nothereanymore

As long as you could feel it go down and then later (after an hour) you can drink - you're most likely fine. The best thing to do when you get something stuck is to stop eating - give yourself a break and don't eat or drink anything to add pressure on top. It normally will work its way down, just as yours did. I will walk about to get things down, for me it helps to get moving. Take care! Lisa

Carla, sometimes our "full" feeling - feels like its in our throat - do you feel this after eating or is it with you at all times?

I can still burp - its different now - I think since the band if over our stomach and that's were we generally burp from... that could be causing the problem. I wonder since I emptied much of my band is why I can burp better.

Here's the suggested Calcium Intake and then what you can eat to reach your daily needs. I reach my max between my latte, my protein shake and my daily yogurt. Add in my veggies and fish and most of the time I'm over 1000 milligrams per day. Ages Milligrams Women 19 to 50 years 1,000* 51 years and older 1,200* Pregnant/lactating 1,200 Postmenopausal; on estrogen 1,200 Postmenopausal; not on estrogen 1,500 Men 19 to 50 years 1,000* 51 years and older 1,200* (One thing I'm adding on - based on some new studies, men should try and "eat" their calcium - not take calcium pills) Food Serving Calcium (mg) Milk (skim) 8 oz 306 Milk (low-fat, 1%) 8 oz 290 Milk (whole) 8 oz 276 Nonfat yogurt 8 oz 452 Low-fat yogurt 8 oz 415 Frozen yogurt ½ cup 103 Goat cheese (hard) 1 oz 254 Part-skim mozzarella 1 oz 207 Cheddar cheese 1 oz 204 Low-fat cottage cheese 1 cup 155 Feta cheese 1 oz 140 Sardines with bones 3 oz 325 Canned salmon 3 oz 181 Collards 1 cup 357 Turnip greens 1 cup 249 Okra (cooked) 1 cup 176 Spinach 1 cup 291 And Shelby is right on, the best way to tell if your needs are being met is to take a close look at yourself, how do you feel, how does your skin look, your nails and hair. We all have those days when we look at ourselves and we’re glowing, our hair is shiny, are nails are good and we feel awesome and have great energy. Then we have those days when we look dull, our nails are cracking and our hair is breaking or falling out, we don’t feel great and can barely get out of bed. The way we feel and look may have something to do with how our body is reacting to what we put in it. Food is our fuel – we’re like a car – we will run better if we give our bodies better fuel and what it needs. Most Doctors will tell you that they’d rather you eat your vitamins instead of take them in pills. But its harder for us to get everything our bodies need since we eat less than most. So take a look at yourself – see how you feel and how you look. If everything is running great you may be getting enough supplements with your diet. If not, you may need to add on. Whatever you end up taking remember it takes up to 90 days to truly see and feel a change so give it time and try to be consistent. All the best, I can't believe its almost Christmas Eve!! Lisa

From my understanding, it really is personal based on your needs. I used a protein calculator to help me understand how much I needed each day: http://www.healthcalculators.org/calculators/protein.asp I then chose my protein based on my protein needs and product. When I first started I used Perfect Isopure Low Carb Isopure, Dutch Chocolate. Only 220 calories and 50 grams of protein per serving. (I mixed it with fat free milk/water and brought it up to 300 calories and 58 grams of protein) It was the highest calories I would get in the day. Also I was working out so I needed it to keep my weight loss moving. Since I don’t need as much protein now I buy the single serving box protein Premier at Costco. Personally I’m a little bit different to most, I can tell that Jude takes vitamins based on her personal needs and preference – that’s how I am as well. I spread my vitamins throughout the day and I try to “eat” as many as possible. (I hate calcium pills so I work my tail off to eat enough between yogurt and milk) To understand what vitamins I need I take Dr. Weil’s questionnaire. https://www.drweil.com/vitamin_advisor?aid=...;aparam=gateway You don’t have to buy from here – but it’s a great way to understand what vitamins you need based on the answers to the questionnaire. Just print it and go shopping, online for price comparison. (It really is a good one and he truly cares about it, and doesn’t care if you buy from him, he just wants people to be healthy) Its based on the latest studies and changes often based on new findings. (When I'm shopping online, for example I just put Perfect Isopure Low Carb Isopure in search and start shopping). However one note - if your the type of person that needs to just take one pill or you wont take anything - just grab a good multivitamin that is once per day. There's so many out there - take a look at the ingredients and see if you can find one that matches your recommendation. All the best and good luck, Lisa

It’s totally normal, and I promise its most likely harder for you than when I had to deal with it since you’re surrounded by the Holidays, all the past emotions to deal with and normally how do we make ourselves happy during the holidays?? We eat – and guess what you’re not suppose to do since you just received this amazing gift that’s going to change your life?? Eat. (or 1/3 less and not drink at the same time) You are in bandstar hell, its not fun – its hard and on top of that it’s the Holidays, emotions are high, we are happy, sad, stressed – see commercials taunting us with food – and we would normally be eating merrily away and gaining more weight and getting less healthy and looking like big rolly polly snowmen’s. You have to stop all of that and put it in your back pocket – here’s the deal, I can make you a promise and I know it can come true since you have to lose the same amount of weight that I did. By next Christmas you’re going to be in a size that is most likely going to be a single digit. (If you keep to your program and throw in a little bit of exercise) You’re going to be able to go to a store and pick out the cutest dress and its going to look amazing. (And you’ll be so much healthier). Also, you are breaking old habits that took you years to build up – it takes about 3 months to build a new habit, you’re almost halfway there. Just put everything out of reach – out of your mind and go out shopping or exercising, dancing in your bedroom or something – keep your mind off of food. I promise you it will get better. OK, we’re in the NW, dealing with snow and drifts up to 3 feet deep in my neighborhood. I’ve been up working from home since 5:00 AM this morning keeping things going. Time to dive back in!! All the best, Lisa

No, we can’t drink during meals and for an hour after the meal. (In addition some don’t drink up to 30 minutes before the meal). The reasons, it may push your food through your band so you won’t feel as full as long. Or it may sit on top of your food and stretch your pouch and cause other problems. (You’ll hear about people PBing due to stacking food and liquids) Not good. It’s not that hard once you get in the habit of drinking throughout the day to insure you are hydrated – you don’t need drinks with meals or after. I remove all liquids when eating, I do what Shelby says, and if I get something hot I’ll suck on a piece of ice. (I hardly have to do that now) We all have our moments when we mess up – trust me I’ve had plenty and I don’t know anyone personally who hasn’t – yet.. It’s a learning for all of us. This really is a true lifestyle change, however the benefits out way the negatives. I’m not sick anymore – my knees don’t hurt – I can walk or run up the stairs - I am unrecognizable to everyone and even family members if you haven’t seen me during my weight loss. Lossing 130 pounds has given me back my freedom and a lifestyle that I never thought I could have. If you’re thinking about it – I’d say go for it. I was morbidly obese with a BMI of 45, I now have a BMI of 23.4. It’s life changing. I wish I did this years ago, so my only regret is that I waited too long. (I've had several PS to correct issues since I'm older and was so heavy). I don't think I would have needed these if I had this at a younger age when I didn't weigh as much.

I haven’t dealt with it with the band, but I think I know what you’re dealing with – the same thing happened to me when I was pregnant. I couldn’t eat much for months and mainly lived on IVs due to a condition I have and it played havoc on my teeth. I lost several (they hurt all the time) and the cost is horrible to repair that type of damage, the time spent with your mouth open isn't exactly fun either. The first of the year is just over a week away. I’m hoping you’re good – I hate dealing with dental issues. I’m now psychotic about getting my protein, calcium and vitamins and I have a special rinse that my dentist gave me that's suppose to help keep my teeth strong. Here's another thing we have to be careful about: The hygienist who cleans my teeth asked how I was losing weight and when I told her I had the band she was really surprised. She has another pt that has a band and her teeth were damaged do to PBing. She thought that was part of having the band – I explained that was part of having too tight of a band, or not chewing enough or eating too fast or too much. I hate to PB and it’s another good reason not to do it. I hope everything turns out alright for you! Best, Lisa

Step one - try and get the bad food out of your house. I would just say "thank you so much, I'm certainly going to enjoy this" and then bring it down to the local food bank. You have got to stop drinking while eating. You are jeopardizing your health, the band and the success of the program. (Especially with a new band - you've got to be extra careful) I understand being sick and needing to go back on liquids, but add in eating and you’re putting yourself in a situation where you can stretch your pouch or slip your band. Just because you don’t’ feel the restriction – doesn’t mean its not there. Also its important to note, the first fill will do nothing for you if you do the same thing you are doing now. We all have those moments – we have got to fight them with every ounce of will power we have. I know you’re confessing and most likely have given yourself a big mental beating as well. However the old bandsters have seen people do harm to themselves and it’s never a good thing. The least harmful thing you can do is fail, and I know many who have. We know the rules, we made a commitment and we need to follow them. It isn't always popular to lay the rules down, all I would say is wait till someone has to go see Dr. Ortiz if they did something silly and jeopardize their band - that’s never pretty. Take care, be strong and you’ll make it through this. Best, Lisa Add in - make sure you go to the doctor’s corner and read Dr. Ortiz's statements for success and watch his videos. They always get me back on track when I fall off the band wagon. http://www.lapbandforum.com/index.php?showtopic=6556

Hello, Just one more suggestion. There’s also something thicker that they can put in the band if you have a slow leak that will hold the fill longer. I don’t know what it is, but I know it’s worked for others who had slow leaks. I’d check that out first to see if it holds before a new surgery. Make sure you ask your doctor about it. All the best and sorry for this! Lisa

Leahs Mom. Do you have a fever? I just want to make sure we're not dealing with something different here. You could have the flu thats going around - but you also might want to check in with the doctors at the OCC just in case and if it persists. I do use the store anti nausea medication - I use the chewable tablets called Nauzene, and I also have one that is liquid that my doctor prescribed. Take care, I hope you feel better soon! Lisa

I know someone who had a slipped band and the first sign was getting a fast bad case of reflux at night. It got worse, she was in pain when eating and couldn’t keep anything down. Its perfectly normal to worry a lot at first, its something I still do from time to time and its been over two years since I received my band. (But at first it was constant - with many of my aches and pains I thought I'd done something to my band) Very few of us slip our bands, during my time it was the chicken lady (she ate a piece of chicken during the first 2 weeks) and someone who ate granola or something like that. Dr. Ortiz is known for putting his bands in good and we have very few complications. Take care, I'm sure you're just feeling the normal complications of surgery! And one other note, it always seems that those that get their bands during the Holidays always wear themselves out and take longer to heal - with everything else - you're getting ready for the Holidays and all that to deal with on top of having surgery! So try and take it easy, give yourself a day of rest here and there! Best, Lisa

Sabrina, This is such a hard one - I really stayed away from heavy lifting for the first 30 days. (Nothing heavier than a can of soup). I’m a little bit worried that you’re doing too much, too fast – but understand your position. I’d try getting them to bed earlier before they fall asleep, and if possible waking them up and having them walk in. (I know how hard this is – I raised 3 boys and I’m practically asking you to do the impossible) but it’s a better outcome that doing damage to your surgery. I'm sure you haven't done anything yet - you'd know it, but there's still always a chance if you don't give yourself time to heal. I’m sure someone else will come on with better ideas that are more practical – I’m just feeling your pain! Take care! Lisa

Julie, I am so proud of you – CONGRADULATIONS!! You deserve this, you have worked so hard and you’ve always been such a positive support for everyone on this board. You’ll hit your goal before you know it! All of a sudden you’re just done… I can’t wait for that day for you!! Make sure to take a new picture soon and post it! I can’t wait to see it!! (Or get your hubby to fast please) Keep it up – you’re on the home stretch!! And one important note, you’re right - we're not in a race - no one wins a prize for a greater or faster weight loss. This is a journey for each of us to a better and healthier lifestyle and we'll each do it our own way! I'm just sooo happy for you!! Lisa

One thing that’s really important is to try and never throw up. Especially with a new band – now many have gotten the flu/cold and gotten sick and are fine, so don’t’ worry too much but be careful I always have anti nausea medication with me – in addition I’m really good at getting my flu shot (and its not to late for all of you out there) as well as having anti bacteria hand wash with me at all times. If you do get sick, go on liquids for a few days, even with a cold the draining down your throat can cause swelling. And if you throw up – for sure put yourself on liquids. You can cause swelling and you need to take it easy for a few days. I generally have cans of chicken soup around, keep some good juice and tea, as well as some protein water on hand this time of the year. Take care of yourself – try to get plenty of rest! Hope you feel better soon! Lisa

Congrats to both you and your wife - how cool that you could both go on this journey together! It will be so nice to have that support and balance to help you both succeed! Glad to hear everything went well and you and your Mrs. is on the way to a thinner healthier lifestyle in 2009! All the best! Lisa

Michelle, I have to say you are looking amazing (all of you girls are actually)! I keep up with how you’re doing on your website and I’m glad to hear the personal training is working out for you. Your hard work is really showing. All the best and I hate to plan anything – but I’m always happy to be told what to do if you need help. (I’m still hoping for LV, though I love SD - I would love to party in Vegas with the girls)...... Hope things get better for you! Best, Lisa

You did great, it’s always hard at first - and honestly it will be for a while - you're learning to use a new tool, one that is really personal to you. Which can make it hard because we all experience the band a little bit differently. I would recommend trying to eat your protein first, it’s the most important part of our meal and what we need to really get down – try steaming the chicken or you might want to eat some soft fish at first. It can be easier to get down – (but remember – its suppose to be a little bit harder to get it down, we need to chew it 30 times and it actually is what fills us up). Part of learning how to use our band is learning to eat the protein. Many of us have problems eating in the morning. When I was first starting out I would get egg white beaters, just add a little bit to a pan and scramble – add some very small pre cut veggies on the side (to cook fast and for easy eating) and breakfast could be done bandstar style in just a couple of minutes. I do drink a protein shake now and you’ll see me talk about that often, but honestly at first I really tried to “eat” not drink things since that was the program they wanted me to follow. (I'm done now so I have an excuse :-) For lunch, one of the foiled salmon you find next to tuna these days and some small cut veggies is an easy fix. (or tuna) Good luck - its a journey and a new learning experience! Have some fun with it! Lisa

Such a cool story and a great inspiration for all of us. That's what I love about the band - we can get back on the wagon if we fall off. I don't know if anyone has noticed but a lot of the old bandstars have been back lately - I've seen a few that haven't been around for a long time replying and getting back into the board - its been pretty cool seeing people banded in 2006 coming back on for a visit.

He cracks me up - have fun lucky duck!!

Hey Kristi, I just had a moment to take a break from work and saw your question. We are super busy here!! I believe you can stretch your pouch out even after 6 months, since I know someone who did at almost two years – not over diet pop, but still it’s the same concept. You put something in there that doesn’t go down easily and you do it enough times and with too much, you may stretch your pouch. So many doctors have different opinions on this and I’m not sure what caused the change in the rules. When I was banded I was told I could never drink carbonated drinks again. However the rules changed as they learned more about bands and I believe, (and this is just from my own experience) that the ability to drink carbonated drinks vary person to person and for me fill to fill. You may find the carbonation very uncomfortable if you have a good fill or you may be able to let it sit for 5 minutes – take small sips and have a little bit of extra enjoyment - but listen to your band, if it feels wrong, stop. (Again, only after 6 months) For me the issue is moderation. I've had a few glasses of Champaign in the last year (not at once) and I tolerate it well, I think it's a matter of band tolerance, moderation and slow sipping. I'll never be able to drink diet pop like I use to. It doesn't taste the same now, it’s uncomfortable to drink and I know how bad it is for me so I avoid it like the plague. I want to live my life...and not live it in fear; however I also use moderation as my guideline. (But hey, every once in a while there’s always a too good to miss toast that you have to join, and then Champaign all the way baby)! And you can decide on your preferred carb drink, after 6 months of course - sip it slowly, in moderation and listen to the band, if it doesn’t fill right, stop! And that’s not just with carbonated drinks just as an example – I love iced coffees/latte’s and sometimes my band is so fickle that the coldness will tighten it up so much that I can’t drink it – it closes my band and I have to stop – it will loosen up and drain down after a while – but the trick is to stop drinking it so I’m not putting a lot on top of my band and stretching my pouch. Best, Lisa

You want to drink, all day, just not when eating and diet coke is a "no" the first 6 months. I always have a bottle of water with me and just drink it throughout the day to make sure I don’t’ get dehydrated and to stay healthy. One note – I can not think of one time I’ve gotten sick since getting my band, and I think a lot has to do with the fact that I eat healthier and drink lots of water.

For me personally - it can be. I unfortunately can let how I feel about myself be based on the numbers on the scale. And I know that’s silly. I’m thin, wear small clothes, and I will still get on the scale and if I’ve gained a few, and I can in 24 hours depending on my weird body and if I’m working out….. I’ll be in a crappy mood based on those dang numbers. I hate that and think its silly – but its most likely just me. I’m trying not to look at the numbers, but how I feel and if I can fit into my clothes, and that I’m healthy and active. But I’m also in a different place than you are, I’m done, and working at a different level, I don’t think I could be in this position when I was right in the middle of my program. So I totally get it. My goal is to never look at a scale; every thin person I know barely weighs themselves and I’m hoping to hit that level someday. I want to wake up and not think about stepping on the scale – because I know I’m good and I don’t have to worry about it. That’s just my personal goal but we’re all different.

Two reasons that I know of - it can either push the food through your band (or defeat the purpose of it) - or it can sit on top of your band (if you ate some food and it hasn’t dropped) and stretch out your pouch. Neither are good, so we don’t do it. To get out of the habit I make sure that I remove all water from arms reach.....