Kristine73

Don't feel bad. I lost 45 lbs, then gained 10 back.Went in for first fill in 4 months yesterday. I work full-time and am a full-time student. Just finished finals. This semester was VERY hard on me. Anatomy and Physioloy II plus the lab and two other classes. I threw out my back about 3 months ago and have not been able to work out like I should. I didn't have time for ME, this board or anything beyond work and school. So no, it's not just you. I went back in and got a fill and am going on with a new attitude. Next semester I am scheduled for 3 classes instead of 4. So, I am making more time for me and my health. Don't be too hard on your self. Remember, our bodies are all different. Your body is going to lose faster than some others and slower than others. Don't gauge your success by someone else's scale. Set small milestones and gauge your success by meeting those Good luck

You many not want to hear this, but maybe you need a slight un-full. I was told usually 3 to 4 fills to hit the sweet spot. Well, like you I had surgery in June and I've had two fills. I can not envision myself going for a 3rd fill anytime soon. Last night I got stuck eating a soy chicken patty, which was cut into small pieces and mixed w/edamame (sp), avacado, tomato, 2 tablespoons of brown rice (which my doc allows) and 1 tbsp of cheese w/ some soy sauce. I did not have bread, just mixed everything in a bowl. I didn't have any bread w/dinner. Everything total was about 1 1/2 cups of food. I got stuck eating raw carrots the other day. And let me just say I NEVER want to see a Snyder's pretzel again in my life! That was the worst! I don't eat raw carrots anymore. Won't touch a pretzel, again. But, if I continue to get stuck on simple things, which I thoroughly chew, I'll consider a slight un-fill. It's not worth risking loosing my band altogether because I want to 'cowgirl-up' and push through continual 'stuck' episode.

BOTH! I'm a vegetarian. No, I don't cram my lifestyle down other people's throat. So, don't worry about me extolling to virtues of a veggie diet, well, unless you ask . My hubs is still an omnivore and proud of it, LOL! I still take supplements, every morning. I just have to be more careful about getting certain nutrients that animal Protein provides. I can find them in plant protein, it just means eating things that my friends raise an eye-brow at. Oh well. As far as eating veggies raw, I've only tried carrots. Once I had no problem, twice I had problems. Even though I chewed and chewed. So, it'll be awhile before I try again. As far as fruit, I found I have problems w/things like apple peels. I want to keep peels on fruits that have nutrients in them. So, I learned to cut them in small bits and I don't have a problem. I guess it all comes down to trial and error. Might I suggest getting a 'how to get your kids to eat veggies' cookbook, LOL. You can make recipes like meatloaf w/shredded veggies for added nutrition and Fiber. Fiber is food for many things. But, one of the main things is that it helps fill you up and helps keep you feeling full longer. Oh, in the beginning there is a strict diet to allow your tummy time to heal. But, according to my doc the band is not meant to restrict you from eating your fave foods. We need to learn to eat what we want with healthy portions and in moderation. By moderation, eating a piece of cake once a in a while is ok. Eating a piece of cake every night is not. I do the Weight Watchers points at home. I don't go to any meetings. But keeping a food log helps me watch what goes in my mouth and keeps myself accountable. Good luck on your journey.

Wait until the incisions are healed. Don't put anything on them until your doc says it's ok. Don't want to infect them. I agree that vit e is the best. If you can swallow a vit-e gel cap now, go ahead. Also, walmart sells a vit-e oil in their Vitamin section. You can rub it on your incisions. I also put it on my face at night. It's great in fighting wrinkles. Just lightly wet your face first before applying the oil or it's be all gloppy and thick. The wee-bit of Water draws it into the skin instead of it just coating the skin. Remember wait until you are healed.

I don't know if coffee is breaking a band rule. My surgeon allows coffee, which I drink every day! I'm a vegetarian. So, I need certain nutrients that people normally get from eating animal Proteins. So, I do eat small quantities of nuts like pecans or walnuts. I've found that they are ok if broken into very small pieces. last night I ate bread for the first time since surgery. I ate one slice of double-Fiber whole wheat bread. I made a BLT, using soy bacon, and raw spinach in place of lettuce for added nutrition. First bite almost got stuck. So, w/the rest I chewed, chewed, and over-chewed. The rest of the 1/2 sandwich filled me up. I'd been craving a sandwich for so long! I also eat brown rice and some seeds like flax and such. I am the only veg*n my surgeon has ever dealt with. So, he told me to be careful and use trial and error to find what works for me.

you can buy it at walmart. PB is productive burping. From what I understand, it's trying to burp up something that is stuck. I had it once. Felt like I was having a heart attack. Bought the papaya enzyme the next day

I like EAS protein powder. It comes in either whey or soy protein. I like that I can get it at walmart. I have a mild allergy to whey proteins. So, i am really glad there is a soy brand that is readily available and at a reasonable cost.

I was given strict instructions not to lift anything over 10 pounds for the first week and nothing over 30 for the first 4 weeks. I am also a college student. Though, I am about a year away from my associates. Is there anyway you could leave a few books in the car and get them between classes? I guess being at a small campus does have it's perks. I would def call and demand to see the doc if you have any concerns that aren't addressed over the phone.

The PPO can work in your favor. Doug and the police will def take the situation as seriously as possible. it also shows a pattern of behavior. He obviously thinks he women are his playthings to push around as he pleases. WRONG! I think your hubs should be told. I also think you need to document everything, no matter how small it may seem to you. Like, if he's watching you, your kids, blah-blah-blah. When you document something put the date, time and sign each entry. This is what I was told to do when I was stalked back in the '90s. Tell hubs, but tell him worst case scenario first, as far as HIS reaction. You could end up losing everything. He could be the one in jail w/charges against him. I hope Doug had you fill out an incidence report on the situation. Sending hugs and keep safe. And got get some mace to put on your keyhain. I never understood women who buy mace then loose it in the bottom of their purse. You want want it at hand.

I felt the same way, until my second fill. I don't think I'll go for a third. I do know I need to go for a check up at 3 months. But, I am getting full and staying full, most of the time. I have those days where I feel like I could eat a horse ( and I'm a vegetarian ). But, then there are those days I feel almost too restricted. Most days, It takes about a cup of food to fill me up and to stay full for a few hours. I'm afraid if I go for the scheduled third fill, I'll be to restricted and need to go back for an un-fill. Don't fret to much about it, you'll get there. May I ask if you are working out? Working full-time and being a full-time student, I don't have a lot of time. But, I try to do 2 miles I the treadmill 3 times a week. And remember, the band is supposed to be a slow and healthy weight loss system. Good luck!

I had the same thing happen w/a colonoscopy. Of course it was in a military hospital. Hubs heard me screaming in the waiting room. A few years later, my civilian doc wanted me to have another one. I was terrified and expleain what happened at the military hospital. She told me not to worry, that if she saw me waking up, she'd give me some more of the 'good stuff.' Sure enough, I remember coming to, then I was back out just as fast. Talk to any doc who wants to put you under. Relay your experience and they'll take care of you! I had an EGD, also at a military hospital. All I was given was some chlorseptic at the back of my throat. I know what a horrible experience it is being awake for those things. I hope what meds they gave you had some effect! sending

Yes, I eat carbs. The body needs carbs. It all comes down to what carbs you choose. In December, I switched to a vegetarian diet. I was reading the post about diet for blood types. I'm A-, LOL. So, I guess being a veg is best for me. As far as carbs, it all comes down to choices. Use brown rice instead of white rice. Try sweet potatoes instead white potatoes. If you want bread crumbs to fry chicken or fish, toast a couple pieces of whole wheat bread and throw them in the food processor. Season the bread crumbs to your liking. Also, use soy flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you want a crunchy texture, put some pecans in the processor w/the bread. Yesterday, for lunch I had split-pea Soup and threw in some brown rice for texture. Remember, the band is not about depriving yourself for the rest of your life. We need to learn to eat the things we enjoy, in moderation. Also, learning to cook in different ways is a big part of it, too. Also, when you eat out, if you don't see something you like, look at the sides. When available, I substitute a sweet tater instead of fries. Or, sub steamed veggies instead of white fries or mashed taters. I went out a few weekends ago w/some friends to Outback steakhouse. I ordered a dinner salad w/vinaigrette, seasoned veggies and a baked sweet tater for dinner. I was full and did not feel deprived. I could of ordered a creamy Pasta and asked them to hold the shrimp. But, it's about the choices we make. Don't deprive yourself, just make different choices and substitutions.

It took me approx 10 days. I drive an hour each way over bumpy country roads. But, I also had a hard recovery w/vomiting and dry heaving the first few days. They gave me a partial fill during the surgery. Between the swelling and partial fill, I couldn't drink Water. One they took the partial fill out, my recovery was textbook. If you arn't having any problems, I don't see the reason for the extended time between surgery and going back to work. Did they do a more extensive surgery than the scope? Do you do a lot of bending at work? That could be part of the reason.

I was told at my pre-op nutrition apt that coffee is considered a 'full-liquid.' I was allowed to have it the day after the surgery. I waited a few days, though. Each doc has his/her own diet plan post-op. I'd call and ask, just to be sure. But coffee should be ok as long as you don't load it w/sugar.

There is a thread dedicated to the band at ww. You can find it at: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f9/weight-watchers-online-support-thread-99685/ A lot of us use points. However, not everyone does. Hope this link helps!

BBK, I was thinking about you today. How did your meeting w/Doug go? I hope he was able to offer some advice and help!

Every surgeon has a different post-op diet plan. My surgeon allowed me to start experimenting w/solids at two weeks. But, if we found something that made us feel not-so good, we were to go back to mushies for a day or two. Don't kick yourself to hard. Now you know nuggets are not good. Listen to your body.

Hi, I'm a vegetarian. I embraced the diet in December on '08. I hadn't seen my mom in 4 years. I knew she'd switched to vegetarian then vegan lifestyle. She has Lupus. When I saw her over this past Christmas, she looked great and was off of most of her meds. So, I thought there had to be something to this diet. I couldn't go vegan, though, lol. My surgeon didn't freak at me being vegetarian. But the nutritionist did, big time! After all, we need meat for Protein, don't we? I just had to ignore her. Right now I'm eating my Breakfast. It's oatmeal with ground flax seeds (for the omega's 3 & 6), goji berries (they have the texture of raisins but contain B vit's and many trace minterals that we need). I put in a bit of cinnamon some splenda and more milk than it calls for, I want it runny. After it's done cooking, I put in 2 tablespoons of vanilla Protein Powder. Viola, I have 30 grams of protein in my breakfast, alone. I should note that me and large amounts of dairy don't get along, so I use soy milk. You don't have to. Look for Greek yogurt. Most walmarts now sell it. One serving has 80 calories, zero fat and around 8 grams, or more, of protein. It's super thick so it's super filling. It can be a bit tart so I mix in a little honey. I work full-time and am a full-time college student. So, I basically cook one or two big meals a week. Last week I made chipolte, black bean and sweet potato Chili and served it over brown rice. My non-veg hubby loves stuff like that. But, I also keep frozen meals for that quick dinner. Healthy choice and lean cuisine now make vegetarian options. They don't say vegetarian, you have to read the ingredients. Lean cuisine makes an awesome butternut squash ravioli that has lots of veggies that go w/it, as well. They make some pretty good pizzas, too. Like cheese and mushroom. Iwas really surprised. Sorry for the long post. It's just that many people thing being a veg is sooooo boring. It's really not. Oh, there's a a line of Soups and frozen dinners by Amy's. Her frozen dinners can be high in fat, but are good for a treat every now and then. Her soups are good but are high in sodium. She's coming out w/a low sodium line. But I haven't seen in walmart, yet. Aslo, V-8 makes some really good vegetarian soups. I find them thick and good. Don't be afraid to ask any questions. Also a bit of advice my mom gave me, don't get stuck in the salad rut. There is so much more out there than salads. I've got some veg cookbooks. If you want their names, let me know and I'll get them for you. I'll say that my surgeon has been amazed at how fast my incisions healed. He said it has to by my diet because he hasn't seen anyone heal as fast as I did and I have little scaring. Happy heating!

Hi BBK, I was just talking w/my hubs about this. He's angry you are going through this. He hates any man that will push a woman around. He brought up something that I didn't think of. He scumbag threatened to deny your daughter he test unless you did what he wanted, he committed another little crime .... it's called blackmail. I'm sure your friend Doug will pick up on that. Just thought I'd pass it along. Good luck to you

I agree, the best thing to do is talk w/a surgeon. I have had 3 bikini cuts for endomitriosis and a total hyst. I also had a couple of scopes for endo. I know I have scar tissue and adhesion's. I also had my gallbladder removed a couple of years ago. I let my surgeon know everything before hand. I had endo all around my abdominal-pelvic cavity. So, scar tissue and adhesion's are not contained to the pelvic area. My surgeon said it wouldn't be a problem. Of course, my situation is completely different than yours. Only the surgeon can tell you what your options are. Bring as much info as you can to your consultation. Good luck!

Good for you Brandy! I am glad you are taking steps for the safety of both your DD and yourself. You've taken good steps! If your DD doesn't change dojo's at your bro's urging, you may have to put your foot down and just tell her that that 'Mom knows best." But, lets pray your DD listens to her uncle. Again, I know it's a scary situation to be in. But, you are showing strength in the steps you've taken!

I may come off as harsh in this post. Please not it is not directed it out. As a teenager, I was the victim of a perv's 'attention'. So, this is why I sound so harsh. First, if he's willing to do this is front of your children, he has NO moral compass. Is this really the type of person you want teaching your daughter? You have good reason to be worried about her going there. Get her out NOW! Find another dojo. Even if he's the owner if this place, you can complain to the BBB, Chamber of commerce and the police. Yes, I said the police. You don't have to press charges. It's called an 'incidence report.' Basically, you go to the police and file a report of the incidence. Do it anytime this guy threatens you. When he follows you to your car, that's threatening. When threatens to punish your daughter, that goes beyond threatening an adult and becomes dangerous. It gives you a big glimpse into this guys mindset. Also, if any thing does happen, you have a 'paper trail' and it won't be your word against his. Your hubby need not know about the reports. As far as hubs goes, you may want to tell him something. Maybe you don't want to tell him. But what's going to happen if something does happen to you or your daughter and he finds out he never knew his family was threatened. That's where my hubs would come unglued. So, you don't feel you can tell him the whole story. Ok, don't. But tell him that there have been some inappropriate remarks and you don't want to be in that environment. You especially don't want your daughter in that environment. It's a parent's job to protect their children. Don't leave your daughter in harm's way because you fear what your hub's will do. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. Get a can of mace. If this scum follows you out to the car again, let him have it. I don't like confrontation, either. But when it comes to my safety, especially a child's, it's ON! First thing I'd do is go file a report on this guy. The police will not go tell him you filed a report. No one will know but you and the police. What this guy did was threaten you and your child, he harassed you, and he stalked you out to your car. These are all crimes. And someone who will behave like this in front of your child and their business, can and will escalate in a heartbeat. It's just a matter of when. Sending you hugs and strength. I know how stressful the situation is that you are in.

Well, today starts week 3 of me doing the "at home" ww points diet. I work full-time and college started Tuesday. So, I have little time and I not able to log everything here. I do keep a log at home. I lost 0.4 Lbs this past week. Kind of frustrating because I lost 2 lbs the prior week. Oh well, The ups- and-downs of dieting. At least it's not a 0.4 LB gain! Yes, I am bummed at the little loss. But, won't let it keep me down!

Hi, Like sydney1976, I did continuous bc pills. I, too, had breakthrough bleeding. They eventually tried the bc injections, like depo-porvera, on me. I still had break through plus all the nasty side effects of the freggin injections. I don't know how much you know about endo. Endo feeds off of estrogen. So, the theory behind the continuous bc pills is to keep your body from making estrogen. Unfortunately, the fat on the female body, especially abdominal fat, produces estrogen. This is usually the culprit behind break through bleeding. Give the bc pills a try. I was diagnosed at a time where the was only 2 books on endo. My old pcm couldn't tell me squat about endo. I had to hunt and dig for info on endo. I am so glad that there is so much more info, now. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

You have entered what they call "Bandster hell" I had a hard recovery after the surgery. I was to the point of calling my surgeon and asking him to take it out! But, I got through it, and you will to. Follow your doctor's eating plan. Mine allowed me to enter into the food stages faster than most doctors. When you an eat oatmeal, I learned a little trick. Use a little more Water or milk than usual. Once it's cooked, stir on some Protein powder. It thickens it up and really sticks w/me longer. Take care of you!