SteveFrett

My name is Steve i've been banded since 2006 and have succsessfully lost 160 lbs. I know that there are alot of new members joining daily looking for a mentor/buddy, well anyone who has any questions,concerns or in need of some moral support look no further. again I ask just one thing from everyone i speak with wich is, Pay it forward! in other words help someone out no matter how simple it may be, just consider that everyone needs help sometimes, regaurdless if friend or stranger, a good deed goes along way, this country was founded and built on these principals and we All have forgotten that over time dealing with our day to day events, but bottom line is no matter race, creed or color we are all just human and need help, so please pay it forward. feel free to send message if you like help or just post away... You are all a success story, some at differnt chapters keep that in mind. never quit never give in!

even though I'm not a woman I have been succsessful and would like to help Anyone who's struggling or has questions so if you feel comfortable getting help all you need to do is ask..

steve

Hi Patty,

It's my pleasure to give advice & tips B) , Like I siad some people are fortunate enough to be able to eat salads, Try a small amount at 1st and chew it to nothing. The pizza is great, but like I said go easy on mozzarella, try the Old World Sytle with grated cheese over marinara sauce, even if you use pizza dough try glutten free or whole wheat both are available at any Pizzeria, but key to that is make the crust as this as possible stil use the methood i mentioned but in this instance you must poke holes in dough before you put into oven other wise you'll have a giant dough ballon!! bake to your wellness of liking, another trick is Triscuits, I eat ham & cheese on triscuits,Tuna, make them into mini pizza's. Let me know if you would like any recipes! Good Luck and thanks

Hi folks,

I want to start off by saying congradulations to everyone who has either made the choice or considering it!

I had my proceedure done in 2006 and since then I have lost 160 lbs. so I thought I would share some of my discoveries with everyone, maybe this can help you out or someone else you know who is having issues. As many of you may or may not know is that Weather does and will effect your band. I found the more hot and humid the air is the less i can eat. I found that consuming something hot before you eat helps, and i did confirm with Dr. Kurian, Hot liquids will make your essopogus relaxed and allow an eaider flow, also helps to drink hot liquids while eating if you are experiencing that clogged sensation, BUT BE CAREFUL!!!

too much can also cause you to throw up. so take small sips! Alcahol is also another that will have same effect but don't recomend drinking carbonated beverages(BEER) that will only end up as a disaster! Another tip for those who love salads , very important, wich i'm sure your nutricianists must have warned you of is Greens will cause bloackage! Cucumbers, celery, roman, iceburge all are killers! for me! Now again this is not to say this will happen to everyone, Each person has similar experences some can eat foods others can't do'nt be a hater just find a alternative of that food you can't eat and make it work for you!

An example I still love pizza!!!!! but to keep a slice down was impossible, so i put my evil genius to work, also helps that i'm a cook too! but what i came up with is this take a ordinary flour tortilla, for those who have one place the tortilla on a pizza stone preheat oven to highest setting, brush light extra virgin olive oil on tortilla , helps makes crispy, palce tortilla on stone if have one if not a baking sheet works as well, let the tortilla bake for about 3-4 minuets take out of oven, let cool for minuet, next add sauce (if you desire) place back in oven and let cook for another 2-3 minuets on highest setting, remove tortilla from oven now you will add your cheese, go easy on cheese! too much will make you throw up. If anyone is from NY and is Familiar with Lombardi's Pizza they were the 1st to introduce us to Pizza there style is slighty different but damn good insread of shredded mozzerella cheese they put grated Parmasian cheese, same as Frank's pizza too . But this is just an alternative worth trying once! ok so obviously the next step would be to put cheese and toppings of your choice again be careful think with your brain not your stomach! I personaly prefer my pizza extra crunchy! and this a good portion size depending on tortilla size of course i usually use a 5 or 8 in, If anyone has any feedback or tips they would like to share please feel free! Again I want to tell everyone CONGRATS! be proud of yourself, yes its a difficult journey, you will get frustrared, you will think you can't do it, but the truth is you can! I am just one of many who are living proof and are here to help all of you who are feeling those feelings. I was so worried i was going to fail when i started i had nobody to help me, but it was either sink or swim, so with alot of hard trials and errors i discovered what i can eat, but more importantly what I loved to eat! I was never a good eater never one for fish or veggies, lived on fast food live by the dog die by the dog, I found that no matter what you do those suckers are never gonna stay down so they are ancient history in my diet, Pasta, instead of heavy noodles i found pastina, or starts, or even alphabets are great replacement, and i can practice my spelling while i eat too LOL! but again folks just some tips that may work for you! Keep the Faith and if anyone needs more help .. all ya gotta do is ask! and my only fee is that i ask you all pass it forward!, meaning were all on this planet together, no mater color or creed we are al in this for the same thing to better ourselves and make this place a better so help someone who needs it because someday you may be the one in need of that help! just something to think about....

Steve,

I'm sure you understand that you give hope to those who are in bandster hell. You've accomplished a great feat. I've never ever believed my surgeon who told me I should be happy just losing 50 of 100 pounds I need to lose. I told him that I'd have to prove him wrong, because his belief is simply negative thinking.

Hi Difa I do understand, I have and you will as well. Good for you Never settle for something your not happy with no matter what it is in life. Remember one thing Opinions are like A-Holes everybody has one and everybodys stinks at some point in time. so better left unsaid. Hope you chose someone else for post op fills souns like you got a real winner on your hands.

I wish we had cheerleedres! I played for the Card Sharks out of Atlantic City NJ. Idol... I don't know if i'm idol material but thanks for the ego boost LOL. seriously i'm not a Idol just a guy who knows how hard it is to be heavy most of their life unhappy, unhealthy. you hit you half way point be proud of yourself! Bro if i could only tell you how hard it was not devouring a bucket of chicken 3 triple cheese burgers and still be looking for more.... now if i look at that amount of food i want to hurl!! I would rather like to be considered a mentor rasther than role model lets leave that for those more worthy of that title.

LOL i actually did play for a short stint after my surgery I played arena ball. But high school ball injuries swollowed my NFL hopes. Well then keep it up you'll do it i promise you it gets eaiser as you go you'll find yourself finding eating to be more a task that a treat. I often still have to fight myself to eat something. i will admit i eat small amounts periodicly thru out the day of snack foods a handful hear and there. Maybe also the fact that i am a mcook also helps in my not eating, as strange as it sounds i personaly find myself not hungry when i cook so focused on making sure it tatses its best may have something to do with it, whatever it is i'm sticking with it. Good Luck and feel free to message me if i can be of any help in future my friend!

Steve

When was your last fill? Everyone hits that wall! It's normal. Don't get discouraged. Remember weather has an effect on band as well. In hotter weather you'll find yourself less hungry as you progess and have your fills. Keep in mind your body shouldn't lose more than a lb a day. That allows your metabolism adjust to weight loss, rapid loss only will lead to quicker gaining. You should be adjusted every three months in beginning. Don't get frustrated don't think your making mistakes your doing it right patients will perseverance and results. Keep the faith and contact me if I can help more sweetie!

The pain your feeling in your chest and neck area is gas!! Yes gas, it will occur for a little while. Nothing serious. A hernia operation shouldn't have anything to do with pains your experiencing

Hi All, just want to offer my advice to anyone who is having difficult time adjusting. I'm 6 years post surgery and lost 160 lbs I'm 44 and know what It's like please don't be afraid to ask anything! Hit me up if I can be of assistance! Seriously!

Ah...the dreded grocery shopping ordeal. I would have to say the 1st year was extremely difficult, much of my time was spent playing evil scientist trying to figure out what I can eat being a humugous picky eater... I was never one for going to see surgeon on regular basis due to Dr. Being in Manhattan and me being in the burbs I hate to travel to NYC. But generally I went every three months. My advice is stick with what you ate before but more sensibly. Obviously if steak is what you want switch to ground beef. Just go slow see how it goes down. A trick I learned is drink something hot before you eat it relaxes the esophagus and aides in the flow of food. pizza go for a super thin crust but easy on sauce & cheese, in replacement of bread I eat triscuts, I love Ham, cheese liverwurst all are great on triscuts, just get Ham shaved from deli. ground Turkey is another great alternative. I have discovered crunchy works for me. Sounds stupid but work with what works. Hope that made some sence

Ah...the dreded grocery shopping ordeal. I would have to say the 1st year was extremely difficult, much of my time was spent playing evil scientist trying to figure out what I can eat being a humugous picky eater... I was never one for going to see surgeon on regular basis due to Dr. Being in Manhattan and me being in the burbs I hate to travel to NYC. But generally I went every three months. My advice is stick with what you ate before but more sensibly. Obviously if steak is what you want switch to ground beef. Just go slow see how it goes down. A trick I learned is drink something hot before you eat it relaxes the esophagus and aides in the flow of food. pizza go for a super thin crust but easy on sauce & cheese, in replacement of bread I eat triscuts, I love Ham, cheese liverwurst all are great on triscuts, just get Ham shaved from deli. ground Turkey is another great alternative. I have discovered crunchy works for me. Sounds stupid but work with what works. Hope that made some sence

It's all good dear, I understand. Bothers me to hear people are stupid enough to lie about their health issues, like yourself just wanna help others become a success story and to know their Not alone

Yes, thanks for sharing and giving us newbies hope!

We were all newbies at one point, as you progress and learn you will pass on the knowledge to others, I could never stand to see anyone suffer from the stresses concerns they may have and not have anyone to turn to for help or advise

How long out were you before you stopped obsessing about your band?

tmf

How long was i out before i stopped obsessing?? not quite sure what you mean by this?

Everyone should be proud of themselves!!!! YOU ALL have made the 1st step in changing your life! This is much more than a weight loss proceedure its a life changing one! As I read the reply posts and see the progress of many i must say i am proud of you all!!! I did'nt seek the help or advise of others, I am a Maverick, I don't like to hear i can't do this or that no to means Do it! My personal opinion of the nutricians led me to discover my own way of eating healthy. I was never one for Veggies, Fish only eat chicken off bone Loved red meat Pasta bread pizza all the bad stuff.. I discoverdd a way to still eat the things i loved to eat but modifed them to live to eat, not live to eat! in time you'll be happy with two or three bites of a slice of pizza or of a buger so it may be minus the bun , try just one slice of a bun, if those of you who love to cook for yourself or for others, get creative! many of your favorites from resturants can be easily made at home and converted to a suitable meal for yourselfs, please dont think its the end of enjoying food from now on. you still will just a whole lot less of it! Pizza is still a staple but i went from the thick sicilain slices i loved so much still do!!! too a ultimate super think crust extra crispy like a cracker, like i said some will see crunchy will work for you. Yes your going to find out the hard way Dumping !!!! I'll be 100% honest there are many times i will go out to eat and order a big portion and forget, you are never going to finish that take two bites and call it a day, other times devour it like i was never banded. Weather somehow has alot to do with your band the more hotter and humid it is out the less hungry you are,well in my case i discovered that. Bottom line is skinny or fat deep inside of us all will forever live that inner fat kid who wants to eat everything in sight! It's up to you to find a way to distract that kid! if you feel the need to eat drink Water, go for a walk, Me as time went bye and more errors in my trials of dumping my entire meal, I found it wasn't worth the time to shovel it down only to have to exit before I got a chance to tatste it. Yea i know your supose to chew your food 30 somthin times, ok i grew up in a house with two older Bros. If you didn't eat fast it was eaten for you ! so chewing was never an option! Again still forget at time 6 years later , i"ll admit the 80's did a # on the noggin and being a big guy that big & smart are not a combo that work well together! but you ALL can and will do this! If I can drop 160 lbs by being a maverick anyone can do it! And most important of all is that your doing this for yourself!!!!! not for your husband, wife or kids , for YOU!!!!!

Sounds pretty silly that most doctors tell patients the band won't help in loss of major weight! Why do you try to convince people to have surgery done???

I'd be a blatant liar to say having the band done wasn't the most frustrating adjustment to make in my life, but I can honestly say food No longer consumes my life. I often think of the days when I lived to eat. And obviously Not healthy! pizza, pffft I could put away a small pie by myself! McDonald's cheeseburgers, 10 on a Friday after drinking! Now, if I think of McDonald's, my stomach gets qwezy! Funny how things that were staples of my diet have all but vanished, bread as you all know or will soon learn is now my arch Nemesis.. greens like string Beans & lettuce clog me like a hairball in fluffy. I'll also admit I never delt with a nutritionist, I have issues with word No, I don't accept it. I basically learned by trial and error... more errors we're encountered but obviously I did something right to drop 160 lbs. My band is an 11 CC I am at 9.5 and have been for over 1 yr. I No longer go for adjustments. Happy with my abilities of consumption. Oh, those of you who are still in early stages, you may discover your appetite less during summer it's normal, it's your stomach adjusting to climate. Open to opinions and feedback

Check your email sweetie, need to know some additional info

Che

No Worries, I understand it's all good ! Congrats on your ongoing succsess!

Again I do apologize for my dain bramage! Sometimes the Hamster gets distracted and forgets to keep running, ANYWAYS... again i offer my Mindless babble I often call Advice to any whom seek help (God help you all...) please don't hesitate to reach out to me at

slvrnblk77@aol.com that is my primary email account. NO spam will be sent in return, just a few bologna sandwiches

Lets see if I get any responses....

Let me set the record straight.. I was advised by my Dr. at the time to consider the proceedurein 2003, I had the lap band surgery done in 2006, by Dr. Marina Kurian at Lennox Hill Hopsital, on her final day of working there before she transfered to NYU medical center. I am currently now 225 lbs. i was 385lbs at the time of surgery. my waist size was a 44 I now fit in a 34 waist! so again i offer my assistance to those who seek guidance, my email will not lead to a mailbox full of spam!!

slvrnblk77@aol.com is my Email adress anyone who feels the need to challange my honesty PLEASE send me a email so i can prove the doubtful wrong!

Steve

Hi my name is Steve I had my surgery done in 2006 by Dr.Kurian at Lennox hill hospital On her last day before she moved to NYU. I have since lost over 120 lbs. Some have accused me of faking due to my error in dates, I am here again to prove my honesty! Here is a photo of me at my heaviest

Sorry I got my years messed up I had band done in 2006 @ Lennox hill hospital in Manhattan by Dr. Kurian before she transfered to Nyu.. so No emailing me would Not lead to a bunch of spam!!