AngieB

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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!

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?

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

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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