Mindful

Hi Everybody: Sorry I kind of slipped off the face of the earth!. I had a lot going on. I'm doing great. I'm still losing regularly - I'm at a BMI of 33 now and I've lost 32 pounds since my surgery on January 10, 2007. I am now a size 14-down from 18! I am no longer living in Ohio. I moved out to Denver, Colorado about two weeks ago for graduate school - totally LOVING it! I transferred to a new fill doc named Dr. Tillquist in Denver. My first appointment is next week. I'm at 2cc for my band and really just doing great. I have done absolutely no exercise yet (still gearing up for that). I've been able to eat whatever I want, whenever I want (yes, and that includes all my sweets. So, life is good. I really don't do any support groups - the band was really all I needed. My big goal is to lose another 10 pounds before my cruise in June! So, I'm hoping to start exercising here soon. I've missed you all and I'll try and start posting again. That is, if you'll still welcome a Coloradan! See you, Paige (Mindful) Banded: 1/10/07 221/189/135 (start/now/goal) Kettering Bariatrics-Dr. Schumacher

Just wanted to encourage you Linadu. Don't claim to have the answer but know I'm right there with you rooting you on. Bad news....have to beg out of the lunch on 3/5. Just got a job and have to work on Mondays. I re-scheduled Dr. S on 3/15 at 11:45a. I could do lunch then. But, I think you should all still go and just tell me all about it later. I'm doing fine but REALLY tired today - had company all weekend so ready for a nap. See ya, Paige

Debbie: You didn't dream that. He told me full liquids - anything you can think of. I was on soft foods within a week after that. Take Care!

Extra Extra: What: Bandster Lunch When: March 5th, 12 noon Where: O'Charleys Okay, all. Lunch on March 5th to be at O'Charley's Restaurant. It's the one by Dayton Mall. See link below for a map. Also, here is the address/phone for directions: 2260 Miamisburg Centerville Road Dayton, OH (937) 434-7639 http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?city=Dayton&state=OH&address=2260+Miamisburg+Centerville+Road&country=us&zoom=7 This time since so many have expressed an interest, PLEASE email me at mindfulpea@yahoo.com and provide an RSVP along with a phone number so we can reach everyone should it get canceled or something. I also think I'll give O'Charley's a heads up if the number gets more than 8. I hope some come from other areas to join us. Okay, I'm looking forward to meeting more and more of you. Mindful

Hey Guys: I, and I'm sure I'm in the minority, LOVE the snow! I have a 4-wheel drive so it's been easy to get around here in Columbus anyway. We didn't get 15 inches like Dayton did though. Linadu: Enjoy your day off????? :notagree I'm so happy for you that you made your goal - you go! :mad: (what exactly does that #2 mean, shouldn't it be #1). Anyway, thanks for the info regarding the restriction and fills. So weird, I guess I ultimately did experience the norm. You feel that restriction big time for the healing phase and then boom, right back to normal eating. Thanks goodness I haven't gained anything back. I'm just sitting still. I know the band is keeping me from overeating by far but hopefully my next fill coming up in a couple weeks will get me on the way. RosieG: I feel so bad for you....:cry :cry I just want to encourage you to not to let yourself get too down. It WILL happen. I need some help, everyone. We're meeting for lunch on March 5th at 12noon. WHERE? What are the restaurants down there by Dr. Shu's office. I know Baby Boomer is really busy with Heart Month so let's go ahead and pick the place so everyone can make plans. Any ideas? Have a good night

Hey Debbie: Don't fret. Just drive carefully. Besides, I bet not too many will be up yet! Good luck and I'll be thinking of you!

Insurance companies, in large part, dictate where people can get their surgery. I happen to be familiar with nearly all the clinics in Central Ohio and they ALL offer good aftercare and support groups. The distinction I am making is that there is an area that is lacking that Cinci Wt Loss recognizes and provides support, unlike the rest of the clinics. They only do band; therefore they only provide aftercare for the band. Many of the other clinics are still not large enough yet and therefore combine the support groups to RNY's and the band. This is unfortunate. I wouldn't say that this is an underserved population. I would just think that if a clinic is already offering a band-only support group, why not allow others to come, especially once the post-op period is passed and the diet is really the same. And, if you will be there to serve this need, when is this going to happen?

I am very happy with where I went and I'm not upset with the product that Cinci Wt Loss delivers - I think Cinci is a great clinic and is doing good things. Unfortunately, other clinics aren't large enough yet to offer band-only support. The clinic I went to offers a huge after-care approach but it's not local for me nor is it band-only. Cinci Wt Loss has an opportunity to be there for all as JohnnyMobs says. So, why wouldn't it offer a band-only support group for all. I agree that doctors do prescribe VERY different pre-op and post-op diets for the initial phases. But, once the post-op period is over, it's all the same. Exercise, low-calorie and the band is only a tool. Again, just my opinion - it's the way I would feel if ANY clinic were doing this - nothing personal against Cinci (they just happen to be the only clinic in Central Ohio that offers band-only support that restricts access to non-patients).

Hey All! RosieG: I am SO sorry for you. Just know that you are thought of and it WILL work out. You've waited a while and this will be the last hurdle. I'm sure you'll have it before long; besides this way you can enjoy the snow we're in. I LOVE IT! Disco & Daughter: I just wanted to wish you good luck and god speed. It will be a breeze. The hospital staff (in addition to Dr. Shu) is EXTREMELY helpful and SUPER nice. When I did a search, Sycamore was the only hospital that had -0- complaints about customer service. So, my thoughts will be with you and DRIVE SAFELY in the morning. They say the snow will stop around 6a. Please post and let us all know how you are doing. Oh and don't forget to WALK. OH RAIN...Yeah, back to normal - so glad to hear it. Please do come for lunch on the 5th. Baby Boom Barbara is picking the restaurant so as soon as she gets back to me, I'll post the location. She's busy with Heart Month right now as a volunteer. Well, guys - I'm down this week because I didn't lose in the last 5 days and I don't feel that restricted. In fact, I don't feel any more restricted than I did before the 1cc. I'm definitely restricted more than I was before the band and can only eat small amounts. But, I didn't lose this week and I'm hanging around 199. Course, I could be exercising by now. Dr. Shu did release me to start last week. So, I'm probably griping and not working too hard this week. I need some veteran encouragement. Well, enjoy the snow everyone! Mindful

Glad to hear Juli got her date. I had the pleasure of meeting her in person and we got to swap stories. Congrats. How bout this weather? I love it - I know I'm probably in the minority but snow is my best friend - he he he! Thanks for introducing yourself, Juli

Perhaps you could start by addressing why Cinci Wt Loss refuses to open the doors on its support groups. Band-only support groups are in great need in the Columbus and Dayton areas. There are many many people out there that have banded by other doctors and it would seem that you could ultimately get MORE business by opening your doors. To say that the groups are closed because of the differences in diet seems a smaller problem to deal with than to contribute to the lack of live bandster support. I think it's great that you are a new surgeon to the clinic and that you are banded. What a great and valuable resource, especially in an arena where the RNY is still pushed by so many surgeons still. I know your expertise will be valued by many many people. But, as you said, you'll give your professional opinions despite that people should listen "officially" to their own surgeons - couldn't the support groups be the same way?

I respectfully disagree regarding Cinci Wt Loss. They never returned my call. They refuse to allow other bandsters in their support groups. It makes no sense to "close" out others from getting support. They "say" it's because they tell their patients to do things different but that's bogus - the diet and exercise is all the same for everyone after the banding is done. Doctors and clinics should work together to ensure overall health and support for all, and not be so snobbish, IMHO. The clinic I went to is completely open for its support groups.

Hey Debbie: Okay, don't know about the filters but I can tell you the anesthesia is a breeze. I've been put under more than a 1/2 dozen times and it's just going to sleep. You just take a breath and then you wake up in a different place (your post-op bed). I ate taco bell the night before and stopped eating around 9p altogether. I was STARVING by the time I went in to surgery because my procedure was delayed and we didn't start until 2p the next day. I didn't buy protein powder or popcicles. I only bought a little soup, oatmeal and pudding. I did buy glucerna and slim-fast supplements. Quite honestly, what I bought I didn't even use except for the pudding. I gave away all the supplements and I still have the broth and soup. When you leave the hospital you're on full liquids. So, I got away with milk, pudding, oatmeal. I ended up back in the hospital (as you know) and spent mostly the next two weeks NPO (nothing by mouth) entirely. But, when I left hospital after my gall bladder surgery, I had graduated to soft foods and was on real food within three days after that. So, have fun and don't sweat it. It should be a breeze. The gas pain hurts like hell (in my opinion) and the Gas-X did nothing. I just kept using my pain killer and burped/*&*(& as often as possible!! Oh, and walk, walk, walk. The walking is ESSENTIAL and REALLY makes a difference. I walked at least 20 laps in the hospital after both surgeries. I start working out next week and my weight loss has slowed to only 1.5 pounds per week which is exactly what I want - I want it to go slow for a number of reasons. Well, take care and stay in touch. As far as I know, I'll be coming still in March. Depends on whether I'm still losing - I may not need the next fill. Talk to you later and good luck.

Hey, Where is Everybody?? How's the week been for everyone? Hey, Newbies - tell us more about yourselves. Carolyn, we are meeting again in March - please come. DiscoDiva: How did the testing go? Blah, just come and blurt! Paige

Hey Debbie: I just wanted to say welcome. I usually post on the Ohio, Let's get this started thread so I'll see you there. I just want to encourage you - it IS a long process but so worth it. I've been banded only a month but so far have lost a good amount of weight. I just got my first fill this week and I'm loving it. Welcome and I hope you get your date soon. Mindful (Paige)

Hey All! Well, got a 1cc fill yesterday. Really feel it today. Ate half as much as yesterday. Only about 750kcals total and most of it came from the milk I drank. I also got my clearance to exercise so I'll be starting with physical therapy and go from there. We had fun at Bob Evans yesterday. We are planning now to meet on March 5th for lunch, restaurant pending still. I hope more of you will join us. OH Rain Tree: How's it going? I'm glad you are on the mend but I still want to check on you - keep us posted. Anyone out there struggle with isolating? Would love to hear more. Oh, yeah - for those enquiring minds. I joined e-Harmony today - we'll see.......... Have a great evening :clap2:

Dear Group: I'm so sorry I haven't posted. Somehow my "notifications" got messed up. I had set my PC to notify me whenever anyone posted and I wasn't getting any so I made the assumption that no one had been posting this week. Anyway, imagine my surprise when I saw that several had along with some new people. Anyway, first off, welcome to the new people I've seen. I hope you stay a part of the group and join us today for lunch at Bob Evans. Lisann and Barbara: I'll see you later this afternoon for lunch. Invite to ALL: Bob Evans, 12:00 noon (or anytime within the hour), location is the one at the exit off I-75N at Miamisburg-Centerville Road. OH Rain Tree: I hope you are feeling well. I know you were banded on 1/31. So, I'm thinking (unless you had some minor complications) that you are feeling better by now. Please let us know how you are doing. I'm thinking about you. DiscoDiva and Daughter: Have FUN today at your testing. The class you go to is VERY informative and the instructor is as nice as can be. They do give you a break from about 11:30-12:30 so feel free to join us is you can. As for me, doing okay. No more complications. My weight loss has slowed a bit. I'm losing about 2 pounds per week. I have my first follow up today (hence, the lunch meeting in Dayton). My dietician asked me NOT to get a fill yet. She thinks I'm losing just fine so I doubt Dr. Shu will give me one. I don't know my weight currently because my scale is on the fritz but I have dropped below the 200 mark - YEAH!!! I haven't really started exercising much yet. My energy level is below zero, like the weather. I've gotten a little anemic and until I see my primary doc to check the hemoglobin level again, I still can't exercise. But, if Dr. Shu gives me the okay today, I'll be starting my PT for my back this week. I've been able to eat around 1300 kcals per day. I'm not getting the fluids like I need yet but I'm working on it. Well, to each of you: Have a wonderful day. If you are considering the band, feel free to ask any of us anything. I love my band and it's really doing the job so far, even without a fill~ Blessings!!! Paige

Hi Debbie: Yes, that's Monday, 2/5 at 12noon. Bob Evans right there at the Miamisburg/Centerville exit at 75. Hope you come. So far we have 3 and hopefully more will surprise us and come. Bob Evans is great for being able to find something for whatever phase you on with the food. See you there!

Hey All: Just checking in. Weight loss just hit 20# today. Can't believe it - feels too fast! I'm not experiencing ANY bandster hell and I feel I have a lot of restriction without any fill. Strange. I see Dr. Shu on the 5th so I wonder if he'll recommend anything different. Strange though, my stomach still feels a bit swollen, maybe from gall bladder because despite being down 20# in 17 days, I still can't wear my jeans long and these are the same ones I wore comfortably before the weight loss. Must still be swollen and a bit tender with pressure. I wasn't thinking I'd lose this fast. I'm glad but a little concerned. I doubt it's still Fluid weight. I haven't started exercising yet because I'm still a bit tired and after running errands I feel pretty fatigued - after all it's been only 6 days since the gall bladder came out. Well, see everyone later. So far, Linadu and myself are confirmed for lunch on the 5th, 12noon at Bob Evans near Dr. Shu's office. Anyone else? I think Baby Boomer is coming too. DiscoDiva: Yeah, congrats! Please consider joining us for lunch even though you aren't banded yet. Carolyn: Only a few more days.

Carolyn: Yeah!! I am so excited for you. These last five days will go VERY fast. I was wondering what happened to you lately. Good to see you back. Anyone else up for lunch on the 5th?

Hey All: I've been out of commission once again. Back in the hospital. But, thankfully they found the problem to be completely unrelated to the band insertion. It was my gallbladder. I had another surgery this past Sunday to get it removed and Dr. Schumacher did it for me as well. So, hopefully, once off pain meds and recovered, I"ll be in a good position to start this band race. Although the weight loss has already started - down 10 pounds in 13 days. Miss Banster: Thanks for checking with the support group thing. I talked to them as well and was given the same information. I also spoke more to Dr. Schumacher and Lynn Wiegers of Kettering Bariatrics. They are going to be splitting up the groups. The new structure will be something like this. First, a general session with a professional to answer questions and to present a topic. Then, the groups will break out into bypass/band sections for a smaller, more personal discussion. I think it will be nice. Dr. Schumacher said that he's doing more and more bands and I think we'll see lots more support group options in the near future. For those of you interested, I'm organizing a lunch to meet. FEBRUARY 5, 2007 AT 12:00P. BOB EVANS. The exit at Miamisburg/Centerville off I-75N in Miamisburg. Anyone who wants to join is welcome. PLEASE RSVP. I hope to meet as many of you as possible. Take Care and I'll post more later.

Hey Everyone: Sorry I've been out of commission. Had some surgical complications and in the hospital the past few days here in Columbus (wish so much I could have made them transfer me or something down to Dr. Sch). Things are better and I'm on the soft food phase. AnnieM and Nurse T: Thanks for the Protein drink suggestions. I'm now on eggs and yogurts so I should be able to avoid the supplements. I like the regular supplements (higher sugars) and my dietician said I can have them since I'm taking in such little nutrition right now. Barbara: So sorry about the heart fiasco. I'm so glad everything is okay. I would love to meet on Monday. How about 12:45p at a restaurant of your choosing near Dr. Sch's office? I have to leave Dayton no later than 2:45 for a 4p appt in Columbus. I'm really glad you chose to check things out with your heart. Email me: mindfulpea@yahoo.com Lisann: Glad you are getting back on track with the grazing. I'm still on such little intake that grazing is a good thing for me just to get some calories in. But, if you want to personally email me for accountability, please feel free (i.e. the number of times one day versus another) and I'll give you lots of encouragement (see above email). How did the tile job end? Impersons: I just want to keep encouraging you. Hey, look - the month is already half over! I'll be thinking of you as Feb arrives! DiscoDiva: Welcome to Ohio. I absolutely love Dr. S. He did steri-strips on me with internal (dissolve-type) sutures, not staples. For the band, I've not heard of anyone who uses staples because the incisions are so small. Oh Rain Tree - Where are you? We miss you! I'll probably be coming to the support group next month. I'm still trying to find one that is for band patients only. I'm a little frustrated that "we" get lumped into one group when the struggles and diets are radically different. I am just not sure I want to drive all the way to Dayton for a mixed group. There is a group here in Columbus that focuses on the emotions around eating that is free, sponsored thru the Center for Eating Disorders that I've been going to and I like it so far. Maybe as soon as my schedule settles, I'll start one for band only, one where you can come from any practice. Cincy Weight Loss has one but they won't allow people they didn't cut in - Okay, well talk later! Paige

Well, nothing against the hospital. They really were very against it. It was kind of confusing because one set of people I talked to were okay with my plan of getting a hotel room for the first night. One set were okay as long as 24 hours had passed and by the time the surgery had happened and the floor nurses were in charge, they were against letting me go alone at any time. So, it took a lot of convincing but, fortunately, I did get to come home. I am so grateful that several of you would have been willing to let me stay there but really the shame should be placed on my folks who were too busy to help. I'm feeling much better today. One problem, I really am not too pleased with the taste of the supplements. I love the Soups but the supplements give me my Protein. I've used Boost Glucose Control and Slim-Fast Low Carb. Any suggestions? Can't believe I've dropped 8 pounds in 3 days. WOW!

Thanks Barbara: I was going to get a hotel room but kept wishing for my own bed since I hadn't slept the night before. I have learned a valuable lesson though - NEVER NEVER AGAIN WILL I DRIVE ON PAIN MEDS. Now that I'm home, I'm having some discomfort still. I haven't taken the pain meds all day b/c I'm trying to stay awake for a good portion of the day. I did manage to get outside and walk twice around the parking lot. The gas is uncomfortable. The worst part is how little support I feel I'm getting from my family. I know I'm not supposed to have any expectations from people so dysfunctional...but sometimes it's hard. My parents actually asked me to come there for the weekend to let them take care of me. When I asked them to come get me, "I can't possibly on Friday, I have to work all day (that's my dad's (he's a doctor) response but apparently he saw all his patients and went to see a movie later". My mom's response: "I have errands to do on Friday, my hair appointment and a workout". But, "feel free to come up here for the weekend". UGH!! Anyway, I'm resting still. I've managed to get one Slim Fast down, one can made with milk of cream of potato Soup and 8oz Cappuccino. I"m getting ready to try for some chicken broth. I also managed to get down (one at a time) three pills last night. So, I think I'm mending just fine so far. Needless to say, I'm not going out of town so I"m here all weekend. Barbara, thanks for giving me your email address again on the INtro thread - I saved it. BTW, the support groups (from what I heard) are switching in February. The one on the 2nd Wed is going to now be for banders only and the 4th Monday one is for the RNY's. I'm going to be in Dayton for my f/u appointment on January 22 - let's meet for early soft food lunch. Later, Paige

Hey Ohio: Well, this will be short/sweet. I did make it and I did wake up. Thanks so much to Barbara for coming. Barbara: I can't really remember much at all. Since my surgery was pushed back, I will still very groggy when you came, as if you didn't notice. But, it was still nice to meet you and I appreciate the thought. I was a mess until late Thursday morning. Well, guys - the hardest was just moving at all. Once I was standing and walking, I felt better. It was just getting to the lie down vs. stand up position. That part was excruciating. It really does feel that someone has kicked you square in the gut and it IS sore. I definitely feel the gas but it's manageable. I've already advanced to full liquids and I'm doing that for a week. You guys should have seen me try to drive home - I'm so grateful to God because it was rough. I really wish now I had stayed there one more day or something. But, fortunately nothing happened and the other drivers were scarce. Well, I'm going to my folks' for the weekend so I'll see you all back on line next week. Linadu: don't even think twice about not coming. I truly wasn't even coherent until around 1p Thursday afternoon. OhRainTree: Thanks for the well wishes. Impersons: February will be here before you know it!