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I am almost 9 months out from my band surgery, and this remains an issue for me too. I had almost given up from hearing anyone else discuss it, cause it seems like I am the only one still suffering, long after surgery. My doctor isn't sure what causes it either.......... Here is what I have learned about why it happens to me: I never have it early in the morning, when I first get up....it happens, usually, mid morning, right before lunch when I am hungry. Also, hits me late afternoon when I -you guessed it- am hungry again...or just need more Water. My husband noticed that one day I was especially complaining about it, that when I bent over to pick something up off the floor I let out a heck of a belch-----------and felt immediate relief. Can't explain it, but seems to work. Meaning, if I can get rid of some of the air, I feel better, tho not forever. (It doesn't go away completely at this point, but is definitely relieved for the moment.) I don't use straws, so can't imagine how this keeps occurring.....I am a teacher, and talk a lot - maybe I really am full of hot air? HAha. Another way I get some relief is to lie down on the left side..........I usually feel air moving around, and sorry for tmi, but it heads out one way or the other, and I feel better. I never experienced this preop....don't have a gallbladder anymore so it's not that...and I know that it comes and goes depending on the fills. Can't explain it to save my life, but I have really tried to figure out why I'm suffering! (I am no where near full restriction yet, so can't be that.......Still working on getting to sweet spot) Good luck.......and know you aren't alone!

Hey Kim - My big ole' belly is keeping me from new clothes. I want new jeans. I cannot fit in them without muffin top because i'm so darn swollen. I hate to wear anything tight at all. That's why my plus clothes are already too big for me. I have a few 20's that i could give you, some kahki's, and I have bunch of Pj pants I love but are too big now. Let me know, I know others are uncomfortable getting stuff given to them. I don't have any suits or anything though. I proudly own three pairs of xl sleep pants and a new purse. I tried on so many things at kohls yesterday, I was in the misses department and took well advantage. WHy is the plus area two tight rows and the misses is about 1/4 of the women's department. GO Figure... I'm enjoying this but chunkie belly is keeping me from jeans. I have two incisions on the belly button area so I cannot comfortably stamp the jeans in the belly area. I know TMI. I'm doing well. I will be one month post op wednesday. I'm struggling to figure out the gym thingie. I gotta try hard or else i'm gonna be so giggly. Plus I love King of Queens, but the Gym has tv's and headset plug in's so I have no excuse for waiting to watch that instead of going to the gym. One more thing, I am starting to hate food. Looking at it, thinking how delicious it is and how I cannot ever eat it again. Once April 7th comes I"ll be on a more vast diet so these feelings should wane some what. Being on soft foods right now is tiring me out.

Hi Machelle I was wondering did you go to school at College Hill and graduate from AHS around 1980? Trying not to put TMI in this post. I think I may know you if you did and you are the Machelle that I remember. I graduated AHS in 1979. M:confused:

I get a similar sensation, but in my case (TMI) it's because I have very active sinuses, and their "product" can collect at the base of my throat and collect, almost like a ball that I can feel, esp. when I swallow. Any chance you're draining? Have allergies that could cause this? It's getting to be that time of year again.

Girl shut up, I was just thinking about our goals that we set at the meting, while I was in the bathroom 2 minutes ago. ...TMI My exercising is getting better but my eating is still not where I want it to be. Hey what was Karen's goal....to eat Breakfast.....HELLO

Hello all. The Sunday before last (feb 26) I was about 1/2 way through my dinner, and suddenly started feeling ill. I ended up running to the toilet, just in time to vomit. A real, honest to goodness vomit. My first in 12.5 months. After throwing up, I felt a little queezy still, but much better. I drank plenty of water, and called my GP in the morning. By that time I was feeling pretty darn good again, so she said to take it slow, back to fluids for a few days anyway.(she works closely with me, and my banding doc, so I can rely on her for good band related advice, she is a gem) So all is well, Tuesday I go on to mushies, and I felt tighter. I thought maybe this had more to do with the fact that I had been on liquids for a few days, and that the sensation was different. That I had forgotten how restricted I really was. Thursday I get back to solids. And yep. I am much tighter. I took it easy, had wheet bix for brekky, some tender chicken salad for lunch, and a thick pumpkin soup for dinner (I finished eating at 6pm, and only had a cup of tea, and 1 ltr of water between then and bedtime at 12) I woke up at 4 am on Friday morning with a burning in my throat. I have had acid reflux before.. But nothing like this. I had a tiny sip of water, more to wet my mouth (I am an open mouth sleeper) and went to the loo. I needed to cough, or so I thought. I PB'd, or vomited, I am not real sure all over the floor. Thick and clear, with brown/black/red streaks in it. I didn't get a real good look because I had not turned the light on. I had no sooner finished cleaning that lot up, when I needed to "cough" again, this time I vomited into the loo. Again, whiteish clear with black/brown/ read streaks. And lots of it. more than what I could hold in my little pouch I am sure. So first thing in the morning, I call my surgeon, and talk to his nurse. She was reluctant to say, or do anything to help me. In the end, after I told her about what I believe to be blood in the vomit, she told me to come in an get some Pariet, and make an appointment for next week. So I have made the appointment (It is tomorrow morning) But in the mean time, it has happened again, although this time without the burning in my throat. I have had nasty, constant shoulder tip pain, and a burning pain when I eat or drink. I think, even if it is not true, I need to hear "it will be ok" I know its not..lol, but humour me. Or if you have some insight into what it really could be, please share. Gee.. I need to get a blog, huh? LMAO

This is my first post. I will be banded on Tuesday, March 7th. I'm trying to connect with the 3 ladies who attended my pre-opt class last Thursday at Dr. Abkin's office. I know I met Tanya and Wanda and another lady. All four of us were there together while the snow and sleet amassed outside. Needless to say, I'm nervous and somewhat freaked after the pre-opt class. TMI (too much info). I just want to know I will wake up after the procedure and that I won't have any regrets. Any words of comfort of advice from experienced bandsters? My surgery is at 9:30 AM and I have to be there at 7:30. :nervous Once again, I would love to talk to the ladies I met last Thursday. :)

I just got my band Friday, Started preband 190 Stats 58 years old 5' 2" 184.7 lbs size 2X Bra 44B Panties 12 TMI? Tshirt 42-44 Bust 47 Waist 44 Hips 49 I have always been considered small boned which also makes a diff' My weight is all on my belly which has always looked like I was ready to deliver...or burst...you pick? Most embarrassing....not fitting in a booth at Applebee's!!!!

I've tried Slim Fast as an occasional snack. It's not that bad, but boy does it give me the farts, can we say lactose intolerance?? TMI I know!

Friday surgery day Feb 24, 2006 11 AM ((((189 LB.)))) 3:30 in my room to rest. Boy do I need it! Pain in tummy pretty bad, gas, I am sure! (Ice chips yummy!) Vitals checked frequently, too Frequently! 4:30 Was able to pee with some coaxing...very.. slow.. intermitent stream 7:30 Tried to walk outside the room- Not far before I threw up nearly hitting passersby how rude am I?? 9:00 pm Sent husband home for his stint at visiting is not restful for me. Told I would be released tomorrow.Vicodin all day. Potassium drip.(LOW) Saturday Feb 25,2006 ((((184 lbs???)))):faint: 8:00 am Walked a little to dump gas. Not successful!:tired Need to say how physical this surgery seemed. I felt like every muscle in my body had been used and abused. From neck to my calves. It felt as if I had been mugged and beaten. I could not imagine why?...The GAS ... If I didn't mention this I would be cruelly:omg: misleading you>>> The feet compressor doobies kept me awake all night. Didn't know I didn't have to have them on. 11:00 am Dumped the doobies and was urged to walk and I did (Lots). Not a problem! No gas came.. 2:30 Pm Released to go home. Prescriptions faxed to drug store (closing 3:00 PM) Husband on the way but live 20 miles from the hospital. 3:40 Drugstore drives over to hospital to deliver the prescriptions. 3:50 On the way home. Bumpy road unpleasant! Vicodin??? 5:00 pain...did I mention gas pain? all night long...Pain...gas! Gas-X, Vicodin Sunday, Feb.26 8:00 am through the day Gas pain but a little less than before!Taking all liquid meds, vitamins and smaller pills. 1:00PM visitors came to the house and I announced my surgery had been done. Only inlaws so not too judgemental....My family (only my kids and hubby know)<<> 2:00 excused myself to go rest...More Gas-X 3:00 Sent them all to the only restaurant in town for dinner. That is not at all unusual since being fat has made it not fun to be in a restaurant anyway...Was nice to not have to go with them and suffer. Vicodin, Gas-X 4:30 to 7:00 restless and not really hungry.Gas-X 8:30 to bed for rest _Gas-X, Prevacid, other meds as prescribed. Monday Feb, 27 3:30am. Pain is greatly reduced suddenly...Feel I could do anything. Told my husband I could probably go to work if I had a job...Well, almost anything! Gas is moving, urine is normal, BM not so much...nothing since last Thursday before surgery.. Daytime....Rested alot. drank coffee, tea, protein shakes added P-Nut butter, chicken cream soup(strained) No lumps...Gas is moving! albeit slow. My tummy let me know when...was enough. Reassured my husband I was doing Fine. Evening. Hunger hitting. Feel weak and needy....Took an hour nap 4 to 5 PM. Watched TV drank my fluids...still needy! 8:30 Back to bed Vicodin, meds, Gas-X, all the scripts. Tuesday Feb.28. Slept pretty well until 10:30 am Up to make todays delites. SF jello (one box)... using half cup water. Other half with SF applesauce instead of the water Plus Added Non-fat Dry milk (DRY) and stirred thoroughly....Dissolved..Yeah...Tomorrows. Delites!:hungry: 12:15 Drinking Propel...Writing Journal..Not much to report except that about 10:00 am I had my first BM. A little crampy but tolerable and Lots of it. Where did that come from...??? (TMI) but fluid to solid/mix.. I don't work outside the home so good luck to those who do.:bored Drink those fluids!!!

Friday surgery day Feb 24, 2006 11 AM ((((189 LB.)))) 3:30 in my room to rest. Boy do I need it! Pain in tummy pretty bad, gas, I am sure! (Ice chips yummy!) Vitals checked frequently, too Frequently! 4:30 Was able to pee with some coaxing...very.. slow.. intermitent stream 7:30 Tried to walk outside the room- Not far before I threw up nearly hitting passersby how rude am I?? 9:00 pm Sent husband home for his stint at visiting is not restful for me. Told I would be released tomorrow.Vicodin all day. Potassium drip.(LOW) Saturday Feb 25,2006 ((((184 lbs???)))):faint: 8:00 am Walked a little to dump gas. Not successful!:tired Need to say how physical this surgery seemed. I felt like every muscle in my body had been used and abused. From neck to my calves. It felt as if I had been mugged and beaten. I could not imagine why?...The GAS ... If I didn't mention this I would be cruelly:omg: misleading you>>> The feet compressor doobies kept me awake all night. Didn't know I didn't have to have them on. 11:00 am Dumped the doobies and was urged to walk and I did (Lots). Not a problem! No gas came.. 2:30 Pm Released to go home. Prescriptions faxed to drug store (closing 3:00 PM) Husband on the way but live 20 miles from the hospital. 3:40 Drugstore drives over to hospital to deliver the prescriptions. 3:50 On the way home. Bumpy road unpleasant! Vicodin??? 5:00 pain...did I mention gas pain? all night long...Pain...gas! Gas-X, Vicodin Sunday, Feb.26 8:00 am through the day Gas pain but a little less than before!Taking all liquid meds, vitamins and smaller pills. 1:00PM visitors came to the house and I announced my surgery had been done. Only inlaws so not too judgemental....My family (only my kids and hubby know)<<> 2:00 excused myself to go rest...More Gas-X 3:00 Sent them all to the only restaurant in town for dinner. That is not at all unusual since being fat has made it not fun to be in a restaurant anyway...Was nice to not have to go with them and suffer. Vicodin, Gas-X 4:30 to 7:00 restless and not really hungry.Gas-X 8:30 to bed for rest _Gas-X, Prevacid, other meds as prescribed. Monday Feb, 27 3:30am. Pain is greatly reduced suddenly...Feel I could do anything. Told my husband I could probably go to work if I had a job...Well, almost anything! Gas is moving, urine is normal, BM not so much...nothing since last Thursday before surgery.. Daytime....Rested alot. drank coffee, tea, protein shakes added P-Nut butter, chicken cream soup(strained) No lumps...Gas is moving! albeit slow. My tummy let me know when...was enough. Reassured my husband I was doing Fine. Evening. Hunger hitting. Feel weak and needy....Took an hour nap 4 to 5 PM. Watched TV drank my fluids...still needy! 8:30 Back to bed Vicodin, meds, Gas-X, all the scripts. Tuesday Feb.28. Slept pretty well until 10:30 am Up to make todays delites. SF jello (one box)... using half cup water. Other half with SF applesauce instead of the water Plus Added Non-fat Dry milk (DRY) and stirred thoroughly....Dissolved..Yeah...Tomorrows. Delites!:hungry: 12:15 Drinking Propel...Writing Journal..Not much to report except that about 10:00 am I had my first BM. A little crampy but tolerable and Lots of it. Where did that come from...??? (TMI) but fluid to solid/mix.. I don't work outside the home so good luck to those who do.:bored Drink those fluids!!!

My my my what a subject that we have touched on here. For some reason it makes no difference to me that I am heavy or if I were still skinny. I guess I am just a FREAK in the bed(been told that on several occassions) how can something so natural make one a freak? Have tried several things but have to admit never tried the splenda thing......thanks for the idea. I have been known to do the outside thing, under the waterfalls at a local reserve with falls was way too cool. Yeah I know TMI>>>LOL. Various positions (sideways in several sideway positions included) is always a great thing. Keeps it interesting and they (our men) never know what to expect next. Don't be ashamed of your size just do what comes naturally and FEELS OHHHHHHH SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOD!

Theres gotta be a reason why I haven't seen this posted. Probably me, just being freaky again.. OK, here goes: When I brush my teeth, I usually brush my tongue too. This makes me gag several times. TMI, right? Now to my weird question. Isn't this gagging like a reverse PB putting strain on my band site? Do you all gag, not gag, have tongue crust, or use a tongue scraper? :brushteeth: :spit: :brushteeth: :spit: :brushteeth: Thanks, Brenda

Again, The Phantom appears... Hey Y'all... I was SOOOOO horridly busy at work this week that I couldn't even make it to the boards... and when I got home, it was late and I was tired. I thought of you often and missed you guys the whole time. Patty - I guess your job was Heaven sent - Angel included. Who could ask for more? I hope that all the stupid stuff gets sorted out soon. I don't know if anybody has celebrated 12th night in the US ever. It's an old, old holiday. Shakespeare wrote a play about it - but that's most all I know. Have fun researching that. Maybe it's a good one that we should bring back into fashion... :] Betty - No, I am not doing anything I can't talk about - we were just out running around yesterday. Dang it was COLD. We went to Fry's Electronics in search of a spare cord for my lap-top - but ended up finding it at Radio Shack. And we also hit Walmart for some stuff. DH wanted varnish for the kitchen cart we picked up at Ikea on our last trip and I needed some more low-carb shakes and SF pudding. By the time we got back, I just wanted to veg out. Ira - hopefully that 2nd fill will do the trick - but if you lose restriction again, you get on back to those docs and make them put some contrast in there and check for leaks. We don't want any back-sliding on your progress due to technical difficulties... You are our favorite LapBand Poster Dude!! Besides - you are SOOOOO close to goal. Eileenie - I'm Guinea Pig for a couple of folks at my office, too. Happy to do it, too. And I have decided I am going to forego guilt over food from now on. If I want pepperoni crackers, I am going to eat them. So long as I am losing weight, I am not going to "diet" per se. I will just be sure to get my nutrition stuff in and then eat whatever I want in moderation. Oh and anybody who volunteers to clean at Eileenies is welcome to come here, too. DH is a fab cook - but a lousy housekeeper. Fortunately his other skills compensate for the housekeeping... (is that tmi?!?) Oh, and Eileen - you are failing in your duties as a Mom if you don't get your @$$ into the docs for your Girlie exam. No excuses - JUST DO IT. Even I, the worst person ever about going to the docs, has had a recent girlie exam! Sherry - (you know, I always want to call you Sherry Baby - but I am betting you have had your fill of that in your lifetime...) - I had that pulling thing too. It was awful and it caused pain I could do without. It was just the infamous panni pulling on everything. I solved the problem by pulling on my comfiest girdle and keeping it on. It's not really tight - it just keeps everything from moving around too much. I have been wearing a girdle 24/7 since surgery - to keep those panni pains at bay AND to give my skin a fighting chance of shrinking with the weightloss. I have been wearing a sports bra when I am not wearing the regular one... Bestform makes a nice comfy one for big girls that slips on over your head - no tags and nice cotton/spandex. I told my DH that I am a superhero, fighting the evils of gravity. I hope you feel much better, soon. I hate the thought of you having to go back to work feeling so poorly. Get lots of rest. xo. Anne - I agree - and entire forum for XXX would cause a plethora of threads to appear. I guess I just want to see this site be mostly about the band - but since our thread runs wildly in many directions, I really I can't... :]. Of course, our thread stays largely in the area of support - if not just for the band, it is still support - so maybe I can get away with saying that this site should be about supporting each other in all areas with emphasis on the band. In the mean time, I guess I will just read what I have time for (which isn't much, these days) and respond to whatever I feel I can contribute to... A little ribald fun is one thing - but sometimes it does venture into the Gross and Tasteless... Cindy - Big Hugs!! I hope you get through all the testing and stuff without a breakdown. You cry, and vent and do anything else that you need to do here. That's all that is keeping us sane. And that Heart of Gold shines through - even when you are being a smart ass. :] And how tall are you? I am thinking maybe my goal of 150 is too low. I know that the last time I was down around 200 I looked pretty good. Hmmm. I am going to have to ponder that mystery. Of course, at 150, I think the charts will still show me as Obese - by like a pound or something. Geesh! Oh, and Cindy - STOP IT!!! I moved here to get AWY from the cold!! I can hibernate even if it's warm outside... and so can you!! :] Pat - I must confess, I still don't have all the stuff that we bought at Ikea put together yet... At least two bookcases remain in boxes... And Eagles are awesome. We were at the Oregon coast one year - parked on a lookout pointed out to the ocean - and a huge eagle rode a cliff current up right in front of us. It was really cool. Of course, we didn't have a camera or anything - but it was great to see. Of course, we don't feed birds at my house. Luring innocent birds into a cat's yard is not exactly acceptable, in my book. We still get a ton of birds though. Thankfully, my cats have no front claws and the birds are pretty sharp. We have only found one feathery carcass, so far. I don't want to hear one word about how de-clawed cats are defenseless. I have seen my cats catch both mice and birds with no front claws. I have had my share of scratches from playing with them and they can still put up a respectable fight against the neighbor's cat who has recently decided that he likes OUR food dish better than his own. Anyway, I hope you get a picture of your eagle. I would like to see it. Dianne - Codeine is clearly not your friend!! I hope you get rid of that medication! I am glad you had a good time with GMA. Keep your chin up about DH's meeting with the boss. Maybe he is going to get a raise or something. Maybe an increase in bonus? Hopefully it will all be for the good. I love the Personality thing. So funny. I guess they can't teach that bedside manner stuff. It's nice that you and the nurse hit it off, though. The docs are important - but it's the nurses who will be there after the deed is done. Zan - I hope you are having a great time. Check in when you get a minute. You know, Even when I don't have the time to come visit, it comforts me to know that there are folks out there thinking good thoughts about me. I hope all of you know that I am thinking good thoughts about you - even when I am not checking in. Love & Hugs Irene

Happy Valentines day everyone.... We are going out for dinner some simple...It's a rule I don't cook on this day. Has been for the last 6 years why change it now. haha...It's different now that I have child...Valentines day activites take place later in the eveing...haha.. Angie no that's not TMI...your right we are friends. Melissa girl get out of that funk you are in....stay off that scale. Are you eating enough calories? I know when I was filled too tight and was only getting in like 800 - 900 calories I was actually gaining weight. I know that sounds weird but that is what was happening. Dianne girl eat like there is no tomorrow...I wish I could some days. I too have been in a food rut...I want everything. I have been doing better but I don't know. I don't know if I am in a food rut or an emotional rut. Oh what to do what to do.... Alright ladies have a good day...get some kisses in. Tell your man you love and don't forget the kids also..even the furry pets.

Just going to stay home and cook for the man. Aunt flo decided to come out and play on Vday and I am hating it. I bought some sexy dice for him and I to enjoy tonight and now I wont be able too. ( I know TMI, but what are friends for) I made 50 chocolate suckers yesterday for my girls classes at school and I was up until midnight finishing them up. I had fun though. I need to buy more molds so it will go faster. I am getting ready to make some Teddy bears for my youngest daughter so she can give them out to her little friends today. WOO HOO! I am sick of looking at chocolate right now. lol Ok I am out. If I dont I will write a book. TTYL!!! HAPPY V DAY! Angie

I was reading the "Throwing up all the time" thread and I totally relate. Rather than hijack her thread, I've started my own. For anyone who has not read my somewhat whiny posts all over the boards, here is the situation. I am 17 weeks post-op. I've lost approximately 9 lbs. I have had 4 fills, I currently have 2.2ccs. I Pb after the first bite of any food more solid than oatmeal. Everytime. So I'm too tight, right? No, my doc has checked me throughly (Tuesday) and says I'm not. And after the Pb, I can eat almost anything. The Pb is usually just alot of mucus (TMI, I know) coming up, not my food. And when I can eat I can eat alot. And I am always always always hungry. Thinking it might be WHAT I'm eating, I've cut out the bread, and I'm doing meat and veggies. But I still Pb after the first bite 90% of the time. It does not hurt anymore after I get the mucus up and then the hunger results in my overeating. I've got to admit, I'm starting to get conditioned against eating at all. I have found myself eating soft foods to avoid pain. And since I've always had the pain and mucus I didn't realize it wasn't normal til about a week ago. But really, it's JUST the first bite. I can almost feel the stretch as the food goes through and then...ah, relief. My doc said I wasn't chewing good enough, but even that doesn't seem to help much. Am I total failure at this? What can I do different? Doc says unfill not needed, so any other suggestions are welcome...

Just saw this thread. Ive had 3 treatments so far. My 4th will be in a week. I prefer waiting between treatments, until I see a shadow on my chin and *once again* I must start shaving b/c the plucking is overwhelming. (TMI?) Im having a hard time convincing myself that this is a PERMANENT hair removal... esp. since Im going for my 4th treatment and know Ill need a 5th, 6th, etc. What I DID like - is a week after the treatment there is NO chin hairs - not even a shadow. For me, this usually last about 2 months. Here's my thread I started about a year ago (with the same topic). Lots of good stuff on both. http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=3488 Crystal, Ive never heard of the icing treatment pre-lasering. I like that idea.

That is hillarious - Humm No thong for me.. I am just getting use to wearing a tampon when Aunt Flo visits that I do not want to be pulling anything out of anywhere (TMI). More power to you all that can wear them.. I'll stick to my tummy tuckers or commando.:eek:

you always get the "looks a bit nipply" comment. at least I do. maybe that was TMI. LOL oh well. Amy

Hey everyone, I just got back from the Drs and told her about it and suggested they check my hormones. She said that it wouldnt be an accurate reading as I am on the pill. The only thing she could think of is that because I am on the pill and I was bigger it didnt effect me as much but no that I have lost weight the stronger pill is giving me more side effects. At her suggestion I will discontinue the pill for a month or 2 and see how it goes. I am not having sex anyway so I cant get preggers. She has given me a form to get some things checked though, I am not sure what they are so Ill just type them and maybe someone will know- FBE, E/LFTs, ESR, TSH, Glucose(fasting) iron studies, B12 Folate. So is this means anything to anyone let me know please . I was kind of hoping to find out some exact answers and come away with something that will make it all better. I will give this pill thing a try and get these tests done and see how they go. She also asked me how does it feel when I think about sex, I told her it makes me sick. She said so you get physically sick thinking about it. I said no but close...:xena_banana: She suggested I talk to Paul and forbid sex for 1 month we are allowed to do everything else but have sex - she suggested we masturbate each other...sorry if that is TMI...I am sitting her thinking if I could be bothered masturbating him or me Id just have sex. Oh well back to the drawing board. Hopefully we will work something out. Thanks for all the suggestions...and I really like the name Duty f*&k vines...good one :Banane03:

All this chatting about sex and well now im honry ! TMI i know but damit i am its been 2 weeks i forgot to ask dr if i could hmm maybe i should call him and ask (wont tell him im horny though )

ok - you guys are making me laugh :-) ouch again! needed that though! I'm glad you're sharing your big brown bottle - mine's almost gone... speaking of wusses! ok - so we're off and running - 50 pounds in 3 months? go Candace! To do that I'd have to lop off one of these big sagging... TMI :-). Anyway, feeling more human today - still have the gas though and port incision / right below it is REALLY tender. My stomach is so distended I think one of those thing from Alien may jump out at any moment. Took off the bandaids to reveal the lovely looking cuts... plus the big bump where the port is. Prrrreeeetttttyyyyy.... goes great with the big ol stretch marks though! Hugs to you all! Thanks for the laughter! Kim

Hi, athykay!! I'm sorry for all your health issues. I too have been suffering from bronchitis, but I never assumed that it could be band-related. I don't think it is--my respiratory system can get messed up all by its lonesome when I pick up bugs from my kids. With my recent bout I had several episodes of coughing that were bad enough to make me vomit (TMI, sorry) but nothing has happened that makes me think my band is anything but fine. Coughing up blood is not the same thing as vomiting up blood--sounds to me like your lungs are what's irritated, not your stomach. Bronchitis is not likely to be band-related, I wouldn't think. Why would you? And vertigo? Dizziness? Dehydration perhaps, but only in the sense that you're not drinking enough. I'm just saying that it's totally possible to be sick without it being related to the band. Everyone always jumps to the conclusion that every little ache and twinge is due to the band, but it's just not necessarily the case. An endoscopy is only indicated if you're having BAND-related symptoms, such as an inability to eat, constant or unmanageable reflux, or other stomach issues.

I thought I had heard every medical abbreviation out there, till I came to this site. They have a lingo all their own I'm not banded yet, but I know now what the language means and it makes the posts easier to read. You know we could play a game with these bandsters (just kidding) and throw out some abbreviations like COPD, TIA's, etc. and I bet only the nurses here will latch onto them. They probably would not understand us anymore then the abbreviations they have chosen and they are so perfect for the band. I sometimes think TMI is not always good (too much information). Welcome.