chickadee81

Melody-(((((HUGS))))) I agree with everyone that it has to be fluid retention. Especially compounded with the tightening band. You are retaining so much that it is even constricting your band. Try a diuretic and drink lots of water to flush your system. I wish we could all not obsess so much over weight and numbers. I think I can finally honestly admit that I don't think I will ever be "happy" with how I look. I can say that I want to weigh 130, but even if I get there, I bet I will still not love what I see when I look in the mirror. Granted, I am liking it much better now than 1 year ago, but looking back even when I was a twig I didn't love myself. That's what I need to focus on.

I know I have been MIA. My whole life is now school. Luckily I am doing very well, but yeah work and school. I'll pop on FB every now and then. I have been a horrible bandster and have not exercised (not even once) in over a month and eaten horribly......and somehow lost 3lbs . I don't expect it to last lol. I am home from work today because my gallbladder has flared yet again. They found out that I am full of stones. I suppose I will get the darn thing removed. I'm a little scared to make that decision, but trust me this pain is killer. The narcotic painkillers aren't even helping all that much. It's just you know no one WANTS to have surgery. That's really all that is new with me. I work and do schoolwork. I'm getting all A's and I am tired and worn out. I don't exercise and sometimes eat like crap, but I haven't gained weight. I got a fill last week and was told that no my current lifestyle is not great, but if I didn't lose another pound they were happy with my loss because I am now only overweight and the major health problems normally occur with obese or morbidly obese. I still want to be "normal" (hehehe I'll never be normal ), but I do agree that not everyone is meant to be 120lbs. I do miss you all and wish I had more time. Melody-I think you can get those lbs off before the wedding...just remember not to beat yourself up if you don't. You gave it your all. Denise-life does sound like a soap opera! Kudos for not turning to food Renee-The majority of my weight loss occured months after my surgery. Yes I dropped weight immediatly, but once I was allowed to move to mushies, I GAINED WEIGHT! It all came back off and then some. I know it's hard to stay positive, but your restriction isn't where it should be. You've been starving your body with liquids and as soon as it gets some real food (if it was like mine), it wants to hold on to that fat. Once it realizes that you aren't going to keep starving it, it will start to let go. Remember, we chose the band and our weightloss is not going to be as dramatic as bypass, but will be gradual and if you look at the numbers in the long run we average out because bypass will gain some back. Just try to keep it up and have faith that it will work. I was also told that it does take a lot to stretch your pouch. Repeated (like longer than you've been banded) overeating and throwing up or too much restriction not letting food pass quickly enough into the lower stomach. Even if you do, sometimes it can be fixed. I had either a slip or esophageal dilatation (my pouch was so big they didn't know which it was because it was covering up the band!). They drained my band for 6 weeks in an effort to save me from surgery. It worked! They won't ever fill me back up to the 7.2cc's I was at, but I am now at 6cc's and able to eat more than I should, but it lasts for 4hrs or longer...so I am in a good place. Speaking of all this...since I have no time and have been bad, I am no longer a scale whore at least! I am really going to try to post/read more often. I missed you all! -Stacie

OK...first I must rant :rant: I decided 1 week ago that I was really REALLY going to try. I have (mostly) succeeded at eating well, but only got 2 days worth of exercise in due to crazy/business and the fact that I am still getting bad headaches daily. Well...I stepped on the scale today and GAINED 3lbs. I should have at the very least maintained my weight. I was better this week than I have been in months! It makes me not even want to try, because when i wasn't trying I was maintaining :crying: . GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My Dr. made me switch my birth control pill to one containing no estrogen (due to my MTHRF). I am really wondering if this is the reason for all of my problems. Trust me I realize some of this is on me and I am not looking to totally blame other things, but it just doesn't make sense. Misty-I LOVE to use ground turkey in my sloppy joes. I think it tastes even better than ground beef. My husband uses it on bread, and I will just eat it or put it over a potato or use a high protein/low carb tortilla. Counselor-I struggle all the time with my tightness varying. Just like Shammah, it is normally TOM that does it for me. Melody-So happy that the gluten free thing is helping you! 4lbs in a month sounds awesome to me right now, but I totally get your frustration. I WANT IT ALL AND I WANT IT NOW!!! LOL Denise-good to hear from you. Why are most people in your MIL generation so hesitant to get help from dr's? I watch my gram struggle (she's 89...will be 90 in June) and then when she goes to the dr, all of a sudden everything is fine! HB-those are my 2 favorite colors...so if they don't like your new quilt just send it to Pa. :wink_smile: Bobbie-we missed you! Sorry it has been such a struggle for you. I had to be totally unfilled for 6 weeks and am finally working my way back up. I have thought about taking like that Alli (some really unwanted side effects though), but have not done anything like it yet. I agree with Denise though...as long as it is safe and used as directed and it helps you then I see nothing wrong with it. Now don't leave us again! Elcee-glad to see you have not been swept away. Have you finished your ark yet? School starts tomorrow. EEEKKKKK!! I have been struggling with depression again. C'mon Summer! Welcome and Hi to all the newbies...anyone I missed, well you all know I still luv ya :heart: ! I think DH and I are going to "attempt" ice skating today. We will see how this goes!

Hi all...Welcome new people I really need to get my butt in gear! I just keep playing with these 2lbs...gain them...lose them...gain them...lose them. I am sick of it, but it is definitly all my fault. Heck I went for 6 weeks with no fluid in my band and managed to LOSE weight, but bring on the Christmas cookies and now I am wrestling with the lbs. It seems like everytime I eat now, my body immediatly wants something sweet when I am done. I need to break this nasty grazing habit. I think I also need a fill too, but don't have one scheduled until Feb 14th (they want to move really slow because of the slip). Right around Christmas, I was thinking I possibly was too tight because I had a few PB's, but it just turns out that after the unfill and recent refill TOM is back with a vengence on Anthony. Now that TOM is gone, I am hungry and able to eat (too much). School starts in 1 more week, and not a moment too soon because I hate my job . I really was wishing to be the Mega Millions winner lol. Any suggestions for a headache that just won't go/stay away? I got a bad migraine over a week ago, and ever since that day I have had a headache each and everyday. It normally starts about 2:30pm and it's causing havoc with my exercise too because by the evening my head is pounding and exercise gets pushed aside. It's right in the center of my face. Right above my nose and around my eyes. I'm a little stuffed up, but not much so I don't think it's sinuses. I just wish it would go away and stay away. I hate popping tylenol everyday!

<STRONG><FONT color=#006400 size=3>I'm here...I have been really busy! I too have managed to at least keep wrestling with the same couple pounds during the holidays...so all in all not too shabby. I am never able to get to my sweet spot (at least what I thought was my sweet spot) though so alot of my future weightloss will all depend on me. Welcome to all the newbies! Melody-sorry to hear about your shoulder again. Are you going to go for the surgery? HB-congrats on the quilt! Leigha-LOVE SUGARBABY! It's nice to be back...although I start school in less than 2 weeks

Today it has been 1 year. I went for my UGI and was told my pouch maybe a little bigger than normal, but it may be from my slip/dilation episode and they weren't worried about it and it may just always be that way....but just to be safe, they want ANOTHER UGI when I go back in 2 months (Valentines Day). I was given a small fill though so I am back up to about 5.5. I really need to control myself when it comes to portions. I was just always a "well I am not stuck and it doesn't hurt so I can eat more". That attitude will just lead me to a stretched or more stretched pouch. I am going to really really try. I have been given a 2nd chance and really need to be more greatful and use it! If I eat a little portion & am hungry in an hour or 2...well then I just eat again. I am going to do this! They are very happy with my weightloss in a year. 78lbs, but I am not happy because I know I could've done better. Oh well that is the past and I am going to focus on the future. I know I will falter during the next couple weeks, but I am going to give it my all. I am not getting a raise this year, but instead a "bonus check" based on what I worked this year. I have decided that I am going to treat myself to a good pair of running shoes from one of those stores that helps you pick what kind is best for you and with the rest I am going to pay for my husbands camera that I bought him for Christmas. (Oh, back to that...I did cancel my order through Ritz and ordered it from Adorama for $10 cheaper AND with a free SD card AND it shipped that day!) I have some candy to make this weekend (oreo truffles, cookie dough truffles, and mocha truffles), so I know I will indulge a little there. Hope everyone is doing great!

My surgeon is VERY conservative and won't let me take anything except Tylenol (acetiminophan sp??) because all of the other things could "potentially" cause ulcers and what not. I am going to call tomorrow and see if just taking them for a week or so would be ok as long as I don't make it a habit. If so then maybe I can weasel myself out of that darned needle.

Denise-sorry to say it...but thanks for the laugh. That would be so horrible! Ok...something I never thought of when I got banded and said I would be OK with no NSAIDS. I've been having shoulder pain and last night it was bad enough it woke me up. Went to the Dr's today and was told I have bursitis and tendonitis. Well....can't take NSAIDS so I get to go to an Ortho to get a cortisone shot (EWWWWWWWWW) and I am now in a sling...with my right arm of course, and the nurse was going to prescribe me Tylenol with Codeine to ease the pain...but I am allergic to Codeine. I think I will call my band Dr tomorrow just to see how strict they are on the whole no NSAID thing as I gimp around work being useless.

Sorry all for being MIA for a few days there...I was reading, just not posting. Leigha-do we have a new puppy? Bob-how is the healing coming along? Jackie from Maine-CONGRATS on the weightloss and the no band problems! Christie-YAY DATING!!! I am happy for you that things are going well and that he likes you no matter what size My husband married me fat so he must love me no matter what too (of course now he is a little more "attentive" than he was before) Other Jackie-good to hear from you again. Congrats on the weight loss as well! Me-I have been stuck at this weight for a while now. I guess I can't complain too much with the total unfill for 6 weeks and now still working (slowly) back up...coupled with the fact that it is Christmas time and food is EVERYWHERE! No gain is good I supposed, but lately I have had a major lack of motivation in the exercise dept. Thursday is my 1 YEAR! I so wanted to be "normal" weight by then, but losing about 25lbs before then would be pretty darn impossible. I don't know what it is. I just get depressed and melancholy around the holidays. It doesn't help that my last miscarriage 2 years ago started on Christmas Eve and finally ended on New Years Eve. I am also trying so hard to be a runner (well jogger) and it just isn't progressing like I had hoped it would. I can't even jog for a whole mile straight yet. I'm sorry I really don't mean to be a downer or bring anyone down with my negativity. I guess that is why I really haven't posted. I also find out Thursday if the band is still ok and I start school in a little less than 1 month (EEEEKKKK!!!). I am just a mess and need to get my head together and be more grateful for what I have and where I am and how far I have come, but of course saying it is so much easier than doing it!

I almost forgot to add...not only is Dec 16th the big day I find out (again) if I can keep my band...but it is also my 1 year BANDIVERSARY!!! I really wanted to be down 100lbs, but with all the problems and unfills I've had, I will take the 78.

Good Evening! I am here...just been quiet. I am waiting for the 16th to get here to see if my band is yet again still ok. Lots of crap going on with school orientations and DH possibly switching jobs and baking and Christmas Cards and shopping and blah!!! Did I mention before I hate my job right now and can't wait to be done with school?? lol I've just been a bundle of nerves. DH took me wine tasting yesterday Oh and better yet...I ordered his present online on 11/20. It still has not shipped yet! I've called numerous times and keep hearing that I SHOULD have it by Christmas but they can't tell me when (they have not charged me yet). I want to reach through the phone and kill someone! It was something (a new camera) that I could've gone to the store (Ritz Camera) and bought for the exact same price, but the store is about an hour away and they were offering free shipping online, so I thought hmm I'll save myself the hassle. HAHA. Jackie-WELCOME! 40lbs is a great accomplishment! Good for you!! Leigha-You are awesome! I hate grumpy old men. Melody-Love the tree. Congrats on the scale finally moving. We all know that previous it was not from lack of trying! Denise-Hope that the MIL situation goes smoothly. Sometimes it is hard to step back, but sometimes it is for the best. Bob-WELCOME BACK! Can't wait to see pics (preferebly not in the "budgie smuggler" I believe Elcee calls it)! Did they make you have an unfill before the surgery?

I can honestly say that for the first hmmmm........well seemed like forever, it looked like I had a small kitten stuffed under my stomach. It was really gross looking lol. That has since gone away, however I am feeling a little saggy now. Plus the fact that the last place I am losing is my stomach, I don't think you will see me in a bikini anytime soon!

I LOVE IT! I just (personally) think that red is the best color...for women that is. A guy with red hair...ehhh...no!

I am almost a year out from my surgery. I love Dr Ramanathan, and really love Kelly! I would like to say I love my band, but right now we aren't getting along lol. I have definitly lost weight and don't regret getting it, but ultimitly, depending on how Dec 16th (my 1 year bandiversary) UGI goes, I may lose it . Please don't let this scare any of you though. Like I said above, even if I do...no regrets!

Hi all. Let me give you some background. In July I was having heartburn and reflux so I called the Dr. Went in & had a UGI & it showed a very very small esophageal dilation (stretched pouch). They removed some fluid and gave me some heartburn meds and said we would do a check-up in Sept to see if it helped (unless symptoms got worse). Well the symptoms didn't get worse, in fact I thought I was getting better (no nightly reflux and less heartburn), so I went for my 2nd UGI in Sept. This time the pouch is HUGE! It is so large they aren't sure if I am that stretched or if the band slipped. They drained my band empty and I go back AGAIN Nov 18th for another UGI to see if draining helped at all or if I need surgery. Don't you get sick with a slip? I never threw up and I could and can still eat. In fact I have had my band 9 months and only ever threw up once or twice and that was way back in the beginning. I am so scared I will lose my band and that I will gain weight back. Have any of you heard of this "fixing" itself? I am a natural worrier and waiting until Nov is KILLING me!!

Things are hmmmm ok lol. I went back for a UGI and the pouch was back to normal everything was good (this was about 2 weeks ago). They gave me a 4cc fill that day and said we would go very slowly from then on. Ever since that day I have had chest tightness so I made an appt for ANOTHER UGI for Dec 16th just to make sure all is ok (eating and drinking are going just fine). Well...last night I had IDK what! Some kind of heartburn?? I was in so much back pain that I was in tears and my husband wanted to take me to the ER. I feel fine today (except for the slight chest tightness), but called the Dr anyway. I was told that I could wait until my scheduled appt (unless I wanted to come sooner), but they are worried because there are some people that after a slip/dilation their body never really accepts the restriction of the band again. So I am right back to where I was with the possibility of losing my band again

I really REALLY hate this site now! It doesn't email me anymore when people reply Here I thought you all were just being very very quiet. I had the most horrible night last night. I almost went to the ER at 1:30am. I am thinking it was some sort of heartburn, except it wasn't in my chest...my back was KILLING me. Kept me up for 4 hours until I remembered that I have leftover narcotic painkillers from surgery and popped one and it went away in about 30mins and I got to sleep for about 2 more hours. So got to call the dr AGAIN today. I was told that we can still wait until my scheduled UGI & appt for Dec 16th, but if it happens again go straight to the ER. They are not seeming very optimistic :( . I was told that sometimes after a slip/dilation that the body can't handle the restriction of the band ever again. I am almost ready to say I give up. I feel totally fine today (except still some tightness in the chest). Even when my back was hurting, no reflux and I can eat normally, but I was told if the UGI looks bad again then the band has failed me and I can't have a band at all. Thanksgiving was good. I cooked for the 1st time and I didn't kill anyone. Glad to hear that most of you had a good Turkey Day! It's also good to hear from everyone who has been gone awhile!

I am still having issues with the chest tightness I go for yet ANOTHER UGI on Dec 16th to see what is going on. I am just really really miffed off because this is supposed to be a happy time. I'm not supposed to be worrying about my band again. The pain is better than the day she put the initial 4cc's back in...then it almost disappeared, but it is definitly back! It is just really dull, tight, and annoyingly worrisome

Hehe...what an idiot I am. I was just posting on FB yesterday how happy I was that I lost 76lbs. I just looked at my ticker and I've lost 78. Christie-I think we ALL are shallow to an extent. I have always tried to get to know someone before passing "final" judgement, but I think it is just natural to have that quick first impression, no matter how right or wrong it turns out to be. I know what you mean about getting upset by it though. HAPPY TURKEY DAY EVERYONE!!!

Yup...not liking this too much...I also am not big on change

Well...the dr never called back. My chest is still hurting/tight. Like I said liquids are fine and I am starving, but man this sucks! It is supposed to be a good day lol. I am hoping it is just some swelling or irritation and goes away soon and I don't have to go right back for an unfill. It has at least gotten better...it's not gone, but it is better. Have any of you experienced tightness in the chest after a fill and if so did it go away?

:blushing::party::w00t::party::party::sneaky: Ok...sorry but I am a little excited. Everything looks GOOD! The dilation is gone and no slippage and they put in 4cc's today and I was told we are going to take fills very slowly from now on. I was also told that since I still have heartburn even with the prilosec 2x a day that well I probably will just have heartburn. On a bad note, ever since the fill I have had chest pain/pressure. Called the Dr and waiting to see if I hear back today. Liquids are going down just fine (that's all I am allowed for the next 2 days) and I am starving so I can't imagine that it is too big of a fill....Hoping it is just kind of a shock to my body, which has had no fill for 6 weeks now, and that it will go away. It has been about 4 hours though :wink2:. So Anthony will stay with me for now. Oh and I forgot to mention the best part....6 weeks of no fill = 0.1 lbs LOST!!! :tt2::w00t::w00t: The dr gave me a big hi-5 for that one. They said they were expecting at least a +5. Bobbie-so happy that things are working out for you now! Elfie-Only you know what is best for you, and if your insurance covers it then I definitly feel like it is a wise decision. I myself was and still is on the fence about the whole sleeve thing. I just love the band for it's option of quick easy removal and then the anatomy is right back to how it always was. I am glad that I can keep mine and try to work it again!

Ready for my Dr's appt & UGI. I am so nervous and scared that I feel like I am gonna puke!

Here you go Elfie!! Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) Forum

Oh and Elfie-you are allowed to get the sleeve, but you are not allowed to leave us!!!!!!