B-52

This has been going on for awhile "bitchin" there's no real advice just a sounding board for those who are unhappy with any newbies and their stupidity. Now where I am in my banding I still have questions but not from here. This is a war zone. And everyone seems to be war weary but still complain about the same old thing. I do come for any new advice skip over what I've learned already but I do take everything with the concept will it work for me. But no banding advice is coming from this forum.....just complaints about complaints! How does that help anyone? Yes vent but move on. And thats what I'm doing. I've been here for 3 years, I did leave for about a year though for the same reasons..... I have found the negativity comes and goes....not much you can do about it...... I will say that lately it has been very peaceful and positive around here....I'm sure it won't last...perhaps it is the new forum.

Knock on Wood.... I used to get sick all the time, seemed every time I turned around something would bother me....I started to also feel as though I was allergic to just about everything.... I have to say, since loosing weight, exercising more and eating only the best foods, I have not been the slightest bit sick in almost 3 years now.... Just an observation..... I do get my Flu Shot every year...I'm also not stupid...I am around and handling some really sick kids, many from not the nicest environments, all day long, exposed to all kinds of body fluids, and other things.... People ask me why am I wearing scrubs all day...it is because that 7 year old boy just vomited all over me !!!!

Your story sounds like mine, and for me, it did get better....if I felt I was not eating enough, I would eat more frequently....but along with the sensations you describe, I also developed a lack of interest in eating, always feeling satisfied....with the feeling I cannot possible eat "Another Thing" I should add, that I was never concerned about eating too little...I know many people say you need to eat more to loose more.....and they will also throw the word "Metabolism" around.... I don't even count calories...... What I have always done and still do, is make darn sure I am getting my daily Protein requirements, along with constantly drinking Water.... And if I am going to be eating so little, I make darn sure it it the best food I can eat and not waste it on some garbage.....

Everyone is different...I was climbing the walls by day 3, went back to the office on day 5, day 7 was my one week post surgical appointment when I was released to go back to the gym...which I did right away....that day! I did tire easily, but that was probably due to the fact I did not have anything substantial to eat all week....

Curious...when you reach your goal weight, then what?? I ask because I have set and reached a few goal weights, and continued to loose.... If it was a diet, I could start and stop it when I choose...perhaps start eating more of the bad foods or something... But like my Dr, explained to me when I asked him about reaching a goal...this is not a diet...I had surgery to correct and alter my bad eating habits...it is now a lifestyle with new eating habits and food choices...and it will continue as such as long as I have the band....so then, my body will continue to adjust to this lifestyle (with weight loss) until it determines it is at the place it should be...levels out on it's own.... Which is exactly what has happened....I weigh myself once, sometime twice a day...I have been fluctuation up and down within the same 5 lbs for 2 years now...in other words, I have stopped loosing or gaining....and it was not because I determined it to be so....my body made the choice.... Incidentally, my weight today, at age 62....is the same weight I was back in High School when played football...back in the 1960's.....and I feel just as healthy and strong....(or so it seems)

I stopped drinking cokes, and other sodas years ago, more for general health issues... I also have no issues with carbonation, as long as I am careful... There is a place near me that bottles their own all "Natural" Black Cherry Soda....that stuff is out of this world...

Not sure if you're being sarcastic (humorous) or not..... I don't eat pizza, because I CAN"T...it is not band friendly for me and probably a 85% chance I will get stuck...so it is on my "Do Not Eat" list.... Chocolate, on the hand, I enjoy as a treat from time to time....just not as much as I used to do when I would binge eat...

First and foremost...LISTEN to your Dr.'s recommendations....and everyone here has made good suggestions for "Chewable" Vitamins.... I do NOT condone the following to anybody, but it is example of one getting to know YOUR band,,,,I am almost 3 years out, and these are the vitamins I take every morning.....I do NOT Crush any of them..... And of course, I would never assume to know someone else's band, nor can anyone assume to know mine.... Again, this is ME....and I know MY band....eventually over time you will get to know yours...what you can and cannot do, eat, etc / Follow your Dr.'s directions...it is important to take "Chewable" vitamins, as well as chewing your food properly and efficiently.... \ \

Reading the numerous posts here over the years, I am convinced that there are may people who simply do not know how much their band has in it....some people throw out figures that just do not make sense, to me anyway.... To make matters worse, there have been numerous stories where patients have gone in for a check up, and the amount of saline found to be in their band did not match up to what their chart may say.... As someone else noted...My Dr. also would do a complete un-fill, then check the amount in the syringe along with the clarity...also the amount he pulled out had to match the amount listed in my chart, or else it would indicate a possible leak......he would then discard it and replace with fresh saline, sometimes a higher amount if needed..... I have not had a fill in over 2-1/2 years now....but the one thing my Dr always preached to me is to learn to "Listen" to your band......and something like a unexplained onset of reflux is definitely your band trying to tell you something....

I'm impressed!! 2 months out...that's quite a achievement... It took me at least a year, and I had to drop a significant amount of weight before I could even start running...too high impact ....with 100 lbs of fat rising and falling with every stride....pounding down on my lower joints.... In the military they did that as corporal punishment....made you run with a weighed down back pack... I stayed on the elliptical for a year after surgery, much lower impact on my knees and hips and could still increase my cardio as I lost weight.... And now do 5 miles (8K) at 5:30am, 5 days a week.....but it took me time to get there, and only as I gradually lost the excess weight....and improved my Cardio Fitness.... I should mention I was 59 when I had my surgery, and am now 62 years old....not only Obese, but smoked for over 40 years...had multiple medical issues, including CAD and at least one Heart Attack.... So you probably also have an advantage being much younger.....

I've said it before....and it is a fact in my life with the band...if it is properly adjusted, I do not see how people can fail....short of a unforseen medical issue that the band needs to be unfilled....OR...the patient chooses not to have the band adjusted to the point it controls their hunger and cravings, also portion control = food intake.....and perhaps over time, they're will power and/or determination can drop due to what ever reason....family crisis, grief, stress...whatever may distract them or weaken their physique... But for me...no matter what I am going through, the band remains a constant...I may change, but the band does not..I may go to parties, vacations, family dinners, whatever...the band is the same...surroundings may change....whether I'm home or 3000 miles away on business... Over the years I have failed miserably 100's of times at just about every diet under the sun..including drugs, hypnosis and acupuncture....you name it... So that is why I had this surgery...to do what I was unable to do on my own, because I could not control myself when it came to eating.....it was ME who was the weak link, with no discipline or self control or motivation.... But the band has taken care of all that for me...and as long as I do regular maintenance, Dr. visits, etc, and keep this band running in tip-top form, as new, I have no fear of every gaining any weight back.... That is why I had to undergo Weight Loss Surgery....because I was unable to do it, and would always fail.... I have had people tell me I was making a mistake...seems everyone knows somebody who has failed....but this is about ME...I have to look out for ME first, and not be distracted by what others may experience...I am not them, nor are they me... So much for my Rant....

For me, I rely on my band to dictate my food intake, so I do not follow any "Diet" plans anymore such as Atkins, etc... Since My band will allow me to eat just so much, all I need to do is make sure that what I do eat it is the most nutritious foods I can, starting my meals with something that is high in Protein....because once I get through the protein portion, I usually do not have the ability to get through the sides...... If I was to start with the mashed potatoes first, I will not be able to get through the protein....one of the rules I was taught early on...protein first...now I know why.... I also tart the day with a home made high protein smoothie in my blender...have been doing that ever since surgery...I am unable too eat any solid foods in the morning.... Plus, my smoothies are 35 gm protein, plus all the other nutrients, I would be hard pressed to eat anything in a small portion to match that.... So i am starting my day with 35gm protein, right out the gate. There are foods, again because of the band...I no longer eat.....Meat, just about anything made from flour such as breads, pastries, do-nuts, Pasta, cakes and pies, dinner rolls.....also rice, globs of melted cheese. The list does go on.... Foods that are deep fried give me problems.... When I sit back and look at the foods I no longer eat, I realize they are foods that are not that good for me in the first place....so actually I am pleased.... So....because of the band, I can only eat a certain portion size....AND there are foods I no longer eat, which are not good for me in the first place.....all I need to do is choose high protein, non fatty foods...then there is not much room, if any at all, for much more.... I do not count calories, nor do I measure/weigh portion sizes...I used to in the beginning...there is not much else you can do when you're just starting out and still trying to get the band (and yourself) properly adjusted. I also CANNOT drink with my meals....again, because the portion sizes are limited, I do not want to increase the volume by adding Water.....I have, only to experience pain, and have it all come right back up having no where else to go.... So, I do not follow any "Diet" Plan.....what I do is "Listen" to my band....always looking for high protein foods to eat such as fish and chicken.....avoid the foods that are not band friendly.... Also, if I do not feel like eating, I don't....which can be often because the band has taken away hunger and desire to eat...simply no interest anymore...my tastes have also changed... To me, it is ALL about the band.....and I have not been disappointed....and I recognize that everyone will have different experiences...the band is adjustable. What path someone else follows to loose their weight is not important as long as it works for them.... I am simply sharing my experience, and NOT saying you must do the same, or that this is the ONLY way the band works.... There are people like that...I am not one of them...

Since they only give you peanuts now, and not a meal, I don't see what the concern would be...if it even effects the band... As long as I can drink my Gin & tonics I'm happy when I fly.... I have flown several times on business since being banded and I could never tell any difference....but you may have some issues with eating right away from the fill itself...

I think you will find a few around here somewhere....

Perhaps people did jump to conclusions...but read the posts...your story did have many inconsistencies....perhaps you can clarify it for everyone what you were trying to say..... We draw conclusions because over the years, there have been many who have tried to give this WLS a bad name under false pretenses....if so, we're sorry.... In MY EXPERIENCE...the Lap Band DOES change the way I eat, AND the foods I eat....in the beginning, within the first 6 months, I had to learn the hard way that I cannot fight the band....if I wanted this to work, I had to change.....sure, my whole life was all about eating the wrong way, and it was a hard habit to brake...within 6 months?....But I had to accept that fact.... It was because of my old habits I was as fat, and had as many medical problems as I did..... Once I did realize not to fight the band, and I STARTED TO CHANGE, things began to fall into place, everything ran smoother and easier.... For me, the days of cheeseburgers, french fries, steaks, pizza, to name a few, are long gone...history... What I got in return was normal weight, good to excellent health, big boost in self esteem and social life.....not a bad trade off if you ask me.... I said in my earlier post that I have told people the Lap Band is not for everybody...even if they are Obese...because I knew these people and knew they did not seem like the type to accept change very well, if at all.... I am still learning....I am still finding ways to eat healthier....still giving up foods I find are not that good for me....getting healthier all the time....at 62 years old, what else can I do?

I do not believe people should compare how much one has in their band to others, but in this case I will say I have 7cc's in my band also, 10cc band, and has been that way for 2-1/2 years now...some days are tighter than others, just the way it is.... I steadily lost weight on a weekly basis until there was simply no more weight left to loose, and still be healthy...as long as I keep the Protein up, I lost fat until it was gone...simple as that....I now have a very low body fat%....above (below) normal in the "Athletic" - Fit range.... When I got to that point I asked my Dr. "Now What?" He said there was nothing to do......this is your new life...never have a need for another fill, or un fill...it just is....

My Son went to Louisville....I used to drive there 4 times a year when he did....LOVE the town...would hang around a few days every time I did.... I have tickets, right behind the louisville bench..2 rows away, for next week when they come here to play Rutgers which is the closest they will be to us.......Basketball... TODAY is a BIG LOUISVILLE DAY....Basketball against Kentucky at 4pm...THEN Football at 6pm...Bowl Game against Florida.... Me and my Son will be glued to the Big Screen for both.... I have not eaten any lunch, and have some healthy Snacks planned to graze on during the games...that will be my dinner... (I'll also drink a few beers but that's me and my business...I don't condone it to banders) I've been in Louisville when there were big games going on...we were at a sports bar downtown during a football game years ago...packed house! Not going to tell you what to do, but days like this don't come around often....and I know how Louisville can get....

And a good lesson on what NOT to do if you're gonna try to stir the pot....

ALL POSTS can be useful one way or another...you just used it to make a good point for all, especially for new people to read.

That was my immediate feeling yesterday, but I could not be sure...still don't know how they got past the screening simply because of bad nutrition and food choices...see where it goes before we "Move" it or "Close" it...could be entertaining after all...

My Dr. would refer to this chart he had hanging on the wall, and ask me EXACTLY were I felt I was...could be yellow, borderline yellow-green, or green, etc, etc....he would then ask a few other questions, mainly about hunger - cravings, look at my weight loss for the month, if any, then determine if I needed another adjustment or not....he made no qualms that his goal was to get me smack dab in the middle of green... So, how is your hunger? The chart does not say how many hours...simply no hunger....many people say this is true for them between meals only...I am one of those that has no hunger at all...24 hours a day I can care less about eating, but I'll not go into that now....... Second is portion control....can you overeat with little of no problem? Eat anything whenever you want with no limits? Again, speaking only for Myself, it is impossible for me to overeat...I throw more food away.... The other 2 are no brainers...if you have the others, the rest falls into place... Everyone is different...I know I am different and do not expect others to be just like me....but my hunger/cravings are under control, cannot over eat, have steadily lost weight to the point I am done loosing, so it goes without saying I have complete Patient Satisfaction.... Many people find their "Patient Satisfaction" within their own comfort zones, and that's what is really important...that the band works for them...

Just show up and get on the treadmill and and take a casual walk...get used to your surroundings and observe other people...get a i-pod with ear buds.....maybe move up to the elliptical the next time or 2....sooner or later you will start to get into a routine, no matter how small it may be.....it's a start.... I am in my own little world when I go to the gym...have noise canceling ear buds, my i-pod with my favorite work out music....someone could yell FIRE and I would not notice.... A little advanced info...but I aim for a total out of body experience.....I like to run 5 miles and not even be aware I'm running...(runner's high)...does not happen every time, but it does happen often....this morning was such a day...could have went all day...not sure why I stopped...ran out of music I think.

There are new members coming here everyday...you will never be alone, that's for sure...there is something for everybody. This place can get confusing at times....just remember your Doctor and staff should have the say as to what you should and should not do.... Coming here s to read and see how other people in the same boat as you are doing, and to encourage each other.... You'll learn how to let the other BS slide off your back.... You will also read of people who are having major complications, and also those who are anti-WLS...don't let this scare you...In My opinion this is a very small percentage, and after a while, you can learn to read between the lines and see that 1/2 of them, NOT ALL, have either brought this upon themselves, or have had other issues not WLS related that spilled over to their weight loss.... Good Luck.....This ha been the BEST decision I have ever made in my life.....it not only changed my life, but SAVED it as well...literally.

Love it..Love it...Love it.... Was at my Sister-in laws for a Christmas dinner the other day...and everyone at the table..(in between stuffing their mouths) were all talking and committing to diets starting New Years...we also have a Wedding coming up in the spring so they are extra motivated.(?) Where oh where have I heard all this before??? And they give WLS a bad name? I really feel sorry for THEM..... Every Lap Bander has had the surgery because we know, for us anyway, the we could not loose weight with dieting...I know I failed at all of them....I needed surgery, for a PERMANENT Life Change....and that is EXACTLY what I got. As far as the Gym goes....it will be a circus for a few months after New years, very, very crowded with people having resolutions...us regulars, including the staff, all smile because we know it will get back to normal in due time.....(I've been going 5 days a week for over 3 years now...Can't stop!) Every Person on this Forum should feel proud going into the New Years knowing you have been set free from all that nonsense....it's a multi-million (Billion) dollar scheme we don't get caught up into anymore.... Just wait...the TV weight Loss Adds will start very soon in earnest....my problem is trying to avoid listening to them all....

Sorry you got things mixed up and confused, perhaps misinformed before you had your surgery....most people are fat because we eat too much, AND the wrong foods....I know that was my problem... I could eat an entire large pizza all by myself...and wash it down with a few beers...I have the t-shirts to prove it.... But now, thanks to the surgery...I cannot get through a single slice...so I gave it up entirely....and that is the way I like it....I am unable to over eat...no matter how hard I try...my portion sizes are automatically set by the band, not me or what I want to do..... And yes...it has also limited some of the foods I eat...but I have noticed that the foods I no longer eat are foods that were not that good for me in the first place... Such as breads, flour products such as donuts, pastries, pies, etc....rice...pasta, to name just a few....and what is nutritional about pizza??? I no longer eat red meat...much to the delight of all my Dr.'s including my cardiologist. They all have been preaching to me for years that I should cut back on meat...if I cannot quit it entirely, then consume it just one day a week they said.....that was years before I had this surgery, after my first heart attack......all because it was good health advice....so when the band gave me trouble, I quit Meat altogether and I don't miss it, and I can tell the health improvement......everyone is happy including me...never felt better. I'm a little surprised you got through the initial evaluation and approved for this surgery...., since over eating was never your problem for being fat....generally that is the first thing talked about....inability to control our food consumption and portion sizes.....therefore failing at traditional diets and everything dieting entails........ When I talk to people about this surgery at support groups and first time orientations, etc., I am sure to mention it is NOT for everyone...not everyone can deal with what they're asking for.....(I see it on this forum everyday) In any event, that is one good thing about the band....you can easily have it removed....it is reversible....allowing us to eat whatever and whenever we want...just like before the surgery. Good Luck to you in the future...hope all works out for you.....