BeckyJane

I posted this over in the post-op forum, then remembered things over here. Sorry if it is a duplicate! I'm back. It is hard to believe it has been 16 months since banding! I've lost 65 pounds, but have basically plateaued in the last 6 months. I just got a fill yesterday and am definitely feeling a difference. I started running last summer and actually ran/walked a 5k. Then I developed a bladder problem and that slowed me to a stop. I'm told it is more age related, not weight loss related. Now that its under control, I'm starting back to my exercise. Winter is just not cooperating! While I haven't loss weight recently, my clothing size is smaller,so I'm guessing in dealing with the weight of muscle compared to fat. What I m struggling with is a change in surgeon, as mine moved out of state. I within the same center, but the difference in philosophy is creating stress. I think he is basically anti-band and pro- bypass. Anyway, he's telling me that revised stats show only 10% of banders achieve weight loss goals! And that many are having the band removed and getting bypass done because the band hasn't worked. My band has worked, and I know that with a 65% loss of pounds over target, I'm ahead of the stats. But it still bothers me. Have the stats changed? Is the success rate less than we were told two years ago? Are the failures due to those who don't follow the guidelines? (That is what my first surgeon said- that the total stats included tho who drank their calories, didn't exercise, and didn't use the band as a tool to change behaviors) What are all of you hearing? How are you doing on weight loss continuing the second year? Are you struggling or is it going the way you thought?

I'm back. It is hard to believe it has been 16 months since banding! I've lost 65 pounds, but have basically plateaued in the last 6 months. I just got a fill yesterday and am definitely feeling a difference. I started running last summer and actually ran/walked a 5k. Then I developed a bladder problem and that slowed me to a stop. I'm told it is more age related, not weight loss related. Now that its under control, I'm starting back to my exercise. Winter is just not cooperating! While I haven't loss weight recently, my clothing size is smaller,so I'm guessing in dealing with the weight of muscle compared to fat. What I m struggling with is a change in surgeon, as mine moved out of state. I within the same center, but the difference in philosophy is creating stress. I think he is basically anti-band and pro- bypass. Anyway, he's telling me that revised stats show only 10% of banders achieve weight loss goals! Ad that many are having the ban ere moved and getting bypass done because the band hasn't worked. My band has worked, and I know that with a 65% loss of pounds over target, I'm ahead of the stats. But it still bothers me. Have the stats changed? Is the success rat less than we were told two years ago? Are the failures due to those who don't follow the guidelines? (That is what my first surgeon said- that the total stats included tho who drank their calories, didn't exercise, and didn't use the band as a tool to change behaviors) What are all of you hearing? How are you doing on weight loss continuing the second year? Are you struggling or is it going the way you thought?

Well I had my first painful meal with slime and some vomit. I had a pork chop, which I'd had before my last fill. It was a little tough but I chewed it well and took my time. I'd taken two bites of my carrots and got hit with PAIN and then discomfort. I guess pork chops are off my diet for a while. It is four hours later and I'm uncomfortable but not in pain. I wondered what it would be like. Now I know. I certainly don't want any food tonight! (null)

Bromo - I haven't had any flu issues yet, just nausea. If having the flu was a big issue for the Lap-Band, I think we would have been warned to stay away from people! Certainly if the vomiting gets really bad, I know your doctor can prescribe something to settle it. So rest, drink plenty of fluids and wash your hands a LOT! My scale is moving again today! My fill on Wednesday tightened things up and I can feel more restriction. I went to get new jeans - for the winter I need something to keep my legs warm! I fit into a size 16!! That's four sizes down from last winter! I can't believe it - I mean, I suspect the clothing manufacturers of sizing up just to get me to buy clothes. On another note, I've changed my ticker - the ticker factory login keeps failing and after several restarts, I'm trying a new one with Lily Slim - less choices but a better process. Here's to much weight lost amongst us this month!

I had my second fill today. And some chastisement from my surgeon. I told him I don't feel restriction or fullness and eat the max on the food list. And I have been eating a cup of veggies instead of 1/4-1/2 cup. He said I shouldn't creep up on my portions and push the boundaries. That is devastating for a lap band. Sigh. I lost 5 pounds in 5 weeks. Not bad, but on the low side of weight loss expected. So I need to recommit to following the program and also be more diligent to exercise! I do NOT want to be the stat of those who fail! (null)

Well, I didn't do "bad" while on vacation and did get a LOT more walking in - but I didn't lose any weight. Coming back home I feel hungry. Is it possible that the restriction gets to be less when you're close to another fill? Like maybe our body gets used to it and then accommodates the restriction? This doesn't make sense. I'm just trying to rationalize why food is on my mind. I'm not getting my water in consistently. Exercise is very intermittant. And I have LOT to do to get ready for turkey day. I'll control the things I can't eat by not making special non-dairy versions. The thought of getting sick and nauseous should keep me away from the dressing, pumpkin pie/crust and other carbs. I did find I can eat cornbread without a problem so I added it to the menu. Turkey, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce with a little gravy will do fine. I do have a pumpkin souffle from Costco to have for dessert. How are the rest of you coping? I agree with the not buying so much food that there are tons of leftovers. That is a good idea. Controlling the menu is an advantage. Remember the Weight Watchers trick - eat only the pumpkin pie filling and not the crust to save many calories! Dressing would be my downfall, which is why I'm making it with butter - so getting sick will keep me from eating it. The vegetable of choice is asparagus, which I have not yet tried. I'll either try it, or cook myself something else while everyone else has asparagus. The big thing for me will be having a good breakfast so I don't nibble all through the cooking! Then allowing for a balanced dinner later in the evening.

Dear Pugs I agree with onmyway. Having lived 100 pounds overweight for the last 10+ years, I've traveled, I've hiked, I've been on tours. There have been a few times where the 100 pounds was an issue but overall I've enjoyed my travels. You may be seeing yourself in past situations, but I know I would have gone to Hawaii at 100 pounds overweight! Yes it would be nice to go as a size 10, but you will get enjoyment on the trip. Wear compression socks on the flight. Stay hydrated. Go to a luau and have some of tbat very tender roasted pig! The poi may be too heavy for the band (I never liked it.)

I could have spent my time in other ways, but I really wanted a handle on my weight loss numbers. I was confused as my scale at home was found to be not working. So, I went through my doctor visits this year and recorded my weight at the doctor's office. I started this journey last February. It took me a while to decide to do it, but while deciding I lost 20 pounds in 6 months. I got banded 9/19 and have lost another 20 pounds since then [including pre-surgery diet]. That is a total of 40 pounds down this year! On the food front - I've been trying some new foods - salads seem to be fine as is apples, pork chops, quinoa and peppers both raw and cooked. What didn't settle well was cantalope and honeydew melon this morning. I think there is no way to predict, you just have to try the foods and see. I didn't vomit, just felt nauseous for several hours. I made myself eat a bland lunch and it is settling well. I travel for the next couple of weeks - may not be able to post while on the road - with [hopefully] supportive friends. We'll cook a number of meals at my friends house and I'll be able to buy things i need. It is the temptations I worry about. My friends do like to eat well. On the other hand, I should get in a lot of walking. I just need to keep saying "no" to the Snacks and extras. I put off my next fill until the week after Thanksgiving. Since my doctor is only in on Wednesdays, it would have meant being on liquids on Thanksgiviing - too much to ask given I'm cooking. I think it's funny that we will get a18 pound turkey and I'll eat 3 ounces! I found [at Costco] some Garden Lite Souffles - Zucchini and pumpkin - low in fat and carbs, egg whites and great taste! The pumpkin souffle will be my "pumpkin pie" on Thanksgiving! See you in a couple of weeks - weighing less!

Forgot, then you have to copy the code they give you into your signature on this site - just troll around for the profile changes for your signature.

@jojo in ks - go to the Ticker Factory: http://www.tickerfactory.com/ezticker/ticker_designer.php?type=3 where you can customize your own ticker. I do have a few problems with updating my weight on this site, but when it works, it works well!

Thanks, bromo! I did make it through Halloween withou eating candy. We left the candy in a bowl outside (my DH does not like the doorbell ringing thru out his mystery movie) and then he took the leftovers to work. Sigh! Thanksgiving is doable cause I'm the cook. I'll give myself a little plate, make some pumpkin custard without the pie crust, and enjoy the conversation. Christmas will not be easy. I hope my new good habits will be deeply entrenched by then! Too much time sitting watching others eat and snack all will be difficult. I see my PCP this week for blood work results to see how my vitamin and mineral levels look, the A1C number, and whether I can reduce cholesterol meds! I made it thru some bad choices yesterday - I was out running errands and decided to push and get a few more done, making lunch three hours late. Won't do that one again! I'm sure I'll know in future where I can get something to eat on the run, but yesterday my mind couldn't think of a single place. Need to work on emergency food in car or places I can eat within my diet. Too many things I haven't tried at home yet, and Minot willing to experiment in public yet. Ate a good meal last night- chicken, summer squash and polenta- but nauseous a couple hours later. Did I eat too fast? Too much? Or is it that phantom nausea that appears during the week?

First fill! The doctor used lidocaine so I didn't feel a thing. A bit of a flush, sort of like a hot flash, that lasted a second. The sip of water stayed down, so I'm ready to go. Liquids today; puréed tomorrow and then normal Friday. I can try an apple, salad, sweet potato and oatmeal- not at the same time or the same day, but soon! I had lost 4 pounds in the last few weeks, but I know none if that was in the last two weeks (PCP appt) so I have definitely slowed on the weight loss. Now time to go beyond walking. We scheduled my next visit for 5 weeks so I don't have to do liquids on Thanksgiving! My doctor said he normally sees 7-10 cc as normal once the adjustments are made. I had 1.5 at surgery and 2 today. I was told normal self-discipline required until that green zone happens. In other words, it might take a few months to really feel the restriction at the right amount of food. So we have to hang in there and help each other stay on track while the band begins the work. No over eating just because we can! Now if I can get the constipation under control! His advice: try different products at half and full strength and see what works for me. Argh!

Going for my first fill! Tell you all about it later!

@bromo An advantage to pilation! I will be curious to see how we all fair- those with compared to those without pilation. I do get nauseous at times and can't explain it. It lasts an hour or so and only liquids seem safe. I tend not to vomit with stomach flu, so maybe it's the same issue for both of us. I see the surgeon tomorrow and plan on asking. Wondering if it might be related to the constipation I've been dealing with.

@bromo I would probably call the surgeons office. I have not had this problem. I would be concerned a out the band moving if the exertion was major.

@pugsx3- lap band support group tonight at 6:30 at CDH. Go to Bariatric in lobby to meet up and be led to conference room in the maze of offices behind the doors. Sorry I didn't get this posted sooner. Come if you can. Nutritional support is third Wed and lap band support is fourth Mon.

@pugsx3 - good for you walking for a cure for diabetes! I just hope the wind calms down and the waves don't wash you away, you thin person! I just realized we're in the same medical group - do I see you at support meetings? I was there last night for the nutritional meeting.

Back to the "how many pounds to lose" topic: insurance and doctors also take co-morbidities into account- health issues that are affected by weight. And your weight loss history. For me, I had 100 pounds to lose when I began the investigation and decision making process. I took a Wellness class my medical group offered and was able to lose 25 pounds in six months prior to surgery. It was the same 25 pounds I'd lost several times and had gained back. For my ticker I chose to use the starting weight from Jan. before the Wellness class. Even with that weight loss, I qualified because of other health issues. I also read that there was some attempt to lower to 50 pounds the qualifying amount, again because of health issues and weight loss failures. I know my surgeon considered me a candidate for by-pass as well. I think age, health, history, and personal commitment are a part of the formula. I think the stats say we should lose 60% of our excess weight in 18-24 months. I asked and was told that this number includes those who don't use the tool, don't exercise, don't follow the eating guidelines as well as those who are diligent, change their eating and exercise and are mindful of the need to follow instructions. Let's encourage one another to beat the stats, stay focused, be patient, and work towards the goal- in 18-24 months we will be healthy, eating well, exercising regularly, and have thin and trim bodies!

Visit the September 2011 topic and you'll see you have a lot in common with all of us banded about the same time. Remember that for 4-6 weeks your body is healing. Until you get your first fill the band isnt working optimally. It's more that the swelling and healing and lower activity combined with lower calories has our bodies confused. Stay off the scale for a week. Rest. Let your body heal. Be patient. We're in for the long haul. Becky Banded 9/19

Well I must be healing. I'm hungry late afternoon and evening. I don't feel as full on the same amount of food as last week. I'm looking forward to a fill next week! Itching- I did have a few miserable days. I was told to put an emollient cream or Vaseline on to help. I had an allergic reaction to a med, so I was taking benedryl. I kept taking it at night to control itching do I could sleep. Worth considering for those who are in the itch cycle. My diet has not changed. For snacks I've had a couple sponns of hummus, all by itself. And some PB2. PB2 is a powdered peanut butter- only available online- with very low fat and low calories. I mix 2T of powder with 1T of water and have a tasty 45 calorie snack. It would be better on crackers but that's not on my diet yet. I think my scale is broken- seriously. There is too much variance- I got on and it liked like I lost 15 pounds. Got off. Got on again and I had gained a pound. I tried adjusting the zeroing dial and it was very hard to move. So I ordered a scale from amazon that had best rating from Good Housekeeping and haven't been on the scale for a week. Either a big surprise or a big disappointment await me!

You Rock! What an improvement and change to your past eating habits!

I think I went into this knowing the first 4-6 weeks would be the hardest. Our bodies need to heal. Each of is is healing at a different rate. I know the band is a tool and it is NOT working at it's optimum yet. Focus on the yet. I may be fortunate that my surgeon starts with a slight fill at surgery. Or my healing body is behind and that is why I'm just not hungry right now. But I'm also not able to go back to work and activities and get things on my to do list done. One person in my support group said it took four months of fills before she got to the sweet spot! Hang in there. This time won't last forever. Our bands will do what they're designed to do. We are in this for the long haul. I know reading all the posts makes me realize how non-standard this operation is- how many variations in prep, info, surgery times and post-op guidelines there are. I like that we can share what is going well and what we struggle with and each of us can identify with others who are going thru similar issues. I'm not alone. Yeah! I personally am doing well with my very restrictive pureed diet. (I'm very glad there is an end in sight however.) But the restrictions have forced me to think of food very functionally. I've been told that certain foods will cause harm until my body is healed. I think this is a good time to start working on those head hunger issues and start the changes that need to happen so that the band can be used as a tool to loose weight.

Saw my family doctor today - he is pleased with how I'm doing and healing. He says what I feel at the port incision is 'soft tissue swelling' and it will continue to go down. He reduced my blood pressure meds! Said that was the likely cause of my afternoon dizziness and light-headed-ness. Yeah! that is why I got the lap-band - to reduce my meds, be healthier and to be able to wear a size 12. I rechecked with the nutritionist - no to frozen fruits, so no tofu smoothies for breakfast. I did try Kefir - but it also causes my dairy reaction, so I'll stick with scrambled eggs and homemade turkey breakfast sausage. Boring, but filling and nutritional. I lost another 5 pounds since I saw the surgeon. My total is a bit confusing, as each scale seems to give a different number. So, I'm going with only the doctor scales, which show about 22 pounds down since before i started the pre-op diet, and 10 pounds down since surgery. All I know is, it's in the right direction! My first fill isn't until Oct. 26, so it's pureed yummies until then. With my dairy restrictions, it doesn't leave a lot of variety. Eggs/ground turkey for breakfast, tuna, chicken and veggies for lunch and salmon, chicken and pork tenderloins with veggies for dinner. I add in applesauce, pureed peaches or pears and my tofu chocolate banana pudding. I still want a fresh apple very badly, but I'm not hungry between my meals at this point, I really do hope this lasts a bit longer. Food takes on a more functional meaning when you are limited to pureed foods, don't you think?