Ladybandito

Hi Jill. I have a band that I have been very happy with, so I don't share your particular frustration, but I do understand your concern. Since neither the band nor the sleeve have any malabsorption elements to them, maybe the bypass (which does have that feature) may be the xtra weapon you need in this battle?

I'm 2-1/2 years out, and still get soreness around my port from time to time. I do a lot of crunches, regardless, as my doc said not to be concerned about hurting the port. Sometimes it aches if my pants are tighter or more high-waisted and rubbing in that area. Concern would definitely be warranted if the area turns red, very swollen, or is hot to the touch -- as that could signal some type of infection.

Oh, my. I haven't been checking on here as often, because a lot of us lagged off, so I was surprised to see these posts. I'm hoping that all of you have great outcomes in the weeks ahead, and JDI, darn it on the postponement, but I really have faith that you will do well this go-round. I cannot imagine an unfill, but then again, I don't really "feel" my band as it is, so I wonder if it would feel different? What are the signs that are making you feel like there's a slip, or leading to the check of one? I don't get fluro checks, so I want to stay on top of any subtle symptoms. You will all be in my prayers tonight. Much love and support for you, my banded sisters!!

I don't miss much. But every now and then, I do mourn Mimosas and an icy cold Corona with lime.

To help, try to stay busy. Read. Walk. Play video games. Eat sugar free Popsicles. Remind yourself it's only 4 days. You can do it, really!

Um, no. It is not normal. Now that you have, straighten up for the duration. Sorry if I'm too blunt; no offense intended.

Hi Short and Chunky, just wondering if ...in hindsight, which is 20/20.... Were there issues you were having that you overlooked until severe damage was done? I ask because at over 2 years out and at goal with the band, I am always trying to be aware of what my band -- and really would not like to through what happened to you. That is so, so scary. .

Excellent link!!! Thank you for sharing!

Gowalking, they WILL eventually stop commenting on your weight loss and not recognizing you. Truly. Of course you will always see someone from long ago that you haven't seen in a while, and they may or may not comment; but in general, the "celebrity" status does wear down as people get used to the way you look now. Another side of the coin is meeting people who never knew you as heavy -- and they just think you have good genes! That always cracks me up, when someone talks about how hard it is to lose, and then says to me, "well, you wouldn't know, you're skinny!" Too funny. Keep plugging with the therapy and health achievements, you will find yourself "settling in" to your body. It just takes time, and sometimes a bit longer for those who lose over 100/150 or those, like me, who felt "protected" by the layers of fat,

Wow, Nicki! A hiatal hernia. I have a feeling that the repair will make a huge difference for you, as for feeling full. I vaguely remember Mis73 posting a similar repair after her band .. And we all know how well she did. I had no idea you had so much fill in your band. With over 11 cc's you must surely have felt discouraged that the weight wasn't just falling off! I'm so glad you got the flouro check and found this out! The $500 for the year does sound like a good price. Since I am self-pay, mine is $65 to see the doc and $135, I think, if I get a fill. I haven't had a fill in a long, long time --and none under flouro -- but I still get the full feeling .. And even more so now that the temperatures are creeping up. I am in awe that you have been so successful even with the hernia. You will do even so much more after the repair! I hope your new insurance will cover that op. So glad you posted; I think of you often.

Hello..hello...hello..... Anyone out there? I think we're fading off as so many veterans here do after a couple or few years.. ? I'm still maintaining, still feeling good, getting busy with summer stuff. My check ins with doc have been reduced to once a year, unless I need to see him before that time. If anyone else is still out there, how are you doing?

Wow. Just wow. People can be so judgmental sometimes! Easy way, uh, no. Effective, yes. One of the reasons I just don't tell most people about my WLS. :-(

Bump. Great thread, great info.

Wendy, carbs are tricky for me, for sure. And i think I understand the heart of your question. Should you be able to eat a large bag of chips or say, 5 cups of mashed potatoes? You know, I honestly have to say I have never tried. As far as measured quantity, I know I can eat more mashed potatoes than than I can eat steak or chicken or another hard Protein, but not if I eat a hard protein with the carb. If I eat my hard protein before the mash, I won't eat as much mash, and still be satisfied. So that's what I do, and was instructed to do, by my doctor. If I wanted to eat "around" the band, i could probably eat three bowls of cream of potato Soup, a large serving of Pasta, a blended mocha, and a bowl of ice cream -- and then have "rebound" sugar hunger. Then again, maybe if couldn't. But, like I said above, that's an experiment I've never wanted or try --for obvious reasons! The band is a tool, but it's not magic, lol! I do know, that for my metabolism, even if all that filled me up, I would be hungry again faster than if I ate a protein. Beans and other good carbs do satisfy me a long time. A Taco Bell pintos and cheese cup is a favorite of mine when I'm on the go, and forced through a fast-food drive-thru. Lentils fill me up, quinoa, thick oatmeal. I used to question myself on whether I was green or not, whether I could eat too much or not, whether my band was working or if I was doing all the work, or not. I think we all question it, to try and get the best experience from our WLS. Many of us have been addicted to thinking about food and weight loss for years anyway, and this is a new focus! After a while, if you just accept the bariatric rules and follow them, I think that's the best experience of all! Sorry this is rambling. I just woke up, and haven't had my decaf cuppa yet! Geez, it may not address your topic at all. I'm not sure. Ok gotta sign off and get my morning moving, lol.

I'm over 2 years out; had port "discomfort" for a couple of months or longer, if I remember correctly. Little twinges, little pulls that made me constantly aware it was there. Always good to ask your surgeon, and definitely if it it is more "pain" than my description.

Welcome to bandland, Enuf!

How goes it, everyone? No news here; still maintaining and feeling good.

Serious exercise will just make your plastics all the better when you get that done. BTW, I am 2 years out, at goal. I am 5-6.5 and weigh 140-145 and wear a size 6-8 jeans. With the Pilates, my size keeps shrinking while my weight stays stable. And it's not really too difficult to do. I'm pretty happy!

Anything that goes down easy and doesn't provide hard protein to fill you up and satisfy your hunger. Milk shakes, coffee drinks, potato chips, cookies ... These are examples of high calorie sliders that can pack the pounds on before you can blink .. And you'll still say you're hungry!

If you can find a Pilates reformer (machine) class, join. The class has certainly helped with mine (not flat, but way better.) nothing else has helped me before, but Pilates has. I don't know if the mat Pilates class would do the same, but the reformer has shrunk that area quite a bit. I was also told that plastics would be the only way, but that is not really an option for me right now, and I'm pleased with what the reformer is doing.

So very very proud of you, go walking! You are beautiful and your expressed gratitude for a new lease on life is beautiful too!!

I am over 2 years out and at goal. I can eat still eat anything, and totally echo what SandyM says above. Sounds like you are in a great spot!

Getting out of the shower and wrapping the towel around me --ALL the way around me and then some. Wearing my size 6 jeans and buying clothes off the rack. Having my boobs be the first thing to touch when I hug my husband. Being the first one to hop out of a chair when something is needed. Being able to walk for miles, and capable of running the same (if a bear was chasing me!). Hearing my husband say, you look great in old jeans and a tee shirt (when I'm looking for something to wear), and I believe him. Not having to wear the CPAP anymore. Running after my grand kids and rolling on the floor with them. Oh, so much keeps me motivated every day!

Congrats to you and welcome on the band-wagon. Here's to keeping up with the 4-year-old, and good for you! :-)

Call your surgeon. This symptom ... Coughing at night ... Is on my clinic's "watch list." Could be nothing, could be something, don't let it go ... Call your doc and get an appt.