GoingforGoal

Hey Gang, It's been interesting navigating the new site. One feature I am missing is the PM box that let's you know when your friends are on and the ability to PM with them. I have no clue if my friends are online or not. But if you are, just want to say hi and I miss you. Now email me and let me know you are alive

You know, I just took a flight home and observed something 'nice?' for the first time. I was 3 rows behind a guy who was probably in the 275-300 # range sitting in an aisle seat. He was definitely snug but not too bad. The stewardess (without asking) walked the aisle during safety checks and when she approached him she lifted his arm lift to give him more room. I was thinking to myself, that is the first time I've ever seen anyone do anything. I didn't even know the outside arm rest could go up because in my experience it never could. (There's a back lever if you wanted to know ahhaha). Anyway, but than I couldn't help think about all the times my hub and I would travel and all the embarrassing encounters we faced like: asking for seatbelt extenders, being refused on an amusement ride AFTER waiting over an hour in line and in front of a huge crowd etc. I couldn't help but wonder if he was relieved or embarrassed because we typically want to avoid anyone addressing or noticing that we are overweight. Hmmmmmm

Cool. Glad all went well

Hi Debbie, Well, my answer, don't. I have adopted the moderation approach. I find the more I resist things, the more I crave it. And if I let it go too long, I overindulge in it. So instead, I give myself permission to indulge on occasion. I do not eat sweets daily, but maybe twice a week I'll treat myself to something. I also find that when I allow myself to do this that I only eat small amounts to curtail my cravings and I don't crave them as badly as I did before. Besides, chocolate is SO much better when you hold out for it and limit yourself to a small piece a week. You'll simply appreciate every bite

*incoherent

See that's where you and I differ my friend. I don't which to be an elitest. I merely want to be a mentor. Someone who can share information, provide support and help in any way I can. I also don't want to be the person who degrades people in hope's to thwart their participation, to undermine their contributions and lesser their value. None of my posts are longwinded nor coherent. When I take the time to write lengthier posts it's because I'm choosing to explain things so that someone can comprehend concepts. That usually requires talking about anatomy or how the body processes foods and how deficiencies can cause long term complications, or perhaps its to share numerous examples so that someone can identify with the topic at hand. Unlike you, I don't need to cut/paste all the wonderful emails I have received thanking me for taking the time to explains things, for sharing information, for being a valuable contributor. Because unlike you, it's not about praise and it's not about being an elitest. It's about being apart of a community I feel at home with where I can give and learn from. So too bad your effort to make me feel like crap and dig myself a hole hasn't worked. Because I remind myself who is doing the talking and it's just a good laugh. Now, we are starting a new site at bariatricpal. I am far more interested in engaging others who can actually use our support. I am done w/ the likes of you. It's been FUN Peace

I'm gonna give them some time to work out the kinks. Unfortunately it's not possible to identify these issues until the site goes live and people report them. Please do report them to help improve the site's function. But just give it some time for the administrators to get things sorted. For the most part the LBT section seems pretty similar (format wise) to our old site which makes navigation easier. I am disappointed that there's only one chat room. That could be tricky and could really be deterrent unless you are seeking global advice. I think I'll 'request' more chat rooms.

<shrugs> Everyone has their own opinion and their own reasons for having those opinions. My hope is that this new site will not serve as a war zone for which operation is better. I remember that when I was contemplating which wls to get that it seemed that each surgery was designed for specific people based on their goals, their eating habits etc. This is a very individualized process and we should all just support the common goal of reaching our goals and being healthier people. Although other procedures were not for me, I have no qualms with anyone who has chosen a different path. I wish them the best. I do like how the wlsurgeries are separated here. I think in time we will find that unless you are in research phase, you will mostly be in lbt forums. It would be such a waste of time for someone to intentionally go into another forum just to stir the pot. However, if that occurs, you can simply report them as Alex has stated many times he will not allow bullying/slander etc. Let's start w/ a positive attitude. This doesn't phase me one bit.

Wow! So you start a post to get feedback. You don't like said feedback and you find it to be a just opportunity to bash everyone you converse with on a daily basis because you aren't even humble enough to accept when you are wrong. You are damn straight that my Nursing degree has provided me with an in depth knowledge on nutrition and my anatomy. I did not say I was the leading expert in bariatric surgery and nor are you. I was talking about my combined knowledge and experience. The only combinations you've got going is arrogance, elitism, pretentiousness, authority glutton, self-validation, and well that's about it. Seriously, how am I ever suppose to get behind someone who can't acknowledge other people's successes, strengths, education and experience except her own. Who wants to be the lapbandtalk.com authority because she deems herself as an elite 'long term' bandster who can't possibly learn herself. I am all about being a realist, I can give it and take it. But you've taken it to a new level where your words are longer heard because all we can hear is your arrogant attitude. You are truly conceited my dear. Whew, I could never imagine THAT degree of self absorption. Ciao Bella!

Nope, not you

Uhhhhhhhh, are we having the same conversation? I think the intro to my post makes it abundantly clear that I am not arguing. I am merely countering your facts that you shared throughout the thread. You can choose to filter this their the "I" perspective and see this as a personal attack, or you too can learn from others. Your choice, and I could care less which you choose. However, having a band for 4 years is long term. It's insulting to say that I have to be 5, 8, 15 or however many years YOU deem "long term" to be educated and experienced enough to understand how to live with my band. I do not expect many changes over the next 1 or 4 or 10 years I have my band in respects to my food choices, my portions or my overall healthy respect I have for the band and the rules I implement on a daily basis. How about I take my 10 years of medical experience, add that to my 4 years of being banded and tell you that I trump your mere 8 years with not citing other peoples articles but with my own degree that actually permits me to speak intelligently on the matter. Your last post where it says you should be praised for having the band for 8 years and everyone should listen to what you have to say is the most arrogant snobbish down-right comical comment I have yet to see on this site and that says alot...that tops the gal who wanted sympathy for eating tacos hours after her surgery. Good on ya!!! PEACE OUT

OK I'm going to come from a totally different angle and it comes from my life experience with dealing w/ health, stress, obstacles and the band. Prior to being banded, I was a classic emotional eater. Stressful day? Eat a brownie..or maybe this cheesy lump or lard will do the trick. And it was never just one bite, no way. It was one sweet or fatty thing after another to submerge the stress coarsing through my body. To this day, I am a stress eater. After getting banded I got pregnant. No big deal, I was just concerned about our health and not gaining like I did w/ my first two. I gained a mere 20 lbs and was elated. I readily lost that weight postpartum. So in this scenario, it's not stress..it's just a life event I didn't plan for. I bring this event up first because not all life events are bad or stressful but will certainly put our wl efforts on a temporary hold. My and the babies health was the primary concern and I focused on healthy choices not the numbers. We have to learn to let go and reprioritize in these situations and embrace the added pressure of meeting wl goals by certain dates will only sabotage us because life is never so accomodating. But my second life event is more in line with your experience and was an excellent example of how stress and diet just never go together for me. I have DDD Disc Degeneration Disease in my lumbar spine. I've dealt with chronic pain from this for well over 15 yrs. Weakened vertebrae resulted in disc protrusions and intermittent acute pain when there was inflammation. Than in the summer of 2012 I was in a major car accident which broke my left foot, contusions galore and... 3 disc herniations. One so severe it occluded my spinal nerve and rendered me immobile. I couldn't stand, I couldn't turn side to side in bed. I developed severe sciatica, was urinating blood, developed hip bursitis. I was in the worse pain of my life and nothing helped. 8 months later my symptoms began to lessen for no reason (welcome to neural injury/recovery). Suddenly I was upright again, guarded sure, but mobile. During this 8 month period there was NO way I was dieting. It was too intense to juggle both. However, the difference between pre and post band is that I was in the green zone. Before I could put away a whole bag of Cookies, whereas in the green, I would eat 2 or 3. Or before I could eat 4-5 pieces of pizza and now I can't even get 1/2 of one piece down. The result, I gained ZERO pounds and this was with zero dieting effort on my behalf. Stress eating is a hard habit to kick. Stress reaks havoc on your body on so many levels. Cortisol is produced and is the very culprit that makes you store fat, resist fat loss and crave fat rich foods. Hell of cycle indeed. The reason we eat poorly is because, as studies show, sugar and high fat caloric foods produce an endorphin rush which gives us a feeling that all is well. It's a temporary peacemaker. And sometimes it feels that's the only release from stress we can get at the time. Now, I have been banded for 4 years now. I have reached my goal. I have made huge changes in my food choices and overall lifestyle. I am fully in tune w/ my weaknesses and I make gallant efforts to address and improve on them constantly. However, one of the #1 gifts I've given myself is the acceptance that life is never constant and as long as that variable can change so can our goals or our deadlines. This awareness has taken so much stress off my shoulders. No longer do I feel defeated when I need to embrace my cookies (knowing I can only have 2). Moderation is my new motto and not only does it help me w/ my maintenance but gives me a huge buffer in times like these where others and life's circumstances top the priority list. I am sorry you are struggling. I know how difficult it is to juggle you and family. My only real recommendations are as follows: a) get yourself to green. Even if you can't control what you are eating at least the volume will be greatly reduced. Naturally, follow your rules otherwise. When you practice moderation it's a balancing game. I look at my caloric intake over the course of a full day or over a full week. Example, I know I'm going to a lunch party and expect to indulge. I will intentionally eat a smaller breakfast and dinner to counter the extra cals at lunchtime. I may even go light next day for an added flush. Another example, the holidays where you invited someone's house every other day of the week. 3 days are going to be off, which means your other 4 need to be clean. Don't simply throw your hands up and say "well I blew 3, what's 4 more?" That's the old brain talking. These small efforts to balance results in no gain. Just being mindful of what day or days are bad and estimating the impact and countering it another day may help you along these stressful periods to at least keep weight at a stasis to avoid further gains. c) You sound like the ideal mom/grandma. The one who will sacrifice for her family, looks out for the emotional and physical health of her family. Don't ever question that your family won't do the same for you. And it's ok to ask for that support. Be it 2 days a week to yourself where you can exercise, do some destressing (yoga, meditation, heck a movie whatever), or just get that breather. Big hugs. It's encouraging to see that at least you are focused on your weight. You really have not gained that much (and yes that's important because preband I'm sure that number would have flew off the scales, at least for me it would have). Stay strong, visit us often. And most of all, be patient and give it time. Silly things like numbers and deadlines are so secondary even when we want it to be our primary priority.

There are degrees of stuck. MILD (Typically because you ate too quickly or a smidge too big of a bite) You may feel a nagging discomfort in your stoma area due to the increased pressure on the stoma You may get some kickback signals like hiccups, PBing, or even referred pain as the vagus nerve is being stimulated The food particle may easily regurgitate, or pass quick enough that no intervention is necessary MODERATE (Typically when you eat too fast, bites are too big and food on top of the stuck particle is causing compounding pressure) You can feel a heavy sensation on your stoma This sensation can turn to be uncomfortable or painful if the food tries to pass the stoma and stretches it If the particle is blocked from the bottom (stoma passage) and top (subsequent food) symptoms typically progress from kickbacks to: 1) Sliming which is the bodies normal response to removing a stuck particle in the throat. Unfortunately the slime has nowhere to go and causes additional pressure. This is usually regurgitated to keep the pressure off. Many times regurg dislodges the actual stuck particle as well 2) Additional pain (ie referred pain in the chest, back) and stomach response like nausea. Most people will regurg as to avoid full fledge vomitting Drinking Water will not help, it'll basically create a lavage instead. SEVERE Holy crap Susan you swallowed a meatloaf without chewing (smirk) This is more typical of when you are eating like 'normal' large bites, one after another, no regard for the band. Everyone's threshold is different and correlates with how tight the band is at the time. For some a huge bite off a sandwich will do it, for others even small chunks of dry meat can do this. Usually severe means your food particle truly is lodged. This is the equivalent of a solid piece that needs hours to be broken down through stomach churning. Rather it's sitting in your upper pouch where there are insufficient enzymes to break the food down. Depending on how large the piece is and how narrow the stoma is determines how long this bad boy is going to cause issues. Usually you are feeling pain at the stoma, plus any kickbacks you normally get. Sliming compounds the issue and you are just in a miserable state indeed. Try something like papaya enzyme to help break down that food Regurg if you can, the less pressure on that stoma the better If you cannot pass this particle, call the doc. It may be necessary to get a partial unfill to help the process *** Please understand if you get to this point, sometimes even w/ a moderate stuck, you may have an inflammatory reaction due to the irritation on the stoma. Things will be tighter than normal. THe best most proactive response is to lay low and stick to fluids for a few days until it subsides. Get an unfill if it doesn't get better- especially if fluids can't pass. Further irritation causes further issues*** Slow your roll...these rules are here for a reason

I wish I could stand on my head

Just like I just did with our other post, Dr. Moazzez is NOT an unskilled nor uneducated "bad" physician. If he chose not to do a surgery that he has not been trained in, it makes him responsible, not unskilled. Some doctors are specialists, like cardiac surgeons. You wouldn't ask a cardiac surgeon to reroute your GI system would you? I'm getting a tad touchy on this subject. Dr. Moazzes, his excellent team, his program/education and his after care is what got me to where I stand today.

Here are the visuals I referred to. I didn't dare risk uploading them after such a long response to have it all come crashing down on me

Wow, this thread took a nasty turn. Time to chime in. Nana, I'm going to argue some points you've made. In no way take any of this personal. It is merely to exchange information. I just happen to disagree. I have read your article AND watched OBriens video and will cite them to further share my viewpoint. First, anatomy. It is critical that everyone has a comprehensive understanding of basic anatomy if you want to argue anatomical semantics. I am attaching pictures (if LBT will work with me) to give visual illustrations for those not privy to GI anatomy. If you look at your picutre: from the article it suggests the band is on the lower portion of the esophagus opposed to the upper portion of the stomach. However, the inference is wrong for 2 reasons: 1) Do you see the lines coming from the right and left above the band. That is the line of your diaphragm. It is also the same placement of the cardiac sphincter. The cardiac sphincter is what separates the esophagus and stomach. It is what is normally responsible for the final push of food into the stomach and it closes shut to keep the contents within the stomach during digestion. Those who suffer from GERD/reflux typicaly have a lax cardiac sphincter. Additionally, in OBriens video (first video at 3:20) he says you can see inside the stomach from above the lapband. This cannot be accomplished if the band is on the esophagus. I encourage everyone to see this real time video of a labband being placed surgically. It shows the upper stomach being pulled above the band and not simply clasped around the esophagus With that being said, technically, the upper portion of the stomach is what is banded. The medical arena is who designated the term "pouch" to refer to the upper stomach pouch that was created by the band. This pouch, like bypass, is created and thus is appropriately labeled as such. Additionally, it a layman term that can be universally understood. I am not a fan of all the verbal semantic arguments that go on. As long as you understand the concept, call it what you will. However, there is an "area" and it is NOT JUST the esophagus. This is misinformation. Next, if we are going to cite OBrien than we must be prepared to receive ALL of his advice and not the parts that suit our arguments. In his 2nd video (4:09) he emphasizes eating slowly. Waiting 30-60 seconds between bites to allow for food to pass before adding additional food to avoid stretching. At 1:10 he also says to take your time and recommends eating up to 20 mins but no more than 30 mins. And to address his position on drinking while eating which you can watch in his 3rd video 2:08. He does say the old belief was that the medical community feared fluids would dilate the pouch. He says through new education they are aware the food takes only 30-60 seconds (per small bite) to pass. And therefore there is no risk to drink with meals. However, he stipulates, that if you do drink that you should wait 60 seconds after a bite to give it ample time to pass through the stoma and than have a SIP of Water. Distinctions need to be made: 1) He is not encouraging drinking with the food but between food bites. The inference is if you drink WITH your bite that you could risk stretching just like he infers the same if you take too big of a bite. Volume is volume and if you put too much of it in the pouch you put yourself at risk for complications 2) He does not mention anything about 'washing' the food away after a meal to decrease the risk of dilatation. Again, I refuse to take contradicting doctor's opinions and than personally select which advice most suits my life plan or my preference with living with the band. It's not appropriate. Now, personal notes- When I drink w/ meals I have a tendency to not feel satiated longer. The waiting 30 mins business helps my stomach churn on solids and it takes it longer to do so thus keeping me satiated longer. If I drink too readily with my meals I also never get feedback that I am full (or what others call satisfied because that's another vocab semantic argument). I think if you have a true comprehension of how the band works, your anatomy and how the GI system works (banded or not) you can make informed educated decisions on which 'rules' you can be modified. But it is very important to recognize, that we have a very large BANDED community who demonstrate on a daily basis that they do not have that knowledge. To subject them to this kind of information, without first educating them, can be negligant. I encourage everyone has a partnership with their physician. When you receive contradicting advice, don't follow it blindly. Rather, bring it to the doc for clarification. They are not as uneducated or inexperienced as one may think. And on a most personal note, Nana, Dr. Amir Moazzez was my doctor as well. I was banded 4, opposed to your 8, years ago and his education is the same. This man literally saved my life and his program is demonstrated through my success that his information is sound and good. Call me protective, but I just cannot allow for you to sabotage his good name inadvertently because you have adopted new practices or a new physician. I am in no way telling you to not live with your band the way you please, it's everyone's perogative. But he is NOT one of the bad ones and whether you see it or not there's almost an inference he was. Not so Now, I am not being hasty, I am not criticizing. So I won't entertain personal **** slinging. But this is MY rationale for myself as to why I am NOT endorsing or adopting your practices

Congrats

Slapping you with my feather duster, pulling feathers out of said duster, stuffing them into preacher's mouth Much better (chuckles) Why does someone always have to ruin our pouting parade Hahhahaha

It's not just about hunger. #1 Are you losing weight? #2 Are you satiated for at least 3-4 hrs after meals? #3 Are you experiencing any negative symptoms (GERD, getting stuck frequently, unable to pass food/liquids) #4 Are you eating more than the maximum 1 cup of food per meal? Your doctor uses all this information to determine (with you) where you are (Red, Yellow, Green) and if you need a fill (or even unfill) based on these responses. Not all the answers need to be yes or no. It's a matter of getting the full potential of the band without compromising your health. 9.5cc is pretty high for a third fill. I would be interested to learn more about your band and the max volume it allots for fills. The symptoms you are describing sound like the occassional woopsie. When you eat too much, too fast or too big of a bite your band (stoma) will give you negative feedback as the pressure increases. There are nerves that are than activated and it causes everything from hiccups to referred pain, but these are the same nerves that tell your brain you are full/satisfied on a mere cup of food. Listen closely to these signals and identify what you are doing to cause it so you can practice avoiding it

Yeah, congrats. I get queasy myself. Fortunately it passes quick enough. Glad this go around was much easier on you