Angelizz10

Thanks for the feed back. I was getting worried because my doctor said he has never filled more then 9cc in a 14cc band because most to all of his patients get to the greenzone before then. I'm at 6.5 so I was getting worried this wasn't working for me.

Don't obsess about how much or how often you get a fill. You will know what is right for you. You haven't been banded very long. Learn to listen to your ever changing body with the weight loss. My surgeon explained, as noted by another bandster, that as you lose body fat, that includes fat in your abdomen and fat around your organs, including your esophagus. As you lose the fat, your band gets looser because there is less fat for it to fit like it needs to. Listen to your doctor and your own body. Good luck.

I so wish it was that easy - I've had issues from the day I had the surgery - had no fill for 6 months and very little now. My surgeon says that "it's not for everyone". It has been the most perplex thing I've ever encountered (and I'm pretty darn old . Anyway' date=' I don't want people going into this thinking it's a piece of cake - cause it sure is not![/quote']

I know the band is not for everyone. I have had friends it was an answer from Heaven, another it was answer from Hell. It is not a magic cure all. It takes Work, Work, Work. Anyone who thinks that they will just get a band and they will get thin, is thinking wrong. Do your research, talk to people who have had the band and those who have had it taken out. There are plenty of both. I have had good success so far. I'm 69 year lady with diabetes and other medical problems that a band has helped. For ME, I had few choices left and have support of a husband who cares. You can have your cake and eat it too, just smaller amount and not too often.

Instead of just thinking about it everyday, DO something about it, like make an appointment with your doctor. Get back to stage one and get on with it. You know how and what to do. You have got to reinforce the good things you learned during the one hundred and forty POUND weight loss, and drop the bad habits you are relearning. Don't make those 3years of hard work a big Fat waste of blood, sweat, and plenty off tears I 'll bet you shed. You know as well as I do that the band is put in you as tool to help you feel no Hungar after small amts. so get off your butt (which will grow if you don't anyway) in great.

Sounds as if everyone here is doing pretty well. Me too' date=' just four days out - not at all hungry -clear liquids till Friday - not a problem so far. Am pretty excited, and excited too as always about preparing for family for Thanksgiving. what do we eat women? I'll be on mushies by then?

Thanks for advice. Take care everybody.[/quote']

Your still swollen from surgery and everything inside you was moved around! Mashed potatoes might be your good friend on Thanksgiving. . Just make sure your taking your Vitamins and getting proper amount of Protein. My counselors all tell me Protein First. I wasn't hungry at first either, and had to "remember" to eat. That was a new thing for me. Everyone is different, but I was told never to go under 1000 calories a day. If you go under that your body might take from someplace you don't want it to, like bones. That is one problem no one needs. Listen to your Dr. And staff, that is what they are there for and what your paying them for. Good luck on your journey. A real reason to be Thankful this year, is your surgery is over!

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']

Let us all know how your feeling and progressing. Your about 3 weeks post-op and will have a glimpse by now into The Real World.

thank you angelizz' date=',, i did call and they told me just an all around good multi Vitamin and Biotin,,, i went to wal mart and have already started taking them,,, then i called my advocate and she was trhrilled that i was already ahead of the game,,, thanks to all of you for the tips,,, i dont think i would have been told about any of this if not for you guys,,, hahaah just as im typing this my nurtitionilist (spell whowa) just called and told me to take all that too lol,,, and was glad to hear that i dont have to do the straight liquid 2 weeks before surg,,, just have to do the adkins diet 2 weeks before,,,[/quote']

Good good good! You are well ahead of the whole thing. I, too, did Atkins and it was way easier than the liquid stuff. That would be very hard for me. Atkins, basically gets you off SUGAR. After surgery 1st week, had to do clear liquid, making sure to get in Protein, which I drank one bottle of Isopure, Grape Frost, daily which has zero carbs and 40 grams of Protein, over lots of ice. This high Protein Drink isn't so sweet. I hate milk and it is hard to find something not milk based. I believe I found this at drug store and also at commissary. BUT, after one week on clear liquid my doctor told me get off the Protein drinks altogether. Thank goodness because I, personally don't like any of them very much. The Isopure was the only one I could get down. After a fill, I go on Soup for next 24hrs. And have had no problems. Good luck and let us all know how your doing. Remember, everyone is different, and everyone loses at different rates. I was banded July 25th, 2012, went on a 2week cruise, didn't gain!... Down 24 Lbs and am happy with that.

GI scope showed no slip or erosion!!!! We're

Going to now test the gallbladder and check fro stones! So thrilled it's not my band!!! <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Thank you for taking time to post to us. God help you all!

ok what is Biotin? and is there a certain kind of multi vit i should b taking? i have no idea on what to take' date=',, im so confused [/quote']

I am not sure if Biotin is a mineral or Vitamin? My nutritionist told me about it and I've been on 5,000 MICRO GRAMS for two years. Look it up on Internet and it will give you lots of information and help you decide. It has helped me with my nails which peeled and were thin before I started taking it faithfully once a day. Now, I have nails that are strong and finally have some length to them. If you have surgery soon, get a head start and take generic Vitamin but NOT with Iron. Iron makes you Feel hungary. My Board Certified Internist told me that little gem! Who knew!! There are so many decisions to make so ask questions every single time your with any doctor. Take a list with you, and don't feel embarrassed about doing it like I did. In fact, my internist urged me to bring my list of questions every appointment. Ask what a type of Multi vitamin you should take. The first and second questions they ask you at each weigh in is: Have you been taking your Vitamins and exercising..? If you have time research on the Internet. It's all out there.

I am 56 yrs old and I'm going to true tesults in Richardson tx to have mine done in dec 2012 I'm hoping I don't loose my hair or have any complications. I'm very healthy. Except I'm 235 lbs that's not healthy I go in this mon for nutri and psyc eval. Insur requires it.

I'm not real concerned with saggy skin right now. Just more about loosing hair. I plan to eat/ drink plenty of Protein. Any suggestions for THIS NEWBIE?????

Take your Biotin and your Multi-Vitamins now. Hair loss can be a problem after anestitics.

I am glad you posted this. I have only told a few people. It is such a personal decision and I don't want to have to explain my reasoning. People can be so judgmental.

it's true, people are judgmental. But, could a small part of you want to keep it secret for fear you might fail "again?" Honey we've all been there, done that, I only told my husband and that is it. He wants Me to be happy and healthy.hang in there, you will do it and magnificently!

Hi im on day five of pre op milk diet and feel so tired hungry and now beside myself with worry as i did the unthinkable and ate a slither of chicken!!!!!! Feel such a failure:( by the way im deana from selsey england being banded on 5th

What the heck is a slither of chicken? Hey, it's Protein in some form if its chicken, right, so quit beating yourself up about it and get on with it tomorrow, it's a losing proposition to obsess about slips and small daily mistakes SO... live and learn. A LONG life is ahead the faster we learn the Individual ins-and-outs of the process. YOUR NOT A FAILURE. QUIT SAYING IT OR YOU WILL BELIEVE IT. WE are all here to help you get where you want to be and no question to far Out or what you might imagine to be stood, it's NOt.

Angelizz10 I have never heard of anyones Dr saying they do not need a pre op diet. I am not doubting you just surprised . I worry about fat in your liver . And while folks going through the pre diet might think you are lucky. I am not so sure.

I know all Drs are different . My personal opinion is the pre op prepares you physically and mentally for the surgery and gives you a taste of things to come

For me the resolve to tough it out started at the pre.... I have read many post here where people in the pre diet are re-thinking the process . For me is was the first realization of my love affair with food and how I used it.

It's Peeba Girl you confused me, "Angelizz10", with. She was advised she didn't need any preop program to follow.

Angelizz10 I have never heard of anyones Dr saying they do not need a pre op diet. I am not doubting you just surprised . I worry about fat in your liver . And while folks going through the pre diet might think you are lucky. I am not so sure.

I know all Drs are different . My personal opinion is the pre op prepares you physically and mentally for the surgery and gives you a taste of things to come

For me the resolve to tough it out started at the pre.... I have read many post here where people in the pre diet are re-thinking the process . For me is was the first realization of my love affair with food and how I used it.

I think you have me confused with another banister, that perhaps I "quoted."??? I was put on Atkins for three weeks before surgery AND had monthly weigh ins for 8 months prior to that. I can't imagine having this surgery either without getting rid of as much liver fat as you can.

I was not required to do a liquid preop diet. Low cal n low fat. Ive been finding information that benefiber is fine to take as needed. It doesnt blow up..and dissolves completely.

I use the Clear Metamusil in my one cup of Decaf every morning. Constipation is a problem many banded people have after surgery. I never had any problem before banding, but now... Trying to get enough Fiber in is hard. I'm sticking to low carb because of getting off sugar.

My doc says I don't have to do a pre-op diet. But I am a total sugar junkie and want off the stuff. Do y'all recommend just going cold turkey and getting off it? Or does anyone recommend a more gradual approach? Any thoughts or advice are welcome.

I don't know if it would be possible for ME to gradually get off sugar. Manufactureres put sugar in everything. I went cold turkey and it took right around four days, then it was behind me. You will know your body better than anyone else.

I am a private person and am only telling my husband about my surgery. I'm not the type to generally talk about any procedures I'm having done' date=' even, common ones so this is not out of the ordinary for me. There are some people I trust would be supportive but they would tell one or two close other people and I don't want that. I also don't want negative comments or judgements or to have to explain my decision to anyone at this point. I feel it's best for me personally not to tell anyone that IKIRL. That's why I need this support page so badly.

Has anyone done this? Do you feel guilty about white lies? For example, for all the pre op visits I needed grandparents to help watch the kids. When they would ask where I was going, I would say something similar like an appointment. What kind? the dentist. I felt bad for that.

Will the words LAPBANDTALK come up on my emails? Not that others read my emails but if I have my account open at work and someone walks over to chat, I don't want to have to minimize the screen.

Thanks for your help.[/quote']

I did the same, and only my husband knows. I don't feel one bit guilty either! This decision has absolutely nothing to do with friends or coworkers. Don't worry about what other people think. Get another email address for lapband stuff, such as Yahoo and use it only for this, because, YES... Emails will pop up at the most inconvenient times. Don't open those emails unless your home.

Thank goodness for posts like this. My doc never mentioned the gass pains and I would be in a full panic attack experiencing these symptoms. Grateful for the heads up!

Yup. Gas pain is part of it, because, they pump your belly full of either air or gas to expand their view in there and also so they can move your organs out of the way to place the band and port. I had to stay in hospital overnight, because of insurance requirements, and was very glad of it because my left side of neck was having spasms. They gave me injections for the pain. Also be prepared for Constipation. Have your laxatives already purchased and at home, just in case you need it. Better safe than sorry. Good luck. It is all worth it in the end and discomfort is replaced on real hope.

Most doctors submit your original weigh in to the insurance. Also most doctors want you to loose some weight before surgery to show you are commited to a new lifestyle.

It is mainly to get rid of as much excess fat in your liver as possible.

I'm on day 3 of pre op Protein shakes I'm just getting over a cold and I'm so tired. I have had a headache for 2 1/2 days I'm feeling low and tired and I can't help but think I hope it's better after surgery. If its not I can't live this way. I can't stand the constant headache. Am I the only one that has a constant headache does it go away?????

I too had the headache for several days. Mine was "sugar withdrawal" headache. Perhaps you too?

Yes' date=' eating a little bit of chocolate WAS worth it...I never blamed the candy or the holiday or any such thing. I enjoyed every moment of it! It doesn't make me feel any better or worse to have made MY choice to eat the candy. Pardon me for taking offense at your response, but I never asked for anyone to approve MY decision. My nutritionist, surgeon and bariatric internist did not tell me I couldn't eat candy ever again. I am VERY realistic about my eating and exercise plans and don't need to feel guilty about choosing to eat a little candy. I've been working at this band thing for over two years so I can say with some experience, there is no "cheating", there are no "good or bad" foods, and last of all, I AM NOT ON A DIET![/quote']

Yes! Yes! Good for you. I keep repeating to myself, "I will never diet again". Following every fad diet that came along got me fatter than ever, regaining after every misadventure I went on. Never again and NO GUILT TRIPS.

Thank you young grasshopper! I am FINALLY learning how to work with my band after over two years...

My standard line now is "If I eat it' date=' I own it". No more making excuses, just owning it all. I am not perfect and the honeymoon is WAAAAYYYY over. On the good news front though, I lost a little over 5 pounds in October and I am now at my lowest post surgery weight ever![/quote']

Wow, Wow, Wow! Good going. You have exactly the right way of expressing it. No more excuses because nobody forces us to eat stuff we shouldn't. If we back step, get over it and move on. Tomorrow IS a new day. Good luck!

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']

Congratulations and welcome to The Band Wagon. You have the spirit and great attitude. Allow yourself time to adjust to your new world. You will have ups and downs ...that's life. I'm 69 lady in North Carolina.

Christ...150

Hello I'm Kerry and trust me its very frustrating I was banded in April and didn't start losing until June when I got first fill due to hernia. I've lost 39 pounds since but last 6 weeks haven't lost any. Like u I'm eating 700 to 800 cals a day 100 Protein and lots of Water just be patient there's to many success stories for it not to as long as u do what u suppose to do hang in there we r all here for u

I was told to never go below a thousand calories a day. Your body needs to adjust to all that is going on. I want good overall health from taking the bandwagon ride for Life. Good luck with progressing towards your goal.

Keep in mind that for every cup of caffeine you drink you have to drink double in Water to stay hydrated. I never drank coffee' date=' but was an iced tea freak! Now no soda and no iced tea, but I do drink an occasional hot Decaf tea when I am cold.[/quote']

I have found absolutely no problem with diet 7-Up. Maybe it's the colas that are bad? Neither My nutritionist nor my doctor has said it was a no-no. Of course there things like Constipation that have not been brought up either.

âI like that! Every dietician' date=' nutritionist, doctor is different. We all need to take care of ourselves and live life. Being a banister is a Life Choice, NOT a diet. That is why I got a band. I enjoy my life, food, smell the flowers, all in moderation. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Forgot to add...and drink my cup of Decaf in the morning to loosen up my band, And it keeps me regular, which is important!