. Corn tortillas are never an issue---I can do them in enchiladas, or in tortilla chips, tacos---doesn't matter, they are easy for me. Flour tortillas, are not so easy---if they are very thick, they get gummy when moistened---say like a smothered burrito---it gets like dough which is hard for me. So I usually avoid them, it is just easier. I make breakfast burritos here at home, and I just make sure I buy the really thin flour tortillas, and I do ok. Now my personal experience with the infamous PB!!!!! It is not a true puke fest........as there is no stomach acids involved. It is just what you ate, along with HUGE amounts of "slime". Slime is thick, extremely gooey mucus, or saliva. When the body senses we are having trouble passing something, either by too big of a bite, or over eating, it tries to help. It helps by producing this slime---in order to slip it through. Well in theory it sounds good---in actuality---your pouch is already full, and your body is producing copious amounts of this---with nowhere for it to go. Spitting it is the best option I have found. If I walk, breath deep, and spit, I can usually avoid a full blown PB. If not.....it is forceful for me, similar to regular vomiting, but just food, and tons and tons of sticky slime. It is painful in the fact that when you are trying to avoid it, it is (food and slime) backing up into your esophagus, and it hurts....often referred to as a golf ball, because in a way it feels like you swallowed a golf ball that is stuck trying to go down. Now if you picture it in your mind, your belly like a balloon with your fist wrapped around it, things will slowly pass through unless you are truly stuck, but it is a slow process. Now when you either finally get eased from the food slowly processing itself or by PB, your stomach has been stressed---as has the area squeezed by the band. So the recommendation is to go back to a day, or minimally several hours of liquids only, let the stomach rest, it is likely swollen. If it is swollen, and you attempt to eat food that must be digested, then you chance swelling tight enough to cause you yet another PB....and thus begins the evil cycle. So baby your body if you do PB. It is not a puke fest, but it is more that it sounds calling it a productive burp---PB. It is more than spitting up. I am 11 months out, and have done this 2 times. Both at home thankfully. I have never been suddenly in PB trouble, mine were both my own old habits popping up, and not chewing well. Small bites, lots of chewing, and no drinking with food, will lessen your liklihood of a PB. But I would predict sooner or later it will happen! If you feel something is stuck---if you, like I did swallow too big of a piece of food, you can try helping it. Wait it out a few minutes, 30 or so---then you can try sipping pineapple juice, it is acidic enough it sometimes help break down food blockages. You can also buy papaya enzyme at the health food store (I bought mine at GNC), and it works really well doing the same I am told. It is in chewable tablet form. In worst case scenarios, I have heard of people having to drink liquid meat tenderizer. If these all fail---and you are still stuck and hurting, unable to drink---it is time to get thee to a Dr. for a quick unfill. Learning to eat right is sooooo much easier!!! It is now habit. BUT just like 17 years later, a cigarette still sounds good sometimes, I forget my new rules....and hello slime!!!! Don't let the fear stop you, just let it help you learn!!! Y'all will do fine!!! Kat

If any of you having clothing issues are interested I have some clothes that I have finally "undergrown". Mostly casual, some dressier. I began in a size 22/24 pants.....and 3X or 26/28ish shirts. I have some jumper style dresses....mostly odds & ends, but maybe something that could tide you over while you begin the losing---which will be coming SOON!!!! If you are interested shoot me a Pm with an address and what your current size need is, and I will see what's in the bag. What I don't find needed homes for is going to the "garage sale of the Universe" later this month here in town. Kat

You are saying I know my good looking men!!!! LOL---thanks Maziemommy!!! I was told similarly, to make sure it would go through a straw. I am just so doggone picky!!! But yes, Protein is so important as you prep for surgery and recover from it---it is excellent. Some Dr.s refuse to allow it, some won't even let them add Peanut Butter to smoothies---really strict, and I am sure they have their reasons. Mine was not that strict, just emphasized WHY it had to be liquid thin enough to go through a straw, and not any pieces. I am going to let Donna explain the geocaching, as I have not participated---just know of it through a friend. A rough idea of it (as my limited understanding is) there is a place singled out, and then coordinates given to the "players" to find it using GPS---here they do lots of 4 wheeling to get to the places and lots of hiking. Ok, I am off to bed. DH and I went to a musical of Urban Cowboy tonight, so I am up late....tomorrow I'll be a grump!!! Kat

On the issue of how it would be hard to raise a bi-racial child---I am sure it is going to be hard for that child, whether you raise it or not. It is already facing uncertainty, or it would not be up for adoption. IF you think you can provide more stability and love to that child than it is getting now---then surely it could be done. Yes he/she may encounter biases in your family/town/state....but this child is going to face those people anyway. If you can raise the child knowing love, and acceptance from you....then that is one more person loving them and accepting them than they have right now. Kat

Hi Donna---no I have never gone with him. He is one fella I don't know I should be left alone with out in the hills!!! Good Looking does not begin to cover it!!!! And I am a very happily married woman!!! And then there is also the matter of his new GF!!!! Kat

Rick come home on day 4!!! It was not appreciated by OUR surgeon, but it was an associate, seeing patients over the weekend, and he discharged him! When he found out, and he called up early on Monday, and was really irritable, that we had not been told to at least stay in ABQ. But we weren't, so we drove home almost 300 miles! If Alan is going to be in the car much at all, buy some of those heavy clips (made to hang on the fridge, with a magnet) they work really well to hold the seatbelt a bit loose, so it doesn't go snug across the chest, and the incisions. But it is not so strong so as to interfere with the safety aspect of the seatbelt. We also ran into a problem, with his prescriptions, with them releasing him on Sunday---and then us having a 4 hour drive.....the pharmacy was going to be closed. If my DD hadn't called her boss, our PCP, who got things arranged for us, it could have been awful, so see if his Dr. will give you his Rx's the day before, so you can have them waiting. Well I heard from Roberta, she was not feeling like she could keep up, and her asthma had been troubling her, so she opted not to post. Kinsey and I spent the afternoon in the yard, having a bubble blowing contest....now not only did I win, I ate a lot less bubbles!!! Little goof ball kept insisting on putting the wand right ON her lips!!! I just love to here her giggle with abandon like that! Tonight Rick and I are headed to a musical of Urban Cowboy---so I guess I better get showered and ready to meet him for dinner. Everyone take care---- Kat

You're right Terridoodle. I was just trying to think of the induction phase, so she could get a quick start on some sort of pre-op. There really is a wide range you can eat, and will be able to eat again once all these pre-op, and post-op necessities are over! Fruit remains one of my favorites, but one I really have to be careful with or I end up sliming. I think it is the high water content of the fruit. I know they told me the reason not to drink with my food was that it would wash it from the pouch too quickly. But I found if I so much a tried it was an instant PB---it feels like it floats my food up into my esophagus---ewwwwww. And the fruit kinda feels that way. I have to be very careful with it. But when it is fresh, and plentiful---it is worth being careful for. I love picking a fresh peach and sharing it with my grandbabies!! Sounds like you April 07-ers are on the ball and ready!!! Kat

Eggs---especially scrambled are hard for many people. Someone actually researched it on here, and found it is because they never break down further than what you chew them. They cook in a way that if you swallow them---that is how they have to pass, they stay in the same texture. I haven't found them to be an easy food for me, butnot impossible. Fried eggs, I have no issue with at all! Give your band and your fill some time to settle in, and maybe easily try the scrambled again. That is the strange thing with this band, what doesn't work today, may tomorrow---unfortunately the opposite is true as well, you may eat something without issue today, and it may not do so well tomorrow! It does get easier----each and every day. Within a few weeks, you will find your stride, find new foods you really enjoy the taste of. You will love what not eating the bad foods has done---as your new body begins to emerge! This is a training and learning time for you---and is going to be a roller coaster ride! Relax---it is normal, we all had the crazies from food! But it really will get easier, and become a second nature. It is said it takes doing something for like 3 weeks each day to develop a habit. So soon the chewing will be normal to you!!! I think that soon your Grandmother would have been proud of much more than your posture-----you will be in control again!!! Kat

Wow Donna that is right around the corner!!! How exciting! Yes the post op diet can be a bit trying, just try to remember how important it is...WHY it is important, and if need be when the food demons hit, and they will---we call it bandster hell---just get up, get out of the house, and do something, it will help them pass. Preop, the basically want you to eliminate the fats from your diet, as it helps in reducing the size and flexibility of the liver, which they have to manuever around to place the band. So hang out, tell us all about yourself, where you hail from, who is doing your surgery, how much you hope to lose---all the good details!!! I have a friend here in NM who does the geocaching! Look forward to getting to know you! Kat

I believe most of us had a love/hate relationship with food prior to being banded. While we loved the food, we hated the fact that we obviously did not have a control over it that "others" did. And it led us to feelings of inadequacy. Banding, does allow you to focus on the other aspects of life, that before seemed to center around the food. At family get togethers, you get to spend more time with family as opposed to food! I say that as a joke, when I am eating with others, I seldom seriously notice a difference. I EAT the food I have differently, not to mention the TYPE of food I have. I will order the best steak on the menu, in the smallest size. There is no question---it WILL be enough. I enjoy the tastes and textures more---and pay more attention to what the actual food itself tastes like, not just the preparation method. Because when you have to fully CHEW something, you get to taste the food, not the breading, or the sauces it was cooked in, but the food itself. So you want it to be good! I take a bite, a small bite, and begin eating, I chew longer than I ever used to, I sit my fork down between bites. I do not even put the next bite on my fork until the first bite is swallowed. When you start doing that you notice how others shovel it in----just like we used to! I pay very close attention to my speed. And in the end, we are all finishing up at about the same time. The difference is, they are finishing because their plates are empty, and I am finishing, because I am full. I will take probably 3/4 of my meal home if not more. I thought like you did that would bother me, but instead, it has changed the love/hate relationship---to one I just love! I love my food still! I do, like I say really enjoy the different textures. Who knew a good steak could have almost a creamy texture as you eat it!!! Or a nice juicy shrimp---it may take 4-5 bites to finish that shrimp instead of just popping it in whole---but it tastes fantastic! You learn to appreciate the food itself. And when you are full, you know you have ate a good healthy meal, you have not overate, you have fed your body----not your emotions. There is never the disgust with yourself after a HUGE meal. There were times in the beginning, I missed the eating without thinking. Not worrying if it was good for me, or good with the band---but it becomes second nature, just as gorging ourselves did. Only now it is good habits I am developing---not the ones that were killing me. It is a different life---but a much better one in my opinion---I don't miss my old habits. Kat

Donna you did the best thing in all---made a decision YOU are happy and comfortable with. When I finally made my decision, a peace settled over me, it was such a relief, that I just knew somehow it was the right one! Many times others try to sway you one way or another, for months it seems it is the question to have the surgery or not...then the question changes to who to do the surgery, ot where---isn't it a relief to know YOU researched it, and YOU made the decision YOU are happy with?!!! Way to Go!!!! Good Luck!!! Kat

HI bandedme, just be very label observant. Avoid high calorie, high fat foods. If you are planning to seriously diet through this phase to lose weight prior to banding, I would lose all flour and all sugar from your diet. This eliminates most carbs. Add to that by eliminating potatoes & rice. Now, you can eat meats, eggs, Beans (even though they have a high carb count they are also high Fiber, and high protein). I was allowed green veggies---salad things, just be cautious with the dressing. I ate cheese, it is a good snack, as are nuts, especially almonds. You can have cottage cheese, yogurt---just watch to make sure that is is not high in sugar. Watch that you don't have hidden sugars in juice or other drinks. It is somewhat of a boring diet----BUT it will drop the pounds! And some people really like it. My DH does amazing on it! But he would be happy having bacon & eggs twice a day! He swears he loses weight better IF he eats eggs. Doesn't matter how they are cooked, he says they calm his hunger better than anything. You might try it. Another thing to keep in mind, and not be freaked out by on this eating plan----ketosis. At least I believe that is what it is called. It is the way the body changes over to burning fats---and it leaves you with monster breath!!!! It goes away eventually, but stock up on some SF breath mints---because it will taste yucky in your mouth, and your breath will not be minty fresh without them!!!! It does go away, and you will be losing weight! This is basically the induction phase of Atkins---and that is what I had to follow for my pre op. Good Luck!!! Kat

This site is full of advoce acheiver!!! Take some time, read through some threads, and you will find lists of supplies to have on hand for the days following surgery. You will find threads of those awaiting surgery during the same month as you. They are particularly nice, as most of us go through similar emotions as the day approaches! If you think of a question, you don't see out there, just post it---we'll be glad to help! Welcome to LBT, and congrats on getting your approval!!! Kat

Sometimes in the beginning with tight restriction, 3 bites is your full. If that is too tight for you to handle, then it is time to see your Dr, for a slight unfill. I have heard many say on here, they like that TIGHT restricton because it works for them, the weight falls off. When I first got my 2nd fill, I was very tight, and 3-6 bites was my limit. But I never forced beyond that. My only PB's (2 of them) have not been an overeating situation, they were not thinking situations, and I didn't chew well enough. As for the chewing to liquid----yep that is how the band prefers it! I am surprised you didn't get that pounded into your brain pre-banding!!! Chew to goo. When you think you have chewed it well enough chew it some more. It is kinda gross with some things. You are forced to really taste some things, and they aren't as great as you think they are. How are you identifying your "hunger"? Is your stomach growling and churning, or do you just "feel" hungry? There is a real difference. It is not always easy with the band, but it should not always be painful either. Sounds to me like it is time to sit down with your band Dr., discuss how you should be eating, amounts, and HOW to eat. Then together decide if an unfill is in order. I hope you get some answers, it sure doesn't sound like you are having much fun on this weight loss adventure!!! Welcome to LBT, I hope you get some answers soon! Kat

Kelly, thank you so much for updating us on your Mom. I am glad it is over, and behind her, now for the healing. Let her know, our prayers will continue, and we hope her pain eases. Thanks again. Mandy, my heart is so sad for you right now. We want our childrens lives to be easy, and right now that isn't the case for Abi. I will for sure say extra prayers for all of you. I wish there was something more I could do. Does she like receiving mail? Can I send her a card or a little something every now and then? If ever you need a caring ear on the other end of the phone line, to vent to, to cry with----you can call me ANYTIME---I will PM the #. I know you have a supportive family, but I always felt like I was adding to the pain they were already feeling, knowing I was hurting too----we are all here, and sharing your concerns, and fears, and hopes for help for Abi. I hope you can feel the big hug I am sending you telepathically!!! Deb--I had the crud it sounds like your family has. I had my DD call me in a prescription (with the Dr.s ok!) for some phenergren for the nausea, and it helped, knocked me out---but then it hit the other way, and for 2 days I couldn't get far from the bathroom. I know TMI---but be prepared!!! Today I feel human again! I actually yesterday---saw my scale read 200. BUT this morning it was up to 201, and I am sure tomorrow will be 202. I seriously thought about refusing to eat or drink for another day just to let it drop!!! Then the stupidity of the idea sunk in!!! Betty--it has been so nice here! We had a rain storm the other day, but it passed, and the sun has returned. I dearly hope the rain you are getting is hitting our place in TX as well. It is so dry there, our tanks are almost dry. If it doesn't change, we will likely sell even more of the herd, if not all of it. That is happening to so many, the beef prices are bare bottom....which doesn't help the idea. Beannie--glad you are home, and still employeed. That is scary! I think you are wise looking ahead at a change. Then if they pull it out, you have not lost anything. Extra knowledge will never hurt! Your vacation sounds like it was just what you needed. Quality time with DH & your family. I want a pool.......and a hot pool boy....cuz I really don't want to have to take care of one!!!! Sherry---how's the cold? Darcy---you off walking on the new treadmill and ignoring us???? Cindy---time to check in!!! Do not make me do roll call!!! Well, I am going to make the coffeepot, and likely head off to bed. I will remember all of you in my prayers tonight....promise! Kat

Poodles, PM me an address, and I will send out several tops I know I have----and check the pants. Do you ever do any "jumper" style dresses? Kat

Yes banded me, the numbers are just that highest weight/current weight/goal weight Kat

Hi all you bandster gonna be's! Wow, it sure doesn't seem like a year ago, I was feeling all the things y'all are talking about! But it was! I was on an emotional roller coaster. One day I would cry because I let things get so out of hand, the next day it was because I was spending such a huge chunk of $$$$. It was always something I was obssessing over! Was it worth all the obssessing? Oh heck yeah!!!! As I read through the posts---a couple of things beckoned to me to comment!! AKA---butt in about! Tracy--you worry about the food going to waste. I did too, I was always the one, who would eat the last few bites, rather than throw it out, which is what put me at 289 pounds!!! I now have a little thing I say to myself to avoid those issues.....and that is.....in regards to the leftovers, or an excess in food....It can go to WASTE or it can go to WAIST. For years it went to WAIST---and look where it got me!!! Now I look down at my size 14's, with the button and zip fly as opposed to elastic, and I dump it in the trash!!!! We also purchaed a food saver. And when we know there is going to be way too much food, we make up our own TV dinners, with inexpensive plastic compartmented plates (from the picnic aisle). We fill the plate, and shrink wrap it, then on a night we don't want to cook, we have GOOD food, our tastes, and it can be ready in nothing flat, and it was not wasted. They are also really good for lunches! Plus since your BF can eat more, they can be made to fit both of your appetites, some big plates, some small. And you can spend the extra time together, since you don't have to cook that night! Shine On---I have to tell you, our sizes are similar. A year ago I was in a 22/24. I was in my sweats, and was forced to be content simply cuddling our new grandbabies, because I had no energy to do anything more. I now live in the town I grew up in again, so I hated going to the stores and risking running into any of our old classmates. I say our, my DH and I went to school and graduated together here, many many years ago!!! Well in the last year, I have lost now 87 pounds, and 54 inches---yep 54 inches! I now wear a size 14 again---and I run with my grandbabies! I take them to the park, I USE them to get in my workout time! My 2 year old granddaughter and I dance together all the time---I am making wonderful memories with them. We still read books----at bedtime! Get your band---and plan your trip home! There are people there that love you---and that you deserve to SEE!!!! Ok girls I'll quit bugging you for now---but I DO look forward to hearing your successes-----because they are on their way! Kat