rcain03@hotmail.com

I have recently experienced extreme fatigue. I went to my family doctor Friday and he gave me a B12 shot and ordered labs to check my vitamin levels, thryroid, and iron. I am waiting for them to call me with my results. But, I will say that since having the B12 shot I did wake up the next morning with more energy! So, maybe my levels are off. I too take a daily multi vitamin but, I'm thinkng that maybe my body isn't absorbing it as well as it should be. Good luck with your problem and I would definitely get your family doc to do some labs so you will know what is going on. =)

I totally understand how you are feeling. For some reason...since I've been banded...I feel worse about my self image! I've lost 40 lbs. and feel fatter than I did when I had the 40 lbs. on me! It's weird how that works. Maybe my fat is not as full as it once was...lol...more jiggly I suppose! =0

I was banded July 8, 2010. I too, have 4 herniated discs in my back..two of which I had to have surgery for at the age of 30. I was having to get steroid epidurals in my lumbar, sacroilliac joints, and caudal area every 3-4 months just to be able to make it through the day. I was diagnosed with hypertension and Type II diabetes also within the last couple of years. I really was at a point in my life where I HAD TO DO SOMETHING if I wanted to live to see my kids grow up and have kids. I started out at 316 lbs. at my consult June 28th, 2010, 308 lbs. day of surgery, and today after two fills...I weighed in at 276 lbs. I am so excited to have lost this amount of weight so far...and I would have this surgery again in a heartbeat! Since, my band...I am off my diabetes medicine, off my blood pressure meds, and have not had any back pain! (which means...no steroids or epidurals!!) I did have my days early on...post op...that I really had to learn how to cope with my emotions in different ways besides eating. I also, have had to change my life as far as how I spend my time now. When my husband and I go out now...we have to think of other things to do besides go out to eat. Which is really a good thing! I enjoy being active now. I enjoy exercising. I enjoy trying on clothes. I enjoy going to the doctor and getting weighed. I enjoy doing things now...that 4 months ago..you couldn't pay me to do! My 3rd and 4th day post op...I felt like crap! My port site hurt and I was really weak from not being able to eat more than 1/2 a sugar free popsicle. But, after day 5 my surgeon ok'd me to start mushy foods and I started getting some Protein with chicken and tuna salads. I felt a 100 times better. The first two weeks was rough on me as far as walking but, I kept at it and slowly built myself up to a mile a day. Now, I feel great!! A mile is nothing to me! I have so much more energy now. I don't want to lay in bed and sleep my day away anymore. I want to get up and go! I have days where I can't eat much at all...then there are days I can eat more than I should...but, the thing is...this band keeps me in check. I can't go crazy with food anymore and if I try to...it reels me back in real quick. It can sometimes be a painful reminder...:thumbup:...but, you learn not to do whatever it was that caused you to get "stuck" real quick! I also keep up with my calories eaten and burned at www.livestrong.com/mydailyplate It has really helped me to keep myself on track and actually see what I am putting in my body now. When I first started using that site...I could not BELIEVE the calories I had been taking in on a daily basis pre-band. No wonder I was so unhealthy! It's a wonder I didn't kill myself eating like that. It was crazy. Anyways, didn't mean to ramble on...but, I was just giving you a view of what the band has done for me so far. :smile: Good luck with whatever you choose!

I couldn't have said it any better...Cleosmom! I have seen so many posts where some people tend to get on their soap boxes and often times forget...They are here for the same reason the rest of us are here. We have all failed ourselves at some point bringing us to where we are now. Let's not forget...if it was so easy to follow the rules...none of us would have needed to get WLS because, well..we would have "followed" the rules of living a healthy lifestyle...eating well and exercising! I'm glad to know that "SOME" people have it all figured out though! Words of advice: TAKE AND USE WHAT YOU CAN AND WHAT IS USEFUL IN THESE FORUMS...AND LEAVE THE REST BEHIND! YOU WILL SOON LEARN WHO IS BEING SUPPORTFUL AND WHO IS HERE TO FILL THEIR OATS. IT'S LIKE THE BULLIED KID THAT GROWS UP TO BE THE BULLY...YOU CAN SPOT THEM A MILE AWAY!

I am fairly new to this as well...but, I have read alot of posts on here and I have seen where doctors will do an unfill to try and fix a pouch dilation/slip. From my understanding, the logic is that once the band is unfilled it will relax enough around the stomach so that it can go back into place. I also have read where it was suggested that you go back onto your liquid diet during this time as to allow it time to heal. Kind of like starting over from scratch with post op instructions. I'm sure you can dig around the forums and read more info on the subject...but, just thought I would let you know what I have read thus far on the subject. Good luck to you and I hope the problem resolves itself without any further surgery!

OMG! REALLY? GET OVER YOURSELF!!! LOL...Obviously, if you didn't have the same issues with food you wouldn't even be here on this site much less be a person with a band! With all that pent up hostility...you may be the one who needs some counseling! :biggrin:

My first fill was a little less than 3 ccs and I had no restriction. My second fill was 2 ccs and I am really tight! I am definitely not going to be able to eat like I was before! Good luck to you!

My doctor allowed me to start mushy foods at 5 days post op. My band was put in empty...the first week I was really tight because of the swelling. As the swelling decreased my appetite increased. My doctor told me this was normal because essentially the band is just sitting there until your first fill. My first fill I got a little less than 3 cc's and still did not have alot of restriction. Yesterday, I had my second fill of 2 cc's and OMG...I can't even eat a pulverized, mushed up, chewed up until its paste french fry from McDonalds. Yes, I know I shouldn't be eating there but, it was an on the fly...after a ball game thing...and it didn't work anyways! So, I see now that I am definitely not going to be able to eat what I was before yesterdays fill. Oh, and by the way...until yesterday's fill...I was able to eat wayyyyy more than 1/2 to 1 cup of food. Not now though! Best of luck to you both! Hang in there...this is definitely a learning process for all of us! =)

I was scared to death when I went for my first fill. I watched videos on youtube of people getting fills...worried over whether I would be numbed or not...etc. I had myself really worked up over it. So, I get there for my first fill...went in to see my Dr. everything was good...then he sent me to the hospital (outpatient services) and called a whole group of people back to the fluoroscopy room. The nurse called us in the room one at a time. I layed down on the table..he stuck the needle in my port (of which I had NO PAIN! ) =) I felt a tight squeeze around my stomach and he was done! He had me take two sips of barium to make sure it went down fine and out the door I went. The whole thing took maybe two minutes! I felt so silly for being so worried about it. I just had my second fill yesterday and same thing. No problems at all and it didn't hurt any worse than getting a shot. Good luck to you! I'm sure you will do fine. :biggrin:

I'm sure she did...that doesn't mean that she isn't concerned if she is feeling bad after having had the surgery! With THAT being said... I really hope you get to feeling better. I felt really bad for about two weeks post op and my band was put in empty. I had so much swelling even with my band being empty...I can only imagine how you must feel if you actually have something in yours. Also, depression is really common after having such a life altering surgery/change in your life. Give yourself some time to learn how to cope with the new changes in your life and I am sure you will start to feel better. If you ever need to talk...just look me up and I will be glad to talk to you. Also, you have to OVERLOOK the rude people on here. You will find that you will occasionally run into some people like THAT. But, don't be discouraged...we all are not like that. I think some people forget...we are all in the same boat together here or else we wouldn't all have had to have or be looking into having this kind of surgery! Best of luck to you and hoping for a speedy recovery for you! :biggrin:

Try not to be so hard on yourself! I was banded 7/8/10 and I went through some really crazy emotions. I was pissed off that I couldn't eat for one thing, that I actually had to have a major surgery because I lacked the willpower to lose weight on my own, that I had even allowed myself to get to this point in my life. I was mad because my family could eat and I couldn't...also, I actually realized how addicted I was to food! The days leading up to surgery weren't happy days to me like I see so many people who post when they get approved for surgery, etc. being all excited...I wasn't! I was angry! I felt like a drug addict that was on that show "Intervention" when they are confronted about their habit and sent away to rehab. Well, that's exactly how I felt! I felt like my drug was being taken away from me. I really didn't know how to cope with it at all. Even though, I am the one who pursued having this surgery done. My family could have cared less if I ever lost weight...lol...which was a good thing and a bad thing for me. My husband was my "food" enabler. He loves to cook and he loves for us to eat together. That is what we enjoyed doing together. Problem was, he doesn't gain weight and I do! So, 20 yrs. took its toll on me. I had to learn other ways of coping with my feelings instead of eating them away. I've learned that exercise is the greatest stress releaser for me now. If I don't exercise...I am a total "Bitch"! I just have to make myself do it...once I get to the gym or start walking I am fine and I love it. It's just making myself get started that is the hard part. Also, my husband and I have had to learn other things to do together. We started walking together in the evenings and it is nice. It gives us a chance to talk about our day or anything that is going on in our lives...which has improved our communication. It is also nice to fit clothes better now. I have actually had to go buy new clothes...smaller clothes...and that makes me happy. What I am trying to say is this...it was really hard on me in the beginning. I've had to learn a whole new way of life and its scary. But, I do not regret the surgery at all. I know...I made the right choice and gave myself the best gift I could have ever given...and that is the chance to be healthy again and enjoy life in a way that I have not been able to in such a long time. I still have my bad days...I still have my doubts if this is going to "work for me"...but, the fact remains that when I step on that scale...I am losing weight. Sometimes, it may be more than others...sometimes, it may be less...but, I am doing it...slowly but, surely. Isn't that all we can ask for in the end? To be losing weight and not gaining it? Hang in there and I'm almost sure it will get better for you. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Give yourself time to heal...both physically and mentally. I think you will be glad you did! If you ever want to talk...look me up! Not sure how much help I will be...but, I will try my best to at least be a sounding board for you! Just remember...YOU CAN DO THIS!!:biggrin:

Today I find myself in a weird place. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem. It seems that since my surgery...not only am I losing weight...but, I have lost a "friend" and my husband. The "friend" has just totally flipped out since my surgery. It's like she is obsessed over the fact that I am getting my life in order and my health. She acts as though she is in competition with me or something. I in no way at all...talk about my surgery, my weight loss, or anything like that...that could be making her jealous. So, I don't understand this? Then there is the issue with my husband. He has always had his insecurities...but, they are just really overwhelming now. It's like he is purposefully trying to self destruct our marriage now. Kind of like a..."let me get her, before she gets me" kind of thing. It has not even crossed my mind that I would leave him just because I've lost weight or that I would betray him. Yet, he left "to go see his daddy" and didn't come back home until the next day. Without even a phone call and when he got home and I asked where he had been...He told me it was "none of my business". So, I told him that since it was none of my business than he should leave and that I was through with this mess. I don't feel I "have" to put up with this crap. Maybe, I am expecting more for myself now. Anyways, just thought I would see if anyone else has had a similar experience with people treating you differently for just trying to get yourself in order. I really don't understand why people who are supposed to care about you would not want the best for you? Thanks for any input! :thumbup:

Have you checked your blood sugar? Excessive thirst could be an indication of diabetes. Or maybe you are just really thirsty! =)

I had my first fill Aug. 19th and I was scared to death that whole day. I just knew it was going to be painful because my doctor doesn't numb it either. I was a nervous wreck. Lo and behold, when he did my fill...it didn't hurt one bit! I felt so silly for worrying so much about it. Having my finger pricked hurts worse than my fill did. I see that different people have had different experiences but, mine didn't hurt at all! I hope yours turns out as well as mine did! =)

I am new to this as well. I just had my surgery 7/8/2010. It was the best decision I ever made! I have lost 30+ lbs. thus far and I feel better today than I have in years. I have more energy...I am off my blood pressure meds...diabetes meds...and pain meds due to back pain. I still have 120 lbs. to go before I reach goal but, I am sure that I will get there with the help of this band. It is still hard work and it's not easy sometimes...but, I'm positive you will find if you go through with the surgery...you won't regret it a bit. Just be prepared to deal with the reason you eat...because I found that it wasn't always because I was hungry. You will go through emotions that you have to deal with that before you just stuffed with food....that was the biggest hurdle for me. Good luck and I wish you nothing but the best! =)

I quit smoking 5 yrs. ago after my best friend was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the left lung. (The doctors told her it was a direct result of smoking) She was a single mom with a 3 yr. old son. She died 4 mos. after her diagnosis. It was the hardest thing to see her dying knowing she was leaving her little boy behind. After that, I could not bear to smoke a cigarrette without thinking..."what if that happens to me...because I choose to smoke this? How will I explain to my 3 kids why Momma chose to smoke even though I knew the dangers of it and the health risks?". As you can imagine, those thoughts really helped me through the cravings. The hardest part for me was that I felt as though I had so much time on my hands. I didn't realize how much my life and daily routines revolved around smoking! I really didn't know what to do with myself...especially, after eating, talking on the phone, getting in the car, etc... I had associated all of those activities with smoking. It was crazy. Not to mention once I quit...I realized how much cigarettes STINK!! To this day..I can't stand the smell of them or the smell of people who smoke them. I really get a nauseous feeling when I smell it. Also, I just kept thinking to myself whenever I had a craving...I wasn't about to have to start all over with the cravings again for that cigarette! I was not going to have "suffered" through withdrawals only to start smoking again. Just hang in there and I have complete faith in you that YOU CAN DO THIS!!! It is one of the best gifts you will ever give yourself and your family by quitting smoking. One day, you will look back...as I do now...and not even be able to remember or imagine how you ever was able to smoke and have such a nasty habit! Good Luck with living a healthier lifestyle! =)

Congratulations! I have found that leggings are my new best friend. They help me through the in between sizes and last longer while I am losing weight. I went to a yard sale today and bought a pair of size 16 jeans...knowing I would not fit into them for quite some time. Thinking they would be a mini goal for me to get into. I started out in June wearing a "tight" size 26 jeans. As I took them to my bedroom to put up..I thought "well, let me just try them on and see how much I have to go until I can fit into them"...knowing I would probably not be able to get them up past my hips. So, I started putting them on...up they went...past my hips...I'm getting excited...but, still thinking...they will never button or zip! And what do you know!!! They button and zipped!!! I am more than ecstatic! I haven't worn a size 16 jeans since I was probably 16 yrs. old! I am so motivated now! I also weighed myself...and the scale said 284.6 lbs. Note: I was 298 lbs. Aug. 19th when I had my first fill. I love this band! It is hard sometimes...and way more work than I anticipated...but, I am so happy I did this for myself! =) Now, if I can lose this damn spare tire I am carrying around my midsection I will be thrilled! My weight is coming off quickly everywhere but there!

I know how you feel. I felt like I was a crackhead getting sent to rehab! I even felt a bit depressed and pissed for a couple of weeks after my surgery. Now, I feel great and it gets better as time goes on because I can see the weight loss now! Don't worry, you will do great! It's hard to do something so nice for yourself sometimes! =)

My doctor put an AP Large 14cc Lapband in me on July 8th. My band was empty until August 19th. At that time, he put in a little less than 3cc's. That being said...the first 5 days post op...I did good to eat half of a sugar free popsicle...but, I had alot of swelling in my stomach. I actually looked as if I swallowed a tire. After 5 days, the swelling started to subside and my hunger quickly increased. At 2 weeks post op he cleared me to eat soft foods...although I had already started soft foods a few days earlier. I was too weak and felt much better when I did that. A small can of tuna would last me for two days back then. Now, I can pretty much eat just about anything without any problems...with the exception of chicken fingers...not sure why? I do eat much smaller portions but, not much restriction most of the time. Sometimes, however..My band feels extremely tight...examples...when I wake up in the morning until around lunch time, if I am stressed, and during my cycle each month...don't know why it works that way..mine just does. Also, I have noticed my band seems to be looser in the evenings. It really is a matter of watching what you eat and getting plenty of exercise. The band "helps" you...but, you definitely still have to do the work to get the results. I've heard of those who say they didn't have to exercise and ate what they wanted...and still lost weight. Unfortunately, I am definitely not one of those people! When I'm not putting in the work...I'm not getting the results! I find it helps me to log my food intake and calories burned on www.livestrong.com/myplate It keeps you accountable for your eating and exercise habits. I wish you the best of luck on your weight loss journey and feel free to keep in touch!

I was 6 wks. post op before I got my first fill. Just hang in there and go with the flow for now...give your tummy time to heal. During this time I just focused on exercising and making healthier food choices more so than I did portion size. I got 3cc's my first fill and I still don't feel a whole lot of restriction. Sometimes I am tighter than other times...it's weird actually. I did notice that about 2 weeks after my fill I felt alot tighter than when he actually did the fill. So, be careful about getting your fills done too closely together...I think that's what causes a lot of people to have to get an unfill. Anyways...he scheduled my next fill for about 6 wks. out. I am definitely looking forward to it! Good luck with your journey! =)

I have been really down on myself here lately as well. I have been slacking in the exercise department and I can feel it. I weighed at the gym last night and it said 297.4 which is a pound up from last week...but, still 19 lbs. down from surgery. I know I am eating way more than I should be able to...I have a little less than 3cc's in my 14cc band. My next fill isn't until September 30th! I am going to call tomorrow and see if I can come in sooner for a fill. I don't want to get too off track. Hopefully, the fill will help me out with my portion control. I really am trying to make healthier food choices and I do get to the gym at least 2-3 times a week (I work my butt off when I am there)...but, I was walking at least 1 mile everyday and I have quit doing that. So, I have got to get back to it. I was losing so well while I was doing that and since I have not...I feel like such a slob! Guess I am trying to convince myself of what I need to do! LOL...Good luck and hang in there! I'm trying to as well! Also, WTG Isa Bella! You are doing great! =) Surgery Scheduled: June 28, 2010 ~ 316 lbs. Banded: July 8, 2010 ~ 308 lbs. First Fill: August 19, 2010 ~ 298 lbs. (a little less than 3cc's in 14cc band) Second Fill Scheduled For: September 30, 2010

I was banded 7/8/2010 and for the first 5 days..I couldn't eat more than 1/2 a sugar free popsicle. As my post op swelling went down...my appetite went up! I ate alot before my surgery! And I do mean alot! When I started eating regular food again...I could still eat what I would consider a "normal" amount of food...I just got my first fill 8/19/2010..he put 3cc's in my 14cc AP Large Lapband. I felt an immediate squeeze on my stomach but, I am still able to eat more than the "1/2-1 cup" meals I hear so many talk about. However, the amount of food I consume has decreased dramatically and I am now down 24 lbs. in the last two months. So...not too bad I suppose. I am still waiting to see what it's like to get that "restriction or sweet spot" you hear everyone talk about on here...But, for now...I am just trying to make healthier choices when eating...proteins first...low carb...no sugar...and get in my exercise. It seems to be working for me. One thing I love about this band is this...no matter how bad of a day I am having...or even if I could care less about eating right that day...I can't go totally crazy! My band keeps me in check! At the most...I can still only eat what a normal person would eat at a sitting. One serving...not seconds, thirds, and fourths anymore! LOL...And I definitely can't eat a whopping plate of food anymore either. There are times when I can't swallow a bite of turkey breast deli meat and times when I can eat anything really without any problems going down at all. Long story short...YES!!! THE BAND WILL TOTALLY HELP YOU CURB YOUR APPETITE...you just have to work with it. Good luck with your journey! =) And just so you can see it really works....here's a before/after pic after only 22lbs.

I use www.livestrong.com online and on my iphone I have a free app called LoseIt that works really great!

I was banded on 7/8/10 and I really got depressed there for a bit after my surgery. I was really moody and cried alot. I think that it is such a drastic change in your life have WLS that it takes you awhile for your mind to catch onto the fact that you have changed your life. I also know...that no matter how much the docs told me, no matter how much I read and knew about WLS...I still for some reason in my mind thought that I should be losing a miraculous amount of weight quickly...even though "I knew better than that". I have lost 22 lbs. in a little less than 2 mos. but, I still feel down on myself for not losing more than that. Plus, I know I feel so much pressure from others...(and it may be totally in my own mind) but, I feel like those who know about my WLS... are critiquing me whenever they see me...judging if I've lost much weight if not just outright asking me...lol. As a matter of fact, I feel more self conscious about my body image today than I did pre-band. I guess because I am really wanting this to work and I am scared that I am going to fail the band and myself. I try hard to keep myself in check and realize I am fighting bigger demons than just my weight...I am going to have to win the battle over my mind as well. So, long story short...I totally understand how you feel and I think this is a natural process most of us bandsters have or are going through. I guess like with anything else...there are going to be good days and bad days. Good luck with your journey and keep your chin up! Things have to get better for us! At least now we have done something for ourselves! =)