Doddie63

Hi: When you have the lap band as you start to loose weight, and someone mentions it, the decision you have to make is "how much to tell". All the gory details can be left out. Simply say, yes, I am loosing weight with my doctor's assistance. Then say to yourself "and the band". Unless you want to broadcast how proud you are of the band (which is what I do and have lost contact with my sister because of it), your choice is there to tell as much as you care to tell. Just be aware, not everyone is going to be in your camp cheering if you do decide to tell all.

Hi: Donna D and others. Donna I have had my first fill and I have restrictions. I find I can eat a salad plate full of food. Sometimes 1 cup sometimes 2 cups. I am maintaining but not loosing. That is why I posted I am confused on portions. When I overeat, I do get a strong feeling of soreness and sometimes I chuckup. I go to a bariatric surgeon recommended by the TLBC for my next fill and further followup here in Vancouver. I no longer have to worry about going to Toronto thank goodness. I will still travel to TO once a year for them to check the band as recommended in the DVD by Dr. Joffe. How are you doing?

Hi: Thanks Yoda. Your description is very helpful in more ways than one. Everytime I am tempted to eat, I just h ave to imagine "chewed". God, nuff to turn any stomach including mine. But your suggestions is great thanks. Doddie

Does anyone have any idea what "1 cup of food is". One cup of peas is vastly different from one cup of lettuce leafs.:guess

Hi: I am having trouble with measuring the "1 cup". 3 oz of protein takes up a lot of the cup or is it 3 oz of protein and one cup. One cup of lettuce leaf is vastly different to 1 cup of peas. Anyone have any idea how to measure????????

Hi: Dr. Yau at the TLBC. They have wonderful support team and he was one of the original pioneers in bringing the band to Canada. Fill nurses, nutritionists, conference call support for out of towners. They are second to none. Doddie

HI: Research the Toronto Laproscopic Band Clinic. The Yau was one of the pioneers along with Dr. Joffe that brought the band to Canada. Research into the after care is absolutely mandatory and I place the TLBC second to none. They also have a nutrionist on staff who will help you free as well as they have a conference call program just starting for out of towners. Something to consider as well is is travel health insurance. Most obese people have high blood pressure and if you should become ill outside the country, insurance companies will not pay for any "related" illness. We all know that high blood pressure is linked to most emergency illnesses. Just a few thoughts. Doddie

Hi: I am from North Vancouver and I chose the TLBC. I didn't do much research on the after care and wish I had, but still on reflection choose the TLBC. Dr. Yau did my surgery and I have had no problems. As I live so far away, to get a fill would have cost me a lot of money travelling. when I attended the TLBC for my first fill, I was given the name of a bariatric surgeon here and the clinic faxed my records to him. Although I will have to pay for the fill, it still is cheaper than going back to TO. Also, the TLBC has a nutrionist and she is available for one on one consults as well as seminars. I met her and she really knows what she is talking about. She read through my meal tracking recors and told me that I was not having enough protein at 3:00 pm and that was probably why I was grazing before supper. She suggested I eat 2 tsps of peanut butter on a few crackers. She was bang on. I haven't been foraging for food since. The TLBC listens to my concerns and I would not hesitate to recommend them highly. Doddie

Hi: It is nobody's business period. To tell or not to tell is entirely up to you. If someone mentions you are loosing weight just say "thank you for noticing" then under your breath "and to the band". Banded Feb. 01/07. I wish I had kept quiet as my sister is no longer speaking to me. She feels I am taking the easy way out while she has to struggle. We can praise the band to all on the website, but again loosing weight is a very private affair where we can be proud of our accomplishments but give no reasons why we are loosing. Doddie.

Hi: Well thought out. Let the weight loss speak for itself. Another funny side will be just think how all those self righteous people will nod and say. I told you so. all you needed was exercise and diet. Who cares if you say under your breath "and the band". Doddie

Hi Watch out for salt. You don't need higher blood pressure as your BP will increase at OR time. Doddie

Cat excellent posting and research. I fully intend to copy your post and read it from time to time. Also to pass it on to others. Doddie

Hi Donna D: Welcome to our side. My fill went well. Experienced bandsters told me whether to stop drinking water or not and that I needed a defill. Started our with 4 ccs and then ended up with 2cc. The exciting part was I met the new nutrionist and I had the pleasure of talking with her while she waited to seen by the staff. She picked apart my menus and gave me terrific hints. She is also banded herself and lost 100 lbs. Also, Maral gave me a doctor contact to go for my fills here in Vancouver. As the clinic referred me, my band is covered I hope. Sorry you are experiencing problems, but every new feeling is going to be scarey for some time. Read my previous posts and how I was freaking out. You may have a tight restriction. Some do. I have. I understand there are many who haven't had a fill for at least one year. So keep calling the clinic and posting for information. Someone somewhere will have answer. Doddie.

Hi; What you are doing, in my mind is great and I intend to follow your example. Why is it though, that if an overweight person starts to loose weight, everyone asks if you are sick?????? Beats me as to the answer. Doddie

HI: I read the postings on the difficulties people are having. I am retired and cooking is done every meal for my hubby. I don't know why, but although I felt sorry for myself the odd time, I sat and watched him eat but it never registered that I couldn't eat. It helps that I like cc but I was so desparate for this band that I had made up my mind no matter what I was going to get it. I was and am tired of living a 300 lb life. My objective in writing how I felt, is to point out your original reason for getting the band. Don't loose site of it. At the seminar, it was pointed out that the liver is a very delicate organ and the doctors have to move it aside to put on the band. The liver can be easily damaged so the smaller the liver the better it is for you. Does this little reminder help any of you "in waiting banders"???? I hope so. Doddie

Hi: Remember, you have to have a healthy body to heal. So eat. Close your eyes and imagine you are eating your favorite food but whatever, don't let the cravings take control. You can do it. Doddie

Hi Donna D. give the clinic a call and check our your feelings. Could be the port may be a bit high or it could be gas. I had no problems so have no experiences to call on. Anyone else out there that can help Donna??? Sure glad you are doing OK and your comment on the chicken soup made me laugh out loud. I immediately thought "there goes Donna with her exercise routine". LOL Doddie

Hi Jurema: You are in a very real big struggle I would say, not minor. You are probably having headaches from withdrawal of other foods, especially salt. I am a salt eater (that's why I have high blood pressure) and when I couldn't have any salt, I had sick headaches. I heated up some chicken broth when I felt down. I didn't drink a lot, but it helped the headache. Also, the warm tea was an excellent idea and warm bath. Pamper yourself you deserve it. Doddie

Hi Jurema I sent you a private message. Hope you get it. But incase you don't I encourage you to take a before picture and to make a pictorial record of your journey. I am doing it, and I know many others are as well. Make the first one as unflatering as possible then every 30 lbs. I love your ticker tape. Doddie

Well done Susansilver: Keep up your spirits. I don't think we would be overweight if part of the problem was not the "emotional" thing. Don't let your mind take over. Keep in charge. You will be fine. C........h.....a.........r.......g..........e! to the finish line. Doddie

Hi Donna D: Welcome to bandland. Bet you are running around the block by now. Isn't that the greatest tasting clear broth compared to cottage cheese. Doddie

Hi Jurema and Ginger: First welcome Ginger. I know that without the band I would still be depressed and gaining. Good luck in your decision. I will say this, I also support the clinic and in my mind Dr. Yau is the best, because I have suffered no complications. That is not to say there aren't equally as good doctors out there. Jurema, I went out to to see the doctor but he wasn't in so I will be telephoning today for an appointment. I will let you know how it goes. More to the point how is the pre op diet coming along now that you know the reason for the restricted diet? Also, on another post you said you love salt and that is a very addictive spice. Another reason why you are feeling down with the cottage cheese diet. Whatever you do, stick with it. You will find it is worth it. Doddie.

Hi Jurema: Boy is it ever nice to put a face to the name. How many days to go now. Like you, I love salt so you have to wean yourself off it. Salt is addictive so that may be why you are having trouble with the pre op. Just a thought. Doddie

All of you are experiencing what we all have gone thru including all the emotions of making a will. Wish I could be there and help you through this period of time. Saying I was there, did that, did this, is of little help I am sure. I think I startled the nurse when I handed her a copy of my living will. I am sure it never entered her mind anything would go wrong and her reaction made me feel soooooooo good. Seeing her so confident made me relax. After that it is all so easy. Including after no problems whatsoever. Just very sleepy but I followed to the letter their instructions and so far so good. Just had my first fill and feeling very good. Doddie

Hi: I crave salt and white carbs. Could not care less about sweets but put some fresh baked warm bread and butter in front of me or hot white steamed rice and I will devour everything in sight. Oh ...........make the pain go away........back to the veggies. Doddie