Angelizz10

Just to be clear, the surgeon was the one who used the word "only" when he "only" put in 2 cc's. What I didn't mention in my reply to the OP is that I've been under a lot of stress lately. The surgeon said that, under normal circumstances, he would've put 3 cc's in my band that day but, with all the stress I'm dealing with, he was afraid it would be too much & too tight. Because of that, he wanted to start with just 2 cc's(again, his words, not mine) and go from there. And I am absolutely okay with that. I'd rather go slow than to go to fast and end up stuck or too tight. I will see him again in 2 weeks and he said that, if I want, he can put in another 1 cc at that time. He just didn't want to rush things and appreciate that. I trust him completely.

I go for my first fill 1/22. Within the past week, I was able to eat things I thought for sure were a big no. However, I had no issues. What surprised me the most was pizza. I had a full slice last night minus the crust. When I knew I was able to do this, I was worried. When I get my fill, I'm assuming I will be on liquids and then soft foods for a few days. After a month or two passes, will I be in the same situation, can eat more foods and go for a fill again? If so, doesn't it seem the band will only work temporarily with the need of fills? What happens when a person reaches the max amount in their band?

I don't know what's normal either. Sounds like it's pretty individual. I had my first fill yesterday and he only put 2 cc in. I'm ok with that though.

I don't know what's normal either. Sounds like it's pretty individual. I had my first fill yesterday and he only put 2 cc in. I'm ok with that though.

In a few more days' date=' 6/2, I will have had my band for 5 years. Am I a happy veteran??? Not right now. I have gained back most of what I lost. Totally my fault, I just let it slide and those old habits came back. BUT....I have decided to start over. I will be in here a lot for support and will start using daily plate to keep track of what I eat. Part of my problem is that I had no real support. I live alone, and tend to be a loner. My kids are supportive and get on me if they see me eating something I shouldn't be. I don't have a support group in my area. In fact, I haven't been able to find any other bandsters anywhere near me (southeast Iowa). Today is a new day. I am going to make this work.[/quote']

You go girl! It is NEVER too late to begin anew. I grew up in middle of Iowa, a genuine Farmer's Daughter so I am in there with you in Spirit. Good Luck!

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I live in Illinois and I am HOPING that since I have had some skin infections and things like that' date=' that insurance will pay for my Tummy Tuck. I know that is a stretch, but I have pretty good insurance that covers a tummy tuck with preauthorization and I have been to the doctor a few times in the past 6 months to discuss the stomach issues. If I have to wait to have it, that is fine with me. I still have weight I want to lose. Where did you have yours done?[/quote']

I would not wait too long, if I were you! ObamerCare Is coming and who knows what will happen then, OR what they will pay for. Think about it.

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Wow thanks all for replying. I don't know how I want to answer yet. I feel that it is kinda personal' date=' and no ones business. I guess I figure the only ones that need to know are my kids and hubs. Everyone else to me doesn't matter and don't need to know.[/quote']

It does depend on whose asking, but I generally just say ...after they say something like, wow you look great,....AND before they can ask how much...I say "Thank you, your so nice to notice! I've worked hard at it." That generally stops them from prying into My Business. Only my husband knows I have the band (which he fully supports)... And generally He adds in also that I feel so much better with the weight loss. Which I do!. Nobody pushes for the actual pounds after that.

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So I've been researching the heck out of everything and came across a low-carb substitute for Pasta. Shirataki noodles...say what? lol thought the name sounded funny Any who' date=' I've been using 100% whole wheat pasta (in small amounts of course) but my husband was recently told he has high cholesterol. They gave him a couple of months to try to lower it by changing his diet before the put him on medication. I was banded on Nov. 2012 and decided to change my entire families eating habits along with my own...lol My husband only had like 15lbs to lose and my 17 yr old daughter has about 40lbs to lose. Either way they have been very supportive in my journey and willing to try whatever I put on the table. This makes my life soooo much easier. Now back to the subject. Has anyone tried these noodles and are they good? If so, how did you prepare them? I LOVE pasta and hope I can find something that is delicious and healthy for me and my family. [/quote']

I tried them and my husband and I both hated them! Talk about horrid plastic crap! Who would subject themselves to this stuff when you should be eating healthy food? They smell like fish gone bad. Try Dreamfield pastas. This brand is recommended for sugar/carb control. Real food and tastes great.

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Keep your food hot ? I am finding that I am eating a lot of cold meals as it takes time to chew and get it down

Microwave!!! I have the very same problem.

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I had surgery August 5th' date=' and lost 11 pounds on my preop diet. I've come home following my doctors orders to a T with no deviation. I weighed 228 preop lost 11pds which brought me down to 217. Today, the scale finally said 216.1 pound in a week? Are we for real?? My doctor said even if you're not so hungry, drink your fluids but continue to get 50 grams of Protein in which I am too. Also, not to be tmi but I can't go to the bathroom.

Lost soul ... [/quote']

Don't be discouraged. You need to heal first and foremost. Try the MIRALAX! It really helped Me get back to a "regular" track!! You will lose weight. Your body needs to adjust. If you have further concerns call your doctor, that is what he is getting paid for. Eleven pounds is very good by the way! Being banded is not a magic wand all and in itself. Your the real magic. Keep the faith and hang in there. Keep us posted because we care here. We have all been EXACTLY where you are now, so don't worry.

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I just received my band on 8/1/2013 after almost a year journey to get there. I started last November preparing for this. My insurance required a minimum 6 month doctor supervised diet among other hoops to jump through. From then until my surgery date' date=' I lost 45 lbs. I am extremely proud of that considering I've been obese for my entire life (literally from the time I was about 6 months old). I haven't had any of the normal problems I've been reading about or seen through my family who have gotten then band (my dad, my mother in law, and 2 of my aunt in laws). The biggest problem I'm having is sticking with the mushy foods, because quite frankly, it gets old eating the same thing over and over! I'm also having a little bit of a problem with feeling like there's a knot in my chest when I do eat. I don't know if it's because I'm eating too much (though I'm not sure how that's possible!) or if it's something else. I didn't have any problems with the after surgery gas, and this only happens when I eat. Any one else have this problem? Otherwise, I'm excited to see where this journey will lead me and I'm hoping that it will allow me to have children one day. My husband and I were told I couldn't have kids, but my bariatric surgeon thinks that will change once I'm in a normal weight range (I have PCOS). Here's hoping![/quote']

Have you looked at various recipes on this site? That might give you ideas on varying foods so its not the same old thing over and over? That "knot" you feel, might be your eating too fast. Sloooow way down and see if it helps. Good luck newbie and congratulations!

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Yesterday I made bad choices most of the day. I ate to much for dinner. Had a really bad snack an hour before bed and choose junk 3 separate times during my day. I woke up this morning feeling like crap yet again. Why do I keep doing this to myself.

Today is a new day and I am going to try to have a better day then yesterday. I'm down in the dumps.

Yesterday is just that. It's the past. Today is a new day so try and think of tomorrow as a gift. Everyone backslides so don't worry. It's the destination you need to keep in mind, not the little stumbling blocks along the way. Maybe a tiny fill would be the ticket. GOOD LUCK!

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Actually' date=' TMF's comparison is very valid.

We already know there have been tons of complications with the 4cc and other older model bands. To a newbie reading about people who had complications with an ancient, outdated band it could look extremely scary. When the reality is, there is nothing for them to fear because comparing the bands from a decade ago to the bands of today is like comparing an old brick cell phone to a Samsung Galaxy smart phone.[/quote']

This is true. Even the placement with robotic surgery is like Star War surgery! I read almost all of your posts. You have been an inspiration, but just a thought... You should change that comment about yourself about "being nothing SPECIAL". You ARE SPECIAL... We all are. It's kind of a downer reading that. It's just a suggestion. You have had great success with your band and have helped many reading your truthful posts. Today is my One Year Band surgery date. Still trying Nd it does not get easier, but .... Hang in' in there.

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Thanks for the encouragement! I can't believe I am 55 years old and still let this type of stuff get to me. I think I won't invite her back for a long time' date=' lol.[/quote']

Be the "bigger" person and congratulate her on her loss. ) just a bit of humor in there. You are doing so good! You have a TOOL that you can use and ....remember the yo-yo diets where you lost and gained, lost and gained? You will never need to yo- yo diet again! She will. Congratulations on your success.

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They are most certainly not a waste! If I didn't have the IVC filter' date=' I'd have been dead weeks ago. There was so much clotting trapped in the filter that they had to go in via angiogram to remove the clots from the filter because it was almost completely blocking the vena cava.

The filters do make clotting worse when they occur, but I'd rather have a worse clot than a pulmonary embolism and die.[/quote']

We were all so concerned, You have been thru a long ordeal. Rest and I know you are grateful that this event is behind you dear Lady. We all are happy you got to the Right doctor in time to help you. How very frightening. Did you have any notice or warning that this could happen with Tummy Tuck?

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Your a success! Twenty five pounds is a signifigant loss. I'm a slow loser too' date=' been banded 11 months, and lost 33. Ive had ups and downs, but haven't had any "stuck" episodes, so am very grateful for that. I turned 70 last week. I have had several fills...SMALL ones. My surgeon is slow and cautious and doesn't do "overfills." That can be major problems in itself. Weight loss slows after the first year, which I knew beforehand. Even if I don't lose anymore poundage, I don't think ...or hope anyway, that I will pack on the pounds again. I go to my doctor every single month to get evaluated. We discuss my options and I take his advice. Keep trying and hang in there! We older Ladies know how to get over the hurdles and Enjoy Life. Good luck to you!

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Hi

I was banded on 12/28/12' date=' I'll be 65 in May and I have to say I'm happy I did it. I have not lost a tremendous amount of weight. I was 254 when I got banded and now I 'm 229. That's 25 lbs and I've had one fill but it I don't think my fill was enough because I'm still hungry but it's a process of trial and error until you hit that sweet spot.[/quote']

Your a success! Twenty five pounds is a signifigant loss. I'm a slow loser too, been banded 11 months, and lost 33. Ive had ups and downs, but haven't had any "stuck" episodes, so am very grateful for that. I turned 70 last week. I have had several fills...SMALL ones. My surgeon is slow and cautious and doesn't do "overfills." That can be major problems in itself. Weight loss slows after the first year, which I knew beforehand. Even if I don't lose anymore poundage, I don't think ...or hope anyway, that I will pack on the pounds Gain. I go to my doctor every single month to get evaluated. We discuss my options and I take his advice. Keep trying and hang in there! We older Ladies know how to get over the hurdles and Enjoy Life. Good luck to you!

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I just posted on the intro forum but now found this one. I am 61 years old and just beginning research on getting banded. I feared I was too old. My mind is very young but my body feels old and hurting. I am a Type 2 diabetic - well controlled with pills' date=', take high blood pressure meds, and both knees hurt badly. I want to play with my grandchildren. Right now my insurance company is saying they won't pay for the procedure....but I am going to keep at them and have my docs contact them . Hope it works. Any advice with insurance companies would be appreciated. So glad I dound this group![/quote']

I found out your never too old! I was banded almost a year ago and I was 69, type II diabetic, bad knee, on high blood pressure meds, and Fat of course. KEEP at them, and don't go away. That's what they want you to do. I'm on MEDICARE and Tricare for Life. It took me a year to get the surgery, but have a great Internist who documented the 8 months of monthly weigh ins and time out for a Cardioversion when it was discovered I was in A-Fib! The hoops I had to go thru for approval on banding, probably saved my life. Progress has been slow. I've lost 33 Lbs. it is NOT magic and I have had set backs, but it offers real hope where before there was none. Make it your job to find out what you need to do to get insurance to pay... And HURRY, because ObomaCare is coming like a truck in October, and I have been told (where I get fills) all bets are off. GOOD LUCK!

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http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/chris-christie-undergoes-major-weight-loss-surgery-115300442.html

I think Christie just might bring the Lapband life out of the closet! Good for Him!!

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I had lap band surgery over two years ago' date=' in November of 2010. I began at 339 pounds, lost twenty in the pre-surgical two week low carb diet, and after surgery got down to 249. Then I bounced, and everything seemed to go wrong. Looking back, I think I was over-eager about increasing my fills, and it got me to the point where there was zero hunger control, etc. Now, I'm back up to 325 pounds. My band is still at around 9cc, but it doesn't really do much at all for Portion Control anymore---just creates problems with certain foods at times. I feel like my eating is completely out of control again, and I'm discouraged as hell. I haven't been back to my bariatric doc's office in about a year and a half, just out of sheer embarrassment. That said, I can't handle being this big again, and I need to do something, but I'm honestly afraid of going back to the doctor. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Is it possible after this degree of failure to get back to a place where the band is actually helping again and serving its purpose, or have I likely just screwed this option up permanently?[/quote']

Call your doctor. He is there to help you get back on track. I'll bet since you had your surgery you will be surprised on new thoughts on the whole process. My surgeon, who I see every appointment, told me drinking with meals is no longer a no-no. Years ago it was not supposed to be done. As long as you don't "wash every bite down, enjoy that glass of wine with dinner. Just count them in. Call and make an appointment. The band is a key to your weight loss, not a magic wand. USE IT and good luck.

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Sharon Osborne (sp?) has the band. She's had it forever.

Yep.. Now she denies it and hawks Atkins diet stuff.

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Any other celebs/famous people with bands?

Sharon Osbourne had lap band years ago, now she hawks Atkins diet stuff. Phoney woman.

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SO true! I was told that my band' date=' plication, gallbladder removal and hiatial hernia repair would be outpatient. Well....I stayed one night. I was also told that this would be a piece of cake compared to my total hysterectomy. WRONG! I'm a little over three weeks out, and just starting to feel back to my normal self. I still have abdominal pain where the port is, which seems to carry down to (what used to be) an ovary. I have my fingers crossed that all of this resolves in the next 3-4 weeks.

Regarding the issues in your post; they concern me a great deal. I'm going to demand screenings once a year as a proactive measure. I don't want any of this silent sh-it going on, only to bite me in the ass down the road. I'm happy that I'm losing weight, and that I did the procedure. But I can't honestly say that I'm skipping through the garden without a care in the world. I have concerns (and fear) that something might backfire. I'll just take it a day at a time, but I WILL make sure that I'm screened for these things you mentioned, at LEAST every 12 months.

Thanks so much for the info.[/quote']

I don't know of one single clinic anywhere around my area (North Carolina) that will give you all these tests on a yearly screenings you mentioned? With ObomaCare encroaching on all of us I think your dreaming of a Perfect World. Perhaps your self-pay and can afford it, but most of us can't. I can just hear them now telling me, if I demanded all those tests, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" At present my insurance pays for fills @ $100. A crack. It's coded as maintenance. and I am pretty sure my insurance will cut the weigh ins and fills out. No one knows, especially the Government, what they will do a month from now. Right now they are hurriedly spending money from this budget, so that they can get more for next term.

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Thank you all so much for sending me congrats.. I really do appreciate it. its taking me a long time to figure out this discussion works.. even though I have been a member for 3 years I still don't know my way around to replying back to everyone. But' date=' I am getting the hang of it. I will check back on Tuesday and let everyone know when I get my date. Thanks for supporting me. We all need to stick together. I can't wait to post pictures.. Sheryl [/quote']

Congratulations on getting approved! Learn everything you can about life with your band BEFORE surgery. It is not easy and a learning curve process, but we all want you to succeed here. Read all the stories here, both good and bad. You will learn about "bandster Hell" and the side of being in "the Green Zone" or bandster Heaven. The weight does not just drop off automatically just because you have a band. It is a tool, and nothing more. Good Luck.

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Thank you for responding! May I ask you a dumb question? Do you weigh a cup of food or use a measuring cup?

I'm planning to test myself right now.

Not a dumb question at all...it is by measurement, not weight. Use a regular measuring cup first few times and that will help get your visual conception of how much it is. Use a deck of playing cards as a size for your Protein. You will know the difference between hunger and head hunger if you take a minute before eating something. That has always been my real challenge determining between the two. Choices, choices, choices.

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