musicalmomma

Name…………Goal in Minutes…Completed…..To Go

MM………………..750 …………..627…………..123

Ja9va………………960…………...615…………..345

Captain Danbo……2700………..…1490…………1210

Sweetie…………...1000…………...750…………..250

huntersmom………300…………….70…………...230

Stephanie42767…..1860…………1480…………..380

Farmmomto2……..480…………….380…………..100

Beckiet……………400……………120…………...280

Suzzzie……………705……………290…………..415

Dawneb……………600…………….0....................600

Cbm818…………...600……………..0……………600

Dakota1984………1000…………….0……………1000

I got my second fill on the 14th, for a total of 1.3cc's (4cc band). It's made a HUGE difference so far.

SimplyMe: Like you, I've PB'd a good bit since that fill. I think for me, a lot of it is that I need to slow down and STOP eating when I feel full. I just can't seem to wrap my head around eating so little and being full!! I wonder if I'll be like you and the restriction loosen up a bit today or tomorrow.

Either way, I've lost 3.4 pounds just since tuesday! So, I ain't complaining!! It's sooooo nice to see the scale moving again! I was stuck, bouncing between 249-253 for WEEKS! It was VERY disheartening.

I had my surgery on 8/10. Before that I was strictly 3 slimfasts a day 1 week prior to the surgery. It was hard but I did it. I have been on strictly liquids since my surgery mostly Soups of all sorts w/ no chunks. But today 7 days into my post-op I cheated! I couldn't take it anymore and had to eat/chew on something. So I had half an eggroll and about 3 medium bites of chinese noodles. It all went down ok. No pain. But now I am scared of what I could have done to my body since my surgery was only a week ago.

Has anyone else done this? And if so how did you handle it later? Or am I the only weak one here?

265/255/150:help:

You're the only weak one here! NOT!!! hehe Relax...I'm sure you didn't damage your band, but do try to stick with the post-op plan. I know it's hard...down right tortureous! I, and many others, didn't stick to the post op plan 100%, but I did my best and didn't do any damage. However, I did discuss my slips with my surgeon and told him I was concerned about damage. He giggled at me and said "It'll take a lot more than that to cause a slip...just DON'T challange the pouch!"

Hang in there...better days are ahead. This is a BIG adjustment...give yourself time to adjust :Banane20:

Hi Beckiet! It's never to late to join

Sweetie & Stef, I JUST got my second fill on Tuesday. I have a total of 1.3cc's in my 4cc band. It seems to be doing the trick thus far. Should I start rejoicing or is it just swelling from the fill???? I sure hope this did the trick! I won't get another for 5 weeks (at DH's 6 week post-op check). You two are doing great with your challange! I upped mine from 600min's to 750min's but still can't touch you two. You go girls!!!

Name…………Goal in Minutes…Completed…..To Go

MM………………..750 …………..550…………..200

Ja9va………………960…………...555…………..405

Captain Danbo……2700………..…1490…………1210

Sweetie…………...1000…………...680…………..320

huntersmom………300…………….70…………...230

Stephanie42767…..1860…………1380…………..480

Farmmomto2……..480…………….380…………..100

Beckiet……………400……………120…………...280

Dawneb……………600…………….0....................600

Cbm818…………...600……………..0……………600

Suzzzie……………705……………..0……………705

Dakota1984………1000…………….0……………1000

hi,

I'm in the same boat as you. I have had 3 fills now and I had gained 2 lbs back when I went to the Dr. last week he said we will keep filling till we get it right. He is only filling a little at a time. But I need help fast. All we can do is hang in there. WILL POWER!!!!!!!! I told the Dr. if I had will power I wouldn't have gotten the band. HA! HA! I think it will get better. Good Luck

Oh GOSH...I SO relate!!! I got my second fill today...I lost some weight since my last fill and it was like twisting the doc's arm to fill me! He said "You're doing great! Why do you feel you need a fill?" I said..."because I'm STARVING!" He then said that several of his patients diet until they reach their goal, then use the band as a maintainence tool. I said "NOT, me...I don't want to feel hungry!" He said "Fair enough, let's give you another fill!" I guess he wanted to be sure that I didn't have unreasonable expectations. He wants me to wait 5 weeks before the next one (that will be DH's 6 week post-op check too). I sure hope I have enough to get me through the next five weeks!!! Like you, I don't want to have to use my will power! I WANT restriction and to get the show on the road!!!!

OK, enough ranting. He's a great surgeon and VERY sensitive to his patients...I know he's just looking out for my best interest...I'm just an impatient little girl! :confused:

Hang in there Shell!

vxyn1 - I took your advice and switched to light and having MUCH less of it, but I do have it from time to time and it keeps me sane Thanks for your support

I am 2 months and 14 days out from surgery. Today I had my second fill. It takes time and patience until we reach proper restriction. MANY people, including me, could still eat A LOT before a fill. After my first fill, I had moderate restriction...today I have a total of 1.3cc's in my 4cc band. I am REALLY hoping to feel fuller faster, but until then, I just have to "diet and exercise". It's not easy, but it's taken me two months to finally surrender to the way of the band. It's a huge adjustment and you'll run the entire gamot of emotions...from feeling hopeful and excited, to feeling deprived and angry. It's all part of adjusting to our new lifestyle. Don't be hard on yourself and be patient...better days are ahead :girl_hug:

Yep! I've only had one fill and it help a little but I am still able to eat too much and feel hungry too often. I'm going in with my hubby today, for his one week post op check. I'm hoping he'll take pity on me and give me another fill a week early. Otherwise, I'm going to ask for Phenteremine again, to get me through!

These first few month, before we get proper restriction, are the pits! But I am SO hopeful that once I get proper restriction, the weight will really start to come off! Hang in there flydove, we'll make it

I agree with NanaRenan, appeal til the very end! Don't give up. If it does end up with a final denial just consider that most of us have no trouble getting a loan for a car, home, boat, camper, etc... all of these are "things"...you are worth a loan if it will improve your health and you are indeed ready for this change!

It's a BIG blow, being denied by insurance. Here you are, working hard, doing everything required of you by the surgeon and insurance, and low and behold, a BMI under 40 or over 50 gets that automatic "no". Rediculous. Fight, Fight, Fight! If you really believe that you NEED this surgery, don't let the insurance company dismiss you without a fight.

There's A LOT of info on this site that can help you fight denials and tricks of the insurance trade. Do some searches, do your homework and when your time comes, you'll be so proud of yourself for conquering the obstacles! The weight loss will be that much sweeter for you

Best wishes and keep us posted.

Shame on your surgeon and nutritionist for not explaining about the drinking. Here is how I explain it when people ask why I don't drink with meals. Imagine a funnel (your pouch and band) in the top of a big jar. Now imagine pouring a can of Tomato paste into the funnel. It will stay there a long time before it finally trickles into the jar. But if you add Water in there the paste becomes more like tomato sauce or ketchup, and it will go through much faster. That's why you avoid Water with meals.

EXCELLENT explanation!!!!!! I will be using this!

Honky Tonks: Do you feel hungry often or do you stay feeling full after drinking 30 minutes after a meal? I really try to make it to at least an hour, usually make it 1.5 hours.

The analogy above says it all...when we drink too soon, we defeat the purpose of the band. My surgeon says "Drinking to soon will cause band failure and hunger will return more quickly" (paraphrased). I know it's tough to get in all our liquids with these rules, but with a little finess, it is possible

Good Job Everyone!

Farmmomto2: I so agree!!! When I look at my lifestyle just a few short months ago, I just don't recognize it! What a difference!! You're doing great! Keep up the good work

Stef: Yeah, I sure wish I could migrate south for the winter! YIKES it's cold!! You are CRUISIN lady!! Over half way to go and over half the month to go! You're doing great!!! Especially considering your hectic schedule! How do you like flipping houses? I love watching those house flipping shows! It seems like a rewarding career.

Dan: The jog class is pretty fun, but it's usually full of 80 year old ladies that are only there to chat in the pool. Then the instructors can range from "the preschool teacher" to "the drill sgt" I prefer the drill sgt, because it's a better work out...but those sweet little old ladies get in the way! lol!!! Where do you live that you can get in such great hiking?? It's pretty darn flat here!

Name…………Goal in Minutes…Completed…..To Go

MM………………..750 …………..489…………..261

Ja9va………………960…………...555…………..405

Captain Danbo……2700………..…1490…………1210

Sweetie…………...1000…………...490…………..510

huntersmom………300…………….70…………...230

Stephanie42767…..1860…………1230…………..630

Farmmomto2……..480…………….380…………..100

Dawneb……………600…………….0....................600

Cbm818…………...600……………..0……………600

Suzzzie……………705……………..0……………705

Dakota1984………1000…………….0……………1000

I've enjoyed reading this thread!

Well, with the name "musicalmomma" you can probably guess that I'm a musician. What you may not know is that I play guitar, sing, and write.

I have four daughters, no sons, and I like it that way.

I like dogs WAY better than cats, but cats can be pretty cool too.

I have VERY strong opinions that I usually keep to myself because I feel no one gives a crap about my opinions unless they share them

Best of all, most people do not know that I met my husband over ten years ago in an IRC chat room. He is from London England and after a brief internet courship and a few visits (him here and me there), he moved here to the states (legally!), married me, and became a daddy to my two older girls too! We are still married and happier today than we were ten years ago!

GOOD FOR YOU, MM! That is an amazing distance! You are so much faster than I am! I don't think I could even BEGIN to keep up with you!

Question: You went riding on the streets? How was it? Are your streets asphalt? (As opposed to brick or concrete, whatever...) I ask because our streets here are asphalt, and with the heat what it is, the asphalt just magnifies it horribly! So I haven't tried that yet. But I guess as fast as you go, you get quite a good breeze going! YOU ROCK!

Hi Stef Thanks for the encouragment...I needed to read something uplifting tonight as I am having a terribly emotional day! You brightened it up for me :drum:

Our streets are asphalt, but I'm in Wisconsin and I live 3 miles from Lake Michigan (where the 6 mile trail is). The trail is also asphalt, but our heat index doesn't get much above 80 most of the time...with the exception of this past week being around 85-90. And we get that lake breeze :eek: Ahhhhh! We have BITTER winters, but BEAUTIFUL summers! It was a hotter day today, so I waited for sunset to ride; it's a cool 73 degrees out there

I acutally prayed the other day for a mild winter...I told God "You and I BOTH know, if it's bitter outside, I'm NOT going to exercise!!" I giggled but it's probably true. I HATE exercise tapes! I'll probably be forced to join the Water jog class at the YMCA!

Way to go people!!!

Dan, you look GREAT!!! I checked out the before and after thread and you're like a completely different person!!! You inspire me

Today I impressed myself. My 16 yo DD and I planned all week to bike a 6 mile trail, from our house, and back...total of 18 miles. I took my phone and told DH I may call him to come pick me and my bike up. Well we made it with energy to spare!! In less than 1.5 hours! I can't believe it!!! The scale may be stubborn, but darn it...I'm getting FIT! Yeah!

Name…………Goal in Minutes…Completed…..To Go

MM………………..600 …………..416…………..184

Ja9va………………960…………...555…………..405

Captain Danbo……2700………..…1330…………1370

Sweetie…………...1000…………...490…………..510

huntersmom………300…………….70…………...230

Stephanie42767…..1860……………960………….900

Farmmomto2……..480…………….180…………..300

Dawneb……………600…………….0....................600

Cbm818…………...600……………..0……………600

Suzzzie……………705……………..0……………705

Dakota1984………1000…………….0……………1000

I had terrible reflux prior to the band...for years...not ONE incident of reflux or heart burn since the band and haven't taken any meds for it either! Hallelujah!!!

Good Job Everyone!! Keep up the good work!

Name…………Goal in Minutes…Completed…..To Go

MM………………..600 …………..316…………..284

Ja9va………………960…………...315…………..645

Dawneb……………600…………….0....................600

Cbm818…………...600……………..0……………600

Suzzzie……………705……………..0……………705

Captain Danbo……2700………..…915………….1785

Sweetie…………...1000…………...445…………..555

huntersmom………300…………….70…………...230

Stephanie42767…..1860……………900………….960

Dakota1984………1000…………….0……………1000

Farmmomto2……..480…………….180……………300

Oh Lord, I learned about the 'band stress strangle' early this week! I only have 1cc in my 4cc band right now and I was still able to eat just about everything. Then on Monday DH went in for his band and dang if I couldn't get ANYTHING solid down for Monday or Tuesday morning. Until he was discharged, I was so stressed and tight that eating solids was literally painful! He's home and doing great, so I'm back on solids and doing great too

Great Job everyone!!!!!!

DH had his band placed on Monday. So, I got NO exercise Sun-Tues!! Got back on the bike this morning and dang it felt like I hadn't biked in years!!! Still managed 45 minutes - 8.5 miles! My daughter and I are planning a little bike trip Saturday if DH is up to watching the kids for a few hours.

Name…………Goal in Minutes…Completed…..To Go

MM………………..600 …………..207…………..393

Ja9va………………960…………...315…………..645

Dawneb……………600…………….0....................600

Cbm818…………...600……………..0……………600

Suzzzie……………705……………..0……………705

Captain Danbo……2700………..…915………….1785

Sweetie…………...1000……………350…………..650

huntersmom………300……………...0…………….300

Stephanie42767…..1860……………720………….1140

Dakota1984………1000…………….0……………1000

Farmmomto2……..480…………….180……………300

Wow, i am excited for you, the only thing I worry about is that, are they going to expect you to be able to help transfer patients or lift them, or anything of that sort. Nurses do work hard, and if they aren't aware of your situation, and you don't want to tell them, it could be a problem. I hope all works out well for you, good luck !!!

Yeah...I agree with kaohinani's concerns. My daughter is in Nursing school and will start clinical Sept 2008. She's already been advised that it is VERY demanding physically. She has JRA (Juevenile Rhumatoid Arthritis) so she'll be giving documentation to her school, from her specialist, regarding her special needs. Perhaps you should talk to your guidance counselor and ask what, if anything, you need to do or documentation you'll need to provide, to get an easier work load for 6 weeks. You're not allowed to lift more than 10 pounds at first.

Aug 2, 1968 - Just turned 39! I WILL be FIT at 40!!!!

Thanks everyone for the help. I just got home from my business trip and I printed and took your responses with me to read at night. I'll try the white carbs thing, I started out not eating any but slowly they re-entered my diet... I welcome your suggestions on Protein shakes. I have found only the Atkins ready-to-drink ones to be really palatable so far. I do drink some of the cocoas, fruit drinks, etc. But all that I've tried so far range from horrible to just ok.

I go for a fill next week, the 3rd one, so keep your fingers crossed for me.......... Blessings to you all, this is the ONLY place I have found real support.

Have you tried the EAS AdvantEdge? I personally like them A LOT better than the Adkins shakes...they have 17 grams Protein and 4 carbs. Not too shabby and I personally LOVE the chocolate flavor.

Your story is as if I had written it my self...only I was banded a couple of weeks after you. I was SO down on myself when I went for my 6 week check up, having GAINED a couple of pounds! My surgeon was so kind about it...he shrugged and said "Hey! That's not too bad!" Then he looked me right in the eye and said "Remember, I told you that you'd HAVE to be patient. You don't have a fill yet and it may take from 3-6 fills before we reach the sweet spot. Be patient, you're doing great!"

His words were exactly what I needed to hear. I got a 1cc fill and still have VERY LITTLE restriction...but I'm back on the exercise wagon and REALLY trying to restrict all junk food. It's working because I'm losing again...slowly, but it's going in the right direction.

You're back on track...keep coming to the board and getting that support. This board has been VITAL to keeping me motivated!

Good work everyone! I surprised myself today. Got up and asked my 16yo daughter to take a bike ride with me. We ended up biking 11 miles!!! It was GREAT!!

Name…………Goal in Minutes…Completed…..To Go

MM………………..600 …………..160…………..440

Ja9va………………960…………….0……………960

Dawneb……………600…………….0....................600

Cbm818…………...600……………..0……………600

Suzzzie……………705……………..0……………705

Captain Danbo……2700………..…420………….2280

Sweetie…………...1000…………..210…………..790

huntersmom………..300……………...0…………….300

Stephanie42767…..1860……………330…………..1530

Dakota1984………1000…………….0……………1000

Farmmomto2……....480…………….120……………360

Thanks insub

Well, Day three was NOT a victory...I did have a little junk food. Weird thing is, I'd usually be beating myself up over it and go hog wild and just pig out! But I didn't pig out...I just dealt with it. So, that is a victory in itself!

Today - onward and upward!

It's so obvious what she did to lose weight. I feel bad for her in that she didn't want the world to know because she was ashamed and by lying about it, everyone is talking about her anyhow. I can totally understand her reasoning though. No one in my family understands including my husband. They all think I'm just too lazy to do things the old fashioned way. I don't care to have everyone look down on me so I am also not telling anyone and when they ask what I did I will tell them I am on the "I don't eat diet". That's kind of the truth, right?

I could care less one way or the other about Star Jones...she's healthier, that's what matters.

As far as not telling anyone...well, I feel everyone has to do this the way it works for them. I personally can't keep it to myself, as much as I'd like to. The reason? When someone asks me how I'm losing (most of it was in pre-op) I can't just say "diet and exercise"...because I don't want anyone to feel bad about themselves, thinking "she can do it, why can't I?". I just can't 'mislead' people. I'm not saying that keeping it to yourself and telling people the loss it due to diet and exercise is lying...because it's not...but my personal feelings won't let me leave it at that. I just feel deceptive, personally, when I don't own up to my band. I also don't want them saying, like with Star, "See...I TOLD YOU she had surgery!" when it does leak out...and it always does!

Honestly, right now, the only reason I don't want people knowing is because I'm not losing much...no restriction...but once I'm restricted properly and losing at a nice kip, I'll want to shout it from the roof tops I think :Banane21:

Good, it's not just me. I want to blame it on PMS. It's just that the PMS seems to be for a full three and a half weeks before my period.

LOL!!!! Me too!!! hehehe

Well, Day two was without any junk food! I am replacing my sweets with fruit and it's working nicely. It was a little difficult not having my birthday cake, but I never let on to anyone that I secretly wanted some.

I know that "everything in moderation" is my goal and that hopefully after a while, I'll be able to reincorporate a little 'treat' once in a while, but right now, for me, just learning to work with the band is hard enough without adding the 'easy to go down' foods. I think it's been a little easier for me because DH is on his liquid pre-op this week and will have to be on liquid, then mushies for the rest of the month.

It IS working, the scale is moving again...I've lost all the weight I gained over vacation! YAY

So you burp and food flys out? really?

Had my first episode of this...I work for a temp agency and yesterday, I didn't work a full day, so I only got a 10 minute break...I put my lean cuisine in the microwave, went potty, came back and tried to eat in 8 minutes! BIG mistake!!!! I hurt so bad, but I thought "I'll tough it out, it has to go down at some point!" WRONG!!! I excused myself as fast as I could, tears in my eyes, and RAN to the bathroom and barely made it!!!! Eating fast is just NOT an option...I would have done MUCH better to drink my Protein shake and saved the lean cuisne for dinner!