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Boy, I am sick of not losing! Got down to 212 in May, been between 214-221 ever since! I know it is my own fault because of poor food choices and lack of sufficient exercise, but I can think of a million excuses why I haven't been doing the right thing! What do I do to find that initial motivation..? I am right back to the mindset I had before surgery - I'll do good today, but then by lunch I've gone and screwed up again!!!!! Well, nothing else to do but try, try again... New measurements as of July 15th Weight - 215 (-51.5/surgery) Neck - 15.25 (-1.25/Jan.7) Upper chest - 42.75 Chest - (no bra, largest area)- 45.5 (-4.5/Feb.27) Rib cage - 39.75 Waist 1 - (big pooch #1)- 44.75 Waist 2 - (at navel) - 43 (-3.5/Jan.7) Waist 3 - (pooch #2) - 46 Hips - 44.25 (-4.75/Jan.7) Thigh - 25 (-2/Feb.27) Calf - 16.75 (-1.25/Feb.27) Upper Arm - 12.75 (-1.75/Feb.27) Wrist - 6.75 (-.75/Feb.27) Pounds lost - 51.5 Recorded inches lost - (-19.75) (forgot to measure prior to surgery!!!) 12/5/05 - Dr. Les Miles - B'Ham, AL Filled to 2.5/10cc Inamed Band Goals 1,2, & 3 - priceless!! 4th mini-goal - oh, well...win some,lose some 5th mini-goal - no weight gain this month? Labor Day Goal Life Goal: 150 (maybe)

I have always been big, I am 6'2 so in high school I was nicked name Jolly Green Giant. At that time I wasn't offended because I was big but most of it was muscle. I was very fit even thoiugh i was thick. I was huge into sports, so I could eat what I wanted and not gain. Then after Hs I got married at 18. Boy that was a BAD diet. My weight creeped up into the 250. I stayed in the 200's the first 5 years of marriage. Then our dreams came true. We were pregnant. We had been off birth control for five years and trying, testing, crying, wondering if it would ever happen. I had a wonderful pregnancy, never sick, nothing. Then I started having back pain real bad, I called me doc and he said that is normal your body is getting used to stretching. Well this pain lasted over a week. Finally One night around 12 or 1 I told my Dh I needed to go to the hospital. I went and they gave me a shot and sent me home. I went to my Ob the next day to just check. To my shock, They could not find my babies heartbeat. This could not be happening to me, Not only could we not find the heartbeat, it it looked as if my child had passed several weeks ago and I had not known it. I was admitted to the hospital to have a dnc, it was now thought I had been in labor for weeks and my body just couldn't do it. This lead to alot of weight gain due to depression. We had a baby girl. She had passed from a genetic disorder called Turners syndrom. God knew what he was doing because, Although some do live with Turners, It is a very hard diease to cope with. After a year we tried again and low and behold I was pregnant. I got over 300 for the first time in my life. I ate alot because I was so scared of misscarring. The yoyo effect was now a life style for me. I was up and down for the next five years and through two more pregnancies. At 28, I am in nursing school, married, with three perfect children, and missrable beyond belif. My feet hurt I am in the worst shape of my life. I am on zoloft just to get through the day. My Bf mention to me, her sister who had the lap band and had lost over 200 lbs. I thought about it and started researching it. I am now scheduled in 10 days to have my band. And My Dh has decided to do it with me, so we will be a team.

Dr. Schweitzer is MY doctor, and he SOO rocks. You have got the best. He did my Lap Band in 2002, I had scar tissue that blocked the tubing and rendered the band useless. Throughout a pregnancy and a short period of time afterward, I regained much of the original 110 (give or take) that I had lost. He gave me the choice of scraping out the scar tissue and starting again. (I feel for you here, because it is devastating beyond devastating to lose it and then regain it) I requested a DS (Duodenal Switch). He was ok with that since my bmi was back up to 40something. Honestly, I think if I hadn't had the problem with the scar tissue that I still wouldn't have been, long term, successful with my band. I am totally an addict, I have never been successful with a diet, and for real, I had to diet with the band, especially after I lost that large portion of weight in the beginning. (Some people may disagree with me, but this was MY experience, and mine alone) The bottom line is for me, I NEED the malabsorption. The DS also removes part of the stomach where the "hunger hormone" Ghrelin (sp?) is produced. This has done alot for me. A restrictive proceedure, which is what the band and the sleeve are, just did not suit my needs. I couldn't eat hardly anything, especially anything that could be considered healthy such as chicken, vegtables and fruit unless it was slathered in sauce (lube!). I was miserable. This is how it went. I gained weight because I ate soft foods because I had a fill we couldn't get out. The soft foods caused more weight gain, which caused the band to be tighter, which caused more soft foods.....you see what I mean? I had UHC, and they approved it without any problems at all. The removal and revision, I mean. Who is your insurance company? I know my primary care doctor had to write a letter recommending the removal, maybe that is what your insurance company means? I had my primary care doctor fax a copy of the letter to Debbie, who was handling all of Dr. Schweitzers stuff, and she faxed them all in together.

One Day in April (2006) I decided that this weight gain has gone too far. I hated feeling "sick" all the time. I def do not feel my age, and didn't want to look older than my age. My sister had gastric bypass surgery done 4 years ago. I was a huge supporter of this as I do not want to see her die young (she is younger than me).:faint: At the time I was no where near the weight you have to be to have WLS.:eek: Last year I went to Europe with my oldest daughter for two weeks...we literally "walked" europe. I came home 17 lbs lighter:D , I vowed the weight would not come back. I lied. :phanvan It not only came back, it brought 30 of it's friends with it......ugh:cry . Oh I didn't mention that I am not a big snack-attacker....I am a full-time student whose husband cooks like a gourmet and I am at his mercy at dinnertime:hungry: . I also have three kids, three dogs, two cats....busy house.

One Day in April (2006) I decided that this weight gain has gone too far. I hated feeling "sick" all the time. I def do not feel my age, and didn't want to look older than my age. My sister had gastric bypass surgery done 4 years ago. I was a huge supporter of this as I do not want to see her die young (she is younger than me).:faint: At the time I was no where near the weight you have to be to have WLS. Last year I went to Europe with my oldest daughter for two weeks...we literally "walked" europe. I came home 17 lbs lighter:D , I vowed the weight would not come back. I lied. :phanvan It not only came back, it brought 30 of it's friends with it......ugh:cry . Oh I didn't mention that I am not a big snack-attacker....I am a full-time student whose husband cooks like a gourmet and I am at his mercy at dinnertime:hungry: . I also have three kids, three dogs, two cats....busy house.

Hi. I don't have a band yet, but was dx with reflux-induced asthma one year ago. It preceded my most recent and serious weight gain. I coughed for 6 months straight before I was correctly diagnosed and treated so you can imagine I wasn't really up for walking... Anyway, I have been taking Protonix (reflux) for a year along with Allegra (allergies), Advair (asthma), Singulair (asthma), and Astelin (allergies/nasal spray). I've weaned off the last 3 and am still doing OK. Protonix gave me immediate relief. After meetings with my PCP and a GI doc, I saw an ENT re. allergies who explained that the reflux basically acts like a chemical burn on the lungs and that it can take 3-6 months for the lungs to heal once the reflux is under control. Best of luck to you. I know how difficult this is... Kelli

I rarely am on these boards anymore but got an email update and saw your post... I am just coming up as of today..30 days away from my 4 year "bandiversary". As of today, I am down 103lbs lost total. I do still have about 30 to go. For my own reasons, it has been very slow loss over these 4 years. I was not one of those who lost it all quickly straight out of the gate..BUT that is said not to discourage anyone from this surgery! What was always most important to me was not how I lost it and how much I lost, but KEEPING IT OFF!!! LIke you said yourself..you probably could diet and excercise one more time..fighting your way down..and then you know as well as I knew...you will most likely gain it all back. I never did a diet where I managed to keep it off. Statistics are against us. Only 5% of the population who loses weight keeps it off over a 5 year period. You have 95% chance of FAILURE!!! Those are bad betting odds! I am not discouraged about what I have not lose yet..I know some of it is still fat and I do have some belly skin to get rid of as well with surgery some day, but when I am upset that my summer clothes in size 12 are suddenly loose..I can't complain that much. My 10's are even feeling a bit loose these days. I have managed to not gain back a single lb in 4 years!! 4 freaking years and no weight gain!! I do admit..there are days I hate the band and other days I am grateful for it. Most days I am bored with food and don't even want to take the time to chew food..other times, I have cravings that I cannot ignore. You won't totally be a perfect eater once banded..you will still have moments of wanting to eat crap, but just less of it! As far as the money..sure..your family could probably take $18K and buy a car, make house payments, buy "stuff", take a vacation..but what is all that stuff worth if your life is shortened because of your weight. My highest weight was 300lbs..I was less than that when banded..but even though I was fairly "healthy" at that time , I know I was on a slow death march if I continued to stay that weight. You are worth that money...that 95% is working against you..stop fighting it and make a decision that will save your life. I went to Mexico because my insurance would not cover it and it was the best $9000 I spent in my life!! Best of luck whatver you decide! Patty 8/13/02 -103 Dr Kuri

Hello fellow bandees. I was banded July 6 and am praying this works where all else has failed. :faint: It’s working at this point cause I sure don’t want to eat. My fear of vomiting has kept me from eating (should I say drinking ?) hardly enough to keep an ant alive. I really hate feeling icky all the time, but not as much as I hate not being able to control my weight gain. I truly believe my body has no set point and would just continue to grow and grow. It wasn’t always like this, but years of yo yo dieting, fasting and over eating has just confused the heck out of my system leaving me with several co-morbidities to go along with the fat body. This is my last ditch effort. I also want to thank everyone who’s posted on here with all your helpful ideas and supportive messages. I don’t feel so alone in this journey— just wished some of you lived near me so we could met and help each other find a life style befitting of the new us—I have to find something besides tv and snacking to entertain me. :rolleyes Walking is a problem for me because in addition to the weight I also have suffered from heal spurs for over 3 years-ouch. Nothing has worked on them-not shots, leg stretching exercises, pain pills, night splints; I really hope taking off weight will relieve some of the pain. Anyway, just want to say HI! :high5:

Hi all, I haven't posted in a while but I have been keeping up with the posts. Since starting to eat real food, I have gained 6 to 6 1/2 lbs. Today I am down 1 lb. It is very discouraging and depressing. I had an PBing incident with rice and have stayed away from that but I can eat most anything else that I have tried. Last night I ate 2 poached eggs, 1 slice of Cdn bacon and 1/2 toasted english muffin. To me that seems like a lot. It is certainly more than 1 cup. Anyway I talked to the clinic yesterday and I am going for my first fill on Monday the 17th and I am sure that will help. There is a small bit of angst about the fill since I am 2 1/2 hours from the clinic and if I am too full it means another train trip back to the clinic to get a defill. I think that I am going to ask for a small fill .7 to 1 cc for the first time to see how that goes. I would like to err on the side of caution rather than be too full. I have a 4 cc band and I think that .7 to 1 cc will be good. I have not been great about the exercise - not as good as I should and that may account for some of the weight gain - not sure. I have made quite good progress otherwise and had a relatively easy time of it in comparison with others so I am greatful. continued success to all, jude

Hey Liz, Please sit down... close your eyes.. put your head back.. and slowly count to ten!!! Take a few deep breaths and exhale!!! okay...? What is a medicine audit? I hope that you don't think I'm stupid, but I've never heard of this. As far as the family situation.. Sometimes shit happens. Try to let it slide off your back. Let your sister know that you are having a rough time right now and that you are stressed out. Don't forget to say that your sorry if this caused any problems with her "BF". That usually works and smooths things over with the relative. :biggrin1: Sometimes when you have issues with a particular person, we always seem to over analyze what they say or do. One time you may be right, the next time.. you may be off yoru rocker.. wrong. LOL this has been my experience. Sorry to hear about the BF. Don't take this the wrong way, I mean no harm in my statement. But.. It seems like maybe it could be a good time for this to happen to your relationship. You are starting to make big changes in your life, starting with the band.. and you have to make a commitment to yourself.. maybe you'll be so into having the band.. exercising or whatever it is.. and find out that you may not have had any time for him anyway. I'm sure as you lose weight, gain more confidence and become healthier and "Hotter".. You'll find another BF. As far as your teetering over the band... hun.. it's up to you!! How bad do you want this? Are you going to regret this if you don't go ahead with it? This is a HUGE life changing decision.. Please make sure that you are 100 percent sure this is what you want. Besides... Who will I have to chat with.. if you are gone? We're getting banded so close to each other!!. I'll miss you buddy... But seriously... it's totally up to you.. just make sure what ever you decide. is for the right reasons. I'll be here for you, no matter what you decide. If you need a phone buddy to chat with, let me know. I love ya, Sista!! I thought I'd throw some color in the post for you, to cheer you up.

Mallorie, I have to say that it wasn't stressful for me at all. I've had the same PCP since I was 18 and I am now 36. I would complain to him about my weight issues for years, he gave me meridia at one time, it didn't work. About the letter, it was odd to me. I asked the Dr. for a referral to a nutritionist and at that time I asked his thoughts on WLS. He said that the Lapband would be a great choice for me, but he'd support the bypass if I chose too. ANYWAY back to my point. I went to the weightloss Dr. that he referred me too and that was pretty much it for me. I never heard about a letter of referal or anything else. This hospital did it all for me. SO as you asked.. was it that much of a big deal?In my case, it wasn't. My nutritionist, surgeon, Psych. eval and exam were all located in the same area of the hospital. They all worked together and got me approved, in a short period of time. Obviously, I had to have the insurance requirements met. I also wrote a letter explaining why I'd be a good candidate for surgery. My struggles of weight loss and gain, diets, pills, books, exercising history and all I could think of. What I did was made a timeline from my adolescent yrs. until now. It consisted of what I weighed, how active I was, any weight gain or loss within the time frame and so on. I gave every person involved in my WLS a copy. When I turned the timeline in to my nutritionist, she stated that this is awesome to send along with the papers to the ins. comp.. That way, they can read what your thoughts and struggles were/are. Sometimes when they can read what you have been through and hear a voice through your letter, they soften up.. more likely if their decision is on the fence. (so I was told). Anyhow, don't sweat the PCP. That, to me, was the easiest step of the whole process. Best of luck

Deanna Nerves are part of the process. Many of us have "tried everything." The weight comes back ... with friends! My weight gain was not so much in indulging in sweets, entire bags of potato chips, etc., as just plain overeating. I watch what I eat because with a little bitty stomach, I can't eat very much. The ravenous hunger is gone (after the healing phase). I definately would do it again. I've had other surgeries, and this one was easy. It was outpatient. I had the surgery around noon and was home by dinnertime. (Not that I was having any. :rolleyes ) I can understand that you might really nervous since you have had surgery complications in the past. But the past is past. This is now. Look forward. Starting a new job? You said a few weeks after surgery? I would think no problem. If it was within one week, you might be pushing it. A new job might be good to keep your mind occupied so you aren't thinking about food so much. I would be sure to eat really Protein rich foods. You will be on liquids by then I would think. Thinned and blended Soups (think chicken noodle, here) and easy on a new stomach and good brain food. Good luck.

Nanette I to suffer from severe depression, and so understand what you are saying in regards to getting out and moving around. Much of my weight gain came with the worst years of my depression. I spent weeks, sometimes months hospitalized, and when at home I was either in bed, or on the couch. I would get advice from well meaning friends and family to encourage me to become more active, and the statistics on how much exercise helps depression. It's frustrating to try to explain to someone that you simply can't. That depression affects not just your mood, but affects the way you think, affects you physically, affects everything. Everything becomes 'depressed', the literal meaning of the word, everything becomes opressed, supressed... depressed. My ability to get up off the couch to take a shower was like running a marathon. Prior to my depression I was doing my masters degree in counselling psychology, while working full time, and training in and teaching kickboxing working towards my black belt. I have never been a lazy or unmotivated person. Depression steals away your motivation, severe depression takes away everything. It leaves you empty, with nothing but pain. Not just emotional pain, but physical aches and pains too are common in depression. It also affects your ability to think and reason. Pre-depression I did the crossword puzzle in the paper everyday, it would take me about 10 minutes to do the whole thing. During the worst part of my depression my husband brought me a crossword book to the hospital - I couldn't do the easy puzzles. I couldn't figure out the 3 letter word for a female pig was 'sow' I couldn't think, some days I couldn't remember my address or telephone number. Depression is a bio-chemical state, altered brain chemistry that affects the mind and the body. No amount of good intentions, desire, or can-do attitude will magically move you towards being able to do things. Now finally with a cocktail of medication that works for me, I am stable and functioning. I am still on disability with my depression and unable to work. But I'm actively trying to live instead of trying to die. Getting banded 3 weeks ago gave me a lot of hope, it gave me a much needed tool, in a whole arsenal of tools I will need to try and move towards a healthier and happier me. I've felt better in these last three weeks than I have in years. Every day is a new day, and some days I can't get out and exercise, and some days I can, just a little, it's going to take time, years of almost total bed rest has ruined my cardio and my strength. I no longer get winded taking a shower now though, and I can hang on to the stairs in the pool and kick my legs for a solid 30 minutes! Just keep doing as much as you can do, and be gentle on yourself for it. You are the only one who understands how incredibly strong you are to be living with depression, be proud of each day, and each mini-accomplishment, and try not to beat yourself up over what you are unable to do. XO Leila

Julie, you are absolutely right. No one should compare themselves to others. What we do to lose the weight is what we do. If someone wishes to piggy back off of it and does it in the most healthy and health conscious way, then go for it. If you are referring to me as far as the 3x per day exercise..then your facts are right. I was told by a few trainers that cramming all of the workouts in at one single time is ok and good but if you spread it out ..morning, noon and night then you are making your body burn continuously all day long. Yes I am losing weight and losing it very fast. But I am losing it on my own terms. I refuse to have a fill for the simple fact that I am really trying to train my brain to manually stop overeating. I have overeaten several times and I didn't stop. I am working on that. Prior to all of the weight gain I was an athlete. I swam 5 - 10 miles per day, ran 1 - 2 hours per day and ate very well. I swam for my college, so what I am doing now is basically what I did then. So again, please don't compare yourselves to me. I am the exception to the rule (per Tricia's words). I do not use a thread to boast my stenuous exercise.. I have a thread that allows you to see what I do and what several other very active members do. Tricia_k for instance. She does hundreds, literally hundreds of leg lifts per day. She runs, does weight training at home and has lost alot of weight and she's very toned. I personally cannot do 500 leg lifts, but I can bike 35 miles. I can't compare myself to her. Her leg endurance with weights compared to mine is unparalled. DOC - swims miles upon miles per day. Niche - puts in nice hours at the gym several days per week, alternating upper body and lower body Jachut - Cardio queen ..she can put in 4 - 6 miles daily and there are several others I have not mentioned that do great things... but you get my point. I do find it offensive that you indirectly accuse me or whomever else of boasting a 3x's per day or a 3 hour a day exercise regimine. The tone is sarcastic and offensive to me. There is nothing wrong with working out 3 hours per day. Practical to everyone?? No, but then again, don't compare yourself to anyone else on here. And yes, I will stand by the fact that if I can do it, so can you attitude. It's all attitude and not fact stating. It's just gung-ho attitude that keeps me going.

My weight gain began about 9 years ago - it was a slow process that began with excessive drinking - high calorie drinks -depression...I gained about 30 pounds those first few years, lost some and have steadily increased reaching my all time high - currently 255. I quit drinking a year ago - eat more to replace it - and have worked at a desk job for 3 years. That combined with no physical activity. I ENJOY food, its emotional for me. When I cook and enjoy a good meal, it feels good deep down. But this good feeling is followed by guilt and remorse. When I feel full - I feel guilty. I think about being fat from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed at night and sometimes in my sleep. I'm considering the band, but am unsure how I'll pay for it. The bottom line is I overeat, food is emotional satisfaction, and I sit on my a$$ at work all day.

Kathy, you look cute anyways. Glad you are doing so well. I am doing much better. Had a 5 lbs weight gain and that really motivated me to not feel sorry for myself. Going back to the gym has been a HUGE motivator for me. I am looking forward to my fill on July 17th. I also start with a personal trainer on Wed. next week. So far I'm down around 12 lbs but I see the scale moving South again with the exercise jump start.

:omg: I went to California for a week to vacation with family. Hmmm, I'm afraid to step on the scales although I earnestly tried to limit my intake of food. I am still eating portions I probably shouldn't. Can't seem to get that under control yet. Now I can eat regular type food again, so it's like an open door. I must get help, must get fill! :omg: I am anxious to get my fill. I get my first fill next week in hopes I will see some real progress. I am feeling well after the surgery with two months out. It appears all the healing is completed. Once in a while I will get kind of a odd pain on my left side but nothing that seems of real concern. It's hard being patient while the healing process is going on. You just want to see pounds start shedding. I felt fairly miserable around my thinner family members, but I am trying to remember this weight gain didn't just happen over night. I sure have blown my exercise routine, I just can't seem to get into the groove. Maybe due to a few factors like; I had the surgery, looking for a new home, vacations, my husbands illness, etc. Can we say stress! However, no excuses, just want to see what a filled band will do for me. I am in great need of limiting portions and getting some exercise. My knees and joints hurt so bad that exercise is no my strength. Hmmm, maybe this site will give me some much needed suggestions. :tired

:omg: I went to California for a week to vacation with family. Hmmm, I'm afraid to step on the scales although I earnestly tried to limit my intake of food. I am still eating portions I probably shouldn't. Can't seem to get that under control yet. Now I can eat regular type food again, so it's like an open door. I must get help, must get fill! :omg: I am anxious to get my fill. I get my first fill next week in hopes I will see some real progress. I am feeling well after the surgery with two months out. It appears all the healing is completed. Once in a while I will get kind of a odd pain on my left side but nothing that seems of real concern. It's hard being patient while the healing process is going on. You just want to see pounds start shedding. I felt fairly miserable around my thinner family members, but I am trying to remember this weight gain didn't just happen over night. I sure have blown my exercise routine, I just can't seem to get into the groove. Maybe due to a few factors like; I had the surgery, looking for a new home, vacations, my husbands illness, etc. Can we say stress! However, no excuses, just want to see what a filled band will do for me. I am in great need of limiting portions and getting some exercise. My knees and joints hurt so bad that exercise is no my strength. Hmmm, maybe this site will give me some much needed suggestions. :tired

As per requested, a bit about me. I turned 37 on June 14th, same day as I got banded! So my banding birthday and my real birthday are the same. I'm married 11 years to a great supportive guy that I've been with for 14 years. Childless by choice, we have two pugs. I live a weird alternative lifestyle... and will say nothing more about that than that. I am on longterm disability with severe depression that is under control, I'm functioning pretty good right now, I can't handle major stress, and as long as I take good care of myself and my medications life is manageable. Since I'm from the West Coast of Canada, Vancouver, and my Dr. of choice was on the East Coast, in Ontario... we decided to pair the lapband surgery with a long continental exploration adventure and went gypsy. We sold our condo, bought a small RV, and have been travelling in it for over 2 months now. Currently I'm in Newfoundland in a Provincial Park area on a private campground with great wireless internet. My hubsand works online, so we can travel and do business at the same time. We plan to keep travelling until October, going back west this time through the U.S. instead of Canada side and then spend a few weeks back in our home town, and then head South for the winter, California and Florida primarily. After that, we'll see. I used to be a kickboxing instructor, and am hoping to be able to train and teach again one day, my depression was connected to a great deal of my weight gain, as well as deteriorating health (I was hospitalized for long periods). I'm mostly focused on getting healthy again, body, mind and spirit. This forum has been very helpful. XO Leila

Hello Everyone! My name is Erica, Houston, Texas. I found this forum TODAY! I have not started my process for lap band, but i have been reading up on it ..studying it online..and i was hoping to meet some supporting friends that are a little more educated and have experienced it. I plan on starting a website for my weight loss journey. I have tried EVERYTHING...Diet specialist, Personal Trainer, My own training, Metabolife, all kinds of diet pills...I have even been as desperate as doing the Hollywood diet..do yall know what im talking about...the horrible juice you drink for 48 hours and your suppose to lose all this weight...My problem is...I have no self control...it scares me. When i get depressed i eat...EVERYTHING..Im 24 years old..married...and i dont even want my husband to look at me anymore. Ive been fighting weight gain since i turned 17 and a friend of mine was murdered..i sheltered myself and found comfort in food. I hope that this Journey that i am determined to take will be good for me. I want to recognize myself in the mirror...without having to look past the chunky cheeks and the double chin...or the large belly and Big rear...I want my husband to be proud to have me at his side "ALTHOUGH he says he is always proud of me" but i know..my weight gain has affected him...hes just so good to me and supportive. O.k...now that i have spilled my guts to you..i hope to get to know you all..It looks like you are all tight knit..and thats the kind of friends and support i need! Have a Good Day Erica aka SouthernCharm

Hey guys - wow, I was kept much busier this weekend than I thought I would be. A lot of stuff I didn't plan on doing, but ended up doing. You know how it goes. Robyn - I'm so glad you're (hopefully) over the operations and ready to move on, but I'm sorry to hear that you're still in so much discomfort. So you had an EGD done right before the surgery, no erosion but a tear in your stomach (was that from the tubing, or did it allow the tubing through, or two separate things?), and gallstones... so from this point forward it can only be downh hill... Holli - I'm glad to hear you're well, that they figured it out and got it all fixed up. I've heard the same thign as Robyn (3 mos), so you'd better go get DH a pager pretty soon, so he can be on call and ready to go. :grouphug: I think I'm going to be one of those people who just can't eat early in the day, or has to rely on liquid breakfasts. Every time I try to eat before around 11 it hurts so much, even if I pre-heat with a warm liquid. Also looking back, I've had my PBs around the same time of day. And it doesn't matter what I eat, so I can't really link it to the type of food. The only thing they all share is that I was trying to eat around morning time. I had a semi PB this weekend, trying to eat breakfast. When I left the restaurant it was hurting, but just like a stick. Over the course of the drive (about 8 minutes) it worsened, I got the shortness of breath, etc. I would have pulled over but I was only a minute or so from my parents' house. We pulled into the driveway and I made a dash for the grass, dry heaved for about 4 minutes. Got in their house, wretched up saliva, dry heaved for anoher couple of minutes (and hit a point where I officially felt the worst - man, I was miserable... the damn pain I get in my back can really do me in), then very slowly started feeling better. VERY slowly. Normally once I wretch/PB it's pretty instant relief... this time it took me at least 15 - 20 minutes just to feel confident that I was done heaving, and took 2 - 3 hours to feel normal again. OUCH YUCK! Cate - sorry I didn't get a chance to hit the LB sale with you. We only planned on being out of town for one day but it ended up being two and a half days. I did make it to the sale with my mother one of those days we were out of town. I'm actually wearing a 22/24 shirt today! Cynthia - don't sweat the weight gain. Were you using a low carb diet? If so, that sounds about right for a ketosis break! Katt - your surgeon really has to be your decision. I was very pleased with Dr. H, but have not been terribly impressed with some things I've experienced post op. None of them are him directly, but are necessary evils, so to speak, as I'm in his post-care program. I should say - some of them are necessary evils. One of them I am going to make absolutely sure never happens again, period.

Olive, Funny you mentioned the weight gain in the four years of being together. My husband and I did that. I gained 50 pounds in 2 years and he gained 45. I guess we were just comfortable... enabeling each other. :embarassed: He ate ice cream, So i ate it.. even though I wasn't hungry. I ate pizza, he ate it.. even though he wasn't hungry. The one thing I did do.. was try to exercise or take a walk. He never wanted to do this.. and this is part of the problem for me. I love to exercise.. but not alone. I've always wanted a buddy with me and every time I did.. I lost loads of weight and kept it off for a longer period of time. Also, I always lied about my weight to my husband until I had a melt down about a month ago. He was saying that my BMI seemed too low to have the band and maybe it might be dangerous for me to go ahead with the surgery.. LOL He thought my weight to be around 185.. I about kissed him and told him he was the best thing in the world! BUT.. I said... you are way off... and after him guessing 5 times.. I told him.. I thought he'd laugh or have a odd look on his face of disgust. BUT he just hugged me and said.. you look beautiful not matter how high your weight is. Yada Yada Yada... (LOL) I felt ashamed that I only weighed 18 pounds less than him. He, too, got into shape, has lost about 20 pounds and it melted off of him almost overnight. I was so jealous. I almost never get jealous! I'm alway happy and excited for people who are doing something good for their health and body or that they are motivated to lose weight, quit smoking.. or what ever the vice is. Any how.. I just wanted to say.. I hear you.. LOL it's hard at times.

Reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus can cause scarring and narrowing of the opening as well as ulceration. The test of restriction is with real solid food. If you're too tight, you will start to move away from solid foods to softer foods so you avoid the golfball feeling of pain in your chest and heartburn. This can actually cause weight gain as you drink your calories down or let them melt down as in the case with ice-cream.

It's a bang on article for me, my depression and weight gain came hand in hand.

OK, I'm pulling out all my Heart CDs and rocking out the rest of the 4th. Photonut and Diva, loved your posts that took me back to college and my favorite group. Ann Wilson really didn't get heavy till 1980. The video "Alone" was the first to only show her head and not full body. Still she was beautiful!! Heather, if you don't know the music, get a greatest hits CD. It empowers women and is great storytelling. Nancy Wilson is married to Cameron Crowe, who was the subject of "Almost Famous" and "Elizabethtown" -- both autobiographical. Ann is at menopause now, so that could be part of the recent weight gain -- if she isn't exercising. Ann adopted her daughter Marie in 1991 and her son Dustin in 1998. The lapband surgery came around in 2002. As a singer, I could understand removing the band because of reflux. Her voice is her paycheck.