Jen75

It sounds like you are eating a lot of "slider" foods... Try eating more solid Protein and. It down the sweets or up the gym. I am three year out also. There are some things I don't want to modify (like an occasional drink after a long week) but I worry and work out more to accommodate it.

Hi there, I am Jennifer or Jenn. 35 year-old female, single and working as a computer technician. I've been overweight my entire life and made a couple of attempts to get healthy with varying success. For a long time I steered well clear of WLS, but sometime last year as I heard more about the lap-band, my attitude changed. I think part of it is my perception that there is less re-plumbing going on, that there is more flexibility with the band (i.e. that it can be tightened or loosened as needed) and that the procedure is laparoscopic.
My goals are not attached to numbers-- I don't have a perfect weight in mind. I want to be able to go shopping with my friends and not have to stop off at the fat girl store. I want to be more confident socially, I don't want to be single my entire life. I want to board a plane, sit down comfortably, buckle up and not wonder if they might toss me off. I want to go to Six Flags and ride all the rides. I want to ride horses and not worry the poor thing is going to collapse under me. lol. When I'm ready, I want to get pregnant. (I have PCOS)
I don't want to be a diabetic, I don't want to die young, and I'm tired of being a statistic.That's why I'm here. I tend to be a bit of a lurker, although I will speak up when I feel I have something interesting to add.
So, the journey thus far... went to my first seminar back in February. From there went to a first appointment a few weeks later. Waited almost two months to hear about insurance and it turns out mine requires the doctor to be at a Bariatric Center of Excellence. Okay, time to start over.
Procrastinated a bit, but finally went to another seminar in June, this time for Dr. Ronnie Keith at Oklahoma Weight Loss Options. (I'm in OK in case that didn't tip you off. ) Requirements met, insurance gave prelim approval, and I went in for my first appointment on July 11th. Being very efficient souls, they also got me in to see the dietician that same day. Now I am journaling what I eat, sampling the Protein shakes a few times a week, and have my second dietician appointment, my psych appointment and an EKG scheduled for July 31st. Oh, and I'm supposed to go bleed somewhere in there.
Things are getting real. I'm a little nervous, but excited.

1. Losing more weight then I ever thought I would.
2. Wearing smaller sizes then I ever thought Il would.
3. No more medications.
4. Eating out and leaving food on my plate like a normal person.
DRUM ROLL PLEASE
5. Being called a skinny bit-h

Just Checked my health insurance on line I was approved June 5th is a go and everything is paid for!! I am on my way and I am so ready! My boss approved my days off work so I can heal and I am so excited!! A Divorce and Weight Loss in the same month!! All Men better watch out can I will no longer have health problems or taking medication around the clock for health reason's. I am going to be fearless!! fearless Fearless I can't wait jumping out my skin!! Pre-op diets starts tomorrow!!! I'm going to work this diet like no ones business!! Thanks you God!! Now watch over me and keep me as the apple of your eye! In Jesus Name Amen!!! Tears of Joy!!!

Went shopping in my closets. Got rid of everything bigger than large. Looking forward to the mediums! Soon, I hope! Thanks for all of the support & success stories.

My husband says that all the time!!! Really hardly worth it! LMBO!!!

I am stoked!
My insurance actually approved my hiatial hernia surgery and band re-positioning!!! I was told initially that the band re-positioning portion of the surgery would NOT be covered because it would be considered bariatric and my employer has an opt out clause. I was so frustrated by this since my band had to be re-positioned to fix my hiatal hernia. This surgery is about fixing my hernia... NOT a bariatric surgery. So frustrating. Surgery was going to cost me $4700, which I couldn't afford, so I had decided I would have my band removed.
Well I got a surprise call yesterday that my insurance is covering the WHOLE surgery. YAY!
I am pretty excited to be getting another chance. I scheduled my surgery ASAP (before my insurance can change their mind... haha). My surgery is in 2 weeks. My surgeon is very optimistic that this will resolve a lot of issues I have been having. I just want the esophagitis to be GONE. I am soooo sick of the heartburn and reflux. I am crossing my fingers that this will also resolve my inconsistent restriction.
I am still in disbelief.

Had my annual Nuclear Stress test today...and I am the happiest man on earth!!

Background: I have one Cardiac artery that is completely occluded, totally blocked that resulted in my Heart Attack. It went un noticed because being a fat diabetic it was "Silent" same for women BTW.
It was when I had a routine stress test 2-1/2 years ago that they found that, along with a 2nd artery that was 60% blocked requiring cardiac surgery with a full metal stent. It could have, and SHOULD have killed me!

Today I had my annual Nuclear Stress Test. For you young'un's, they wire you up to all these machines, inject radioactive dye in your blood, take pictures of your heart in a machine similar to a CT Scan, and above all, they put you on a tread mill and get you to maximum heart rate for a few minutes...in other words they do all they can to make you have heart attack. (Stress) and look for any potential problems.

Every Nurse, technician, I encountered today took one look at me and said "This is going to be interesting" When I asked why, they said because I was a "Athletic"!!???

When the Dr. got me on the treadmill, he said the same thing. It took them FOREVER to get my heart rate up to max. Normally you only have to walk briskly on a incline. They had me "Running" up an incline and then barley got me there. The nurse looked at me and said "That's what we mean by interesting" "It's always hard with Athletes"!

Dr. said it was remarkable...not so much that I did so well, but because of my past history I still out performed 1/2 of his patients and should not be at that level. Whatever I'm doing, KEEP IT UP! Don't ever stop. He wished all his patients would do as I am.

BTW, I had a resting heart rate of 46, and BP of 105 systolic.

But from the above report, and the absolutely best news I can ever receive, you may understand my passion and commitment to this LIFE AND DEATH program.
I feel so good about myself right now,...I can't wait to get to the gym this afternoon, and turn it up a notch!
This band is the best thing I could have possibly ever done to improve, if not save, my life. It's a whole lot more than what size jeans I fit into, etc, although that is a by-product not the goal in itself.
BTW, being on these boards for over a year I have learned that just about everyone has a differing opinion on how the band should or should not work.
In all due respect....I know what has and is working for me and I'm sticking to it regardless of what other people may think. And I sincerley hope you find what is going to work for you!!

Banded for 6 years now. My rule was that I would only tell people if I thought it would help them.
I agree that everyone is different.

Try a liquid Vitamin. It's what has worked for me... I could stand the chewables! Also, have to take them at night because of food in my belly. Couldn't do on an empty tummy either! Good luck!

Don't be so hard on yourself... Just to add to stephy's comment, a typical eating day for me is a shake in the morning = 30g ( I can't physically eat and I am always in a rush) lunch I hit the salad bar at work and take a scoop or two of each thing= cottage cheese, kidney Beans, garbanzo beans, hard boiled egg, chopped bacon and beets and peppers if I'm in the mood. I don't do lettuce so this all comes to approx a cup of food. Will last me all afternoon. I would guess approx Protein would be in the 20g range. Then if I add a Greek yogurt with 10-14g you will easily hit your protein mark and not be hungry. My dinner I am never hungry but do the head hunger thing or the "it's dinner time and I need to eat" so it is what someone else has fixed... Good luck, I bet just tweaking a few things and you will be satisfied and on track.

These are the best bang for your protein buck. Taste pretty good too. Costco is the place to buy them. I need to look for their bars.

I finally made it into onederland.. I haven't seen that for years like over 25 years to be exact.. I just stood on the scale for a really long time looking at it..
I have lost since my surgery which was Feb 8th 2012 = 51 pounds and a totally of 65 pounds from my heaviest, unreal!!
I still have a long way to go but I'm getting there.. I don't have any restrictions, I can chew fine, drink fine, but I stick to my portion sizes and do exactly what my dr tells me and it's been working.. Very Very Happy!!!
and on we go...

Downloading now! Thank you!

I too had to submit a letter but it was required. I basically stated that at the age of 33 I was obese and had struggled with weight my entire adult life. I wanted to be healthy. I wanted to prevent co morbities like heart disease and diabetes. (which saves the i insurance company money). I also wanted to be able to enjoy life. It was kind of a heartfelt letter to myself and why I wanted to live a healthy lifestyle. I also explained that I understood that the band was a tool that I was to work and not a solution to all my problems.
I was 110 pounds overweight, high cholesterol, back and joint pain, depression, anxiety and have hypothyroidism. By explaining all of that and most of it was from my weight I was approved. Good luck with you letter and the journey you are just starting.

I think it's important for your loved ones to be aware that this is very stressful, normally we eat our stress and we can do that so that stress and frustration has to come out. I think that if we make sure that they understand that and apologize when we do have a moment, they will be able to live with us

Don't be scared about it! Just consider it PMS for your band! I can't say that I didn't have any ups and downs but it wasn't really that bad.

I agree with stephy and jessi but would also like to add that I researched the malabsorption issue with other wls and I didn't care for it. I work in a psychiatric hospital and see many wls patients 5 - 10 yrs out. The malabsorption doesn't just affect the body causing weight loss but also affects the brain. That scared me. I wanted something that if I had problems could be removed with minimal damage (scarring) I don't know much about the sleeve. I do know that the band is not an easy way out and requires dedication and commitment but gives many rewards with weightless and health if you are willing to work with it. Good luck with your decision!

It is my belief that we are all wonderful magnificent bundles of energetic love. That is our true or authentic essence. We know this when we are born, but somewhere along the way we disconnect from our authentic self; and in the process we learn to speak the language of harsh self judgment and negativity. One of the ways to tell if you are “disconnected’ is that you approach the task of losing weight from a place grounded in hatred and contempt for your overweight body and perceived lack of willpower. Your self talk may sound something like this: “I hate my body, I can’t wait to lose weight, I can’t go to that party looking like this, I can’t believe I ate that, I am so mad at myself, I know better, I should do better”.
If that sounds like you, and you would like to re-connect with your authentic self, I suggest that you take a different approach to losing weight. Honor the role that compulsive eating and excess weight have played in your life. Be kind and gentle with you. If what you want more than anything is to have a slender healthy body and you do something to sabotage that, that ‘s the time you need an emotional HUG, not a beating.
Know this: whenever anyone is acting in a way does not honor their highest good they are disconnected from their truth. They are just trying to feel better.
Overeating is often an attempt to self nurture. I suggest that you try releasing your excess weight and the behavior of compulsive eating from a place grounded in the energy of Self Love and Compassion, not self degradation and frustration.
Many people describe food as their best friend; something they can count on that is unconditional and consistent. They use the behavior of compulsive eating to soothe a broken heart, calm an anxious mind, let go of a crazy day at the office, lift their spirits, reward themselves, or connect with family and friends. I’ve even had people tell me they don’t know if they’d be alive if they didn’t have food to turn to in particularly dark times for if they didn’t have food to numb their feelings they fear they would have turned to alcohol, drugs, or even suicide.
Can you relate to any of these concepts? If so can you see that you were/are using food to try to feel better, not because you are a bad or weak person?
In terms of excess weight, people have told me it made them feel grounded and strong. It was their identity. Others have said that it has protected them from the anxiety associated with dating and intimacy. I’ve had people tell me their weight gave them an excuse to not really “go for it” in their lives. If they didn’t get the job they wanted or didn’t have a date, they blamed it on their weight.
Below is an excerpt from my e-workbook “Live Your Highest Good Make Peace With Your Body and Food” that may lead you to greater insights as to why you carry with you excess weight.
So think about this: What role has your excess weight played in your life?
If your weight could talk, what would it say?
As you answer the following questions be aware of any significant or uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, impulses or sensations in your body. Notice if you are able to stay focused or if your attention wanders.
1.Close your eyes and picture the people who raised you standing in front of you. Imagine that you are at your heaviest weight. If your weight could talk, what would it say to them?
2.What would your heaviest weight say to your siblings or other relatives?
3.What would your heaviest weight say to any other significant people from your past?
4.What would your heaviest weight say to significant people in your life today (partner, spouse, coworkers, friends.). Take some time and really think about this.
Your Healthy Weight Voice
Now imagine yourself at your ideal healthy weight. And imagine those same people standing before you. How do you feel now being with them without your excess weight? Do you feel strong and empowered, or do you feel somewhat scared and vulnerable?
What would your healthy weight voice say to:
The people who raised you?

Your siblings or other relatives?

Other significant people from your past?

Significant people in your life today?

Reflection:
What have you learned through this exercise about the role excess weight has played in your life? Who would you be without your weight?
Try this exercise the next time you take a shower:
As you wash each part of your body bless it and send it love. Speak to your body as if you were speaking to a child or friend whom you love unconditionally.
Thank your body for being there for you. Remember that no matter how much you stuffed it, starved it, exercised it or not, it keeps getting up and showing up for you every day.
Bless and love your head, your eyes, your ears, your nose, your mouth, your chin, your neck, your shoulders, your arms, and your hands. Bless and love your back, your chest, your abdomen, your hips, your genitals, your thighs, your calves, your ankles and your feet.
If you have excess fat on your body love it and bless it. Thank it for having been there for you. Know that you created it to serve as a protective shield for you to keep you centered, grounded, and safe.
Now visualize yourself standing before a gateway on a beautiful hill or on the crest of a wave. Your entire life lies behind you and below you. See that every experience of your past is tied to you by silver and golden threads. Pause and review these experiences... all the joys and all the sorrows... all the adventures it took to bring you to this point... remember all your struggles with your body and your weight. Observe it all, bless it all, thank it all...especially the struggles.
Now untie the threads attaching you to the past, and with all the love you can muster, let your excess weight know that it is safe for it to go now.
Tell it that you are releasing it with love and gratitude, and you are now ready to learn new ways to love and nurture yourself. Release it all and bless it all.
In releasing your attachment to the past, you claim your power in the present.
WOW!!! How did that feel????
Take time to write any reflections, thoughts or feelings that surfaced while doing the shower exercise.
You may even want to write a love letter to your body!!
Have a beautiful day!
Live in Love,
Louisa

I was banded before I started dating my husband. He knew about it from the very start, and was extremely supportive. Now he even knows all the bandster terms and claims I have a "stuck" face! LOL! If the guy is worth it, he will take the time to understand your band and why you have one. I would be upfront about it, because any guy who would be turned off by you having a band should be crossed off your list of potential husbands!

I am wondering if part of this might be psychological? I do not have experience with this but the symptoms that you describe when you say food hits your band sounds as though it could be a form of panic attack.I think maybe you need to talk to a specialist about this.
If you can sort this out then you may find that you are able to work with your band.