socalgal3

Hopefully, we all realize that this is a support group, not a medical intervention. I think most people here still seek the advice of their surgeon/doctor when complications arise, but there is also great value in talking to others who understand the way it feels to be overweight, the challenges of being approved for surgery, the emotions around the process, etc. I also agree that we all do things differently. Even if we follow our doctors orders to the tee, I have seen much conflicting information between doctors. Pre-op diets vary, post-op recommendations are different, etc. Let's just drop it(I know, I know, I'm not helping)

Welcome! I hope you get back on track and remember why you did this-for you! You deserve a healthy body!

Oh, I forgot something funny too....The ambulance that checked me out at the scene yesterday wrote 160 down as my weight. They didn't get that off my license because I didn't have it with me(my license says 170-I know I'm a liar!). So, I guess he just guessed. I know it's no big deal, but I liked the thought of being viewed as 160 when I am actually 180!

A joke for you all..... A woman goes to the doctor for her yearly physical. The nurse starts with certain basic items. "How much do you weigh?" she asks. "115," she says. The nurse puts her on the scale. It turns out her weight is 140. The nurse asks, "Your height?" "5 foot 8," she says. The nurse checks and sees that she only measures 5' 5". She then takes her blood pressure and tells the woman it is very high. "Of course it's high!" she screams, "When I came in here I was tall and slender! Now I'm short and fat!" PS- I finished my tea after reheating it a few times! And I got down about 1/2 cup of soup.

Be careful Regina! Our thoughts will be with you tomorrow. Aimee- I never drink while eating. That is one rule I have always followed(and no soda). Yesterday I got in a car accident. I went to the hospital for XRays and though nothing was broken, I am pretty bruised up and my car is smashed to smithereens. I'm probably more swollen inside now! I have a huge purple bruise exactly where my seatbelt was across my chest and abdomen. So anyway, I still can't get anything down. It is nearly 1 pm and all I've had is 1/2 cup of tea. I didn't go to work today. The doctor wrote me a note for 3 days. They wrote me a prescription for Vicodin and Motrin, but I didn't fill the RX. I don't think a pill will go down! So, I'm probably getting a rental car today and will hopefully still go to Mexico Wednesday for an unfill. Leece-Glad you survived the storm with minimal damage. Do you have flood insurance for the water damage? Happy week gang.

I want to describe my symptoms to you all and get your thoughts. I can eat solids, but liquids sit in my chest and hurt. How does this make sense? Anyway, I tried hot tea this morning and I spit up foam. I have kind of throbs of mild pain in my lower throat/upper chest area. Maybe I am one of those people that has esophagus spasms or a hyper-sensitive esophagus and that is why I can't handle fills. I think I am dehydrated and that's why I am losing weight. I did have too much sodium yesterday. Maybe I am sensitive to that as Barbara mentioned. Lastly, the sinus situation. I was prescribed Flonase because my doctor(not band surgeon) said I was very swollen in my head. I've been on it over 2 weeks and the first week after my fill I had no issues, but this week I did. I also used my albuterol inhaler 2x this week and some over-the-counter Zicam for sinus. Do you think the medications contributed to tightness? I am so frustrated! I loved seeing a new number on the scale, but I honestly don't care if I can't drink! I am thirsty! Of course I will ask my doc, but it is Sunday, so I'll ask for your thoughts until I can talk to him.

I had a 1 week pre-op and I lost 7 pounds. Good luck to you!

I am totally with you Poodles! But my newest theory is ELEVATION. Does that affect our bands? Seriously, I was out of town in a place over 4000 ft. elevation, which may not be much, but I live in the San Diego area which is at sea level, so maybe my band tightened up. Because yesterday I was able to eat lunch..cup of soup and 1/2 a petite salad at Mimi's Cafe and then 6 chicken wings for dinner. I still feel the tightness with liquids in the am, even warm liquids. But I do have serious sinus issues, so that may contribute. I will still plan to go in Wednesday for a slight unfill, but see how Sun. -Tues. goes. I was at 181 this morning which made me so happy!

Glad it worked Pinky, but sorry it is gross! I'm sorry to hear about your gallbladder Regina! That is a fear of mine, but hopefully I won't have to do it. 2 surgeries in 7 months was enough for me! I am still tight and sticking to liquids. I am not PMS or anything, so that isn't it. I'm not stressed either. I'll probably go in Wednesday. That is the only day I can manage to get down to TJ. How are my Texas gals handling the wild weather?

I am out of town right now, so I've been eating out nearly every night. Luckily, the friend I'm with knows I'm banded. You can order off the appetizer menu, have soup or really order anything and just take 1/2 home! Last night I was at an Italian restaurant that happened to have some low-carb selections, so I ordered chicken piccata with sauteed veggies. Just be careful to chew thoroughly, put you fork down between bites and don't get to talking so much that you forget the bandster rules. Always know where the bathroom is in case things don't "go smoothly". Psychologically, I personally get stressed out in social situations around food still. I think people are watching how much I eat, etc. But I am getting better at this. Stress seems to make my band tighter and then I can't eat. So, before eating with others I give myself a pep talk and remind myself of the rules.

I'll probably go for an unfill. It is so frustrating that I can't tolerate fill. It seems so strange since everyone else has 2cc or more and can still eat. I have managed to eat a protein bar so far today. It took me an hour to get it down.

Well, first of all, congrats on losing nearly 64 pounds! You are doing awesome. I would do what works for you. If you don't lose weight over 1200 calories, don't go there. Just make sure you are getting your protein. You can up your calories if you are exercising alot. My former trainer recommended mixing up your calorie intake. For example, 3 days at 800-1000 calories and one day at 1400-1600. Then back to 800-1000 for a day. Of course, those calorie counts are examples and should be adjusted for your height/weight/doctor recommendation. There are so many opinions out there, but basically, you know your body. If you eat 1200 and don't lose, try less. Also, make sure to get your water in!

Am I too tight? I really think my body just doesn't like fill, or my brain cannot comprehend the band. I only have 1cc and I know I shouldn't compare myself to others, but it seems so tight. It is 10:30 am now and I have had nothing. I am not hungry, but I am thirsty. When I drink, the water just sits in my chest and hurts. I tried warm water too and the same result. Yesterday, I didn't have anything solid until 5:30pm. All I had earlier in the day was some Medifast soup(basically broth) to get some protein in. I have had my fill for 2 weeks, so it shouldn't just be the adjustment period. I did have a BAD PB on Monday, but I did liquids for 24 hours. My surgeon thought my slip was due to being too tight for too long last time. I really don't want to be unfilled, but what do you gals think? I am able to eat a small dinner, but I feel tightness in my chest most of the day. I thought it may be sinus/allergy realated, but I have been on Flonase for 2 weeks as well. HELP!

You can run chili through the blender. Then it is smooth. I know it sounds gross, but it's not bad. I did that with soups too. Any soup run through the blender will be thicker and smooth, but have some meat flavor. It doesn't taste the same, but just a thought.........

Cindy- I know you are nervous, but I strongly encourage you to go to the doctor. We can all speculate here and give advice, but you really should see a doctor to put your mind at ease. Don't wait too long because you don't want to do damage.

I have periods where I plateau for awhile and then the weight eventually starts to come off again. Just reevaluate your calories, exercise, etc. Maybe you are going too low on calories and fat. Try to find non-scale victories as well. Are you measuring inches? Sometimes we lose there when the scale isn't showing results. Hang in there!

Alex- Did they have to remove your band, or did they remove it because you wanted to change band types? Also, Did they remove the port as well? If so, can you feel a hole from where it was? Just tell me if that's too nosy! I am just curious, since I had a slip too, but they were able to repair it. I am fearful of doing it again!

I eat Lean Cuisine, Smart Ones and Healthy Choice meals for lunch quite a bit. It is quick while at work. I do read the labels and log everything on SparkPeople, so I watch my sodium, fat, etc. I think they are fine. Lean Cuisine has several that are low-carb. I even read the Stouffer's labels and some had less fat and calories than Lean Cuisine. I like to cook, but I usually do that for dinner or weekends. I think you should do what works best for you.

Looking hot Regina and Barbara! Keep up the great work.

Just try to remember being on liquids and dreaming of something mushy! I remember that first yogurt.....it was so good after broth! Definitely keep that Magic Bullet handy for after fills! You will get through this as we all did! The benefits of the sacrifice will amaze you!

Good job Julie! Keep it going!

I don't feel that I am ashamed of my band or embarrassed of it. I don't tell most people details of my life as I am a private person. It is your choice what to do, but don't be guilted into disclosing information that isn't anyone's business. My slip was caused from my band being too tight for too long, many PBs, etc. YES, I knew something was wrong as I had constant heartburn(which I had rarely had in my life), pain and couldn't keep anything down. All is great since the repair! I think they got it in a better place because it is so different from the first few months. Best of luck again!

I am a "closet bandster". Only one friend knows and they have been very supportive and respectful. It is your choice on what to tell people. I think it is possible to "pass" as the weight comes off slowly. I have alot of people noticing now and asking my secret. I tell them that I am watching what I eat and exercising, which is the truth! I log my food daily on SparkPeople, exercise 3-4 times a week, have cut out fast foods, etc. I have my emotional ups and downs about the band, but overall I am glad I did it. Good luck with your surgery! Less than a week!

This is totally "NORMAL". I had a mass freakout right before my surgery. I am 36, no co-morbidities, why am I doing this to myself??!! I also felt good losing some weight on the pre-op diet and started to think..."maybe I can do this on my own". Then I remembered all the times I had lost 70 pounds and gained it all back and then some. The band has finally given me the hope of KEEPING IT OFF. It was an emotional rollercoaster for me (still is). But seeing the scale go down or stay the same is way better than it creeping up again! You can do it! Hang in there! The best is yet to come.

I also used Dr. Ortiz and getting hold of them has never been a problem. They give you several numbers to reach them. Also, I believe they can recommend someone in your area for aftercare if you are unable to fly to TJ often. Good luck with your decision.