Please Help

[Guest guest]

Your experience sounds completely normal to me.

Didn't you surgeon explain how the band works? It's not like the bypass

where you have surgery and forget about it. The band is a tool to help

you change your eating habits and it won't work until it is inflated and

providing restriction. Your surgeon should have outlined a process of

returning several times (maybe as many as four or five) for adjustments

over a period of time to get your fill level set correctly so that you

can begin to lose weight. If you didn't get this information before

surgery, something went wrong and you should ask for it now.

Barringer wrote:

>Hello friends,

> I had surgery on Feb. 20th 2006. My problem is I had lost 35

lbs. right after surgery, now I am not losing any weight at all, I can eat about

anything, and as far as that goes, I can over eat and that is not good. I feel

hungry almost all the time. I can not even tell I had surgery except for the

occasional vomiting which usually only happens first thing in the morning but

not very often. I am very disappointed in the results of my surgery, I just dont

understand why I am still hungry all the time. I have recently changed jobs so I

am just waiting for my insurance to kick in so I can go back to the surgeon to

see what is going on. Any suggestions? Please Help.

>

Thank you

>

Judy

> My email address is:

> jjbarr@...

>

>

>

>

>---------------------------------

>Sneak preview the all-new .com. It's not radically different. Just

radically better.

>

>

[Guest guest]

> I had surgery on Feb. 20th 2006. My problem is I had lost 35 lbs.

right after surgery, now I am not losing any weight at all, I can eat

about anything, and as far as that goes, I can over eat and that is not

good. I feel hungry almost all the time. I can not even tell I had

surgery except for the occasional vomiting which usually only happens

first thing in the morning but not very often. I am very disappointed

in the results of my surgery, I just dont understand why I am still

hungry all the time. I have recently changed jobs so I am just waiting

for my insurance to kick in so I can go back to the surgeon to see what

is going on. Any suggestions? Please Help.

>

You still have to change your habits. As my surgeon told me, " The band

doesn't do all the work - you MUST exercise! "

[Guest guest]

Saturday, May 20, 2006, 11:18:34 PM, you wrote:

> I had surgery on Feb. 20th 2006. My problem is I had lost 35 lbs.

> right after surgery, now I am not losing any weight at all, I can

> eat about anything, and as far as that goes, I can over eat and that

> is not good. I feel hungry almost all the time. I can not even tell

Most people don't lose much until they get a proper fill, and it

sounds like you don't have one. Also, you've got to do YOUR part, and

start eating like a bandster, even if you don't have a good fill yet.

> I had surgery except for the occasional vomiting which usually only

> happens first thing in the morning but not very often. I am very

> disappointed in the results of my surgery, I just dont understand

> why I am still hungry all the time.

Undoubtedly because you don't have a good fill. And most of us are

tighter in the morning, and learn to eat less in morning, or for some,

nothing at all.

> I have recently changed jobs so

> I am just waiting for my insurance to kick in so I can go back to

> the surgeon to see what is going on. Any suggestions?

Just do the best you can....and get that fill ASAP.

dan

--

Dan Lester, Boise, ID honu@... www.mylapband.tk

Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/28/03

323/209/199 Age 63 The road goes on forever.....

[Guest guest]

And this is exactly WHY the bypass people regain - they " have the bypass

and forget about it. " EXACTLY the same rules about food intake,

exercise, limiting quantities, etc apply to the bypass people as to

Bandsters, but they can lose temporarily without all that, and therfor

don't learn the essential lessons we do. SAndy R

>

> Your experience sounds completely normal to me.

>

> Didn't you surgeon explain how the band works? It's not like the

bypass

> where you have surgery and forget about it. >

>

[Guest guest]

, - did you have a chance to do a lot of research before you

were banded, about what is normal and what to expect?

Did your surgeon sit down with you and explain how the band works and

all the things YOU must contribute to the formula?

The first 6-8 weeks is the timne for healing. Many don't lose any

weight in this period - b ut you did, so you're doing great. Many men

DO lose some in this first period.

During the first 6 weeks, there is a lot for you to learn and start

changing - good nutrition, the foods that supply just the right amts

of nutrients we nee, starting to get in the much larger amts of water

we need, starting to get and increase daily exercoise - and lots more.

then, when you start to get fills, the loss can start up again. It

will never be regular and predictable, anyway. There will often be

times when your body takes a break for a couple weeks - but you're

still getting healthier every day - and THIS is the real goal of

banding, not simply weight loss.

After your quick loss already, it's very normal for the body to take

a break for a few weeks.

Most peopl need 3-5 fills to get to a good level, a month or more

apart, to start losing really well. After 6 weeks, call your surgeon

and discuss starting to get fills.

Banding takes time, patience, and perseverance.

I'm really sorry if you didn't know all this. I personally did months

of research into the band before I knew enough to want it, feel it

could help, and that i knew enough about the many things I would have

to do to help the band work for me.

Please stay active here, an we;ll try to help you catch up a bit in

your knowledge. In the meantime, please join Bandsters and

SmartBandsters, as well as here, and start reading! Many posts, all

the links, database, files, and everything else you can get your

hands on.

How ar you doinbg with your exercise? Protein/fiber/calcium intake?

They are essential parts too.

Sandy R

Kuri, at goal

---

In , Barringer

<jimjudybarr@...> wrote:

>

> Hello friends,

> I had surgery on Feb. 20th 2006. My problem is I

had lost 35 lbs. right after surgery, now I am not losing any weight

at all, I can eat about anything, and as far as that goes, I can over

eat and that is not good. I feel hungry almost all the time. I can

not even tell I had surgery except for the occasional vomiting which

usually only happens first thing in the morning but not very often. I

am very disappointed in the results of my surgery, I just dont

understand why I am still hungry all the time. I have recently

changed jobs so I am just waiting for my insurance to kick in so I

can go back to the surgeon to see what is going on. Any suggestions?

Please Help.

>

Thank you

>

Judy

> My email address is:

> jjbarr@...

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Sneak preview the all-new .com. It's not radically different.

Just radically better.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Have you been back to your doctor for a fill? It certainly sounds

like you are due. I had my surgery on 7/11 I too have had many

times where I could basically eat whatever I wanted. I have had 4

fills so far and I think I have finally hit the " sweet spot " I

really didn't know what that meant until my recent fill. I also

lost about 35 pounds real fast in the beginning then, only about 5

per month or less. Everytime I get a fill, I tend to drop about 5

pounds real quick which really is motivating. Get your fills as you

need them. I have now lost about 70 pounds total and my goal is 15

more by the end of June. I am off for a grand vacation and want to

be down at least one size more.

don't give up.

Lori

317/245/175

7/11/05

>

> Hello friends,

> I had surgery on Feb. 20th 2006. My problem is I

had lost 35 lbs. right after surgery, now I am not losing any weight

at all, I can eat about anything, and as far as that goes, I can

over eat and that is not good. I feel hungry almost all the time. I

can not even tell I had surgery except for the occasional vomiting

which usually only happens first thing in the morning but not very

often. I am very disappointed in the results of my surgery, I just

dont understand why I am still hungry all the time. I have recently

changed jobs so I am just waiting for my insurance to kick in so I

can go back to the surgeon to see what is going on. Any suggestions?

Please Help.

>

Thank you

>

Judy

> My email address is:

> jjbarr@...

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Sneak preview the all-new .com. It's not radically

different. Just radically better.

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/3/2006 1:43:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

lollyprkr2@... writes:

Any suggestions? Please Help.

FILLS!

~Deb

[Guest guest]

also should we be drinking colas, will this stretch our bands?

Barringer <jimjudybarr@...> wrote: Hello friends,

I had surgery on Feb. 20th 2006. My problem is I had lost 35

lbs. right after surgery, now I am not losing any weight at all, I can eat about

anything, and as far as that goes, I can over eat and that is not good. I feel

hungry almost all the time. I can not even tell I had surgery except for the

occasional vomiting which usually only happens first thing in the morning but

not very often. I am very disappointed in the results of my surgery, I just dont

understand why I am still hungry all the time. I have recently changed jobs so I

am just waiting for my insurance to kick in so I can go back to the surgeon to

see what is going on. Any suggestions? Please Help.

Thank you

Judy

My email address is:

jjbarr@...

---------------------------------

Sneak preview the all-new .com. It's not radically different. Just

radically better.

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy-

I am probably not the person you want to hear from because I am pretty much in

the same boat as you. But maye it will help to know you are not the only one.

It seems that mostly what I read on the band sites are how great people are

doing and how much weight they have lost. I had my band on march 2 and have

only lost maybe 3 pounds. I have some restriction after 2 fills but probably

not quite enough. I get hungry also and try to make good choices but it seems

even though I eat much less than before the band, I still do not lose. I didn't

even lose while on liquids. I don't post usually - just read others because

probably the response would be to eat less and make better choices. Which, of

course, would be no different than before the band. So even though I still have

hope this will work for me somehow, I have spent a lot of money, have more scars

and another disappointment. It's hard to keep a postive attitude. Everyone

says the fills are the key. So maybe you and I have just not gotten to the

right spot yet. Good luck to you. I know how disappointed and frustrated you

feel.

Re: Please Help

also should we be drinking colas, will this stretch our bands?

Barringer <jimjudybarr@...> wrote: Hello friends,

I had surgery on Feb. 20th 2006. My problem is I had lost 35

lbs. right after surgery, now I am not losing any weight at all, I can eat about

anything, and as far as that goes, I can over eat and that is not good. I feel

hungry almost all the time. I can not even tell I had surgery except for the

occasional vomiting which usually only happens first thing in the morning but

not very often. I am very disappointed in the results of my surgery, I just dont

understand why I am still hungry all the time. I have recently changed jobs so I

am just waiting for my insurance to kick in so I can go back to the surgeon to

see what is going on. Any suggestions? Please Help.

Thank you

Judy

My email address is:

jjbarr@...

---------------------------------

Sneak preview the all-new .com. It's not radically different. Just

radically better.

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy and ,

I think you are right, you haven't gotten the right spot yet. I asked for for a

full 1.0 cc rather than the .5 cc fill than was recommended. I had been

increasing a half cc at a time, but my conservative approach hadn't gotten me

very far after a year. After an initial 30 lb loss, I was losing then gaining

just like " normal " . Since my big fill, I have been consistently losing 4-5

pounds a month. There was a dramatic difference in the restriction; now I have

to eat slowly, take little bites and follow the rules. Sometimes eating is

frustrating, but the weight loss is worth it and that's what I paid for. Have

hope!

Martha

Re: Please Help

also should we be drinking colas, will this stretch our bands?

Barringer <jimjudybarr@...> wrote: Hello friends,

I had surgery on Feb. 20th 2006. My problem is I had lost 35

lbs. right after surgery, now I am not losing any weight at all, I can eat

about

anything, and as far as that goes, I can over eat and that is not good. I feel

hungry almost all the time. I can not even tell I had surgery except for the

occasional vomiting which usually only happens first thing in the morning but

not very often. I am very disappointed in the results of my surgery, I just

dont

understand why I am still hungry all the time. I have recently changed jobs so

I

am just waiting for my insurance to kick in so I can go back to the surgeon to

see what is going on. Any suggestions? Please Help.

Thank you

Judy

My email address is:

jjbarr@...

---------------------------------

Sneak preview the all-new .com. It's not radically different. Just

radically better.

[Guest guest]

It can be frustrating but I was banded Jan 17 and have lost 51 lbs. I don't

lose every wk but I keep plugging away at it. I don't always make good choices

and am due for a fill now I think. (I have only had 1 fill so far.) Just don't

give up, and let the band be your guide. Don't think about how much you WANT to

eat, just eat what you can and when you feel full, just stop, even if your mind

wants just a couple more bites! And try doing a little more exercize, even just

walking. It will help get you on a better path, with better habits. Good luck!

Barringer <jimjudybarr@...> wrote: thank you for the

information it is good to know that this is not something that only affects me,

however I am sorry it is also happening to you. Keep in touch and maybe once we

get fills we will be able to encourage each other.

Thank you

Judy

lollyprkr2@... wrote:

Hi Judy-

I am probably not the person you want to hear from because I am pretty much in

the same boat as you. But maye it will help to know you are not the only one. It

seems that mostly what I read on the band sites are how great people are doing

and how much weight they have lost. I had my band on march 2 and have only lost

maybe 3 pounds. I have some restriction after 2 fills but probably not quite

enough. I get hungry also and try to make good choices but it seems even though

I eat much less than before the band, I still do not lose. I didn't even lose

while on liquids. I don't post usually - just read others because probably the

response would be to eat less and make better choices. Which, of course, would

be no different than before the band. So even though I still have hope this will

work for me somehow, I have spent a lot of money, have more scars and another

disappointment. It's hard to keep a postive attitude. Everyone says the fills

are the key. So maybe you

and I have just not gotten to the right spot yet. Good luck to you. I know how

disappointed and frustrated you feel.

Re: Please Help

also should we be drinking colas, will this stretch our bands?

Barringer <jimjudybarr@...> wrote: Hello friends,

I had surgery on Feb. 20th 2006. My problem is I had lost 35

lbs. right after surgery, now I am not losing any weight at all, I can eat about

anything, and as far as that goes, I can over eat and that is not good. I feel

hungry almost all the time. I can not even tell I had surgery except for the

occasional vomiting which usually only happens first thing in the morning but

not very often. I am very disappointed in the results of my surgery, I just dont

understand why I am still hungry all the time. I have recently changed jobs so I

am just waiting for my insurance to kick in so I can go back to the surgeon to

see what is going on. Any suggestions? Please Help.

Thank you

Judy

My email address is:

jjbarr@...

---------------------------------

Sneak preview the all-new .com. It's not radically different. Just

radically better.

[Guest guest]

I hear everyone's frustration and have been there. I also have lots of

hunger issues like before the band and am a slow loser. I have had to

really take a hard look at my own behaviour and food choices to get some

results - the band alone won't make you lose weight. I've started

fitday.com and believe me keeping my calories at around 1200 per day (at my

doc's recommendation) is pretty challenging. Before fitday if you asked me

if I ate 1200 calories a day, I'd say no way, I don't eat hardly anything!

Howeer, I was easily eating 1500-1600 - you would be surprised how easy it

is. Also if you are hungry between meals, I always drink 2-3 very large

glasses of crystal lite or 1 sugar free hot cocoa and that helps, My next

trick is to eat a yogurt or cheese stick - something low in calories and

with some nutrition. I also always eat a very large green salad with my

lunch and dinner. When I exercise 3x a week, I almost always see a drop in

weight but if you are inactive you need less calories and weight loss will

be slower - remember each pound is 3500 calories so you would have to cut

out 500 each day of the week to get ONE lb off. I guess what I am saying

before giving up on yourself, look at your behaviour and ensurer you are

doing as much as you can - i look at it - band=50% and myself =%50 effort -

be honest that you are doing your half. lastly, even if you lose 10-20lbs a

year - isn't that still terrific - you didn't gain and hopefully it will

stay off. slow is better then nothing. good luck.

>From: Ciana Hart <enchnt2000@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: Please Help

>Date: Fri, 9 Jun 2006 21:33:00 -0700 (PDT)

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>

>It can be frustrating but I was banded Jan 17 and have lost 51 lbs. I

>don't lose every wk but I keep plugging away at it. I don't always make

>good choices and am due for a fill now I think. (I have only had 1 fill so

>far.) Just don't give up, and let the band be your guide. Don't think

>about how much you WANT to eat, just eat what you can and when you feel

>full, just stop, even if your mind wants just a couple more bites! And try

>doing a little more exercize, even just walking. It will help get you on a

>better path, with better habits. Good luck!

>

> Barringer <jimjudybarr@...> wrote: thank you for the

>information it is good to know that this is not something that only affects

>me, however I am sorry it is also happening to you. Keep in touch and maybe

>once we get fills we will be able to encourage each other.

>Thank you

>Judy

>

>lollyprkr2@... wrote:

>Hi Judy-

>

>I am probably not the person you want to hear from because I am pretty much

>in the same boat as you. But maye it will help to know you are not the only

>one. It seems that mostly what I read on the band sites are how great

>people are doing and how much weight they have lost. I had my band on march

>2 and have only lost maybe 3 pounds. I have some restriction after 2 fills

>but probably not quite enough. I get hungry also and try to make good

>choices but it seems even though I eat much less than before the band, I

>still do not lose. I didn't even lose while on liquids. I don't post

>usually - just read others because probably the response would be to eat

>less and make better choices. Which, of course, would be no different than

>before the band. So even though I still have hope this will work for me

>somehow, I have spent a lot of money, have more scars and another

>disappointment. It's hard to keep a postive attitude. Everyone says the

>fills are the key. So maybe you

>and I have just not gotten to the right spot yet. Good luck to you. I know

>how disappointed and frustrated you feel.

>

> Re: Please Help

>

>also should we be drinking colas, will this stretch our bands?

>

> Barringer <jimjudybarr@...> wrote: Hello friends,

>I had surgery on Feb. 20th 2006. My problem is I had lost 35

>lbs. right after surgery, now I am not losing any weight at all, I can eat

>about

>anything, and as far as that goes, I can over eat and that is not good. I

>feel

>hungry almost all the time. I can not even tell I had surgery except for

>the

>occasional vomiting which usually only happens first thing in the morning

>but

>not very often. I am very disappointed in the results of my surgery, I just

>dont

>understand why I am still hungry all the time. I have recently changed jobs

>so I

>am just waiting for my insurance to kick in so I can go back to the surgeon

>to

>see what is going on. Any suggestions? Please Help.

>

>Thank you

>

>Judy

>My email address is:

>jjbarr@...

>

>

>

>---------------------------------

>Sneak preview the all-new .com. It's not radically different. Just

>radically better.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, Carol --

Boy, do I wish I had a definitive answer for you. I was about your

age when I had my own first revision (in Boston, with Dr. Rand), and

I don't honestly think I was doing nearly as well as you are at five

months post-op.

I remember feeling kind of down, around nine or ten months post-op,

when I realized I had hit a kind of plateau. I did not think I would

ever get any better. Then two months later, I noticed a remarkable

improvement. Some people say they continue to improve during their

second and third post-op years. I think this has been true for me as

well, although I needed some additional revision work two years ago.

I feel I am still improving. Because I am now 57 and have had a

total of eight spinal reconstructive procedures (six of them

revisions -- NOT the norm for most patients!), I expect I will be

working from home as a free-lance writer from now on.

It seems to me we had one member who went back to a demanding job

within three months of her revision. I think that is probably the

record. I hope that other members with situations similar to yours

will be able to give you more specific advice. All I can say is,

from my perspective, you are doing great!

My son has been tremendously supportive to me through all the

surgery and disability. If you don't mind, I would like to share

your letter with him, since he is a teacher too and may have some

opinion on the issues you raised.

Best,

>

> Hi everyone. I have been a member of this forum for the past two

> years. This past March, I had revision surgery with Dr. Farcy in

> NYC. It is now four months post-op and I am doing well. (I had

> removal of the harrington rod, an ostenomy to straighten me up due

to

> my kyphosis, and was fused from L4 L5 S1 to the sacrum.) I am

walking

> 2 miles a day, swimming for 30 minutes daily, as well as doing the

> exericises prescribed for me, by Dr. Farcy. I have some questions

> for someone out there who can help, please! I still get exhausted

by

> 4 or 5 o'clock, and need to lie down. With some rest, I can go

out

> to dinner with my husband, as long as I am back by 7:30 p.m. (My

eyes

> become slits, and I drag myself to my bed!) I have told my

principal

> that I will be back to work in September, but I am not sure that I

> can physically do it.

> The fusion is still quite annoying - always there, along with

feeling

> all the rods when I lie down. Here's my questions:

> 1. Is going back to work,after just about 5 and a half months too

> much? Is it realistic?

> 2. When does this fusion hurting? My butt is driving me insane.

> 3. When do you feel more like yourself?

> 4. When can you have more of a normal day, including going out at

> night?

> I know that all of these answers are based on the individual

person,

> but perhaps some of you could share your experiences with me. By

the

> way, I am 53 years old and all children are living on their own.

> Thank you so much for all your help and support.

> carol

>

[Guest guest]

--Carol,

I am nearly 6th months post op revision with Rand in Boston. I think

you sound very similiar to me. I have been back at work since April

3rd, surgeries were 1/13 and 1/24. I am a special eduacation

teacher.I probably could have used a bit more time off looking back

now but I was antsy at home and wanted to go back. I am home at 4:00

and I must rest my lodosis area for about 30 minutes before moving on

to the rest of my evening. SOme nights I do stay in bed, if I can. I

can walk for long periods of time earlier in the day, I did do a 12

hour day in Hershey Park June 22. I did NOT ride the rides, but

walked the entire day, hey, I won't lie, I was beat but was able to

do it, no sciatic pain like prior to revision. I think we sound like

we are probably on target, I know I get frustrated , I want to do

more faster but can't. I think it is interesting to note that

states she continued to get good results even a year or two

after surgeries, I am hoping for that too!!!! I hope that the more I

get used to this new body, the better I will feel...hope is all I

have left because I can't imagine doing this again...., PA

- In , " Rasche

" <feistyfounder@...> wrote:

>

> Hi, Carol --

>

> Boy, do I wish I had a definitive answer for you. I was about your

> age when I had my own first revision (in Boston, with Dr. Rand),

and

> I don't honestly think I was doing nearly as well as you are at

five

> months post-op.

>

> I remember feeling kind of down, around nine or ten months post-op,

> when I realized I had hit a kind of plateau. I did not think I

would

> ever get any better. Then two months later, I noticed a remarkable

> improvement. Some people say they continue to improve during their

> second and third post-op years. I think this has been true for me

as

> well, although I needed some additional revision work two years

ago.

> I feel I am still improving. Because I am now 57 and have had a

> total of eight spinal reconstructive procedures (six of them

> revisions -- NOT the norm for most patients!), I expect I will be

> working from home as a free-lance writer from now on.

>

> It seems to me we had one member who went back to a demanding job

> within three months of her revision. I think that is probably the

> record. I hope that other members with situations similar to yours

> will be able to give you more specific advice. All I can say is,

> from my perspective, you are doing great!

>

> My son has been tremendously supportive to me through all the

> surgery and disability. If you don't mind, I would like to share

> your letter with him, since he is a teacher too and may have some

> opinion on the issues you raised.

>

> Best,

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> >

> > Hi everyone. I have been a member of this forum for the past two

> > years. This past March, I had revision surgery with Dr. Farcy in

> > NYC. It is now four months post-op and I am doing well. (I had

> > removal of the harrington rod, an ostenomy to straighten me up

due

> to

> > my kyphosis, and was fused from L4 L5 S1 to the sacrum.) I am

> walking

> > 2 miles a day, swimming for 30 minutes daily, as well as doing

the

> > exericises prescribed for me, by Dr. Farcy. I have some

questions

> > for someone out there who can help, please! I still get

exhausted

> by

> > 4 or 5 o'clock, and need to lie down. With some rest, I can go

> out

> > to dinner with my husband, as long as I am back by 7:30 p.m. (My

> eyes

> > become slits, and I drag myself to my bed!) I have told my

> principal

> > that I will be back to work in September, but I am not sure that

I

> > can physically do it.

> > The fusion is still quite annoying - always there, along with

> feeling

> > all the rods when I lie down. Here's my questions:

> > 1. Is going back to work,after just about 5 and a half months too

> > much? Is it realistic?

> > 2. When does this fusion hurting? My butt is driving me insane.

> > 3. When do you feel more like yourself?

> > 4. When can you have more of a normal day, including going out

at

> > night?

> > I know that all of these answers are based on the individual

> person,

> > but perhaps some of you could share your experiences with me. By

> the

> > way, I am 53 years old and all children are living on their own.

> > Thank you so much for all your help and support.

> > carol

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol I am very pleased to read your post - at last someone who was operated on in the same hospital as myself. I am from the UK and flew to the US for my surgery and was operated on by Dr. Schwab (Dr. Farcy's operating partner) in January of this year. I am fused from T9 right down to the sacrum, they took out my old Harrington rod and put bone from my ileum in a mesh cage at my dessicated L5 disc area and its all still trying to fuse! I had two osteotomies. I'm now at 6 and a half months post op and the main thing I'm coming to terms with is the whole "not being able to bend" thing. I'm not allowed to start physiotherapy until after my next set of x-rays and my doctor can see significant calcium formation i.e. bone mass beginning to take place. I feel as if my muscles at the base of my spine i.e. lumber have totally given up the ghost and I have to get

them moving again.I still use a grabber all the time. This for me is the main problem;- not being able to pick things up yet although I am hopeful that this will change with physio. I still have enormous pressure and rigidity in this area and sometimes feel as if the bone is being "stretched" there if I accidentally twist in the wrong direction. I get a lot of neck strain and pain and am doing isometric exercises to help this. Haven't dared swim yet but would love to. Someone on here described the sensation as being like carrying around two bricks in your back and that pretty much sums it up. A deep gnawing feeling rather than sharp pains. However, I am able to go out and am not tired now - I'm definitely now over the physical effects of having the operation and feel normal in my energy levels. To answer your question - I think it takes a year to get over an op like this and I don't think

it's a good idea for you to think about working in September. The changes are slow, gradual and sometimes imperceptible but they are there. If I have one slight criticism it is that I wasn't really told just how long the recovery period would be. However - everyone is different. Would be really interested to hear any further comments you may have about your experience at Hospital for Joint Diseases etc -my experience was very positive there. I'd also be interested to hear if my recovery sounds anything like yours! Best T

See the all-new, redesigned .com. Check it out.

[Guest guest]

Hi T Thanks so much for responding to my email. It was encouraging for me to learn that you are feeling better (tiredness) after six and a half months. Although I was told by Dr. Farcy that this was a six month recouperation period, obviously, I am learning that it is much longer. My experience at HJD was okay. I have purposely blocked that week out of my mind. I will not allow myself to look back, yet at times I am still in disbelief that, after 10 years, I finally did the surgery. Swimming was quite difficult at first. My upper back muscles ached for weeks, but I kept trying to increase the amount of time that I swam each day. Now, after 5 weeks of swimming, it does not hurt anymore (in the upper back). It is still a tremendous effort and as I am bouyant in the water, I feel the fusion like crazy! Yes, I have often described it as walking around with bricks in my butt! My newest

complaint (there seems to be new aches and pains everyday) is a sharp pain that goes through me - it is sometimes felt in my upper back and sometimes in my fusion area. Next week, I have an appointment with Dr. Farcy. I am very anxious to hear that everything is in place, and possibly starting to fuse. I guess you answered my question about bending over. Oh well. That really doesn't bother me, as I have gotten very good at using that grabber for all sorts of things--dressing, in the shower, etc. I have three of them throughout my house! Are you still using the raised toilet seat? Does your fusion still bother you? That is the MOST annoying thing for me. I do feel stiff as a board in my entire back area. My leg muscles, as well as other muscles, are very rigid with little flexibility. (I had been taking pilates for years, and was fairly flexible, considering my ortho. problems). Once again, thank you

for your thoughts. I am still pondering the working question and will discuss it with Dr. Farcy. Write again - I hope we can give each other encouragement, b/c one certainly needs it! I start to get very discouraged on many days! Carolcloudkeeper2003 <cloudkeeper2003@...> wrote: Hi Carol I am very pleased to read your post - at last someone who was operated on in the same hospital as myself. I am from the UK and

flew to the US for my surgery and was operated on by Dr. Schwab (Dr. Farcy's operating partner) in January of this year. I am fused from T9 right down to the sacrum, they took out my old Harrington rod and put bone from my ileum in a mesh cage at my dessicated L5 disc area and its all still trying to fuse! I had two osteotomies. I'm now at 6 and a half months post op and the main thing I'm coming to terms with is the whole "not being able to bend" thing. I'm not allowed to start physiotherapy until after my next set of x-rays and my doctor can see significant calcium formation i.e. bone mass beginning to take place. I feel as if my muscles at the base of my spine i.e. lumber have totally given up the ghost and I have to get them moving again.I still use a grabber all the time. This for me is the main problem;- not being able to pick things up yet although I am hopeful that this will change with physio. I still have

enormous pressure and rigidity in this area and sometimes feel as if the bone is being "stretched" there if I accidentally twist in the wrong direction. I get a lot of neck strain and pain and am doing isometric exercises to help this. Haven't dared swim yet but would love to. Someone on here described the sensation as being like carrying around two bricks in your back and that pretty much sums it up. A deep gnawing feeling rather than sharp pains. However, I am able to go out and am not tired now - I'm definitely now over the physical effects of having the operation and feel normal in my energy levels. To answer your question - I think it takes a year to get over an op like this and I don't think it's a good idea for you to think about working in September. The changes are slow, gradual and sometimes imperceptible but they are there. If I have one slight criticism it is that I wasn't really told just

how long the recovery period would be. However - everyone is different. Would be really interested to hear any further comments you may have about your experience at Hospital for Joint Diseases etc -my experience was very positive there. I'd also be interested to hear if my recovery sounds anything like yours! Best T See the all-new, redesigned .com. Check it out.

See the all-new, redesigned .com. Check it out.

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol

Sounds like we have a lot in common then!! Amazingly, this weekend I

suddenly appear to have a little more mobility. I can slowly sit on

a chair and pick some things up from the floor from this

position...for me this is a realy big issue - the whole bending

thing. I'd be very interested in hearing what Dr. Farcy tells you to

expect with regards to the ability to pick things up etc when you

see him next week - perhaps you could ask him for me :0)Bending is

an integral part of life and speaking purely for myself, I didn't go

through all this to have to use a grabber forever although I'm

beginning to think now that this will not be the case eventually.

I got a really nice email from Andy on here about all of

this " fusion to the sacrum " issue and whe told me about her

book " Pilates for fragile backs " (Thank you Andy!!) - I think

exercise is going to be very important in the recovery. It sounds

like you're doing great with that with all your walking and swimming

etc...

To answer your question, yes I am still using the raised toilet-seat

although my downstairs toilet doesn't have one and I'm fine using

that too so I should probably get rid of the one in my upstairs

bathroom. Yes - I can also still feel the fusion and just talking it

over with you and hearing your description of that has helped me

articulate it to others. I think some of my muscles in my lumber

spine have " atrophied " almost completey and if I lie the wrong way -

boy do I feel it!! However - again this weekend some of the rigidity

seems to be less...maybe I'm approaching a break-through!!

When I was at my last appointment to see Dr. Schwab before I left to

come home to the UK, I was in the waiting room and DR. Farcy entered

talking to a lady who was in a wheelchair and the way they were

talking the lady was clearly about to have her surgery quite

imminently - that wasn't you by any chance was it? She was

accompanied by a man and seemed nervous about the proceedure - I

nearly went up to her to talk to her to reassure her but the waiting

room was packed full of people and I was a little shy. It probably

wasn't you but I thought I'd just ask...would be such a cooincidence

if it was!!

Would be great to hear from you again and I'd be very interested to

hear anything of note Dr. Farcy has to say after you've seen him..

Good luck for next week

T x

In , carol yedid

<carolyedid@...> wrote:

>

> Hi T

> Thanks so much for responding to my email. It was encouraging

for me to learn that you are feeling better (tiredness) after six

and a half months. Although I was told by Dr. Farcy that this was a

six month recouperation period, obviously, I am learning that it is

much longer.

> My experience at HJD was okay. I have purposely blocked that

week out of my mind. I will not allow myself to look back, yet at

times I am still in disbelief that, after 10 years, I finally did

the surgery.

> Swimming was quite difficult at first. My upper back muscles

ached for weeks, but I kept trying to increase the amount of time

that I swam each day. Now, after 5 weeks of swimming, it does not

hurt anymore (in the upper back). It is still a tremendous effort

and as I am bouyant in the water, I feel the fusion like crazy!

Yes, I have often described it as walking around with bricks in my

butt!

> My newest complaint (there seems to be new aches and pains

everyday) is a sharp pain that goes through me - it is sometimes

felt in my upper back and sometimes in my fusion area.

> Next week, I have an appointment with Dr. Farcy. I am very

anxious to hear that everything is in place, and possibly starting

to fuse. I guess you answered my question about bending over. Oh

well. That really doesn't bother me, as I have gotten very good at

using that grabber for all sorts of things--dressing, in the shower,

etc. I have three of them throughout my house! Are you still using

the raised toilet seat?

> Does your fusion still bother you? That is the MOST annoying

thing for me. I do feel stiff as a board in my entire back area.

My leg muscles, as well as other muscles, are very rigid with little

flexibility. (I had been taking pilates for years, and was fairly

flexible, considering my ortho. problems).

> Once again, thank you for your thoughts. I am still pondering

the working question and will discuss it with Dr. Farcy. Write

again - I hope we can give each other encouragement, b/c one

certainly needs it! I start to get very discouraged on many days!

> Carol

>

> cloudkeeper2003 <cloudkeeper2003@...> wrote:

> Hi Carol

>

> I am very pleased to read your post - at last someone who was

operated on in the same hospital as myself.

>

> I am from the UK and flew to the US for my surgery and was

operated on by Dr. Schwab (Dr. Farcy's operating partner) in January

of this year. I am fused from T9 right down to the sacrum, they took

out my old Harrington rod and put bone from my ileum in a mesh cage

at my dessicated L5 disc area and its all still trying to fuse! I

had two osteotomies. I'm now at 6 and a half months post op and the

main thing I'm coming to terms with is the whole " not being able to

bend " thing.

>

> I'm not allowed to start physiotherapy until after my next set

of x-rays and my doctor can see significant calcium formation i.e.

bone mass beginning to take place. I feel as if my muscles at the

base of my spine i.e. lumber have totally given up the ghost and I

have to get them moving again.I still use a grabber all the time.

This for me is the main problem;- not being able to pick things up

yet although I am hopeful that this will change with physio. I still

have enormous pressure and rigidity in this area and sometimes feel

as if the bone is being " stretched " there if I accidentally twist in

the wrong direction. I get a lot of neck strain and pain and am

doing isometric exercises to help this. Haven't dared swim yet but

would love to. Someone on here described the sensation as being like

carrying around two bricks in your back and that pretty much sums it

up. A deep gnawing feeling rather than sharp pains.

>

> However, I am able to go out and am not tired now - I'm

definitely now over the physical effects of having the operation and

feel normal in my energy levels.

>

> To answer your question - I think it takes a year to get over an

op like this and I don't think it's a good idea for you to think

about working in September. The changes are slow, gradual and

sometimes imperceptible but they are there. If I have one slight

criticism it is that I wasn't really told just how long the recovery

period would be. However - everyone is different.

>

> Would be really interested to hear any further comments you may

have about your experience at Hospital for Joint Diseases etc -my

experience was very positive there. I'd also be interested to hear

if my recovery sounds anything like yours!

>

> Best

>

> T

>

> ---------------------------------

> See the all-new, redesigned .com. Check it out.

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> See the all-new, redesigned .com. Check it out.

>

[Guest guest]

Dear T, Glad to hear from you and I'm especially happy that you feel you are making progress. Very important to feel that or else this whole situation can really get to you! To answer your questions... That was not me in Dr. Farcy's waiting room. I will be seeing him on Friday and will be sure to ask him about the bending thing. Don't laugh... but are you able to pick up things with your toes?! I have gotten very good at this! One question for you...are you able to sit in a chair without a pillow for back support? I am constantly schlepping around pillows for a seat cushion and for my back. When does this stop? Also, I am not sure if you had siatica problems. I did and still have the discomfort. It is not as bad and I am able to sit for a longer period of time, before the throbbing starts. Does this go away? I hope so! Take care. carolcloudkeeper2003 <cloudkeeper2003@...> wrote: Hi CarolSounds like we have a lot in common then!! Amazingly, this weekend I suddenly appear to have a little more mobility. I can slowly sit on a chair and pick some things up from the floor from this position...for me this is a realy big issue - the whole bending thing. I'd be very interested in hearing what Dr. Farcy tells you to expect with regards to the ability to pick things up etc when you see him next week - perhaps you

could ask him for me :0)Bending is an integral part of life and speaking purely for myself, I didn't go through all this to have to use a grabber forever although I'm beginning to think now that this will not be the case eventually.I got a really nice email from Andy on here about all of this "fusion to the sacrum" issue and whe told me about her book "Pilates for fragile backs" (Thank you Andy!!) - I think exercise is going to be very important in the recovery. It sounds like you're doing great with that with all your walking and swimming etc...To answer your question, yes I am still using the raised toilet-seat although my downstairs toilet doesn't have one and I'm fine using that too so I should probably get rid of the one in my upstairs bathroom. Yes - I can also still feel the fusion and just talking it over with you and hearing your description of that has helped me articulate it to others. I think

some of my muscles in my lumber spine have "atrophied" almost completey and if I lie the wrong way - boy do I feel it!! However - again this weekend some of the rigidity seems to be less...maybe I'm approaching a break-through!!When I was at my last appointment to see Dr. Schwab before I left to come home to the UK, I was in the waiting room and DR. Farcy entered talking to a lady who was in a wheelchair and the way they were talking the lady was clearly about to have her surgery quite imminently - that wasn't you by any chance was it? She was accompanied by a man and seemed nervous about the proceedure - I nearly went up to her to talk to her to reassure her but the waiting room was packed full of people and I was a little shy. It probably wasn't you but I thought I'd just ask...would be such a cooincidence if it was!!Would be great to hear from you again and I'd be very interested to hear anything

of note Dr. Farcy has to say after you've seen him..Good luck for next weekT xIn , carol yedid <carolyedid@...> wrote:>> Hi T> Thanks so much for responding to my email. It was encouraging for me to learn that you are feeling better (tiredness) after six and a half months. Although I was told by Dr. Farcy that this was a six month recouperation period, obviously, I am learning that it is much longer. > My experience at HJD was okay. I have purposely blocked that week out of my mind. I will not allow myself to look back, yet at times I am still in disbelief that, after 10 years, I finally did the surgery. > Swimming was quite difficult at first. My upper back muscles ached for weeks, but I kept trying to increase the amount of time that I swam each day.

Now, after 5 weeks of swimming, it does not hurt anymore (in the upper back). It is still a tremendous effort and as I am bouyant in the water, I feel the fusion like crazy! Yes, I have often described it as walking around with bricks in my butt! > My newest complaint (there seems to be new aches and pains everyday) is a sharp pain that goes through me - it is sometimes felt in my upper back and sometimes in my fusion area. > Next week, I have an appointment with Dr. Farcy. I am very anxious to hear that everything is in place, and possibly starting to fuse. I guess you answered my question about bending over. Oh well. That really doesn't bother me, as I have gotten very good at using that grabber for all sorts of things--dressing, in the shower, etc. I have three of them throughout my house! Are you still using the raised toilet seat?> Does your fusion still bother you? That is the MOST annoying

thing for me. I do feel stiff as a board in my entire back area. My leg muscles, as well as other muscles, are very rigid with little flexibility. (I had been taking pilates for years, and was fairly flexible, considering my ortho. problems).> Once again, thank you for your thoughts. I am still pondering the working question and will discuss it with Dr. Farcy. Write again - I hope we can give each other encouragement, b/c one certainly needs it! I start to get very discouraged on many days!> Carol> > cloudkeeper2003 <cloudkeeper2003@...> wrote:> Hi Carol> > I am very pleased to read your post - at last someone who was operated on in the same hospital as myself.> > I am from the UK and flew to the US for my surgery and was operated on by Dr. Schwab (Dr. Farcy's operating partner) in January of this year. I am fused from T9 right down to the sacrum, they took

out my old Harrington rod and put bone from my ileum in a mesh cage at my dessicated L5 disc area and its all still trying to fuse! I had two osteotomies. I'm now at 6 and a half months post op and the main thing I'm coming to terms with is the whole "not being able to bend" thing.> > I'm not allowed to start physiotherapy until after my next set of x-rays and my doctor can see significant calcium formation i.e. bone mass beginning to take place. I feel as if my muscles at the base of my spine i.e. lumber have totally given up the ghost and I have to get them moving again.I still use a grabber all the time. This for me is the main problem;- not being able to pick things up yet although I am hopeful that this will change with physio. I still have enormous pressure and rigidity in this area and sometimes feel as if the bone is being "stretched" there if I accidentally twist in the wrong direction. I get a

lot of neck strain and pain and am doing isometric exercises to help this. Haven't dared swim yet but would love to. Someone on here described the sensation as being like carrying around two bricks in your back and that pretty much sums it up. A deep gnawing feeling rather than sharp pains.> > However, I am able to go out and am not tired now - I'm definitely now over the physical effects of having the operation and feel normal in my energy levels.> > To answer your question - I think it takes a year to get over an op like this and I don't think it's a good idea for you to think about working in September. The changes are slow, gradual and sometimes imperceptible but they are there. If I have one slight criticism it is that I wasn't really told just how long the recovery period would be. However - everyone is different.> > Would be really interested to hear any further comments you may

have about your experience at Hospital for Joint Diseases etc -my experience was very positive there. I'd also be interested to hear if my recovery sounds anything like yours!> > Best> > T> > ---------------------------------> See the all-new, redesigned .com. Check it out. > > > > > ---------------------------------> See the all-new, redesigned .com. Check it out.>

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

Hi, Judy -- You sent this post to my email by mistake, so I am forwarding it to the Feisty group address. Best, Judy <anthonyjudy@...> wrote: From: "Judy " <anthonyjudy@...><feistyfounder@...>Subject: Re: please helpDate: Sun, 3 Sep 2006 06:57:30 -0400 Carol, I just reread your post from a month ago, and thought I'd email you to see if you're feeling like you're making progress and can return to work, now that school has started again. My heart went out to you in your last post, as I could read the concern and

uncertainty in your post. I was thinking that if you can't return to work full time, would part time an option? Working in a school myself, I know getting a sub for teachers makes personnel cranky, but that's what our leave and benefits are for. If you don't feel up to returning to work, do you work for a public school that has a state pension/retirement? Please let me know how you're doing if you get the chance. Judy

[Guest guest]

Cheryl...

One of the first things that hit me was your Diet Soda consumption. If you

can drink the stuff pain free, I have to question if you have appropriate

restriction. If I were to drink a diet soda right now I'd be in some

serious pain.

Are you tracking your caloric consumption somewhere such as www.fitday.comor

www.thedailyplate.com? If not, you probably should be. Sometimes we all go

through periods of time where we had no idea we were consuming so many

calories.

Drinking with meals... that is hard. Just remember, it is a learned

behavior and it can be unlearned as well. I think anytime we are told we

CAN'T do something that just makes us want to do it all the more.

I'd suggest following through with your fill, cutting out carbonated drinks

(unless you get the bubbles out first), tracking ALL calories and protein

consumed, track the number of ounces of water you drink daily (at least

64oz), take in no more than 800 calories daily, get 60gms of protein daily,

continue your exercise, and stop drinking with ALL meals.

//(only water milk and occasional DIET coke)...I dont even drink juice or eat

ice cream.

drink with my meals and am trying very hard to NOT drink at all 1/2hr

before meals w/meals and for 2hours after......THATS HARD (seems

REAL hard) for me..anyone else? ....ANY SUGGESTIONS

COMMENTS/ENCOURAGEMENT WOULD BE APPRECIATED...//

[Guest guest]

Cheryl, I am sorry no one responded to your first post. I know people get busy and if they don't check their messages frequently, they get a ton of messages at once and perhaps they simply scan through them and missed yours. Sorry it happened though, especially if you are feeling frustrated with your weightloss. I know it can be even more frustrating when you come onto the board and you see so many people with significant weightloss and you are struggling to get even 5 pounds off. I wish there was an answer to this....a simple one would be awesome...but, there isn't. Each of us lose at our own individual rates. Some of us lose quickly without too much difficulty while others seem to lose each pound over excruciating focus and attention to their eating lifestyle. So, that being said, again, I don't know the answer. To have

had your band placed in January...4 months ago...I would have thought you would have lost more than 4 pounds as I'm sure you thought the same thing. I think, if I were in your shoes, I would go get another fill (like you are doing) and then, when I got home, I would really start taking note of everything I am doing with regards to food and exercise. Follow those rules Dr. Aceves gives you to a tee and keep working on the exercise. As you eat something, write it down. Keep a count of calories and just see if, somehow, you are actually getting in more calories than you think you are. Then, too, it may just be that you haven't gotten the proper fill yet. If your band isn't filled to the proper amount, your band isn't working to the fullest potential. Once you get your fill, make sure you feel some restriction but not too much. You should be able to eat solid foods several days after your fill but only in very small

amounts. I guess, what I'm trying to say is just be very conscious as to what you are eating, follow the rules, and keep moving. If nothing happens after a few weeks of being very regimented about this, I would seek some medical advice or tests to see if there are other reasons you may be unaware of that is prohibiting you from losing weight. I wish you luck and I hope you are able to lose some weight with your next fill. Don't give up on your band yet, just give her a little more time to see what happens. Jenni DOB 2/23/06 247/146/145 4 fills 2 unfills Temporarily Portless :)fostermommy_5 <cmathys620@...> wrote: This is my second post...(no response to first ......Gaby says I should post my concerns and someone might be able to help me....HAS ANYONE NOT LOST SIGNIFICANTLY? I was banded Jan 28th 2007, No problems felt great was doing regular stuff right after surgery..... didnt feel any restriction but got my first fill March 17th....did feel some restriction (am so happy w/that)..but still have not lost any significant weight..going for second fill June 9th. I dont drink anything high calorie...(only water milk and occasional DIET coke)...I dont even drink juice or eat ice cream. Im trying to eat more healthy foods..whole grains and veggies. I am trying to exercise at least 3times week

for hour...(not back to jazzercise yet) I can eat anything nothing bothers me but I can only eat tiny bites i DID drink with my meals and am trying very hard to NOT drink at all 1/2hr before meals w/meals and for 2hours after......THATS HARD (seems REAL hard) for me..anyone else? ....ANY SUGGESTIONS COMMENTS/ENCOURAGEMENT WOULD BE APPRECIATED...Cheryldate of band 1-28-2007244/240/ Goal of 123.....band was my last real hope...wondering if I will ever see my goal.

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[Guest guest]

~ occasional DIET coke)...trying very hard to NOT drink at all 1/2hr

before meals w/meals and for 2hours after......THATS HARD (seems

REAL hard) for me..anyone else? ....ANY SUGGESTIONS

COMMENTS/ENCOURAGEMENT WOULD BE APPRECIATED...

Cheryl

date of band 1-28-2007

244/240/ Goal of 123.....band was my last real hope...wondering if I

will ever see my goal.~~

Hi Cheryl,

Wow, what a brave girl to be drinking diet coke. That's a no no!!

I don't drink with my meals. I tried that once and everything came

up. I have a question were you listening to Dr. A's rules? I'm not

trying to be rude, but try the bandster rules for a couple of weeks

and see what happens. I bet you will not only feel better, but will

start losing. Also, WATER is the key~please write down everything you

are eating and you may be surprised to find you are too high in calorie

intake. I think we all cheat a bit, but the carbonated drinks really

can damage our bands. Some people let the bubbles die and then drink

it, but WHY take that chance~that's my IDEAL on the subject. Hope this

Helps. I wish you the best of luck. Please keep us posted on your

progress.

Deb

[Guest guest]

Cheryl, Wow! I can imagine you are frustrated, I would be too...Do as Jenni said, write down everything you eat...EVERYTHING...And see what calories you are consuming...I'm afraid the diet cokes are a no no...They can stretch your stomach (carbonated drinks are not good for Lap Band patients)... What size band do you have? What amount was your 1st fill? You may not see the scale move but what about your clothes? Are they getting to big? Sometimes we lose inches even though the scale doesn't budge... Sounds like your doing good on the exercising...Keep it up... Don't get to frustrated it sometimes takes the doctor a few fills to get you to where you have a really good fill...Just don't get a fill that is to tight...That is the worse, take it from someone who knows... Sorry we all over looked your 1st post...That doesn't usually happen here...I for one haven't been posting as much as I should...Feel free to email me directly at rena71857@.... I hope we helped in some small way...Stay focused, don't lose hope...The band will work for you...But we have to work with it too...You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know you can!!!!!! ttyl, email me any time... Rena Brown DOB: 9/26/06 204/140/135 so close to

goal...Yippeeeee

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[Guest guest]

Hi Cheryl, hang in there, the band works! Sometimes it just takes

time to find your groove! I am almost a old bandster now!!! lol I

am almost 8 months out. this is what I would encourage you to do. I

would encourage you to get yourself a journal and write down

everything you are putting into your mouth including drinks! and get

on one of those calorie tracker websites and count every calorie that

you are consuming. I bet you will be hugely suprised at how many

calories you are actually consuming. We are only supposed to be

consuming 800 calories a day! and if you dont have good restriction

I would imagine you are consuming way more. Alot of this is a

calories game. it takes a burning of 3,500 calories above what you

consume just to loose one single pound. so if you wanted to loose

two pounds a week (this should be your average) you would need to

burn 7,000 more calories in a week than you consumed! And also get

yourself filled until you find a spot where you are restricted like

you should be. This is also a tricky thing. Remember when you had

your consult before your surgery with Dr. C? He told us we are only

supposed to consume about 4 oz at a time. If you can consume more

than that you are not tight enough. Once you find good restriction

(but not to tight) and you get your calories to 800 a day you will

see a loss! Also make sure you are getting enough protien! You

should be getting around 80 to 100 grams of protien a day! Protien

is the building blocks of our body and will help you stay more

satisfied and fuller. If you are doing all the things right and

using the band as it is intended you will see results!!!! :-) So,

just start today fresh and get on the right track! :-) You will see

success, just hang in there!

take care,

dob 10/6/06

(342) 322/255/160

>

> This is my second post...(no response to first ......Gaby says I

> should post my concerns and someone might be able to help me....HAS

> ANYONE NOT LOST SIGNIFICANTLY? I was banded Jan 28th 2007, No

> problems felt great was doing regular stuff right after

surgery.....

> didnt feel any restriction but got my first fill March 17th....did

> feel some restriction (am so happy w/that)..but still have not lost

> any significant weight..going for second fill June 9th. I dont

drink

> anything high calorie...(only water milk and occasional DIET

> coke)...I dont even drink juice or eat ice cream. Im trying to eat

> more healthy foods..whole grains and veggies. I am trying to

exercise

> at least 3times week for hour...(not back to jazzercise yet) I can

> eat anything nothing bothers me but I can only eat tiny bites i DID

> drink with my meals and am trying very hard to NOT drink at all

1/2hr

> before meals w/meals and for 2hours after......THATS HARD (seems

> REAL hard) for me..anyone else? ....ANY SUGGESTIONS

> COMMENTS/ENCOURAGEMENT WOULD BE APPRECIATED...

>

> Cheryl

> date of band 1-28-2007

> 244/240/ Goal of 123.....band was my last real hope...wondering if

I

> will ever see my goal.

>

[Guest guest]

I've always thought the Express was a bit too pro-VAX for my liking. I've

found articles in the Independent, the Guardian and the Telegraph more

credible.

On this issue, check out http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/oct/07100507.html

- the link to the VAERS is there and so is the link to the death reports.

This is not gossip. There have been deaths. They are too co-incidental not

to be connected to the vaccine. This is a new vaccine with very little

history - but it's creating one very rapidly!!

Sue

-- please help

please can someone tell me if this Express Post newspaper in the UK

(where the article for the cervical vaccine came from ) is a good

sourse of information? My friend is asking me. Is this like the Sun

in the USA? Is is just gossip news or is it a liable news source.

Thanks.

jen c