MollyBrown

Wannarunfree, The previous bandsters are exactly correct, your decision to get the band should be based on your own weight loss needs, your health, what your primary care physician and weight loss surgeon says, not on a bunch of banter on this forum. I am newly banded and I am truly happy with my decision and am determined to make this thing work for me. It has not been easy, and as we all know, being overweight and fighting our physical and mental hunger has never been easy, and is likely to be with us for the rest of our lives regardless of whether you are banded or not. But the band was the right decision for me because I was headed toward a serious number of co-morbidities and my family history is really bad, to include early death. I too researched the band on this site and others. My experience on this site is not the same as yours. Sure there is some bs, but all forums have that, and frankly there is far less on this site then others I have been on. And sure there are a couple posts with less than scrupulous agenda's, but only a couple, it would be hard to ban all of these posters, so you need to be your own filter. By and large, the huge majority of the folks on this forum are here for the same reasons you are, to provide and receive advice and encouragement as it is needed. This site has helped me so much. My head knows exactly what I need to do, but communicating with a unique group of people who are all going through similar physical and mental issues that you are experiencing helps. This site helped me make my decision to get the band, provided me support near my surgery date when I was thinking of backing out, and continues to support me through the post-op healing period. Good luck to you and I really pray that your decision, regardless of what that decision is, will find you healthier and happy in the coming holiday season and new year.

I have tried Designer Whey Natural (don't like it). I added it to yogurt and it made me gag. GNC sell this stuff called Isopure Ready to Drink. It is clear, so really great if you have a Clear liquids phase post-op. It has 40g of Protein in each one. Another great on is the Muscle Milk (Milk chocolate or Chocolate Mint). These are ready to drinks as well. They are great to take on the run with you. I've yet to find a powder that I am crazy about. I bought the unjury sample pack but haven't tried it yet.

Kristin, Congrats on your jeans... Today my daughter told me my jeans looked ridiculous, that there were so big it almost looked sad. I think in Lapband speak, that is called a NSV, or non-scale victory.

Linda, My port sight has a bit of an indent, I was looking at my stomach in the mirror and thought it looked like one of those pillows with a big button sewn through the middle of it. Maybe once I get back on my bike, my new button will keep my stomach from sagging down... :nervous

Dave, You really are doing wonderfully... You darn men, once you decide to do it, it is almost like the fat melts off. My husband will eek up the scale 10-15lbs, he adjusts his diet for two weeks and then he is back to normal. I'm trying not to hate... Just kidding... Keep it up, you are an inspiration to all of us metabolically challenged women out here...

Wow, you are a strong soul... Because you were able to live through your worst fat day ever, your strength is likely to make you thrive with the band. Good luck to you... So, my worst fat day was June 25th, 2007 in Paris, France. I decided two years ago that being fat was not going to keep me and my family from seeing the world. During our second vacation to Europe I sat in a chair at a restaurant, and it did infact break and I fell on the ground. I had only been seated for a moment when I felt the legs pull apart. I tried desperately to get my legs under me before I went over, but to no avail. The chair was so tight, it was cupping my ass as I tried to fight my way out of it to get up. I cried when I got back to our hotel room. I can only imagine what everyone thought, it was probably hysterical to watch. In one fell-swoop, I only affirmed the French's opinion of us as fat stupid American's... (Sorry if this posting offends any French people, but they were a little snotty over there...)

I know how you feel. My sister in law asked why I decided to have this done during the holidays. I told her, I have had 40 plus years of eating with wild abandon during the holiday season and now it is time for me to take control. Plus, is there any good time during the year to change everything about the way you eat and live? No, you just have to do it! Unless I am hit by a bus or something really unexpected takes me out of this world, there will be many more holidays in my future where I can eat more than I did this time. But, if I continue on the road I have been on for 10+ years, eating every damn thing in sight, then maybe there won't be many more holidays in my future.... Diabetes, Heart Disease, HyperTension, High Cholesterol, Cancer... Take heart, food needs to become our friend, so during the holidays to come, we can have a taste of everything, but with moderation and appreciation, instead of gluttony and obsession.

Smiley, I am really sorry that you are feeling so low and your banding isn't giving you the results you want. I am really new at this so I am not sure I have any advice that would be credible. I pray that you are able to make the band work for you. I know the band is not the miracle, and it is easy to second guess the decision (band versus bypass). But ultimately, the decision and the action required to be successful is ours. You can do this, dig deep and find it within yourself to make this work... Now, I expect you to get on track, and be prepared to give me this very pep talk when I slide a little... Good luck....

We purchased a Weider PRO from Craigslist. It is a two station that can do a pretty wide variety of arm and leg exercises. It was only $100. We had looked at these really nice new machines that were $1500 and up. I just did't want to invest in something that expensive (and that large) given our past lack of consistency in using such machines. I joined a gym at work, but my husband and daughter want to join in on the healthy train I am on so we purchased this to give them something to use. You are right though, I got more of a workout from picking myself off the ground million times then I probably would have gotten from using the machine. I did notice that it was easier to get up and down, and that is only after 20 ish pounds. I can't wait to be in shape again... Tennis... and riding my bike without it feeling (or looking) like my ass has swallowed the seat...

Edna, I agree with Jeannie. I got the procedure code(s) from the surgeons office and called BCBS Federal directly. The person I spoke with said, that although I could not consider this an official "pre-authorization", that because I am (was) 100lbs overweight, with co-morbities, I would be approved for the surgery AND I was not subject to a six month supervised diet or a psych eval. My doctor's office still required the psych eval, but not the six moth supervised diet. There are just so many insurances, your Dr.'s office must be mistaken because Jeannie is exactly right, they cannot change their policy within the year to a more restrictive requirement without sending out some type of official notice. Fight it, be your own advocate and make it happen... After all, it is the benefits that make us stay working for the Feds, Lord knows it isn't for the pay...

I have been hyper focusing on the scale too. I was changing my ticker almost everyday, except for yesterday because I didn't log on. Anyway, I hit the 20lb mark yesterday. Then, this morning the scale said I gained 1.4lbs. I was like, what the hell! Yesterday I moved for a change. I didn't "workout" but I cleaned, vacuumed, put this workout machine together (which took almost all friggin day). Up and down off the floor, so much so my port site hurt a little. Yeah, so this lesson is, I need to only weigh myself once or twice a week so I am not so devastated. Regarding the stall that we are experiencing. Maybe its not a matter of stalling, maybe its a matter of our bodies catching up on the 15+ lbs we have lost already. Let's try to collectively agree to stick with it, keep doing the right thing, send up prayers to whoever our high powers might be, and weigh only once or twice a week.

PATCHELTON PATCHELTON & ENOYLIFE, Send me a private email (click on my name and you should see the option to send a private message). PATCHELTON, Thanks for the support. I would like to connect during one of the support meetings, when are they? I went to the St. Agnes website and did not find the schedule. ENJOYLIFE, I would be very happy to talk with you about my experience. By no means am I an authority, I am figure this thing out as I go, and I have cheated with the SunChips, but I have no problem sharing with you my experience with Dr. Singh. Look forward to hearing from you both. And, for all of those loyal bandsters on this website, thank you for keeping us newbies on track (or getting us back on track). Without you all, this would be a much harder journey... Blasted food....

Pennie, O I meant to mention this. I lost nine pounds pre-op, like a dumb-bunny I weighed myself when I got home from the hospital and I had gained almost 8 pounds back. I thought, What the Hell???? Anyway, that 8 plus more has come off, so just keep plugging away, you really are doing awesome given your 11/14/07 banding date...

Pennie, You are doing absolutely GREAT! Don't look at this as a plateau at all. Two weeks without a weight change is when you start thinking plateau. Some folks don't lose weight or much weight during this phase so you really need to pat yourself on the back. I have been working hard and am very happy with my results and you are blowing my doors off... Also, are you exercising much yet? I am not. I really, really need to get moving, this is the only area I really need help with now. Focus on the positive, keep doing the right thing, and that scale will move... Have a Happy Thanksgiving..

Bandpal, I am 13 days post op. The first week was pretty rough for me, but this was my first surgery ever so I think I might have a low tolerance to pain and anesthesia. This forum has been invaluable to me. Everyone is so caring and willing to give advice. There are folks on here who are an absolute inspiration to me, who make me know that I can do this. My advice is post your questions, even though the band can be a very individualistic experience, getting input from these folks really helps you assess where you are and the advice ranges from helping you stay on track one day, to inspiring you to set other goals such as exercise. Best of luck to you on your journey...

I am recently banded, so I am not exactly where you are with the band. But I have been where you are because of every other diet I have ever been on. During my two weeks off of work, I have done a lot of thinking. I have a very stressful job, we are over extended in time in almost every facet of our lives, and we have to provide financial support to others in our family who are not doing right by their kids. Lots of stress, I'm a stress eater, so that is why I hit 308 last November. My conclusion is this, my family (husband and daughter) have always been first and I don't see that changing a lot, but instead of me being 4th or 5th on the list, I am now solidly #2 and sometimes I MUST BE #1. If not, I won't be around, I will let this God aweful weight kill me at a young age. My mom died at 50 from heart disease, I am almost 45. I think that the band is as much about learning to use the band and adopting life long eating behaviors as it is about re-assessing your life to figure out what we really need to do to be happy and healthy. You can get back on track...

Congrats on your decision. By now, the first couple folks have had their surgery. I hope all is going well. I had a lot of pain and my stomach was very upset. The intubations tube (in and out) was done while I was out because I don't recall it. Anyway, originally I said I would have extra skin taken off and a boob lift when I lose all of the weight. Two days after surgery I told my husband he will have to be happy with a saggy bag of skin because I would never have another elective surgery. Now that I am 13 days out, feeling FRIGGIN FANTASTIC, I say, bring on the weight loss and the excess skin and boob lift will happen.... Good luck to you all, we are all here if you need us...

At first I was hoping to keep it a secret, but I work in a cube office environment and a couple of the folks that really care about me asked what was going on. I felt comfortable telling these two. Now there are two really skinny self-absorbed blondes in my office who are so into themselves, who look to turn any discussion to be all about them, they don't have a clue. My boss, my husband, my 17 year old daughter, my dad and his wife, all of my husbands family (like 15 of them), my two sisters, and my four friends know. I would be lying if I didn't consider all of these folks knowing is going to spark way to many conversations about it and a bit of pressure to make sure I am successful. But, among my support network, I guess there is no keeping secrets.... My dad, who thinks he is really funny, has called me a couple of times and said something like "hows the inner-tube working?" What an ass..... I should laugh and tell him he is an ass. Good luck...

I have never heard of this happening and their telling you before hand. At least they did tell you in advance. Not sure about pulling out now to find a new surgeon. I would be very tempted to find a new one, but what guarantee is there that this couldn't happen again? I assume you asked your surgeon if they could use a different surgical assistant. If it were me, I would try to find a new, reputable surgeon ASAP who could guarantee me this would not happen again. Good Luck!

I was just banded 11/09. I have been really successful so far, but today I did lose it a little. I ate a handful of SunChips. Each one I chewed 30 times before swallowing. It was complete mush by the time I swallowed it. I waited to see if something would happen and it didn't. I REALLY to stick with it and not cheat because I don't want to check my stomach or cause a slippage of the band that I know is healing, but not necessarily healed yet. Send up prayers that we can stay on this diet right now because I think the long term health of our band depends on it.

Oh Julie, Your post was exactly what I wanted to hear from someone. Yes, I am afraid of needles and do not look forward to the fill process, but you were able to put into words exactly what I had been thinking about. So far, I have lost quite a bit of weight given my pre-op and post-op diet, being banded on 11/09/07. I have been trying to get more calories in me to try and keep a good energy level so that I feel more like walking and building up the time/distance I can walk. Right now, I am only getting about 500-800 calories a day. I think I would rather have 1200-1500 a day and lose at a slower (healthier) rate to ensure I am getting the right nutrients and have energy to incorporate a gradual increase in physical activity so that I can get back into shape. You truly are an inspiration, your weight loss has been amazing. If you have any additional pieces of wisdom/advise you can share about your journey that we newly banded folks (or soon to be banded folks) could benefit from, please, we are all ears.....

coffee Wench, First, great name, I love it! Truth be told, I am a little afraid of the fills. The pain I was having right after surgery when I would drink somewhat scared me. I thought, maybe I will remain restricted enough so I don't have to have any fills. My swelling went down about two days ago, and I am pretty sure I will need a fill when my Dr. thinks it is time. I am starting to feel hungry... Thanks you all for responding, I was just wondering if anyone else had heard about success without fills.

To All Who Provided Support on this Thread... As a follow up to all who really supported me during this really low point, thank you very much. With this forum and your encouraging words, I did have the surgery. It was a bit rough the first 4-5 days as I have never had surgery before, but I am 11 days out and am doing VERY well. I am hungry, my stomach swelling is going down and I can feel things pass through easier than before, but since my pre-op diet, I am down almost 20 pounds. Already my joints are feeling better. I don't think I could have gone through with the surgery without all of you and I just wanted to thank you very much. I hit 268.8 today, and according to the chronology of my weight that I had to do to get my insurance to approve my surgery, I have not been in the 260's for 9 years... Thanks again...

I guess this was a dumb post because no one responded... Or does that mean no one else has heard that you can have success without having fills...

4mykidsinVale, Did you Dr. tell you Clear liquids or full liquids after surgery? My Dr. told me clear for two days post op and then full liquids for 2 weeks. The Hospital told me clear liquids for two weeks. Horribly confusing. My suggestions are, find on this forum the shopping list. I tried to find it again to give you the link but was having a problem finding it. This list has everything on it and it was extremely helpful. Find a Protein drink you can live with. I felt this was particularly difficult because there are so many and they can be expensive. I hope all goes well for you.