AnotherMe

Hi there! I'm glad to see that the meeting helped, sounds like you got your questions answered. Absolutely, take your husband to meet the Dr - he's probably against it because he's worried about you and does not understand the pros/cons of the Lapband. I'm sure you realize, the depression will be with you whether you have the band or not. I'm worried for you because if you decide on the band - it will not solve your food issues. I was banded in Oct 2005 and remember Thanksgiving the next month was especially difficult... there was hardly anything there I COULD eat, and to watch people eat 2-3 heaping plates of food is enough to make me feel ill. Once you get the band, most fast food places will be a thing of the past. Think of the money you'll save If I could offer one suggestion, don't "rush" into it. Give yourself time to consider what you'll be in for.... and, try to find a local support group. Go to Yahoo and search under Groups... look for a Lap Band support group in your area that meets on occasion. It really helps. All the best, Karla

Gina, welcome to LBT! congratulations on your 20 lb loss in 2 mo with the band This board is a blessing, because we CAN understand what you're going thru and most of us have been there! I had surgery in Oct 2005 and still come here to catch up and gather tips. The support is awesome. In my opinion, fills/adjustments are VITAL.. maximize the use of the tool you've been given. For me, each fill was a lesson in learning to eat slower and taking smaller bites. It's a hard lesson to learn, but the good news is you too will recognize what foods to avoid. Unless I'm really careless I don't get "stuck" that often any more. All the best, Karla

Marie, welcome to LBT! and, congratulations on your upcoming surgery! I had surgery on a Monday, tried to go back to my desk job on Friday and only lasted a couple of hours. I imagine you'll still be a bit sore, and it depends on your job.. if you do a lot of bending and lifting it might be difficult. If you sit at a desk, as I do, I recommend taking a pillow to put behind your back. Since after surgery our abdomen is sore, we take great pains in protecting it and tend to "tense" up.. I found a pillow at my back helped my posture and I felt a bit of pressure relief in the tummy. I pushed myself too much in the beginning so that may be why it took me a bit longer to recover. By day 6 I was feeling much better. I wish you all the best, Karla

Hi friends! Denise, my band size is 10 cm which only allows a max fill of 4.0.. since I was self pay, my fills for the 1st year were free and last October (the day before my 1 year bandiversary) I went for an appt because I wanted to get the final .5 added to the 3.5 I already had. But, when they did the barium swalow my pouch was distended so they said no-go on a fill and to go on liquids for 3 days, mushies, then back to solids. I haven't been back for another fill, and I guess you could say 3.5 was my "sweet spot" after all.. most of the time I'm full after a few bites. I have not been the model bandster, and I don't plan my meals or Snacks very well. I'm 18 mo out and it's been a slow BUT steady ride. I can only recommend that you take the time to analyze what you do each day.... set a daily calorie limit, write down every thing you eat. I know it's old school, but if you get into the habit you'll begin to realize how much you consume and after a while you'll see the trend. Unconciously you'll want to improve and start cutting out the unecessary calories. Sometimes for me, to break a plateau, I'll cycle the amount of calories I consume.. I might do 1400 calories a day for a week, then one day of 800 calories, then try to maintain an average of 1200 calories. The problem is if we continue to eat the same foods and consume the same amount of calories everyday your body to adapts to the routine. This always helps jump start my metabolism and get me back on the losing track. I've been kind of lazy recently, but I notice that when I spend the proper amount of time grocery shopping I tend to make better choices.. It might take me 2-3 hours to buy a small basket of groceries, but I read all the labels and actually ponder items to determine whether they're worth the calories, etc. I read all of the nutrition facts, and I don't buy it if the item is full of sugar, carbs. etc. Since I'm a single parent I have to be real conscious of the items I buy for my son... and before I put them in my cart I actually stop to ask myself who will actually eat it - me or him?!!! If I don't take the time, I just wind up buying the quick/easy junk food that we don't need. I am rather excited about a new fitness center they're building in my neighborhood, I went a few days ago and signed up for a membership and for some sessions with the trainers... I have another 30 lbs I'd like to lose, and really would like to target loss in specific areas and build some muscle tone that I've lost in others. The bummer is they won't open until mid-June, but I've made up my mind to use the small workout room/equipment at my job until then. I know you said you always get food stuck.. what kind? If it's meat, make sure you don't eat anything too dry. Use low sugar sauces in cooking or added to the finished product, whatever it takes to make it moist and easy to get down. I know it's said over and over, but make sure your bites are small... slow down the time between bites. I KNOW it's hard, but try to take 2 minutes between bites - get up from the table if you have to. What's left after 15 minutes needs to be tossed or saved for a later meal/snack. otherwise, you spend too much time eating and have too much food to pass through the band. SORRY for the short story, I hope something helps. Karla

Hi everybody! Chrispy, would it be worth asking a Mod to make this thread a sticky? I always forget what forum it's in and it takes me forever to find it. Denise, have you thought any more about putting a profile up on plentyoffish.com ?? I'll make a deal with you.... I'm willing to, if you are! As a matter of fact, it would be great if we had more people on this thread join us (who don't yet have a profile). We'd have some fun things to talk about. I know you've had some prior history with wishy~washy results. Don't let those discourage you! And, don't worry about pictures... just take a couple of new and/or recent pictures. Anyone worth their salt won't worry about a few extra pounds. I truly believe pics are necessary, if you want someone to make the initial contact. Who's with me???!!!!!!!!!! Karla

Hi friends! My countdown clock has officially begun... 51 days, 13 hours, 17 minutes.. Need some advice, I'm very fair skinned and burn easily. Would it help if I use a self tanner? I wonder if it having a "layer" between my skin and the sun would reduce some of the potential pain I'm in for? I'm not vain, and am not trying for the tan look.... but, it's inevitable - If I'm out in the sun I'm like a lobster. Right now I'm nursing a BAD burn on my nose from being outside a few hours last Saturday. I"m afraid it did real damage, I'll have make an appt with a dermatologist. Are there any creams/products you all can recommend? See you on the LBT cruise! Karla

Rob, it's pretty humid here in TX most of the time... and prior to surgery I couldn't walk out of the house without it feeling like 100 degrees. But now, I can withstand it better and don't get the damp/perspiration feeling. So, it looks like it will be a side effect for the plus column in your case. Another weird thing I noticed after I lost the first 40 lbs was it must've all been off my butt... not too much cushion back there any longer! No matter how I sit my tailbone gets sore. Karla

Hi Terry, I can eat Peanut Butter... just a couple of small spoons, though. OCCASIONALLY, I toast a half of an english muffin and put a bit of PB on top. I have to chew good, and wait several minutes between bites. Most of the time I'm full after 3-4 bites and throw the rest away. You know whats hard? I love scrambled eggs and grits.. but I'm lucky if I can finish even 1 egg. And, after a couple of bites of grits I'm done... man, I miss those!! Karla

Hi neighbors! We should all try to get together, I realize it's hard with all of our crazy schedules. We should just pick a date and DO IT! Terry, how did surgery go? Are you recovering nicely? Did you get a chance to call Fitness 19? I want to stop by there this weekend, I'd really like to join. We'll be workout buddies! Karla

Hi everybody, how's it going in single dating land? Neveragain, my best advice is to try to be patient. Make sure she knows you're there if she needs a friend. Invite her and other friends to go out to a fun movie, or quick dinner. Something fun and easy where there aren't any expectations. When she see's how cool you are, and how fun you are to be with, she'll begin to see you in a new light. It's best to start off as friends, no conditions. Hopefully soon she'll see in you the special something you already see in her... it's worth a try. Otherwise, you'll always wonder what would have happened if you only stuck around. Joan, leave those guys in Houston alone!! just teasing Where are they all hiding? Take care, Karla

I completely understand your anxiety and jitters. I remember several days prior to my procedure I kept thinking it would be best for me to cancel the surgery, save myself $ 15K, and try the old standby - diet and exercise. BUT, reasoning won out! I convinced myself I was worth it, even though as a single parent there are a TON more things that the $ might have been better spent on. So, I'll keep driving my 7 yr old Chevy for a few more years - but I'll look better doing it!! Seriously, I do not regret the decision. I think if you do enough research, you'll be prepared for life with the band. If anything, I'm more attuned to my body than I was in the past. It's given me a appreciation on how to better take care of myself. And, on a daily basis I get compliments at work... it's nice to hear after feeling ugly for so long. Although I'm 18 months out and still working towards goal I've been on a slow steady road. I don't think of the numbers, I don't even have a scale at home and only weigh at Dr appts... so, my motivation is my loose clothes and knowing I'm feeling better than ever. All the best... Good luck on Monday! We're here for you! Karla

396, my guess is after 9 days you'll be climbing the walls to get back to work. I was bored after a couple of days but knew I had to rest.. Here's my idea: Since your job requires you to be on your feet a lot and move around quite a bit, I would recommend you start a regimen of walking several times a day -- as soon after the surgery as you feel up to it. Start with 10 minutes and gradually increase in 5 minute intervals. I was sent home with the thing that you have to breathe into a few times a day to increase your lung capacity, and it took quite a bit of effort just to do that.... Walking is a good remedy for the often present gas pains, and as an added bonus it should help you build back up the stamina you will need as you go back to work. All the best to you and your wife!! Karla

Hi everybody... quite an interesting thread you started Chrispy. I've enjoyed catching up with all of you... to say the least you guys are living life! Just a bit about me.... I'm 35, have been divorced for (gulp!) 7 years, and have a 10 yr old son. My exhusband can't be bothered with regular visitation, so I don't have a lot of free time. My son is involved in Scouts, and I've been a leader for the past few years.... so, we keep busy with those activities. I'm not brave enough to do the online thing, and really don't lament my lack of dates. I'm not actively looking, therefore I don't feel the pressure to find someone. I have to say I hate the pat response of "you'll meet that special person one day".... most people who say that have already found their MR or MRS Right who treats them like royalty. During holidays and such, I find myself thinking of the person who'll one day be my significant other... and I wonder if they're in a similar place in their life? or, are they in a relationship they don't want to be in? how are they spending the holiday? Is that WEIRD? Or, do you guys ever think along those lines? Joan, I don't want us to start off on the wrong foot... but, you worry me I'm probably just jealous that you're much braver than I am!! I'd have to stick with talking to local people... I couldn't consider leaving my adopted TX. Have fun, Karla

Hi everybody, I recommend a pillow behind your back while driving or sitting at your desk. In my experience, I was very "protective" of my abdomen and by putting a pillow behind my back it helped me alleviate some of the back pressure and made it more comfortable all around. I have a desk job, had surgery on a Monday and when I went back to work on Friday morning I had to leave after just a few short hours.... I should have known by just the amount of energy it took for me to take a shower and drive to work. It hurt too much for me to sit upright at the computer. by the following Monday most of the ache was gone, just had low energy. All the best, Karla

Wendy, I recommend you check with your Doctor. Quite often a true PB will cause your pouch above the band to swell.... my Doc recommends liquids for 24 hrs after the episode, then mushies, then solids. If it's more like gas, and burping elivates the problem I recommend you stop eating at that point. Chances are you're probably full, and this is your band's way of telling you to stop. A small serving of runny mashed potatoes probably didn't do any harm, just the introduction of something other than liquids probably caused the discomfort. I'm 18 months out, and I have to remind myself to put small spoon-sized servings on my plate. Otherwise, I'm tempted to clean my plate.. and, I'd much rather feel a bit hungry then spending the next hour leaning over the sink wishing I could get a stuck golf ball out of my chest. All the best, Karla

Hi Leslie, I had 6 fill appointments and never had pain.. they use a tiny butterfly needle to access the port. I was lucky that they hit the port every time, I've heard of ports "flipping" etc but I never had that experience. Immediately after the fill you're on liquids for 1-2 days (depending on your Dr), then mushies for 1-2 days. Life with the band is extremely different, you have to concentrate on things you ARE able to eat. (as opposed to all previous diet efforts when you were obsessed with everything you could NOT eat). You'll be more successful if you eat Protein and vegetables. Cut out bread, rice, Pasta, which if you do attempt it will probably be only once and end with agony. My surgery was out patient... I went in about 6 am and was headed home by 11:30 am. The abdominal pain was more of a soreness... I could not lay down flat, had to sleep in a recliner for about a week. I actually drove home from my parents house that night, but I don't recommend it. My surgery was on a Monday, I was scheduled to go back to work on Thursday but had to call in sick. I somehow made it in Friday but could not get comfortable sitting at the computer.. I left after only a few hours. I would recommend a week off, minimum, just to be sure you're well rested. Maybe you can do it during summer break? Thanks for your kind words! Good luck with your journey.

HI Terry :girl_hug: Absolutely! I'm willing to try Fitness 19. I'm divorced with a 10 yr old son, and overweight to boot.. so, I always felt out of place at the Y!!! Although I love this area because of the family environment, there are some drawbacks! Yep, I work myself to death doing a job I'm not appreciated for. Oops did I say that? Customer service rep for a manuf/distributing co. How 'bout you... are you getting excited about your upcoming band surgery??? Do you like Dr Spivak?! I had nothing but good experiences. Any kiddos, hubby? Can't we get our other NW Houston friends to say hello?!!!! Karla

Hi Terry! Yes, I noticed they were putting a new fitness place there.. something with 19 in the name? So, I wonder if it will be $19/mo? If there's no contract to sign then you don't have too much to lose. I wouldn't mind seeing what it's about once they open, maybe we can get a little workout group going???!!! MOTIVATION :girl_hug: I was a member of the Y for several years but always felt akward going there (like I was out of place). Know what I mean? Karla

Hi there! Welcome to LBT :girl_hug: I was banded in Oct 2005 @ 234 lbs. My highest was 255, it took me 6 mo to consider the options... in the end my decision was based on it being the most permanent weight loss option I could find at the time. Approx 2-3 weeks before surgery I did a high protein/low carb diet to help shrink my liver (so it would give the Dr more room to move around in there) which helped me lose 10-15 lbs of Water weight. Although, I've only lost 60 lbs (I'm not the model bandster) I feel good about where I'm at and have the tool I need to continue my efforts. On a daily basis I get compliments from people at work, and just the other day one person said they've noticed how well I've been able to keep it off. It's all due to the band. There's no way I would have been able to keep it off on my own. Can't help you with the insurance question, I was self pay and would do it all again. I would encourage you to go thru the steps, try to see if it would be covered.... many insurance companies do cover it. This site is a wealth of information, you'll read about the many different side effects you can expect MIGHT happen. I, personally, did not experience any horrible side effects... but your abdomen is very sore the first few days, you might have gas pains, and you'll need lots of rest. If your family is supportive, you can always begin practicing the post surgery routine early... you'll need to give the childcare over to your husband for a couple of days. Fills... depends on how fast you want to lose. If you check my signature, you'll see I was real conservative... only getting .5 each time I went. I did not always have the luxury of going as often as I would have liked (ran out of vacation time). My fills were free for the 1st year and I have not had one in some time.... but, I am at a comfortable level. However, I know I need to get back in for another fill to kick start my loss again. So, I would say the best thing you can do for yourself is to be an active participant in this process... stay active here and you'll learn a bunch! all the best,

Hello! Have you heard the good news? There's ONE opening for a female roommate! Do you have a friend who wants to go cruising? Maybe you previously thought you could not afford to go? Well, click on this thread to see the new offer this ONE lucky person could receive: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/single-women-interested-t31888.html It's a great deal! Come on people :girl_hug: Hasn't Uncle Sam been good to at least one of you? Put that tax return to good use!! Karla

Bump! Bump! ONE open spot available for a lady roomate! Have passport? Willing to travel? Apply here! It's a really good deal.. see http://www.lapbandtalk.com/single-women-interested-t31888.html for more info. Don't let the boat leave the dock with an LBT member behind!!

Hi there! I've was banded in Oct 2005. Only my parents, brother, and a childhood friend (who is also banded) know. While I've only managed to lose 60 lbs, it's been hard not to tell ... at work people often give me compliments and ask me how I've managed to lose the weight. I hate to be less than truthful, I just don't dispense with all the details! In my heart I'd like to be a poster child for Lap Band, but decided I did not want to be judged for the slow weight loss or what I was eating that day. I wish you the best in your journeys,

T, I can relate to what you're experiencing, I was banded 17 months ago and have been up & down the motivation ladder. I'm also 35 and lately have tried to take a hard look at the habits that landed me here. Stress is my biggest problem, I take on too many commitments and stretch myself too thin. Problems at work, and trying to manage a 10 yr old on my own -- I need to wake up and realize that I need to take better care of myself. Don't beat yourself up over the recent food/drink habits, just try to do a little better every week. I've thought about going in to get my fill removed, then starting back slowly 2-3 weeks later. Is this what you're worried would leave you wide open? Have a bit of faith in yourself, you've done such an good job to be where you are now - you can do this? Remember in the beginning, how we weren't sure if we could survive 2-3 weeks on liquid, then mushies? but WE DID! Make a plan, then execute it! All the best,

Krissy! how are you? It's hard to believe almost a year and a half has passed so fast! I've only managed to lose 62 lbs - but I haven't always sticked to the "rules". Is anyone interested in getting together to chat? Perhaps meeting for a liquid beverage - smoothie King/Starbucks!? I'm in Copperfield (West Rd/Telge) -- let's try to set something up! Karla

Phil, Welcome to LBT! There are many friendly folks here who have wise words. I'll give you a bit of my experience for comparison I was banded in Oct 2005 and most of the time don't think of food. I usually only think of it when I know it's about the time of day you would consider a meal (Breakfast, lunch, dinner). I hardly ever think of snacking, but if I do - the great thing is I can have just a tiny portion of something (peanuts, cheese, etc) and it will satisfy me for hours. And, usually the only dilemma I have is when I don't plan ahead and leave home without a lunch - if I don't have any Soups at my desk I have to think hard about what type of fast food I can eat that won't give me trouble. Since my 4th and 5th fills I'm at a good restriction level and am selective in what I choose. I wish you all the best in your journey. Karla