dreamhappy07

Thank you for your replies. I have never had a fill with floro and have had good restriction without any problems. I have never thrown up from food getting stuck or bad things like that. I have a local fill doctor that I have seen 3 or 4 times for a fill in the last 3 yrs. and am really happy about how things have gone until now. I cannot figure out that pain. Maybe a gas bubble that is sitting there or something else, but yes, I really should get a complete band checkup with floro for sure. I will keep in touch and let you know what else is happening with me and my band. Judy

I was banded 3 yrs ago May 21st, 2007 and have lost 105 lbs. Much closer to goal weight, but not there still yet. I am happy with how far I have come even though it has been slow going. I needed to come back to the forum and post my concerns about having some sharp pain around my port area. I can feel my port very well and haven't had a fill since around this time last year. I haven't ever heard of anyone having the band for more than 3 yrs., so there is my concern. I started thinking and wondering if it's possible that this may be the expiration date for the band or something. I couldn't even take a complete deep breath at times without having that sharp pain in my port area of my abdomen. I hope someone can tell what it might be. I have heard of some people's bands flipping and have to be put back in it's place and secured. I have never vomited once since having the band and really don't want to lose it now. Thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions you can give me to ease my mind. Judy

> Thank you so much everyone! You all are such great support and a blessing to me with my whining and occasional misery. I thought for sure my band was in danger, but since I can still eat ok when I have a little appettite, then my band must be ok. This morning I woke up with no sign of shoulder pain and passed alot of gas. I hope it stays that way all day. Ohhh yeah, that would be soooo nice. I still have some congestion in my chest(yes doing my breathing exercises), and my throat is almost back to normal. Was very painful from the second day after surgery. Hardly had a voice. Wow Lisa! A 6 hr. surgery! I think I may have died from that one since I felt I almost did after a 4 hr surgery. I had a very severe reaction I think from the anesthesia after waking up in recovery. Probably from almost standing on my head through it and so on. I had severe shakes, chills, high fever, etc. Was awful. I couldn't open my eyes for a long time because it felt like I had sticks or pebbles in them, they hurt so much. I remember clenching my teeth really hard and my mouth hurt for a while after that. I was such a mess, but am getting better now. Whew! Take care all and again thanks so much for you support. > =D> Peace, Judy

Thanks Judy. Nope. That's what I thought too, but passing enough of that. I will call the doc for sure.

Hello all, I just had robotically assisted prolapse surgery 4 days ago and am suffering with severe shoulder pain and sometimes chest pain when sitting in a chair. I was tilted head down for over 4 hours during surgery and so I know alot shifted inside me. I haven't called the doc yet and have just been suffering. I have no appetite(good thing), but do eat my protein to survive. Does anyone have any clue at all if this suffering could be band related? Like maybe the band itself or something shifted and is causing pressure in there or pinching a nerve or something? I just don't know and am feeling so down and sick and in so much pain. Yes, I will call the doctor, but thought I would ask here first just in case. Thanks for any and all replies or suggestions. Peace, Judy

Hello all, I just had robotically assisted prolapse surgery 4 days ago and am suffering with severe shoulder pain and sometimes chest pain when sitting in a chair. I was tilted head down for over 4 hours during surgery and so I know alot shifted inside me. I haven't called the doc yet and have just been suffering. I have no appetite(good thing), but do eat my protein to survive. Does anyone have any clue at all if this suffering could be band related? Like maybe the band itself or something shifted and is causing pressure in there or pinching a nerve or something? I just don't know and am feeling so down and sick and in so much pain. Yes, I will call the doctor, but thought I would ask here first just in case. Thanks for any and all replies or suggestions. Peace, Judy

Hi Blazn, Thanks for the exercise tip with this wheel. Sounds like a great workout. I can't use one unfortunately because of bad knees. I got a weighted hula hoop that I am trying very hard to master right now and still struggling...LOL Good luck on your weight loss journey. Judy

UPDATE #2 Thank you so much for the kind words and support again about my ongoing struggle with my girlie parts. LOL You are all so awesome! > Well, my doc FINALLY called me last friday, the 29th and was really nice and explained everything he has been discussing with his colleagues about how and what way to go with one of the three options to fix my problem. Well, for now we have agreed to go with the robotic surgery that would lift everything up and hold it in place, but will also leave my cervix in place too. Not thrilled about that but it is better all the was around as for recovery time and so on. I was also told that the only hospital that has that available is Good Samaritan which is really strange because I had my hysterectomy with this same doctor at Portland Providence. He has two offices in Providence and Emanuel. I guess that other hospital is more high tech with their surgeries. I was relieved to know where I am headed now and hope all goes well, but the doctor said he may second think this surgery or if I have questions or don't think it's a good way to go or whatever, it could all change. The only reason I wouldn't want it done is because of the hospital. The last time I was in that hospital was to see my dad for the last time before he died two and a half years ago. I have never had any kind of medical stuff for myself ever happen there. I trust them I guess, but it will be very hard for me to step foot in that hospital again, and especially as a patient. I will let you all know when surgery is scheduled and so on. Got a big question though...I really need a 3rd fill and was wondering if I should get it before or after surgery??? Peace and Hugs, Judy

UPDATE! Well, I need surgery, but one is major and the other two are a little less major. Still serious though. Found out my insides(mainly V), are falling and they can't get up without some help. I was a basket case on the day of my appt. and might as well have been because it went as bad as I thought. This was the same doc that did my hysterectomy 6 yrs. ago and I got pretty much a cold greeting from him. Could be that he was running way behind and his patients were waiting so long. One good thing I can say is after my exam he had me come into his office and talk about my options. We must have been talking for at least 15-20 minutes. And he still had patients waiting. I felt bad for the patients, but was glad he didn't rush through everything with me. Ok, so I really don't want any surgery, but it has to be done. Have questions for all of you as to how to protect my band. He doesn't have a clue about the band and how it works, but he does know I have one. I was seriously bummed after the appt. but it wasn't only because of needing surgery, it was because he was the first doc that wasn't impressed with my weight loss. Sure I have a ways to go and have some sagging skin that looks and is in the way down there a bit, but please, I weigh probably over 100 lbs less than 6 years ago. He even mentioned more than once that it would be nice if I lost more weight. Ummm...I have done pretty darn good and am alot lighter, so deal with it. My hyster went great and no probs at all, so shut it! Yeah, ok, I can type that, but should say it to his face. Anywho, he is going to call me by the end of the week(I hope), to talk to me about which way to go, after talking to his colleagues about the best way to do this with minimal time recovery and also removing my cervix at the same time. One or two of the options would not include removal of the cervix, but he knows it needs to be out and knows I want it out. Sorry to ramble on, but wanted to update all and put in some stuff related to my band too. I really hope it stays safe without him messing with it or anywhere near my stomach or port. All in all I feel really bummed because I am getting healthier with the weight loss and it seems like the weight comes off, but the body falls down inside and out. Take care all, Judy

Thank you all for your best wishes and prayers. > I posted on WebMD as well and the nurse there didn't think it had anything to do with weight loss, but possible and especially in overweight people with weak pelvic muscles and having a hysterectomy can cause this to happen as well. Ya, ok...whatever. Makes sense I guess. Peace and hugs to all and I will keep you posted. Judy

Hey all, Just to put it out there for the ladies unless their are men with strong stomachs and understand women's bodies, I discovered something scary going on with my body a week ago. NO, not cancer or a lump. whew! It was a bulge coming out of my vaginal area. I had a partial hysterectomy 6 years ago and at the time I was 39yrs. old and my doc and I agreed to leave my cervix in. Well, a week ago, I discovered that bulge by accident and it really worried me and I KNEW it wasn't my bladder because I still had my cervix. Well, I saw my primary doc and she said it was my cervix that had fallen down. I was so confused and shocked too...not to mention depressed because I knew what this meant. Surgery. I just could not understand why now and how. Someone told me that it's possible that with my weight loss and no muscle tone in that area of the pelvic floor, things just collapsed and there it was. It's probably no wonder that I have had pain in my lower abdomen and cramp type feelings that I have been ignoring thinking it was just gas. LOL Tomorrow afternoon I have an appt. with the doctor that performed my hysterectomy. I am really nervous because I don't want another surgery or at least a major one and also he's a MAN. LOL But he is good at what he does and I will survive, but gonna be so glad when tomorrow is over. Thanks all for letting me share even though it was not pleasant. Other than this I am doing good. Peace, Judy

WELL, I AM A SMOKER ALSO AND STILL AM. I WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE RISKS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR NOT SMOKING BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY. HOWEVER, I DIDN'T SMOKE FOR A FEWS UNTIL AFTER SURGERY AND BACK AT THE HOTEL AND...YES...YOU GUESSED IT...I SMOKED AND HAVE BEEN SMOKING EVER SINCE. I HEALED VERY WELL TOO. SURE IT TOOK A WHILE, BUT I BLAME THAT ON THE DIABETIC SIDE OF ME WHICH IS FADING FAST I MIGHT ADD. PEACE AND BEST WISHES TO ALL! JUDY P.S. I PLAN ON QUITTING SOMEDAY BUT YOU REALLY HAVE TO BE READY TO REALLY WANT TO AND BE SUCCESSFUL AT IT IS MY OWN THINKING.

Thank goodness I have only experienced PB'ing and not throwing up...yet! I have had some pretty bad PB episodes and it is just like you described. Walking around flapping my arms, pounding my chest, and whatever else I can think up to make the food settle down and go through. LOL Hate the sliming and the pain associated with it. It's an absolutely horrible feeling. I got very close to throwing up once, but some really strong brain power helped me not to, but I kinda felt that I may have felt better if I let myself do it. yuck! It usually happens when I get too hungry and eat too fast, not chewing enough like the food tastes so good. Really need to stop doing that. It has also happened if I have been relaxing too deep watching tv or something and nearly dozing off, then a while later I get up and take a bite of something and BOOM! gets stuck. I usually get really mad when that happens because it doesn't make sense to me. Someday I will learn to listen to my body better during those times when it could happen again. Take care, Judy

WOW Michelle! You look absolutely FABULOUS!!! Amazing how you are losing so fast and in all the right places. Unlike me, I am holding onto scar tissue in my upper abdomen from past surgeries. bummer. Need a 3rd fill desperately too. Keep it up babe! You are a super inspiration to us all. Peace and hugs, Judy

Hun, I was there where you are too. We have all been there. I sat crying one day about 7 or 8 days out and felt so depressed and hungry so bad. I wrote a note here and got sooooooo much support. Then I remembered I was allowed to start having protein shakes and I was giddy with joy because it helped so much. Sure, I was still hungry at times, but I was bound and determined to make it and make my band keep me in line and going. I put alot of money into this band and the whole wonderful experience and I was darn sure we were going to work together and get through the hard times. I know it was in no way a good thing for you to eat this soon. The temptation is always there, but one thing that nobody should get used to is something I learned that got me through alot of grief and desperation for wanting to eat, was when you get super hungry, then take a bite of whatever and chew it up, but be close to a garbage can becaue you can chew whatever it is up really good, then SPIT IT OUT! That should give you some relief and satisfy your hunger for a bit. But remember to not get used to it. Walk as much as you can and keep busy. Also, the more protein you take in should curb your hunger too. Hope at least some of this helps. Remember you have alot of support here and you will make it. Peace and hugs, Judy

Hey all, I finally posted a new pic for my avatar and just wanted to clear something up. The pic is from my 46th birthday last month and yes, that is a delectable chocolate lover's cake from Costco. However, I did not eat much of it. Not because it wouldn't go down, but because it was so incredibly rich, I couldn't eat but a couple bites at a time. I did have a small slice on my b-day, but couldn't eat hardly any of it. At one point, like a week later, I tried to have another thin slice and believe it or not, it started getting stuck after the third small bite. My band was disciplining me and wouldn't let me indulge. I have done that in the past because of stress and whatever reasons. So, most of the cake was given away to co-workers and family members. LOL Peace, Judy

February or March would be great! Especially February because the fares would be cheaper too! Probably in March also, but by the time in March I could get off work, spring break would be running amok, so not a good time there. Too bad it wasn't Vegas. Oh well. San Diego is cool too! Peace, Judy

WOW! That is so cool Lisa! Thank you! It said I need between 75-83 grams of protein a day. Yikes! Well, good to know then. I thought I was only supposed to have like 30-60. No wonder my weight loss has come to a screeching halt. LOL Judy

I have read alot about Isopure and on the GNC website, it's like $120.00. GULP! At drugstore.com it's $90.00. This is for the big can of it to last. But, I am a big fan of Ebay and won a big can of the Isopure dutch chocolate for $47.00, including shipping. I was very happy about that. They have alot of auctions for the different flavors. Hope I like it enough to get my protein in like I should. Also, need a 3rd fill badly too. Good luck! Judy

Sounds yummy except for the pineapples...they make me retain water badly. Maybe try another fruit? Thanks! Judy

Lisa, I also read about the protein getting your metabolism charged when you are stalled in weight loss. I still have restriction but not losing and when the restriction is the lowest, I make bad food choices sometimes and other times, I am struggling with just eating too much at once or too fast. Sometimes I get into trouble(sliming, etc.), but most times I stop myself in time when I know I have eaten too much. When you say you are tight so you just have a protein shake in the morning, I was wondering if you have the VG band and what level you are at? I know for a hard fact I need to increase my protein intake and if that means drinking a shake in the mornings, then so be it! Where can you get Isopure? Is it in like GNC stores or online? I like mixing any protein powders with lowfat milk. It seems to taste better and is more filling. Congrats on your great success! Judy

WOW! I didn't think ladies wore girdles anymore unless you were little old ladies...LOL I never wore one except when my German grandmother visited when I was a teenage and convinced my mom to make me wear won. ugh! As long as I wear the right size undies, I am just good to go! I know TMI! Time to burn them all! Peace, Judy

For those of you and especially Dolittle, I mentioned getting an aggressive fill when I go for my 3rd one at the chat night Monday. I am not sure what kind of aggressive would be, but I am at 4.7cc in a VG band and I believe it holds up to 10cc. I would like to be at 7cc, but maybe that is too aggressive. I still have some restriction, but I only notice it at certain times of day when I am not active. Maybe 6.5cc? Dolittle warned me about being careful and I will not suffer through any misery and will get an unfill if necessary. I would never want to endanger myself or my band. So, if anyone here other than Dolittle(please feel free to chime in as well), that has had an aggressive fill or suggestions or advice about getting one or having one, please reply. It would be greatly appreciated. I hope to get it by the end of the month. Thanks and hope all are having a great week! Peace, Judy

WELCOME TO BANDLAND! YOU WILL FEEL BETTER SOON. JUST REMEMBER TO WALK WALK WALK WALK, AND DID I SAY WALK!!! IT HELPS ALOT. TRUST ME. I WALKED ALOT THE DAY BEFORE AND THE NIGHT OF AND THE DAY AFTER BANDING! HAD AWESOME PEOPLE WITH ME TO WALK WITH AND NEVER HAD A PAIN FROM GAS OR ANYTHING...WELL A LITTLE SORENESS AROUND THE PORT, BUT EVERYONE HAS THAT SINCE THAT IS THE BIGGEST INCISION. TAKE CARE AND KEEP IN TOUCH! JUDY

Anytime in Springtime would be wonderful, but has to be the third week or last week of the month please. Before that I am needed to be chained to my desk at work for monthly reports, etc. LOL Thanks and hope to hear the verdict soon so I can start savin'! Getting excited! Peace and hugs to all! Judy