Doddie63

Hope to see you at the N.V support group every 3rd Wed. after you enter the world of bandster land. Good Luck.

Katie: You can get a lot of support subscribing to this link of Lapbandtalk.com. I live in BC, but some of the best advice i have received has been from bandsters all over the USA and Canada. What you have to remember this is not a weight race. You are using the band as a tool when you have healed properly. The reason fill is not put in the bad right away, is to allow scar tissue to develop around the band to hold it snugly in place. So patience should be your theme. Stay on the liquids, mushies regime until your doctor advises you to start whole foods. Then, eat wisely by practising only eating a cup of measured food. That way, when you get a fill, you will be in the routine. Good luck and keep on posting

Great idea, perhaps the band could be called a zipper as well

In answer to your question, I have had surgery on the abdomen as well, and I had no problem with the insertion of the band. My friend, just recently had a band inserted and she went thru gastric by pass a number of years ago. There should be no problem unless there is something wrong with the stomach such as ulcers.

:thumbup:Bella: Most of us that have posted have gone thru the gauntlet of emotions. All the way from excitement to fear of the unknown. One of the fears I had was not being able to eat my favorite foods ever agan. No worries, I eat them just less. Strange, but as time has gone on, I no long crave fatty foods. My biggest hurdle has been controlling my chewing. So I have kept a loose fill to allow the unchewed chunks to pass thru the band. Right up until you get on the OR table, you will be having thoughts. All I can say is remember why you are doing this and you will wake up wondering what all the fuss was about. Keep posting, love to hear how you are doing.

Thanks, I have been doing that but find there is such an array. About the only thing I have found out is that carbs turn to sugar which is a quick energy while protein is slower acting. Sort of like an engine, stoke with carbs and keep running with protein. My clinic has me emphasizing protein as the bulk of my one cup. To eat protein first then the veggies leaves me guessing as to which ones. Thanks again, I will concentrate on the less starchy veggies.

Dumb question BUT......what is low carb. Seems everything is or contains carb?

Very happy you have solved your problem but concerned about the kidney infection. Hopefully you won't be left with permanent kidney problems. Did Dr. W. find the problem or did you go to your GP?

Not in Vancouver unless you were banded by a clinic that provides support to your GP or provides only for their patients. However, if you go to the www.northwestfills.com site there are two nurses in Seattle that do fills and I understand they are very good. Or you could fly to Calgary and attend a clinic there. By posting for Alberta fill doctors someone will respond. I think Seattle is the best bet though. Hope this information helps.

Bandiva, congratulations on your success. There is hope for me yet, I guess. Had a bad day - was hungry a dinner time and gulped my food. Yep you all know the results. Will I ever learn, sigh!!! Bandiva you are an inspiration that our journey is varied and full of hard work. Again Congratuations.

Sharon Rose if you are looking for fill nurses, check out the Fill Management Northwest site. www.northwestfills.com Phone 425-512-4220 by appointment only.

Innotu congratulations and happy you are progressing well. I e mailed you earlier personally but thought I would congrats you here as well

Congratulatons. Now the journey begins. Be patient is the golden rule. Let your body heal inside and try not to rush .

The meetings are held at the Lions Gate Hospital every third Wednesday in Conference Room A. The main entrance is on 15th. Go thru the double doors toward the gift shop. Turn right and pass thru a double door. Go down the corridor a bit. The Library is on the left. Turn right and we are the first door on the right. Contact Canadagirl33@hotmail.com to be put on her reminder list. She will e mail if there are any changes.

Hi: Have you considere Northwest Fill Management 540 N. West Ave., Arlington, WA 98223 e mail kitty@northwestfills.com I know of no other doctor in the lowermainland that do fills except maybe for their own patients.

Yes. Check the website Northwestfills.com. Two nurses from Seattle do fills for out of state bandsters.

Sharon Rose Yes the meetings are still going on and we would love to see you. Doddie

Yes. I believe it innuot. Will you be at the next meeting.

Hi: I have lost 73 lbs and have 45 to go for goal of 180. My weight has always settled on the arms and stomach. My arms have batwings you would never believe. I have to remain in a 26/28 size t shirt because no blouses or smaller ts will fit over these flabby arms. I definately am considering PS and I don't give a hang about scars. There are remedies for scar tissue to be removed. I am told by my PS I must wait until within 10 lbs of goal weight more preferrably to reach goal and hold the weight for 1 year. I can't wait and the PS is one of the strongest motivators I have to lose weight.

Thinking of you Karin

Hi: The band surgery was very simple for me. I flew to Toronto had the surgery, rested one day and flew back to British Columbia. There were no complications. You have to take it easy with the exercise for awile (your doctor will tell you how long) then you can do anything. From what you describe, I wonder why you aren't taking a water exercise plan. I go to aquasize (even when I was 303 lbs) and I thoroughly enjoy it. People with joint issues usually are referred to this type of program. Perhaps you should look into it. As for worrying about what you look like in a bathing suit, LOL, don't. Everyone else is too busy worrying about how they look. I hae met wonderful people in these classes all pain free when exercising due to the buoyance of the water.

cujo: what is in the past is in the past. now is your opportunity to start a brand new journey by getting off on the right foot. You will not be dieting just eating less and making better choices on the small amount you can have. Born and raised in saskatchewan now in BC but still a roughie fan. Doddie

Cujo: Are you asking permission to break your doctor's pre op diet. Because if you are, certainly don't have mine. The reason for the diet is I am sure you already know is to shrink your liver. I think if you knew you could eat at the BBQ, you would not have asked us. What do I think --- NO. Do as your doctor told you. Doddie

Thank you. I give most credit to my victories to the band. Once it got my appetite under control my journey is a bit easier. Having said all the "I's" the support that has been given to me by this website by members that have their own cross to bare has been emotionally stimulating. Unselfish support from others that are also struggling is very gratifying.

Some lose no hair others a bit initially. The diet you will be on is high in protein which is associated with healthy hair. Gastric by-pass patients do lose hair but it grow back in time. I personally did not lose hair, all I have lost is weight Woooooo Woooooo! Good luck on your research.