AngieB

Many of us connect on facebook now.

Robbyn I am over here and seen your post. I didn't want you to feel alone or like no one was replying so I am posting to you.

I love ya girl and take care of you. Stress will do it for ya! Plan and be prepaired! Love you love your band!

Hello ladies! I am newly pregnant and my Bariatric Aftercare's policy is to do a complete unfill.

I have spoke to my PC and my Perinatologist didn't voice her opinion the last time we spoke.

My band has restriction but I am far from tight. I've let the maintenance on my band drop because we knew we were going to be conceiving.

I am hopeful that I will sail through with no band related issues. Also I have not had any morning sickness so mo pressure on the band this far! Yay!

Yay for babies!

Congradulations Travis! I think your girlfriend is hot! Looks like you are living the life!

Well I felt like I had no restriction for some time now, so I finally went for a fill, to my surprise (or was it?) Dr. So say's "no I think you need an unfill" your band has stretched so you can eat more..... we have to unfill and hope it goes back, with watching what you eat for 7 weeks. Ok I am really nervous here guys, any help? Has anyone heard of this happening? Come on give it to me good or bad please. Thanks guys, Janine

Janine - There have been people here who have had an enlarged stoma. Some will go back into shape, others slip the band eventually. After you have stretched your stoma, it is easier to do it again. Not trying to tell you info that is negative, just what I have read on boards or watched on vlogs of bandsters.

What is awesome, is that you know about it and can do what it takes to take care of the stoma and band. ((BIG hugs))) How is it going on being unfilled? Did he ask you to do liquids for a long period of time?

Thanks Angie! She's doing great now! How are solids going? How much total fill do you have now?

Glad to hear she is better. That is really good news!

I have no idea how much I have in Would I like to know....sure. But what is more important to me is that I have restriction and I am happy to say I do.

During all of this, I have sure learned a lot about myself, the band and restriction.

I am not able to eat a great deal of hard protein at a setting. I'd say hard protein 1/4 cup with a little bit of veggies.

I don't feel restriction when I drink in the mornings. I've had that feeling a time or two during my monthly cycle.

What this did do for me was set me back in research mode for information on self fills and supplies. I've found out a good amount of information. As of now, I have no intention on acting on the self fill though, but the topic was sure interesting during this 'uncomfortable time" with my aftercare. I am glad to have a good aftercare that is affordable, however I know if I was in a desperate situation I just might dig more.

I have a nurse friend who I've talked to and feel like if I had to I could do it. It is interesting what thoughts come across your mind when you are frusterated with medical care! Ha!

Now to pay off this lab bill. Wow!

Angie

So just a curiousity, what will I be able to eat after my 3 weeks are up. I see no mushy foods, but also remember it saying no mushy in the blender. Now is it ok to eat mashed potatoes and like macaroni & cheese and noodle soups, I guess im not getting the what I can eat after this liquid diet, can someone please help me out thsnk you...

After you 3 weeks are up, I would recommend an easier meal. Something like eggs, or cottage cheese, tomato pie ect. Maybe a crock pot something or other that has been cooked to softness. Get a feel for your band and how you will be eating or chewing. After that you can move on to the harder or solid proteins.

Go easy and work your way up. Best advise I can give ya. Eat slowly, chew your food well. 30 bites....swallow....put your fork or spoon down. Measure your portion, at a cup. Stop when you feel satified not stuffed.

Let us know what you decide on!

Good fortune to you!

Angie

Hi my name is Janet, I was banded on Aug.9th and wanted to know how long does the swelling last. My stomach is bigger now then when I went in for surgery, and the food cravings are very hard. i am so hungry all the time, I dont know what else to do. I have my drinkable yogurt now and just started on creamy soups yesterday, but I feel like this isnt working. The only thing I cheated on was my coffee, I had to have a white choc mocha cuz my headache was to intense and regular coffee just wasnt doing it for me, but nothing happend and i was fine, but i did feel bad lol. Any suggestions on how to make my stomach stop being so hungry and also the swelling thank you I appreciate it.

Are you taking a fiber suppliment at 10 ish and 2 ish? Dr. M recommended it and it does help with hunger pangs. Also, your hunger...is your tummy rumbling? I fought and still fight head hunger. Those are 2 very different hungers.

I have also found that warmth seems to help/sooth/trick my tummy into feeling satisfied.

Glad you got feedback. Let us know what happens, good luck!

I'm glad you got things worked out! But it totally sucks about all the money you are out!!!! I guess chalk it up to a lesson learned like I did. I paid $450 for a fill that put nothing in my band back in May - very frustrating!

Thanks, it does sting a bit. It is an expensive lesson, but one that I hope I will not make again. It wouldn't have been as painful if I had not called to verify how the Dr.'s office handled the labs ect. Oh well. I am greatful to have an excellent aftercare provider supper close and convienent so it makes it an easier pill to swallow.

So glad you daughter is okay, that would have had me so upset. Seeing our kiddos sick is not fun and when it is sick to the extent of a hospital visit....YIKES!

I go on solids today and I am eager to feel what my pouch size will be.

Talk to you soon!

Angie

4 years is very impressive! Your success is amazing!

I had my fill appointment yesterday and had a chance to talk about the fill gone bad and the treatment I received from a nurse who I had a few "uncomfortable" conversations with. I was pleased at how professional the visit went. Thank heavens! I was doing my best to not think about it and not be to anxious.

They will be waiving the fee for 3 office visits billed at $75.00 a piece.

1. the fill gone bad (Friday) 7/6/10

2. the fill apt the following (Monday) 7/9/10

3. yesterdays fill and consult 8/14/10

I will be paying for the radiology fees and for the lab work that was a complete miscomunication. Hubby and I will be forking out nearly a grand. Yuck!

I was grateful to be heard and to be able to communicate with someone who was not trying to talk over me, take the error personally, or treat me poorly.

I will remain a patient at the UNMC as I feel like they did a stellar job in resolving the miscommunication. Which makes me feel a great sense of relief. I had called around and had a new round of quotes after the ordeal with the nurse and was not looking forward to a new buy in at the next best place.

The good news is, I will be working with a new nurse and that sets my mind at ease too. No more ackward conversations!

The PA asked that I make a follow up visit 2 months out. I still feel uncomfortable, however I will follow her instruction. Time heals all wounds right?

Now.....during this process, I also spent a good amount of time doing research on self fills again. This is the second time I have dug around for information on the internet, spoken to some of the people who have done and currently do there own self fills. I am amazed that so many bandsters do this. I can understand a nurse doing it as they have background. The rest of us....we have much more to learn.

At anyrate, I am happy to be able to get exceptional care and grateful for the outcome. I feel positive that I will have a level of restriction I can feel and that will limit my portion sizes to a cup of food again. *Fingers crossed*

After I finish the liquids and start on solids again I will let you know how it goes.

I have been plateau'd for about a month now. really frustrated.. but have been sticking with it. ~1000 calories a day, min. 70g protein, working out 3-4 times a week, running pilates cardio abs etc. ive been fighting not to gain. how the hell do you gain weight w only consuming 1000 calories?

last night, my family decided on pizza, we got an extra large pizza w the works, i had two slices, and so did everyone else.

if i could eat 2 slices, the same as my sis, her husband, and my 16 and 21 year old cousins, doesnt that mean I am able to eat too much? The bread posed no problem and I felt full after but not painfully full...

Im aware that pizza was a bad choice, but i havent had pizza in six months and I suppose I dont want to hear a lecture on the poor food choice as I have been making excellent choices for the past six mo., but would love your honest opinion on whether or not you think its time for a fill.

I say go get a fill.

some people folow the rule that if you plateau, you should get a fill. some gage it based on how much they are able to eat. im experiencing both, plateau and able to eat as much as unbanded.

what has been your experience?

Stormy - I am with Kim, sounds like you are depressed. Take a moment and re-read your post. You have a base level of restriciton. Work with it and work that band. Dig in and start digging out! A fill will not fix what is wrong/broke. If times are tough - wait it out.

Girl I know you are aware of you tube vids. Watch some of those gals and do there routine in lue of going to class. Make due.

Get out and enjoy the weather. I go for a walk over my lunch hour, work up a sweat and raise my heart rate. Feels good and you get to see what is happening around you. Fresh air sunshine! Grab your son and dog and go to the park. Change your view.

Hang in there! Hope to see if anyone else has a suggestion for you.

Angie

thanks angie! did u have ur next fill yet?

Nope, they called Friday and canceled on me. Nice.....can you detect a bit of ..... needless to say, I am becoming more dissappointed and upset. I understand the world doesn't revolve around me, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. Over all, I wish they would be more understanding. They make a mistake and I feel like they are doing very little to show they care much. I was pretty upset over the phone conversation I had with the RN Case manager on Friday. It was unpleasant to say the least.

I go into more detail, but that would have to be a phone conversation.....just to much typing involved. I am focusing on be more zen over the subject, but to be honest I feel more crazy white bitch about it at the moment.

My "new" appointment will be the 16th at 1:15. Which is a overbooked day so I will be setting at the hospital ALL AFTERNOON. I know in my heart I need to be appreciative but I really have a hard time saying in that mindset.

Thanks for asking.

hi sabrina, how are you doing since port revision? feeling back to normal yet? hope youre doing well ~ cottage cheese has been my friend this weekend, that and a protein drink for brekkie and pureed chicken-and-white-bean chili for dinner. ive been sipping here and there on soymilk too. im back on solids today and feeling okay.

Glad to hear your swelling is down and you are getting back to normal.

Water is NOT weight =

Water retention is not weight gain.

As a medical 'trained' professional, you'd understand the very clear difference.

Hey Lindsay - So are you saying water weight is temporary and our bodies will expell it. Basicly it is not a true account for your actual weight?

I know I have seen a jump in the scale after a chips and salsa night or something like that.

Hi all, It's been a couple of months since I posted. I just need a boost. I have been very busy the last two months and have been eating the way I am suppose to and also sliding into some old habits. I gained 3lbs on vacation and my wife is harping on me about all the money and I'm not serious and "she" should never agreed to this. She also says I should workout every day not three times a week. It is frustrating especially coming from her because she does not workout and is always tired when I ask her to walk with me. It was hard to eat out as I have been cooking my own meals since being banded and could not stay in my normal routine. So I guess I will just get on here when I need a boost or some support. I had a small fill in June (2.6cc) and am going to OCC on the 27th for another. It is so easy to follow all the rules when you feel restriction, and cook all of your own meals. Any suggestions? I do not want to go back to food is my friend and always supports me. Sorry for the rant I thought losing 63lbs in 3 and a half months was pretty good. TC RCR

Hey Kevin! I was thinking of you recently, so I am thrilled to see you post. Listen, I have not changed over night. I know some other bandsters who have taken the bull by the horns and done a 180. I aplaude them, as my change has been slow and steady. I've come to realize I have an attachment to food that is much stronger than I had originally thought. So, I am a work in progress. My hubby, who by the way is naturally a thin person and does not speak my food language can not even understand my food thought process.

Jim, my hubby has been dissappointed in my weightloss success and it is hard for him to see the positive growth and changes I am and have been making. So in many aspects I understand the lack of support you are talking about.

Bottom line is I am amazed at the changes I have made in my life. Even though I still am emotionally connected to food, that has been changing and I am very proud of myself. For example, I was at Costco this weekend. I stood and gazed at a large cheese cake. Thinking about purchasing it. Guess what....I walked away, cheese cake NOT IN HAND. That my friend is huge for me. To some, it sounds like....what is the big deal. To me, it is a huge sign of growth. Before if I had some food item in my brain. I would not have walked away. I would have enduldged and at the damn thing in like a few days time.....waking up at night to eat it as well.

So, to me I measure my progess by those victories. You know you are rocking the band. I mean come on Kevin, you have lost 60 some odd lbs in a three month period. When has that happened for you before??? Oh and let me tell ya, I have been on vacations where I have packed on 10 lbs easy......can you say CRUISE!!! So a gain of 3 would be a victory for me.

This past Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years. I maintained my weight and even lost!!!!!!!!! Are you serious!!! YES! Before I would have avoided the scale all togther to soften the blow of the weight gain reality. So let me tell you my friend. You are a success and one that you should be proud of. We often don't change over night. But we do make changes. Look at all the positive changes you have made! Hang on to those thoughts and push the others away.

Sorry to ramble on and on. I am here for you to celebrate all the small success. Other people will be too. Sometimes the loved ones are slower to come around. Hubby took a picture of me this weekend and said, wow baby you are looking skinny in this photo. I am over a year out. That was one of the coolest things he could have said. Why....because he does not see my weight loss or inches diminish. I am okay with it. Does it sting...yeah sometimes, but I can see where he is coming from. When he sees me binge and make poor food choices it bums him out. I can understand that too.

Anyway....I am proud of you. You have support and so do I. (even if we would like to have it from certian people, they will come around.)

Good to see you post!

Angie

This is my opinion....and you know what they say about opinions......LOL At any rate. If you still have the feeling in your throat no matter howsmall, I would stick to liquids or mushies at the very least. From what I understand from the information you have shared, you are now at a level of restriction that is in the "don't mess around zone." Swelling and inflimation our enemies to us banders. Take good care of your band. Don't push it with a solid meal. Let all the swelling go down and then begin again. That is my two cents. Hope it helps.

thanks. i did liquids all day wed and thrs except for dinner where I ate mushies, only bc i was absolutely starving! how the hell did i manage 21 days of liquids?! i was dying after one day! today im starving and still feel a tiny twinge of the pill-in-throat feeling. im going to eat a solid breakfast and hope it helps.

work has been incredibly stressful this week, leaving me feeling irritable and unrested, morose. and ive gained one pound in the past week as well. im so damn frustrated. is it possible all this frustration and stress is making things worse with my band?

So here I am at the OCC. I was banded this morning at about 0930. I am up and feeling good (not great yet).

I feel like I ate too much at an all you can eat buffett and then got punched in the stomach.

Being up walking is definately helping a lot.

I just want to eat popscicles non stop.

So far everthing has gone very smoothly....

Except the driver was delayed at the boarder and was 2hrs late picking us up at the airport so then they told us that even though I had been fasting all day (NO COFFEE!!!!) they would not take us the the clinic for our pre-sugical work up.

I was worried this would delay the surgery in the morning but had no effect on that at all, I was the first to go back with the good doctors.

Took a nice nap and woke up back in my room.

Great team and Great experience so far!

Hey Erin - I totally get the emotions of not getting the pre-op done....especially when you are not exactly sure of what to expect. I went first too the day I had surgery and it was awesome! I fasted too and was starved by 3:00 in the afternoon....that is when we sat down for our meal.

Keep us posted on your recovery!

LIndsay I need a revision because my port has ripped free on the bottom side and is facing up and virtually the only way to get a fill or unfill is from an angle that comes up directly from my nose down its mostly uncomfortable to be filled that way and when I sleep (tummy and side sleeper) I feel the port like an apple under my tummy.

Angie its just so upsetting, I dont want more scars and It is another general anasthetic, Im really scared. I know it probably will all be okay but it still scares me. I will try to talk to him tomorrow over the phone but this guy shits me because he is always too busy to talk to his patients in one way unless it is in a consult which takes months to get. Thanks for your nice message. x

I understand not wanting more scars and I am not planning on being a bikini mamma..... : )

Let us know if you get to talk to the doc. Oh and don't forget to let us know what you decide. I am thinking of you!

((HUGS))

Hi Mike - I did option 2. It was 2 shakes and a lean meal. I struggled with sticking to the diet. In the end, I lost my required weight, but it was not a breeze.

I am not trying to be a downer, but it is the truth. I have struggled with my connection with food.....I knew I was emotionally connected, but to the extent I found I was....well it was a real eye opener.

You will do fine, put your best foot forward. Remember you have the rest of your life to eat.

Keep posting.....it really helps.

Hello Friends

I am mike john from USA

I am new to this forum...

thanks i did it .

i talked to carolyn and she scheduled me for 8/2 .

i have to get a loan passport and flight.

This is alot to do in such short amount of time.

Does anyone have suggestions on which prep diet worked best

Have a Nice Day.

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Well, I had my colonoscopy yesterday and it's either Crohn's or Colitis. Should know more on Friday!

I must say the prep for the colonoscopy w/ clear liquids the day before was the worst part - you'd think I'd be used to it by now with the liquid phases we have to go through w/ the band!

Sorry to hear that. Not sure which one to hope for Crohns or Colitis.....

Hi everyone,

I have not been here ages! Hope you are all well and happy and slimming down and loving life!

I had my lapband put in I think it was 2008 on Valentines day actually, and 1 year later in 09 i was told i needed a revision, so went on the waiting list (Public).

I got a call today and they want to do it next week (i forgot i needed it).

Guys I need your help! Please...

Do i 'need' this? Is it 'Vital' what are the benefits and cons? ATM they can access my port well one skillfull dr always does it perfectly. What happens if i just don't have the revision? Can a tilted port damage me or damage my band or anything?

They want me to undergo General anesthetic for this revision and you know this scares EVERYONE in their right mind. The scarring sucks we all know it does suck and will it leave me with MORE scarring? Will it need revision... again one day?

Im in two minds I really need your support right now ... I haven't been losing weight really im stuck at 90 kilos which is only 10 kilos down from my postop weight and my band is at its perfect level.

I feel like I need someone to sing me happy songs that it's going to be okay... anyone?

xoxoxo Thank you and I don't mean to sound negative. xx

I'd say if you are able to access your port, and are that freaked, don't do it.

If it were me, I would pry do the port revision. But I would want my port secured.

Really I think it is up to you. Ask your Dr. what they think.

i take an adults multivitamin but it does not include zinc or iron. ill see if i can change it up or find ways to increase via diet instead. i hate seeing a huuuuuuuuge mound of hair in the drain after every single shower.

Oh yeah, I totally remember the mega hairloss. Hubby had to snake the shower twice. I couldn't believe the amount of hair.....I was sooo thankful when it stopped!

Now, I have normal range hair molting....

Our bodies adjust!