cwm812

I haven't noticed a change with geography, but I have noticed a change with stress. Usually the day I travel somewhere, I can barely eat. I haven't gotten stuck, but I think it's because I am eating almost nothing. It seems to me like the traveling stresses me to some degree (even though I'm having a great time) and I'm tighter than usual. I can feel it like you did and I stick to things that are safe. After I'm there for a day or 2, I can usually eat normally again. As I'm sure you know, these bands are incredibly fickle. It's hard to say what is causing the tightness. I'm just glad I can tell I'm tighter and can avoid the questionable foods. We're off on vacation next week, I'll have to see how it goes this time. We're going to Cape Cod and I'm hoping I can eat the lobster... Cindy

Well, I'm your age, I've lost a lot of weight and I've got the exact same thing going on. Last year, I had 3 periods. This year, so far I've had 6. I've always thought that it was more the peri-menopause thing than the weight loss, but I really don't know. All I am sure about is that my period now arrives completely out of the blue and whenever its the most inconvenient. I, too, get the PMS and particularly the breast tenderness. I keep wishing there was some way to move this along quicker. Got any ideas?? Cindy

I seem to be much tighter when it's really hot. I don't quite understand it, because it doesn't happen every time. I haven't had a problem with pbing more. It just like I feel like I can't eat. I just go into "safe" mode. I'll drink 1 Protein drink a day and then I stick to my old standbys like chili and egg salad. Even though we've had a really hot couple of weeks, I've only had the problem for a couple of days, then it gets better. It really hasn't been much of a problem for me. I figure a couple of days of really low calories isn't a big deal. Cindy

Wow! I can't even imagine 120. Last time I weighed 125, I was 8 years old and no, I'm not kidding. And I'm pretty short, too. Congratulations on all your hard work. I'll bet you look and feel fabulous. I'm sure you'll be telling us how 110 feels soon. Cindy

I'm not hungry the week I get my period, but the week before I want to eat everything in sight. For some reason, the band is looser right before my period and I can eat almost twice as much as normal. I always think I need a new fill right then, then I get my period and the band tightens and I can barely eat anything for a few days. It's really strange, but I've gotten used to it. In fact, I think the combination of eating more, then eating much less makes me lose a few pounds. I guess it could be Water, but it always stays off. Cindy

Lisa, You're from the one place I haven't been. I have lots of friends in the Pittsburgh area, but no one in PA as far north as Erie. My in-laws live in Buffalo, so I am very familiar with Lake Erie. Cindy

Congratulations! You are about to find out that there's 4 times the amount of stuff in the misses department. Shopping takes much longer, when there's a lot to try on. It's a sacrifice, but I'm sure you'll manage somehow! Now, go spend some money... Cindy

You're right. Exercise is hard! I know many people on here start exercising immediately, but I didn't. I didn't start until I was 11 months out and had lost nearly 100 lbs. This worked well for me and I've kept up my exercise ever since. The whole gym thing is so much easier when you've lost some weight. You'll get started at some point and you will feel great doing it! Congratulations on your success! Cindy

Since you asked...Here's my top three reasons 1. The lap-band is adjustable. That means I can go back and get more restriction if I need it. 2. The lap-band does not require removing any part of my internal organs. If I have a medical problem, I can have it removed or simply remove all the fill. 3. No malabsorption issues. I get all the nutrients I need. I've had my band over 2 years and I just had some lab work done. My values are better than ever and the only supplement I take is a daily multi-Vitamin. Good luck on your decision. I've always been afraid of bypass although I know a number of people who have had great success with it. For me, I thought it was important to pick the least invasive procedure. I know the band is still surgery, but it's nothing like removing part of your stomach and intestines. Cindy

Welcome aboard. This website is filled with everything you need to know and if you can't find it, just ask. Someone will be happy to answer all your questions. Where are you in PA? I'm from central PA, but I've got friends and family all over the state. Cindy

I got banded for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Like so many of us on this site, I'm a great dieter. I lost weight many times and every time I gained it back and a few more lbs. Even though my weight loss has been impressive, what makes the band right for me is the adjustability factor. I've had a few times over the last 2 years where I've gone crazy and gained a few pounds. Whenever this happened before, I'd go off the diet and start back to every bad habit I ever had. With the band if I'm that hungry, it tends to mean it's time for a fill. I make an appointment, get an adjustment and the hunger is gone. I really don't diet with the band. I just eat less, because I'm not hungry. At this point, I haven't had a fill in 7 months and I'm still not hungry. My weight loss has slowed considerably, but I haven't gained. That was what I was looking for, and I think I've found it. Good luck on your decision. Cindy

Congrats to both of you. I love the Outer Banks. I haven't been there is a few years, but it was a wonderful place to go with extended family. There is something for everyone there. I don't go on vacation until the end of July. We're headed to Cape Cod this year, but I hope I can write the same post when we get back. Cindy

I've been banded for 2 years and I've only had one episode like yours and I've been stuck plenty of times. Of course, I've also learned how to handle a bad stick. Once I've been stuck, I go on liquids for at least 24 hours. If I have swelling (I can feel it), I eat lots of ice and only drink really cold things. I don't even try to eat. The next day, I move to mushies. I've found this works for me. With only being three weeks out, you're still doing alot of learning and you'll figure out what works best for you. Hopefully, you don't have a slip. Let us know how you are doing. Cindy

I'd tell her, if you need her to watch the kids. If you don't tell her, she's going to worry and figure that something is else is going on. I truly think that it your business who to tell, but in this case she's going to know you have all these appts. She's going to think you have some kind of health problem, then she'll ask your husband and put him in the position of lying. Sooner or later, she'll find out and then she'll be really hurt. If you could manage without her help, I'd keep quiet. I didn't tell my own mother-in-law until after I had the surgery. I would make it clear that you don't want anyone else to know. I didn't mention this fact to some people and I was really shocked who knew. They thought it was great that I was losing this weight and then spread the word. I wasn't mad or anything, but it did make for one uncomfortable holiday meal where everyone commented on my food choices. Cindy

I was at the same place about 6 months ago. I had .2 removed and it made all the difference. I'd call the doctor. I put up with my overfill for 6 weeks. I was at the point where I was living on chili and soup. I know that complete lack of hunger is a marvelous thing, but have the unfill. You've given it enough time. Cindy

I wouldn't worry about it. I think it's pretty common to drop quickly, particularly if you didn't have a pre-op diet. Don't get discouraged if the weight loss slows down when you move on to mushies. Cindy

I haven't had any plastic surgery, and I'm not sure I will. Whenever I read anyone's stories about it on here, I just think that I really don't want to go through all that. If I just needed the tummy tuck, I could deal with it, but I know that I need at least abdomen, arms, thighs and then I'd want the breasts done, too. I'm not even sure I'd recognize myself afterwards, not to mention the cost. I keep thinking about going for a consult, just to see if there is something to do that isn't has radical as all those procedures. I am lucky, like you. I have a wonderful husband, who thinks I look great whatever size I am. I didn't lose the weight to be happy. I was already pretty happy, but I sure do feel better these days, and feeling better, makes everything else in life easier. Cindy Cindy

I kind of did the same thing, myself. I had to do a 6 month diet. I was good in the beginning and I lost 30 lbs. Then I freaked out (don't know why...self-sabotage? hunger? insanity?). I started eating like crazy and gained back the whole 30 lbs prior to my surgery. Luckily, my doctor and insurance didn't care. It just reinforced for me, how much I need something that is adjustable. Anyone can diet....it's keeping it up for the long haul, that's hard. I'll bet if you really have to lose that 10 lbs before your surgery, that you will do it. This is a life-altering surgery you are planning, it's normal for you to have some trouble adjusting to the idea. Cindy

I struggle with this all the time. I never really thought I'd lose this much weight. I was planning on being happy if I just got to a 16 or 18. When you're 350 lbs, that seems downright petite. Now that I'm wearing a size 10 pants, I keep focusing on every stray roll or glob of fat. I guess I always thought that normal sized people all had bodies like fashion models. One of my friends keeps pointing out that at nearly 50, I can't expect to look like a 25 year old starlet. Still, I don't think I have a realistic perception of what I actually look like. My body may be small, but my mind isn't. Cindy

I eat out about once a week or so. There really isn't anything I can't eat, but I do eat differently than pre-band. Since I can't eat very much, I frequently just order an appetizer or a side dish. Also, I rarely touch the bread or rolls. It's not that I can't eat them. It's just that if I do, I won't have any room for my dinner. I've also been known to order a small salad or Soup for dinner, so I know I'll have room for dessert, if that's what I really wanted. Most times, I'm bringing home the leftovers. My husband is always taking them to work the next day. Cindy

Ask the PA if they have a support group meeting associated with their practice. If it's like my practice, the support group is filled with bypass patients, the band patients don't come. Why? Because they're happy. Even though everything she said can happen with the band, it usually doesn't. With the bypass, you are guaranteed weight loss with the physical cost of malabsorption for the rest of your life. If you look at my ticker, you can see I've been very successful. I don't "diet". I eat sensibly, but I eat my fair share of garbage. I work out about 3-4 time a week for 45 minutes. That's it. I don't live at the gym. I don't count calories, carbs or Protein. Good luck with your decision. Obviously, I'm biased about the band. Just do your research and make up your own mind. Cindy

Me, too. I seem to be effected by stress, hormones and the weather. I'm not sure how I know, but I can even tell how tight the band is without eating. There are days that I make dinner for my family and realize that there's no way I can eat what I've made them. I love my band, but it has its issues. Cindy

I get it, too! For awhile, I thought I was crazy, but then I realized that I only get it after dinner and if I stretch to my right, I can make it go away. It can't be anything too serious....or at least that's what I tell myself. Cindy

Honestly, I think it's twofold. First, it is the natural to want to believe that whatever you have chosen is the right choice. I know I'm that way about my band. I don't judge bypass patients, but I can't understand why you would want to go something that extreme to your internal organs. For what I've heard, the bypass folks can't understand why I would want something that requires all the aftercare that banding does. Secondly, I think some of it is personality. For several years, I tried to talk myself into a bypass. I knew dieting was not working for me longterm and I thought surgery was an option. I didn't know about the band yet. I went to several informational meetings with a couple of different practices. The difference between the bypass patients and me was striking. My perception was that the group seemed desperate to lose weight at any cost. I didn't have the health issues that most of these people had and I had a pretty good life, despite my obesity. They were much more impressed by the speed of the weight loss. I wanted to know that the weight loss was forever. After the third meeting, I knew I was not having a bypass and I'd live with my weight, if need be. Bottom line is...to each his own. There are many different options because of all our differences. I know several judgmental people who can't understand why I have a band even though they see my results daily. These folks would never consider surgery of any kind. I'm comfortable with my choice and I know it was right for me. That's what matters. Cindy

Now, just to confuse you, I eat small amounts of Pasta regularly. I just can't eat the thicker kinds. Ravioli definitely doesn't work for me. I do fine with spaghetti and macaroni. Even penne is a bit too thick for me. I use lots of sauce, usually with veggies and meat thrown in. Also, lasagna is no problem. It must be all that meat and cheese. Good luck and keep trying. You never know what's going to work for you. Cindy