CCBSTX

Tabbi, just wanted to say that you've done an incredible job. You know that already!!! Your life must be so incredible now...Shawn

Best wishes Anthony! Shawn

Hello fellow Texan and Lapbander. Welcome! Keep coming around, reading and sharing. Shawn

Good luck with your appt! I know what you mean...Shawn

P'Nut I am currently NOT having any problem with costipation (thank you Lord). I do believe I must have given BIRTH a few times on the toilet (holy s....t)! I eat my fiber (cereal, Benefiber, anything...). Thanks for the suggestions. Shawn

Addiction/hobby=FOOD No other known addictions or habits. However, I do have a feeling that if I did start something that could be addictive, then I would NEVER quit...Lack of Willpower. Shawn

Thanks for the Biotin information/link. I started Biotin about 6 weeks ago, due to excessive hair shedding. Since then, I've increased my protein and have been taking my Biotin faithfully. I have to take it seperately from my multi-vitamin. It's a tiny pill. I didn't know about it being helpful for weight loss. Shawn

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll get a blood test soon. I log all my food and have been getting about 50-60 grams of Protein per day. I really try to aim for 60. Also, I have to watch my fiber as I tend to get "stopped up." I had Vitamins with Iron, but switched because of the constipation problem that I had... Shawn

I've been banded for almost 6 months. So far so good, my weight loss has been steady. I log my food daily, on Fitday.com, and that has been helpful in keeping my nutritional needs and calories in check (protein, fiber, etc). However, my energy level isn't great at all. I feel the same, energy-wise, as I did 60 pounds ago. Yuk. My surgeon said, if I like, he can be me B12 shots. He wasn't sure how well they work for his gastric bypass patients. He said "some can't notice the difference and others swear by them." I said I'd give it some thought. I am wondering if B12 vitamins give the same effect, after a month of use? Anybody else like me? Losing weight and no energy. Shawn

There was some changes that Medicare was talking about regarding future coverage. I went to their website and addressed my opinions, per my surgeons suggestions. If I remember correctly, Medicare wanted to exclude those who were over 65, due to risk. Not sure what the status is regarding this matter. Glad that you are able to have it done!!! Shawn

I would say most who tolerate wine, before banding, do fine after banding. Being it is a liquid it should go down just fine. However, weight loss is all about calories in and calories out. 800 calories is alot of empty calories. I am not saying to stay totally away. Maybe having (1) glass and switching to something else to drink (hopefully non-caloric). Just my opinion. You should have no problems. Shawn

What a wonderful "new" ticker you have!!! Yea for Nykee!!!! Shawn

Wonderful loss and Wonderful pictures! Thank you, Shawn

Sunta, so sorry about your rought spot. It WILL get better, with each day. If it doesn't, call your surgeon. I gurgled the first few days also...due to swelling. Keep drinking, even if it is little sips. Tylenol w/codeine makes me nauseous also. When I had it with my wisdome teeth, I vomited. Don't like codeine.. You sound quite normal to me. However, it never hurts to call the surgeon with questions. Gas=Now there is pain! You are doing everything right. Some folks also like a heating pad, in the area of the pain. Also, walking as much as you can to help expel. Hugs to you Sunta. Shawn

Yippee, you did it!!! Shawn

Well said Vines. Laura, 5-10 pounds per month is considered decent loss. That puts you on the mark. My opinion (I've been there)....too tight=junk + soft/high calorie foods Shawn

YOU'RE WORTH EVERY PENNY! Congrats...Shawn

Today (most likely) Breakfast: Atkins protein bar Lunch: 1/3 baked fish, some veggies, some rice Dinner: 1/2 cup lasagna (or so), some veggies Snack: Fat free jello pudding Surgeons says: "Don't count calories, protein first." (I do anyway (estimage calories), as I feel it gives me a better gauge if I am getting the proper nutrition) You'll find that you be able to eat different quantities at different times of the day, different stages, and different fill quantities. Also, in my opinion, if the only thing that goes down well, is the liquids and junk, then evaluate your fill level and/or chewing/speed. Sometimes a slight unfill allows you to eat the proper foods without the chest pain. I know it did for me, as I was doing the same thing. Funny, how the junk slides on by...Shawn

Wow, cysts as large as grapefruits! Good luck with the removal. Shawn

Good luck! I know I didn't get a fill at banding. It wasn't until 8 weeks, or so, after!!!! Keep reaching out for support. Sometimes the first month or so can be stressful and hunger-filled. Once you are into mushies, you might feel a little better. I know I did!!! Shawn

Sorry, I don't have any tapes to recommend. How about a treadmill? Shawn

Good work! Mvpo sounds correct to me. My surgeon said aerobic exercise burns fat and doesn't start the fat-burning until after 30 minutes. Shawn

My surgeons said "no diets or calorie counting." "It didn't work before and won't work now." At least that is his philosphy. Sounds like something you could work with??? Eat your (3) meals a day, until full (protein first). Drink your Water and exercise. This is my surgeons philosphy...quite simple eh? Shawn

I am glad you are laughing it off, but it was hurtful! Remember, these are surgeons. Surgeons that know how to physically operate on the body. They are not nutritionist, counselors, dieticians, shrinks, or anything else. Most have never been morbidly obese. I take what they say, in account, but I draw my own conclusions. I am a professional dieter and know many things about my body, calories/fats/proteins/etc., exercise, eating behaviors, and emotionality. I am a expert on myself. It makes me angry, when they "think" they are telling you something that you have never heard (duh). It's one thing to tell but another to be rude and sarcastic. Empathy goes along way with people. BTW: You are doing great and have lost weight in the first several weeks of surgery. Keep up the good work. Shawn

I understand what you mean, especially if you have a tight restriction. When I had my second fill, and was tight, I felt the finality of "when will things be normal again." However, I got an unfill and feel much better. I am able to eat most foods in limitation (key point) and get my nutrition in...Shawn