maziemommy

PS --- Today, was my first day, to get something STUCK!!! What the heck are you to do when this happens!?! OMG that was soooo painful! I thought I could die!! I haven't even had my first fill. My 1 year old DD/Mazie was mocking me and laughing. To her it was funny, to my it was near death!!!! ANY ADVICE EXPERIENCED BANDSTERS?????????

Faith- It sounds like you are on the right track.. and didn't you already loose 28# ??? How much more do you have to go??? I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT !!! AND, FOR WHAT THE COST IS WITH NO INSURANCE--- YOU CAN LOOSE IT FOR $20,000.00 RIGHT!! If you need any support or encouragement just P.Message me- I check in once or twice daily!! Please don't get discourgaged. Just stay determined. I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!! GO GO GO!

synicalchick- I hope the restriction works great for you- I do not yet know what size band I have- I go for my first fill May 17th-2007- I have heard from another of my doc.s patients, that under flouroscopy they will do a swallow test, as they fill. They begin with a little saline, then have you take a swallow to check how fast/slow it trickles through the band. If it's too quick, they give another bit of the saline and it continues until, you just get a trickle of fluid through the band after a swallow. For you, do they not "see" any of this, and just send you home,to see for yourself, if you are restricted? I think that blindly being filled could take longer or cause unfill due to tightness. I have also heard of a fill missing the port. That can be costly...and some doc.s make you wait some time between fills. Am I misunderstanding anything about blind fills? I would like to be well informed in case the policy changes at his office, and I get an option.

OK Julie- I can NOT believe that you were a supersized bandster just one year ago!!! You look unbelievable!!!! Boy- you have really made me rethink the exercise part of my routine!!! That body can not just come from surgery alone!! There is some real effort and success beneith his work.(spelling) You are beautiful inside and out... now when people get their first impression of you... I'm sure it will be quite different for last year. We all know you should not judge a book by it's cover, and it still happens every day!! Your cover is lookin'good!!! Much more success to you Julie!! I go for my first fill May 17th-2007--I can't wait as my hunger is coming back hard and fast!! I hoped that the swelling would help me out longer. I was banded exactly one week before my 35th birthday! My 36th birthday I will be looking and feeling 100x better!!!

Zannie- since you are about 8 weeks out - have you been to get a fill yet? If so- how did that go? Is it working on the first try? I am only 1 1/2 weeks out. My hunger is coming back quickly, after surgery. I thought the "swelling" would help longer. I would like to know more about peoples first fill. Does your doc. do " blind fills"? or flouroscopy(spelling??)? My doc. says flouroscopy only. I wonder how common this is? Have you tried more of the protein/fruit flavored drinks?? Hope you can "enjoy" them. I like how well they can travel with you (the shaker bottles). I just leave a few in my truck, and when others do fast food- I order an ice water to mix it up with!!! I'm not too sure yet about the pink lemonade I got (not in the shaker bottle). They do have a good hot chocolat though!!!! Nice change to something warm. Good luck and I hope your recovery was quick and painless/painlittle.

Good Luck Bubbles!!! Post Asap To Let Everyone Know How You Are Doing!!

I have not had any PB's or sliming. I am not scared about my first fill, but anxious. He has fills done, only under flourscopy(spelling?) and so I know they will "hit" it, and monitor how well liquid goes down. I have not lost any more since surgery... but some gain due to fluids/IV. I am just waiting to get my fills started, before I really start counting pounds!!! I like a variety of Protein drinks... pineapple orange drink is great and for shakes... I would have to say all time favorite... Atkins Advantage? I have different ones depending on when/where/ why I need one. Some are too sweet, sometimes I drink the fruit flavor drinks instead of shakes! There is a hot chocolate that is great for a warm change. As far as different directions/post op diets... some doctors put in the band differently. Some have additional precautions for good reason. I have been surprised to hear how different all doctors are for a similar procedure.GOOD LUCK WITH ALL YOUR STUFF!

STEAK OUT - COBB SALAD HAS CHICKEN, HAM AND THE EGG TOO!!! Yes- they have steak-out in missouri! Love it! Damn it! Must resist it!

Well, as you are one of us, I guess I can fill you in... some of us Bigger ones and some, not so bigger ones, find it .... not so easy to reach, where we need to reach. :nervous Thus, hygene becomes a challenge, after having abdominal surgery - even laproscopically. If you can reach fine now... you might not be able to after... with the pain/sensitivity of incisions and the port. This discomfort is quite temporary... but, if you are uncomfortable and need to bend, strech, reach, wipe etc. it can be easier with a few inches of reach assistance... toilet tongs- professional/medical hygene self-wipers are available for $20-$50 :omg: or B-B-Q tongs can be disposded of later for $3-$5. Good luck.. and I hope this was not too much information. Like I said, some can relate and some can not!:rolleyes I hope you can get along with out them, like me. But if you need some help- it is good information.

Julie I am sooo proud of you- I am one week-aversary and hope I have half the success you have experienced and I'll be thrilled!! If I lose 173# before 4-2-08--- I would take out another loan just to come vistit your dad!ha ha ha!

Shelli- sometimes, I think they just like to watch desparate people, jump through hoops, for their entertainment!! Sick isn't it!! I hope with just a little more paper work, and a little more time, - someone somewhere, at a desk, will get bored after lunch, and just go ahead and confirm that you can have surgery! Won't that be a good day for you!!!???!!! I hope it happens for you tomorrow!!! I saw the doctor today, for my 1 week follow up, post surgery... and I am on to the mushies.... I had pintos and cheese (from taco bell) for lunch, on the ride home!!! A big ole' baked potato for dinner and it was delish!!!(overbaked/real soft) and chew chew chew too! I had the dinner by 6ish and it's now 9ish and I am still full!!! No late snacks for me!! Yesturday was my birthday- excuse to cheat a little-with fish- I confessed to the doc. and he said, it's OK but don't go home and eat a chicken breast today!!!! Stay on soft moist foods! My fill is set for Thursday, May17th,- I think? I can't wait- my hunger is starting to come back already!! I've lost 24# and don't want to regain it waiting to get my fills right! Good luck and health to you!

This subject came up at an eating/behavior class! The dietician said that if you are eating enough protein ... the usual cause for hair loss with weightloss surgery patients is... not enough fat in the diet!!! It will cause you hair to become dry, brittle, and fall out!! It may take some time to reverse this process. It is rare that a dietician says "eat more fat"- but she recommends eat more "good fats". (not more fries). She said that this is more common with gastric bypass, but is showing up a lot with lap-banders now too!! I hate to say it ... but try to add more fats into your diet....nuts, olive oil, fish oils etc. and , you may see a great improvement.GOOD LUCK.

Do you have to wait a long time between fills? It could take quite a while, to get proper restiction, if they do make you wait a long time between fills. Good luck with fill number two! You will just have to be calm. and wait as you get restriction worked out.

Shineon- hope that protein does your body good! Terry-variety is key for me! I like to change it up with some high protein fruit drinks from HEALTHYWEIGHTSUPERMARKET a local place started by a bariatric doctor. They have a pineapple/orange that is great... not grainy. They also have a good hot chocolate for a warm change. And, I have some pink lemonade too. Some of them come in a bottle as powder, and you just add 8oz. water and shake it up! Great to keep in the car. There are several aspertame free- I do not like the aspertame taste. Tracy- we have a few rental houses and as far as the water/sewer lines go- I feel for you and DBF!!! Good Luck with that whole mess!! We did get our city utility crew to run a "scope" to see how far, and where to/from our lines were running. I will be thinking of you all for the next couple days!! Hope you get it all cleared up ASAP. "KFC" must be taking the boys to the gas station - to go, often??? Pamela- are you as lonely as you thought you might be? That work out may help occupy your time. You have some ambition girl! Is Partner coming back on weekends? Janiebug-down 46#? That is amazing for pre-op!!!! I hope you keep it off during bandster hell! To all of those who have already been- may you have a smooth recovery. To all of those who are waiting- may your time pass quickly, and I will send you my strength for pre-op diets!!! To all of those during surgery- may your doctors have steady hands, and may you be at peace, as all will go well! My prayers are with you .

Shelli- did you call the office to find out about progress? Have you been approved/denied anything? Waiting eagerly to hear an update!

Luck and prayers to both of you on your journey!!! I will be thinking of the two of you, AND "mom" with the kids- you are sooo blessed to have support like that!!!!

That's what is so amazing right-Pat? A little goes a long way- I had heard it but, went on blind faith that it was true, and possible. Eat a small portion and feel full/ it's true! thank goodness, it is true! There is hope that this will work!! Shineon- I'm sorry about your problem... you must have posted while I was saying night, night to Mazie. I was just saying, we were all doing so well, and not knowing you were having a difficult time. Have you been speaking to doctor about this?? I hope that you are all better ASAP. I'm sorry that this is uncomfortable for you. I hope doc. can do something. Are you getting enough protein?

Shelli - I am doing great with my new band- feeling good - only taking liquid tylenol - over the counter kind- no prescription. I have been very active since day one. Are you pre-op? When did/do you get your band? I have heard of unjury but never tried.

Tracy- it's so late in the day now, that I don't know if anything I could say, would help. Be easy on yourself. This month is a trying time for all of us. We, unlike they, can not turn to food to comfort us in the day. You are to be admired for refusing KFC. I for one am quite proud of your sensible decision!!! I myself, am here, instead of there, because they, are having steak dinner tonight. Congratulations to all who have been banded.... if I have read correctly no one has scheduled an.. " ohhh I made a huge mistake -take this thing out surgery ", so far... or have they? I know I have not!! Hurray! for all of us so far, we are doing fantastic!!!!! Is everyone updating the page of weight info. that Tracy set up? =']l/lk zx'/jrre ........Mazie typed that just on her way to bed..(sorry mommy had to keep it).

That is where I feel my new "fullness" after eating/drinking. I think I just have to get used to the new, feeling full, way up there, and on a little bit of food, instead of the lower, heavy, full feeling from before. I don't consider it painfull. Is your painfull?

Variety is key for me!! I like atkins advantage, slimfast high protein or the low carb, I have several fruit drinks that are high protein, and pink lemonade. A great hot chocolate too. But my all time favorite is a recipe for a meal replacement shake... (Kinnani Falls? brand pudding) 1 packet high protein pudding mix(27 grams) 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese 1 cup water 1 teaspoon low fat peanut butter BLEND WELL add 1 cup crushed ice BLEND AGAIN! It is like a reese's shake and is very filling for pre-op diet.LOVE IT!!

I was a true Dr.Pepper addict. I got gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with Mazie in 2005. Because I was responsible for "her" health, I cut back to only one or less per day!! Amazing!! Then after having her- I got the all clear- breast fed her- and man was I thirsty!!! I was up to eight+ a day in no time!! When I decided to get the band... I though I will follow all the rules, except just this one!! As time got closer- I thought why go to all this effort, expense, and just blow it off for one desire? I can still have lots of indulgences, after, but can I not, for myself, my health, my life, give up soda? I slowly "weened" myself from Dr. Pepper to sweet tea/caff. to less sweet tea/half caff. (to avoid headaches, go slowly). Now, I just got my band, and don't even think about soda, and rarely have tea! I think I lost my first ten pounds just from no soda!! I also don't have to worry about finding a way to get my caff. fix!

Hi horns10- I am an early April bander.4-2-07. I had the exact same worries. I have always been a BIG eater! Ya' know like, a side of beef, kind of eater. I had heard the stories, and for the life of me, just could not believe it! Not be hungry... satisfied with a small portion.... fill up quickly....stay full for quite a while????? It just did not add up! I went on blind faith... and.... Monday I went in, and out of surgery. I have not really been hungry! I can honestly say, I can not drink a whole shake in less than 12-15 minutes at all! Before/on pre-op diet, I thought, I could drink 3 shakes in 5 minutes flat- no problem. Not any more!! food still smells good, and I do have an interest. Today for example... I have had Water, a tea, a SF pudding cup(about mid-night when Hubby was snacking), a small bowl of tomato/basil Soup, strained french onion soup (less than a cup), one small SONIC fat free yogurt smoothie!! and <2 Protein shakes (that I shared with baby girl). I have felt full all day long! My fullness is still full, and fine, but a bit different.... Before it was a heavy, fullness,from LOTS of food, low in my "stomach area", NOW it's a higher up, tightness, pressure under my sternum, kind of fullness, from a small amount of food, and it does stay with me for quite some time! I still dream of the day that I can again, sink my teeth into an enchilada. But it is WAY, WAY more doable than on the pre-op diet!! It was painful to watch my family eat before, and now I can say " don't feel sorry for me, I'm just not hungery!". The hard part is before- not after- you can do this- even I did- Do it on your own before hand and the band will help you after (even if it's the swelling). Good luck Horns10- I will be thinking of you and praying that this pre-op stuff will come and go quickly for you!

You are a real trooper! I sometimes do "too" much, even if I know better! I'm glad they are there to "help" restrict you. It is great that you have such support... I often hear people who, for what ever their reasons, don't share with their families what they are doing..ie. getting the band! I can't imagine feeling so alone at this time. I'm glad your family is there to help with your recovery. Keep your spirits up (as high as your new perky...-------.) ha ha ha!!!!!

Faith- you are down what? 23+# that's great! Are you still waiting to hear what your surgery date will be? How are you losing for right now? Hope you hear good news soon. I was banded 4-2-07 and I am pleased to announce that I have had, NO need for "toilet tongs"!!! I was having some doubts pre-op, but have lost 24# including pre-op diet, and I am able to reach!!! Maybe too much info. for some. But, others can relate!