juliegeraci

Melanie, quick question for you? How is your restriction? Do you think you need a fill since you have lost 30 lbs?

Edeva, I would love a new lapband buddy. I've been banded since June of 06 by Dr. McKeen in San Jose. Does your doctor take insurance? Mine doesn't so my fills are $200 out of pocket! I live in Gilroy. Where do you live? I am a slow loser at 65 lbs for 1.5 years. I am down from a size 24 to an 18. My goal is 1 more size. How are you doing?

Laura, I have to be honest with you. While allergy tests do show the foods you eat can cause imflammation in my experience is is pure metabolism, food consumption and exercise. I went through the same thing 3 years ago. I am allergic to everything. I gave up carbs and lots 30 lbs on my own before being banded. Since I've been banded I have lost 65 lbs eating all the foods I am allergic to. I just don't buy into the idea that foods make you gain weight. It is calories in and calories out. She may be one of those that has to only consume 800-1k calories like a bandster. Should be interesting how she does if she eliminates those foods. For me, it didn't work. Keep me posted. Julie

Rhonda, I can't live without my protein drink! I eat so little during the day that the 30 grams really helps me with my intake. Other than that, I always eat solid protein during the day. Cheese, chicken, fish, etc.

I would give it to this Thursday and call for a fill.

Karen, aren't NSVs the best! Congrats. Keep up the good work.

Annie, there are 2 types of tightness. Tightness to liquids and tightness to solids. If you are tight to liquids you should get an unfill. If you are tight to solids and don't mind eating a softer diet to lose weight then it is your decision. If you get stuck on things like liquids, ie. yogurt you may be too tight. In my case, I can eat a little solids without problems. When I am at 3.2 (I'm at 2.9 right now) my diet is much softer. It just depends on what you want from your band. Also, if you eat a healthy breakfast high in protein and you are hungry in 2 hours that indicates to me you need a fill. If you find that solids are hard however then I wouldn't get one. I would simply eat 5-6 small portions a day 1-2 oz of solid protein for example. Are you losing?; That is a sure indication on whether or not you need a fill. Good luck.

Do you have it in your shoulder? If so use a heating pad.

Funny thing water. Sometimes I PB it. I don't know exactly why because I am not tight. I would sip and hang in there if you are losing.

I think the stats are more like 50-60% of your excess weight. In my case, I lost 65% of my excess weight in the first year. Yes, it is much slower. I have seen people get to goal in 1 years time though if they exercise and keep their calorie intake to 1k a day. I really like being banded because I can still eat everything just less of it. Good luck with your decision.

Lauren, I have heard that stress can cause tightness. I would stick to liquids today if I were you.

You're welcome! How is your restriction? You losing 1-2 lbs a week? You must be down a size or 2 now?

I would try and stop eating by 5 or 6. What time do you go to bed? Also I would try prilosec and zantac daily. My doctor also prescribed me a fluid to help with the acid reflux. Good luck.

Glad you got a fill. It sounds like it was exactly the right time. Good luck.

Donna, welcome back to lapband talk. Yes, you are eating around the band. I would just try and eat until satisfied and throw the rest away. Some people use salt and salt their food so they will not eat it again. Good luck.

My doctor also said no carbonsation because it can stretch the pouch. That being said another doctor on the boards said there was no scientific evidence of that. I do drink beer but very rarely. Carbonation can make you feel bad though so you have to try it. I'm okay with wine unless its a day I have acid reflux. Then it hurts going down.

There is another thread out there somewhere where the woman says she set off the metal detector with her port. They had to wand her in a private room. I haven't however had that happen to me yet.

I believe juices should be okay.

If you are eating a cup of food and still losing you are okay. If not, you need a fill.

Chris, personally speaking I wouldn't let $9k stand between me and my happiness. Good luck.

Question, are you able to eat creamy soups? They really helped me.

Gummiebear, thank you for the post. I am exactly at the same place as you with 35 lbs to go. Thanks.

I believe the ER can help you if you ask for a chemo nurse. They are familiar with ports for chemo.

I believe you are suppose to consume 64 oz. You should be able to drink water fairly easy since you don't have a fill yet. That will slow down once you get restriction.

Enjoy the ride girl. Every day you should love your body no matter what. Remember how it was when you were fatter? Remember the clothing size you wore? You should be very proud of yourself. It took me over year to lose 65 lbs. 55 lbs if fabulous. Enjoy it!