Kitt3000

Just remember, the free advice comes from personal information which some have gone through. It is there personal struggle that they encountered. Take the good and bad here. But include your doctor/dietitian is your decisions. That's who you're paying.
Best wishes

Good afternoon Marlena_Marie,
I am doing soooo much better today, thank you for asking. I slept all night last night so that helped out a bunch getting me back to the positive side!! I am super excited to get this new chapter in my life started!!

I belong to a variety of special interest forums.....one of them is "Travel"....
I am currently interested in planning a trip to England, so I read all I can, posts from other people who have done the trip....
I read posts where people say they hads a wonderful joyous time, and others who said they were absolultely miserable....lost their luggage, was a victum of a pick pocket, hotrel did not have their reservations, etc, etc....
I read it all...good and bad...take it all under advisment, THEN MAKE MY OWN DECISIONS AND PLANS!!! Along with my Travel Agent (Doctor)
I would not like it if people told me what airline I MUST use, or else I will loose my luggage....I can ask people what airlines they use, and why...but it does not mean I have to do the same....
I would not like it if people told me what hotel I MUST stay in, or else....
If someone looses their wallet, all their travel money, etc, it does not make them idiots....what it does is show me, from their experience, that I should be careful in that area....and I may ask them "How did it happen" "where was your wallet, in your purse, you pants pocket" etc.....I REALLY want to know....
And then you begin to learn that some of these people have not even been to England in the first place...they're just repeating what others have said(?), or they are planning to also, or they have been there, but only once and very briefly....they are in the early stages themselves and yet they act like they know all the answers....
And most of all, be judged by the decisions I have choose to make....
This is the internet....if it's on the internet, it must be true...right?
All I, or anyone else should expect, is people sharing their stories, without embelishing, and let the readers see it all from A-Z.....

Bottled Water, broth, and your heating pad. Depending on the hotel, they will have non fat milk, cranberry juice, tea, & coffee. You need the water to sip on frequently after the surgery, my throat was sore and dry. I found having something like Vaseline or lip balm a nice luxury too. I also wore sandals and a pull over long dress. There was no pressure on my tummy and I could just slip my feet into my shoes. Good luck! You will be happy you did this!

It's almost like informed consent. As a new bander, I was not prepared for the level of discomfort after the surgery. Upon reflection, I realized the doctors office smoothed over that by saying everyone is different (true), I watched utube videos of the procedure, it looked pretty straight forward with very small amounts of blood, not traumatic. I have had surgery before, not that big of a deal. So when my first experience with co2 gas inflating the abdomen surgery was performed, the breath taking pain from the gas looking for a way to dissipate, completely caught me off guard. I would have loved to know from folks who experienced this that it was normal, it hurts, and it will go away after a few days, as well as coping strategies. It would not have changed my mind about being banded, it would prepare me for " normal" and "lucky" if it did not happen! at least you know nothing is wrong. The surgery part, no big deal. I already love my band, it was the right choice for me.

It's almost like informed consent. As a new bander, I was not prepared for the level of discomfort after the surgery. Upon reflection, I realized the doctors office smoothed over that by saying everyone is different (true), I watched utube videos of the procedure, it looked pretty straight forward with very small amounts of blood, not traumatic. I have had surgery before, not that big of a deal. So when my first experience with co2 gas inflating the abdomen surgery was performed, the breath taking pain from the gas looking for a way to dissipate, completely caught me off guard. I would have loved to know from folks who experienced this that it was normal, it hurts, and it will go away after a few days, as well as coping strategies. It would not have changed my mind about being banded, it would prepare me for " normal" and "lucky" if it did not happen! at least you know nothing is wrong. The surgery part, no big deal. I already love my band, it was the right choice for me.

Bottled Water, broth, and your heating pad. Depending on the hotel, they will have non fat milk, cranberry juice, tea, & coffee. You need the water to sip on frequently after the surgery, my throat was sore and dry. I found having something like Vaseline or lip balm a nice luxury too. I also wore sandals and a pull over long dress. There was no pressure on my tummy and I could just slip my feet into my shoes. Good luck! You will be happy you did this!

I was banded in 2001 by Dr. Kuri in Tijuana. I have a 4cc band and never had a slip or problem. I had so many health problems which were going to get worse if the weight stayed, so Dr. Kuri went ahead even though my BMI was 35.2. In those days you would not be considered for any WLS unless you were 100 pounds overweight. In any case, the band was not legal in the USA yet.
Back then we had to find our own way across the border and to his office, and his patients got a slightly lower rate in the nearby hotel but it was not included in the price. I went alone because nobody was supportive in my family, not even my husband. I got a cash advance from our credit card and to this day it was the best thing I've ever done.
I received my first fill 8 weeks after the surgery. For the first year I traveled back and forth to Tijuana and had fills with him, but after several surgeries on my hips, started to get fills from a nurse practitioner locally who was trained by him. She charged $100, but no plane fare or travel. A few times I've gotten too tight and had trouble with swelling when food got stuck, but had some fill removed and after a few days, everything was fine.
A year after I was banded, I went for a Tummy Tuck and liposuction with a doctor Dr. Kuri recommended in Tijuana. I was thrilled with the results.
It's been almost 12 years now, and I've kept off almost all of the weight. Keep in mind that I'm now 60 years old, and have a very bad back and two hip replacements, so exercise was not an option. The first year I lost 78 pounds. I kept within 5 pounds of that for about 5 years, then inched up the scale to a total gain of 20 pounds. I go up and down 5 pounds, which at my age, I'm very happy with. Especially because I eat what I want. I wear size 12 jeans. No matter what health crisis I go through, or how depressed I am over it, I always mutter "At least I look good" to myself. It's a wonderful journey that I wish I had gone on a decade before I did. But now at 60, people are amazed and think I look in my 30's.

All advice good my suggestion, counseling! Your head has to be in the right place to lose weight, our bands can be full, we can record our food, count every calorie, measure every morsel but if our minds are not reprogrammed to eat healthy and embrace this new life style no WLS will work. If you see yourself as a failure you will be a failure. I may have lost my weight with aid of my LB but the true champion was me, conquering my obstacles and learning what made me eat the way I ate. Never give up on yourself, you have one life and you have to own it.
Good luck to you, I congratuate you for trying again, never give up on yourself you are worth all the effort!

Congratulations on starting over. I can understand your frustration. Some days I feel like I don't even have a band because I can eat a large meal without any problems. Some days, if I eat to much, my band will give me a soft stop sign (hiccups). That is when I know that it's time to stop eating. I discussed this with my surgeon last week and he said that this was normal because some days my band is tighter than other days. He said the band is not designed to stop me from eating but to help me feel satisfied. I had to realized that just because I could eat a large meal does not mean that I should!!!!!!! I had to stick to Portion Control and follow the rules of the band. I also had to realized that I had to get my head in the game. This is NOT a diet but a LIFE STYLE change. The band is only a tool and a tool is only as good as you work it. The most important thing is to discuss this with your doctor. Maybe have test done to make sure your band is working properly. I am proud of you. I know that starting over is not easy but YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!

Speaking for myself, I have never felt full...but the band DOES prevent me from overeating....I used to love Chipotle...would get the Burrito in a bowl because I cannot eat the tortillas anymore...I can no longer tolerate rice anymore either so it is goodbye to Chipotle....
I only have 7.5 cc in my band, and it is all I need to have the band Physically stop me from eating too much....
I'm not going to pretend to be an expert and tell you what you should and should not do....I'm only going to share what is true in my life...
And with 7.5cc's I am in the green Zone.....No Hunger, 24/7...., Cannot possibly overeat - portion sizes set by the band, and now at my ideal weight....
I know many people who thought they knew how much was in their band, only to find out they were way off for some reason and did not have near as much as they thought they did....
Many people on this forum rely on good old fashioned dieting techniques.....counting calories, measuring portions, food journals, etc...it seems to help them more than the band does....perhaps that is an area that would benefit you more at this this point.....

I think part of the problem may be you're expecting the band to do things it's not meant to do. You say you don't feel "full" and can eat a lot. The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything and this is exactly why it's so important to stick to band sized portions. If you are getting fills trying to get the band to stop you from eating too much, you run the risk of accidentally ending up too tight. The other thing is, if you're eating until you're full, you're likely eating too much. The band is about satiety and hunger control not fullness.
What the band is supposed to do is allow you to be satisfied on less food for longer periods of time.
Here's a great link that explains it all. I really think it will help you. Having realistic expectations of the band will really help you to be successful: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html
Best wishes. Don't give up!

Best of luck to you. If you need any help we are here for you.

It's almost like informed consent. As a new bander, I was not prepared for the level of discomfort after the surgery. Upon reflection, I realized the doctors office smoothed over that by saying everyone is different (true), I watched utube videos of the procedure, it looked pretty straight forward with very small amounts of blood, not traumatic. I have had surgery before, not that big of a deal. So when my first experience with co2 gas inflating the abdomen surgery was performed, the breath taking pain from the gas looking for a way to dissipate, completely caught me off guard. I would have loved to know from folks who experienced this that it was normal, it hurts, and it will go away after a few days, as well as coping strategies. It would not have changed my mind about being banded, it would prepare me for " normal" and "lucky" if it did not happen! at least you know nothing is wrong. The surgery part, no big deal. I already love my band, it was the right choice for me.

"Nobody likes a lecture".....Oh the irony! Lecturing the forum to not lecture in one of your first posts is quite ironic isn't it? I don't know if your comment looked good in your mind or are you just staking out your territory as the new kid on the playground?
Many people come here for advice. Some may look at the advice as a lecture, others may see it as guidance to make it through some tough times. Some people come to the forum and need support, positive support, some come to inspire others with their success and others need a kick in the a$$.
Many members only post supportive comments. Some of us(me) seem to lean more towards the no bull, just the facts kind of comments that can be misconstrued to be mean or lecturous.
Take the comments as you want, leave the ones you don't want. Sorry if this sounds like a lecture, it's not. It's advice from just one forum member. Welcome to the forum and I look forward to your supportive comments!
tmf

I tried the vanilla Unjury. Sorry lucabeth, I thought it was so disgusting, I did "recycle" it. Usually, my husband likes things a little different than I do, he couldn't get this brand down either. What I did do was buy sample packets of different brands to find one I liked, instead of investing in too much of something.

I know not many people will have this at their disposal, but I too could not take a deep breath. My husband has a rehab machine that looks like the gear box of a bicycle. You peddle with your hands. I swear, it is what gave me relief. It increased my breathing, and the gas went away. Recline, don't lie flat, and use a moist heating pad. I did take gas x saw no improvement, but on day three I had a Pepcid. It was the final piece to relieve the pain. The surgery incisions are nothing, it's the gas. The doctor & staff glossed over that part, so no, I was not expecting it to be that intense.
It's days like that, that make you realize how good you have it the rest of the time! Haha! Congrats ladies we did it, and it only gets better! Big hugs to all of you!

You speak of an abdominal belt....what is that? Where can I get one?

I was a BMI of 38.
For many years I was constantly told by family and work colleagues ( rarely friends ) that I was overweight or putting on weight. Why do people think its ok to talk about other people's weight??
I've been slowly developing weight related health issues over the years. The death of my father and the discovery that men in our family have heart related early deaths spurred me to do something. I was very aware that I was obese for many years and that I needed to do something drastic to really get to a healthy BMI - 25
I'm not going to tell many people that I have had a lapband fitted - including my family. Even though they constantly go on about my weight they won't approve of a lap band. There is a big stigma in the UK, i think, about lapbands.
It's not that I don't exercise - I ran a marathon 20 months ago - I just ate far too much and found it impossible to control the quantity I food I ate.
So yes, I've also had people say I'm too thin for a lapband. Actually it was 2 staff in the hospital. It did really pee me off because they have no idea of the reasons why I had a lapband fitted and I really don't need hospital staff telling me that!!
People have a perception that you have to be so overweight that you can't get out of bed before you have a lapband fitted. The fact is that these people would need to loose a lot of weight before they have a lapband fitted. They should probably have done some about there weight much sooner.
Personally I think it's better to get a control of your diet before you get so seriously overweight. I tried hard to do this by running 10k's, numerous half marathons and a marathon - but it wasn't enough.So why not get control of your weight when you're a BMI of 38?? I don't give a flying FCUK what people say about how I've lost weight - it was my decision, its my body. But i'm not going to give anyone the opportunity to comment about my lapband because I'm not going to tell anyone. The people who criticise the use of a lapband will be the first to criticise your weight - so bollocks to them I say.

I like many had a high BMI over 40 but I wish I had done something sooner, when I was younger. I had surgery at 54 and over the past 20 years I have lost and gained the same 100lbs over and over again. I seriously hope with lap band I have finally learned how to eat and keep this weight off. Before surgery I was told your not fat enough just go on a diet you can lose the weight. (5' over 250 is fat, got pictures to prove it) Now all I hear is how skinny I am and don't lose anymore weight. I weigh 130. Well guess what, I really could care less what they think, I love me, I love how I feel about me and I am the only one I need to please. Do I sound a little selfish well it is about damn time.

Been off the site for awhile...living life...been on a cruise and just having fun....getting smaller and can do so much even did the amazing race in mexico not as fast as I wanted to be but still did it...go out and enjoy life!!!!

What are you scared of? Is it the decision to have the lap band? The surgery? The diet? The unknown? Everyone is scared, maybe it is expressed in other ways, but having some anxiety is normal. Follow your doctors instructions, it seems like there are many approaches to the pre and post op instructions, as there are doctors! The day before my surgery I opened up lap band talk, and quickly left the site. It was a day of horror stories and since I knew in my being, this was the right choice for me, I did not want to put any negative images in my mind.
My shakes had fat free organic milk and slices of frozen fruit with vanilla Bari Care shake mix. I would actually buy them out if they were sold in public, they were that good. This site has some amazing people on it who are helpful and supportive if you reach out. I know you will do just fine! Get creative with your shakes, this part is more about healthy and reducing fat around your liver, than loosing weight- but that's a bonus! Shake, shake, shake!

I had my surgery yesterday and am now home. A little sore but not too bad. Its the first day of my new way of life.

I am so inspired by you!! Joined a gym and my first class is tomorrow!!!

But I just did 17 miles at 14.9 Mph. Not bad for the second ride of the season.
Oh, Catfish. My wife looked at your picture and said that you may ride farther, but I look better in spandex.