any Banders on the Maine board?

I"ve been trying to figure this out for some time.  I was wondering what is going on, here on the Maine board that makes banders stay away.  Are all banders shy? Julz, Lyndsay and all the others, where are you?  can we talk, post and support each other?  Do you guys not need help?  cause I know I do. We get new members and they dissapear.  I could use some help and feel like I could help and support too.  I've posted a few times about this, and I understand the percentage of banders is very small compared to RNY, but I know there are a few out there.  How is your restriction going?  How many fills have you all received?  Are you overwhelmed, discouraged, confused?  How are you feeling?  Any pains, do you slime?  Anyway, just thought I'd try again,  I'm crying out here for someone to share with.  HOpe to hear from someone.  Have a great day everyone.

Hi again Cheryl.  I have posted a few times.  I am just had my fourth fill I think I have 6.5 in my 10 cc band.  I am feeling great restriction now.  I have not pb'ed at all and have only had one sliming episode.  I lost 2.5 pounds this week, which I consider to be great as it has been very slow for the past month.  I too need support, and I know there are banders out there, I am not really sure why I do not post move, because I do look everyday.  I guess I am still a little shy about the whole thing.  I always read your posts, and try to reply if it pertains to me.  I would love to get a buddy.  The last time I asked for a buddy my computer crashed and I did not have e-mail for a time so I think anyone that responded probably thought I blew them off, but that was not my intension.  I have responded to some people and never received any other responses.  I too hope we get some more banders on this forum.

well it sounds like your pretty close to being at that sweet spot.  6.5 is getting right up there.  I've seen some people with 10 cc bands go as high has 8.5.  although we can't go by #'s and how different we all are.  when I got to 5.5 I couln't even swallow my spit.  BUT,  there might be a day when I can have 5.5 again and be fine.  I recently had an unfil and actually feel as much restriction as I did at 5.0.  so it really is amazing.  that is great that you don't slime.  I do maybe once or twice a week, but it is all my fault, not chewing or eating left over meat.  Chicken is rough on me. I've never pb'd either.  I do feel great, and although i'm loosing VERY slow, I ok with it.  I feel if I hand't had my band I would probably be up another 30 lbs in a year, so why would I be upset?  It would be great to share our stories and teach and learn from each other.  i've been on OH, since Nov 07 and have seen and read a few posts here and there, but they all come and go.  I would love being your buddy, I'm on everyday, please post more often.  ;have a great day, keep in touch

I have only posted to this board a couple of times--I too read all the post every day but don't reply to anything because I have not had surgery yet.  Also I changed my mind and went from having the RNY to the band.  My surgery was scheduled for June 8th but when I changed it was moved up to July 30.  After I have my surgery I would definately love to talk with you.

Awesome, i'll be here, and hope more of us too.  I think you made a good choice.  Best of Luck to you.

You don't have to wait until you are banded to post, in fact you will probably have alot of questions when it gets closer to your date.  i lknow I felt really paniced when my date got close and posting and getting support really helped me alot.  Glad to hear we will have another bandster to talk to.

yes, absolutely, cheryl is right, ask away, even pre op.  Actually that is when I had more questions. 

Hey I am here, I try and read atleast once a week. I guess now that I have been banded and have more energy I dont get online much. I also will reply if I can help.
I have been losing alot slower than in the beginning.... all my fault I'm sure, I do eat off track on occasion, I dont always exercise every day but I do try to a few days a week.
I have slimed and pb'd but once again my fault, it was either because I ate too fast, didnt chew well enough or both. And it sucks lol I just need to think as I eat :)
On a daily basis I hardly eat, sometimes I eat only once a day AND I know thats not good
Its just hard to eat when your never hungry.... I have a hard enough time forcing enough fluids, so I assume I'm filling up alot with that.
I have good restriction, I'm usually full after about a cup of food. Yet I am starting to notice I can eat more if I dont stop, or if I put more than I should on my plate I will eat it
I have only had 2 fills. I am kinda scared to get another, the last one did me in, I would get stuck at almost every meal, I would have to force a bite or two up for the "stuck" feeling to go away. That doesnt happen often now, which is good! But it makes me nervous to add any.

You can message me anytime, I am here to help if I can. I'm just not online alot....

Take care,
Lynzie

I have a band and I am willing to help and support.

I had my third  fill on Tuesday afternoon.  We went to the Bruce Springsteen concert that night, for awhile I was in a lot of pain.  I had only had a bottle of water since the fill.  The pain passed and today I started back on solid foods with no problems.

I am very lucky, my band has given me very few problems.  If you have any questions or would like discuss, just let me know.  I usually check this board every few days.