laura71

I've flown several times since my band surgery and have experienced no ill effects. You may want to take some rub on anti-nausea meds with you just in case. (your band dr should be able to call you in a script for this to any pharmacy that compounds medication) Have a great trip.

All of my fills have been done under xray and no problems. Hope that will be a solution for you. Good Luck and I'm sorry you had to be such a pin cushion!

Well, after my fill on Monday, I was cautiously hopeful..but it appears I will be in bandster hell a bit longer. I'm still hungry while following the Bandster rules. Rethink that...REALLY HUNGRY. Not head hunger either...my tummy was rumbling. AND I got my protein in first, drank my water between meals, and was meticulous about keeping to all the suggestions my nutritionist gave for abating hunger. SO...what did I do? Well of course, my son had graciously made chocolate chip cookies, and after about SIX of those...the hunger abated. Now, I probably could have gotten full on tuna salad or other healthy choices...but NO...my ninny ass had to have the cookies. Today is a new day, and the cookies should be gone by the time I get home from work. If I must have a snack, it will be a greek yogurt! Live Wild, Laura

I completely understand your pain. I gained 6 lbs between surgery and first fill. I'm not saying this to be proud of the fact, but just to let you know you're not alone. I just try and have faith in what the experienced bandsters tell me, that the sweet spot will come, and hunger will fade. All the best. Laura

Well...my dr's office is interesting in that they have 5 or 6 ppl come into the office at the same time for a fill, so the nurse can give directions to all of us together, then a Dr. assembly lines the fills under fluro. The nurse and dr. are great...but man oh man...some of the people getting fills were really chapping my hide. 1. the talker. she couldn't zip it, and when she came out of the fill room, all she said was how badly it hurt. (It did not hurt...I honestly barely felt a thing) But she really scared the few of us who were still waiting. 2. The grandma. She sizes me up and down, then says, "well surely you're not 100 lbs overweight, how did you get the band?" I should have told her to mind her own business, but instead, I smile and say, "I'm a self pay low bmi...and I hide my weight well with my clothes." WHY? Why do people feel the need to comment on my personal choices. The dr. approved me for the surgery, and that should be good enough reason for anyone. This is why I've chosen to tell only 2...yes 2 people. No one in my family, work life, or even my personal life really knows. I've told my best boy and girl friend. I did this for me, and don't really want to hear any comments...especially negative judgmental ones. There were lots of other interesting people who had been banded the same day/week as I was (this was for first time fills only) and ALL had lost weight and felt restriction. I'm the lonely one who can still eat like a pig. (and I gained 6 lbs from the surgery date...all my fault, not the band's) BUT...the nurse reiterated the importance of 1/2 cup meals in order to not stretch out the pouch. So, I've committed to 1/2 cup of food (protien first) in order to start living like a bandster. Even if I don't feel restriction yet...I have to start practicing. I'll get there eventually. Not sure if the first fill gave me any restriction, as I'm on liquids for a few days. Will know better by the weekend. Made it through finals and work yesterday without overeating...that's day one! Live wild, Laura

Christmas decorations are up, finals are nearly over, and I've been reverting to my favorite comfort foods the entire weekend. I did attend my son's varsity basketball game on friday night, and spent the night with boyfriend on Saturday....so even with overeating, I have managed not to isolate myself too badly. My first fill is tomorrow, and I've committed to myself to stick to my nutritionist reccommendations from that point on. It's time to start working this thing and quit being such a ninny about life. I'm using food to procrastinate many activities, chores, and other obligations. If I'd just get on with life and the responsibilities that go with it, food would not be such an issue.

So, I took a day off from work yesterday in order to get Christmas shopping done. I got a ton purchased on the internet...BUT, also consumed poor food choices while I was at it. 1. today is a new day 2. first fill is monday 3. i am still learning...but man, this is the slowest I've ever learned anything in my LIFE! 4. Put kiddos treats in their rooms (they both have bins on a closet shelf for such things) I had gone grocery shopping and the treats for their bins got left on the kitchen table 5. journal. 6. find a book about patience! Live wild, Laura ps...included is a pic of number one poptart and chip eater...with his sister!

I'm so defeated and discouraged...I just want to quit. So apparantly, I can't even last a stinking month until my first fill without a binge. AND...many people say that it takes them several fills to find restriction. WTF...I just want to give up. Living sadly, Laura

Thanks for the replies, I am mostly upset because there was no real hunger involved with the majority of my eating. I was procrastinating homework and tired. If I continue to eat for reasons other than hunger, I will always have a weight problem, with or without the band.

For those of you who have been following, you know I have been struggling with proper food choices. Last night it was 2 christmas cookies followed up with our old nemesis, peanut butter. All this came after a wonderful protein filled dinner which left me satisfied. My first inclination is to just beat the crap out of myself, which always leads to more eating. So instead, I'm going to take a different approach. I did not learn to read, walk, speak all in one day, why should proper eating be learned so quickly? There must be a learning curve here...a time to grow into my new habits and to grow into my band, so to speak. SO...for todays list, what can I learn from my eating experiences? 1. Peanut butter is the devil and must be exorcized from my house. (or at least goto my kiddos closets as they used it daily for lunches) 2. For right now, at the beginning when things are so difficult, I do not need to bring "treats home for the kids" that's where the Christmas cookies came from...work! 3. I need to get out my knitting or embroidery to do at night after dinner to relieve stress and keep my hands busy. 4. I have an empty band right now, and things will get easier as I find restriction. Any thing anyone else has learned on this journey would be appreciated. Live Wild, Laura

I ate it straight from the jar last night AFTER having delicious soup and smoked port tenderloin for dinner. This was not necessary, I was not hungry, it was HABIT. AND a bad one. I admit to using food for everything, but thought/hoped I could last until my first fill without an emotional eating episode. Not so. DAMN! Today starts a new day and another chance for correct expression of emotions and correct usage of food. Still up three pounds, and I honestly don't know if I can blame my pending period or my eating. Any and all kicks in the butt are appreciated. Live Wild, Laura

Thank you for the encouraging words. I didn't learn to walk/talk/read in one day, so the idea of LEARNING to eat properly is a good concept. I fell down, so now what can I learn from it? L

What insightful words. Thank you for sharing your experience with those of us who struggle with the exact same issues.

12 days post op, and I slipped with the food. Had a hot dog, (no bun) peanutbutter (not sure how much, as it was eaten right from the jar) and coolwhip (again, not sure how much) Why? 1. I was bored 2. I was procrastinating homework 3. I think I'm fixin to start my period, and I was craving FOOD 4. I have no restriction, but have been eating the bandster way and am starving. I allowed myself a bit of time to feel like a complete and total loser, like this is just another diet that I'm failing...BUT...today is a new day. Time to get back on the bandwagon and move forward. What also sucks is the scale was up 4 lbs this morning, and i know I didn't consume 4 lbs worth of calories. Ah well...it's a journed, and there will be slips. Live wild Laura

The only thing wrong with the items I ate was the lack of control with which I ate them. I had already eaten my dinner and planned food for the day. This was emotional and unnecessary eating "head eating" for the most part and is what I need to work on for the band to be successful.

I chose not to tell anyone. Not even my children who are 16 and 18. There are two people who know, my best girlfriend and my best boyfriend. And they have been nothing but supportive and just want me to be happy. I am not ashamed of my choice, but it is just that...MY CHOICE. and I did not need anyone else to chime in with their opinion. And for whatever reason, people feel perfectly comfortable chiming in on weight and weight loss. Wonder why they don't do the same thing with finances? I am a single mother, and handle my finances beautifully, have a 15 year mortgage on my home, and NO DEBT other than my mortgage...but I don't comment or say a word to people who handle their money like crap. (ie all my siblings AND my parents)! I also do not discuss money with strangers. BUT with weight, it all seems ok! Next time someone talks to you about your choices with your body, ask them how much they earn and how much debt they are currently carrying. When they tell you it's none of your business, say your body and weight are also...NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS!

Thank you Elcee, Cherri, and Lellow for saying what was on my mind, but I was too afraid to speak. I am newly banded and have no restriction at this point. I have been following the dr's instructions on food and exercise to a T, and AM STARVING. I believe this is what is referred to as bandster hell. BUT, I will deal with it because... 1. I don't want to damage my pouch or band 2. I can hang on until my first FILL/FIX!! did she really call it that?!! I am actually very looking forward to a bit of restriction, even if it does not result in my sweet spot immediately. 3. I interviewed 4 surgeons before choosing the one who's staff and record of success I was most impressed with. If my surgeon wants to do a fill in 3 weeks, I trust he has done this far more than I have, and knows what works. (I'm with Dr Adam Smith, who has performed more bandings in the fort worth area than any other bariatric dr, has a band himself, performs all fills under fluro, and teaches at the local med school) If I didn't like what he did and his fill schedules, I would have chosen someone else. 4. Does the initiator of this somewhat judgemental topic realize that everyone is different, internal organs have different amounts of fat around them, and therefore, the band itself may provide restriction for some higher bmi patients, but none for loser bmi? Every situation is different, and to refer to a fill as a fix, is offensive. A fill is a necessary part of the banding process in order to achieve success. Also necessary for success is active participation on the part of the bandster, but if I could have done this without a band or the necessary fills, I would have done it long ago. Once again, thank you more experienced bandsters for putting voice for what I was feeling, but was too afraid to say. All the best to members on this site, and may your sweet spot be found soon and be lasting! L

So yesterday I had a vacation day scheduled from work so I could observe a teacher at a local elementary school for my Graduate program. I got done observing WAAAY early, and had a bunch of free time. Went to bf's house to hang out, and got some much needed rest. (I really haven't had much since my surgery) PRE BAND...I would have holed up in bed with chips and m&ms. POST BAND, I had blended oatmeal with protein powder (put it in blender and made a "smoothie...mush") Bowl of progresso healthy soup, had sex, and came home to some turkey and plain mashed yams. YES...I slipped in some sex on y'all. The surgery instructions said, "sexual activity may resume after 3 weeks, or as ready" Well...I felt ready. And I survived. lmao! I don't want to be graphic, but this is something I have NOT seen discussed on the site, so I just thought I'd include it in my blog, to help out any newbies with questions. Down another pound, and I need to start hitting the gym tomorrow. Treadmill and elliptical until first fill, then cleared for actual workouts. No abs for 6 weeks. Working out always helps my emotions, and I NEED the help right now. Live Wild, Laura

You said it yourself hopee, you are getting better. Every day I strive to be a better person, mentally physically and emotionally that I was the day before. YOU ARE DOING GREAT! My evening eating before banding was Full size bag of sun chips and 2 lb bag of beanut m&ms. Clemintines and banana muffins are a far cry from that! Now maybe tonight, you can do a little better than you did yesterday. And by the time you get restriction, you will be already down pounds and in the habit of eating small. All the best!

OK, so post op appointment went better than I could have hoped. My port site is fine, I chose to have the Dr. use the "spider" to do my surgery, which involves 1 incision thru the belly button. When he uses that machinery, the port is low...next to the belly button, BUT he uses a low profile port which is about the size of a nickle. Everything I'm feeling at my port area is completely normal, and will subside over time..(swelling tenderness etc.) WHEW. I feel relieved. Next, they told me I'm basically on a "canned food diet" meaning if it comes out of a can, and I can mash it, I can eat it. Protein first, then other carbs or starches. So last night I had canned chicken breast mixed with plain greek yogurt. My boyfriend thought it sounded nasty...but he admits he has not been on liquids for 2 weeks, so our ideas of good/bad taste may be a bit different! It was good, went down very easily, and I probably over ate, it was about a cup of food, and I felt as though I could have eaten more easily after. Wasn't starving, but wasn't full either. SO, I assume I'm entering bandster hell. I can probably eat a lot more than I should, without getting sick or pb or sliming. BUT..I made a committment to myself to "eat like a bandster" until I have restriction. Which means...I need to limit my portions to 1/2 cup at a time, take 30 min to chew and consume food, and eat only 4 times daily. (three meals and snack) Protein first...then other macronutrients. I just have to make it until Dec 17 for my first fill. I can do anything for 2 weeks! Emotionally, I'm just raw. Feels like someone has taken my skin off, and just left nerves exposed for all to touch and mess with. Food really did stuff down any strong or undesirable feelilngs I had, and I'm just going to have to get used to FEELING. Not having the numb hangover of a binge all the time. A mean lady at work gave me grief over something minimal yesterday, and I started CRYING. I would NEVER have cried before!!! But I'm so RAW, exposed, tender right now. I don't think I'm describing it right, but I always understand how people on the biggest loser cry and show emotions at the slightest provocation. Take away my m&m's, put me in a sports bra, and weigh me on national television...I'd cry too.

I opted for the one incision vs the 5 incision process...dr said with 5..the port is high. with 1...the port is low. right now is all swelling. dr used a lowprofile port, size of nickle.

And boy oh boy do I have some questions for my DR. I love him and his staff, they have been amazing. BUT!!! 1. My port is not where they said it would be, and that upsets me. 2. Port location? Right of my bellybutton. 3. Port size? GOLF BALL...huge...sticking out...prominant as dogsballs! 4. Port tenderness...to be expected, not horrible 5. Shallow Laura's main concern...I plan on getting SUPER FLY...hot...smokin (lmao) and I also dream of wearing a bikini in some tropical location. My dream did NOT include a big lump next to my Belly button. 6. Is my bedroom a tropical location? hee hee. NO. Hawaii...I want to goto Hawaii when I reach goal. 7. What is my goal? 125 lbs, I am 5'5" and weighing 125 pounds will put me with a BMI of...21. RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF NORMAL. I've never been in the middle of normal. Closest I've gotten to a normal bmi was my third or fourth round of weightwatchers when I clawed my way down to just barely overweight. And that lasted a month. 8. Pounds lost thus far? 16. (pre op and post op diets) 9. Pounds to go until I reach goal? 53. 10. General mood---more HOPEFUL about the future than I've been in a long long time. LIVE WILD, Laura

I was banded on the 24 of November, Is that close enough so I can play? hee hee. Went back to work on Monday, and feel good. A little bloaty by the end of the day and tired, but nothing I can't handle. Have my one week post op appt today at 11 and am hoping to be cleared for mushies. Will see what the Dr/nurse say. My first fill is scheduled for December 17...so hopefully, I can avoid a bit of bandster hell. Right now, I'm in bandster Honeymoon. Not super hungry, and a protein shake taken slowly fills me up. Best to all, Laura

Banded November 24 and first fill is Dec 17. Have my one week post op today, and should get green light for mushies! Cream of wheat here I come.