juliansmom2003

Hi there, I have Dr. Goldstein. LOVE LOVE LOVE him (and his assistant Eva is the best). I just saw him for a fill today. I have to say he is absolutely wonderful and I couldn't be more pleased with my choice. What an amazing experienced I've had. I've recommended him to several people. I can't say enough about him. I was intimidated by the checklist and Fitsmart requirement (I had my surgery before he began working with the Team over at Lourdes as well), but I wanted this so bad I would have walked through fire to make it happen and before I knew it, everything was done. @Rebecca--good luck on Monday! You're in excellent hands!!!!!

It sounds like you are active, but sometimes, it's not enough. I know you mention that you're eating lean cuisines, but the packaged foods are loaded with sodium, so you really need to pay attention to your Water intake. Are you getting at least 64 ounces of water a day? For Protein, how much are you taking in? My doc tells me 70g, but I am actually around 80-90g per day and it does make a difference. I understand the need for 'cheat' days here and there, but they should be every now and again during this time and when you get closer to goal, perhaps you could do more often (this is what I did, which is why I am still 10 lbs from goal LOL). You have the tool to help and until you get a fill, try to find alternatives to one of the lean cuisines. Perhaps do some chicken and veggies for lunch or chicken salad with light mayo and wheat thins. I bring lean cuisines to work because it's just easier, but I make sure I drink a ton of water to balance out the sodium. 2 a day might be a little much, so you really have to get that water in. The good thing about the band is that it's always there to help you, but to be successful, it truly is a way of life. It's not an easy road, but it's definitely a journey--we can't just snap our fingers and BAM! we're all following everything to the "t". So, pace yourself. Don't be hard on yourself and try to Celebrate your successes with things other than alcohol or food (me, it's usually a pair of shoes or new jeans LOL). I do have some wine during the weekend, but try to keep it within reason. You'll get there. It's definitely not about deprivation, but moderation. Good luck to you!!!

I have had 5 fills and also get the vasovagal reaction. It was worse for the first 3 and I barely had any issues on fills 4 and 5. It is very scary. Hopefully yours will lessen with each fill too!

HI guys! Checking in --sorry I too am one of the ones popping in to read, but haven't been able to post daily. Have major issues going on at work with a huge PITA of a client. It's been a nightmare! I think of you all often, my crew--and I miss you every day! Denise, I'm hoping the saga with your teeth has come to an end. Christie--did I see you lost a pound or two? Yeah! Elfie--nice to see you on here. Leigha-CONGRATS on the jailbreak and your NSVs. I say you deserve some wine, girly :-)! Shammah-- you're in my prayers for the 28th. I hope everything goes smoothly. My greedy butt just got back from what I thought was going to be a fill, but my doc told me I was crazy and had perfect restriction. Hmmmpfh. Okay, but now I can eat bread and have a 10 ounce lunch every day. Ugh. Pouch is unstretched and I am fine. He told me to try behavior modification to help me. LOL Yeah. Maybe it's all in my head. Need to get back to basics and start exercising again. Haven't had any time lately with work, kids, soccer games (assistant coaching my daughter's team plus my son is in a separate league), bridal shows and gigs (second job). Hell, I should weigh 2 lbs with all this crap LOL! Just wanted to check in and let you all know I'm thinking of you and wishing you continued success! I will try to be around more after this latest project from hell wraps up! --Karen xo

I agree with the previous posters in that you should be seeing your bariatric surgeon. My understanding that a revision is done if something is wrong with the band (erosion, slippage) and you need to determine if that is truly the case (and from what I've heard, you'd know just from how you feel--vomiting, etc.). It sounds like you are in need of an adjustment. What has been your post-op care plan with your surgeon? It's great that you are getting back to basics, but without a proper restriction level, your tool is simply a car without gas at this point. You need to be sure it's working properly along with you. While it shouldn't do all the work, it should be helping you to eat less while you are doing your part. Good luck!

Mine stayed the whole time. He was concerned that it took longer than they originally told him, so he thought something happened, so he didn't move from the waiting room. He came to my room with me and stayed until they threw him out (I had a room mate) and came back at 7 am the next morning to pick me up. Thank God I wasn't there long LOL My poor mom had both our kids the whole time.

Okay very scary that my story is almost the EXACT same as yours this time last year--except I was 36, 5 ft 1.5 in and 231 lbs. My husband really did not want me having the surgery, but left it up to me. I didn't want it to be another diet I failed at. Then in October of last year, my life changed forever when I got my band. Yes, you have to work at it, but I have realized it is the tool I needed all along to help me succeed. Some people can lose it (dieting), the trick is keeping it off and that truly is a life change, a way of life and that is where the band comes in. My co-pilot, my helper, something I needed all along to help me see it through. Honestly, I am a food addict too, and that is something I still struggle with, but this journey is not about depriving yourself. Do I have an occassional sugar free Water ice or slice of pizza? Yes. Not every day, but I appreciate it so much more on the rare times I do have it. It has become normal for me not to even want it anymore. I can't believe I'm actually saying that!!! As many will tell you, one of the top regrets is not doing it sooner. It definitely was mine. I actually went out yesterday and bought size M tops, L sweaters and size 8 pants at Express while this time last year I was in a size 20 and thinking this would be another failed attempt at turning my life around. Believe me, it's all worth it--it's been an incredible journey! Good luck to you on your decision and feel free to lean on this board for support--it has been such a helpful resource and pick me up for those times when I really needed it!!!!

Count me in for 10 pounds. I am scheduled for another fill on Thursday and I am determined to breathe in my size 8s :-)!

Hi there. It was 43 and now it's at 28.8 I've never been so happy to be in the 'overweight' category in my life :-)

Betsy, I am so sorry to hear you're going through this. You are a strong, positive person and I know you will get through this. I am glad to hear that you're in the angry stage right now though. The thought of you being sad makes me hurt for you. I agree with Leigha-- you are a very smart and strong woman and I have no doubt that you will see this through and and on your feet. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will be thinking of you.

Forgot to post this recipe last night. I know a few of you asked for it. This was A-MA-ZING!!! My husband, who isn't a huge fan of eating healthy LOL had 2 big plates of it and asked me if I can make it a regular thing!!!! I served with brown rice, but honestly, I filled up on the meat and forgot all about the rice. Enjoy! Here is the recipe: Original Recipe Yield 6 servings Ingredients 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch strips garlic powder to taste 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 cube beef bouillon 1/4 cup hot Water 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon white sugar 1 teaspoon salt Directions 1. Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the seasoned beef strips. Transfer to a slow cooker. 2. Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved, then mix in cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into the slow cooker with meat. Stir in onion, green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. 3. Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Nutritional Information Amount Per Serving Calories: 302 | Total Fat: 15.8g | Protein: 28.2g Servings Per Recipe: 6

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope you get good news from the doctor!

LOVE her! Her DVDs really helped me to be able to move up and do more intense cardio! Sometimes I still do her 2 mile one when I want to mix it up a little!

Hi Amy, I LOVE the iPhone 4!!! Hope you do too! I also was looking for the app, but in doing a google search, is seemed that I could only access the site from Safari--doesn't look like anything is in the App Store just yet. HTH! Enjoy your new toy!!

Joan and Jacqui--nothing but thoughts and prayers for both of you!

I also eat about a cup of food, and both my nut and doc told me that's normal (but I am 10 months out). Just to stop when I hit 30 minutes. Every doc has different rules. It was about 45 days before I was back on solids, that meanie (LOL)! I too have experienced what you are mentioning with the throat and if I don't get my usual hiccup or running nose, I consider that my 'full' signal. It definitely is weird though feeling that lump in your throat.

My doc's 'rule' is no drinking 15 mins before then 1 hour after. I have tried drinking a little sooner than the hour, and I haven't noticed any difference in terms of hunger.

Bob, your response made me LOL! Restriction is a funny thing. Be thankful for that 6 lbs loss. It's times like these that will get you through the occasional plateaus and stalls :-) Good for you!

Hey there, fellow October 2009 bandster. I had my surgery the same time you did. Honestly, I didn't even start feeling restriction until fill #4. It's a funny thing, that restriction. You can't give up! That tool is still with you, use it to your advantage! If your fill doctor has a problem, then get another. It's amazing how .1 or .2 ccs will make a difference. The whole point of restriction is the portion control--without it, like a previous poster mentioned, it's just a piece of plastic. I'm so sorry you've not been able to utilize your tool the way you should have been this past year. But it's still there. Don't give up! You can do this!!!!