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Dr. Duncan was my surgeon. Although it was a slow process getting approved---- it has all worked out. There were a few negative post(on another site) about his office staff but I have really been pleased honestly. The only thing that was hard of me was going home 2 hours after surgery. I did feel like I was pushed out the door. lol And Lori is a godsend. Best wishes.

Waving to everyone! Today is my 6 months bandiversary and I am happy that I had the surgery. I know for sure I wouldn't be where I am now without the band. With that said, I've had my struggles. I re-introduced ice cream into my life several months ago. Huge no no. I've had a few binge episodes and actually I am regrouping. I don't want to go back to the old depressing, feel like crap because of the guilt of "I'm staring over tomorrow" life no more. So with that said, I'm happy and I would love to hear how everyone else is doing. Sandra

I'm a type 2 diabetic and my blood sugars stay between 80-100 now. Best thing I ever did.

Yes it is!!! It's actually scary being a binge eater. The band is great but it still takes willpower on oneself.

I had surgery(realize band) Sept 10th and have lost 52lbs to date. I have 7 cc's in my band. I would have never been able to do this without my band. Although I occasionally get into the sweets(like WAY to much)- it's nothing to compared to what I used to do.

I thought this might help us to get to know each other better. My surgery date is Sept. 10th. I'm on my 2nd day of pre-opt. Not to bad- Protein shake for Breakfast, lean protein and veggie for lunch and dinner. I'm in a good frame of mind, I've moved past all the second quessing, etc. and I'm ready for a new way of life with eating. Also, is there a daily thread that we can all check in with everyday? If not, let's start one! Sandra

I was a stomach sleeper but I haven't slept on my stomach since surgery. (Sept 10th) I just can't do it. lol

You don't think it's because you are actually stuck?

Guess what? I had my surgery on Sept. 10th and I have 7cc's in my Realize band. I know exactly what you are going through. Been going through it myself for the past 3-4 weeks. I can not wait to go to my next appt to discuss with my dr. I too, have been eating foods that I do not need to be eating.(ice cream) I too have thought- something must not be right. So you are not alone. We just have to re-group and follow the rules. I had to start with drinking my Water. Every one of the rules is important. We just have to get back to the rules. (and talk to our drs. and get approp. fills)

Hi Tina, First of all, it's great that you came to the board for help. A couple of things come to mind. Even though you are taking vitamins with iron it may not be enough. My dr. has me on vitamins with iron(but it's such a low dose) and also an iron supplement. So you might want to run that by him. Also, with the missed periods and cravings- girlfriend I'm thinking perimenopause. I was in my late 30's when mine started. And I'm still going through it. Just more symptoms now that I am 44. lol But those sound just like my signs.

I remember my dr. telling me that iron chewables can do that. Not sure if you are taking that or not or any other chewables.

I have saved tons of $$$$$ from not eating fast food. The only place I eat fast food is Wendys. And that's for a large chili. I don't miss it at all.

Was that not the best feeling in the world!!!!!!! I want it back.

Thanks for the support. Still struggling and can't get in to see the dr. until Feb. 10th. Hanging in there and hoping for the best. I don't like that feeling of thinking of food all the time. (especially sweets) What happened? lol

I'm a binge eater. This isn't a cure all that's for sure. You can eat around the band especially if you are a sweet eater. I will be honest and say that I have been struggling in the past two weeks. I am 4 months out and I'm not sure if the honeymoon is over but I can tell you that it is only a tool. However, I have lost 48lbs and I would rather be where I"m at now then where I came from. It's up to me to get it together and do what needs to be done so that's why I will be discussing these issues with my dr. soon, very very soon!

Thanks for responding. I guess I'm a little concerned that I already have 7cc's in a 9cc band and that doesn't seem like much. What will I do in a year? (I have that kind of thinking going on)

First of all, thanks for responding. I've lost 48lbs since pre-op.(august 25th) I think I lost about 13 lbs from pre-op to my actual surgery date. I'll have to look back on my charts to be sure. I think I'm getting concerned that I already have 7cc's in my band and that I'm able to eat so much. I actually lost 7lbs from Thanksgiving to Christmas to my amazement but it's been bad since. Not satiety(is that a word, lol), wanting carbs and sweets. Thanks again.

Well you definitely got the name right. A Sunny disposition you have! Thank you for the uplifting post. I appreciate it. As for the Special K Water, I had this in the beginning on the recommendation of someone from this board and it really does help.

I buy the grapefruit cups from Sam's. No white skin, only pink grapefruit.

I need to nip this in the bud real quick. Here's my story. Surgery was Sept. 10th so I'm four months out. I've lost 48lbs since pre-op diet started. (August 25th) So I've done great so far. I had my third fill this past Tuesday. I am now at 7cc's in my Realize band. I think I felt more restriction with my 2nd fill and stayed full longer. Anyways, I find that I am eating a lot more than I need to. For example this morning I had an egg omelet for Breakfast. (consisted of 2 eggs, onion, b. pepper, and cheese) About an hour later I had 3/4 cup cottage cheese with some yogurt mixed in. For lunch(about 4 hours later) I had 3/4 cup tuna with mayo, peppers, and a few saltines. I had two fudgsicles in between lunch and supper. For supper I had 1 cup refried Beans with sour cream, cheese, salsa. Also, I had cottage cheese with Protein powder. Long story short to many calories and eating to much. It seems I can't get satisfied. I honestly don't think I need more of a fill, I think it's more mental and some physcial. I know my old past behaviors and my antenna has definitley come up so I thought I would reach out to the board. TIA Sandra

Actually I was schedule to have the lap band but on the day of surgery my dr. decided to use the Realize band. He stated I didn't have much fat around the stomach and I would have a less chance of erosion with the realize band. My thoughts are that both bands are good or else drs. wouldn't take the risk of using something that would be considered less than.

FAbulous!!!! Thanks for being an inspiration.

I know this is band related and not sickness but just curious if others have had this feeling. It's not a bad feeling but I just feel a little nauseated and I feel like there is a slight "gnawing " sensation going on. Everythings been going great. Surgery was 2 months ago.

I remember that awful pain. The thing that got rid of my pain was a huge ice pack that I purchased from a chiropractor for $12.00. My dr. told me that most people use a heating pad because it helps a little but the trick is ice. He said the heating pad only mask the problem the ice gets rid of the problem. I used it constantly and it did go away.

I had my 2nd fill yesterday. I knew right up front that I was doing this before Thanksgiving and that I might not be able to eat but you know what??????????????? I've damned ate anything and everything for 44 years of my life and I can promise you I haven't ever missed a meal. Which is why I had surgery. (saying this in fun so don't misunderstand) As far as others finding out. I would follow drs orders first and then you can play with what food is on your plate and no,one will probably even notice. And maybe this is the time to stop worrying about what others think. All that matters is that you feel good. I would hate to make poor decisions based on others. You know what I mean? Happy Thanksgiving.