B-52

No....I developed a new lifestyle, with new eating habits and limited portions, along with new foods and giving up certain foods, all because of the band (not me) The weight slowly came off until there was nothing left to loose...in other words my found found that "normal" state...good healthy body fat %....ever since then it has held constant (with the exception of the same 5 lb swings) and will stay that way for the rest of my life, as long as the band remains a constant in my life, and I remain diligent with my daily Protein intake...... There is a end goal to all this, a destination...not a life long diet.

Kinks in the tubing is more common than people know.... I had one. However, it was easy to fix....my port is right under my skin, and you can see the port and the tubing before it goes deep. There was clearly a kink, like a garden hose, and the harder the Dr. pulled the syringe, the kink just got tighter.... So between the two of us, one pulled the syringe and the other massaged the tubing and it straightened out. Good luck on reaching the Green Zone....once I did, this all became the easiest and effortless thing to do...it became a natural way of life, without much thought from day to day. Portions fixed, hunger/cravings gone, no more overeating.....only thing left to do is eat smart, and stay active (exercise) But you have to go through Hell to get to Heaven ...the learning curve can be tough, changing ones behavior and habits as one's band gets adjusted from fills...and all too often people fight change, and even back down and retreat. It can be tough!

I just checked your blog....I see a lot of similarities between you and me...mainly body types The fat you are carrying is different from other people...call it masculine?...yes, I was 270lbs + before lap band surgery, and I am only 5'8"...and as fat and out of shape I was, I was still a man who did the things a man does....cut grass, cut down trees, build things like decks, paint the house, install new windows, worked on the car,.....in other words I was not a lazy blob of Jello.... And like me, you will not have any issues with excess skin like you read about here all the time... My stomach is as hard as a drum! Simple terms, we are fat because we cannot stop overeating....in spite of all the mumbo-jumbo physco-babble people try to rationalize their short comings to, , it all comes down to how much we eat versus how much we burn off... I watch TV shows, movies where they show WW2 POW's from the work camps all skin and bones...ghastly images....but I have to think, what would they look like if they were given 80 grams of Protein, Vitamins, and unlimited Water??? Years ago I had a Dr. flat out tell me "You're fat because you eat like a pig"..."want to loose weight? STOP eating so much"...Yes, very simple...Problem was I could not stop eating...I was in love with eating...I tried to stop 100's of times and simply could not..... Hence...Weight loss surgery as a last resort...and yes, the Band now does what I could not do on my own...it limits my portions, prevents me from overeating, and takes away my hunger and desire for food...I too eat like a bird....What more can I ask for??? Example: The other day I bought a dozen Buffalo Wings....I could only eat 4 out of the 12...I think I had a little cole slaw...but that's it...could not eat any more. In the old days those 12 wings would be an appetizer before my main meal.... I should also say, I eat ice cream and Hershey bars...just not enough to feed 10 people...I also drink beer from time to time when at a back yard picnic or a ball game...there a lot of things I eat that people on diets would never dream possible....that's because I am not on any diet...i simply (thanks to the band) eat less...a lot less, than what I used to. Like a Bird! And over a 24 hr period, it is ridiculously a small amount...there are days I eat more, and there are days I may not eat at all.... There are also foods I will never eat again, primarily because they don't go down well with the band. As it turns out, most of the are not that good for me in the first place...like Pasta or flour based foods such as breads, rolls, dounuts, etc. So now that my eating is totally under control, it is time to BURN off that fat I have been carrying around for no good reason. We are hunters-gatherers...and excess food we gather we store as fat to be used for those times of famine when there is no food to gather..... When I exercise (which is a lot) I am focused on burning that fat I have stored away as my energy source....so I work out on an empty stomach....other than water and my morning coffee....but no food prior to working out....WHY? I need energy to exercise, and I am using that auxiliary fuel tank as opposed what I just ate 1 hr ago. If I eat before exercising, then I burn off what I just ate...NOT what I have stored away. that would remain untouched. That approach for me, has worked....I have burned off ALL EXCESS FAT....I have a very low body fat %, leaving behind muscle and skin....you can see every vein in my arms and legs.... So, as a man (I'm 63 BTW) it all comes down to Eating less, and working harder! And when you exercise, you should be drenched in sweat! Sorry for ranting on, but it's how I feel....other people on this forum have different views, but if they are happy and successful then that's all that matters....me, I could not be happier...once the band got that eating under control, then everything else got VERY EASY....just have to work my butt off at the gym. And yes...there is a difference between women and men when it comes to loosing weight...and the majority of posts you read here are from women....but every now and then I see a hard working woman, focused on that "Hard Body" coming from obesity, and I am impressed.

You're not the only one.... I believe my pouch can stretch just as the rest of my stomach can stretch. I rely on my band - restriction, to limit the amount of food I can eat at any one sitting... There are times I'm going along and then realize I am eating more than I usually could......can't believe I actually ate all that!! It is then that I do my version of what some people call the "5 day Pouch Test" What that term means I don't have a clue...test what? This 5 day pouch test will not give you something you never had in the first place. Anyway , I will lay off solid foods and go all liquids for 2-3 days...shakes, Soups, etc....it gives the band a rest, and allows the pouch to contract back to normal....after that, my restriction has returned, good as new.... What does a Dr. do if there is any issue? He/She will empty the band...gives the band a rest, allowing it to reset itself, return to where it should be....I go all liquids accomplishing the same thing... I now do that on a regular basis every 4-6 weeks, and it usually takes me only 1-2 full days. This is the only maintenance I can think of with one who has had lap band surgery. This is something I believe and do....can't speak for others, and I know there are Banded people who think I'm full of baloney.... But I'm happy and that's all that matters.

For me, it's just like any other day...I had lap band Surgery, and one thing I know...whether I am at a party, a restaurant, vacations, weddings, or going to a "All you can eat" buffet, the band does not change...it is the one constant...this is why I had surgery after all....to do what I did not have the will power or self discipline to do...if I did, then I would not have gone through all this. But to answer your question...I enjoy myself...I eat what I want, and drink what I want...it's just that due to my surgery, I will not (cannot) overeat...so as always, I try to make thee best decisions as I can and try to eat the healthiest foods there. And as always, when I do eat, I eat very little... And if you are a lap bander just staring out, your band is not adjusted yet, this is the most difficult time of all..."Bandsters Hell"....I gained weight during this phase, until I had a few fills and finally got into that Green Zone groove...

I am one who does not tell anyone I ever had this surgery...maybe 4 people know......but like your incident, every now and then I will run into a man at my health club...usually in the sauna or steam room where there is no one else around, and I will simply say something to the effect..."I used to be over 100 lbs heavier"....either they'll bite and be interested in having a conversation, or not want to talk about it...either way... Yes, I mind my own business and some people do not want the topic of their weight to be discussed with strangers. And as much as I hate to say it, due to the expense of others.......I feel so happy I made this decision in my life and gives me a strong feeling of self worth and pride as to who and what I am now....an affirmation on so many different levels. I'll not let guilt ruin my day. "There but by the grace of God go I"

Do throat lozenges, cough drops help? generally after major surgery from the ET tube, one will have a sore throat and cough drops help...but that usually is within the first 24-48 hours.

just about anything...my tastes change regularly... (PS - I'm not on a diet..i just eat less...a LOT less)

"Listen" to your band....when you are newly banded, your band is not giving much feedback, so the best you can do is follow the basic guidelines that will get you ready for the real thing....then you will know. Everyone's experience it a little different because the band is adjustable, over time.

Exercise is ESSENTIAL in my opinion.....you have to burn that stored fat...(notice I did not say calories)

I used Central Jersey bariatrics at Centra State Hospital in Freehold....I can't say enough good things about them. Two of the Dr.'s there contribute to this forum regularly. My surgery was over 4 years ago.

When I started out, I was wearing a size 46 waist, and it had to be the stretch elastic waist band.....otherwise a 48 and they were not comfortable. Now, I can wear anything in a size 33"...and I prefer slim cut...... I can fit in a 32", but they have to be a loose cut and they feel too baggy through the seat and legs.....so 33" slim in both dress and jeans. Also, my inseam is only 30"....do you know how difficult is it to get 46" comfort waist in a 30" inseam? Had to search the web to buy them online.

I used to go XXL, or 2x BIG on shirts...... NOW I am wearing mediums comfortably, and can sometimes fit in smalls...but mediums are more comfortable. Just Wait and you'll see for yourself! I also used to wear 46" waist pants, elastic waist band only....now I can wear ANYTHING in a 33" I love my Lap Band !!!!

That's how I have been doing it for over 4 years...I've developed a new lifestyle, not a slave to dieting HOWEVER... I could not do it were it not for the band being my safety net. The band sets my appetite, controls my hunger, sets my portion sizes - food intake, etc. Following that lifestyle on it's own without the band performing properly would be no different than before I had surgery, and would be self destructive..

Thank You...Dr.'s Orders! I really didn't have much of a choice, it was either turn my life around, or die...

It's interesting that after all that time, your band suddenly "Gets Tight" right out of the blue....and that getting Fluid taken out relieved it. Did your DR. give any explanation why that may have happened? If I learned anything important with the band, it would be to "Learn to "Listen" to my band. I personally do not believe there is any "Maintenance" with the lap band...diets yes, lap band no... However one thing I have learned to do is to go on full liquids for a few days, every 6 weeks or so, or by "Listening" to the little warning signals. Subtle differences lasting a day or two. This is in essence, has the same effect as taking fluid out of the band...to give it a "Rest" Your situation got extreme, and all the fluid was taken out....at least that's my take on it from my experiences, I have no real way of knowing what is going on with your band. But your Dr. should be able to tell you something.

I can't eat anything in the morning....have to take my smoothie slow and easy. I have my theories why that is, but that's another topic... As we get fills and restriction, our eating has to change also..cannot hold onto the old habits. Which is good IMO, the old eating habits is what made me fat. The new eating habits did just the opposite. Pretty simple, although after a lifetime of bad habits, it's can be hard letting go.

I have not (cannot) had a breakfast consisting of solid foods since surgery over 4 years ago....but I have become a connoisseur with my VitaMix....generally AFTER I go to the gym, also doubles for a recovery shake. Start the day with 35-40 grams protein.

I posted this in response under another thread, but since it got so long I decided to cut and paste it as a new thread also.... Hang in there....It DOES WORK.... LAST CHANCE???? My Health was deteriorating fast! My family history was grim, having lost both my brother and sister from obese related illnesses...sister was the worse going through amputations, cardiac and other circulatory surgeries, infections, and finally renal failure....they flat out said she had too much going on to qualify for kidney transplant. I started down the same road, diabetes out of control, my blood work was all over the place, nothing was normal. Had clogged arteries resulting in one hart attack, had to undergo cardiac surgery... My PCP was very blunt and honest, told me I was a walking time bomb and did not have long to live. Stated if I could but loose 50-60 lbs, this would all start to reverse itself. It was my LAST CHANCE! Knowing that I have tried every diet under the sun, and failing miserably at every one of them, He recommended weight loss surgery and referred me. WLS was my LAST CHANCE! That is why I have never taken this lightly...full steam ahead...I can care less what others think, let them find their success. I found mine!! NO WHINING HERE I want this band to do the maximum performance, everything I anticipated.Would not settle for anything less... And it did!!! Lost over 100 lbs in a year......all my illnesses have been reversed...no more medications or insulin injections. I go to the gym every chance I get. (it's 4 am as I'm typing this, will be at the gym at 5) My hunger/cravings are in check, have no interest in food or eating most of the time. And when I do eat, the band limits my portions, making it impossible to overeat or binge. Also, when I do eat, all I do is eat wisely, making healthy choices. No more diets, no more calorie counting..... Does not mean I don't enjoy the treats in life...I do! It's just that I don't make a pig of myself...all things in moderation thanks to the band... Head Hunger....perfectly normal, but it goes away eventually....I have gone out of my way to purchase something I was craving, only to throw it away after one or two bites..... The band turned my life around...all my Dr.'s are astounded...(and I have/had a lot of them) I do not, have not, any weight loss goals...how can I ??? I was OBESE because of a lifestyle of bad eating and being a coach potato....NOW my lifestyle has changed, and the reverse happened, I went on the opposite direction and lost weight until I was back to what my body determined was normal...where it should be for someone who eats right and gets plenty of exercise. Maintenance?? I don't get it...I have been on many, many diets so I understand what maintenance is in terms of dieting programs. But I am not on any diet program....simply put, because of WLS, my eating, what and how I eat, has been changed...and it will stay that way for the rest of my life....it is the New Normal for me. So there is nothing I can do differently. I suppose I could get Fluid taken out of my band, to allow me to eat more, larger portions...but that makes no sense to me. Why would I want to do that? I was fat-obese because I ate too much of the wrong things, I am now at optimal weight with very little body fat% because I eat less, way less, and eat good wholesome healthy foods...it's that simple. Sprinkle on top of that fat burning exercise and there you have it. (notice I said fat burning, not calorie burning) I should say, concerning my health improving and illnesses reversed, a Heart Attack, (MI) the damage is done to the cardiac wall - muscle and cannot be fixed, and with this, there are 2 medications I will take for the rest of my life.... BUT that does not stop me from running 3-5 miles 5 days a week, and strengthening what I do have.

This was my take on the 6 month diet.... I have been on many, many diets and failed at every one of them....THIS is something the insurance wants to know, that other avenues have been explored and tried before undergoing something as drastic as surgery.... But simply me telling them was not good enough....they wanted proof, written off by a Dr. along with progress notes, charts and graphs....something they can document and put in my medical file. Hence, the 6 month medically supervised diet program. And just like every diet I have ever been on, I started out good...was motivated...began to loose weight and feel good about myself....then, after about 4 months, I started to cheat, finding ways to try to get away with it, but I was only fooling myself....and eventually the progress began to slow, then start to go in the other direction.... By the time I had my surgery, all the weight was back...what did they expect? I could have told them this is what would happen, but they wanted it "Official" for the record.... But that was my experience...people here need to follow their Dr.;s directions if they want to have this surgery.

Hang in there....It DOES WORK and from what I have just read so far, everyone's thinking is spot on.... LAST CHANCE???? My Health was deteriorating fast! My family history was grim, having lost both my brother and sister from obese related illnesses...sister was the worse going through amputations, cardiac and other circulatory surgeries, finally renal failure....they flat out said she had too much going on to qualify for kidney transplant. I started down the same road, diabetes out of control, my blood work was all over the place, nothing was normal. Had clogged arteries resulting in one hart attack, had to undergo cardiac surgery... My PCP was very blunt and honest, told me I was a walking time bomb and did not have long to live. Stated if I could but loose 50-60 lbs, this would all start to reverse itself. Knowing that I have tried every diet under the sun, and failing miserably at every one of them, He recommended weight loss surgery and referred me. WLS was my LAST CHANCE! That is why I have never taken this lightly...full steam ahead...I want this band to do the maximum performance, everything I anticipated. And it did!!! Lost over 100 lbs in a year......all my illnesses have been reversed...no more medications or insulin injections. I go to the gym every chance I get. My hunger/cravings are in check, have no interest in food or eating most of the time. And when I do eat, the band limits my portions, making it impossible to overeat or binge. And when I do eat, all I do is eat wisely, making healthy choices. No more diets, no more calorie counting..... Does not mean I don't enjoy the treats in life...I do! It's just that I don't make a pig of myself...all things in moderation thanks to the band... Head Hunger....perfectly normal, but it goes away eventually....I have gone out of my way to purchase something I was craving, only to throw it away after one or two bites..... The band turned my life around...all my Dr.'s are astounded...(and I have/had a lot of them) I do not, have not, any weight loss goals...how can I ??? I was OBESE because of a lifestyle of bad eating and being a coach potato....NOW my lifestyle has changed, and the reverse happened, I went on the opposite direction and lost weight until I was back to what my body determined was normal...where it should be for someone who eats right and gets plenty of exercise. Maintenance?? I don't get it...I have been on many, many diets so I understand what maintenance is in terms of dieting programs. But I am not on any diet program....simply put, because of WLS, my eating, what and how I eat, has been changed...and it will stay that way for the rest of my life....it is the New Normal for me. So there is nothing I can do differently. I should say, concerning my health improving and illnesses reversed, a Heart Attack, (MI) the damage is down to the cardiac wall - muscle and cannot be fixed, and with this, there are 2 medications I will take for the rest of my life.... BUT that does not stop me from running 3-5 miles 5 days a week, and strengthening what I do have.

All I can say is, as the band got adjusted, in stages, I had to get adjusted as well as far as the foods I ate, how I ate them, and my whole mental outlook on what was going on. It was the hardest and most difficult phase of this Lap Band surgery...made plenty of mistakes, and paid for each one of them....but with each mistake and paying the consequences, I had to examine myself and ask "What am I doing wrong" And sometimes doing it more than once finally made me realize what is was that I needed to change, or stop doing all together. Very difficult when you've spent your whole life doing things wrong that you thought were Ok.... For me, it was the first year that was difficult...then I began to find that "Groove" and after all this time it just keeps getting better. But there were some very hard lessons, and some very hard personal, lifestyle changes.

My Dr. used to refer to to the "Yellow-Green-Red" Zone chart on the wall...ask me a few questions such as hunger, cravings, etc, and determine where I was on that chart....compare my current weight to my last visit and calculate weight loss, (or gain)...then determine if I needed a fill or not. The goal from day one was always to get to that Green Zone, where everything was functioning at it well tuned peak. No hunger or cravings, portions under control, (cannot binge or overeat), and steady weight loss until I reached my body's normal fat range.... I could never have gotten to this place without getting my band properly adjusted, and that took the right amount of fills... (and I had to adjust my habits to meet that) My last fill was 4 years ago....everything has been "Heaven:" ever since....smooth effortless sailing.

I developed a new lifestyle of eating end exercise, NEVER to go on a diet again or be a calorie counter..... I let my body determine what my goal should be....just as a bad lifestyle of eating wrong and being a coach potato slowly increased my weight to obesity, this new lifestyle slowly led my body back to "Normal" How do I know my weight is normal? Not by BMI's, they are worthless....but because I know what % of my weight consists of body fat, and what % is not....and it is actually a little below normal, in the "Athletic" range due to all the exercising..... I have been at this weight for about 3 years, there is nothing left to loose and still be healthy.... I get on the scale sometimes twice a day (out of habit) and I am accustomed to the same 5lb negative and positive swings (10 lb range I guess) And following this lifestyle, I still enjoy things a dieter would never dream of eating.... I plan on staying right here for the rest of my life....

I carry what I need to empty my band in case I should have problems when I am traveling out of the country. My port sticks out...it's right there under the skin, a one armed blind man could do it....