calicat

I like to ride my mountain bike, and switch off from my road bike. I don't ride it in the mountains though - gravel or dirt trails - but not true rugged terrain. I usually just us it to commute to work when its not too hot, and to ride with my son, or to his soccer games. I got a cool little grocery pannier pack that folds up on the side when it's not in use - it's great - it will fit a paper grocery bag or hold my son's soccer ball, my backpack with clothes and shoes for work, etc. I'll have to try the gel packs. I definitely needed energy, and I wasn't going to be able to get it from food like some of the other riders. Ya know, they told me about how elevation could potentially affect us bandsters. Oh lord, on the way home from OCC, I wasn't feeling great, but couldn't pinpoint if it was my incision pains, swelling, or the band being sensitive to elevation. So I was shocked when I flew back to OCC to get my first fill - and I was so very nausea when landing both times. I mean, it really worried me. I grabbed the barf bag - I've NEVER had to do that before. I'm a big rollercoaster fanatic, and I've been a little leary about trying it. Not sure what was up with me feeling so sick on the plane - but it sucked. I hope the elevation doesn't affect you. Have you climbed that high up before? Let me know. Next year I want to go to Hawaii and go to the top of the volcano. They take a stop half way up, just to acclimate to the altitude. I'd be interested to see how it affects you, if at all. Good job on plugging away - I'm excited to hear your results.

I can relate to this - of course on a lesser scale. I usually enjoy biking in the 10-20 mile range for a daily ride, but something came over me, and I decided to ride to another city - 20 miles away. I've always heard it was a fun ride, but never did it. It ended up being a 42 mile bike ride, on a hot sunny day, and I learned what my band can and can't do. Here's what I learned... While exercising for those 4 hours, I could have easily been dehydrated. I used to swig water when I needed it..but with the band, I would feel full and sloshy so I used a camelbak pack instead - I did much better sipping often, and kept hydrated. As far as eating, I ate before I left, but packed pop tarts per a suggestion from a cyclist for the halfway point. Well, it was good and bad. Bready things don't necessarily do well with me all the time, so I was able to eat one, but it sat like a lump of clay and was uncomfortable for a good hour afterwards. I really needed the carbs and sugars from both pop tarts as my ride home was a challenge. I was wobbly on the last 2 miles home. I was hydrated, but my blood sugars were too low. I crashed when I finally got home, and it wasn't from the exercise, but lack of foods. Next time, I'll bring something maybe I can suck on - sugar candies, or a crunchy protein bar (soft ones felt like a lump of clay too while exercising). I havent' tried on, but they also make energy gels which would be great for our bands. The moral of my story is...I think you can do the hike - you just need to make the adjustments with the band. For me, that was drinking differently than I did pre-band. Big drinks of water don't sit well on the band while exercising - at least not with me. And for food - find some sucky alternatives - the energy gels, sugar candies, crunchy foods (maybe nuts). I found on other rides that when I actually ate something, even an handful of grapes, it was uncomfortable to ride shortly after that because they were in my pouch and not going straight thru. So maybe find some calories from drinks too instead of heavy foods. And make sure you're well hydrated up to the day before your hike. You'll need them for you 18 mile hike!! Good luck and have fun!!!

I'm so glad Fancy! You'll do just great, and hopefully meet someone in which you connect with - seems like we all did! No one else can share the same emotions as a fellow bandster - so go for it. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me...I'll be happy to answer anything you're concerned or worried about. I can only speak for myself and my experience, but it was absolutely great...and I say that without hestitation. I've made another band buddy off this post as well. She emailed me, asked questions, and we haven't stopped chatting since her band date on 6/5/08! Have a great week - and good job on making a great decision! The OCC is wonderful!!!

It's ME!!! That's so funny you write about it - I was just telling someone this last week that I was going to need those close sooner than I think!!! Do you need me to send you my info again?? Thanks

Great! Please let me know what he says - maybe it will apply to me too I just threw up again today! It's getting old I tell you Sorry about the location - for some reason I thought you were in Portland. I like Newcastle too - graduated from Juanita H.S. in Kirkland, so know that area pretty well - at least I used to. Have a safe flight and let me know! Give Dr. Ortiz a big hug for me!!! Cat

Hi Maggie - I've talked with you a couple times before. I have lost 2 pounds since 6/6/08, kinda depressing really considering I lost 35 pounds in the two month prior. I throw up about every 3 or 4 days. I thought it was only due to PMSing, but I'm not PMSing for an entire month. I talked to a consultant at Dr. Neal's office in Lacey, and they want me to go 7 days PB free before I get a second fill. Ha! I've had to cancel 5 times so far! It's very frustrating. I'm not sure what's going on. I am happy I lost 2 pounds this week, but not sure why. Who knows. Dr. Neal's office does use the barium and the fluoro if you'd like to give them at try for $375. I went to OCC for my first fill, but now I can't beat 375 with airfare, hotel, etc. Hopefully I'll be able to stay PB free so I can go in next week. Wagal organized a meet and greet on 7/5 up north of Seattle. If you want to drive up, you're welcome to ride up with me. I live off I-5 in Lacey. I've offered one other bandster from Hoquium a ride up too. If not, I'd be happy to meet with you sometime as I've always wanted to get down to Portland and ride my bike - you guys have great trails down there! Send me an email. And hang in there - you're not alone. Thanks for sharing your story!

You could ride up with me if you'd like...I live off I-5 in Olympia. I was thinking of nixing it all together due to gas, etc. but would love to go if I had a co-pilot with me Let me know. Is Hanna still coming?

I'm going to try to be there - it's still Ivars on the 5th in Mulkiteo at Noonish??? (Writing it down on calendar)

I'm almost 40-does that count! I've lost a total of ONE whopping pound for the ENTIRE month of June!!! I lost 15 pounds pre-op (most of it in one week), 10 pounds post-op (all in one week), and 10 pounds after my first fill. I FINALLY just lost my one more pounds one month post first fill this morning. I too have been riding my bike. I ride to work which is 15 miles round trip (last half home is uphill). I rode a 25 mile, 18 mile and 12 mile hilly ride all last week. And I finally have one pound to show for it. Who knows what is up. I track my info on sparkpeople.com and it helps, but still gives me no reason for why no weight loss. When you come up with the magic answer - let me know

I too have trouble with scrambled eggs. Egg salad and sunnyside up are fine -but scrambled, well...I PB about 4 out of 5 times or they get stuck and I have to wait it out. Either way - it doesn't seem worth it sometimes does it!!

I had no trouble with Verizon. I had it on the whole time, and the closer to the border I got, even though I was still in Mexico, it worked just fine - and it was on US airtime, not Mexico. With our plan, it's 99 cents per minute to call out or receive calls. But like I said, we were in US airspace, so it was all included.

Wow - I wish I could have found you months ago! 3 weeks post - op when we were able to start eating solids - mine was always getting stuck. Until last week, I really thought it was just the "norm" for me. And yes, at that TOM, Dr. Romero suggested I drink liquids instead as I was obviously going to face PBing and getting stuck for about one week every month. Well, the other day I scheduled my second fill with Dr. Neals office here in Lacey, WA. They use fluoro and barium, just like OCC, so w/rising airline costs, I thought I would give them a try at $375. I scheduled my appt on Wed, for Friday. All was well until Thursday. I decided to "test" my band and really see if the band was the problem, or me. I ate VERY slow. Like it took me 30 mins or so to eat. I don't make that much time in my day to eat, so this was a big deal for me. My hubby and son moved onto dessert at dinner by the time I finally finished my dinner. Long story short, I called the center on Friday and talked to one of their coordinators. I told her I PB at least once a day, if not twice, and get food stuck at almost every meal, every day. Duh, she told me not to get the next fill. It would only make things worse. But I had been gaining weight. She told me to eat very slow and not PB or get things stuck for one week before scheduling my next fill as it wouldn't be accurate due to probably swelling. Funny, now that she has said that - I do feel sore sometimes when I eat - like I'm trying to push too big of a bite down a small hole. I've been doing great the past couple days, and then fast forward to last night...my family is eating dinner and we got going on a conversation about sports. I became very involved - and my food got stuck right away. As in, instantly. The stress I created inside of me by getting all rialed up and defensive about my sports team, created my band to tighten and I couldn't enjoy my dinner. I actually couldn't finish it and I was on the verge of PBing. I knew stress affected me, but didnt' really see the link until last night - that it actually affects my band. It was so obvious now. So add that to fiscal year end stress at work, stress with my husband, stress with my parents and sister, not to mention, stress about planning my son's birthday party in two weeks - I have enough stress to tighten that darn band shut! No kidding. For three days straight I managed to not get anything stuck, and not PB. So I couldn't emphasize and agree with you more - stress in general, and stress while eating are terrible for my band. I'm sorry for your fight with your mother (I did the same with mine about two months ago). I hope things work out for you, > and congrats on your weight loss. Our starting weights were 3 pounds apart, so I'm personally thrilled for your success - and hope it will be mine by April next year!! Can't wait!

I carried 4 barf bags home from Alaska Airlines on my trip back to OCC for my first fill. I keep one in my purse and the rest in my car. I PB alot - I'd say almost every day. I get food stuck 1-2/meals per day. I do notice that it doesn't happen when I cut smaller pieces than I would for my 7 year old!! It' s really hard - but don't drink water. You feel like you want to - but that only makes it worse if you have a fill. Before your first fill - I did it all the time and it actually helped. Take much smaller bites, and chew chew chew - and WAIT between your next bite. For some reason, I shovel the small bites in, so guess what, it's the same as taking a huge bite. I have to burp alot - maybe less than 5 mins after eating I have to wait for several big burps before I can begin to eat again. Old habits die hard and I think learning to eat again has been the hardest!!

Your story is similiar to mine and bandgroupie's. She's got the VG band and felt something get stuck maybe once since being banded on 4/4. Since the day I started eating solids - at least one or two meals EVERY day gets stuck. Seriously - it's a challenge for me to eat. And eating out horrifies me. I ordered catfish the other day (first time ever) at a BBQ joint just because I knew the meat would get stuck and our dinner guests haven't seen the "stuck face" yet like my hubby and son have. They are used to it. Lasts about 5 minutes until I either PB or final get burps up. Either way, it's embarrassing. At a friends house for dinner over the weekend, I cut up the pork in bites like I would for my 7 year old - and then halfed them again - just to be sure I was eating small enough bites. Take the time to take smaller bites - I say that lightly as every time I eat, and it gets stuck, I ask myself - now when will I finally learn to take smaller bites and eat slower? Seriously though, it does work, when I do it. I just have to make the time and effort to do it. I just don't make much time to eat I'm realizing. I eat on the go - and that's not how a successful bandster eats as I'm learning! Good luck!! You're not alone. > I was envious of bandgroupie's no restriction, can eat anything she wants - while she was envious of me getting things stuck.

Don't worry about it. You had a slip-up - we've all had one...or more! So enjoy the brief moment and move on. >

Well...of course I have to vote for the best band buddy fill trip! For the same price as staying local and getting ripped off, you can come here and we'll have fun fun fun! I hope you come > p.s. How did I miss your promotion to supreme member? Congrats my friend!!!

I was banded 4/4 and lost 15 pounds pre-op. I lost 10 pounds the first week post-op - zero the other 5 weeks. I lost 10 pounds since my first fill 3 weeks ago.

Get in touch with Lori or Carolyn, the patient coordinators at OCC. Either of them can answer any questions for you - including getting the lap band after previous stomach surgeries. If they dont' answer, leave a voicemail or email - they'll get in touch with you shortly. Lori was my coordinator and I had a zillion questions before committing to the surgery. She was patient, took the time to explain things in detail, and most of all, made me feel comfortable about the decision I was making. She's a bandster too so that helps! Good luck!

I had the same thing - and it was a gas bubble. I tried clam chowder for my creamy soup - just the broth - and it created an entire night of gas! Sorry to be blunt - but I could fart, but not burp - and I really needed to. After several hours - I mean several, I finally had a very weird PB of a gas bubble with about sips of water I took minutes before that come up! Gas X didn't work for me. But after the gas bubble came up - I felt sooo much better!!! Good Luck!!!

I agree with the others - weigh yourself once. Pick a scale and use just that one as your indicator of how you're doing. I too do the pee in the morning, and hop on the scale before I jump in the shower (sounds like a workout all in itself) I don't count pounds lost unless it's for 2 days straight. I count it as a loss on the third day. Why? Because I go up and down, for no reason at all! I have my whole life. So if I choose to weigh myself every day, just to see where I'm at, I at least give myself a break from all the ups and downs. Good Luck

Hanna- Thanks for putting this together. I'd love to do a meetup!! I am currently scheduled for a fluoro fill with Arlington nurses on 6/13. I'll either keep that appt or switch to regular appt and do it July 5th. I can't easily find my port so that's why I was leaning towards the fluoro fill. Either way - I'm excited to try the Arlington clinic.

good point evette! I did the whole glitter star and stats thing early on when i joined the forum - and i've since dropped it all except for the weight loss tracker. the rest really wasn't an honest reflection of my success. yes, i'm losing poinds, but when it's not very many, it doesn't reflect that i've grown out of my belt completely (would have to add more holes), the bumps on my skin went away, and i have more energy and tend to be happier throughout the day now than i was pre-surgery. all traits that dont' show up in the glitter star. i was beating myself up over not being able to lose as many pounds as some others when i realized, i'm benefiting in ways that are not measured in pounds.

I feel for you. I trained for a Danskin women's tri two years ago and gained 2 pounds over the 10 month period! I weighed more after the tri then I did before the tri! So trust me when I say, I've been there. I was told over and over - muscle weighs more than fat. I'm not sure how many times you hear that - but I about had enough. At some point, the fat has to go away. Have you tried to take a break? Do you take a day of rest from the gym? Try yoga or another form of non weight bearing exercise. Do you get enough sleep? Do you drink enough water? Honestly, you're not doing anything wrong - you're probably doing everything to the book - so mix it up. Try something different. Don't give up whatever you do. Keep track of your eating and exercise (I like sparkpeople.com) and bring your information to a nutritionist or a doctor. I had a friend who rode 100 mile bike rides several times a week and she never dropped a pound. She ate healthy and drank plenty of fluids. So she went to a great nutritionist at her gym for $40, and they changed up the time of day she ate certain foods, and consumed protein and she lost 80 pounds like it was water! Seriously, it may just take a simple tweek of one or two things to help get the ball rolling! Hang in there - I know it's hard

Just wanted to add one thing to this reply....there is more simple reason to make healthier food choices is simple. If you can only take in so much, you want to make sure it's food your body and put to good use. For example, when I chose to have a piece of cake last week for lunch - that was a terrible food choice. Not for health reasons - I mean, cmon, 1 piece of chocolate cake in 8 weeks post-op is not going to ruin my weight loss. However, it was all sugar. So for the next two hours I was on a huge sugar high, followed by a very low sugar low. Terrible way to expect my body to continue thru the day. But it was my choice. I'm glad I did it - it was delicious, yummy, and I have no desire for a piece of chocolate cake now. I refuse to diet. I'm not changing how I eat because I got banded. I'm not going to become a vegan, count calories, switch to fat free everything, etc. I'm going to eat what I ate before, because it wasn't all bad - I just ate too much. And that's my choice. I love food - I love to cook with butter, I love to eat steak instead of fish, I love warm syrup on french toast. You get my drift. And these are my choices. I don't have high cholesterol, high BP, or any other factors. I just have a very high BMI that was caused by eating too much. So now I choose to eat less of the good stuff I like. I'm happy - and I'm losing weight!

I was banded 4/4/08 (same as bandgroupie) I chose the lapband because I don't want to count calories, or restrict myself from eating things I enjoy. I want to savor everything I eat. I just don't have to eat as much! I had pizza two nights last week (baseball pizza party). Last Friday for lunch I had a piece of cake with frosting - it was even the end piece!!! That was my entire meal (before the band, that would have been an appetizer!) I had soda two days last week. Bad Bad, but I enjoyed every drop and my craving is gone. I even had a steak and a yummy hamburger!!! Yippee!! I eat half of what I used to...AND I'M LOSING WEIGHT!!! I haven't had to give up anything. Sure, bagels with cream cheese get stuck and it's quite painful, so was the corndog and hot dog I tried last week. Sometimes so do eggs!! But I'm still eating foods I enjoy - and I'm losing weight. Isn't that what it's all about!!! I'm do acknowledge that there are very successful weight loss stories - and the common thread with most of them is control. They are able to control their portions, control their environment, exercise, etc. That's why there are many successful Jenny Craig, Weight Watcher stories. But for myself, I have no control over food - it controls me. Always has. I love food and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I love to eat and enjoy many different things. I dont' want to give that up. And so for me, the lapband will be my tool to help control my portions. That's something I've never been able to do on my own.