March Bandsters: MASTER THREAD

[SpecialK 22]

Hi Shamrocks! Well I finally encountered my first episode where the acid reflux I'm having (giving me a burning sensation in my throat) has me lined up for a partial unfill on Monday a.m. I kept hoping it would get better and it wasn't. I could also see a pattern developing of eating "easier to eat" things and when I went to more solid Protein, veggies, it was tough to get a small portion down and I'd end up with a PB episode. I tried cutting back on coffee and cutting back any eating at least a couple hours before bed time, but the bottle of Tums beside my bed has become a regular "snack", sometimes waking me in the night to crunch a few Tums for the sore throat sensation of the acidy taste.

So, I have to confess I am a little worried that this is going to open me up for more eating with less restriction but maybe the opposite will happen where the restriction I have will tolerate the full Proteins better.

I have been at this fill level since March 2009 so it is a mystery to me on why 6 months later the acid reflux stuff started.

Anybody know if there are any restrictions on working out with an abdominals machine at the gym? I swear I can feel my insides rolling when I do those crunches. I worried that maybe it was not okay for my band.

Okay, enough from the worry wort. Not losing but not gaining any either. With 60 lbs to go, I want to get back on the road downward.

[Desdemona 48]

Hi Special --

Sorry to hear about this. It's the type of thing I've worried about for a long time. I don't know about the abdominal machine but it's an excellent question. Perhaps your MD will have an idea about that. Please let us know what you find out. Maybe s/he'll give you medication like Protonix to cut down on the acid in your stomach.

[Firework 4]

I'm still here, just about 2 weeks after ps and just now starting to feel human again. It really took a lot out of me, and I am far from 100%, but I am up and moving. The doctor says I still have swelling and will for several months. He is very proud of himself and wants to eventually use me on his website in his before/after section. I am very happy with the results so far. I just hate the ugly scars. Anyone know anything about any good scar therapy?

[lynnt1215 1]

I'm still here, just about 2 weeks after ps and just now starting to feel human again. It really took a lot out of me, and I am far from 100%, but I am up and moving. The doctor says I still have swelling and will for several months. He is very proud of himself and wants to eventually use me on his website in his before/after section. I am very happy with the results so far. I just hate the ugly scars. Anyone know anything about any good scar therapy?

I am using a generic brand of Mederma scar cream.. I have been using it for about 2 weeks and am seeing a nice result. if you use it, make sure all incisions are healed, you can't use it on any open wounds/incisions.

I am about 7 weeks post PS. still some discomfort..and swelling, but was told that is normal.. swelling can be around for a few more months, at least.

I scheduled the revision surgery for my thighs for Nov. 24. Taking a few days off and then back to work..thank godness I have a desk job.. makes going back to work a bit easier.

Good luck with your recovery.

[Desdemona 48]

I see my surgeon for follow-up on Sept 17. Had the B reduct. on Aug 7. They said they are going to give me a cream of some sort and teach me how to "massage" the area. Perhaps it's the same cream you have, Lynn. I'm not sure what the massage part is about but I'm guessing for either healing the scar or helping to reshape my breast.

I too am feeling pretty good but I do feel a bit low energy and maybe a bit depressed. Someone at work said that is "normal" for after surg. How about you ladies? How are your spirits -- energy levels?

[Desdemona 48]

And how about food and eating and exercise for people who have recently had PS? I'm having a renewal of motivation re: low carbing and the gym -- but I'm still not allowed to do strengths training yet and I do more trendmill than bike right now.

[lynnt1215 1]

I think the massaging of the scars/incisions is to break down the "hard" tissue,,

I am just getting in some walking. with the circumference and muscles.. too much discomfort to do much excessive. I did go bowling the other night and felt pretty good.

[Firework 4]

My doc said the "depressed" feeling can be expected after surgery. He said something about getting down as you recover because you are not able to do as much in the beginning. I am feeling ok, not great, spirit wise. It's still hard to get from point a to point b, I still walk around a bit hunched over, and I always go to bed at night with pain in my lower back. But above all, I keep my eyes ahead to the longer result. Our energy levels will return soon enough. Thanks for the info about mederma...I'll give it a try!

[SpecialK 22]

Hi out there to my Shrinking Shamrocks - yep, that .5 cc unfill did the trick. Within a day, no more acid reflux and by 48 hours I can eat a salad or reasonable meal with Protein without a problem. YEA!!

My surgeon is conservative enough that he sent me for an x-ray of my abdomen Monday a.m. after he did the unfill to check my band position and I got a call yesterday that he reviewed the films and my band is doing just fine, no slip. YEA! YEA!!!

I did ask him if specifically if alot of abdominal exercises at the gym could have impacted my band and he said No, you'd almost have to take a solid hit in the stomach or have a severe coughing episode or something like that. So keep on working those abs at the gym!

I have to tell you that feeling like I can eat real foods again is an emotional boost that translates into a mental boost - I think I was getting depressed over the idea that something had slipped or I might just have to suffer with the acid reflux problem long term and I am so glad I went in to see the doctor. So, lesson learned, if you are doubting whether things are okay, make an appt to see the doctor and it will help to reassure you.

[jencys 2]

I'm checking in again... it's always fun catching up on where everyone is. I agree with some of you being frustrated at how slow the weight is coming off. Sometimes I wish it was coming off faster on me as well! However, I'm just really glad that the scale keeps moving down. Without the band I'd probably be much heavier then I was when I started. I'd also have at 10 more failed diet attempts under my belt as well. So I'll take the slow road as long as I can keep traveling on it!

Congratulations to everyone's current success

[scrappy_friend 0]

Special I bet with you eating more protien and eating healthier you will lose weight faster now, even if you do eat more calories.

I have been staying with in 5 pounds of my goal weight. Still waiting to see when he wants to do a revision of my Tummy Tuck. I might not have time till the beginning of summer.

[lynnt1215 1]

Special I bet with you eating more protien and eating healthier you will lose weight faster now, even if you do eat more calories.

I have been staying with in 5 pounds of my goal weight. Still waiting to see when he wants to do a revision of my Tummy Tuck. I might not have time till the beginning of summer.

I have the revision on my thighs set for 11/24. I'll have to be back at work on 11/27, so a few days to recoup

[scrappy_friend 0]

Lynn how come you need the revision? I paid extra money to have the top part of my belly flat and its far from being flat. He says he will do it but says I need to wait till the bottem part loosens up some.

[lynnt1215 1]

Lynn how come you need the revision? I paid extra money to have the top part of my belly flat and its far from being flat. He says he will do it but says I need to wait till the bottem part loosens up some.

The top of my thighs are out of proportion.. because of all the swelling from the TT the D could not get the desired results. so back to cutting.

I also have a bit of "bulge" in the upper part of my stomach. I have to address that with the DR. The lower belly is extrememly tight, which is good.

but the upper part needs a bit of adjustment, if it can be done.. I find my port is much more noticeable now too..

[scrappy_friend 0]

I can notice my port now too one of the machines at curves I lean up against to do the exercise and that really feels uncomfortable. Before I had enough blubber to pad it.