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Arlene, the Atkins Protein drinks do give me gas but so do their soy nugget Protein Bars. Actually the shakes have Fiber in them too. Both also constipate me. Any fiber bars give me unbelievable gas and don't seem to help with the constipation. So, even with all the fiber I still need my miralax and even with that I can have trapped gas. Can't burp because of the band and can't always let it out the other end in a controlled way either. I suspect that the very severe bend or twist I have somewhere in my intestines is responsible. They had trouble giving me a colonoscopy some years back cause they couldn't get it to twist with the intestine. I kept waking up and going "Oww!" and they kept having to give me more drugs. LOL. I remember it very distinctly and you aren't supposed to remember anything from that. TMI, but, since we're on the subject.... I actually have been constipated since early childhood. I BM'd often only once a week on Sunday after I'd had a big Sunday dinner that helped push it out. LOL. I only ate cooked veggies, but I did eat fruit. Not much whole grains. Wonder bread. Didn't like cereals that much. Still don't. Not that we had whole grain ones in the house. Still, I was the only one with constipation problems. I'm hoping the Kefir cultures will regulate the gas. If I have that for Breakfast instead of a Protein shake I might avoid some of the issues. Been eating very little since getting the stomach bug, so I lost a couple more lbs. Well within my range now so I think I'll have no trouble losing the other 2 lbs by Thanksgiving. Basement is almost done. Just needs the ceiling. Doing the bathroom downstairs later. My son has said he'll do that. It'll save us much money. Just putting a door on it and a toilet in it so guests can use it when we have a lot of people over. I'm having Thanksgiving here hopefully and a work Christmas party and Ken's family Christmas party. Now I have somewhere to put them. Very cold out, but I'm going to bundle up or go to the walking track at the community center. It's free. Have a great day. Cheri

Ok, so I figure it has been a couple of weeks, and I just wanted to update. I am now 10 wks preggo and have told just about everyone. This is the first...first for us, first grandbaby for both sets of our parents, and first great-grandbaby on my husband's side. Everyone is SOOO excited, and now I am terrified. I just can't seem to get much of my Protein in...everything that is good for me, turns my stomach. I've been pretty lucky, I really haven't thrown up much, but just the thought of food (especially protein) makes me ill. I'm even having trouble getting in all my fluids...I just want to hurl everytime I think about food or drinks. I feel like I'm already starting to show, but that could be because I am still loosing in certain areas, and gaining in the waist. I have continued to loose weight, which they said is pretty normal, but I am now down a total of 68 lbs overall (about 6 lbs since I found out)and have gained a total of 3 inches in my waist-line since I found out. I am REALLY excited that I got below 250. That is the lowest I've been in years!!!!People at work are really excited for me, (I'm a special ed teacher for moderate to profound disabilities) but they keep asking if I'm sure I'm pregnant (from the back) since my hips and butt keep disappearing. YEAH!! I am craving orange juice mostly, and have about a 1/2 cup a day for a treat...usually in the morning, cause I can't eat!! Ewww! I am also changing Ob's cause I hate the hospital my original OB delivers at. I have my first appointment with them on Wednesday. I may have to get that pushed up, cause I'm having trouble with a possible UTI. (Sorry, TMI). I Just want to say thank you for all the kind words, thoughts, and prayers! I don't regret this for a moment! This surgery has truely changed my life!

I have to admit, if it were really good...I would have never given it away. I did learn a lesson though! Sounds like serious exercise to me! :scared2: Are you stressed? Stress can cause the band to swell....trust me! I 2nd that! Hi Jenn...are you taking care of yourself? How are you doing with your eating? If I have to be a good girl, so do you! :tt2: Glad you made it through election season unscathed! :seeya: Hello everyone!!! We had the kids over last night (stepson & stepdaughter). They will spend the night again tonight. It is nice to have them here. Macy really enjoys it when they are here so I let her miss her girlscout meeting last night. Just a rainy day expected here today which is fine with me...I wanna go curl up and get back in bed anyway (cramps). Sorry Trey, TMI for the male poster in the pack but...oh well Take care of yourselves today and make healthy choices!

Ooooh. Ok. lol My band and I make a good team. People do need to do their research. I research everything, even the antibiotic I was on when I had a URI and the color of my snot that I couldn't stop blowing out of my nose! (A little TMI?! lol) I just feel if someone wanted a quick fix, they should have went with the bypass... that's just me though. :thumbup:

I have my psych evaluation this coming friday and after looking through all the questions I am really nervous. I marked a few about sleeping through the night because I don't and I know this may be TMI but it isn't because I cant sleep I just always wake up at least twice to pee. . . Do i need to note this on the quiz?? I just don't wanna go white out my answers and be obvious lol. I don't want to do a sleep study to find out i pee alot :thumbup:

Okay... I think I just need to vent or to get support or just encouragment from some one/some where. I was banded September 7. Since the pre-op, I am down 16 pounds.... Yeah its not bad since I have been eating normal food and not on a strict restriction yet. Just had my first fill 2 weeks ago, Im at 2cc now. Problem is.... as above... I am eating normal and not super restricted. I don't even think that THAT is the problem cause I DO notice a change in how often and how much I eat... The real problem is... this whole halloween thing... ya know, ya buy candy 3 weeks before cause its on sale and ya eat half of it before the day comes... YEAH THATS the problem... well, the day has come and gone... now what... I am and have always been a Junkfood Junkie... I have an addiction which I have been trying to control.... Okay so I recognize where I failed myself but now... how do I focus again... I don't think I have gained any weight (yet) due to my downfall but then again, since last week, I refuse to get on the scale until another 2 weeks (after my next period-TMI sorry).... I beat myself up for my issues but I recognize the problem and okay sooo I screwed up.. fine... but I need to focus again... ITS SOOO HARD... SOOOOO please someone, give me words of inspirations... words of guidence... How do I motivated myself to get up at 5:45 to go to the gym before work without being cranky, resentful and miserable? Something? Anyone? Funny thing is that I have PLENTY to motivate me but those things aren't motivating me. :thumbup: Geeessssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Please let tomorrow bring me the inspiration, motivation and dedication!!!!! THANKS for listening... ummm reading.... lol (if anyone bothered!

I always keep my food logged at sparkpeople.com and am noticing that I'm not getting much fiber at all. I'm on a 1000 calorie a day diet with 2 protein shakes and one meal consisting of a lean protein and vegetable. Last night, I had the Bird's Eye Normandy Blend with a sirloin steak. The veggie mix had broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, squash and zucchini. I still only ended up with 2 grams of fiber. The previous day had 3 grams. I'm sorry this is TMI, but I'm starting to notice the lack of fiber in the bathroom. I was wondering if we are supposed to avoid fiber, or should I be taking a fiber supplement? I have not seen my nutritionist yet, but I want to nip this before it gets bad.

So quick update managed a cuppa soup last night seems to respond better to hot/warm rather than cold/icy. Again managed to have de-fizzed lucozade last night and felt less shaky after 4 days of no food. Had a cuppa soup today at school and that went down well but cold is really not helping as I have to throw up. This may be TMI but has anyone else experienced this and when they were sick had brown bits in the sick or flecks of blood? All a bit worrying really. But do feel a little better so think I shall persevere and not have a de-fill yet. Do you think it will loosen off with time? Take care Claire p.s. good news is that I am half a pound shy of losing 3 stone so very happy!:thumbup:

I felt more confident and more comfortable. It was the best!!!!! lmao..i'm not going to get into details, but uh lets just say dinner and breakfast was served!

WOOHOO!!!! Gary, you rock!!!! I knew you would do it soon!! You look absolutely fantastic, by the way, I could not believe my eyes when you were here. Rich was especially stunned! He's up to 50 pounds down but is doing it the hard way... again! So proud of you, of all of us! You guys need to plan on coming down again, anytime. Me, I'm still hanging at 101 lost - goal was 104 but I just pulled that number out of my head. I've been fluctuating between 153 and 156 for some time now. If the remaining three pounds comes off, fine but if not, that's fine too. Probably tmi but it's only coming off my boobs now and I can't spare any more! so I really do think my body is where it wants to be. YIPPPPPEEEEEEEE !!!!!!! Say hey to Larry for us! C p.s. are your girls still considering VSG? Can't wait to hear the next chapters...!

Good morning everyone~I woke up about 5:20 AM because my bladder had reached it bursting point (tmi, i know) but while I was in the restroom I could not help myself...i weighed again. I was kinda scared to because I should be having aunt flow visit any day now and I could have Water retention, but I braved the scales anyway. I have reached a new set of numbers. Started at 273.5 and this morning I was down another pound to 259.5. I can not believe I am on a new plane of numbers. That tickles me and I wanted to share it with y'all. So...I have not had a ticker up in over a year, but now here it is. New journey, new ticker. I have 199 as my goal and will re-evaluate once i get back there :smile2: I wish I would have not turned my back on my band and regained all of this weight PLUS 20 pounds, but, I learned a valuable lesson and I will not dwell on the past. Whats done is done and today is a new day. If y'all get tired of hearing this all the time, let me know and I will start just blogging it Macy has decided she would make a cute kitten for halloween. She doesnt want to be a cat, but when i mentioned kitten she was all for it. lol, i guess to a 7 year old it just sounds more cute than plain old cat. Changing the costume will be easy enough, just take off the cape and mask and sew on a tail and put on cat ears and paint her face...voila! Ashley, glad you have a fun new date night planned! I am sorry for all you have endured over the past couple of years. How is your shoe store business going?? That sounds like fun and i'll bet you have more shoes than you know what to do with. I loved the ones you put the link up on. cute cute! Everyone~make it a great day in whatever you do. Thanks for being here.... :thumbup:

Hey guys. I worked a full shift today and started out kind iffy. I walked over to the General store and got 2 bottles of 7up. As my shift was ending I could feel something start to move. Ok, I know. TMI-but my poor bathroom took the brunt of it, but I sure do feel a whole heck of a lot better. Whatever was in me is dead and gone now. Hubby and I went to Wal-Mart to get him a new shaver and by the time I got home I was feeling like I could eat something. Came home and warmed a can of soup. I had 2 bowls and crackers. Yup, I'm feeling good now.

I'm officially part of Band camp as of this past Wednesday!! The surgery went well and everyone was extremely nice and helpful at Franklin Regional Medical Center in NC. (have to give them props) As for the recovery I am in a lot of pain. I hurts so much to sit down, stand up, and walk where my port area is. As well as the gas pains... my back and stomach ache and are tight! I take gas x strips and taking hydrocodone for the pain. Question for the post bandsters: How long did you have intense pain sitting down and standing? how about the gas pains? Any tips for post up recovery? Also, I haven't had a "bowl movement " (sorry I know TMI) since before the surgery.. is this ok? Thank you all for your support and answering my previous post!!

Day 4 and I'm feeling so much better. Day 3 was bad. Felt like I'd been hit by a truck. Today has been great. Took my first real shower, which helped tons. And TMI, had success in the bathroom!!! Sorry!! Looking forward to my post-op Dr. visit on Monday. Anyone know what I can expect with that visit? Thanks again to this board for all the info. Hope everyone is doing well. Good Luck to those with surgery coming up soon. Nina

Im now to weeks post-op, feeling good other than im really weak. I tryed going back to work yesterday, I made it a whole two hours before i thought i was going to pass out. I dont think im getting enough fluids in, so im really going to work on it so i can go back to work on Friday. OK heres my TMI- i havent gone poo since i had to do my clean out before surgery, i tryed suppositories and i just poo out the suppositore. Any one else haveing this issue? My total weight lose for the week was 7.6lbs bringing me to a total weight lose of 14lbs. im happy with it! my goal was 15lbs for the 1st 2 months.

Hey everyone. I see a lot has gone on since I was last here. However, it sounds like you guys are doing much better! So I am still very slowly losing, however I will say when I was on my menstrual cycle I definitely gained and was very scared. It made me feel like I was going to be the type of person that the band was just not going to work. I am still very iffy about all of this. I am down around 50 lbs, but, my cloths are not fitting any better. How is this? The only real difference is that my double chin is a baby double chin now lol, and I am very giggly. Before I was big but solid, now my fat is well squishy. Maybe this is tmi but it's just all weird. I go for a second fill Friday. I am excited about that because I really stink at the portion sizes. I still eat a lot less but still eat more than I should. Okay enough of me rambling. Do any of you live in FL?

I hope this isn't too TMI, but sexy times are better without all of the extra padding blocking important kinds of stimulation, if you get my drift.

Sweet, sweet Friday!! Man...it felt like it would never get here, lol. I just read all of the posts above and now I can't remember what I read. Jeez. Here I go... Trey- That breaks my heart about your dogs. They really do become a part of the family. Phooey on your crappy year too. It will get better! You've got a fun personality and you're not too shabby looking so get out there and enjoy life! (Maybe all that wasn't necessary...didn't you just crash a reunion?? LOL!) ....and we (I think it's safe to speak for us all) enjoy your taunting and teasing so keep bringing it!!! Michelle, ug! Pink eye. Poor baby. My sister and I used to share make-up when we were younger (well...I wouldn't say she "shared" so much as I took). We both had pink eye at the same time! I hope DD gets to feeling better. Kat, I hope you guys get the other dog! The dog you have sounds like a sweetie and 'woo-hoo' for all the training she has obviously had!! It sure makes things easier. Our little dog brought a frog in the house last night. I used to play with frogs when I was younger but I just couldn't bring myself to pick this little dude up! I took the baby gate (which blocks the dog from the litterbox aka "snackshack") and scooted it's butt back out the door (our puppy is facinated with the cat's poop). YUCK. She likes to go in and get herself a 'snack' on occasion (if somebody forgets to put the gate back up). TMI...sorry. The thought makes me dry heave. Then she kisses her 'daddy' and that makes me laugh!! They had a story on the hail in West Texas this morning on the news. They compared it to tennis balls. Hope you guys didn't get it that bad, Kat!! Hiya, Shar! Are you getting any rest? I know you've mentioned working some funky hours! Suzie...I lost track somewhere. Have you done the 5k yet? I wish I was having margi's with you! Jenn- Snuggling with George and then breakfast?? You go girl!!!!!! Cindy...less stress today? I still admire you! Tracy- You boycotting Wal-mart or what? LOL! Kuddos on the .5 lbs. A loss is a loss!! How is the little "see'r" doing? Debbie, how are you today?? Still tinkering with Facebook? I used to spend hours on it. I love reconnecting with people! Ashley, welcome again! LOL...I should tell you a little about me...I am 35, married (Mike) and I have one son (Zach) and two 'bonus" grown sons. I live in Texas..about 10 min. from Tracy. Have fun on your date night! I am working tomorrow so I will catch you guys then. **THAT my friends, was a long post!!!!! Have a good day...er...weekend! Angela

Ok i was diagnosed with pcos. I have always been a real bad bleeder and blood clots and severe cramps. i mean so severe i couldnt go to work i could bearly move without looking like someone was stabbed me to death. since 2 weeks after the band i have not one period and no cramp. What could be going on? anyone have had what i have and having the same thing going on?

Well, at least I got the grilled chicken! But I did eat all the skin, too! Oh, my it tasted good! Yeah, I'd probably be cruising the thrift shops for Andrew's apartment! Jacki taught me that! You wouldn't believe the treasures she finds! We have a slew of wine glasses that she got us a thrift stores! There are a couple... I think over on Country Club, that I spotted one day... one is Angel View... they are all over the valley, and there is another one right next door to it. I've been wanting to go look around. Every time we stay in Gilroy, Earl loses me for hours while I go to Salvation Army!!! LOL Now I remember.... COPD! I forgot.. but you did tell me that before. But I didn't realize she was that seriously ill! How old is she??? Yes, I am simply amazed at how ell Earl is doing! No pain pills today at all! So I let him have a glass of wine. He says he still feels a little groggy, but it takes a long time to get al that anesthesia out of your system. He says he has no pain. He hates doing the irrigations, but he is doing the faithfully. Then he complains because he has water running back out again for a while!! TMI!! My youngest sister just had her hair color changed from blond to red! You've been talking about doing that for a while, haven't you? And here's a picture of Mom & Uncle Ed just before they were called in to a conference room so Ed could be counseled about breaking the rules!!!

Janet – I am doing and feeling great! My weight is holding steady – not losing but I haven’t gained either. That is a first for me, I have always been able to lose weight and then gained right back to where I started (and then some). I have been at 190 since Feb. I would like to get to 160 but, like I said, maintaining is something I have never been able to accomplish before. I credit all of the exercise I do now with being able to maintain. I just started exercising in April. I had never really exercised before. That’s why I initially hired a trainer – I was so pathetic, I did not know how to use any of the equipment at the gym and I (as a fat girl) was too embarrassed to ask. Now I keep the trainer for motivation. She keeps me honest and keeps me moving forward. She always has something new (and harder) for me to do. Heck, I press 40 pounds now. I have developed some real muscles. LauraK – WTG on the walking and yoga. Your upcoming girl’s weekend sounds fabulous. Have a great time. Apples – I too want to get PS but I would like to get a TT. They say you should wait until you reach goal and that is still 30 pounds away for me. I keep thinking maybe I should just give up and be happy with where I am at and get the TT. Then I think I should just kick myself and lose the last 30. I know exactly what you mean about it being uncomfortable. It isn’t too bad in the day because I always wear spanx but once I take the spandex off it has a mind of its own. It is very uncomfortable when I exercise (especially when doing sit-ups) and when I try to roll over at night. I don’t know about you but I have been having trouble with infections in my belly button. I guess moisture is getting trapped because the skin falls down over the “innie hole”. LOL-TMI. It does get quite painful though. All I can say to you is “go for it girl!”

okey dokey. This is for Monday Oct 18. Caution this may be a TMI kind of a post. Good news: I'm down another couple of pounds. Bad news: I had to have a root canal this week and it has been painful. I was given some vicodin which I have taken. I think the vicodin has slowed my digestive process. Time will tell. Great news: I'm gonna see Kathy Griffin tonight with my sweetie! I hardly eat. I think my little doggie is eating more than I do. I am not doing so well on the Fluid either. A couple of sips and I just don't want any more. I gotta force them down because there are too many bad things that could happen with too little fluid. I hope all of you are doing well. Can't wait to hear from you.

No way not to tink it to death...from what I understand I go into the chat room a lot! and many of the people there complain about all the negative things...so I I havent been in as often. TMI---Too Much Information. I am scheduled for tomorrow...don't focus on the negative things focus on thpositive. Remember what got you to this point in the first place. Remember how when you go shopping you want to buy anything & everything you want & not be so limited in your choices. Also some people who have slippage is because they have made poor food choices & puke which causes slippage. Be totally committed mentally & physically and remember you have to not want the bad things to eat...the band can't stop you from eating them only you can. As far as not losing weight ask them what they are really eating...there was one lady in the chat roo complaining that she isn't losing but was consuming 2000 calories a day. Take a break from the forum & you will remember why you are doing this. On friday I had one of those moments but when I put on my outfit to go out & realized that I look like a linebacker...it brought right back to why I wanted to do this in the first place. I have a blog & I will be tracking my progress as I go. Maybe that will help you...Good Luck!

Don't mean to hijack your thread, Bob, but feel that this would be a comfy place for me to ask a couple of questions, if you don't mind. History...banded June, 2008 and have been at goal (23lbs below original goal but OK with where I am at and so is doc) since Oct, 2008. At first I was "somewhat" satisfied with my hanging skin on my lower abdomen. I look good in my clothes but feel terrible naked or in underclothes....it hangs out the bottom (tmi). The farther out I get the more the skin seems to hang and bother me. While exercising/walking/exerting myself, the fold becomes icky and irritated. This may seem silly but the problem I am having is with "deserving" to get this problem taken care of. It's almost like I am selling myself short of taking this last step of this journey. Make sense to any of you? As I stated, right after reaching goal I told myself I would be happy with whatever if I looked good in clothes. Now, since it seems to be getting in my way and physically and emotionally bothering me, I feel like I am giving into something that would be egotistical. Silly, I know. Anyone else feel this way?

Been banded for 4 wks and dint have a fill yet. I'm premenstrual (tmi) :-) and 2 things have been happening. Top oft stack has been tightening and it really hurts in weird way. I know it's the band. Also had my st stuck incident out of blue when lately I can eat and drink anything. I jad terrible pain in sternum area and felt like turkey sandwich got stuck. I panicked flailing arms and was just abou to try and throw it up when my son brought me something to drink to try and get it down. It worked but I was tired after the incident and had similar incident tonite. Has anyone else experienced this?