kintime

:thumbup:I am heading for my first fill tomorrow afternoon. I am really excited. There were moments when I wondered if I had made the best decision, but when I can put on my old pair of seiz 14 pants and large top, I am elated with joy. I am close to six weeks out. I have made significant changes to my diet. When I do have pasta or rice, I maje sure it's whole grain. I've cut out high fat foods. Portion control is still an issue, but since I'm eating healthier it hasn't had a devastating effect. I have been exercising. This site helps to motivate me. I'm hoping I can do the same for some other people. Kin

:thumbup:I am heading for my first fill tomorrow afternoon. I am really excited. There were moments when I wondered if I had made the best decision, but when I can put on my old pair of seiz 14 pants and large top, I am elated with joy. I am close to six weeks out. I have made significant changes to my diet. When I do have pasta or rice, I maje sure it's whole grain. I've cut out high fat foods. Portion control is still an issue, but since I'm eating healthier it hasn't had a devastating effect. I have been exercising. This site helps to motivate me. I'm hoping I can do the same for some other people. Kin

Hi, I'm from Brooklyn. I'm really surprised that the New York group doesn't have more NYC people. I'd love to be able to meet with a group of NYC bandsters.

I was banded on January 7th and like many of you I have been struggling. I think I've been following the rules as best as I can. I had gained three lbs and felt just defeated. I started questioning everything. But then I read a great post on here and felt reinspired. I had to tell myself, relax. It's only been three weeks since I've been banded. Most of us chose the band for a more controlled weight loss but when we get the band and we aren't loosing fast enough we complain. I've been exercising 4-5 times a week doing cardio and weight training. I've just started to track my diet on sparkpeople.com. So to all my fellow January 2008 bandsters. Hold on in there - I'll meet you at the end of the tunnel. Kin

I'm glad this has helped you. So many of us are claiming defeat when we haven't even really started. Let's start proclaiming our success. I want to hear everyone who has been banded in January shouting that out. Bandster's hell is no joke, but it'll be over soon. Kin

I've been using Free Diet Plans at SparkPeople and I really like it. Kin

I certainly have some major issues with this discussion. For one I don't think it takes into account that weight loss is slower for women than it is for men, it's also slower as you age, and if you haven't changed the habits that caused you to be obese in the first place, your results will most likely be less than someone who has. To me, African American refers to a cultural group, and like Lawanda mentioned Africans and many other black people around the world do not have an obesity issue. I think the obesity issue for African Americans is because we live in a culture that promotes excess. And when you take into account the socio-economic element of it all - African American's tend to be in the lower end. So what it boils down to if you have 5 dollars for lunch it might make more sense to get fast food or soul food then spending it on a high priced vegetarian option. And lastly, if you live in an urban environment it makes it even more difficult for to you exercise. My point is one that has been expressed thoughout this thread, I'm not being judgemental, but the band is a tool, one that needs to accompany exercise, healthy eating choices, and a strong support network. The idea that my band has failed because I'm black doesn't sit well with me at all. Kin

I was wondering how long it took you all to reach goal? I know it's more difficult with a lower bmi. Also, I know are new stomach pouch can only hold about 2oz at a time, so how much are you able to eat? Does at a time mean, overall, at meal time? Kin

Praise the Lord for all he has done! I was just banded on January 7th and I am really happy about my decision. I prayed the Lord night and day for a safe surgery and renewed health. I am also happy to see this board. I have a confession to make, one that I have never told anyone and recently admitted to myself but I have been a glutton for most of my life. The Bible ascribes a great deal of destructive power to gluttony. When we use food or drink in a way that injures our health or impairs our mind, we are guilty of the sin of gluttony. King Solomon, a man familiar with feasting and abundance, advises, "Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness!" I realized that this was having a serious effect on my relationship with God. I was searching to be closer to Him but my gluttonous eating habits were preventing me. I thank the Lord for allowing me to see my problem and for providing me with forgiveness. Thank you for letting me share this and I am really happy to be getting closer to him. Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for your response! I was a little worried about it all. I am so happy I did the surgery. I can believe now I'm only obese, and wouldn't even really qualify for the surgery (since I don't have serious comorbidities). I'm down to 214 from 232. I lost 10 lbs a few weeks before surgery, and the rest this past week.

I was banded on January 7. Aside from the gas, I am not having much pain. But I am wondering about this tightness that I feel in my stomach. It's pretty random. It almost prevents me from breathing. It's like my stomach is being squeezed. For lack of a better word, I feel tight. I am wondering if any of you experience this? I am wondering if I will even need a fill. I've already lost 9lbs from Monday. Please help! Kin

Wow, I don't know where your doctor got that information from, but I find that hard to believe. I've seen many Afri-Amer who have been successful with both the lap-band and bypass. Did he say why he believes this is true? Is his finding based on culture or economic? I really would like to know. You should check out obesityhelp.com they have a forum for african americans. You can get a better sense there. I've just been banded Monday, I'll keep you updated on my progress. But I know that I will succeed and it's not going to have anything to do with my race, but with my dedicating to losing this weight. Love PS 232 / S 221/G 147

<p>I too had surgery on Monday. At first I was fine only a little soreness at port site. I even thought to myself if this was it then this lap-band would be a breeze. I think I might have spoken a little to soon. As soon as I was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday the gas pains simply engulfed my body. My neck, back, and stomach are aching terriblly. I've tried walking, sitting up, taking gas-x, MOM, and tea. It's starting to come out but I still cannot burp yet. As far as the protein drinks, I can't get one down yet. I'm still having 2 oz of protein at a time. I feel uncomfortably full. I am a little tight. Should I be concernd? I'm seeing my surgeon tomorrow. How are you feeling?</p>

Blessings for me. I'm all set for tomorrow. Love:clap2:

:confused: I'll be starting this journey with you on the 7th. Best wishes and see you on the losers bench.

I'm on January 7th. Kintime

Hi, I am looking for anyone who has been banded by the newly fda approved inamed "balloon" band. :confused:I wanted to know what your experience has been on this long wirery road. For those looking to be banded, are there any particular bands that you're considering. Please share your thoughts with me as a lightweight. Thx. Love

Really:omg:, can your doctors charge it as part of the post-op visit? That's crazy that you have to pay for the fills out of pocket. I wonder if that applies for fills at those fill center or even with your surgeon? Does that mean all insurance policies don't cover the fills? How much does a fill cost? Thanks. Love I'm having surgery January 7th

I'm also interested in this. Someone had recently posted thet the FDA had approved a Swesidh band. I replied requesting more info but did not get anything back.

I know it's a long time away but I'm really excited that I got a date for my band. It's tentatively sceduled for January 7th. :clap2: I'm in the process of completing my six months of a medically supervised diet, which will be completed the first week of December. I've done my echocardiogram, psych eval, nutritionist consult, ultrasound, and sleep study. I am only missing my standard pre-op tests, which have to be done no more than a month before surgery. I also have to complete my endoscopy. In all, I am really excited. I feel like I'm a few steps closer than when I made up my mind in June to have this surgery. Well, at what point did you get a date from your surgeon? :cry Love