zil

I love this site...I don't post all the time, but like shues said, I do speak my mind at times. Best of luck. This is the best place to find answers to your banding questions.

I have heard the same harsh comments as many people have...just cut back, exercise, diet, drink more water, eat more veggies...you name it, and I have probably heard it. I didn't choose to be overweight, it just seemed to creep up on me slowly and before I knew it, I weighed 300 pounds...from having kids, from not being active, from being a good cook, from marrying into an Italian family. I had WLS after my husband said to me that he was concerned about me and my health, and that he wanted me to be around so we could enjoy retirement together. He didn't want me to sleep all day and not be able to go for a walk, and mostly he could see how I was depressed from my weight. He is my biggest supporter, and he didn't care how much it would cost, just "get it done". So, after years of yoyo dieting, trying every fad diet in the land, I was banded and I have to say it is the best money I have ever spent. I do not regret it for one moment because you see, I am a food-aholic...just like an alcoholic, but with food. I was not able to help myself. Now, I have learned healthy eating habits and choose the foods that appeal to me. I no longer crave the chips, chocolates, ice cream, cake, cookies, popcorn that used to rule my life. Now when I get a hankering for something to eat, my thoughts turn to protein, veggies and fruit. But I know this would not have been possible without my band. My band is a reminder to me each and every day of the new me, and I am going to be on this wonderful journey forever. So, when someone gives you a bunch of grief because you have decided or did have WLS, tell them to walk a mile in your shoes, and tell them to be sure to climb those stairs 2 or 3 times a day, and then tell them it is not a crime to want something better for yourself, to want to be around to see your kids or grand kids get married, to see them graduate. My bi-weekly trips to my dr's office are fantastic. I get excited to get on the scale and see that it has moved backwards, closer to a new me. The dr is proud of me too, and I can tell you, that goes a long way in my book of "good feelings". So if you are contemplating WLS, I say B-R-A-V-O. YOU GO AN 'GET'ER DONE'. You will probably find the road a little bumpy at times, but so worth it. I LOVE MY BAND Zil Banded 8/19/2011, starting weight, 299, weight loss to date 76#s, and another 65 to go...hoping to make it by 11/1/2012. Oh, BTW, it did take me 5 months to get into the green zone and that was with fills every 2 weeks.

Brie, I was 299 pounds when I started my journey. That was July 26, 2011. My surgery was Aug 29, 2011, and yesterday I was 223,76 pounds down. I am shooting for another 65. I can so relate to the things you want to do because I could not do anything. I had to wear FAT clothes, really FAT clothes, I could bearly walk up the stairs at my house, and forget getting up off the couch without help. My life was going downhill fast. Just keep focused, and before you know it, you will soon start seeing your dreams come true. My dream, is losing the next 65 pounds and then getting a tummy tuck - by November 1, 2012. GOOD LUCK

This has happened to me on numerous occasions. I think I am doing really well, and lo and behold, the scale jumps a couple of pounds up from the previous day. It just happens some times. Don't forget, your body is getting used to the new habits you are forming and sometimes will rebell against not getting all the foods you were feeding it before. As for weighing in...I weigh every morning because that is the one incentive that really works for me. When I see the scale moving backwards, I am happy for the day, if I see it has stayed the same or moved up, ugh, I make a new committment to losing those pounds. I don't think missing one day at the gym will set you back. Hang in there. Just keep following the rules. It is tough for us bandsters at times. (I just keep thinking of the end when I shed all the excess poundage...TUMMY TUCK, TUMMY TUCK, TUMMY TUCK)

Today while reading, I noticed that a lot of people who have been recently banded seem to be frustrated because they are not losing weight... Well, just remember, the band is a tool that only assists us with our weight loss but we have to do the work. We have to make healthy choices in selecting foods, we have to be sure to drink water and exercise. And most of all, we need to understand that just because we can "eat as much as we did before surgery" we should not be doing that. It may take quite a few fills until restriction is felt...I started getting fills Sept 19, 2011 and have gone every 2 weeks since then and received a fill...it has only been this past fill that I finally really feel restriction. I have 9.25 cc's in my band 14 cc band. The Doctor put 4 cc's in at the time of surgery. I did some eating history as it pertained to myself and realized that carbohydrates are my personal enemy, so I shy away from them as much as possible. I do have a few crackers every so often, (even that has proven to be the enemy) but am pleased to say I have given up bread, pasta and rice, as well as potatoes. That stuff really packed the pounds on me. I was 299 at my heaviest and am proud to say that this morning the scale said 226. I am more than 1/2 way to goal of 160 pounds, and then tummy tuck, here I come. good luck to everyone

I feel for you. I hope everything works out right so your surgery does not get posponed. You know, I used to get sick all the time a couple of years ago, and when I spoke to my pcp, he suggested I take a probiotic...let me tell you, it has worked wonders. I take Culturelle (sp) every morning. I swear that has kept me healthy. Good luck.

Ohhh, that is really uncomfortable. I don't have any recommendations, other than lay back and then sit up and lean forward a little. Good luck.

I strongly agree with Joyce...stay the course and things will work out before too long. We have all gone through it. Remember,it takes time for your body to do its thing and realize what you are telling it. right now it is probably going through withdrawls because you are feeding it much less food and healthy stuff. It is probably just rebelling. But you will get there. GOOD LUCK!

Brave, you are doing awesome!. It is not easy at first, but it does get better. I was so confused after I was banded because I had to eat liquids for the first week, and then move into smooshies the second week. If I didn't have liquids with calories, I was starving most of the time, but that worked against what my objective was...to lose weight. Finally, I think i figured it out. I stuck to the juices and liquids at first, choosing the best ones which were lock in calories and sugars, then when i was really able to eat, I made really healthy choices. I know, it is confusing so much of the time, but once you can eat regular foods, you will figure it out. With regards to carbs...they are what I ate all the time. i grew up on carbs. but had to decide for myself if I wanted to lose weight or eat carbs (pasta, potatoes, breads, rices, etc). I decided that losing weight was more important, so I cut those things out. I don't really miss them at all. Hang in there. It really does get better, especially when you see the scale move backwards.

I enjoy reading the different entries. It so gives us all a chance to ask questions, vent, share, etc. This section has been a Godsend to me many times over the past 6 months. I am realitively newly banded (August 2011), and I am very proud to say I have lost 70+ pounds to date. I want to share my best advice with those who may need it. #1 find a doctor/surgeon you have confidence in - one that will take their time with you, answer all your questions, and give you the truth. #2 remember that having the lapband procedure (or any WLS) is a personal choice, and no one can make it for you. #3 if you decide to go ahead an have the lapband surgery done, you will need to work to make it a success. Remember, the band is not a cure all for weight loss. Along with the band comes hard word. #4 you will have to follow the rules given you by your doctor. #5 no matter how how you try to avoid it, you will have to exercise. No excuses will be tolerated. #6 you are going to have to say good bye to the bad foods if you really want to be successful. That means saying no to chips, candy, popcorn, bread, cookies, cake, ice cream and a whole host of other foods that have caused us to become overweight. #7 reconfirm your convictions. #8 find family and friends who will support you throughout your journey. #9 be proud if you made the decision to have wls. Anyone who says you could have done it without surgery has probably never been overweight. Me??? I was obese, I weighed 299 at my heaviest point, and decided then and there I had to do something so I would be around to dance at my granddaughter's wedding (she's only 9). #10 after care is a must. I started getting fills 1 month after surgery and have received one every 2 weeks since then, 8 total. I have finally reached the green zone after 4 1/2 months. Be sure to drink you water, eat your protein first, and then fiber, fuits and veggies. Most of all, have faith in yourself and your decision. It took me 10 years to have wls, and I am a self-pay. It was the best money I have ever spent. I am now more than 1/2 way to my goal, and once I reach that, tummy tuck here I come. I LOVE MY BAND, AND I BELIEVE YOU WILL TOO.

Definitely go to a seminar and see what banding is all about. I started out about 10 years doing research on bypass and more recently on lapband. I was not a candidate for my insurance to cover it (I did not want to wait the 6 12 months to see if they would approve me). Finally, I went and spoke with the dr, and found out that it was going to cost $15,000, That was way too much for me to justify, then they said they could test me for a hyatal hernia, and if I had one, they could do that and place the lapband at the same time...I ended up paying only $7,500. I have to say, it was the best investment I have ever made. I was banded 8/19/2011 and have lost 70 pounds since starting my pre op diet. My heaviest weight was 299, and that was when I realized I had to do something or I would not be around to dance at my granddaughter's wedding. I am very lucky because my husband is very supportive and he helps to keep me on track. I love my band.

You look fantastic! I am proud of you. WAY TO GO, GIRL!

Hi Shadowstacey, I just read your question regarding fills...I was banded August 19, 2011 and received my first fill September 19, 2011. I have gotten a fill every 2 weeks since then, for a total of 8 fills. I believe I have a total of 9.25 ml in my band which will hold 14 (the dr put 4 ml in at the time of surgery). It took me a while to get to the green zone, but I have officially lost 70 pounds ... half way to my goal. You can do this, and you are going to love the progress. Congrats

well, I feel for you. I did not develope the burps, in fact, I have difficulty burping. Are you drinking out of a straw? That could cause excess gas. My dr told me to not use a straw.

I had my surgery August 2011, and have lost more than 65#'s. Dr. says average is 2 pounds per week, but I am doing better than that. I am careful of what I eat, and I try to stay away from carbs like bread, potatoes, etc. I do eat coomplex carbs like oatmeal or cream of wheat sometimes. My may source of food comes from meat - usually chicken, and veggies. I also have a protein drink just about every day for breakfast if I am not eating the cereal. I try to exercise 5 days a week, riding 30 minutes on a stationary bicycle and I was running/jogging for 15 minutes, but the foot dr cut that out since I developed bone spurs. Now I have to try the elyptical (ugh, I really hate that machine). But the important thing is to exercise and watch what you eat. Bood luck

Wow, I can't believe they put in 2 cc's. My dr would only put in 1 cc at a time until I got half way full, and now does only .5 or .25 cc's. But I love my band. You are so RIGHT...every one is different. thanks for the post.

You are so correct, you son is worth all of it. I am happy to hear that you are working on changing your habits and not forcing that you learned on your son. I, too, grew up in a family where I had to clean my plate, and unfortunately my husband and I passed that onto our kids. Today I have a 250+ daughter and another that has struggled with her weight all her life...all because we made them "clean their plate". Today I am happy to say that I allow my grandchildren to choose what they want to eat (of course, we only offer healthy choices) and allow them to be full before all is gone. We also limit high calorie snacks, sweets and the such. CARI, you are going to do great. Keep up the positive attitude. I am rooting for you. Zil

Happy to report that I am back on track. I officially closed the holidays on Monday night and Tuesday brought a new and improved me. My food choices have been right on track and I have managed to make it to the gym. I even started doing some more exercises...I must confess I don't like the ARC trainer, but I do try it for a few minutes. Riding 30 minutes on the bike and doing the treadmill for at least 1/2 mile - even managing to do a little. Have moved onto leg exercises, figured I would not be able to walk this morning, but all is fine. Next dr visit is on Monday, Jan 2, 2012...I am ready.

First, congratulations on your newly banded status. Great Job! As for the crying...well, I always say a good cry cleanses the soul. Have no fear, you will eventually look like one of your daughters and soon be able to hold your grandbabies. Best of Luck!

I remember those days, seems like it was just yesterday, and it has been 4 months since my surgery. You will be back to eating solids before you know it. Congrats! and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE NEW YOU

Sounds like you have it going on. and yes, YOU CAN DO THIS! Keep up the good vibes.

Dang, I hit the wrong button before I finished...gee, I just hate when that happens. I am so proud of you, and you should toot your own horn. I was just happy to learn that I weight the same as my hubby the other day. Congrats again! Keep up the good work.

OH, THAT IS SO COOL!

The Christman holiday is now behine me (and us) and I am sad to say that I did not do very well for 3 days...the delicous foods and goodies were very tempting, and unfortunately I did succumb to the treats. I made healthy choices while having my meals, but I found myself enjoying cookies and carmel corn while we were playing cards and goofing around. I am ashamed of myelf. Today I made it a priority to get back on the healthy kick journey. I also learned that I will not be having sweets in my house in the future...at least not the ones that tempt me overmuch. While I did not gain weight, I feel sluggish and seem to not have any energy. Well, here is to a healthier new year and another 80 pounds gone forever. I am still loving my band.

I truly believe God has blessed you by giving you the power to seek out someone to help you. Remember, God will not give us any more than we can handle. He is giving you strength and he has given you the freedom of choice. Rest assured, your decision to have the lapband is not the work of the devil, but that of Jesus and his everlasting love.