sharcorb

Does anyone have a good idea for recycling the protein shot tubes? I hate to throw them away all the time, but can't think of anything to do with them! Sharon

It's been a year now, and I'm wondering how everyone is doing. Have we all met most of our goals? It's been up and down for me. My restriction is all or nothing, and there doesn't seem to be any reason for it. I'm still learning though. Sharon

I guess all of us March Bandsters are doing so well that we're too busy to get on LBT anymore! That's good news Sharon

I'm a year out and still drink the protein drinks most days. I lost alot of hair about 6 months ago, and decided a small protein drink (usually half of the serving size Isopure) would be easy to get down and I wouldn't have to sweat it every day. I did start to develop a kidney stone, and heard that apple cider vinegar would help with that. I added some to apple juice for a week or so and it cleared up. Good luck, Sharon

I think that fat people are invisible to alot of people. I work in a small town Post Office, and was banded almost a year ago. I'm almost to my goal, and I can't tell you how many times in the past couple months people have asked if I'm new! I've helped these same people for the past five years, but I doubt they looked at me when heavier.

I'm curious how long a food item can be stuck. I've had things stuck for a couple hours, but wonder what the longest might be, before the food breaks down. Anyone have any ideas? Experiences with being stuck for a long time?

I'm 51 and was banded last March. Since then I've lost almost 80 lbs, and have almost reached my goal of 150. Thinking of adjusting it downward - something I never thought I'd say since I'd been fat since infancy Good luck to you! Sharon

This sounds like what happened to me. In October all of a sudden I was having nighttime reflux. I had a small bit taken out, and it cleared up. I was also worried about losing the self control I've gained, but it hasn't been a problem. Good luck, Sharon

I've got a question. I've had a very painful 24 hours, unable to drink but a sip. It came on suddenly, I've been doing fine with the band I received last March. I've read about the slip symptoms, and it seems a possibility. However, I am a couple weeks away from being able to see a doctor. I've tried zantac, and it seems to help a bit. If I did have a slip, would the zantac help? Or maybe its a placebo effect? Thanks for any insight, Sharon

Questions for anyone who could help. Thursday I started feeling lousy, nauseous and not hungry. Had soup only, no problems. Friday I couldn't eat at all, and my stomach felt painful to the touch (like in the old days when I'd get food poisoning). I had one mild incident of vomiting on Friday also. I couldn't get anything down but a little water. Saturday more of the same, but less of the soreness. Yesterday and today I can eat a bit of cream of wheat, but am uncomfortable drinking much more than a sip at a time. I'm aware of the band tightening while being sick. My idea is that if I get food poisoning or the flu with the band the symptoms will be different. Anyone know that for sure? I don't live where I can get to a doctor to check for a slip, or I'd have scheduled that. Really just looking for some reassurance that it's probably a mild flu or something. Any help appreciated! Sharon

Are you getting enough protein, vitamins and water? Fiber and exercise? I actually feel better and more energetic as I lose (even in the beginning), so don't know if it's 'normal' or not. I imagine as you lose a few more pounds you'll start to feel great!

I'm 5'6", started at 240. I initially thought a goal of 150 would be good, but as I approach that I think I might have to adjust downward. Maybe 130? We'll see how it goes

I hope everyone is feeling better... I thought I was doing great yesterday, altho I was still dehydrated. I took my BP and it was 73/52!! I didn't realize being dehydrated knocked it down so far - now I know not to take my BP meds when I can't drink. But, was able to drink and eat a bit so am definitely on the road to recovery. Hope you all are too! Sharon

Thanks cb9094 for responding. (Didn't see it last post!) Good advice on the liquids. Unfortunately, there is no medical care where I live, so that's out. It frequently sucks, living in the middle of nowhere!! Sharon

Thanks for the response Jill. My gut says it's not really a band issue since it was underneath the pouch, but I was hoping for some backup on that! My doctor gave me some of the needles used for filling in case I could find a health care worker in my area and I have an emergency. Hasn't come to that yet, thank goodness :thumbup: Good luck with your surgery and your unfill. Question: can't they just unfill you at the time of your surgery? Save you some $ and some time? You'd think they would throw something like that in.... Sharon

I add yogurt. Mostly an Activia Light, any flavor really helps it out and adds the much needed "regularity"

I was banded in March, and I also get very little actual hunger. When I do, it's not the overwhelming kind that is hard to resist. It's more of "oh, yeah, it's time to eat", but I can easily wait until later if it's inconvenient. I'm loving it, since I have way more control than I ever did before. This happened after my first fill, before that I was crazy-hungry! Good luck, Sharon

For me, at 6 months post op, soup plays a big part. There are days where I feel super tight, and soup is the only thing I can get down. Even on days when I don't feel very hungry but know I need some nutrition, I'll choose a good soup.

Not really counting carbs, but the food tracker says I eat between 28-35% of my calories as carbs. Hope you get some more answers

If you are low carbing now, it makes sense that you would smell different. Plus pregnant noses are soooo sensitive!

Really recommend an abdominal band. I had trouble getting up and down, and even rolling over at night that first night. Wore the band about 4 days and then didn't need it anymore, but sure was glad I had it! Good luck! Sharon

Its like that for me. I was hoping I would figure it out, since it's only been 6 months since surgery. Now I'm not so sure! I have noticed if I overeat one day I can barely eat the next, so I like that a bit. Keeps me in check. Sharon

I've heard of people not ever needing a fill, the band providing enough restriction alone. It's a fickle thing, the band. For me, restriction comes and goes. When it's hot out, when the barometer changes, when my TOM comes around, stress. And if I've eaten too much one day, it's incredibly tight the next few. Kinda like that part, keeps me in check! So it's a surprise from one day to the next if I'm able to eat. Just gotta go with it, I suppose. Good luck, Sharon

Wow!! 55 pounds since May is awesome. If you're feeling plenty tight now, please think twice before getting a fill. Maybe read some of the posts of people who are over filled, it's extremely uncomfortable and in the end it seems the wrong foods are chosen, just to get something down. You're doing great. Losing a bit slower is the healthier way to do it anyway (so they say!). And your skin needs time to shrink too. Congrats on what you've done so far. Sharon

I'd like to add that as long as I am following the recommended diet (mostly low carb), I have lots less trouble with head hunger. As soon as I have a serving of spaghetti or something carb-ish, I struggle with making good choices the rest of the day. It's much easier to make the right choices with the band! Good luck! Sharon