1shauna1

It's hard when you get off track. You just have to get back to your band rules and really stick to them for a few days. Then it should get easier.

How long ago was the episode? Your band could just be irritated from it still. Depending on the time of day I gurgle too; sometimes a lot.

I just bend over at the waist & cough, over a sink. It comes up. I've used the papaya enzymes before, they are good if I'm not majorly stuck. I've heard about the pineapple juice but I don't usually have much luck with drinking while I'm stuck; it seems to make things worse.

For me it's a pressure in my chest....not pain really. You may also feel like you have a lot more saliva.

I would just leave it removed. I did know about eating healthy, etc. before hand; just got the band to help with my willpower. However, I probably don't have the finances to pay for another surgery, and its' just been way more difficult than I thought it would be. So, I would hope I would build on my current losses and keep going.

Good luck with everything! Is there any way you can change your pills from the morning? Otherwise, definitely try a hot drink in the morning. My fill nurse really recommends it. It just gets you open a bit and ready to take in some nutrition (and would probably work with your pills too).

I hope you're enjoying the job....did you take it??

I have that issue....hopefully will be able to wear them when. I do love the "slouchy boots" too and they are generally looser....I got a really cute pair of motorcycle type beige leather boots recently that are awesome. Celebrate all the other ways you are smaller....some people just have muscular calves no matter their weight!

Yes, I can feel mine. I believe when I lose more, it will become more visible. It's on my left side; sometimes when I lie on that side I feel a twinge but I just readjust my position and it's better.

Yes, my band is very fickle. Definitely water intake plays a part. Stress too. Or if I'm really upset, I just slam shut. Try upping your liquids; I believe it's okay to include decaf teas in that total if water is an issue.

I don't find they do but some people do. For me it's a minor needle stick; I don't use any numbing creams or anything. They've never had a problem finding the port either. This last time I felt the sting of the needle but sometimes I don't even notice that. Oh, and I would definitely suggest not leaving the office until you're able to drink some Water & can make sure it will go down. That's standard at my office but I don't think everyone does that.

If you are eating a lot of cheese & canned soups, they are high in sodium too. Relax and just keep doing what you're doing, it will go down again.

Is it nausea? If so try Gravol or something to calm your stomach (flat ginger ale or ginger tea). I've vomited from my stomach after being banded and ug, that is NOT fun. Worse than before banding for sure!

I know, this new way of eating can be frustrating! Good luck.

Any chance of getting an app for the Blackberry? Like I need another reason to spend more time on these boards!!

Pixie - you definitely should try to move to solids if it's been more than a week since your fill. Otherwise, you're basically on a liquid diet and generally those aren't sustainable!

I don't remember what time period after surgery I was first stuck, but I know it was close to the end of my stages. And it freaked me out; the pain was immense and I really thought I was going to die. But I didn't. And most likely you won't either! Just go back to doing what you're supposed to do. Eating bites off your kids' plate is part of how you got this way in the first place; it's a habit you should stop now!

Don't get me wrong, PBing is not always voluntary. I've just learned after all this time when I need to get it up and when it's going to pass. The first time I was really stuck I really thought I was going to die. It wasn't fun. But I've learned since then, and you will too. Obviously, we want to avoid doing that but sometimes it happens. You will get through it.

Good luck! I hope your recovery was like mine (not that bad; only the first couple of days). And don't worry about the foods; many people can tolerate everything (which is what my doc said; I can eat anything just smaller amounts). It is definitely a change of eating afterwards. But like everything you will adjust, and as the weight comes off you will feel amazing!

Can you have protein shakes now? There are some good ones that have 30 gms of protein so you are almost halfway there with that. It sucks about the food....but what is more important, food or your health? Once you've healed from surgery you'll be able to have small portions of that food, so don't worry so much about that. Concentrate on healing & think about how great you'll feel when you've lost the weight!

I was self pay also, but I'm in Ontario, Canada and it's not covered here at all. Definitely makes it more challenging, but I think it was worth it. Have you looked into Mexico? Many people have gone there (search the threads for the good docs there) and I believe total cost with flights is about $5000. I don't think that covers after care at all, so that would be something to consider but it would definitely help with the costs!

I have tried in the past 15 years to get back to high school weight (which was 140 without even worrying about it)....I'm 5'10". When I was in my 20s I lost weight down to 183, and I felt & looked great. So right now my goal is 174, which puts me in a "normal" BMI. I'm hoping my body shape hasn't changed that much and that at that weight, I'll be a size 12-14. I can definitely live with that!

Call your doctor. It can't just be "gone", you know that's not possible.

That was always my understanding - that "starvation mode" referred to the metabolism slowing down. That's what I mean by it, anyways.