Fish

Hey guys, Are you able to drink when you have the band. I know that beer looks like it is out. If you do drink, what are you drinking? How much compaired to pre-banding. Some people say that they can drink, but not as much. Not that I am looking to drink a handle of JD, but would like to have some drinks at a party or on a Friday/Saturday night. I know that drinking is not good for weight loss....but you know....game time...BBQ's.....I like to tilt a few. Your thoughts........

I was just wondering if bad breath is an issue after banding. I was reading one of the posts and they stated that bad breath was common. If so....what do you do about this? Any input would be much appricaited. Mike (Fish)

I woke this morning and I was in a panic....thought I was banded. I have some hand-ups about getting the surgery. I am moving along with the pre-op regimen and am doing well with completing what the doc wants me to do. Here is what I have done so far...... sleep apnea test....positive Blood work....nine tubes...would help if they can find the vein...darn nurse PT....one more session Throat scope....next week Nutritionist....next week I am looking at a mid January surgery date....that is if insurance is not a hump about giving me the all clear. Concerns: *food and what I can eat. *Getting sick...I know I have asked this before (PBing) I looked at how I eat now….I just chew a few times and then swallow. *Social citations... *coffee........now that is a topic I have read a great deal about on this board *Booze....yeah...I like to drink a few on the weekends...I know empty cal's *What is down the road when you have the band....2...5...10...20 years What is my life going to be like? *Teeth....yeah...I laughed about this one.....what happens if I have tooth problems and can't chew as one should with the band? Are you up the creek....???? I know this is a commitment and I am willing to take my best shot at making the journey of my life.....for my life. I can't go on being a bucket of crap and have to make a change. I just get a little bent about the changes that will happen and if I will be able to handle them. Your thoughts........ BTW.....Anybody from NJ that would be willing to mentor me that has been banded? Be well, Mike (Fish)

Hello all, I wanted to ask what were your fears post-op? How did you deal with the post-op worries. Were the fear/worries a reality after being banned? I.E. Not being able to deal with the head hunger.....Amount of food..can I live on 1200 cal. a day? How would I feel...sick...good...PBing? Any info is good info......I am on my last stage and will be submitted for approval this week. I am just corious what your experience was like. Thanks for taking the time to read/respond. Be well, Michael (Fish)

WOW! I wish you the best of luck. You CAN do this. I only wrote that about my Dad because I was on the other end of the coin. It was a wake up call for everyone in my family. It sounds like you are on the right track. This board has many people whom can assist you. I am new to the band world and am only starting to prep for post-op as soon as I get the green light from the health ins co. I feel for you and know that others are saying the same. I say this because I care. Best regards, Michael

Hello, I don't want to sound harsh or come accross as a jerk. Listen to what happened to me just before Christmas. OK....so my Dad (60 yrs. old) is a type 2 diabetic with hight BP and colesterol. He is not a walking example of health by far. Either way I love the man to death. You say that no one is supportive of the band. (remember that as I explain further) So....I am getting ready to go to work on Friday before Christmas. I am just finishing feeding my daughter of six months. A call comes in via my cell phone.....did not answer....then it is my home phone. (mmmmmm????) I picked it up. My mother was on the other end telling me that my Dad was rushed to the hospital with chest pains. My whole world came to a stand still........I was now in a spin and had to get to the hospital ASAP. I called my work and let them know that I would not be in. I grabbed my daughter and wife. Off to the hospital I went. As I took this trip I asked myself what lead my father to this event. How is he going to fair after many years of just shelving overeating and lack of good health. At about 40 he ate his way to a type 2 diabetic and has been on a downward spiral since then. Some diets...some restriction....but has always been a volume eater. Long story short......my Dad has two Cypher stents....one 70% and one 90% artery clogged. I was a mess and witnessed my Dad having a heart attack right in front of me. Lucky to be in the hosipital when this was happening.....he would have been DEAD. Good note....my Dad was the best Christmas gift that anyone could give me this year. He was not on board with me getting banded...neither my Mom. Now they are pushing me out the door.....! I don't mean to scare you....but I do. If it will give you the push to make things happen. Then it was woth the time to share my experience. As for me....I am just about to be submitted for approval. I am set in getting a new lease on life. Your choice is the right one. As stated in this thread....many people have offered assistance. Do it...Do it.....I can't stress this enough. I hope I did not offend you in any way. I hope I did not scare you....but I am here for you if you need so. I am not banded yet....but I will be. You have the power to make anything happen. Be well.....keep your head up.....and never give up. Regards, Michael

Guys......Yes...so I am a little rattled or lets just say I was. I understand that this is a good thing and I must funnel my fear and make it positive. It is nice to hear the sucsess and how much you stand behind your choice...the band. I WILL be saying those words shortly, I just have to keep my head in the game. Thanks for the words of encouragement.....it wacked me back on track. Mike (Fish)

Hello all! I am a steak and chicken person as of now (not banded). I have a fear that I will never eat steak or chicken due to the band. I am also a big pizza person, but I know that has to change. My question to you all is....After you switch to the solid food stage, are you able to eat some what normal, or can you not tolerate certain foods. Some state that they can NEVER have meat or chicken...or both. some say fish (tuna, sushi) they can't eat. I would just eat the raw fish and no rice...or very little rice if possible. I guess I am just normal having a concern as to the diet...way of life that will happen once I am banned. I don't want to be that, "special" diet man the rest of my life. I would like to eat normal foods with limitation. Have a drink or three (lol) after dinner (a half our that is) Go to a BBQ and have some alternatives and not bring my food. You know what I mean...it is a concern of mine, but I am sure you have more experience than me....I am not banned yet. Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks, Mike (Fish)

Hello all! I just found some info about the new JNJ band. Here you go....... www.ethiconendo.com

Hello all!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I have a few fears and concerns that you can help me with. I am almost positive about getting the band and have attended a consultation last week. If you can answer some of my questions and concerns it would be great. I just don't know of anyone whom was banded and would like to hear the answers first hand from someone who has the band.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> What is your social life like and how did it change with your band?<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Are you able to drink...I have an Irish wife. I know beer is out...but wine..some mixed drinks. I think you can have when banded. I know...empty calories. But you have to live also...right.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> PB's and feeling sick.....what is the deal. I hate getting sick and do have a fear of getting sick. (phobia)<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Would I ever be able to enjoy myself without the fear of having a band? I don't want to overeat, but would like to go to a BBQ and have some choices. (clams, corn, Burger, Tomato salad) I know the mentioned things might not be feasable, but are they?<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Many people describe the band either as the best experience they have had, or the worst. I know that if you don't follow the rules you get sick.....cut and dry.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> My main concern is the....will life be some what normal. Eat less...think smart about what I eat. Get rid of the hunger that makes me overeat.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Can you help me answer some of these concerns please?<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Thanks,<o:p></o:p> Mike (Fish)<o:p></o:p>

Gayle,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Thanks for the response. I am currently 300lbs and 5' 10". The doc says he would like to see me drop 100lbs. I have a few health problems as a result of being overweight. Fatty Liver, high BP, Cholesterol is also high, and I am only 37. Not good at all. I know that my lifestyle now is not the right way to live. I am a volume eater...no doubt. I can eat a 16 oz. steak in a snap. That has to change if I want to see my daughter get married. My wife and I just had a baby girl whom is only three months old. Don't get me wrong....I like my food, and probably will always. It is the amount and how I eat. The band will be a tool to help me. I need a good swift kick in the rear. As for my social life, I like to go out with friends and enjoy a good bottle of wine. Eat some dinner and relax. I know I do not have to eat like a football team in order to do that. I can also handle not drinking during a meal. (so I think) I guess it is something I would have to get used to.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I want my health to turn around and to have a new lease on life. Life now is surrounded around food. What am I going to eat. Diet...eat...diet..eat.....up a pant size....eat....diet..eat You get the point. It is time for a change.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Thanks for your response. I wish you all the best with your loss and your new lease on life. It is great to hear all of the people who make the choice for LIFE. It also is a tremendous step not having the meds....that is GREAT! <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Regards,<o:p></o:p> Mike (fish)<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>

Hello all, I have my first appointment today and it just hit me that I am finally going to take my first step. What should I ask my doctor? I know many of you have already asked some qeustions before you had your band. I just wanted to learn from you and see what you thing I should ask upon my first visit. Any help would be a big help. Nervous to say the least....but determined to go tonight 6pm. EST Thanks, Fish

Hello all, After a post that I previously had stating my various issues with my weight, I have decided to make an appointment with the doctor. It had to be one of the hardest calls to make. I was both nervous and happy at the same time. Numerous times I said....naaa...I can diet and walk my a$$ off. I can lose the weight (and put it back on). Yup....almost tricked myself into the ole diet thing as always. I want to note that people that responded back to me gave me the extra push I needed in order to see the doc. I am not doing this for anyone but myself and my family I must note. I want to live a completely different life. I am frightened and nervous as heck. I guess it is the unknown that kills me. I am a person who likes to know what is the outcome and what will I experience. With the band you do not know how you will react until you do it. Thanks everyone for the support and listening to my so called confession.....forgive me father for I have ate speech. Never the less....it is off to the doc on Tuesday. We will see..... Mike (AKA Fish)

All, Good day! I have been reading this forum for the past several days. I am 37 years old (Male), 5'10"tall, BMI 41, a cholesterol level that is a bowling score 288, and I have had it. I have been gaining weight since my junior year of high school. (approx 20years) Since I hit 30 my weight was 210lbs and gaining. Now at 37 years old and I am pushing 300lbs and I am concerned that I am going to end up in the hospital with one thing or another (heart attack, stroke, diabetes, or even worse..death) My wife has said to me....either way you will visit a hospital one day. We just had a baby girl and my outlook on life has changed. I am trying to lose weight via Weight Watchers for the 50th time....seems like a vicious cycle that is always hanging over my head. I will cut to the chase....I want to live and change my life. I am not going to sit and watch myself die of an obsession that I have with food. I am an impulse eater who eats like a idiot when I am stressed. My doc says I should consider the LapBand. Huh I said to myself.....me....LapBand????? It scared the stuffing out of me. Cumming from a person who has a phobia about throwing up....uuuuhhhhh! No way....not me....can't do it. This is a major concern of mine. It quite frankly scares the crap out of me. This type of practice has to stop. I want to feel better and know that I do not have to buy 3X cloths for the rest of my life. I want to be a father for my little girl and grow old with my wonderful wife. I am sick of the diet yo-yo that I have dealt with for over 15+ years. Being overweight has also had an impact on many other aspects of my life. I am not the person I used to be. My wife is right....you will end up in the hospital one way or another. Well put...she is right. She mentioned to me that you should do it on your terms and not on a emergency...avoid this while you have a chance. I am just on the fence...scared....concerned....and confused. I have health insurance that will fully cover the procedure. aaahhhhhhh any suggestions or thoughts would be great. You know the position I am in now....what did you do at this point? Confused, Mike (Fish) Location Noth West NJ

WinterWish....that is great news. How do you feel? How is things working out with food? What is your experience with PBing and is it as bad as people say when you eat something that does not agree with you? I am a strong guy, but when it comes to getting sick I am a little baby. Guess this is something that I will have to overcome if I decide to get banded. My life is for the next bite and what is the plan for the next meal. Yeah, I am not proud of it....in fact I am mad that I have reached this point. My hunger is triggered by nerves. I also have this hunger to eat like no tomorrow. No matter what diet I try I am a grumpy man. (can't eat....hunger....pissed off as a result) I don't have self control and food is a drug to me. But anyway...how are you doing? What is the experinence like and how can I get over the fear? Thanks for the response and God Bless. Be well, Fish (Mike)

Wendell Great response.....right to the point and you don't beat around the bush. It sounds like you have had great success with your LB experience. I appreciate the feedback and taking the time to write. At this stage of the game what would you suggest my next steps should be?

Rain Thanks....you hit the nail on the head. " Nothing even holds a candle to the possibility of not seeing their weddings, children, college graduations etc. Being a part of their lives is more important than anything." and that is so true. I would give up the foods I can't or have found I should not eat in order to see those mile stones in my daughter’s life. We also will have a second in about three or less years. I want to be a different person and have a totally new outlook on life. You say you are from North West NJ. I guess I am used to saying I live in North West NJ...was living in Long Valley for many years. I live in Bridgewater NJ now, and would love to know who preformed your procedure. I want to go talk to them. If you can post the doctors information it would be a big help. Thanks a million and I appreciate the valuable information. Fish (Mike)

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I really am doing some heavy thinking. I wonder what it is to be a 100lbs. lighter than I am now. I just want to be healthy and I have this food obsession. Let’s just say it is a need to eat out of nervousness or just something to do. I don’t know what snapped when, but I do know that my life is all about food. It would be a good thing if I was not the weight I was now and my body metabolized everything I ate. Then I would be just fine. But it is not that way and I have been struggling for a long time. Here are some of my fears as listed below: *No more soda…funny as it may seem, but I love diet coke *No more Beer….dam that would be an upset *No more bread…so I hear that white bread is like eating a football (not good) *Tossing my cookies due to blockage PBing as it is called I have a fear of throwing up…or any variation of that (phobia of mine) *The unknown and change…I am not one whom takes well to sudden change, but can deal with it when prompted. What if the band does not work and I am sick as a result? I don’t know….well…I guess I do know. What I am doing now is not the solution. I am obsessed with food and I have failed at every attempt of keeping weight off. If I keep on going the way I am I will have serious problems. I also feel that the way I treat others has a lot to do with my self esteem. It is shot and I feel like whoopla. I am less depressed when I sit and wallow in my comfort food only to temporarily make me happy. It is a vicious circle because the food only makes me feel like more of a lump of crap when I stand on the scale and see the numbers turn like a slot machine. I surround my life around food. I do admit…but I want it to change. I want other things to make me happy as I am only 37 years old and have a long life to live. I guess discussing my fears on this board is making me think even more. Reading the success and what you have done to improve your lives just makes me think. Can I be another success sory…can I…can I???? I have babbled enough for now. Thanks for the suggestions and comments. It helps……