sonnymom

I've been using the slim fast high protein/lo carb drinks. SAMs club may carry them. WalMart for sure does. I still do one for breakfast and one midday.

Wow - didn't know that could happen. I know it's easier said than done but try to remember your improved eating habits, exercise more and be thankful that the band didn't slip. Good luck to you. I think I'm going to follow my advice also.

I agree, the 2013 February Bandsters need their own section! In fact, on the main page, if you select Forums, right on top is a forum for February 2013 Bandsters. Granted, they can learn from us, but I personally don't want to read about all of their pre-op issues, etc. Been there, done that! To all 2012 February Bandsters - love reading about how you are doing. We seem to be in various stages of success, but something to remember, our general health is much better for the steps we took last year. Personally, I wish I was further along, but I know my mistakes and thanks to my nurse at my school site, I've got some new enthusiasm to succeed. Plus, I have the most encouraging doctor.

Oh - good to know - I'm there too!! Yea, something else to be excited about! Thanks.

It's been a LONG time since I've last posted. I had lost 25 pounds since being banded, went on vacation and gained 5, then came back and lost 4. So, now I want to get back on track with exercise and diet. Question - what is Onderland? I've been enjoying reading of everyone's success, and am ready to get back on track and start losing again! Haven't updated my ticker, have to read those directions again.

Which do you think is best for us non-runners? They both sound really good. Since you've used both, you're a great resource. I have about 50 lbs. to lose and am hovering at 200.

I was also banded on February 17th, and when I started this journey I had 70 lbs to lose. My weight loss has been stalled at around 20 lbs. I've had 2 fills and it's not really made a difference. My next fill is this coming Tuesday. I have to admit that the exercise portion of this adventure has been lacking. I finally got cleared to return to water aerobics (had to weight for all of the scabs to come off), so I am starting agaiin this week. When discussing my eating times, etc with the physician's assistant (a long time span between meals) that I have a protein shake around 3 or 4 o'clock. I do the majority of my walking during the weekend. I'm discouraged, but I think I'm my own worst enemy. On the positive side, I am losing inches, even though the scale isn't moving like I want. My friend says that my body is readjusting. Sounds good, but I was hoping to be further along than I am now.

I need your help. I was banded on the 17th, and did really well with losing weight, and even managed to tolerate the Lo Carb SlimFast shakes pretty well. Went back to work after a full week off, slowed down my weight loss because I wasn't walking enough. Was still on mushies at the time. Since then, I was moved to regular food, small bites, 1 cup max, 1/2 cup is to be Protein. That's all good, but my weight loss has seemed to stall. To make matters worse, I went on a business trip last week and did the ultimate bad - 2 yummy brownies!!! I'm not feeling the sense of full like I'm supposed to, and even gained back 2 pounds - yikes!! So, my husband and I did a lot of walking this weekend, I went back to a Protein shake for Breakfast, and small portions. Any other suggestions? With daylight savings time, I will be able to get back to walking after work, anything else? I don't go back to the doctor until the 20th, and hopefully this will be my first fill.

Silly question, but what is MFP? I was banded on the 17th, had my post-op appt on 3/1 and had lost 14 pounds from the time I started my pre-op protein shake diet until then. 16% of my excess weight is gone - thank goodness!! That morning, I went through my closet and removed 7 pairs of pants that were already too big and was able to get into some that I had "grown" out of - that was exciting! I'm even wearing jeans right not that I haven't worn for over a year. I'm on a mushie diet for 3 more days, than regular food - maximum of 1 cup, half of which is to be a protein. Anyone else doing something similar? I'm a teacher, and went back to work a week after surgery, wish I could have taken more off, but it's just the way it worked out. Try to get my minimum of 30 minutes of walking in each day, but it's a little harder now. So, what is MFP?

Well, I made it through dinner out last night - thank goodness for soup! But I must admit the hamburgers on the menus looked mighty tempting. But, I'm proud of myself, sipped my iced tea and small spoonfuls of soup, minus the meat and veggies. Had my protein shake when I got home. I'm 7 days post op and feeling good! Good luck to all those being banded soon!

I was banded on the 17th and still on liquids including protein shakes, fat free popsicles, jello, etc. Getting kind of tired of it, but have to do it until March 1 when I have my first post-op appt and nutrition class, then I get mushy stuff. That day can't come too soon. Only one week of that then start on baby bites of real food. I've been going for walks or doing some chore around the house when I have that hunger moment, anything to keep busy. Big challenge tonight is my son is down visiting for the day (doesn't know about the lapband surgery, just the hiatel hernia part) and my husband and him want to go out to eat. His first suggestion - Marie Callendars - If I could have come through the phone and slapped him I would have! But I did tell him that was really cruel. We we are going to Islands - I guess I'll just sip some sugar free tea while they eat - sucks!!! I guess I could stay home, but that sucks too. I need to get out! Trying to look at this part of life as just temporary, and the next few weeks as transitional. It's all worth it.

I was banded on the 17th also. Seem to be doing well. Up and about, went for a short walk yesterday. My post op diet includes the protein shakes and obviously clear liquids for 2 weeks, so no problem there. I have a bit of pain up around my collar bone, but taking liquid tylenol. My incisions are healing well. Starting to itch - bummer! I found an anit-itch spray that I use around the sites (put my finger on the incision so I don't accidently spray it directly). Obviously sleeping on my back due to the port. I have to wear a sort of "girdle" thing while the mesh that is holding my port heals. Noticed yesterday all of the food commercials - how cruel! Switched to netflix and reading. I'm planning a short excursion out today - to the pharmacy and vet (gotta feed the dog). To mynewlife2011 - so glad we were banded the same day because if I had read of your surgery experience, I probably would have cancelled - it's exactly what I was worried about. Glad to hear that it turned out well though. Remember - baby sips! helps with the nausea.

Marissa, I'm sure you'll have lost even more weight by the time you have your surgery, just stick with it. Encourage your mom to stay on the diet. Apparently have the smaller liver is a huge benefit in surgery of this type. Good luck to both of you!

Surgery was yesterday at 7:30 am. Was most nervous about the general anesthesia and made sure my anesthesiologist was aware, but once they gave me the first shot - I was out! Aside from being uncomfortable, not really painful in the abdomen, the only real issue was nausea. Seems to have subsided. Woke up early this AM due to husband snoring, so hear I am. Looking forward to a slower paced, hopefully relaxing "normal" day. We'll see. Glad to hear that everyone else is doing well. Southerngirl - sorry to hear about the reaction to the pain meds - thank goodness for liquid tylenol! Good luck to the rest of the February bandsters!

When was your surgery?

Glad to hear that your doing OK after all of that. I'm hoping that my surgery and recovery goes quickly. I'm having a hernia repair done plus the band. Surgery is tomorrow at 7:30 am. I'm excited, but still scared of the anesthesia. Strange sensations. Less than 12 hours to to band time!

I have enjoyed reading everyone's experiences - both positive and not so positive. I am so excited that my surgery is this Friday. I had my preop appointment with my surgeon and his assistant, found out the whole "scoop" of how my day will likely go. And the good news - I got moved up 2 hours to be the first patient. I am so excited!! Nervous - yes, but extremely excited! I've been using the SlimFast Low Carb shakes successfully, and amazingly still enjoy them. Not sure how much I'll still like them in 2 more weeks though. Keep posting folks - your experiences are so helpful to all of us!

Good Luck Greekie!

Flaquita24 - My surgeon is Dr Oliak. Where are you and whose your surgeon?

cocoabean, I'm in Orange County and being banded on the 17th. I'm allowed to use the lo-carb Slim Fast - can find it at amazon or at Sams Club. I decided to use the children's liquid tylenol, didn't know about ordering the adult med at amazon. I am so excited about being banded, and the changes that will be coming. Keep me posted on how you're doing!

I've been pretty selective about who I've told. I work with a know-it-all idiot who has already stated that the LapBand is the worst type of diet. If she knew I was having the surgery, she would be spreading it around our high school campus so fast. Only 3 people on my campus know I'm doing it, and I'm hoping that one of them (the administrator who I report to) hasn't said anything to the idiot. It's hard enough working with this person, but this will definitely put me to the test. My young, physically fit daughter's comment was "why don't you just eat better". I haven't told my son yet (they're 27 and 30). Thank goodness my husband is incredibly supportive - love him!!! Surgery is mid-Feb, so I'm pretty sure my weight loss will be noticeable by the end of the school year. I say - let them wonder how I'm looking so good!

My husband is extremely supportive about my upcoming surgery. I was quite surprised when my physically fit daughter responded with "why don't you change how you eat?". I've told three people at work - my best friend, the school nurse, and the administrator I report to (I'm a teacher). All 3 have promised to not say anything. I haven't said anything to the person I work closest with is because she's like Western Union with an opinion - already said in a discussion that lapband was the worst of all diets - like she's been so successful on her HMR diet! I have a feeling that my administrator may have said something to her, but being non-confrontational - not sure how to bring it up. I know that students and teachers will talk when the weight starts coming off, I'll deal with it then. As many of you have said - it's none of their business!

I too am extremely anxious about the surgery - being knocked out. Both of my parents died in their early 50's due to heart problems caused by weight, smoking, lack of exercise, diet, etc. Well, I don't smoke, I am overweight (duh) and exercise more than they ever did combined. Still, I'm worried. Never had surgery before and it truly scares me. My husband says it's a breeze, just like all of you. This forum is extremely helpful, glad I found it!

Thanks for the tips on what to purchase. Not a big V-8 fan though. Guess that's what may have gotten me to where I am now. I guess I'll develop a new appreciation for it soon.

My banding is schedule for Feb 17th also! Just completed my blood work and cardio testing. Get results next week - wish me luck!