MyHighway

If you're using your phone app, like I do, it doesn't make it so easy to go through and find past topics and frankly sometimes you want the fresh perspectives. My doctor said bands of today allow for different things from bands of prior years. Which is why he doesn't foresee problems with drinking while eating, etc. So sometimes answers from previous posts don't answer questions. So I am can understand why it could be frustrating to you all, "the veterans"; but I would hope you would understand us newbies are navigating a whole new world. And perhaps, asking some of the same questions, making some of the same mistakes, and working through some of the same emotions, daresay, that you all went through.
If I post something that seems annoying to you, then please feel free to roll your eyes and move on. If you would like to share some constructive advice, then please know I truly appreciate that help.

You look fabulous!

It's not the new people...those poor people are the victims and probably get more confused than helped.... it's them I wouldn't blame for leaving....
I've said it before, I was glad I did not discover this website until AFTER I had my surgery....because until then it was just me and my Dr. and his staff....and I was told I could call and speak with someone if I had a question...which I did...

Maybe its a matter of trust. Of course you trust your dr for care of you and the band but others before you have been through this and have found answers to questions that maybe we haven't even thought about. Since we're here to help one another asking questions that is serious enough to call your dr should just be commented call your dr. Some newbies have more trust in those who have experienced the same things they are going through and there's so many different opinions that couldn't come from a dr only an experienced bander.
My first month I did call my doctor for things that didn't feel quite right but got more and better advice from youall. Having this thread or threads like it gives a feeling of trust like talking the same language to a friend. So I vote this thread is a newbie friendly group. And possibly someday we won't be abke to give the same old advice since everything changes even the band. But I say help those who ask if you can. Otherwise we're here for our own agenda.

I can respect your opinion Cheryl, although I do disagree with you. I do think a forum like this can be used to talk about things like pain, etc and to get perspective from people who have actually had the procedure. Though surgeons are obviously educated they, most likely, never had this surgery. So they may not have tips and tricks that people here have. For example, I saw one thread for dealing with gas pain that discussed a yoga pose that was helping people deal with the gas pain. No ones surgeon knew that would help. That was discovered through talking to people in the same boat as you and someone figured out something that was helping others. To me, that is what this is all about.
Yes it was a newly started thread that discussed that topic and it had a lot of activity. I get that this is a hot button issue for some of you. For me I see the value Ina new thread, but I believe forums allow for the ability to agree to disagree. That's part of the beauty.
If you ever feel like someone is seeking advice that they should be paying for... Then I hope you exercise your right to move along. In my opinion, people aren't trying to use veterans in place of doctors.. It's more about talking to people with practical experience, who may have something to offer that a doctor doesn't.
I can also assure you that I will not be eating an entire pie at Christmas and seeking your input about it. I've actually never had poor eating habits, so it's also not about changing the way I eat. My weight gain was due to a medication that I took for many years. I have always eaten healthily and made wise choices since I was a young child, as that's how I was raised. I was finally able to get off the medication and my doctor recommended this path for me. With that said though, people are human. They are going to make mistakes, and sometimes they are going to come here to talk about them. I'm sure there will be a time that I will put something in my mouth that I shouldn't have and I might go here to seek support from the only people who will really understand the torture that goes along with such a decision.
I suppose why I commented I this thread is because I felt like there were comments intimating that newbies just didn't know how to play here correctly. I was hoping to remind everyone that all were newbies at one point in time. Perhaps my attempt failed or wasn't appreciated. Either way, I'm going to continue to post and be a part if this community even if the way I participate is frowned upon.

I can respect your opinion Cheryl, although I do disagree with you. I do think a forum like this can be used to talk about things like pain, etc and to get perspective from people who have actually had the procedure. Though surgeons are obviously educated they, most likely, never had this surgery. So they may not have tips and tricks that people here have. For example, I saw one thread for dealing with gas pain that discussed a yoga pose that was helping people deal with the gas pain. No ones surgeon knew that would help. That was discovered through talking to people in the same boat as you and someone figured out something that was helping others. To me, that is what this is all about.
Yes it was a newly started thread that discussed that topic and it had a lot of activity. I get that this is a hot button issue for some of you. For me I see the value Ina new thread, but I believe forums allow for the ability to agree to disagree. That's part of the beauty.
If you ever feel like someone is seeking advice that they should be paying for... Then I hope you exercise your right to move along. In my opinion, people aren't trying to use veterans in place of doctors.. It's more about talking to people with practical experience, who may have something to offer that a doctor doesn't.
I can also assure you that I will not be eating an entire pie at Christmas and seeking your input about it. I've actually never had poor eating habits, so it's also not about changing the way I eat. My weight gain was due to a medication that I took for many years. I have always eaten healthily and made wise choices since I was a young child, as that's how I was raised. I was finally able to get off the medication and my doctor recommended this path for me. With that said though, people are human. They are going to make mistakes, and sometimes they are going to come here to talk about them. I'm sure there will be a time that I will put something in my mouth that I shouldn't have and I might go here to seek support from the only people who will really understand the torture that goes along with such a decision.
I suppose why I commented I this thread is because I felt like there were comments intimating that newbies just didn't know how to play here correctly. I was hoping to remind everyone that all were newbies at one point in time. Perhaps my attempt failed or wasn't appreciated. Either way, I'm going to continue to post and be a part if this community even if the way I participate is frowned upon.

I can respect your opinion Cheryl, although I do disagree with you. I do think a forum like this can be used to talk about things like pain, etc and to get perspective from people who have actually had the procedure. Though surgeons are obviously educated they, most likely, never had this surgery. So they may not have tips and tricks that people here have. For example, I saw one thread for dealing with gas pain that discussed a yoga pose that was helping people deal with the gas pain. No ones surgeon knew that would help. That was discovered through talking to people in the same boat as you and someone figured out something that was helping others. To me, that is what this is all about.
Yes it was a newly started thread that discussed that topic and it had a lot of activity. I get that this is a hot button issue for some of you. For me I see the value Ina new thread, but I believe forums allow for the ability to agree to disagree. That's part of the beauty.
If you ever feel like someone is seeking advice that they should be paying for... Then I hope you exercise your right to move along. In my opinion, people aren't trying to use veterans in place of doctors.. It's more about talking to people with practical experience, who may have something to offer that a doctor doesn't.
I can also assure you that I will not be eating an entire pie at Christmas and seeking your input about it. I've actually never had poor eating habits, so it's also not about changing the way I eat. My weight gain was due to a medication that I took for many years. I have always eaten healthily and made wise choices since I was a young child, as that's how I was raised. I was finally able to get off the medication and my doctor recommended this path for me. With that said though, people are human. They are going to make mistakes, and sometimes they are going to come here to talk about them. I'm sure there will be a time that I will put something in my mouth that I shouldn't have and I might go here to seek support from the only people who will really understand the torture that goes along with such a decision.
I suppose why I commented I this thread is because I felt like there were comments intimating that newbies just didn't know how to play here correctly. I was hoping to remind everyone that all were newbies at one point in time. Perhaps my attempt failed or wasn't appreciated. Either way, I'm going to continue to post and be a part if this community even if the way I participate is frowned upon.

I can respect your opinion Cheryl, although I do disagree with you. I do think a forum like this can be used to talk about things like pain, etc and to get perspective from people who have actually had the procedure. Though surgeons are obviously educated they, most likely, never had this surgery. So they may not have tips and tricks that people here have. For example, I saw one thread for dealing with gas pain that discussed a yoga pose that was helping people deal with the gas pain. No ones surgeon knew that would help. That was discovered through talking to people in the same boat as you and someone figured out something that was helping others. To me, that is what this is all about.
Yes it was a newly started thread that discussed that topic and it had a lot of activity. I get that this is a hot button issue for some of you. For me I see the value Ina new thread, but I believe forums allow for the ability to agree to disagree. That's part of the beauty.
If you ever feel like someone is seeking advice that they should be paying for... Then I hope you exercise your right to move along. In my opinion, people aren't trying to use veterans in place of doctors.. It's more about talking to people with practical experience, who may have something to offer that a doctor doesn't.
I can also assure you that I will not be eating an entire pie at Christmas and seeking your input about it. I've actually never had poor eating habits, so it's also not about changing the way I eat. My weight gain was due to a medication that I took for many years. I have always eaten healthily and made wise choices since I was a young child, as that's how I was raised. I was finally able to get off the medication and my doctor recommended this path for me. With that said though, people are human. They are going to make mistakes, and sometimes they are going to come here to talk about them. I'm sure there will be a time that I will put something in my mouth that I shouldn't have and I might go here to seek support from the only people who will really understand the torture that goes along with such a decision.
I suppose why I commented I this thread is because I felt like there were comments intimating that newbies just didn't know how to play here correctly. I was hoping to remind everyone that all were newbies at one point in time. Perhaps my attempt failed or wasn't appreciated. Either way, I'm going to continue to post and be a part if this community even if the way I participate is frowned upon.

My surgeons office didn't set any parameters against drinking immediately before/post or during meals, but I see so any of you mention that you don't drink with meals and it seems to be per doctors orders. I'm wondering what the reasoning is, and if it's something I should consider incorporating into my routine.
Thank you!

I can respect your opinion Cheryl, although I do disagree with you. I do think a forum like this can be used to talk about things like pain, etc and to get perspective from people who have actually had the procedure. Though surgeons are obviously educated they, most likely, never had this surgery. So they may not have tips and tricks that people here have. For example, I saw one thread for dealing with gas pain that discussed a yoga pose that was helping people deal with the gas pain. No ones surgeon knew that would help. That was discovered through talking to people in the same boat as you and someone figured out something that was helping others. To me, that is what this is all about.
Yes it was a newly started thread that discussed that topic and it had a lot of activity. I get that this is a hot button issue for some of you. For me I see the value Ina new thread, but I believe forums allow for the ability to agree to disagree. That's part of the beauty.
If you ever feel like someone is seeking advice that they should be paying for... Then I hope you exercise your right to move along. In my opinion, people aren't trying to use veterans in place of doctors.. It's more about talking to people with practical experience, who may have something to offer that a doctor doesn't.
I can also assure you that I will not be eating an entire pie at Christmas and seeking your input about it. I've actually never had poor eating habits, so it's also not about changing the way I eat. My weight gain was due to a medication that I took for many years. I have always eaten healthily and made wise choices since I was a young child, as that's how I was raised. I was finally able to get off the medication and my doctor recommended this path for me. With that said though, people are human. They are going to make mistakes, and sometimes they are going to come here to talk about them. I'm sure there will be a time that I will put something in my mouth that I shouldn't have and I might go here to seek support from the only people who will really understand the torture that goes along with such a decision.
I suppose why I commented I this thread is because I felt like there were comments intimating that newbies just didn't know how to play here correctly. I was hoping to remind everyone that all were newbies at one point in time. Perhaps my attempt failed or wasn't appreciated. Either way, I'm going to continue to post and be a part if this community even if the way I participate is frowned upon.

If you're using your phone app, like I do, it doesn't make it so easy to go through and find past topics and frankly sometimes you want the fresh perspectives. My doctor said bands of today allow for different things from bands of prior years. Which is why he doesn't foresee problems with drinking while eating, etc. So sometimes answers from previous posts don't answer questions. So I am can understand why it could be frustrating to you all, "the veterans"; but I would hope you would understand us newbies are navigating a whole new world. And perhaps, asking some of the same questions, making some of the same mistakes, and working through some of the same emotions, daresay, that you all went through.
If I post something that seems annoying to you, then please feel free to roll your eyes and move on. If you would like to share some constructive advice, then please know I truly appreciate that help.

If you're using your phone app, like I do, it doesn't make it so easy to go through and find past topics and frankly sometimes you want the fresh perspectives. My doctor said bands of today allow for different things from bands of prior years. Which is why he doesn't foresee problems with drinking while eating, etc. So sometimes answers from previous posts don't answer questions. So I am can understand why it could be frustrating to you all, "the veterans"; but I would hope you would understand us newbies are navigating a whole new world. And perhaps, asking some of the same questions, making some of the same mistakes, and working through some of the same emotions, daresay, that you all went through.
If I post something that seems annoying to you, then please feel free to roll your eyes and move on. If you would like to share some constructive advice, then please know I truly appreciate that help.

I hear ya! I'm on my kindle app now and navigating old threads is nearly impossible!! This vet will be here till they kick me off. I don't post as much as I did in the past but I do seek out the frustrated bandsters.
Tmf

Thanks to the veterans who answered, I always appreciate the insight of someone who has been down the path. My doctor says I can drink with meals, so not drinking wouldn't be against his orders. It's my decision, if I want to drink with a meal or not. I was just curious why so many didn't drink with meals and the reasonings behind their doctors orders.
Of course if my doctor, had said no drinking I would stick with that and would never rely on forum posts as a reason to go against against doctors orders.

If you're using your phone app, like I do, it doesn't make it so easy to go through and find past topics and frankly sometimes you want the fresh perspectives. My doctor said bands of today allow for different things from bands of prior years. Which is why he doesn't foresee problems with drinking while eating, etc. So sometimes answers from previous posts don't answer questions. So I am can understand why it could be frustrating to you all, "the veterans"; but I would hope you would understand us newbies are navigating a whole new world. And perhaps, asking some of the same questions, making some of the same mistakes, and working through some of the same emotions, daresay, that you all went through.
If I post something that seems annoying to you, then please feel free to roll your eyes and move on. If you would like to share some constructive advice, then please know I truly appreciate that help.

So on Dec 19th I went in for my lap band apt, which also happened to be my 3 month anniversary since the surgery. All I could think about after each fill (I've had 2) is coming back for the next one. So far I have 4.25 in my 14cc band. I've read on hear about the "green zone" and all I have been thinking about is reaching that. Not really paying attention to my body. Just wanting to get those fills thinking it was going to take a few more fills for me. Well the day before my appointment I started really thinking about how am I "really" doing.
-I'm walking 30 mins a day at work
-I'm walking 60-90 mins each day on the weekend (which does not include cleaning, shopping, etc)
-I feel soooooo much better and have more confidence in myself
-My outlook on life has done a 360 degree turn around
-Get bored really easy now when I'm at home on the weekends. Just want to go
-I'm not that interested in the food around me anymore. And my true test is now with the holidays!
My food intake now is:
-I eat my 4 oz of food each meal: egg w/cheese and ham or bacon, tuna or chicken for lunch, and my favorite of all, plain greek yogurt with 2-3 T of almond butter for supper and then again for snack at nite.
-And trying to get my Water in.
With all of that said, I realized I am soooo close to the zone, I can feel it! My surgeon (who is awesome btw) asked if I feel I could eat over 4oz at a time and I told him yes, but I don't allow myself except with the yogurt, I may go to 6 oz or so. He asked if I felt like I needed a fill. I could not answer right off, like before I could before. But I decided 1 more time. I told him I felt like I was almost there. With only .6cc put into my band, I think this is it!!! I've lost 47lbs in 3 months and am measuring myself this weekend.
- Feeling So Blessed and Happy P.S Thank you all for the support and encouragement on here! Could not do this without you!

I am feeling wonderful and I am so happy I decided to get my lap band. I was 215 lbs when I started this journey and a size 18/20. At my last doc appt, I weighed 178 , and I'm down to a size 14, and even those jeans are getting baggy!! I remember being so scared that this wouldn't work for me, so I would get on here and find comfort while reading others success stories. I know it's only been a few months for me, so here's hoping this is the beginning of my success story!!

As hard as it maybe yo do, could be that you are in starvation mode from too few calories and you might need to increase your calories. Especially if you're gaining. Also, try decreasing your carbs and increasing your Proteins ans see if this helps

There was a study done for folks with lap bands and people who drank wine with dinner actually lost weight faster than those who did not. Based upon this study, my surgeons office days to enjoy a glass with dinner and have up to 7 per week. Cheers!

It happened so gradually, I just noticed yesterday that my thighs no longer rub together! I can wear pants, stockings or go bare legged without making a sound or creating friction! I also have a "gap" between my legs...I've never seen space there before - LOL!

There was a study done for folks with lap bands and people who drank wine with dinner actually lost weight faster than those who did not. Based upon this study, my surgeons office days to enjoy a glass with dinner and have up to 7 per week. Cheers!

A friend of mine told me I should post this for both the newbies and the veterans to show you all that anything is possible.
Many of you know my journey but for those who don't, I was banded January 14th, 2013 and at that time was morbidly obese and suffering terrible pain from joint disease in both my knees and hips. My surgeon had told me six months earlier that at my current weight, I was not a candidate for surgery and I needed to be under 200 lbs. or I was going to wind up in a wheelchair.
I was very successful with the band and in six months, had lost enough weight to be considered a surgical candidate. By that time, my hips were so bad that I needed both of them replaced and I spent the two weeks prior to surgery on constant bed rest because I couldn't have any more cortisone shots and the pain was so bad that I could barely get to the bathroom and back. I was on a double dose of Percoset round the clock and even that didn't diminish the pain. For those of you with bad osteo or rhuematoid arthritis, you can understand what I'm talking about. And for those of you who are still dealing with 'regular' joint pain...I am your worst nightmare in terms of how bad it can get.
Fast forward nearly a year since the lapband surgery, and subsequent hip replacement surgery, and just take a look at the pictures attached. I'm the gal in the middle...with no deer antlers (mine got wet and droopy), but there I am at my Water exercise class...moving and doing, and standing and in only post op pain. I look at this picture and want everyone on this forum to understand that no matter where you are in your journey, you can improve your life and get back whatever obesity took away from you. It is possible, I am living proof of that. I am one of the success stories, and anyone else on this forum can also be a success story. If you are doing well, wonderful...keep it up. If you are struggling...get the help you need and get back on track. You can do it!!
I've also attached two other pictures of me....one from Christmas last year, and the selfie I just took today. Yes...that's the same girl...just 100 lbs. less of her. I hope you read this post as many times as needed to inspire and help you to reach whatever goals you've set. I'm not perfect, and I'm not stunning...I'm just a normal, somewhat flabby middle aged woman who got her life back.
Next week, we are going to the travel agent to make plans for a family cruise...and this time, I know I'll be able to not only get off the ship, but do whatever the kids want be it sightseeing, snorkeling, swimming in the ocean...or almost anything. Thank you lapband and thank you for reading this. Happy holidays to all, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Love....Gowalking.
  

So this is my first time actually looking at "before" pics an comparing them to now. I've been banded 15 months and have lost 70lbs. Only 50 more to go When I look in the mirror I see no big difference, but the pictures really help put things into perspective. I've been at a plateau on the scale lately but have been seeing big changes in my body!! I have never had one regret!

I really needed this today. I needed a good success story. Congratulations you look terrific.

You'll be successful too. A lot of people stop posting once they reach goal or a good spot. I know I post less now. But the success stories do exist. The band does work.