Anyone here?

[I'm still here 0]

Congrats Sunshine!!

I'm so happy for you :crying:. I still have not found my happy spot... I'm either too lose or way too tight. We just don't seem to be able to get it right. I too have gained...yuck. But when I get a fill I have acid reflux you wouldn't believe. I seriously don't know what to do next. Like the rest of my band friends I'm having difficulty making good food choices...:confused2:. It is also a problem that my new insurance doesn't cover fills. I just feel awful putting the Fluid in one week and taking most of it out the next. Any advice would be appreciated. My dr. says make good food choices...if I was good at that I wouldn't need my band.lol.

Thanks all,

Susie

Susie, it sounds like we are in the exact same boat! I am either too tight or too loose and spend most of my energy wondering if I am too tight or too loose . . .

Let's all hang in there, we're bound to get there one day!

I noticed a link for Phentermine at the bottom of your post. I am curious if you are taking Phentermine, and if so - how do you think it works?

It is crazy to me that after having the band I am thinking about trying an appetite suppressant, but HEY! I would really like to get some of this weight off . . .

[I'm still here 0]

Tonya,

Please keep us posted about your biopsy . . . that is so nerve-racking. They told me that they hoped to have the results by the end of the day on Wednesday. I am just ready to know, one way or the other so I'll know what I'm up against. Could the tumor in your esophogus in any way be causing you problems with the band - ???

If you do have a small leak in the tubing, I suspect the Omnipaque would correct it immediately and you wouldn't continue to lose your fills . . . I am certainly no doctor, I just know that I have heard it referred to as 'fix-a-flat' since I first learned about it. It works for me - there is always the exact amount in there that they think should be when they remove it.

I am going to make a committment to exercise this week, even if it is just for a short walk each day. That is more than I am doing regularly right now, so it has to be a start - right?

Speaking of exercise - Have any of you heard of the Kettle Bell program? A friend was telling me about it and she really likes it. She got the DVD and her 'bell' at Target and really feels she gets a decent work-out at home in about 45 minutes. I haven't looked into it yet, but I am going to.

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and that we have a great week ahead!

[tonya66 13]

I just got my results back from my biopsy and it is A benign tumor. Well, that is one relief off of my shoulders - how about you mommi-hammi? Any knews?

I just found out that there will be more layoffs at my job. They are flying in tomorrow and we have to train them on our stuff (the new company) which tells me, we will be laid off eventually. I have been here 10 years, so I should get a pretty good severence package. I am just not going to worry about it. I am sure I can find another job, but I just won't make what I'm making now. They pay me very well and from what I've seen at other companies, they are not paying what I make.

I'm fortunate to only owe $30K on my house, I have 5 year left to pay on it. So If I am laid off I think I can just take money out of my 401K and just pay it off. Even though I would be penalized, at least I would not have to worry any longer about losing my house. Thats my plan anyhow, a worse case plan, if I can't find another job.

So, as you can see, life is hectic but I'm still making it to the gym. And I've been eating really good. My restriction is still with me, I'm shocked. I still don't have to take small bites of food, but I do have to slow down a little. Especially if I'm drinking something.

Hope all is well with everyone.

[Sula 0]

Guess I have been gone for a bit too long..lots of reading to catch up on. Seems we all are working hard and trying hard, tho.

Tonya, I'm glad your fill is working and that is amazing. What a time you have had! And congrats on your workouts. I'm hitting it, but not as many times per week.

Mommi-hammi, hope all is going well. I am a very strong believer in the power of postitive thougths...I have taken workshop classes by Dr. Bernie Seagal (can't remember how he spells his name but he has a great book out) and as a MD, he was working from the medical model and illness to work in his oncology practice. He began to notice that others such as social workers (me) work from a wholistic approach and has adapted his whole practice to that. Spirituality, imagry, humor, art, etc, all are used to combat cancer with his patients. He believes in spirits that come from "the other side" to help and support. Our guardian angels if you will!! You will have much help in this process.... :crying:

If I could quit eating late at night (dinner not snaking) I think I would get the darn scale moving! I got home at 8:15 last night...DH was in the hottub...nothing heating up. I should just settle for a Protein Shake, but I got some parmesean crusted talapia at the store and wanted some. I just had salad a veggis with it, so it wasn't a bad meal, but I bet I sat down at 9:00...to get it down. DH is going to be gone all next week and into the week after so I'm pondering changing things up and trying to establish a new pattern. It would be helpful for both of us!!

[tonya66 13]

Well, here we go for the weekend.....My goal this weekend is stay on plan....I always seem to fall off the wagon on weekends.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Monday will 19 months since banding, I was sure hoping to be at goal by now. But I am still 25 lbs from goal, I am hoping by my 2 year anniversary I will be at goal.

Talk to everyone later

[I'm still here 0]

Hi everyone,

I am sorry I haven't been able to post on here for the last few days, I had unexpected company and my routine was completely disrupted.

I am thrilled to be able to share that the results from my biopsy were benign! Tonya, I am so thankful that yours was benign too!

Now that all of that is behind me, I really need and want to focus on getting these last 20 pounds off . . .

I am curious if any of you have this little issue . . . I can go all day and not eat and be fine, but then as soon as I eat, I feel hungry about 30 minutes after I am done - ? What in the world is that about? I am just curious if anyone else has this feeling.

[tonya66 13]

I am thrilled to be able to share that the results from my biopsy were benign! Tonya, I am so thankful that yours was benign too!

That is so Wonderful!!!!!!

Now that all of that is behind me, I really need and want to focus on getting these last 20 pounds off . . . .

The last 30 lbs for me is so difficult. I lost so fast in the beginning, Now I am just stuck. I know part of it is my eating has not been good. But for the past 4 weeks, its been pretty darn good. The weight barely comes off.

I am curious if any of you have this little issue . . . I can go all day and not eat and be fine, but then as soon as I eat, I feel hungry about 30 minutes after I am done - ? What in the world is that about? I am just curious if anyone else has this feeling.

No, this does not happen to me. My biggest problem is my head hunger and cravings. I crave sweets all the time. This weekend was a bad weekend and I gave in to my desires and ate everything chocolate.< /p>

This morning as I was eating my oatmeal, I could barely get it down. I wish my band would be more consistant. I've got perfect restriction until around 4 pm, then its wide open. I think this is something that I will have to learn to live with. I need to eat lost of Protein in the evening and quit rading the sweets.

[eclipse 0]

That is so Wonderful!!!!!!

The last 30 lbs for me is so difficult. I lost so fast in the beginning, Now I am just stuck. I know part of it is my eating has not been good. But for the past 4 weeks, its been pretty darn good. The weight barely comes off.

No, this does not happen to me. My biggest problem is my head hunger and cravings. I crave sweets all the time. This weekend was a bad weekend and I gave in to my desires and ate everything chocolate.< /p>

This morning as I was eating my oatmeal, I could barely get it down. I wish my band would be more consistant. I've got perfect restriction until around 4 pm, then its wide open. I think this is something that I will have to learn to live with. I need to eat lost of Protein in the evening and quit rading the sweets.

Tonya- I to have noticed that my band is very restricted in the mornings and then gradually opens up so by dinner time I could eat a horse if I let myself. There are times when I wake up in the middle of the night and try to drink Water and I can feel it kinda of just sit there for a minute, then gradually go down. I haven't had a fill in about 6 months, it just seems very flacky if you ask me. :wink2:

[Sula 0]

Hi All,

Been gone for a long weekend, but just got caught up on the postings. Good news for your two gals and your biopsy. That is terrific.

I frequently tell people, that know about the band I have, that it is alive and has a quirky sense of humor inside of me. When I think I'm in control.....it shows me different. From day to day and morning to night, who knows what the eating pattern needs to be. I PB on weird things and expected things. I eat volumns sometimes ( I love huge salads!) and yet a scrambled egg can kill me. I haven't had a fill since January and I feel like I should get one, but then I have fairly consistent restriction in the morning, sometimes at noon and usually not much at night. Band-ee just smiles!! Tomorrow I'll show you somethinig else!

I used to do the oatmeal in the morning, but lately I've been having Protein Drinks or nothing (another latte actually!) and waiting till lunch.

I just wonder if a fill would make all that much difference. This is all so unknown, don't you think? what the heck is the sweet spot? Does weight just fall off, no matter what or is it really easy to lose or do you still have to diet and exercise (I'm hoping for the former but I suspect it is the latter!)

[tonya66 13]

Hey girl, my band is fickle too. I sometimes think I need another fill, but honestly, this is the very best restriction I have ever ever ever had. I have a hard time drinking really cold drinks, I actually have to slow down when I eat, I never had to do that before. I still eat regular bites of food, however, I do eat slower than usual. I can still eat bread, chicken and anything, just not that much of it.

I gurgle a lot when I drink, I can hear all kinds of noises coming from my esophagus, so weird. Then the next day, I feel like I'm eating just like before, no restriction. It is so weird.

If I get a fill, I know there will be days that I will have to be on all liquids - like TOM. If I don't get a fill, the days I have the perfect restriciton is when TOM is here. So, what do I do? Anyhow, its a complicated thing this little band at times.

Do I regret the band? Absolutely not! For the first time in my life I am no longer gaining weight. I don't have to worry about ever being over 200 lbs again. I love that. If I never lost another pound, I still think the band was worth all the trouble and even this fickle band.

[tonya66 13]

Tonya- I to have noticed that my band is very restricted in the mornings and then gradually opens up so by dinner time I could eat a horse if I let myself. There are times when I wake up in the middle of the night and try to drink Water and I can feel it kinda of just sit there for a minute, then gradually go down. I haven't had a fill in about 6 months, it just seems very flacky if you ask me.

Yes, I feel like I have such good restriction in the morning, I wish I could have this restriction all the time! If I get another fill, I know that in the mornings, I will have to just do liquids, or have to wait until after 12 or so to eat. But then maybe I would have restriction at night?'

I agree with you, the band is a flacky thing! But I still love it....We have a love/hate relationship. :eek:

[Sula 0]

I love my band too. And know that without it I would be putting on about 10 pounds per year. So, I'm with you Tonya, if this is all I get, then I am still happy with it. I feel so much stronger, physically and active. Altho, I have a killer back ache today..whew..don't know what happened, but I just took some aleve. It is sitting there waiting to go down...such a lovely feeling,

I was really feeling tight in my chest (stomach) in the middle of the night..sort of heartburn without the burn part. Not TOM..just the quirk!!

I have a bad habit of gulping Water occasionally...I do it intentionally...I just feel that I need to do that ...and once in a while it backfires...with PB. But just water, no biggie..but sometimes I also have the gurgle of liquids in the morning. Like today....just Protein Drink for Breakfast cuz nothing else is going to go down.

[TracyinKS 7]

Hello ladies I wanted to pop in here and thank Tonya for always coming through with KUDOS for me! THANKS!

I had a slight unfill about a month ago .4cc and it has REALLY losened up over the last week... WIERD! I feel like I could eat a hamburger w/bun (haven't tried because I don't want to know) but I am eating way more than I have been able to. I don't like being hungry! However, and I can't remember the last PB or Heartburn .........

I had hit 176 but since Sturgis, Have been fighting the scale around 180. Well anyway... Keep it up girls we are in the toughest part.. maintaining and getting to goal.

[Sula 0]

Tonya rocks!!

And you do too Tracy for always coming by and keeping an eye on us!!

[tonya66 13]

Hello everyone, how is it going? I've had a slow week, did not exercise one bit last week, but made it back to the gym this week. I am staying off the scales, and just trying to focus on making better choices. Basically, just trying to get back to the basics. My weight has stalled for so long, and I'm tired of watching it.

So, besides that, my fill is pretty good. This is the most restriction I have ever had and I love it. It has loosened up a bit, but I can still feel the restriction - I had steak for lunch with no problems so I'm not too tight. I only ate 1/3 of my steak - which was 8 oz, so I had about 2 to 3 oz of it.

I'm scheduled for another fill in September, and one day I think I will cancel it, then the next day I feel I need it. Who knows - I guess I will wait and see how it is doing come September 17th.

Any knews with you guys? How is everyone doing?