Angelizz10

1St day pre-op diet and I haven't killed anyone yay!!!!!

Just wait till Saturday! Only kidding. Pre op is probably the hardest, and you will do it, because your life is about to change and will be a whole different way of doing things in both thought and deed. Hang in there because you are starting the Life you have wanted, hoped, prayed and dreamed about. Your about to receive the ways and means to get it, because YOU DESERVE IT!

I have also been told many plans. I decided to make my own plan that I can incorporate vegetables (plenty) and Protein it's goin really good and I am truly happy with this way of eating I don't eat bread rice or any refine sugars with that said I have one day where I splurge and I have one meal that has crackers because they do not expand as much as bread basmati rice and yams good luck

I think you will be so very successful in your weight loss, because you have a plan and your head on straight. Your what we are all aspiring to be! Congratulations!

There are hundreds of "plans" and "diets" ... They ALL work, for a time, don't they.... We all have the choice to do what works for us, individually with the band. Some people believe the Band will be a miracle just because its there. It won't. They talk about all the food they can't eat while still on the liquid diet right after surgery! Unbelievable because I thought the same.

Everyone will have free will after surgery. I can literally eat anything, now 4 months post op that I want, other than white soft bread and rice. I, like you, choose NOT to eat white crap and that includes sugar and salt. I have found if I want it, one or two bites is enough. That was one of the most important revelations about having the Band... It gave ME the control over how much I could shove in my mouth. I remember the binging and the guilt afterwards. Been there, done that, haven't we all? No more, and that's my choice.

Someone here on the forum hit it right on the head... "The band goes around your stomach, not your lips." None of us are kids and have choices in life. I chose the Band for many reasons, not just weight loss. I figured I wasn't going to go thru all of this, just to sabotage myself in the end by making constant bad choices.

Is everyone getting their list ready? And not the Christmas one <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> The list of food to purchase' date=' Vitamins, etc.?

Does anyone need to stay overnight? I know depending on your insurance, you might be required to stay overnight. I know I don't have to, which is just fine by me.

Here's what my list looks like:

Water

Bouillon

Skim milk

Almond milk

Crystal Light

Apple juice

Grape juice

sugar-free popsicles

Ice

Ordered unjury for Day 4, so I can start getting Protein in

Flinstones Vitamin

Biotin

Any other suggestions?[/quote']

Don't forget the laxative, just in case. Good for you on the Biotin. something comfortable and loose to wear home from surgery center or hospital. You might want to find your heating pad and have it handy and in working order. Good luck

My doctor added saline during the procedure (not that I'm complaining) I didn't think they did that. Anybody have saline added during the surgery?

Yeah I did. Doc said it is to lubricate it.

I am Dec.6th but my doctor just left a message he needs to reschedule. I'm sure it will still be in December. I think they didn't realize I was an overnighter and spaces us out.

And I'm getting plication with my lap band.

I liked Dec. 6 date. Early in the month' date=' time to adjust and be on a new eating phase for holidays.

I want to get a cheeseburger and a beer for the last time. I am also alternating between starting good habits and saying good bye to carbonated drinks and things that will pretty much be off limits.

I'm more nervous as December gets closer and more excited both at the same time.[/quote']

Good luck on getting BOTH. I think you will have a greater chance of success. Let us know.

I am dec 3... Plication though' date=' but the forum is pretty empty lol. So I joined this one for the wl journey support! Nice to meet you all:)[/quote']

What State do you live in? I thought they stopped doing plication surgery in the USA? I had done months of research so that I could have the band and plication done at same time. At the very af waing to get it done they dropped it,

The incisions didn't hurt at all' date=' I've had cramps worse than that but the gas pain is unbearable. 2 of my incisions were almost in my belly button so sitting down is uncomfortable right now. I've been on my feet most of the day walking and waving my arms and no gas relief (even tried gasX and heating pad). My shoulders simultaneously hurt and it feels like a ton of bricks on my chest. I can't lay down so sleeping is out of the question. I'm just horrible right now. the pain medicine is hardly doing anything. I just hope it gets better soon, i don't manage well with lack of sleep. i know it will all be worth it... Just gotta keep reminding myself that[/quote']

It does get better! It is miserable the first days after surgery. Hopefully, your surgeon gave you pain prescriptions. TAKE THEM. They reduce swelling. The walking helps your body get rid of the gas they pump into you to inflate you during surgery. In my case the pain and cramping settled in the left side of neck and shoulder, aggravating an old injury. They kept me an extra day in hospital and gave me IV with the Good Drugs, thank goodness. On about day five the cramping and most of pain was gone. Hang on...it passes, but truly the worst part of surgery. We all can sympathize with what your going thru right now. Good luck

As many of you know' date=' I was stuck for more than a month. I was monitoring my calories, getting in all my Protein and exercising, yet the scale didn't budge. I know, plateaus are normal, but they still suck. Around the time the plateau hit I also started taking birth control pills. I even gained 2 pounds, which for me was the deal breaker. I had to find a way to break the plateau and start losing again.

So I started researching. Low carb, high carb, no carb, etc. I see so many variations on here! What's right? What's wrong? I already knew it was a matter of choice without a clear right or wrong answer, but I also knew individual body needs also played a very big part in it. During my research I kept coming across something called carb cycling, so I decided to look more into it.

Carb cycling is essentially trying to optimize your metabolism by alternating high and low carb days. Body builders often do this to build muscle and burn fat before a contest but it's also very helpful for weight loss. Then one day I turned on Doctor Oz...and wouldn't you know it... it was an episode on carb cycling. Chris Powell, of The Biggest Loser, was on his show talking about he has all the contestants on the show carb cycle and how he does it. For me, this was the point I decided to give carb cycling a try.

Chris Powell's method is specifically for weight loss so I decided to go with his (there's many out there). He has an excellent book called “Choose to Lose: The 7-Day Carb Cycle Solution”.

His theory: No carb diets don't work. It's not sustainable long term and eventually it significantly slows the metabolism. Worse, people who cut out carbs usually end up gaining all their weight back and then some when they do suddenly reintroduce carbs. Carbs are the energy block of the body and a long term lack of carbs will cause the thyroid to slow down significantly.

7 day diet/carb cycling: High carb day followed by low carb day, alternating daily. Start on a high carb day and always eat within 30 minutes of waking up in the morning. Always limit or omit carbs after 6pm.

All this is within your own personal daily calorie allowance.

High carb day/energy day:

[*']Preferably complex carbs. Protein, low fat. unlimited veggies.

Low carb day/burn day:

[*]A little carb in the morning to boost metabolism

[*]Cut carbs the rest of the day.

[*]Protien, healthy fats, unlimited veggies

3 of each/low carb and high carb. 7th day is cheat day

Cheat day:

[*]Boost calories to boost metabolism

[*]Boost to no more than 1000 extra calories a day

[*]Cheat at Breakfast and lunch, not dinner. 6-12pm “behave”

[*]Cheat at a table. Not in a car, or at a sofa, etc. No “hypno binging”

[*]No leftovers allowed.

Mind you, this is the short version of all this. If this interests you, I'd strongly suggest buying his book for a better understanding. It's very enlightening.

...So this is what I've done for the last week. I am very happy to say, carb cycling broke my plateau, despite still being on the birth control pill too. I lost 5.4 pounds this week!

I have decided I am going to continue to carb cycle. I am not a fan of the low carb days, but I am getting more used to them. Plus, I find my "carb cravings" have all but disappeared since starting this- something I didn't think possible.

For me, it's working. I just thought I'd share the results of my little self experiment

Just downloaded on my iPad ...my surgeon approved of this yesterday. Thank you!

Cant believe a whole week has gone by. Tomorrow I start my pureed foods.

I have lost 9 lbs on my pre op diet and another 4 lbs this week.

What surprises me is that these last few days I havent felt any hunger. At first I was hungry every 2 1/2 hours.

I just have to learn to slow down when eating. In this busy' date=' busy world it is hard to slow down and take some time for yourself.

Would love to hear the experiences of other over 60 new bandsters .[/quote']

How are you doing now that your about 6 weeks banded? Hope you post on your progress. We Seniors gotta "band" together!

I is smart' date=' I is beautiful, and I is loved! *The Help

I went through an agonizing divorce after putting up with the bastard cheating on me with my cousin for 2 years. Was I hiding inside this fat woman? Hell yes. I also have several very ugly issues with my mother (how stereotypical is THAT?) and probably hid that hurt in the pizza and Pasta as well.

However! I found a man who loves me for me, regardless of the hurt and the hate and the fat...it finally occurred to me that he has created a safe zone in my life and I will be just fine if I lose the sad girl who weighed 110 pounds! So, when I talked to a friend who had the surgery, and saw how successful she was losing, I felt like I had been given a gift...here was something I could do for myself and get back to living life the way I want to live it, not the way that sad, pathetic waif thought was okay.

I was killing myself with food. I chose life and I intend to make it happy and healthy for a very long time to come![/quote']

WOW! Your pretty darn awesome right. Now lady. You have your head on straight and will do great. Good luck.

Angel...I have read it and was the first to post a link on this thread??

Thank you! Everyone should read over the whole site and also download his FREE book. Tells about losing that last poundage that seems so hard. Again thank you for posting.

I am considering moving to Wilmington' date=' NC - I haven't had a chance to talk to my normal fill doctor yet. does anyone live in that area? If so, how far do you have to travel for an adjustment?

thanks in advance for your input![/quote']

When you arrive get in touch.

I have Tricare and am stationed at Fort Belvoir' date=' VA! I have no idea where to go for my fill but I am desperately in need of one![/quote']

Well you can get fills at Morehead City NC, at my doctors, Dr. Johnson, His office is directly on the coast. Have you read Dr. Simpsons site about restrictions?

a fill is not meant to make food harder to go down or limit what you eat. A fill is simply to get the right pressure on the vagus nerve that will then trigger the I'm not hungry response and allow you to go 4-5 hours between meals.

Please read Dr. Simpsons explanation. Www.drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html#top

You should be able to click on this and it will take you there. Someone else also has his site if you look under LAPBAND FILLS in this forum. Good Luck to you!

Sounds just like me! For 2 1/2 yrs' date=' vomiting my meals was a normal occurance. I don't know how many times I've been asked "are you ok?" by a woman in the ladies room at restaurants. There was never foods that I felt were the culprits, sometimes it was yogurt or ice cream. What was the culprit tho was my eating so fast. I don't know why I would forget at the beginning of every meal to slow down.

Since my band slipped from frequent vomiting, however, I've learned to eat slower. And it actually works! Wow! What a concept! In the last 6 mths, I've vomited twice. Wish I'd never had to learn that lesson, however. I've gained a few lbs while working with my slipped band.

Just some advice for you: Watch the vomiting. My band hung in there for a long time before giving me problems. I thought it was invincible. It wasn't. Once you have a slip, your band is never the same as it was. At least mine isn't...

Marci[/quote']

You have had a hard time and hope you are in sync. Have you looked at drsimpson.net site? It is very, very informative. I read about his site here in Lapband Talk and it literally changed my Life With the Band. He actually has a FREE download of his book (one of them...). It is now on my iPad and answered all questions I ever had about this lifestyle change. The Band is a tool to help you lose weight, but for it to work, you have to work at changing the way you eat and how much. You have discovered you can not bolt food down. He covers this problem and more. Truly, it is an eye opener and everyone who is planning getting a band or has one, should read it. Good Luck!

this is pretty good.

Gas is $3.19 today on the coast of NC

Anyone have fills that DONT LAST. For expample... 1 st fill I had restriction' date=' but only lasted a week, then I was able to eat like a "normal person" ( even though I didnt.. but I could have). Then the 2ed fill I had 2 weeks later, I felt even more restriction, but it went away after 9 days. Now at my 3rd fill (2weeks later). I had all signs of being in my green zone!!! Yay!!... BUT.... after 2 weeks to the day , post fill, my restriction sub-sided again!!!! WTH? why do my fills only last a week or 2? I have 6 cc's in my 10 cc band. I know I have to tweak it a few times, but I thought restriction should last more than a week or 2. Any ideas or anyone have this same prob. I have an apointment on Monday. I asked for a barium swallow to see if there are any issues just to make sure... otherwise.. this roller coaster of restrictions is driving me crazy!![/quote']

Go and read www.drsimpson.net and that will explain about restriction. I had the same concerns as you, exactly! I wish I had read his explanation months ago. Now, that I understand what was going on with My body and the band, I'm back to losing weight and feeling like a "normal person."

a stuck episiodde usually comes from eating to fast' date=' no chewing well enough, or generally not following the rules (so most say)...I say we're human and behaviours are the hardest things to change.

I think bands are fickle depending on what time of month, day or your level of stress.

All I'm saying is don't worry that it feels easier, because it (IMHO) shouldn't necessarily feel harder.

If you can stay with the satisfied feeling for 4-5 hours and the food goes down easier...well I'd take that scenario any day of the week.

When you say restriction what is it you really mean? Is it that you are physically restricted by the band in the amount yuo are able to eat?

Here's a great piece on laband and restriction...

the purpose of the band is not restriction; the purpose of the band is to lose weight by suppressing the appetite.

http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Everyone should read Dr. Simpson's website. He answers MANY of the questions about restriction feeling.

The worst thing you can do is get depressed. You induldged a little' date=' you are allowed especially around holiday times. Get back on track, do some extra exercise but do not get depressed. You need to change that way of thinking.[/quote']

I agree. Forget yesterday, look forward to tomorrow and know you will do better. You know you can do it. One slip does not make a big ole Fall.. I'm sick of hearing "I allowed my self a tiny portion..." puleeze! There is nothing wrong with ENJOYING every bite because your living a LIFE, not a constant diet, with the band None of us should be living a diet, - we should be living life to the fullest as it is a very fleeting thing. I have made a good rule for my self, ....a strict rule lately to only weigh on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, that works for Me and don't obsess every minute of every waking moment. Ny lovely band has helped me so much in just plain loving life. I have several functions, weddings, award banquets coming up for Christmas and New Year's Eve, I will enjoy one of them. Christmas is just 30 days away then New Years resolutions to made, Be Happy!

I can't hardly wait when friends who haven't seen me for a while see me at Christmas gatherings in a form fitting dress because, I GOT A FORM AGAIN!

I'm disappointed in myself and I'm terrified to weigh myself after yesterday. I haven't had that many calories since before I had the surgery. Smh

So, you learned a valuable lesson. It's not like nobody else ever fell off The Bandster Wagon. Get back to real living and looking forward. You will do great!

I was banded on the 8th. When I bend over while making the bed' date=' picking up things, sitting down...I have a severe stabbing pain on my left side. It is intense enough to take my breath. Is that my port? Is this normal? How long before this pain stops?[/quote']

Definitely get in touch with your Dr. You should not be having severe pain. Your doctor is there to help you avoid really serious issues.

Newly banded Oct.12. Lost about 13 pounds rather quickly' date=' but then discovered I could eat more, and I have. I haven't eaten anything I wasn't supposed to, but I have had every sugar-free popsicle in a four state area. I have gained back 3 pounds and I'm nervous. My first fill is scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving. Since I increased my intake, I feel more comfortable, but I want to lose weight! Anybody else actually gained before a fill? Otherwise, no surgical complications and no vomiting at all.[/quote']

Yes. You will back on track with a fill. Your doctor will know how much of a fill you will need. Remember, your NOT the first one and he has seen it before.

I'm 8 months post-op no fill. 90lbs lost.

Fantastic! I was told that sometimes all it takes is the band itself. You must be one of those fortunate ones who are in the green from the git-go

I have a question.. after a fill' date='is it ok to eat although the Dr says not too.. I'm hungry

~MsChoco1[/quote']

My Dr. Said to eat Soup first 12-24 hours after a fill. BUT... Tell your Dr. And work with him. That is what he is there for and should advise you on any concerns or problems your having. Good luck!

Curious as to why you are drinking 3 shakes? Not sure what kind they are or how many calories but it seems like a lot to me. of course my dr isn't an advocate of shakes.... Except on the pre op and post op liquid only diet of course..... He prefers I get my Protein from food and not shakes which pass right thru the band.

At every meal I eat 3/4 oz of protein' date=' 1/2 c of veggie/salad and 1/4 c of starch. I usually cannot finish it.[/quote']

That is a lot of shakes! They go right thru the band. My doctor told me no more shakes after the initial period after surgery. He also prefers getting back to "real life" and eating real food.< /p>