TamiFromAL -- Yep, that's me!

 Hi ya'll,

I stupidly deactivated my account a few weeks ago because of negativity around here, and my apparent inability to stay out of it.  Obviously, I can't stay away, though, so here I am!

I had lap band surgery in September '06.  At the time I was 273 lbs., on three high blood pressure meds, had severe plantar fasciitis (heel spurs), and had trouble getting up and down stairs and sleeping at night because of aching joints.  I was determined to do all I could to lose the weight right off the bat, and followed the band rules pretty closely.  As I moved from mushies to solid foods, I gave up all processed foods, sugar, and most "white" carbs.  I lost over 100 lbs. within a year, and another 20 or so later.  I am off all bp meds, have no problem with heel spurs any longer, and have greatly improved joint mobility and good health.

About five months after surgery I started exercising, and it quickly became my passion.  I worked with weights as well as a lot of cardio.  A few months after joining the gym I started Spinning, and a year after that, I became a Spinning instructor, and also taught core, strength, and stretch classes.  Then, a year and a half ago we moved to Florida.  Since then I struggle with keeping up with my fitness habit, but I'm back to it, and gradually progressing again.  

My weight has remained within a 20 lb. re-gain range since I reached goal.  In the past I was the epitome of the yo-yo dieter, and this is the first time in my life that my weight has been stable.  

Right now I'm struggling.  I am completely unfilled at least for two month due to an ulcer apparently caused by too much stomach acid.  I honestly don't know whether that was caused by the band, eating/drinking habits, or possibly something else (I may or may not have IBD).  Although I'm glad that I have a band that *can* be adjusted when a health issue arises, it's still scary to be without my crutch.  

As for my new screen name, I consider myself to be very, very lucky to have had the opportunity for a new life with my band.  I believe that "luck" is not so much random fortune or coincidence, but what one is willing to see and focus on.  When you think and behave in a positive (lucky) way, you create your own success.  My avatar is my shoulder tat, Japanese for "good fortune".

I hope to get to know some of our newer bandsters, and re-connect with the vets.  I also hope I can sit on my fingers and ignore people who come to this forum not to give or receive support, but for their own agendas.  I cannot change them, but I can control how it affects me, and how I respond.  

Tami

Hi Tami,
Sorry to hear about your ulcer.  As far as this board goes, block the ones that get your B/P up.  I try to help others on this board and it helps me.  I don't tell others what surgery to get, I just try to tell about my journey and offer suggestions.  So many people have helped me and I come here daily to get support.
Take care,
Kristi

 Thanks, Kristi.  It really does help to help others.  I actually went through the training to become an OH Support Group leader and planned on facilitating a support group at my old gym, but we moved and that had to be set aside.  But helping others is the best way to reinforce good habits to help ourselves!  

Time to go "help myself" on the Wii balance board!  

Tami

Tami  - I am so glad you are back!! Block about 3 people and you will not see much of the nastiness. I used to get involved but now i don't even see the drama!

Pollyannas, Puppies and Rainbows are all much needed!

I believe that "luck" is not so much random fortune or coincidence, but what one is willing to see and focus on.

I agree! Awful things happen but we can make them our focus and let them take over or we can move on (not for everything, of course, some things are too appalling to move away from!). The other day i was talking to my (adult) daughter and I said that I was very lucky as I had had a charmed life. She looked at me and said "only because you made it so".

She reminded me of things like the early deaths of my father when i was 12 and then of my much loved step-father: the death (at birth) of my first baby, the death of my mother, the death of my brother, the times I was out of work, my very lonely childhood. My own brush with cancer.

But I still consider myself blessed (not a religious comment, I am an atheist!).

Kate

You know my favorite thing about you, Kate?  That you don't push your religious, or non religious, views on anyone.  I'm a christian, but I feel that, to each their own.  But nothing bothers me more than someone who pushes their beliefs (like a few who shall remain nameless).

For that, and a few other reasons, I love you!

 I know, Kate (about the Block).  It's just hard, because I hate to think that the Blockee remains unchecked in posting to newbies who are unaware of the person's past history.  But, I have finally utilized the button, and hope to just be a positive and supportive member of this forum. 

You are so right.  Sh*t happens to all of us.  In the past, things that I've gone through since being banded would have thrown me off my current "diet", and my weight would quickly balloon back up.  Life goes on, we have to deal with difficulties and change, and yet be proactive in maintaining our good health.  I know the band was a huge factor in helping me maintain, and just knowing that it's there, and will help again in the future, is going to help me stay focused through this period of being unfilled.  

Tami

Good to see you post again, I had some severe irritation a few years ago and what helped me was a total unfill and my surgeon put me on Carafate, Reglan and Protonix and that did the trick, my pouch was slightly dilated too, but that healed me.

 Hi Nana.  I'm on Dexilant, a fairy new PPI.  After my first dose, I had horrible bloating and gas, and I almost decided to pass on it, but tried it again and it didn't have that effect.  Maybe it was something else that caused the gas.  What bothers me is that I was already on another PPI, Omeprazole, when I developed the ulcer.  I don't want to be on a PPI forever, and sure don't want another ulcer to develop after I get this one healed.  We'll just have to see how it goes!  I'm glad to hear that you went through something similar and got past it, and hope I will, too.  

Tami

Tami, I agree don't be on PPI too long, I was on Protonix for about 1 year and I started to feel tired all the time and sleepy in fact  I would fall asleep in my car and I did not realize long term use of PPI especially Protonix may interfere with B12 levels. As soon as I got off of Protonix my energy levels shot up. But what has been a MIRACLE FOR ME at 5 years op  is to chew Papaya enzymes after each meal and take 2 Chewable Pepcids daily it's been like a miracle mix it gets rid of ANY burning immediately

That's what keeping me sane with my band at 5 years with no burning or acid, I just chew a few papaya enzyme and a Chewable Pepcid and I no longer have to take prescription meds any more and it takes care of any heartburn or burning with my band immediately, you may want to try that.

Also the papaya enzymes helps clear my pouch and helps ease digestion on a restricted band and help moves food from my esophagus quickly.

Hi Tami.  Nice hearing from you.

I agree, just BLOCK maybe 2-3 people, and it is NICE in here!