Kat817

lisalu, I was not intending to sound condescending in saying that following the rules, and having support was the way to do this. Hell I don't know from one day to the next what works best for me let alone anyone else. What I do know, is that I have read many a post that relate stories of people losing their band. That alone is the reason I am doing my best to learn new eating habits. It is not easy---it is not something I think about every bite I take, it is not something I think about even every day! I too live....and do not feel deprived....I chose the band to keep from feeling that way. If one of my grandbabies has a birthday, I want to be able to eat cake with them and enjoy it---with the band, I have and will continue to do so. If the family goes out for Chinese, I want to go and eat with them---and I do. But I also DO TRY, to keep realistic with it. Cake is "cake" to eat, and I could eat a lot more than I do, but I try not to. I try to choose a chinese dish with more veggies, and do less fried rice than I would have before. These are not things the band will do for me. They are habits I am doing my best to train myself to do. If I ever were to lose my band, I would like to have learned enough not to instantly bloom right back up to the almost 300 pound starting point. There is no stock plan that works for all of us. I am very glad you have achieved success without worrying excessively about your eating habits. I think different things work for each of us for different reasons....I am afraid of being overfilled, I fear it might lead to erosion...so I err on the side of caution. I feel like I have good restriction where I am right now...I eat normal foods, the only thing I have found I cannot eat is yeasty glazed donuts (which I know I really don't need to survive!!!), and when I eat, I remain full for several hours. I cannot remember being hungry since my 2nd fill. My Dr. was more aggressive with my first fill giving me 1.25cc's, the 2nd fill was like yours .50cc's, and that is how he will go from here, if and when I need another, with 1/2 at a time. But I know for a fact the .50 made a massive difference between the first fill and the 2nd....so sometimes that little tweak is all it takes. I agree with lisalu, in the way that you need to keep with your Dr, or find one you can work with, and adjust the band you have to a proper fill---whether that be reducing the fill for awhile, or adding to it---having a proper restriction is key with the band. But look around---you are not a failure, and you are far from alone!!! Kat

For sure try the alternative treatments out!!! My Mom has a massage every 2 weeks, and swears by them. She is such believer, she now has that as her stand by gift to all of us----massage gift certificates!!! I'm not complaining!!! I too have heard positive things concerning acupuncture. A friend did it for long term sinus issues, and she said it helped way more than meds. I hope Spring brings you all good things!!! I cannot wait either---I want to be outside in the sun... Hurry Up Summer!!! Kat

Stand in front of a mirror.....look at the ceiling, now look at the floor, repeat several times. Practice this move, so you can use it to appease the moronic nutritionist!!! And get on with your life, your way! I am just kidding, but really---who needs this kind of crap? If she was really being helpful it would be one thing, but obviously she isn't. So give her the answers she wants to hear, get your hoops jumped through....then when you are done, let them know how perfectly useless she is! Good job on the quitting smoking by the way---hang in there!!! I live in a rural area, and a licensed nutritionist was not to be had, so they let my PCP do mine...he is a major granola cruncher anyway, he told me all the same things he told me as I gained my way up through the years, but he was not hateful about it. He is in fact looking into banding for his own wife---guess she doesn't listen much to him either!!! Hang in there---vent to us, and nod to the nutritionist!!! Kat

Kyethra, I am so sorry you are having to go through all of this! My Mom has fibromyalgia, and my neightbor has a worse case, called polymylagia. They both have good times and bad times. I wish I had a magic answer for you. If you have one near by possibly a teaching hospital ER would give you better results than a standard non teaching hospital. My Uncle is an MD., and he suggested that to us with Mom, to go to the University Hospital---they are also usually county supported, so cannot turn you away due to finances. I will say a prayer for you to find peace from the pain, and that you receive answers---I hope you like Ariel, wake up soon, free from pain! How wonderful that would be!!! Good Luck! Kat

giveyouthe moon...Karen....EXCELLENT post!!! One thing my Dr. is always saying is "We band your belly, not your brain....the band can do it's part, but you have to do yours." I don't know if I would consider Andi overfilled, but possibly she has a very irritated belly, that is having problems with the good protein, due to the PB, and NOT going back to liquid following one. Andi--I know it isn't easy going backwards, and doing the liquid, but it really is for a good reason. You set up an evil cycle if not careful, of PB'ing each time you eat hard protein, because the swelling has never had a chance to heal properly. I too extend you the hand of friendship and support---but first you need to look in the mirror and make a friend and support of yourself. You will always have the food demons and issues you went into this with, until YOU slay them. Chips are not going to keep you fat, if you eat a few with a meal here and there...if you make a meal of them on a regular basis...they will for a fact make you or keep you fat! Part of me wishes, that I had a magic bullet, and that the 80 pounds I have lost was just magically gone---but the other part is proud of the lessons I have learned about eating in moderation, and in a healthy manner---it gives me hope that in the event of something happening to my band, I would have a chance at maintaining the loss. Why don't you give yourself, the band and us another chance----what do you have to lose....besides excess weight? Kat

HI, Wecome to LBT. I think you are very wise researching both the band itself as well as the surgeon, before making any decisions. Ihave not heard of the Dr. you mentioned. I was banded by Dr Aceves in Mexicali, Mexico. My Dr. did not ask for any money until I was physically present in Mexico. I would be very hesitant to send any money until all preparations are under way----being out of the country, your recourse of recovering any money would be minimal. Hang out with us, ask any other questions you may have---we will do all we can to help. Kat

At my original seminar, they had 2 people who had been banded speak, and both of them said they were always cold now. The woman said it began immediately, and the man said his only started after losing about 60 pounds. The Dr. explained to us, that the fat cells hold estrogen in, and when it begins to release that you can feel hot flashes, but more than likely you will lose the always warm feeling. Then as you continue to lose weight, you literally lose a good layer of fat insulation..... I am much cooler natured now, but it is regulating itself. I wore a winter coat and gloves this year, for the first time since Junior High I think. I feel less like having multiple layers on now, I am slowing down my weight loss (doggone it!), and my body is settling in I think to how it is going to be. Kat

Hi Kim---what you are experiencing is VERY normal. It is commonly said around here....Liquid in, Liquid out. I got to where I did not go far from home towards the end of my clear liquid stage!! I also think the protein drinks I used made it bad...maybe it was the broth...maybe everyone had it as bad as I did---but I was convinced I had it worse!!! Welcome to both Bandland and LBT by the way! Let's see....are you able to have full liquids, by that I mean anything besides clear yet? I was on clear for almost 2 weeks..... Once you can have heavier liquids, I blended all kinds of soups, and that really helped with the liquid issues! I would take a can of whatever kind of soup and blend it to smithereens, then pour it through a little strainer, and it was so much better than broth!! There are full threads devoted to food stages...try to read only the liquid ones at this point so you feel less deprived! Keep us posted to how you are doing. Glad to have you here! Kat

Me again! Got the girlie home again---she has been munching grapes---which is a major relief! The pediatrician gave her 2 different antibiotics...I should have paid more attention to what they were---but didn't. One is a long acting broad spectrum that should keep the infection from flaring back up again. The second is the same oral antibiotic they give for oral herpes infection--even though the culture showed negative for the virus. She said within 2 applications it should dry up the blisters, it will also cause her mouth to be dry, which will make her drink---double good. She swabbed her mouth in the office thoroughly the kids said, and already when she got here, her breath was noticably better---she could run you out of the room before! They gave her the mouthwash--which she is not really old enough to understand how to do yet...but will try. It is half Benadryl liquid and half Maalox. The Maalox coats the blisters, and the Benadryl shrinks them. And they gave her Liquid Lortab, so she can ease the pain caused by eating and drinking---and it has worked so far...she is drinking water, and eating grapes. She has to see the Dr. again if she does not urinate by 3 today...if she does, she doesn't go back until in the morning. All in all, it is looking up---she is not as listless---she has moved on to grumpy which is always a good sign!!! It is a good thing they are getting aggressive, her Mama was just about to blow! She had already lost down, she weighed in at 18.2 pounds this morning, dressed in her jammies. In December at her 2 year appointment, she was an even 20 pounds....so she has lost. We all would if we didn't eat or drink! Thanks everyone!! I appreciate your concern and prayers, more than I know how to say! Kat <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Me again! Got the girlie home again---she has been munching grapes---which is a major relief! The pediatrician gave her 2 different antibiotics...I should have paid more attention to what they were---but didn't. One is a long acting broad spectrum that should keep the infection from flaring back up again. The second is the same oral antibiotic they give for oral herpes infection--even though the culture showed negative for the virus. She said within 2 applications it should dry up the blisters, it will also cause her mouth to be dry, which will make her drink---double good. She swabbed her mouth in the office thoroughly the kids said, and already when she got here, her breath was noticably better---she could run you out of the room before! They gave her the mouthwash--which she is not really old enough to understand how to do yet...but will try. It is half Benadryl liquid and half Maalox. The Maalox coats the blisters, and the Benadryl shrinks them. And they gave her Liquid Lortab, so she can ease the pain caused by eating and drinking---and it has worked so far...she is drinking water, and eating grapes. She has to see the Dr. again if she does not urinate by 3 today...if she does, she doesn't go back until in the morning. All in all, it is looking up---she is not as listless---she has moved on to grumpy which is always a good sign!!! Thanks everyone!! Kat

Hi girls--- I need you. My granddaughter Kinsey is terribly sick. She caught an infection from Lindzie (the bf's DD), called Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease. It is a viral infection, and it caused blisters in her mouth, and between her fingers and toes. Lindzies (who is 6) went away in about 3-4 days. Kinsey has been down for over a week, and the blisters all went away except in her mouth, and they only get worse. She cannot close her mouth it is so swollen. The HF&M disease is viral, so the Dr. kept saying it would run it's course. Well she has worsened to the point that my DD took her to another pediatrician who said Kinsey has contracted a secondary infection in the mouth, and has started antibiotics...and has given her liquid Lortab for the pain. This little 2 yr old, lies listless, only moaning to tell you "I hurt". This Granny spent the evening in tears. As of this morning, the meds have not made much difference. She has been bleeding in her mouth, she woke to a outh full of dried blood. She had not drank nor pottied in over 18 hours. She is barely 20 pounds before all of this started! So the new pediatrician wanted her in the office, and said she would likely admit her to the hospital. On the way to the office, Kinsey spotted a bottle of water that Manda had been drinking on her way home from work, and she wanted it, so she guzzled that. Seeing that they stopped at a convenience store and bought her another bottle, and she was still drinking on it when they called her back to the exam room. Now I am waiting. Please send a quick prayer up for my little sweetie. The concern is that it might be some sort of flesh eating bacteria, now that her gums are bleeding. They cultured it yesterday---I have no idea what if anything they know yet. I sit and wait. Thank you for being there!!! Kat

Hi girls, Sitting here not sure what to do with myself. I am waiting for a phone call from my DD to let me know what they are doing with Kinsey. She is at the pediatricians office, and Manda expects them to admit Kinsey. She had not had any fluids since yesterday, nor had she pottied. But on the way to the Dr. she spotted a bottle of water that Manda had been drinking on her way home in the car, and she wanted it---she guzzled the remainder of the bottle, and they stopped at a convenience store, and bought her another bottle of water---and she was still drinking on it when they took her back to the exam room. Now I sit and wait to hear what they are going to do. Thank you so much....for your prayers and your support. I find myself in a strange position, of lacking in support for this right now. I hate calling my Mom, or MIL, simply because they would be in the same boat, sick with worry---I want to spare them until I can not keep it from them. My best friend here is in Houston at a work conference...and my other closest friend is in Salt Lake City at a huge RV show (they provide RV's for rent, so are there buying). I have other friends here---but it wasn't the same...guess it is easier to type and cry than talk and cry. I also think I am simply afraid to say the words---it is so scary. Manda was thrilled with her drinking, she said they may still admit her to do a comprehensive follow through on the infection, but her drinking was a HUGE turning point. My DD is a nurse...so I am having faith she knows. Anyway I am rambling----sorry! Huge Hugs, and Huge thanks! Yes if you get an address on Blue---please forward it to me. Kat

Oh no!!!! Please let her know we are thinking of her---I was hoping she had already left on her vacation is why we had not heard from her! If there is an address for a card---I would love to have it! Thank You so much for letting us know Betty! Extra special prayers have already been said, and I will continue them....I do hope she is improving, that is so scary! They are considering admitting my 2 yr old granddaughter to the hospital as well. She got a viral infection from my DD's boyfriends daughter (confusing enough?). She caught hand, foot, and mouth disease at school, it is rampant---and then Kinsey caught it from her. But hers is not clearing up like it should. My poor little girl, is just pathetic---she cannot eat or drink hardly at all. Her little mouth is solid blisters--her little tongue looks like a pinecone of blisters. They started her on a new medication, thinking she picked up a secondary infection of some sort, and they are culturing it. If she is unable to drink by tomorrow she is being admitted so they can nurture her. She barely weighed 20 pounds to begin with, so she hasn't got a lot to lose...girls, this baby's gums are bleeding, she just lays listless in your arms and moans, saying "I hurt". It reduces me to tears. When you send up Blue in your prayers tonight, can you add my little Kinsey a quick one too please? Kat

You are in what is commonly referred to as Bandster hell. A band with no fill, and hungry. It is hard! BUT there is a good reason you were given the time line for the diet used to return to "normal" eating. When they did your surgery they pulled the lower part of your stomach up and over the band, then stitched it in place to hold the band in correct position. They put you on clear liquids followed by fuller liquids following surgery so that your stomach does not have to digest. When it digests food it makes a kneading movement, which puts undue stress on the new stitches. If those stitches pop, the band can move, which can lead to slips or erosion down the road. The main reason for the extended time with mushies, is to see how the stomach reacts to digestion again...many people swell, and will need to go back to liquids for a few more days. If you are supposed to be on mushies, and you chewed well, with no ill effects, then you likely did no harm. It would still be wise to try your hardest to follow the diet outlined by your Dr. It was killer a few times, and I eventually during the mushie stage, got the ok from my Dr. to move ahead---since I was having no adverse reaction to eating. The vast majority of us on here, who have been banded, had eating issues! Most of us had hell through the time you are in now---but the good news is WE MADE IT!!! And you will too!!! Stock up on a variety of things you are allowed, and eat them as you need them, doing your very best not to push the limits with your band....if you treat it well----hopefully it will return the favor for years and years to come!!! Hang in there---I am not intending this to sound like a holier than thou lecture---I was not perfect in my diet by any stretch of the imagination---just meaning to encourage you to follow the band rules at this stage of the game especially---a lot is riding on you healing well!!! Good Luck---this will pass!!! Kat

Today was an average day for me and I ate: breakfast--small bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats Cinnamon Crunch cereal with milk lunch--half a tuna salad sandwich---1 slice of bread,folded over tuna salad snack--1/4 cup or so of almonds dinner--roasted pork tenderloin, 1/2 of a small baked potato with butter and sour cream, and green beans. I drink decaffeinated iced tea, and water all day---I do not drink with my meals, or for an hour following breakfast and lunch, and for a half an hour after dinner. I also do not snack after dinner, I work to empty my pouch before going to bed. I do not have any foods I refuse to eat, based on the band---there are plenty I do not like so choose not to eat!!! I had a PB when I tried to eat a yeast raised donut---so have avoided those. I have to make sure that meat is moist and tender, or have something for dipping if it is questionable----gravy, or ranch dressing for chicken strips for instance. I do have treats---I just eat much less than I was ever satisfied with before. I try not to eat until I am full, instead, just eating until I am no longer hungry. I find eating normal, quite easy. Kat

Welcome to LBT!!! I fully believe I could have managed my trip to Mexico on my own--it would have been much more nerve wracking I am sure!! I have not heard of the group trip offerings. I can see why they would offer it, and it would make for a fun reunion, or support group of people doing it all at the same time! I hope you get some responses from his patients. Keep bumping it up to the top if you don't hear anything! Good Luck!! Kat

Glad you feel better! Hang out---you will soon see you are not alone by any means! Let me know whta your Dr. says! Feel free to contact me anytime you find yourself in need of support---been there, and I know how easy it is to panic!! Kat

When they did your surgery they pulled the lower stomach section up, and stitched it over the band to hold the band in place. Now they want your stomach not to attempt to process any food for several days---which is the time for clear liquids. When your stomach senses something in it needing digested it makes a kneading motion, which puts undue stress on the stitches that they put in place to hold the lower stomach over the band. Next they will progress you to full liquids, which will continue to pass through the band without much digestion, but liquids only---so that it DOES pass quickly, and not have excess weight sitting in the pouch/stomach. Then you will progress to mushies, so that it begins working, but will be working on soft foods, easy to digest, so that you do not irritate the stomach into swelling. Some people find it hard to make that change, and will need to go back to liquids for a few more days...let your stomach be your guide. Giving it proper time to heal is imperitive! Not an option to up the schedule without discussing with your Dr. Another part of the forced liquid diet, is elimination of cravings of some foods----not eating carbs will greatly reduce the craving of carbs.....the more you eat of them, the more of them you want. If you follow the directed diet, you will find eating healthy much easier---your body adapts to being without the things you now think you want. Good Luck---hang in there---- Kat

I'm sure you will feel much better after discussing with your Dr. and getting on a regular appointment schedule for awhile, until you get your fill level to a proper amount. My Dr. wants me to be able to eat hard protein, and high fiber foods, without issue (PB). He feels like a dozen bites or so should be enough, but I eat more than that now and am happy with it. Then after eating it, he wants me to remain full for 3-5 hours after eating. If I can eat more, or do not stay full for long after he feels it is time for another fill. Now, I eat more than he recommends, but I do remain full---so I have opted not to have another fill, I would prefer to go a little slower, and not worry about the effects of being over filled. After my first fill, nothing much changed, I could eat pretty normally---but the 2nd fill which was just a small amount, made a huge difference in how I felt when I eat!!! I had restriction, and have been satisfied with it ever since...that was back in July. I have however read on some signatures where 6-7 or 8 fills were required! But most I see reach a good restriction between 2 and 4 fills. Seldom with one---so go easy on yourself!! BTW---welcome to LBT---we will be here to support you---no sense in shouldering all these new feelings alone--we are all going through the same things!! Kat

In my opinion, what you likely need is just closer monitoring, and another fill---one is seldom enough! Yes drinking while eating can thwart progress, but I think you just need to work a little with the Dr. at acheiving restriction. Don't worry, once you begin the fill process in earnest, and see the Dr. regularly, you will find your sweet spot, and it will make losing the weight much easier. You have not failed, you just aren't using the band the way it is intended. In another post, I read a comparison of the band to a new car.....you bought the car, and now it is time to put gas in it and drive!!! Hang in there, it will work out!!! Kat

Not real recent here, just wanted to say welcome!!!! Both to Bandland, and to LBT---we are glad you are here, and that surgery went well. Remember to walk a lot---and when you feel up to it, come back and tell us all about yourself---we look forward to supporting you along the way!! Kat

PCOS is an a acronym for PolyCystic (sp?) Ovarian Syndrome. It causes weight gain, facial hair growth in women, irregular or absent periods....help!!! My memory is failing me!!! Kat

In the world we live in, children are forced to learn many different sets of rules. We all did it growing up---we knew there were someplaces, whether it be Grandparents, or friends houses where we got by with more than we did at home, or visa versa. My DD had to learn an extra set--- she had to learn what was ok at Mom's house and what was ok at Dad's house. She did it. She knew she was allowed to jump on the bed there, but not at home! She also figured out pretty fast that telling me she got to do it somewhere else did not make a bit of difference. These are the rules here....learn them and live with them. The big word with kids (IMHO)---whether it be food or jumping on the bed, is consistency. If you require them to clean a plate for dessert on Monday, have the same rule on Friday. If they have to wear a bike helmet to ride after school, make them wear it to ride with you on the weekend. If you say NO---mean it! Kids are smart---if they get you to change your mind by wheedling and begging, they will keep on doing it!!! Do you really want to listen to that all the time???? One of my major pet peeves, is for a parent to tell a child to do something, repeatedly, and be ignored, then when FINALLY after bribing and threatening, the child does it---the parent THANKS them!!! Yep they just taught that child a wonderful lesson, that we will all have to deal with! As for your situation with your Granddaughter, I understand why you did what you did. If this is a child you have often, as it sounds like you do, I would sit her down and talk with her, now that the meal is over, and no one is sad or upset. Tell her she does not have to eat every bite to get dessert (we know that is a bad message), but let her know what kind of food off of her plate she needs to eat. My granddaughter is 2 and she knows if we go to fast food...she has to eat her chicken, she does not have to touch her fries, and she can hit the playyard. Same at Wendy's, she has to eat her burger or chicken, and she can have the Frosty---but now she would much rather have the mandarin oranges than the Frosty!!! I would also have the "Boy who cried wolf" talk. Telling her that if she always claims a tummy ache, then someday she may really be sick, and no one would know. Grandpa lessons can be long remembered. Mine didn't let me get by with murder, but I loved them heart and soul! I owned a day care for many years, and there are wonderful ways to teach a child good lessons with food! Maybe it will save them from the life we led!!! Hang in there Gramps!!! This Granny is likely to bo referred to on occasion as the mean one----but I dare anyone to think they can love them any more than I do!!! Kat

Was your fill done under fluoro? Have you had it "looked" at to make sure all is well? I understand not wanting to be overfilled, that is not safe. I have noticed, the lower I get weight wise, the slower the weight comes off, but even tho I am not losing much weight, I am still losing some inches---and my body is readjusting. I have gone down another pant size, but the measurements in my arms, and calves have gone up---likely due to exercise, and weight lifting---but I LOOK better, regardless what the scale says. I also lost very quickly the first 6 months, and slower now, but do not feel like a failure----I have lost over 80 pounds----even if the last 10 have been slower than molasses---I have lost them---and will continue to work at it! What kind of exercise are you doing? Maybe it is time to pump it up a bit? Kat

Cool!!! I didn't know that! Kat