karenlynn79

Hey Stormy, I've been banded almost 2 years and rarely have I felt the band. The only time I can "feel it", like being physically aware of it, is if I was tight, then ate, then PB'd, tried to eat, didn't work, etc.... If I really really irritated it. Then I can feel this tight feeling that is uncomfortable. I wouldn't be worried about feeling it all the time. Sounds like they might be too tight and irritated and feeling it because of that.

First I want to say thank you for trusting us on this forum with what is going on with you. I think for sure that 1) the note is a great idea, less emotional and 2) you should consider seeing a marriage and family therapist (disclaimer: I am one so I am biased....) first without your husband and then maybe take him with you to discuss what's going on with you. It sounds like you have a loving relationship and maybe he doesn't realize how you are basically at your rope's end and you have to act. An impartial third party might be helpful.... Has he seen this forum and read the posts? Can you print out info on Dr. Ortiz? Does he respond to facts and figures? If so, Dr Ortiz as we all know is basically the best in this field and has the data to back it up... Please let us know how it goes. Maybe work on the letter for a while so it's "just right". Good luck, Karen

I do have issues with pills especially in the mornings. I take a tylenol in the morning, a birth control pill and an allergy pill (all are fairly small). I have to take it slow and then I wait a while before eating (well I have a protein drink). Later in the day I might be able to take a capsule, but I haven't tried in a while. It's very individual. Maybe he should talk with his doctor and see what other options there are (does the pill come in other forms etc...) just to be safe??

Hi Jules, I have had the band for almost 2 years and have had a great fill for 3 months now (I just had a baby). I've lost about 33 lbs in these 3 months and have eaten more than 2-5 bites at lunch and dinner for sure. I eat a pack of meat (those individual servings like 100 calories) at lunch with a pickle. Dinner I usually have a veggie burger patty and I just eat it really really slowly. Those are way more than 5 bites. I also supplement with protein (liquid) twice a day and get lots of fiber. I do snack on fruits (try to) and maybe a couple crackers or something too. I try to get a minimum of 1,000 calories a day and I usually do either cardio or weight training daily. Personally I wonder if someone eating 2 bites per meal is too tight, that seems really extreme to me. I've had that happen, where 2 bites in I get something stuck, I took too big of a bite or ate too quick, sometimes that means hours of waiting for it to pass. But if you take it slow it shouldn't be a problem getting a small meal in. Mornings I've always been too tight so I mix protein powder with milk. Anyway, my point is that I eat way more than a couple bites at a time, if all goes well, and I've been losing 10 lbs per month, which is ok with me! As for your first fill, they usually are pretty conservative until you adjust and see if it's ok. I know a lot of people are talking about "aggressive" first fills but I've been there, and it's best to take it slow!!! Having to go back for an unfill is NOT FUN! Good luck! I bet you can't wait to start getting fills! It's great but there are days when I would KILL for a giant meal of chinese food...then I am glad I have the band to stop me! Karen

Congrats!! I am pretty sure I burped right away as well. If it's not painful I wouldn't worry about it.

You look beautiful!! Way to go, and halfway there!!!!

Good job Jacque!! Can you still eat pizza with your fill? I've found that it's really hard and not worth it. Damn! But good, too, I guess....

That's great Kim!!! Congrats! I am only 3 lbs from it and I can't even believe it......

Thanks for the input! Congrats on the weight loss! I just made an appointment to see a nutrionist at Kaiser just to see what they say...

Hey guys so I tried my Isopure Alpine Punch mixed with water and it was Ok, definitely not terrible. Then today I had a great idea. I mixed 1/2 scoop of the Isopure Punch (50 cal, 13g protein) with 1 packet of the South Beach "Tide Me Over" drink packet mix (30 cal, 3 g protein, 5 g fiber) and it was GREAT!!! Like actually tasted tood. I used the Strawberry Banana flavor of the Tide me Over mix. I might try 1 full scoop of the Isopure tomorrow mixed with it, just to see if it's still good. Anyway, I would recommend this to anyone looking to add some protein to their day! (make sure to use a shaker and shake really really well, I didn't get a single chunk). Karen

Bebe, My son has a crazy bitch stepmom too! But my son goes there almost half the time, so I can't cause too much trouble. Good luck! Revenge does feel sweet, doesn't it? Ironically I am SURE she had gastric bypass last year and has lost at least 100 lbs. I told my hubby just last night that I hope she gains it back!!!

You look great Kim! I love the color and the cut.

So as someone who has tracked fat, calories, protein and fiber for ages, I never once looked at how many grams of carbs I eat. I am just wondering if anyone has a gram range they shoot for? I've had almost 100 grams today. The only info I found that didn't sound wacky was on Wikipedia and they said if you are trying to lose, stick with around 150 a day (based on a 1600 cal-per-day diet). So about 100 sounds good in my (uninformed) opinion... Anyone else looking at their carb intake?? Karen p.s. I am staying away from packed food as much as poss, and trying to get carbs from fruits and veggies

Hey Congrats!!! It's always easier to stay on track when you're busy. I am a stay-at-home mom so I have really had to train myself to stay out of the kitchen. Plus, when you have a good fill, that makes it much easier, of course! Keep up the good work!! Karen

Trina, I got mine and tried it. I actually don't think it's that bad. I only used 1 scoop and shook it up really good. For 25g of protein I can handle it!!! My husband HATED it though. Guess it's just really individual...Let me know how the melon is! Karen

We go to Lake Tahoe every 4th of July (in California/Nevada) with a big group of people I've grown up with. I can't wait next summer to actually wear a swimsuit and swim and run around on the beach with my kids!

I know! I always make my son wear actual sneakers (not sandals) when we're going to playgrounds.

What! No I haven't and I've been waiting!!! You must be closer to them than I am.... I better get it today!

I miss chinese food so much! While I was pregnant (and obviously totally unfilled, boy was that fun!!) I had GOOD chinese food about once a week. And I miss salad bars alot too. Lettuce is just too hard, and I like a packed salad with big chunky things, I haven't even tried, I know it would be pointless!

I have told no one but my husband, and it'll be 2 years in September. Some times have been hard, but I've managed to get by. My mom has been suspicious once in a while of my eating, but I can be such a good liar when I need to!! I lost about 80 lbs 6 years ago after I had my son, so I am guessing anyone who has noticed my loss thus far, since my daughter was born in March, just assume I am doing what I did before. The only person who has actually been all over me is my neighbor, who is super nice, every time I see her she goes on and on about what am I doing, how much have I lost, how so quick? etc.... I guess I just figure it's nobody's business but mine. Plus, no one but my mom in all of my close family, and extended family, is overweight or has ever had food issues. So my guess is they'd be pretty damn judgmental!!

I didn't realize you could microwave them. How long do you put them in for?? I got them at Costco near the meats....

I think as long as you're healing and not in tons of pain, I am sure it's just normal.

I go through this often too. I just supposedly gained a lb back but I know it's because I am having some tummy issues......So I don't "count" the lb as really gained. Also, are you getting enough water? I was exactly like you said, moods based on the scale. But then I lost a few and stopped weighing every day. I moved the scale into my son's bathroom for that reason, so I don't see it every morning. It's mind over matter. Only you can control how YOU feel. It's hard, most of us have been there. You just have to realize that it took years to become obese, it's going to take time to lose it too. I would also recommend keeping track of calories, fiber and protein, at a minimum, every day. Protein and fiber seem to make a difference to my weight loss. Good luck! This journey will have ups and downs, like everything else in life..... Karen

that tat looks great! I have tons, but none over scars. I get really raised scars so I don't know that I could have one over my c-sec scars, I wish! p.s. you look SO GREAT!!!!! I can't believe you have 25 lbs to go! I can't wait to buy a suit like that!

Ha!!!! Good one Will, I have kids so I am completely familiar with that abbreviation..... And Kim, awesome! I can't wait to be there. We're the same height so I am assuming I have another 8 lbs to go!