Band_Groupie

Back from Ohio...still bouncing around in the high 150's...I'm going in for a fill mid-October. I think (I'm sure my Doc will have the final word) I'll just get a small fill as I want to take it slowly on the refill...don't want that reflux back. Glad you're feeling better JG! Curious...is that what they told you...or why do they think it got tight? JT...I'm waiting with baited breath for that elusive 199!!!!!

Hi Tracie! Just wanted to say best wishes for your surgery on Monday! I'm not too far...down in Southern Butler Co. in Cranberry. I'm sure it will all go well...keep us posted! -BG

Excess weight is never trivial, I'm sorry if it sounded like that as that wasn't my intention. I just felt the need to make sure you're informed about what the Band can/can't do for you, as well as weighing the surgery against the twelve pounds. Trust me, I know the struggle that comes with any excess weight and whatever you decide I'm here to support you. Even with 100 pounds to lose (I hid it well) I also heard that I didn't look heavy enough...even from lots of non-Bariatric Docs. Best wishes.

smilan- SO glad to see you again! These Bands are so fickle and SUCH a constant learning curve. I'm down the 2.5 I gained just over the long weekend, but now I've suddenly been getting stuck again...weird, but now I'm back to chewing well again. At this level of restriction I'm at now (between my first and second fills) I had NO restriction at all...and now I definitely have some...like I said, weird. I'll be watching to see what you decide. Best wishes!

Deborah- First, I'm not sure about the hernia, but did they tell you that could cause that much pain? Your pain sounds exactly like what mine was like...awful, and like I said my banded friend who's a nuclear cardio doc went to the ER thinking she was having a heart attack too. I confirmed with all the docs I saw during the x-ray that esophageal spasms are this bad. Next, I'm surprised that the endo (I'm assuming you mean a EGD) didn't confirm whether or not there's a slip as they can visualize the size/shape of the pouch when they're in there and it would be easy to see if a big section of stomach was up through it (you might just ask your doc to check the pics from this). I also had the xray/barium and everything was perfect (get it if you need it). The most common symptom of a slip is a sudden change in restriction, sometimes with pain...the prolapsed stomach folds over the new stoma and essentially blocks it. I have heard that some with a slip have restriction that varies, but this isn't typical. You didn't mention it, but I'm guessing you've had some vomiting lately...the mistake I made was not going to liquids after a vomit as it will swell the stoma. And remember, reflux is the most common side effect of banding and if it's bad then you're probably too tight...so I'm hoping your small unfill will solve all this. Take it slow and let the swelling go down from the (assumed) vomiting. Keep me posted! There's even a name here for this...it's called 'first bite syndrome' (I'd suggest you do a search here to see others experiences). Some find that it's best to take that small first bite and then wait a min. or so before eating the rest. Keep an eye on the pain though and keep your Doc informed as well. These bands are such a learning curve LOL.

157, down the 2.5 of my Labor Day feastival. JG- Glad you're going to the Doc...reflux if no fun!

Eggs are a very common food to get 'stuck' on...think about putting chewed eggs in a glass of Water and then pouring it into a funnel; they don't break down any more than you chew them in the stomach and they tend to ball together into a big rubbery mess. Chew them really well and eat slowly. Tightness in the mornings, loosening to less restriction by night happens with most banders and is completely normal. Try drinking something hot before you eat (coffee in the am for me). Best wishes to you both!

I knew last week was too good to be true LOL...lots of bad choices this week and I was up to 157 on Friday, and 159.5 today...yikes! I'm still trying to figure out if I need a partial refill...Back to basics.

Well I now know that unfills are just a common part of this process that many of us have to go through. I'm still trying to decide whether to get a partial refill or not so I'm tracking things this week. I'm now up 11 pounds from my lowest...yikes! I'm taking full responsibility as there were lots of bad choices last week and over the long weekend. Just need now to figure out how much of this is real hunger LOL. Back to basics! Andrea...glad the unfill is working better for you!

I understand your frustrations with WL and getting older, it does get harder. I'm generally supportive of the Band, but do you really want to go through a major surgery for 12 or so pounds...not to mention the cost? The Band is most effective for people that are volume eaters...and it doesn't restrict that volume, but rather it keeps you full between meals so that you can eat less and stay satisfied. Best wishes!

Whoot! 151 Back down 4.5 to my pre-vacation weight...fickle Band...guess my scale is in charge of deciding when it wants to move! Happy Friday all! Oh, and if you didn't see my blog...I did an interview for a short article for the Allergan/LB site (to come out sometime this fall/winter) about my hiking at the Grand Canyon (back last Fall)...they found my blog post here. Too fun!

OK, either the World is sending me 'messages' again, or I'm just a gullible sucka whose getting punked again (Erika, is that you?!). You all know I don't get 'subtle'...in fact I don't usually get 'hit me over the head with a 2x4' either. Oh NO, it takes me having many horrific PBing moments before I finally am sitting there thinking (and re-chewing my regurgitated food in the middle of a fancy restaurant) 'Hmmm...Wasn't there a rule about chewing well BEFORE you swallow?' So there's a point to all this somewhere...oh yeah, 'messages'...stick with me, I swear this will get good at some point...well you know I've been taking somewhat of a hiatus from the writing...not all by choice, summer, 3 kids, life happens, and it should....but next week when the rest of the kiddies are back to school I've actually been looking forward to finishing up the book proposal and starting the process of sending it out...so this week, now that things have finally started to slow down, I decided it would be my 'pull together all the motivation I'll need, collect proposal layouts, and start getting my plans to finish the book together' week. Here's what's happened...OK, first of all I received a wonderful gift...I'll remind you that recently, one of my sister's and I had been discussing Dr. Suess/books...in fact, I had mentioned to her that at one point I had looked at a vinyl lettering quote, like she has up in her kitchen (they are like rub on stickers), and I was looking at my favorite Dr. Suess quotes to go in my hall upstairs (on the way into my office/our Hobby Room). Fast forward about a week and I get this same vinyl letting/rub on quote in the mail...I excitedly called my sis (not there) and left a thank-you message...a week later or more I hear back that it wasn't from her...HUH?! Mystery gift?!!...I finally solved the puzzle and it's from my good friend and LBer Diane. OK, she's been so busy (working girl), and then I left for vacation, kid off to college, life again, that we haven't had time to discuss this, but it's freakin' me out...did I mention my "hall plan" to her?...I think not!...messages from the world?!...here's the quote: Too cool for words...just WHAT I needed, WHEN I needed it! Now I have to repaint the hall before I mount the words (10 years later, it's time to be repainted, thanks for that motivation too), but it's going up as soon as I paint (I'll take some after pics to show you)...so, thank you Diane...you know me so well (and I hope you get done working soon so we can talk)!! It will inspire me daily as I walk down the hall to the office to write to the best of my abilities (I would put it over the computer area as you suggested in your note, but those walls are Hunter Green...I'm thinking the black wouldn't show)! Now get ready for 'messages from the World' 2 and 3. So Monday morning as I'm pulling up info. on proposals, I took a moment to check my email...hmmm...someone from Lap Band Talk...and what's this?! Although I've run across 'advertisements' on Lap Band Talk (and a few who have put advertisements as comments on my blog/deleted), I've never been directly solicited, until this week. I really thought that my first 'solicitation/request for product endorsement' would come through the Blogger site as it's more 'out there' in the world and all that (and I've seen others here get 'endorsement requests'...and I'll be honest that it turns me off when people actually do them). So this request came through LBT, not Blogger...very vague (complimenting me on how my transformation is one of the best he's seen yet and asking if he could use my pics for a 'major campaign'...OK, I was happy it wasn't a product endorsement request), new member, from a marketing firm, so I was very wary. After looking up the marketing firm and a few emails back and forth I find out they want to use my before/after pics and a testimonial from me about how my life has changed for an add campaign...for...wait for it...the Realize Band! Me?...I chose the LB/Allergan!...so although I'd do anything to help pay this forward and help promote the Band, I can't do a campaign for the Band I don't have. I'm typing up my 'so sorry, can't do, I have the LB/Allergan' email to the marketing firm guy when a new message pops up in my email...also through Lap Band Talk...it's from a health journalist who is writing a short article for the LB/Allergan site about things we can now do after getting off weight (she'd read about my Grand Canyon trip). If it wasn't for the fact that I hadn't yet sent my email telling Mr. Marketing that I don't have a Realize Band and couldn't do this, I would have thought these two things were connected and he'd given my name to the journalist. But still; Coincidence?! You know me, I asked. Yep, she (Hi there! Yes, I looked you up too...she's a very legit and well published/award winning journalist...name a health magazine and she's written for them...also 'O' magazine...no, Amy W., Oprah didn't call me next LOL) assured me today it was just coincidence...and so I'm looking forward to doing the interview (and I'll keep you all posted on the 'article'coming out this Fall). The World is sending me messages again...with a 2x4...Yes, I could take this as 'LBT sold my name to a bunch of people' (including my friend Diane), but remember, I'm an optimist and my rose colored glasses are gigantic...I'm taking all this as 'Messages from the World' just when I need them that doing the book is the right thing to do (being a newbie writer...it's like being a newbie Bander...lots of doubt...there are days where you say 'WHAT WAS I THINKING?!!!'). So I've found new faith and belief in my 'messages' that I'm really going to be able to help other Banders with the book and I'm off to get the proposals out and hopefully finish the book! The book, for me it's like my LB...at some point you just have to believe that you were meant to do this and that it will all work out. You just have to believe in yourself first. **UPDATE** I did the interview this morning (for LB/Allergan), very fun! Yes, I told her I'm not a gym rat! I think that's part of why she liked my story...at that point 5 mo. post-op, only about 50+ pounds off and not any real strenuous regular exercise to prepare...even I was shocked at how well I did on the trails (DH was even more shocked...how he loves hiking!). From not being able to walk up the church stairs (Notre Dame) about a year and a half before, to hiking several miles down and up (no, not even half the way down) at the Grand Canyon, and then two more days of hiking Sedona...I guess it's a reminder what 'only' 50 lbs. off can do to help your health! Just think what I'm capable of now?! Just think what you're capable of now! Other updates/blogs: Funny Guest Blogger Today: http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/2010/08/8710-funny-guest-blogger-today-and.html Only One Week Left To Post! SWA Contest http://bandgroupiethesweetspot.blogspot.com/2010/08/82510-only-one-week-left-to-post-swa.html

Follow your docs rules...1000-1200 was mine. You don't want to go into 'starvation mode' and that usually starts around 800 or less. You need protein and energy for your body. If you can't eat more, ask you Doc if you can do 6 small meals instead of 3. Best Wishes! -BG

Glad today was better, and sorry about the tonsils! Did you win the raffle? -BG

I think almost all of us have to go through the 'what have I done', usually during Bandster Hell, which is where you are now. Remember the first 6 weeks are just for healing, not WL. Have realistic expectations and know that the restriction will help with fills and that the wounds will heal. I expected to get good restriction by the holidays and I was banded the end of April...it happened in Sept., but like I said, realistic expectations. Hang in there...Bandster hell sucks, but it ends! -BG

CONGRATS Sandy...and Happy Three Month Bandiversary! You're such an inspiration to all! ((hugs)) -BG ...and have fun with DD

I feel your pain JT. It's to get you ready for maintenance...I swear, because that's what it's like...watching those last few pounds every day...for the rest of your life...unless you're Jersey Girl...LOL (sorry, I'm laughing with you JT...I'm right there with you).:confused: You SO need to have a Onederland party when you get there, which will be soon! Hang in there!

I'm behind as usual...went on a vacation, dropped a kid off at college, you know...life. I haven't forgotten about you!! Here are my recent blog links ('Blogger' it's safe, I swear). At least read the 'funny pages' listed first (everyone needs at least one good laugh a day): :thumbup: The ones that will make you laugh at (with) me: :wink2: My Secret To My BEST Skin after WL This Bites Vacation Prep Two For The Road Nutrition and My Children Animal House You'll need a Tetnus shot after reading Pics of me: :eek: Happy Feet WL and your feet (and SHOES!) Cape May Pics of Me on Vacation (and in bathing suits) Just because: :tt2: I'm Like An Old Leather Couch How? Read.

Grrr...up and down all week...saw 153 at one point, but today I'm the same as last week. Have a great weekend!

Great NSV's!!! I lost my 'girls' as well...they went first :-(

I'll ditto what Sandra said...if you're eating properly (I had to 'relearn' how to eat after each fill) then you need a tiny unfill. PB's/vomiting can cause complications and you don't want that! -BG

Band = Fluffy Port = Phil