TracyNYC

Hi, I am unfilled because my band slipped. I also had no instructions other than try not to go crazy. I did lose 10 lbs in a week b/c of the slip and not keeping anything down. Since mu unfill 2 weeks ago today I have gained 13. I have been eating horribly, but also know the last 10 pounds I lost were not a healthy loss. I can't wait to be refilled after my revision and get back on track. Good luck with your test.

Make them see you ASAP. I had the same problem for 2 weeks. I am now unfilled and having revision surgery for slippage. They said that sometimes an unfill can help it get back in place, but mine was too bad for that. It took them forever to schedule me because of the snow we had here. I think the delay from when I first had the problem caused the bad slippage. I put myself on liquids for a few days and stopped having anything (even water) after 6pm b/c I could not sleep with the reflux and the vomiting. I don't want to scare you, but make them see you ASAP. Tell them you can't keep anything down for days now.

I lost over 50 lbs before I dropped in my bra size. Went from a 42DD to a 40DD. They are getting a little big now. Have dropped about another 40 since then. I seem to be slow seeing changes in my sizes. I went from an 18 in pants to finally a 14 in jean after 90 lbs. I also am only down 1 size in tops. I looked at old pics b/c I wondered if my clothes were way too tight when I was at my highest weight. They did not seem to be. Weird. I keep hooking the bras on the smallest hook b/c they are so expensive.

At first I was jealous. Didn't matter if they were fat-I wish I didn't care like them, or they were thin-damn, why can't I eat like that? But then it sort of turned into awe. Awe that I used to eat like that, awe that the calories didn't matter to me at one time. I am totally unfilled now (waiting for revision surgery) and ate at Ruby Tuesday last weekend. Checked the menu on line and stuck to my choice (7oz steak and mashed potato under 700 cal). The server brought us biscuits and I had a half of one. I did eat the whole dinner and was amazed at the ferocity with which I devoured that food. I have been going a little crazy and have gained between 4 and 5 pounds. Though I did lose 10 in a week when I could not get anything, not even a shake down, and I know that was NOT good loss. I am amazed that without the band, how easily i am falling back into old habits. Been stepping up exercise and walking in an effort to stay in some control. It is shocking that almost all the Entrees on that Ruby Tuesday menu were 1400+ calories. Even the turkey burger....

I am having revision surgery on March 14. I am totally unfilled right now and am not handling it well. They said my slip was too much for an unfill to help it go back. Keep the faith and keep us posted... Tracy

Glad you are ok.....I am so NOT happy to be a RARITY....I have slipped and am having revision March 14....BOO, Band unfilled now and boy, can I eat. I am trying really hard though.

I posted yesterday before the site went all wonky, and now can't find it.....sorry if you saw already. My endoscopy showed that the band has indeed slipped. I am having revision surgery on March 14. I am now totally unfilled and hanging on with sheer will power. I do have some restriction and can feel if I am over doing it. Doc said causes are: vomiting, food abuse and/or happens as you lose and things get looser in there. Most likely a combo of two or more of these things. I may have started slipping and then that is when the vomiting started, thus causing more slippage. I have to say there was NO chastising or finger pointing by doc or staff. So am looking for a WW meeting that fits my schedule as a way to keep myself in check until the surgery. I will NOT tell them there though as I have seen the nastiness from leaders and group members towards surgery people.

Thanks for the support. When I was vomiting it was like a very bad stuck situation. Sometimes it was very immediate, others it was after an hour. At one point I could not even get a Protein shake down. My BF is so supportive. We are long distance and he immediately said he would be here to take me and do the post-op care. My sister has been good too. Others.....Not so much. Reactions: Another week off from school? and Well, when you put foreign objects in you, there are bound to be problems.....UGH My students have been very funny about the "new" me. I have been wearing new clothes since Christmas Break (mostly jeans since the weather is so bad) and they have really noticed. They tell me not to lose more, that I look fine. God Bless Them! Mimi- I hope to avoid a gain, but am not being crazy about it either. How are you doing since the revision? Have you had any new fills? Thanks again guys!

Hi All, I have posted on here that I am having awful reflux and lately can't eat/drink much of anything. After 3 emails, I finally got a response from the PA today. My Upper GI in November looked fine, so now on Thursday I am having an almost total unfill and then an endoscopy to see what is going on. She mentioned I may have slippage and that sometimes unfilling can allow it to slip back and right itself..... Has anyone had a big unfill or slippage? Worried....

Thanks Jmin..

Thanks Angie. I was having similar symptoms, just less severe back in November. It improved after a small unfill. I am afraid of the hernia/slippage. Hopefully we will see what is up tomorrow.

Thanks....I have been so pleased and have had no problems all along. Been banded over a year and am down 90lbs..... (Is it wrong to think about ONE special meal without the fill? LOL)

Bandster hell, for me, was not just about the hunger. I was very cranky and weepy. It should pass. My work friends who knew were like "Whoa, slap it down a little" when I would go a little nutso over stupid stuff. Hope this makes you laugh: One day when I was biting someone's head off, I turned to my friend (who is heavy) and said, " This is why skinny girls are bitches, they are hungry."..... Keep using these boards for support, Ignore the self-righteous posts and take what you can from the others. I try not to engage in the back and forth nonsense. i teach High Scoll, don't need HS arguments on here too.

I think it is pretty normal, but if it gets too much, you need to do something about it. The whole "seen me naked" thing made me laugh b/c when I got on the operating table, I suddenly realized that EVERYTHING would be hanging out. My last thought before going out was "$hit, I should have shaved". (I don't know how I thought they were going to operate if it wasn't ALL hanging out.)

I was just discussing this with my supportive BF tonight. I think that while we know it is not a magic or immediate fix, the reality sets in about a week after. Before the surgery, one is all pumped and excited about the changes to come and the idea that the "what-ifs" could be becoming a reality.(What if I was thin?) One runs around to doc after doc in the weeks and months prior to surgery and then you get home from the hospital.... in pain, tired, hungry and then are in bed/house bound for days and all you do is THINK.....and THINK...and THINK. This is when the doubts and recriminations start. You berate yourself for being "fat" and out of control and needing the band at all. "Why can't I stop?", "Why am I not a normal eater?" and on and on goes the negative tape. I had some band-blues after the surgery. My surgeon's office warned us of this and repeatedly asked about my emotional state after wards. I think that within reason, it is normal.

After watching "Hungry Girl" do a whole show on Pasta Swaps, I finally went and bought Spaghetti Squash. I steamed it in microwave for 10 minutes after cutting it in half. I used Amy's Organic creamy tomato Soup about 3/4 can, and 4 Light LC cheese wedges and 2 tbsp of FF sour cream and made a creamy tomato sauce. I added RF parm on top. I pulled the "spaghetti" from the skin and mixed in my sauce. I have to say it was good! It makes a lot too. I could throw chicken on top or Turkey meatballs and have a really nice meal. Low carb, Low fat and filling. This was sort of a combination of HG ideas and it was very good. I like the soup as a base as it is sweet and I prefer that.

Thanks for posting these....

Glad you are "OK" after the accident. Let them unfill you so you can heal and then work on the band. You need the pain meds and sleep they provide to heal.

Good idea with the yogurt to up protein. I even fed it to my 9 year old niece and she liked it. She asked why the Sgetti was crunchy. I told her I can't make pasta too soft b/c of my band. LOL

Love this! Congrats. I now own 5 pairs of jeans in different styles instead of 2 exactly the same b/c it is all I could find......Keep it up.

I weigh everyday. Often more than once a day. I expect to see NO MORE than a 3 lb difference between morning and night weighs. If it is more, I really look at what I have eaten and adjust from there. Sometimes eating the same stuff over and over leads to a plateau and then I need to change it up a bit. I have also (in my worst sclae-a-holic times) weighed myself before AND after longer bathroom visits to see if it makes a difference. (It does LOL) I have made peace with the scale for now.

I just came from BJs and bought Muscle Milk Light. It is usually $25 for a case. When I was leaving I noticed on the receipt that there is an instant rebate of $4 at the register. Not too bad, as it is a pricey item.

Not sure, I only noticed it as the security guard handed me back the receipt after he checked it against the items in the cart.

I had an Upper GI in November and radiologist said all looked well with my band. The surgeon wanted it b/c I was having bad reflux and at that time I had a slight unfill. I have not been to see surgeon since then. The snow here has caused some canceled appointments and I am supposed to go Wednesday. (Due for Nor'Easter, so will probably be canceled again.) Today I had a cup of hot tea and took my morning pills. They went tdown slowly, but all was weel. Than about 11 I had a 1/2 cup of really smooth chicken salad. Since then I have had reflux, sliming and finally made my self bring it up as it was so uncomfortable. I can't keep liquids down. I am hungry, but am afraid to eat. I have been having some reflux for about 2 weeks again and am worried. I did email the PA last week, but got no response, which is odd. I am going to call tomorrow if I can. Very hard at school where everyone is over your shoulder every minute. I feel 'sore' so know to do liquids/mushies, but any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated. Tracy

I need to invest in a hand blender. I guess they have rechargeable ones. I also hate the whole big blender. Too much space and a pain to wash.