socalgal3

Mini-gastric bypass I believe-MGB

I went alone for my "surgery journey" to Dr. Ariel Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico. I found it safe and many others on the site have had great experiences with the Obesity Control Center.

Sorry for your pain Barbara! Lord knows I can relate! You're the one who convinced me to get some unfill after being tight for so long. I know you've been filled and unfilled before, so you know your body best. But, if things don't improve, you better go to the doc.

I need help with aloe vera juice. I went to the health food store and was totally overwhelmed by all the choices! I ended up getting one called Herbal Stomach Formula. Let me know what kind you gals use if you buy it. I also found some "Aloe Splash" flavored water. It has Splenda-so no calories but has aloe and vitamins. Barb-congrats on fitting the new clothes. I haven't bought any new clothes, but I can fit some of my old stuff that had gotten too tight. I can eat a little more, but I still have a little pain. I wonder how long it takes to heal one's esophagus!

I'm pretty sure that internal scar tissue and external scars are totally different beasts. I was just referring to the outer look of people's scars. I doubt using a cream or an adhesive scar patch have any bearing on internal scar tissue. I am dropping out of the October challenge. It's just too much for me to track right now. I think it also goes back to comments about not obsessing over the band as well. I'm gonna chill for awhile and see if it works. That said, I've eaten nothing so far today. I tried earlier and I guess I'm still too swollen. I've been drinking water and I took my liquid vitamins and calcium. I'll try again at dinner.

Sounds good....keep me posted on when you might go. How are everyone's scars? I bought some of those scar sheets. I should have done that right after the surgery, but I never did.

I'm no expert, I didn't even realize you could have gastric bypass reversed! Saying that, there are surgeons who will do a lap-band after a bypass, but you really need to speak to a surgeon.

Hi everyone- I got a total unfill today. The Dr. said my pouch and port looked fine, but my esophagus was swollen. So, they want me to come back in a month to get re-filled with less this time. So, hopefully I can maintain or lose with no fill! The border cross was a nightmare-3 1/2 hours!!

I scheduled an unfill for tomorrow. I'll post after to let you know how much they take out. I finally got my calories in yesterday because I bought the most fattening Jamba Juice I could get! (Chocloate Moo'd)

The competitor in me wants 7 days for calories, but I feel guilty since it wasn't within recommended values. I will do better this week.

Thanks Barbara. I think I am too tight. Some days and sometimes I can eat "normally", but not consistently enough. I guess I keep looking at everyone else's fill level and weight loss and think that should work for me, but we are all different.

I am still confused about this band. I thought we were supposed to be able to eat 1/3 of what we used to eat. Granted, I used to eat as much as could feed a small country at one sitting, but I think "4 bites" is too little. I am worried when I hear that someone can't eat a full meal until 7pm and feels that is the "sweet spot". I am not trying to criticize anyone I quoted, just using examples. I know everyone is different, but I expected a little more NORMALCY with the band than I am getting. For example, I didn't count my calories for the challenge because sometimes I only got in 600 due to tightness. I personally don't feel that is normal or healthy. I don't want to drink my meals, take 5 bites and be full or wait until dark to eat. Are these unrealistic expectations? I wanted to be able to eat less, get full and live my life and it's a lot harder than that.

Can I clarify on the October challenge? Calories are 1200 or LESS? If so, I made it every day. I was trying to get 1200 and several days last week I fell short due to being tight. I'm not married, but in my last relationship someone recommended the book "Creative Counterpart". It is a Christian-based book and I found it helpful. Sounds like everyone is doing much better band-wise than a few weeks ago! I can't believe you are 150 Laura! That's my goal weight! I wish....

Congratulations and best of luck!

For excitement I get Naughty(FEIGN) hahahahahahaha

FYI- I am a closet bandster, so I guess I need to vent here more than others! I'm also single, so those of you with supportive DH's are lucky. I was thinking about the food log and not obsessing, but my trainer wants me doing a food log. Maybe I'll make a deal with her that as long as I lose each week, I don't have to do a log. Hmmm

Pinkylee- You didn't offend me. I was just having a bad week with frustration and I just wanted to dump without someone trying to fix it. I totally understand that people will offer suggestions and I'm open to it, but sometimes when the scale slows or stops, it feel like people(not you or anyone in particular) assume the person must not be "working the band." There are so many factors in weight loss like medications, health conditions, genetics, etc. Sometimes you do it all right and still no progress. That being said, I have had some scale movement this week. It gets confusing as well because some people say for example that they eat protein bars and shakes and other people say their doctors told them never again on protein shakes. I'm just trying to do it right, but maybe I'll do what others are saying and stop overanalyzing calories and pounds and just try to relax about it.

Thanks for the encouragement Carol. I think all my hard work is bound to catch up with me sooner or later!

I was thinking that the other day....how I wish we had a control to adjust the fill. But I am sure if we did, we might adjust it to pig out! I know I wouldn't stick a needle in my belly! My grandma used to want me to help her with her insulin injections and I said NO WAY! I'm not afraid of needles, but I am afraid of me with a needle in my hand!

Thanks Jack. I just always took the "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day" addage very seriously. I've always been a breakfast eater. I have been doing protein drinks and smoothies since that is all that will go down, so I'll stick with that.

I think many of us had the same panic attack! I know I did. There is nothing wrong with postponing if you need more time to think about it. But, most of us had second thoughts too and went through with it fine. It isn't easy, but it does work. Hang in there and keep us posted!

Anyone have a surefire way to ease morning tightness? I don't think I am too full because in the evening I can eat everything. I have tried coffee and tea in the am and it hasn't helped. I do have allergy/sinus trouble and I heard post-nasal drip at night may contribute. I've used all my nasal sprays, allergy pills, etc. and it hasn't seemed to help either. Any suggestions welcome. I have Dr. Ortiz's book and it suggests a few glasses of water, but even that hurts! I usually pack some yogurt in my lunch bag and can get it down by about 10-11 am at work, but I wish I could have a nice breakfast like I used to!(just cereal and an apple-not anything "bad" like french toast-haha!)

One of the things that frustrates me is that when I do come here to vent, it seems to be assumed that one who isn't losing is doing something wrong. I log my food religiously on SparkPeople, see my personal trainer twice a week and go to the gym on my own 3 times a week. I haven't had soda since June, don't drink with meals and drink at least 8 glasses of pure water every day. Yet, I only lost 4 pounds in September. I know the scale isn't the only indicator of success, so yes I measure inches as well. I'm not trying to be a downer on anyone. I am very happy with my weight loss so far, but yes I get frustrated and come here to vent.

What kind of chicken are you eating Laura? I know sometimes the breast can be dry and harder to swallow. I have been able to eat both chicken and beef. I even had carne asada last Sunday. I'm only tight in the morning, so no steak and eggs for me! ha! But, by evening I can eat most anything.

Pre-band I rarely vomited. I would get nauseous, etc., but could never vomit(VERY rarely). Now it comes too easy. I will try the hold your breath trick now. I re-read in my band book by Dr. Ortiz and it said to avoid too hot liquids in the am too, so maybe I need to let my coffee cool off more. I thought the heat was supposed to help, but I guess it should just be warm, not hot. Hang in there Junebies. This too shall pass...I HOPE!