PackersFan

I've always been pretty pleased with the selection at Fashion Bug. But I have saved so much money by buying all of my transition clothes at yard sales this summer. I just kept buying the next size down as I shrunk. I just hate the idea of buying new clothes that only fit right for a month or so. Every now and then I'll break down and buy one nice pair of pants or new jeans, but I mostly go with the yard sale finds. When I get close to my goal - then I'll go out and buy some nicer things!

This really isn't a question that I wish I had asked... but it just seems to me that two big misconceptions are: How long before you'll hit your "sweet spot" and fill the right amount of restriction? This varies so greatly, but I think many bandsters just don't realize that it can take months of time and numerous fills before you're there. It seems like everyone starts to get impatient about 3-5 months in. I think it took me about 9 months before I felt like I was where I needed to be. How hard will you have to work? Pretty darned hard! A lot of folks are just hoping that this surgery will magically make the weight come off. And I actually think it does happen that way for a few people. But most of us have had to really put in an effort to follow the surgeon's guidelines, exercise and drink lots of water! The harder you work - the more successful you will be!! I hope I'm not coming across as judgemental. I just think these are two areas that people considering surgery need to be fully aware of.

I told my close friends, close coworkers and immediate family. As far as everyone else goes... my policy is this: If I think it's someone that truly wants to know how I did it because they are also struggling with their weight, then I'm honest with them. But everyone else gets the "I cut out all bread and soda, drink a ton of Water and exercise three times a day" which just so happens to all be true.

Thanks Cindy! At the risk of sounding overly-dramatic... I truly feel like this surgery saved my life. I will be eternally greatful that my insurance covered it. And go Pack! It's cruel irony that my team wins the superbowl, and now there's a lock-out. That's just wrong.

Hi DDM, I'm sure you'll be flooded with answers, but let me weigh in first. Your stats are very close to where I started. I was 46 and weighed 264 lbs last September. You didn't mention any co-morbidities, but I was also diabetic, with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease. I was miserable and getting sicker every year. I had tried numerous other diets myself and while I'd sometimes have success, I could never keep the weight off for more than a year or so. I chose lapband because it was much less risky than bypass, and I liked that it was adjustable and reversible. Yes, you do have to follow the guidelines and work at it - but the band does help. Once you reach your optimum fill (Please realize that this can take several fills) the band helps you eat less and stay full longer. I've been thrilled with my decision. I've lost 75 pounds and I'm off all of my medications. Good luck to you on your research and tough decision.

I've gone through stages when I couldn't eat eggs. In fact, I just kind of gave up trying for quite a while... until a couple of weeks ago. My husband started on a low carb diet and started making eggs for Breakfast every morning. He uses the Eggbeaters kind (in a carton). I decided to give it another try and it worked! I don't know if it's the kind of eggs, or if I've just learned how to slowly eat them and make it work. But the surprising part was how that one egg (with cheese) keeps me completely full until noon. In fact, I broke out of a stall and started losing weight very steadily again. So I'd say if you haven't tried it for a while maybe give it another shot. I like the idea of adding cottage cheese to the eggs and might have to try that.

Thanks for the info Trish! I'll have to give them a try.

This may be a stupid question, I've always wondered, do EMTs and doctors really look at these medical bracelets/necklaces? And if they look like a charm bracelet - would they know to look for the medical info? I'm not trying to be negative, I really just want to know because I've been thinking about getting one myself. Thanks!

Trish, Can u tell me how you get your fish oil without taking those giant pills?

To those entering the stage that allows yogurt... I can't recommend enough the Oikos brand greek caramel yogurt. It is the best tasting yogurt I have ever had. It can be hard to find - but try Target or Walmart. It is amazing.

My two biggest suggestions would be - Follow the guidelines set by your doctor regarding eating, drinking, exercising, etc. and remember that you have to work hard to get the most out of your band. Good luck!

My cardiologist recommend a sleep study when they had trouble getting my blood pressure under control... and he was right, I had severe sleep apnea. But now all is well.

Hi Ken and welcome! I agree with Suzie. Walk. Walk. Walk. Also get a supply of the Gas-X dissolving strips. They help with the gas discomfort after surgery. Good luck and stay involved with the board - but don't necessarily believe everything you read.

Here are my answers: Do you work and if so, how long were you out? I'm pretty sure I had my surgery on a Thursday. I came back to work on the following Tuesday, but I did leave work a little early. I was still on clear liquids and just tired and a little weak. I have pretty much a desk job and I was almost back to normal days by the end of the week. Were you very sick right after? If you mean during the hospital stay - I remember being only a little sore. It's very good to have someone with you. I was thirsty a lot and the nurses weren't very attentive. And my husband was good about walking down the halls with me - which is good for you. How are the protein shakes going for you? I don't drink them very often at this point. Early on I would have a shake when I couldn't eat much, and usually I have one the day of a fill. I buy the giant bucket of chocolate protein shake mix from WalMart. It's only $14 and it tastes pretty good. Have you had any or many adjustments? I've had maybe 6 or 7 adjustments. For the first time since my surgery, I decided not to have an adjustment at my monthly visit in June. I think I may be at my sweet spot. I can still eat most food items, just not very much at one time. And for the most part, I don't get very hungry in between meals. I am very much looking forward to it and am anxious to get going already! How much can you eat now? If I eat slowly and chew well, I can eat between 3/4 and 1 cup of food. It depends on how soft the food items are. What kinds of things do you prepare? I do a lot of grilling this time of year and I can eat turkey burgers (well almost a whole one) and then a few bites of fruit or a vegetable or even a little macaroni and cheese. I can eat a hot dog if it's grilled pretty crispy, without a chewy skin. Hope this helps!!

Hi TS, I am also in the St. Louis area. I used Dr. Wagner. It was the best decision I ever made and I am thrilled with my results. (I haven't updated my tracker for a little while - I've lost a few more pounds.) If you ask specific questions I'd be more than happy to tell you about my own experiences. Good luck on your journey.