AmandaGW

Yesterday, late afternoon, I had my first fill. It was painless, not what I expected...but almost immediately, I have some serious gas and shoulder and chest pain. Much like what I had the first 6 weeks after surgery. My surgeon does not require liquid or mushy diet AT ALL. He actually told me to go home and eat a regular meal, but take it slow. I am terrified that I have done something wrong, but I don't want to be an alarmist and over react about the pain I'm feeling. Is this normal?

I can't say much about the RNY, but I can say that I TOTALLY remember having some "buyers remorse." Even after a year, sometimes I have some buyers remorse!! And sometimes I have near panic attacks when I think about the foreign object in my body. But at the end of the day, I have learned to use the band as a tool, and 99 percent of the time it is my friend. The band is working for me, therefore I will support it over all other methods. However, it may not be the best for everyone. Out of curiosity, why is your PCP so against it? Is he/she more supportive of RNY? Good luck with everything!

Almost having to walk away from a coaster because the Six Flags guy couldn't get my harness to latch becuase I was so fat was the moment I decided to have lap band surgery...I had been contemplating it for months...that sealed the deal. Now, after losing 60 pounds, I know I can get on one and I can't freaking wait. I told my surgeon the story, and he said, "In a few months, you can will be able to ride all the coasters you want." Go for it, and enjoy the extra seat room.

Hello all! It has been a very long time since I have been on. I have done great with the band (banded Sept. 2010, lost 60 pounds, begin running, very active) until just recently. I have yet to have my first fill, I have it scheduled for the 23rd of this month and I'm kind of nervous about it. Also recently, and very surprisingly, my doctor told me I have very high cholesterol and either need a "severe lifestyle change" or I need to go on meds, so I guess I need to go on meds, since my lifestyle has changed dramatically this last year, and my cholesterol is higher than it was before being banded...HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?!?!?! I got very discouraged. I am also having little pains everywhere, back pain, jaw pain, numbness in extremities...just little things that are driving me crazy, and making me paranoid. I am convinced that I am going to have a heart attack at the age of 31!! Except, it only happens when I am sleeping, or trying to fall asleep...probably just in my head! Does anyone else do that, or am I just crazy? I know I can vent about this here because I have posted things in the past and never felt judged or upset by comments. Thanks in advance for any words of encouragement, advice, similar stories, etc.

Okay, I am very hesitant to post the Spring Break Challenge. The last spreadsheet I posted got all wonky, I know my name was moved from the very top to the middle, so I ended up changing someone else's information. I caught it quickly and fixed it right away, but some folks were not as lucky. If I post it, and it is ready to go, we have to all promise to look closely before we change our information, or input our data. Also, we have to remember that everyone is here for a reason, and people make mistakes. Yes, it sucks when someone makes a mistake that goofs your info, so I suggest keeping track on your own, as well. That way, if someone jacks with your data, you can fix it. The way I have this set up is just like the Christamas Challenge. The first weigh-in will be next Monday. I personally set my highest goal yet, so we'll see. I've amped up my workouts, so I think this will help. I love doing this! It is so motivating! If you are new to a challenge, just click on my link and it will take you to a spreadsheet on Google docs. Then enter your name, goal weight, and starting weight...where prompted. Good luck!! Here's to new swimsuits for Spring Break!! (Or ski jackets, if you are a snowbunny like me!) Spring Break Challenge (Let me know if it doesn't work, and I'll fix it)

Okay everyone. The Halloween Challenge was a big deal to me as a newbie. I was banded on Sept. 2 and I am doing very well, partly because of that spreadsheet! So a big thank you to LeighaMason who put together the spreadsheet. I put one together this morning for The Christmas Challenge. I figured that I could basically copy and paste, in doing so, I messed up the Halloween spreadsheet...so my apologies to Zeniada...I had no idea what I was doing and I messed up your line!! I feel terrible! However, I somehow managed to get a spreadsheet put together...I hope it works. My goal is to another 8 pounds by the Monday after Christmas. Weigh ins will be Mondays, as usual, beginning on the 8th. Here is the link. I hope it works for everyone. If something isn't letting you read or edit, let me know, I may need to change my privacy settings. Good luck to all who wish to participate. Amanda https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Ak2Ill9eR_EidG1WRTUyU0FXVkNqSXZPcnloVUtvSGc&hl=en&authkey=CJGdlIUD Okay, apparently I don't know how to post a link. Urg. If someone can help a technology challenge goof get a link up, let me know

LeighaMason, this is very well put and OH SO TRUE! You are one of my favorite bandsters on this forum. You always have a way of explaining things without putting people down, and with out getting pissy, like I did! Thank you very much for this.

Oh yes, but they are crunchy...so not a great choice with the band and very high in sodium. But they are a low calorie snack option, and with a little cheese or a slice of ham...YUMMY!

YES! Way to go! This is one of those things I am looking most forward to. Being able to ride rides with my daughter! This summer I was at my heaviest and, although I was able to ride, the workers had to come push on the restraints to make them click...it was really embarrassing. I cannot wait to ride the coasters this summer!

Whoa! This just proves that everyone's journey and doctors are different. My surgeon's goal is 3 meals a day...if I feel like I need to snack, that is when I need a fill. Crazy! Well, good luck to you. I usually have no problem eating before I go to bed, but I try not to do that. I try to have my last meal between 6-7 pm, and then do a light walk around my block, helps with the reflux.

Cangel76 "Remember, a lot of people are passionate about this topic and the LAP-BAND®®, how it works. So when you post something about taking diet pills with the band they are going to remind you it is a tool. It is an emotional challenge and journey." Thank you. It is not easy telling someone you don't know what you really think...or at least it wasn't for me. I debated whether or not to even post what I did in the first place. However, I really felt that it needed to be said, not only to you, but to others having the same difficulty. I am sorry you felt "attacked" but you should know that posting what you did was going to elicit some criticism. Especially because the diet pills, prescribed or not, are not that healthy for you. And we all know that, since most of us have probably, at some time or another, tried them. I was not upset by the fact that you want to try diet pills. If I were in your same situation, I would probably feel the same way. However, every time I have tried diet pills, I gained back every ounce, plus, when I got off of them. They made me jumpy, irritable, and a little crazy. I just think you should check with your doctor and make sure it won't cause any problems with the band. That would be my only concern. However, again, please don't assume that we all got the band because we have trouble with will power. That comment did anger me. That is not a reason to get the band. Not at all. I took that personally, just as personally as you took our comments to your post.

WOW! I cannot believe that! What is wrong with some people?!?! So sorry you have to put up with that kind of behavior! I'm glad it wasn't my hand she slapped, I would have gone off on her.

I am sorry that you are feeling this way, however, I have been banded since September 2nd, and have lost 28 pounds on sheer will power alone, I have yet to get a fill. Please don't make assumptions about us all getting banded because we have no will power. I was banded because I realized I needed HELP. I am sorry for this, and people will probably get mad, but if we have no desire to do some of the work ourselves, we will fail. I say this only because my surgeon, nutritionist, and all of the research says that the band is a TOOL! It is not a miracle. And I know you asked for people not to say this but it does get better. If we don't work on our mental issues with food and being obese, then nothing is going to change. This is a life changing event, and you have to look at it as so. I hate posting things like this because I am SO NOT PERFECT!! At the end of the day, I am a food addict, just like and alcoholic loves alcohol...it is hard to go every day (and sometimes I slip up-we are only human) without my fix. But every day it does get better. As for the diet pills, I would talk to my doctor, if I were you. They never really did much for me. I really do wish you the best of luck on your journey, and remember too...everyone's journey is different. So take what I am saying with a grain of salt, but think of your band as a tool.

In the same vein as ElfiePoo's response...when an obese person doesn't order dessert or an appetizer, the significant other or friend replies, "Good for you!" UGH! That is also irritating!

This happens a lot at my house. However, so does the opposite, where my DH acts like he knows EVERYTHING about the band and about my body. Sometimes at dinner, he says, "Don't over do it." and that pisses me off to no end. I know he is trying to be helpful, but OMG! Then, he wants to go to Five Guys for burgers! It is so confusing! That being said, he has been really supportive. I just have to keep telling myself that he doesn't really understand what I have been through the last ten years, and I am going to have to deal with that as well.

Great job this week everyone!!! I noticed a lot of +5 losers!!! That is AMAZING! I am going to make my goal for next week 3 pounds. I am finally over some coughing/cold crap, so I can actually get back on the treadmill. I also go in for my first fill on Wednesday. Nervous about that...but also excited!

Soph! Just weigh yourself every Monday (I like to do it first thing in the morning, right before my shower), and click the link to the spreadsheet. Then fill in your information. It is pretty easy...Since you were just banded, I would set a small goal (I like 8 pounds total-that is 1 pound a week) because you will most likely plateau a little (however, not everyone does :smile2:). Good luck!! Private message me if you need anything!

DUDE! You did awesome! I would have caved! Don't feel guilty...as someone stated above, this is a lifestyle shift. Do the best you can with what you've got. Don't beat yourself up. Pat yourself on the back.

OH MY GOSH! I am so excited about this! I am so glad everyone is in, and I can't wait to see how everyone does. Good luck to you all!

Maybe it is more of a mental thing. That is how it is with me. I haven't had a fill yet, so I am losing on pure willpower as well. It sucks! Can't wait for restriction, but I know I have some mental issues with food to work on, or the band will not work in the end. I have really been working on being aware of what my hunger cues are, and how to spot when I am really hungry, or if I really want food because I used to eat at a certain time, or when I had company...okay, now I'm rambling. Anyway, it is something to think about. Good luck with your journey!

Christmas is closer to 7 weeks, but I made it another 8 week challenge by making the last weigh in on the Monday after (the 27th). Does that work for everyone?

Oh, woohoo! It posted! Never mind on the help, the link worked. Good luck everyone!

Okay, so I was supposed to go in for my first fill today, but called and canceled the appointment because I am going to be out of town this weekend. I was scared that I would be uncomfortable, or be sick from the fill while I'm on the road. I am actually doing pretty well for having nothing in the band, which makes me question whether I needed it at all, but that's a whole other post. I was banded on Sept. 4 and I have lost 35 pounds since August 18th. I am happy with the way things are going, but I know deep down things would be going even that much better if I had some restriction...now I'm rambling. Any thoughts or suggestions on this matter would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Thanks. Yeah, I don't know why I am so scared to get this first fill. I need to get over it, because I know that is how the band works anyway! Thanks for your comment!

You are not doing anything wrong. When I was about 15 days out, I noticed that I had stopped losing. I took it as a cue to get on the treadmill. Once I did (30-60 minutes of walking every other day), I started losing again. Like others said, your body is still healing, also it is getting used to going from having 300+ calories in one sitting to like 100 or less. That is tough on a metabolism, but it will all even out. Keep your head up and keep doing what you are doing. Good luck!