kshallow

I had a binge/gorge day yesterday!! I needed to read the above posts today. I ate anything with sugar I could get my hands on!! Brownies, choc Easter eggs, ice cream bars,etc. But I agree with the philosophy that long term success hinges on how we recover/react to the not so good eating days, not that we give in to our desires to eat the junk food in the first place.

I usually have a couple of really bad days around that lovely time of month. I hate it b/c I have such a strong drive to eat salt and sugar for 1-2 days. It's not even an emotional binge or anything like that. It's a strong craving for these crap foods. I do my best to fall off the wagon within reason but it does end up being somewhat of a monthly binge

I like flavorsplash water (it's an aquafina product) especially the grape, berry, and lemon flavors

Congrats with getting everything scheduled so quickly. Some "food for thought" be careful about the last supper syndrome! I know it's tempting but any weight you gain is weight that's going to keep you that much further from your weight goal. Lapband or not, it's just that much more you're going to have to work to get off

I appreciate the honesty here! I struggle with the same issues. There are days that I literally feel worn out trying to keep not only my food intake in check but my thoughts about food in check. Even on days where I had a good eating day, I still have to constantly "tame my food thoughts" which can be all consuming at times! I've had success with the band but definately not a cure all for overcoming all the food struggles

I looooove the kroger brand carbmaster yogurt as mentioned above by dnic. Depending on the flavor, you can get them in either 60 or 80 cals. ( the 80 cals do have a little higher protein) I love the carrot cake flavor, it tastes like pumpkin pie filling

Karebare: isn't it amazing how a compliment from "the outside" can sometimes have that effect? Congrats to you on an amazing weight loss! So exciting!

Lillium that smiley wink face is hilarious after your "the dr was really good looking" comment, made me chuckle

Ok I'm in!!!

Erin: are u able to talk to your mom about all of these feelings? If not is there a counselor or teacher you trust at school to talk with? I really hope you reach out to someone you can trust b/c noone should feel lost in darkness like you were explaining. You sound lonely and sad and it sounds like the lapband/eating issues may just be a part of it. Please reach out to share what's going on

Congratulations!! What an awesome achievement!

oh...I forgot to add... my weight loss has slowed down a whole lot... even with eating less and I do exercise pretty regularly too.

Hi... I was also banded July 2010. I have had some problems with pain associated with eating in the last couple months. Both times, My dr. did a slight unfill to alleviate the pressure that had built up in my esophogous. I've learned sometimes you can eat something that irritates the esophogous or puts some pressure on it going down and maybe you didn't even notice it at the time but a tiny bit of swelling can then irritate the problem and create even more swelling making if painful to eat certain foods. Have you contacted your dr.? If it is something like this, it's pretty easily fixable but you don't want to wait b/c it can become a bigger problem if not addressed.

Thanks for posting your experience! I think w/ having the band, it's easy to attribute any kind of chest pain to food stuck or gas or some other band related issue and just wait it out. Thanks for giving us all a smart reminder! Our overall health encompasses more than just our bands!

Give it a couple days for the swelling to subside b/c it will go down. Everyone is different with re: amount of fluid in band. I actually have almost 7 cc in my 10 cc band and that is after having .5 cc recently removed so it just depends. The test will come when you resume a normal diet of protein, veggies, solid food diet. Make sure to take it slowly and chew really well. Best of luck to you

Dgallas : dr. Weiner is my surgeon too. I was banded last July at Harper but all my appts have been at HV. (I live in Waterford) how are you doing at this point?

I thought the c section pain was a million times worse. Lapband was very definately not a cakewalk but recovery was much easier for me than c sec.

Is that just her opinion or is that something she's going to submit to your sugeon? Only you truly know what you're ready for. It's good to take what she says into consideration and think about it but you're the one who will be committing and living a new eating lifestyle. Sounds like it's a complicated situation for you! I wish you the best!

Cleo's mom: I think your posts are very well articulated and represent all the different things that can happen with the band, not JUST the success stories. It is the holier than thou listen to me and other "the band is a tool" posters and let us set you straight that irks me to the bone. If you are on this site and had to have undergone surgery to get your weight under control, please dismount off your high horse immediately. I'm all for asking/receiving suggestions but this whole "let ME be the one to offer your needed tough love" is so ridiculous. And CM: I thought the list you posted about the four kinds of posters not only made for a good chuckle but was so true too!

Shirley Dr. Weiner's number is 248-413-2670

Her band BUSTED inside of her! In what way is this a band that is working properly? Her surgeon then would neither repair it or provide an alternate solution. I know this isn't my story to tell but can we stop being so damn hard on each other and just BE there for one another? I have no doubt everyone here has had enough "tough love" to last a lifetime.

Wow!! I am sooo sorry to hear what a miserable experience this has been for you!! I read your posts in another thread and it's so unbelievable that this is the situation you are left with! I decided to reply because I'm also in Michigan and have an absolutely phenominal surgeon. I know you said northern Michigan but I was banded by Dr. Matthew Weiner out of the DMC (both Harper Hospital and Huron Valley Sinai) He is in private practice and has two diff. office locations at Huron Valley Hospital as well as in a medical building called the Lakes. One of the reasons I really liked him was because he was completely honest about both the benefits and limitations of the band and the ongoing follow up care required to be successful. He is meticulous in his care with his patients and makes it his business to know what's going on with each patient he sees. You can go to him with any concern or question about the band and he will never rush you. He has always taken the time to talk/address ANYTHING that you're concerned with or any problems you're experiencing. One time, I started crying in his office at a check up b/c I was discouraged with my progress and he took time to sit with me, talk to me about what's going on, etc. I also believe you'll find glowing reports from other people who have gone through him. Might be worth the drive for a surgeon you can trust and who will restore some sort of healthy solution to what you've had to endure. Best of luck to you!

Courtney I'm a Michigan bandster!! Thinking about you today as well as those who responded so openly with some tough struggles!! Thank you all for being so open and honest.

Mattie what does your dr say? Will he give u another fill soon? How many cc's are in your band now? I feel your frustration!! When I've posted previously looking for some specific suggestions the LAST thing I needed to hear was "remember the band is just a tool" we KNOW it's a &"$@:& tool!!! You know how to lose the weight and you DO deserve for the band to be doing what it's intended for. Call your dr, tell him all this, talk to him re your fills.

Depends where u live. I went through dr. Matthew weiner out of DMC. He's a center of excellence surgeon, great pre and post op care and guidance! Highly recommend