Longhorn

If I'm losing without feeling hungry or deprived, I won't have a fill. I think that's what is great about the band because if that should change, the fill is still an option. Good luck!

My doctor said 70 grams of Protein per day. When I was on Medifast Protein shakes four years ago, the minimum was 55. There is actually a formula based on your size and level of activity that I've been able to find online but the results were roughly in the 55 to 70 gram range for me. I suspect some doctors set the goal higher than others with the idea that if we come up short, we'll still have enough.

Free Diet Plans at SparkPeople Easy to use and lots of other features, if you're interested. And it's free, too.

I was also banded on November 1 and I go in on December 14, six weeks and one day after surgery. Six weeks is normal for my doctor. I may not get a fill, though. That decision is made during the appointment based on my weight loss, my level of hunger, and my diet.

My port incision was sore for about ten days. My incision was infected and once I started on antibiotics, the soreness stopped. I'm 25 days post-op and have no soreness anywhere and I haven't for a couple of weeks. The only symptom I had of the infection was that the edges were red and there was a lighter red band spreading out from the edges. My doctor saw me eight days post-op and said I might have an infection and to look for either the darker red or lighter red spreading further. Sure enough, a couple of days later, I noticed the lighter red had spread so my doctor called in antibiotics for me and that was the end of it. I never had fever or swelling. So watch for infection but otherwise, your should be feeling less pain as each day goes by. If not, I'd call my doctor!

I won't be doing solids for five months after surgery! My schedule is two weeks clear liquids (but Protein drinks made with skim milk were okay,) four weeks full liquids/pureed foods, then soft foods until five months post-op. I'm still in the full liquids/pureed foods stage, which isn't too bad, really, but I haven't had any hunger yet. I have about 2-1/2 weeks left before I can start soft foods. My doctor said most of my weight loss will occur in these first five months. I chose my doctor because I agree with his conservative approach (he's pretty slow about fills, too!) I should have plenty of time to relearn how to eat and minimize my chances of negative side effects. I'm sure his approach isn't for everyone, though. I'm a pretty boring eater and rarely cook so I can stick with the same foods every day. :hungry:

I don't have "issues," either; at least, none that are related to gaining weight. Sure, I could exercise more and so could my skinny husband! Sure, there are times I ate more than I should and so does my skinny husband. But I have a genetic predisposition to gain weight, as does everyone in my family, and he does not, nor do most people in his family. Here's what Khaliah Ali and her bariatric surgeon have to say about it in her book, "Fighting Weight:" So what do thin people have over those who are extremely overweight, if not self-control? Luck. Or, more specifically, genetic luck. The genes that put their ancestors at grave health risk thousands of years ago, by making it difficult to hold on to fat stores in times of food scarcity, are the very genes that are keeping them thin and largely free of health risks today in the face of food overabundance. Thin and even mildly overweight people often scoff at that notion, as I know all too well. They say that while a person's genes could perhaps cause a weight gain of twenty, thirty, or even fifty pounds, there's no way someone's genetics could cause her to gain a hundred or more excess pounds. The fault for such obesity, they say, falls on the eater's lack of resolve, not her own particular metabolic circumstances. Not true, and you need only to look at the growing ranks of the obese over the last seventy years to douse such thinking. As Dr. Fielding likes to tell it, if you had said to your thin, tough grandparents in 1935 that they would be able to sit in their car, make the window go down with a flick of a finger rather than with a hand crank, and have a nice teenager hand all their grandchildren five thousand calories through the window with none of them making a single move, they'd have told you to stop dreaming. That is, seventy years ago, constant availability of very high-calorie food with no need to expend any calories in order to procure that food was inconceivable, and there were extremely few obese people. What has changed in the last several decades is not people's level of willpower but our food supply, which has literally become toxic. It's now nothing, as I know intimately, to buy an 1,100-calorie pecan bun from Cinnabon's, an 850-calorie Taco Bell taco salad, a 600-calorie king-size fries, a 400-calorie slice of pizza topped with pepperoni, or a 1,200-calorie pint of super-rich ice cream. And there are no more scheduled mealtimes around the table to cue you about when eating starts and when it's over. It's all grazing, all the time. Furthermore, it is more common now to overeat for emotional reasons. It's at the intersection of these changes that the genetic differences come in. Some people can eat whatever they want whenever they want with no consequences on the scale, or at least not severe consequences. Their metabolic wiring allows them to burn calories faster. Or they may have hormones that are set in such a way that they simply do not get as hungry as other people or as turned on by the sight of food. Others, like me, are not so fortunate. And the not-so-fortunate number keeps growing, because as the food supply keeps getting more and more abundant and concentrated in calories (not to mention more available at every turn), more and more people's genes and metabolisms are losing the ability to withstand the caloric onslaught. Their internal signals are overridden. In 1980, 15 percent of Americans were obese; now it's more than 30 percent. What has changed is the food, along with the drop in the number of calories people burn in daily activities -- not their characters, genes, willpower, or anything else. I believe that if I had learned to eat better food and exercised more when I first started gaining weight instead of going on a diet, I wouldn't have gained as much as I have. I do not stuff my emotions with food. I don't eat fast food. I don't finish off containers of ice cream. Four years ago, I lost 70 pounds in about nine months on Medifast. I fought regaining that weight with everything I could. I went back on Medifast. I joined Weight Watchers Online. I exercised 90 minutes a day. I tried South Beach. I rode my bike 34 miles round trip to work for months. I tracked every bit of food I put into my mouth and limited my calories to 1600 per day, presumably 600 calories below my resting metabolic rate. Yet I gained back all but about five pounds. I even had some doubts about whether my band would work but I now believe that my metabolism is so messed up that the only way I will lose is with a much lower caloric intake than I thought, a level I don't believe I could maintain on my own without the band. And more importantly, I believe the band will help keep me from regaining what I lose. We've been blamed by everyone else and now we've bought into it and blamed ourselves. Why? Because we know we're not perfect and we could have done things better to avoid this. But that's true for most people, whether they're overweight or not. Yes, some people have issues that led to their obesity and they may not be able to lose weight and keep it off if they don't get help. And some of us are overweight for the same reason that we're bald or nearsighted or have big noses. There's another great book out there: "Rethinking Thin: The New Science of Weight Loss--and the Myths and Realities of Dieting" by New York Times reporter Gina Kolata. There's also a PBS special report: "Fat: What No One is Telling You." Both do a good job of examining the issues of obesity and dispelling some of the myths. The PBS special can be viewed online at: FAT: What No One Is Telling You . PBS You know, when AIDS was first discovered, years of precious research time were lost while people spent more time blaming the victims than finding out the cause. We still have doctors who tell us that weight control is a matter of self-control and all we have to do is "eat less and exercise more" rather than find out what is really causing the obesity epidemic in our country. I think it's time we quit blaming the victims and look at what's really going on! Now ask me what I really think!

Have you tried Propel? It doesn't have artificial sweeteners but only has 20 calories in a 16-oz. bottle. It also has vitamins and some kinds have added calcium. It comes in several flavors, too.

There's a long thread on the food board where people periodically list what they ate that day.

For me, the left side was worse. I found that sleeping with a pillow tucked under my belly really helped. I sleep with a body pillow -- one end is tucked between my knees and the other end under my belly with my arms around it. I've always slept this way but it especially helped in the first few weeks after surgery. The pain shouldn't last much longer. Take care!

I do not have a goal to lose weight during this period of healing and getting adjustments. Like anyone, I will be thrilled if I lose and I believe I have due to how my clothes are fitting (I'm not weighing myself at home.) But my goal during this time is to get used to the eating rules and to begin an exercise program. I'm going to be doing this the rest of my life -- it isn't temporary like most diets -- so there's no reason to be impatient, which leads to frustration. My appetite hasn't returned yet but my doctor told me there was no reason to be hungry and he imposed no limits on the quantity of food -- just when, what, and how.

I'd say we're all having an adventure but yours is certainly more interesting than mine! I'm glad things are working out so well for you. Thanks for the update! It's amazing how much easier it is to break old habits when our bodies are cooperating. It's only when I smell food that I've found myself tempted to eat something but since I'm still not hungry, I can easily resist. If it is time for me to eat, I'm satisfied with my own meal, whatever it is. I eat until it feels like enough and when I'm done, I'm not interested in more. It really feels like magic! I assume I'm going to wake up one of these days and find my hunger has returned but I'm glad to have this time to get a preview of what I hope things will be like in the future.

I like the unjury chicken-flavored and unflavored powders which have 20 grams of Protein per scoop. I also like the Low-Carb SlimFast shakes. They have 20 grams of protein per can. Some protein powders really upset my stomach even though I'm not usually lactose-intolerant. However, neither of the above-mentioned protein sources bother me.

Some doctors require their patients to empty their bowels the day before surgery by drinking one of various preparations. Fortunately, my doctor didn't require it. I had to work until 7 the night before and I sure wouldn't have wanted to start the prep while at work!

I haven't checked but do y'all know about the November 07 Bandsters board further down on the list of boards? You'll find lots of folks who were banded close to the same time you were who are going through the same experiences. Come join us!

Many people on this board have been banded in Mexico. I believe they generally line up local after-care in advance.

Here's the story: El Paso Times - Americans elect to have surgery at Juárez hospital It's not just for bariatric surgery but that will be the biggest kind of surgery they do, according to the article. Medical tourism' thrives <!--title-->Americans elect to have surgery at Juárez hospital <!--subtitle--><!--byline-->By Louie Gilot / El Paso Times <!--date-->Article Launched: 11/23/2007 12:00:00 AM MST <script language="JavaScript"> var requestedWidth = 0; </script> <script language="JavaScript"> if(requestedWidth < 300){ requestedWidth = 300; } </script>Renee Brewster, right, accompanied daughter Sloane Brewster on a walk around the Hospital Angeles in Juárez. They traveled from Alabama so Sloane could have bariatric surgery. The walking is part of the rehabilitation. (Victor Calzada / El Paso Times) <script language="JavaScript"> if(requestedWidth > 0){ document.getElementById('articleViewerGroup').style.width = requestedWidth + "px"; document.getElementById('articleViewerGroup').style.margin = "0px 0px 10px 10px"; } </script> JUAREZ -- As medical costs skyrocket in the United States, one new private hospital in Juárez is stepping in. Hospital Angeles looks more like a luxury hotel than a hospital, with a spacious lobby, marble countertops and custom art on the walls. "That's the concept. It can't look like a hospital. It can't smell like a hospital, so it doesn't turn off people," said Carlos Martinez Loranca, general director. It's also clearly designed to appeal to American patients: Signs are in English and Spanish, employees speak English, and doctors offer services popular in the United States, such as bariatric surgery for obesity. Martinez said half the hospital's patients will be Americans, so-called medical tourists seeking affordable health care. Rosalva Castrol cares for patient Ramon Dominguez, 5, at Hospital Angeles, which opened with little fanfare two weeks ago.

Mine is, too! It's almost like I have two belly buttons!

I was banded on the first and go in again on December 14 (I had a one-week post-op on the 9th.) I won't know until I consult with my doctor whether I'll be getting a fill. He said we will discuss what I've been eating, how I've been feeling, my hunger level, and my weight loss and then decide if I need an adjustment. Sounds good to me!

I know I've been a broken record on the scale thing but the fact is that if I've had a day without loss or with a gain, I have no idea because I don't weigh myself. I'll find out the net loss, if any, when I go to the doctor on December 14. However, I know that I am smaller because of how my clothes fit. So just because I don't weigh myself doesn't mean I don't get any reward for my efforts! Which would you rather see? Example one: Monday, starting weight for the week. Tuesday, up one Wednesday, down two Thursday, up one Friday, down two Saturday, up one Sunday, no loss Monday, down two. Example two: Monday, starting weight for the week. Following Monday, down three. They both represent the same loss for the week! For me, I'd rather experience Example two and, in fact, I'll only be weighing once a month! I want to experience the joy of stepping on the scale and finding out I've lost in the double digits!:whoo:(And if I haven't lost in the double digits, then weighing weekly was probably worse!)

I was a SAHM while my kids were growing up. The four of them are now 23 to 28. I've been married 31 years. My husband is a remodeling contractor and I teach math at community college. We have five dogs who keep us busy and entertained. I grew up in Michigan and Indiana until I was 16. My family moved to the Houston area and then I moved to Austin to go to the University of Texas and I've lived in the area ever since -- 34 years. I'd love to move to Colorado but can't get my husband to budge, especially since it would be difficult to move his business. Our oldest daughter lives in Denver, though, so we do get to visit pretty often. Our son just re-enlisted in the Marines and is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. Since he just got back from three years in Japan, we're thrilled to have him so close for awhile. Our twin daughters both got married last spring and live in Austin. In fact, both of them work for my husband. I am interested in politics (I'm a liberal Democrat:eek:) and classic movies and radio programs, which I listen to when I'm going to sleep and while commuting (on Sirius satellite radio.) I also get hooked on message boards! I'm looking forward to getting to "know" y'all! Thanks, lindata!

When you click on "New Thread," you enter your comments as usual but at the bottom, one of the options is, "Post a Poll." Just check that and when you click submit, it takes you to a window where you enter the options for your poll and then submit it.

Hi, Bandit: I went to Klein High School in Spring (back when there was only one 3A school instead of five 4A or 5A schools!) I have the opposite problem with bracelets, especially ankle bracelets, which are never big enough. I have to wear large rings, too, and my ring size is definitely affected by my weight. I can't believe it but my wedding ring is already feeling loose just three weeks after surgery but I think this cold weather we're having is helping, too. My daughters have frames like yours. My twins are 5'9" with small, model-like frames (and figures, thank goodness!) My oldest daughter is 5'7" and a little curvier but not the least bit overweight on her small frame. My son is 6'3" and wears size 13 shoes. He's thin but has the large shoulders and as a Marine, works out every day so that he has some impressive muscles. I hope none of them have inherited the fat gene that runs on my side of the family. So far, they seem to favor their dad in that department. I had a great Thanksgiving. I can't believe how I could have a taste or two of most everything and feel perfectly content with that. I didn't even mind that everything had to be pureed or mushie. I thought I'd be in Bandster Hell by now but so far, I have very little appetite but I enjoy food when I need to eat. I hope it lasts as long as possible! Congratulations on an exciting game! Not the result I was hoping for, of course, but this just hasn't been our year. I'll have to live off the memories of 2005 a little longer, I guess. Take care!

I've said this before but it fits here: there is an over-representation of complications discussed on this board. It's not anyone's fault -- it's just the nature of a board like this. People who have never heard of a message board don't scour the internet to look for one because they had a normal day with the band but people do do that if something comes up that they don't understand. You can also tell by some of the questions that not everyone gets a good education about the band, so they come here to ask about things that many of us know are normal because of what we were told by our clinics. I discussed this with the psychologist with whom I consulted before my surgery. She suggested that I quit reading the board but I've learned so much valuable information and I enjoy sharing with others who are going through the same experience. I've learned to ignore those posts that are negative in nature or perhaps reactionary. I don't want to be ignorant of problems but I don't have to read about them every day to be aware. Your questions about food are perfectly appropriate! However, when there are so many people who were on soft foods while I was still on Clear Liquids and we were banded at the same time, I figure these stages must not be engraved in stone. I'm following my doctor's schedule, of course, and it may be overly-conservative but I don't mind because I don't want my food revisiting me. I think I'm going to need this extra time to correct my bad eating habits like wolfing down my food in big bites. You said you chewed your food to mush. Well, mush is mush, whether you did it yourself or a machine did it. I'm sure the main reason we can't go straight to soft foods is because not everyone will be successful in chewing the food well enough at first. This doesn't sound like you! So I'm sure you're fine. :clap2:

I'm a community college math teacher. That means my students are anywhere from 18 to 60. You wouldn't believe how many times I state something over and over again in my classes and there are still students who completely miss it. I don't mean they don't understand the concept -- I mean they never heard or completely forgot information such as getting up to five bonus points on the test if they complete the review -- and I make this announcement in each of the four classes before each test! I also give them a handout with this information. My point is that doctors may very well explain these things to their patients but that doesn't mean their patients are listening. Sometimes it's just too much information to take in at once. Sometimes they aren't listening or they only hear what they want to hear. And sometimes they just don't understand. Yet they want to be thin so badly that they jump into the surgery and figure they'll worry about the rest later. Anyway, I've been on enough message boards to know that the problems with newbies versus long-timers aren't unique to this board. Try going to a cruise board and ask what people think about wearing jeans to dinner! Talk about a flame fest! And you can have the best FAQs ever and there will still be people who don't read them or who think their question is different. I understand that the issue isn't just asking the same questions over and over but arguing with advice they don't like and it is certainly frustrating. But just as I get frustrated as a teacher, there are enough moments of feeling like I made a difference that it is all worthwhile. Those of you who take the time to try to make a difference on this board, even when you want to scream, are worth your former weights in gold! :clap2: