gabby

Thank you for answering; !.) Do you take Vitamins? If so what kind? Can you take large pills? What about an advil? Anyone taking or needing Fiber laxaives? (aka metamucil) Seems to me if ya have to chew to consistency of baby food that pills could get stuck. 2.) What about salads and raw veggies any problem there?

Vera, you look sensational!!! you're so cute!!!! and where did you get that bathing suit?? it looks fab on you!!! thanks for the pics...........gabby

Shelley you look great!!! I love the pics with you wearing that print dress, way to go!! .........gabby

I clipped the size information from the Lane Bryant and JC Penny catalogs, located in the middle of the catalog. I keep this and a tape measure in my bathroom drawer. I was always wondering, if I'm down a size. I don't always have time to run to the store and try on clothes (work and 4 kids seem to interfere with stuff like that). To me it was discouraging to think I'm one size when the garment I tried on may have been in the small range for that size and is too tight. This way I know what size I am, also lets me know which areas I need to exercise more. Good luck to all....................Gabby

WOW that's great Alexandra.........congrats I bet u look spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gabby

Way to go Leo!!!..............how about some more pics? Gabby

Hello Ginger: The only time I vomited is when I had the stomach flu (shortly after being banded). I have had the band 3 1/2 months. I do, however, get extremely uncomfortable when; I either eat too fast, too much or take too big of a bite. I have never PB'd and hope to keep it that way.............good luck Gabby

Thanks a bunch Darcy...........I'm going to check into that today!!! Gabby

I miss my Advil. Tylenol doesn't cut it. I also dislike cold food, when it's suppose to be hot. I'd like to find one of those plate warmers they use in the hospitals. I love my band and I have never PB'd, or vomited (except when I had the flu) or had any heart burn or reflux. Just have to remind myself to take smaller bites. gabby

WoW Megan.........I'd love to go, but, that's far. I wonder why that don't meet at a more central area..........like The Mall of America......thanks for the info........Gabby

Hello everyone: I love this lapband site.........and read all your posts. Sure would be fun to chat with some of you. Everytime I go to the lapbandtalk chat room I'm the only one talk there...........Although I'm such a yacker that I probably could entertain myself for a whlie anyway. Could we schedule times to get some folks in there? I feel as if I know many of you and it sure would be a great palce for the newbies too. Just a thought .................Gabby

Way to go Jeanie......you look GREAT!!!............Thanks for posting, soon as I figure this thing out I'll post..........Gabby

Hello Anne and Mel: Thank you for your kind words. In regards to fills, I've had one (1.5cc). I'm on the fence about having another for now anyway. My restriction varies, somedays I can eat just about anything and can eat till I want to stop (taking in consideration that now that volume now is markedly decreased) other days the band stops me cold after a bite or two. I am now able to reconize that first signal of slight discomfort, another bite will make me extremely uncomfortable. I find that most of time if I wait for a burp, I can eat some more. Hubby, on the other hand can make himself burp (a skill that even as a child I couldn't master) so he always consumes more than I can. I hope this doesn't sound too gross. I feel satisfied after eating. I do still have the head hunger, after 40+ years of eating what I wanted when I wanted it, it's a ongoing battle,but, a battle I'm gonna win. On old diets, the scale would hardly budge, so I was easily discouraged and would begin to overeat. I have this wonderful tool and I tell myself that. Losing weight really helps me stay focused. My cheating is at a minimum, sometimes I go a week or two without cheating. (by cheating I mean chocolates or ice cream) I have put myself on a caloric range of 800-1200 per day. I get almost all my water in and have added protein drinks to make sure I get in the protein as I am a vegetarian. I still get hungry, but, most of the time when I grab for something it's only a habit (head hunger). I'm a snacker, but, now I try to grab for the healthy things. I joined Curves back in Feb (I met a woman online who had the bypass and we work out together and have a blast) and I am now walking my two large dogs which is a good upper and lower body work-out. Good luck you two, please let me know if I can help in anyway...................Gabby

Hello everyone: Well, it's been a little over three months since I was banded. The energy has kicked in big time and I am conquering all those neglected chores. I'm down 45 lbs. The weight is certainly coming off more slowly, but, the key word is "coming off". Today I went shopping and purchased a much needed new bra, lost a cup size and the bra is 2 sizes smaller. I am into 18-20 clothing from a 26. Folks are noticing and the posistive re-inforcement feels so good. I feel the best I have in years. I find myself looking in all mirrors I pass, when before I dodged them like a plague. For the first time I bought the kids Easter candy the night before, instead of weeks before, then finding myself nibbling and nibbling, then ending up buying more. I did have a couple pieces, then rearranged my calorie count to compensate. The best part of all is that hubby was banded 5 weeks after me. He is no longer a diabetic. Before we had the surgery (or even thought of it ) his doctor told us he was a time bomb, "we just don't know how long the fuse is". I worried about him so much, we have young children and the thought I could lose him due to obesity was overwhelming . His triglyceride level was over 1000. Now all his lab values are within normal range and he's dropping weight faster than me. He looks and feels fabulous and now, God willing, we will grow old together. Last night he was trying on clothes and filled up a garbage bag full too large clothes........it was a great moment. We are so thankful for the lapband and I hope anyone out there reading this, who has a weight problem takes the first step and does something. Not that the band is for everyone, but, that there is a lot of living out there and not to let obesity drain their health, actually rob their health is a better choice of word.........May God Bless...............Gabby

Hello Joyce: Congrats on your upcoming surgery!! My hubby purchased a hand-held blender for me right after surgery, it was invaluable. I blended whatever I was in the mood for. (just added some hot water) sure helped get me through the full liquid stage. Another thought, I wished I had eaten salads till I couldn't eat anymore prior to surgery. I missed them so much during liquids and soft-food stages. Unless you have to go on liquid diet before surgery, I'd eat all the foods that will be added last.(steaks,salads etc)Good luck .........Gabby

Hi Patty: For me everyday is different. There are days when restriction is great and other days, (I call these eating days) when nearly all type of food present no problem. I generally see more restrction in the AM, but, not always. .........good luck Gabby

Hello Julie: What does your dostor say? Unless you are self-pay, you may have difficulty getting insurance to pay for the lapband, unless you have co-mobities. (other severe health problems caused by being overweight). Good luck on your journey. Gabby

My hubband I are both banded, 5 weeks apart. 1/13/04 and 2/17/04. We are down over 80+ lbs.and absolutely loving our bands. It is so great to have your soul mate make the venture too! It's like you have a mini-support group 24/7. We love dining out cuz we both eat the same way (slow lol). Although we have always gotten along well, this experience has taken our relationship to a whole new level. Our kids are now benefitting from our extra energy. Congrats on your journey. Let me know if I can help in any way............................Gabby

Hey Debra; I joined Curves when I was 6 weeks post-op. I like it that there are no mirrors and no men. It seems the right fit for me now. I like that they measure and weigh every month. Good luck .....Gabby

I joined Curves in Feb. They had a special so I paid half of the usual fee. The woman told me they run specials all the time, even offering free sign-ups (membership fee) from time to time. I met someone from obesityhelp.com. She had a by-pass from the same doc that did my the lap-band (both done in Jan 2004). We have a great time. My best tip is find someone to exercise with, we talk so much we generally go for an hour and it seems like 10 minutes. Good luck......Gabby ( and I'm down 40 lbs!)

Just had my first fill. I continue to lose weight (30 lbs- banded 1/13/03)but, I felt I was eating more than I should. The fill was painless, although felt alittle weird, I could feel the fluid going through the tube. It took about 15 minutes and a few pokes to access the port. He numbed me first and put 1.5 cc in. I like this adjustment, it feels good. I also joined Curves, to try to become more active and tone up a bit. I love to swim, but, not comfortable showing my skin yet. I find the band truly amazing and so glad I opted for this instead of the by-pass. I thought I would stick out like a "sore thumb" when I dined out but, that certainly is not the case. My only regret is not finding out about the band sooner.

Hello and welcome, yes, this is a wonerful site for sure. I was banded 1/13/04, I returned to work 2 weeks later. I wish I had stayed out for a few more days. ( I am 48 ) I was on full liquids leaving the hospital. My hubby bought me a hand held blender, so I added a little water and ate what I was in the mood for. I was going to buy some baby food, but, didn't need to. Eat lots of salads and raw veggies before surgery, I so missed them during the full liquid and soft food stage. Good luck and welcome to future bandland................Gabby

Hello friends: So next week will be 8 wks post-op. The scale says down 35 lbs. Although I am very careful of what I eat, this dieting thing has never been easier or more rewarding. Thank God for technology. I have more energy and can't wait to do the things I've avoided due to being overweight. What a time to have this, when low-carb is all the craze and there are great tasting foods that are carb friendly. But, by far the best part is being more active for my family. I am actually looking forward to the spring yardwork, EEEKS! did I really say that?........ Life is good. I love my band.................Gabby

Welcome Laura: You've come to the right spot. This board is chuck full of wonderful and interesting folks. The information is plentiful and oh so useful. Gabby

Hello Kasie: I used Dr.Michael Schwartz (Abbott-Northwestern Hospital). My experience was fabulous. Any questions feel free to email me......Good luck Gabby