GR8

I lost 39 lbs on my own before the (optional) preop diet. PreOp diet additional 7.6 lbs From surgery to the first fill - 14 lbs. First Fill to Second Fill - 11.2 lbs. 2nd to 3rd - 1.2 lbs 3rd to 4th - 5 lbs Since my last (4th fill) 8.6 = 40lbs total since WLS and a grand total 86.6 lbs. *******OR if you want MONTHLY breakdown******** 300 lbs 3/26 - Starting PreOp Liq Diet 292 lbs 4/09 - Surgery Date (8lbs) 282 lbs 5/09 - 1 mo Anniversary (10lbs) 276 lbs 6/09 - 2 mo Anniversary (6lbs) 269 lbs 7/09 - 3 mo Anniversary (7lbs) 263 lbs 8/09 - 4 mo Anniversary (6lbs) 253 lbs 9/09 - 5 mo Anniversary (10lbs)

Can I ask what your problems were?? I have enjoyed your post as well!

I use EAS (found at Walmart and some drug and grocery stores) they have 17g (11 oz) and 42g (17 oz) versions. I like the Royal Fudge. I buy them at Sam's Club as well. The IDS New whey Protein Bullets have 42gm's as well.

Welcome to both of you!!! I found joining the MONTH group is very helpful since you are both in October -- I didn't see an official one like we have for April -- but go to this location: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f98/ These individuals are in the same frame of mind as you -- also check out the month previous to see where you are going (i.e. September's). Or the local group - such as: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f67/newly-banded-williamsburg-31233/ Readers Digest version of my story -- goes like this. I did my research for bypass surgery and decided that is what I wanted to do - but scared I couldn't (no diet soda and such OMG!) - so early Sept 06 (@339lbs) I started eating as if I had surgery (including no soda's) - did my seminar - read books and online. By Thanksgiving (310 lbs) I was convinced - I can do this - but due to self pay knew it would be after February - so I drank my diet soda's in limits - still watched what I ate but no stressing if I goofed - especially due to the holidays - Thanksgiving - Christmas - New Year's - Superbowl (LOL). March 1st I went back to Consult with Dr T (@ 310lbs)- and asked if I qualified for LapBand due to my size - he said absolutely! So I made the surgery date 4/9 - and went back to my mentality of eatting as I have had the surgery (last ditch to be sure I can do this.) Lost 10 more lbs. Started my optional preop diet - lost another 7 lbs (293 lbs.) Since surgery lost 40lbs in 22 weeks (5 mo's)!!!! Slow and steady - that is what they (Doctors) want -- and boy oh boy am I doing that. I would be glad to help and assist the two of you --- if you have questions -- ask away! BEST WISHES - and many Hugs for your new journey!

Welcome! Wishing you the best in this new journey!

That is absolutely wonderful!!! You have and doing a wonderful job!

It is normal and as the day get's closer - you will question your decision --this is normal. For me -- eating by myself is hardest. And you will go through stages of being able to eat - then get filled and not. Only now - 5mos out; 4th fill do I have what I thought I would have immediately following surgery as far as restriction and NOT able to eat anything I want to. Whew -- glad I got here - only been 1 week - so hoping it stays. Best wishes.

Oh I wish the band worked that fast for me! Readers Digest version of this story -- goes like this. I did my research for bypass surgery and decided that is what I wanted to do - but scared I couldn't (no diet soda and such OMG!) - so early Sept 06 (@339lbs) I started eating as if I had surgery (including no soda's) - did my seminar - read books and online. By Thanksgiving (310 lbs) I was convinced - I can do this - but due to self pay knew it would be after February - so I drank my diet soda's in limits - still watched what I ate but no stressing if I goofed - especially due to the holidays - Thanksgiving - Christmas - New Year's - Superbowl (LOL). March 1st I went back to Consult with Dr T (@ 310lbs)- and asked if I qualified for LapBand due to my size - he said absolutely! So I made the surgery date 4/9 - and went back to my mentality of eatting as I have had the surgery (last ditch to be sure I can do this.) Lost 10 more lbs. Started my optional preop diet - lost another 7 lbs (293 lbs.) Since surgery lost 41lbs in 22 weeks (5 mo's)!!!! Slow and steady - that is what they want -- and boy oh boy am I doing that. Thanks for the compliment! Just wanted to set the record so no one has unreal expectations! Hugs!!!! and Best of Luck!

Welcome and congrat's on your new journey! Well you went right to the worst case picture -- now remember that is not the majority! Take inventory - -if you don't have the lap-band surgery what complications are possible for you personally - High BP; Heart Disease; Hi Blood sugar and so forth ... all the way to possible early death? You've read the complications if you do have surgery -- WHICH is the right choice for you???? Wish you the best of luck in this new journey - whichever way you go.

Crash - Congrat's on your new journey you are taking! Best of Luck! I am guessing the WWJD stands for "What Would Jesus Do"

Hazeleyegrl & Lifelover -- are you getting in 60gr of Protein or so? Are you feeling okay? If so - enjoy the ride while it lasts.

Welcome Donna! From my experience they do submit in a very timely fashion - some insurance companies require certified mail -- so that does take a little longer than regular mail. YOU WILL BE EXTREMELY Happy with DR T. I am. Don't be scared to ask any and all questions of him -- I did and he took all the time I needed to answer. Best wishes! Gina

Pamela -- I am with you -- hoping and praying to get to the 250 mark. Wish you the best of luck!

With Lapband -you can eat ice cream physically - super easy to get down -- but it could hinder weight loss due to high calories and being liquid your newly modified pouch really doesn't limit quanity -- (same with alcohol - liquid high calories) I eat IC sometimes - not daily -- just have to be accountable for it - or anything I place in my mouth. You will do great - you will need to make sure to get 3 meals in a day -- it increases your metabolism -- otherwise your body thinks it is starvation mode - I am sure you heard all this before. Journal your food daily and share with nutritionist! Great sites for journaling: www.nutritiondata.com www.fitday.com www.fitbodystrongbody.com www.dietfacts.com www.sparkpeople.com www.calorie-count.com www.thedailyplate.com www.calorieking.com Best Wishes!

Here are some solutions I have copied and pasted from other posts -- for your future use: <TABLE style="WIDTH: 722pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=962 border=0 x:str><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 722pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 35181" width=962><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 105pt; mso-height-source: userset" height=140><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; WIDTH: 722pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; HEIGHT: 105pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=962 height=140 x:str="If you are not fully sliming and hurting, then you have not PB'd. It would have come back up. When I was at my tightest, the burping happen everytime something had problems passing. There are a few things you can try to help break down the bread and help it pass on through, then you will feel better. The first is to sip a bit of pineapple juice. Not a lot or quickly or it will simply back up. Sip it, allow it a bit of time to break things down. Something to do with the acidity. I have not had similar luck with other juices....just pineapple. Then if that doesn't work, and you are seriously stuck....you can buy Papaya Enzyme at GNC or similar stores---health/nutrition shops. It is chewable and is supposed to be not bad tasting, I have never had to use it, the pineapple usually helped....or sent me into a PB....and the issue was resolved that way. Now I have also heard of things causing blockages, that were more difficult to break down than your evil bread. ">If you are not fully sliming and hurting, then you have not PB'd. It would have come back up. When I was at my tightest, the burping happen everytime something had problems passing. There are a few things you can try to help break down the bread and help it pass on through, then you will feel better. The first is to sip a bit of pineapple juice. Not a lot or quickly or it will simply back up. Sip it, allow it a bit of time to break things down. Something to do with the acidity. I have not had similar luck with other juices....just pineapple. Then if that doesn't work, and you are seriously stuck....you can buy Papaya Enzyme at GNC or similar stores---health/nutrition shops. It is chewable and is supposed to be not bad tasting, I have never had to use it, the pineapple usually helped....or sent me into a PB....and the issue was resolved that way. Now I have also heard of things causing blockages, that were more difficult to break down than your evil bread. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> Here is another: <TABLE style="WIDTH: 722pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=962 border=0 x:str><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 722pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 35181" width=962><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 51pt" height=68><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; WIDTH: 722pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; HEIGHT: 51pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=962 height=68 x:str="I do not think you will have to resort to this---it is for informational purposes ONLY!!! It is for meat that sticks, or one guy I knew got a grape skin blocking his stoma and used it successfully. It is only the last resort before being unfilled to relieve a blockage. That is liquid meat tenderizer....a tablespoon full is supposed to help eliminate the blockage, and for the couple of people I know who used it----it worked! ">I do not think you will have to resort to this---it is for informational purposes ONLY!!! It is for meat that sticks, or one guy I knew got a grape skin blocking his stoma and used it successfully. It is only the last resort before being unfilled to relieve a blockage. That is liquid meat tenderizer....a tablespoon full is supposed to help eliminate the blockage, and for the couple of people I know who used it----it worked! </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> And one more: <TABLE style="WIDTH: 722pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=962 border=0 x:str><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 722pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 35181" width=962><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; WIDTH: 722pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=962 height=17>"To use papaya enzyme to relieve blocked food, try either of these remedies:</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>chewable papya enzyme tablets,available at health food stores</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>directions: Use 1-2 tablets. Chew well</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE style="WIDTH: 722pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=962 border=0 x:str><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 722pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 35181" width=962><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; WIDTH: 722pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=962 height=17>unflavored Adolph's Meat Tenderizer powder also contains papya enzyme. Find it in the herb and spice section of most supermarkets.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>directions: Mix 1/2 teaspoon AMT, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 4 oz tap Water.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>Sip slowly over one hour."</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Welcome! and best of luck on your journey!

Then I definetly would see the doctor - -and I would ask if he can examine you/perform unfill with the assistance of xray (IF IT WERE ME - your choice completely!) to verify the band position, and pouch are in proper condition/position. :confused: Best of luck -- keep us informed of what happens and what Dr says!

Wishing you the best in oyur testing. I have a stange feeling under the right breast - the doctors think it is a nerve that the tube is laying against or rubing that created the sensation. Again - best of luck!

Wishing you the best of luck! Hugs!

Thanks -- you will do great as well -- there are times it get's slow -- but hey - it is better than where I was (339lbs)-- I have to keep reminding myself!

Fantastic news -- best wishes for the future -- and many successes.

You have been very successful and I congratulate you on your successes! I look forward to your continued successes and posting!

I would ask her to do some research with you and to please look at this from your shoes - and layout your medical and health concerns. I recommend that she reads the book "Lap-Band For Life" The Complete Patient Guide to Success with the Lap Band! This surgery is NOT for everyone -- as I am sure your doctor's seminar also explained -- this is no miracle - still takes a lot of HARD work and DETERMINATION. I wish you the very BEST in this journey!

I -- this has constantly changed throughout the past 5 months. Nothing to dry - and right now - only 1/4 cup and nothing fiberous - spinach - broccolli - lettice - squash.

Welcome and wishing you the best on this journey!