zil

You are such an inspiration. I love reading your blog and having you be there for me. My positive entry about myself...I have managed to ride my bike for 4 days in a row and I will make it 5 days in a row tonight after work...whether I have a riding partner or not. I AM DETERMINED.

I had my 3rd fill the other day. So, as those of you who have received fills know, it is liquids the first day, smooshies the second day, and onto regular food the 3rd day. I had a protein shake for breakfast,and about 2 hours later I ate a cheese stick. It didn't get stuck, but I felt like it was more difficult to move down. Is that what the green zone feels like? If so, woohoo for me. Looking for your feedback.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU. You are to be commended of the decision you made. I love your motto -- slow and steady. Do you mind if I borrow it??? I think you hit the nail on the head -- are we afraid of failure or success??? I will be keeping good thoughts for you and all of us bandsters.

OMG, from the blogs I am reading, it seems as if everone is having difficulty. It is nice to know that I am not alone. I am not sure if it is the time of year (the holidays are quickly approaching) or just that I am wanting a little of the forbidden foods. Friday was a very stressful day for me at work, so I found I was snacking ... on nuts ,.,. on the fat content. Then I ate egg foo yung for lunch (just 1/3 of what was served) but decided to finish off the 2/3's for dinner. What a mistake. Then Saturday was no better...don't even ask about the french onion soup. Thankfully, I realized the error of my 2-days way and got back on track yesterday ... having protein shakes and some meat with plenty of water. Am feeling better. But, I am wondering if something is going on with just about everyone, because we all seem to be suffering some type of setback, be it weight gain, plateauing, not being able to stick to the rules, etc. JUST REMEMBER, WE ARE ON THE JOURNEY TOGETHER. Don't lose sight of the finish line. Even the longest journey starts with a small step. WE CAN DO IT.

You are not alone. I had my surgery 8/19/11 and have had 2 fills. Still no restriction. I had doubts after about 2 weeks after I started solids because I could not figure out the eating thing. Fiinally, it dawned on me...stick to what the dr tells me, and be sure to pick healthy foods. I also found that I needed to exercise (if I had picked healthy foods and exercised in the past, I would not have needed to be banded probably) so I ride a bike. I start out with water in the morning, then have a protein drink for breakfast, was doing yogurt mid morning with salad and grilled chicken for lunch. String cheese for mid afternoon snack and a sensible dinner. As time has moved on, I realize I was not listening to my body, but insread listening to my former eating habits. I kept thinking that I needed to eat because it was mid morning, or lunch, or mid afternoon or dinner time. When I realized I was not really hungry, I felt a lot better. So, I only eat 3 times a day now and my portions are getting smaller, believe it or not. and I don't have restriction yet. The one thing the band has done for me, is to make me more conscious of my eating and food choices. I was a big carbohydrate and sweets person, but I am proud to say I have not had sweets (cake, pie, candy, etc) or carbs since 7/26/11. Never thought I could go without bread, potatoes, chips, pasta, etc. but I have done it. Now when I think about sweets and carbs, I am like "Yuck", give me protein or maybe a little fruit. WYP, you can do this. It will take some mental adjustment but you can succeed. We are all pulling for you. BEST OF LUCK.

Those darned messages in a fortune cookie really don't make much sense about 99% of the time. So I decided to make one just for me and I carry it with me all the time. It says... I am NOT Hungry!!! Hunger is a figment of my imagination. WATER WATER WATER WATER ride / walk / ride / walk / ride The flip side says... I AM ON THE WAGON I am a food-a-holic Please do NOT offer to feed me The funny thing is, it works for me. I have been drinking more water, eating smaller portions and not as much eating in between meals, plus I am riding my bike more and walking. My co-workers, friends and family are so supportive. And this blog is the BEST. I get so much inspiration from everyone. There is a girl I work with and when she found out I had been banded, she immediately wanted to know more information. She attended a seminar (based on what her insurance covers) and came back feeling that her only option was gastric bypass, since she was told "the band really did not work" and that "people would probably only lose about 50#s". She was further told at the seminar that a lot of the patients who come in for bastric bypass do so after having been banded. At first I was a little discouraged, but then I realized my fate was in my hands and the band. The band is what we make of it, so I am going to forge ahead, following the guidelines (although I do have a hard time eating slower...I am sure that will change once I reach the green zone) as well as MY FORTUNE COOKIE. Good luck to my fellow bandsters. Keep up the good work.

OMG, I can totally understand where you are coming from. I made excuses for years and years, and the pounds just get coming. I had been researching gastric bypass and lapband for about 10 years, and each time the door was slammed in my face. Finally, about 4 months ago, my husband (who has had gastric bypass 10 years ago) said he wanted me to do something about my weight, and he did not care even if we had to pay for it. That was the sign I was waiting for...had it does in August and have lost a little more than 40 pounds since starting my pre-op diet. SABOTAGE - it seems like every where I turn people are trying to sabotage me. Telling me I am not eating enough, or to eat something else than what I am supposed to have, or saying just one won't hurt, etc. I finally figured out what works for me. I just stick to the rules and have cut way back in my portions even though I have not yet reached the green zone. My reward is the numbers on the scale moving backwards. I am so proud of you. You have done an awesome job in losing weight, and in sharing your story. I love reading your posts. You are an inspiration. Keep it up!!! Zil

FINALLY, when I weighted myself this morning, there was a new middle #. I know it might not seem like much to anyone else, but I have been struggling to get out of the 260's. Finally made it to 259 this moring. I was so happy. I have been lucky enough to find a walking/biking partner in my neighborhood. We have decided to bike 3 days a week and walk the other 2 days. That will be good for me (and her). One thing I finally had to do was make a sign for my desk that says, 'I am NOT hungry!!!' ' HUNGER IS A FIGMENT OF MY IMAGINATION' Worked for me all day yesterday. Working on reading it numerous times today, too. OK, so off to my daily routine. GOOD LUCK FELLOW BANDSTERS AND SOON TO BE BANDSTERS.

Yeppers, my dr said to take multivitamin (I do the adult gummies) and caltrate (2 a day)...I also have yogurt (usually 1 a day) and I use fat free milk with my protein drinks. good luck on your journey.

I agree , those who are talking trash are jealous of the willpower you are showing and the courage you have taken to start your journey. Not everyone is a like...I was banded 8/19 and have lost about 18 pounds since my banding. I wish it was more, but everyday I just keep thinking how I did not put the weight on overnight so it won't come off overnight. You just stick to your guns and think how envious they will all be when you are lean and healthy. Those who can have the lapband, those who can't, criticize.

First of all, congratulations on the start of your journey. I am glad you did not take no for an answer, and kept forging ahead. BTW, you have a beautiful family. I was banded 8/19/2011 - favorite thing, that I will finally lose weight (from the start of my pre-op diet until today I have lost about 38 pounds). Least favorite thing - that I keep getting stalled...the scale will move for about a week, then stall for about 2 weeks. that does discourage me, but I keep focused on the big picture--I will be around to grow old with my husband of 34 years and to see our granddaughter marry (providing she does not wait until she is 40---I don't think I will make to 90+ years). What I really like is that even though I have not lost that much weight (I have another 120 to go), I feel so much better. I have a spring in my step, I don't get winded walking up the steps, and picking stuff up from the floor is a whole lot easier. Plus, I am learning how strong I really am. My husband loves his salty snacks, chocolates and chewy cookies, and just loves to eat in general - in fact, he eats everything that does not bite him first - but I have managed to keep on track. So, there you have it...for me at least. Good luck on your journey. Keep us posted.

CONGRATULATIONS THAT IS THE GREATEST NEWS. I know how you feel. I had been researching lapband and gastric bypass for about 10 years and every time there was a big roadblock. Finally in July, my husband said we will just pay for it if necessary. I bless him everyday for helping me. He is so supportive. GOOD LUCK ON THIS NEW JOURNEY.

i AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU. I know this has been a long road. PAIN, well, I only too the pain meds the day off and day after, then switched to liquid tylenol which I took the second day after surgery. I dont know which was worse, the pain or the meds...I think the meds...they tasted A-W-F-U-L. yuk. I had my surgery on Friday at 0900, was out at 0940 and released from hospital at 1030. Home by 1135. Went back to work on Monday. Keep positive, and you will do wonderful. Good luck.

Do not despair about your brother...my doctor informed me that men lose weight faster than woman, but that women have better results of keeping it off. Don't consider yourself a cheater as long as you are following the diet guidelines and doing everything your doctor tells you to do. As for the exercise, I find it hard to fit it into my schedule most days (I live in AZ and it just too damned hot to go out and walk or ride a bike until after the sun goes down, and then I am deathly afraid of snakes). So, get a WII and a just dance game, it will get you up and moving. Or get an exercise DVD and do that in your family/living room. Yea, I can talk all I want but I really like riding my bike. BEST OF LUCK

I can sympathise with both of you..food was my life too. Then my husband said something that made a lot of sense...we need to eat to live and not live to eat. So that is my new motto as it pertains to my best friend, the band. I had to do the pre-op diet for 3 weeks because my MBI was so out of wack. Fortunately, my doctor said I needed to have 2 - 3 protein shakes a day and 1 or 2 healthy meals. I chose to have a shake for breakfast and one for dinner, and eat a healthy sensible lunch. I ended up losing 20 pounds by the day of surgery and since have lost another 18. I started my shakes on July 29 and had surgery Aug 19, 2011. My advice, and I know you did not ask, is to not give up. You took the hardest step when you decided to get the band. It will work out smoothly. Keep the faith, and take one day at a time. GOOD LUCK. AND KEEP US POSTED.

Had a visit on Monday for my first fill. I was surprised when I learned the dr put 4ccs in at surgery time. Another cc was added for a total of 5 now. The dr said I could have one again in 2 weeks so I am scheduled to get the second one on 10/3. Still not feeling any restriction (that I can notice) but am managing to keep my intake down and am making healthy choices. Even better news, when I weighed in, I had lost 29.6 pounds since my very first appt...not too shabby for 2 months, and 10 of those pounds were in the month since I was banded. YEA ME! To all of you that are experiences setbacks and doubts, keep with it. It will get easier. He hardest choice was to make the decision to get the band. If I can do it, anyone can. Good luck to you all and keep up posted on your progress.

I had my surger 4 weeks ago to, and it sounds to me that you are having the same experiences I did. I did not feel gas until day 4, and then it hit me in the left shoulder...oooooohhhhhhh, but some pain meds and it went away. Best advice I can give you is, keep doing what your dr sez. good luck and congrats

I am very excited for you. You were so disappointed in one of your last posts. I am glad things turned the other way. CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK!!! Keep us posted.

I had my surger on 8/19/11...I felt much the same way as you did. About the 3rd day I felt as if I was beat up, then I went back to work on Monday after my surgery which was Friday before. The gas hit my shoulder about 2 pm and I thought I was going to die. I had gas pains in my shoulder all week. Finally, tho it disipated after about 4 days. I can tell you it does get better. Just go slow, and follow your doctor's directions. Is the fact that you can't sit up due to the incisions or something else. If you think it is something else, I agree, call your doc. Good luck. Hang in there. Remember, this is a journey, and every journey starts with small steps.

Good morning. Well, I need some guidance. It has been 3 weeks since I was banded. I have to say it has not been all that bad. I seem to be tolerating food without any problems...no vomiting, no tightness within my band, nothing like that. Do have a couple of questions, tho. I am scheduled for a fill on 9/19 (it will be my first one). But, until I reach that very special "green zone" it is normal for me go eat my 1/2 cup of food, and not really be satiated? I have cut down considereably, and try to stay within the amount allotted, but found that I am not losing weight. In fact, even put on a couple of pounds, then took them off. Do any of you use a protein drink in the place of a meal? I am one person who I know cannot eat very many carbs, (it seems as if I crave them,) and even when I eliiminate them, I have a really hard time losing weight. I am not a big breakfast eater, so usually have a protein drink there, then eat lunch and dinner. If I eat cream of wheat for breakfast, or oatmeal, therein, lies the battle. Any advise?

GREAT JOB!!! Keep the positive attitude and you will see the end of your journey soon. 100lbs...so proud of you.

Had a nice w/e in the cool mountains. Even managed to lose 3 pounds, although I am not sure how that happened--must be the good food choices, not over eating and walking. So, I am 19 days post op and doing good. Am learning to eat sensibly, while focusing on protein as my first food choice. Have been having chicken, and beans (lots of beans since they are easy), and slowly adding veggies. Sometimes I have a protein shake in place of a meal, only because I am out and about and it makes it very convenient. Probalby going to start cooking again for my hubby by the end of the week, and seeing where I go from there. I am scheduled for my first fill on 9/19, so am not sure what to expect after that. I have seen where some people have indicated they go back to smooshies for a few days. Does that help with the adjustment or is just a rule of thumb? My daugher is bringing me a bicycle over this week, I am working on getting a Jumba dvd and moving onto more exercise. thanks for the support. Still loving my band and this site.

Thank you one and all for the feedback. I still have a few questions..for instance, my dr says to eat about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food at each meal and only have 3 meals a day. And while this is probably a little unrealistic at this juncture, since I have not had any fills as of yet, but understand that that will be my ultimate goal. Correct??? In any case, I am being very careful about the food I choose, selecting to have those foods high in protein and fiber --- Sunday I made a delicious stir with chicken, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, scalions, carrots and cherry tomatoes. Had enough left over that I packed 2 small containers for Monday and Tuesday meals. (would have had enough for the whole week, but my hubby decided he liked it too). Oh well. I do not want the same thing every day anyway. Thanks again for the support. Down 33 pounds since I started the pre-op diet and 13 pounds since surgery.

I love this site. The info here is so helpful and everyone is so supportive. I was having a lot of questions and a hard time trying to figure out what I was actually supposed to be doing. Finally, Wednesday night I had an epiphany after reading replies to my worries. Glad to say I think I have finally put it together. 1/2 cup of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Water in between with an occassional cup of coffee and sugar free gum. I was invited to lunch yesterday by a friend who I had not seen for awhile. (She did not know I was banded.) I happily accepted and agreed to meet knowing I could not take my lunch into a restaurant. I was very cautious when looking over the menu. Finally ordered a grilled chicken breast with a side of refried beans. I think I had about 2 tablespoons of the meat (cut in very small pieces which I chewed, chewed, chewed) and probably about 2 tablespoons of the beans. Before I knew it, I was satified, and put my fork down. YEA ME!!! The best part was that I did not have any problems with food being stuck. I just know I am going to eat the weight right off of me with mind control and exercise. HAVE A GREAT LABOR DAY WEEKEND. Be strong Banders!

good, I am glad you called to get some direction. Sounds like you are doing well. BEST OF LUCK with our wt loss. Hang in there.