QuasiTova

Congrats :hurray: How do you KNOW you have good restriction? I have had two fills, and with this last one, I have been getting stuck and sliming a lot, but I still feel hungry. But, when I eat, I can only tolerate a few bites before I get stuck and/or slime. I am still working on taking smaller bites and eating slower... I think this is why I am getting stuck and sliming :thumbup: I am still not sure how I am supposed to feel... or how I will know when I am at that "sweet spot".

At my last fill appointment, one of the women there asked our doctor about a good exercise program. He told us that if he could design the PERFECT workout for LapBand patients it would be Curves. Then he proceeded to tell us about the program and why it was such a good program for LapBand patients (at least for the first year). 1. In only 30-minutes you’ll workout every major muscle group on hydraulic resistance machines and bodyweight exercises while getting your heart rate into your target zone for maximum cardiovascular benefits. They have about 10 different units. Leg extensions/leg curls, squats, leg press, glut press, biceps curls/triceps extensions, lat pull downs/overhead press, chest press/seated row, a dip/shrug machine, and a seated abdominal machine. (Everyone has 30 minutes to spare for exercising, if they are serious about losing weight). 2. CurvesSmart ID Tag is a new technology that allows members to customized their workouts based on their body structure and endurance. Following the workout, the system produces a progress report on a computer, which allows the member to see, instantly and in quantifiable terms, her strengths and weaknesses, including how many calories were burned off during the session. 3. A small monitor attached to the equipment indicates whether her heart rate is in the target range; whether the member is achieving her target intensity level; the range of motion for each repetition; and the number of repetitions. If the woman is exercising correctly, all indicators on the monitor will be green. 4. You will lose inches and tone up faster without intimidation since all of the women there are seeking positive physical change in a supportive environment. You will not find trainers or people working out there who are power lifters, or in such great physical condition that they make you feel insecure or inadequate. 5. The nature of the hydraulic machines used in the Curves program forces the user to perform concentric (muscle shortening) contractions of the opposing muscle groups. No eccentric (muscle lengthening) muscle action occurs when using these machines so very little muscle soreness is developed. The problem with the lack of the eccentric muscle actions is that it does not put a lot of stress on the muscle and a muscle not stressed is a muscle that will not change. Because of this, Curves is a great program for an absolute beginner but it is a vehicle that can only bring you so far! After getting my fill, I went straight to the nearest Curves and joined... and so far, I am loving it! And, they have a special deal (only $10 month) if you have a teenage daughter you would like to workout with. I have found that my teenager is my biggest support system... and we actually have fun working out together. Not only does she encourage me to go, but I am also teaching her to have good exercise habits :smile: I also found out AFTER joining that if you miss too many days, they will call you and encourage you to come in. Not in a pressuring kind of way, but more in a supporting kind of way :thumbup:

A little off topic, but even our EYES get fat. Two weeks after I had the band, I took my daughter in for her annual eye exam. I casually mentioned needing to schedule myself an appointment, and asked if I should wait a few months or so because I had just had the LapBand a few weeks prior. He confirmed what I had heard through the grapevine that sometimes our sight will change after losing/or gaining weight. He said that fat accumulates behind our eyeballs, causing vision changes. So, I am going to wait a few more months before scheduling a new appointment. It makes sense to me, as I never needed glasses as a child or teen... but suddenly needed them when I got pregnant with my first child.

This is not entirely true. Yes, you obviously have to lose fat, but there are times when the scale can go up, and you are still decreasing in size. Another reason I L-O-V-E my doctor: On my first visit to him, he told me a story about a patient of his who had come in for her 6 month checkup in TEARS because she had only lost 8lbs in two months (according to the scale). He said it was VERY obvious she had lost A LOT of weight, so he asked her what size clothing she was in. When she replied, he asked her what size she was wearing at her last visit two months prior. The woman had lost SIX clothes sizes, but was still hung up on the ONLY 8 lbs that the scale told her she had lost. He explained to her that she had been eating/drinking more Protein, and exercising, and was BUILDING MUSCLE, yet still losing FAT. Muscle weighs much more than fat!!! He decided that day to encourage his patients NOT to weigh themselves, except when they come in for check-ups/adjustments. And, before he weighs you, he will ask questions about how you are feeling, are you more energetic, clothing sizes, and other accomplishments, so that if you are disappointed by the number on the scale, he can reinforce the good feelings you had prior to jumping on the scale. So far, I have not weighed myself... and only rely on how my clothes are fitting. I have purchased a pair of pants two sizes smaller, and try them on a few times a week. When they fit, I buy another pair 2 sizes smalled that that pair. So far, I have lost FOUR pants sizes :biggrin:

Personally, I do not like the "milky" type Protein shakes... I have always been more of a gatorade type girl. I tried a lot of Protein drinks before I had my surgery so I would know what I liked and didn't like. You can buy samples of protein drinks at Vitalady.com. I think she has a few hundred different types. I paid $1.50 for each sample (which was one serving... 34.5g of protein). The "Nectar" lemonade flavor is really good :rolleyes2: She also sells this really cool battery operated mixing/drinking cup. I bought one... just to try... then went back and bought FOUR more! I absolutely L-O-V-E "CytoSport" Protein drinks (the tangerine tastes just like Sunny-D). This brand also has the highest amount of potassium that I have found. 40g of protein per bottle, zero carbs, 160 calories (I think). You can buy them at the VitaminShoppe, GNC, etc. The "ProteinSLAMs" are also pretty good. I like the peach flavored one. Sometimes they seem a bit too syrupy though and I have to dilute them. I also make popsicles out of these protein drinks for when I am feeling "snacky". I have discovered that diluting them with a little with Water before pouring them into the popsicle molds prevents them from melting too fast. I try to "eat" at least 10-20 grams of protein each meal... and then drink one or two protein drinks to reach my goal of 100 grams per day.

Try making popsicles out of the fruit flavored Protein drinks (CytoSport, ProteinSLAM, Isopure)... really good way to get in a little extra protein each day. I usually dilute them a little with Water before pouring them into the popsicle molds so they do not melt as fast :rolleyes2:

It seems like every doctor has their own schedule for food progressions. Personally, my doctor only keeps you on clear liquids for two days... full liquids/soft mushies for 5 days... then, regular soft foods the second week (tuna, canned chicken, veggies, etc)... NORMAL food week three (regular cooked chicken, fish, etc)... except beef, pork, bread, and a few other items that you have to wait until after your first fill.

I had my first fill on Dec 15th (3cc, then 1.5 cc removed), and I experienced the same gurgling effects. My doctor said that some people just have this reaction to fills at first. After a few days, the gurgling subsided for the most part... but I do still have days when I feel like I should just drink a glass of liquid Draino... because I sound like a stopped up kitchen sink... lol I have no idea how you can hide it... nor explain it if you do not want people to know you are banded. Personally, I am so thrilled with being banded that I tell everyone I meet... lol Plus, I was afraid that if I didn't tell people... they might think I was "sick" or doing drugs or something when I started losing a lot of weight...

Can I ask why everyone keeps suggesting pineapple juice? It seems like that would be a bit acidy... but I am still new at this,s o I thoguht I would ask.

Ladybug, I, too, and very well endowed, and have only been banded since 11/21... I am also experiencing this burning pain around the port area, and general pressure/pain where my bra sits (also wired). I have not asked my Dr. yet because I just figured the stitches needed to heal a bit more. ----------- FairyFacade, Can I ask you why you had to have a port revision?

I have a friend who is traveling this weight loss road with me... and we have decided to reward each other instead of rewarding ourselves. Not only are we encouraging each other... but the actual rewards truly are a surprise We are doing a reward for each ten pound weight loss... with a $20 limit. Last week, she bought me a nice fluffy pair of slippers She has another 3 lbs to go and I am going to treat her to a hand waxing (they feel so good). Find someone to team up with... it makes the path so much easier to travel!

I got my first fill on December 15th, and was gurgling so much while I tried to drink the Water... I got scared (because I hadnot checked this board first to see that it is normal)... so I insisted that the Dr take some of the fill out. Three days later, everything was back to normal... I am able to anything I want... I am going to try to be more tolerant next month and let him be more agressive... knowing that the gurgling is normal... and will subside after a few days.

I suppose age does play a role in it... she is 46... I am 43... so,I figure we have the same age range going on. Well, I am not taking any chances.. and I want to do everything possible that even MIGHT help... so I will be using the lotion.

In order to prevent saggy baggy skin, you have to keep your skin HYDRATED. I know a girl from work who had Gastric Bypass, and her Dr told her to apply lotion several times a day to prevent saggy skin. Something about keeping it hydrated makes it more supple and more elastic, and allows it to "shrink to fit" your new thinner body. I don't know if this works or not, but I do know that this girl has lost well over 100lbs, and does not have saggy skin or even stretchmarks that are noticeable. She does have very faint stretch marks but you have to get VERY close to even see them. Also, she keeps a tan to minimize their appearance. This could just be a coincidence, or it COULD be the lotion... who knows, but I got my band on Nov. 21st, and lotion is my new best friend. Even if it doesn't help the saggy skin, it can't hurt. Plus, I keep thinking all this massaging HAS to be breaking up the cellulite too... lol

M Dr gave me liquid vicodin... and a rub on promethazine (Phenergan) for nausea... but my best friend after surgery (for three days) was Liquid Tylenol PM... because all I wanted to do was sleep. Walgreens sells Liquid Tylenol PM in a yummy vanilla flavor.

Sally's sells a liquid protein that works. It smells like beef boullion, but you can immediately feel that your hair is thinker and fuller and healthier.

I found a website that sells "samples" of different Protein drinks. I ordered several and found a few I actually LIKE. The samples were less than $2 each for a full serving size, so I didn't mind trying several. My favs turned out to be the nectar line... the lemonade one is especially yummy Also, I was glad I invested in one of the battery operated mixer cups they sell for $12. The website is vitalady.com

I had my first fill on 12/15/07, and felt pressure in my throat when my Dr put in 4cc... he immediately removed 1cc and had me drink some Water. I felt like a stopped up sink that needed a bottle of Draino... I was bubbling and gurgling and the water did NOT want to go down. I was scared... so, he took out another 1.5cc, leaving me with only 1.5cc. I still felt tight and had a hard time swallowing anything for two days without "gurgling", but after the third day, I was back to eating normally (just less). I also felt this way for a few days after surgery. Maybe I should remember this when I go back for my next fill, and let him be more aggressive.

Congrats, Darkling Why so long to start regular food again though? I was banded on Nov 21, and was eating normal again my second week.

Nancy, I am in a very similar situation to yours. I can only go back 4 years with my medical records too... and have the same co-morbs as you do (expect the liver one)... and UHC still approved my surgery within 3 weeks. They didn't even ask for any further records.

I am also going to be banded by Dr Smith. I really like the fact that he is a LAPBAND "patient" as well as a physician. I think this makes him more sympathetic and understanding of what we are going through. Not to mention, his whole office staff is awesome! I have never met a more helpful group of people. I attended his seminar on August 28th... went for my initial appointment on September 12th... got my approval from UHC on October 10th... and am scheduled for surgery on November 21st (the day before Thanksgiving). I was super impressed at how hard the staff at LBS worked to make this happen. I am in a situation at work where I cannot take off any time right now (company just merged with another division and relocated to another town, and no time off is being permitted for anyone)... so, I really needed to have my surgery done the day before Thanksgiving so I could have recovery time without having to take any additional days off work. Dr Smith and his staff were awesome about making this happen for me I researched several other local WLS physicians, and did not feel comfortable with any of them until I met Dr. Smith. You are making a good decision. Everyone I have talked to that is his patient has nothing but good things to say about him (even the few who had complications).

I am also going to be banded by Dr Smith (for many of the same reasons listed by "Godzgurl75"). I really like the fact that he is a LAPBAND "patient" as well as a physician. I think this makes him more sympathetic and understanding of what we are going through. Not to mention, his whole office staff is awesome! I have never met a more helpful group of people I attended his seminar on August 28th... went for my initial appointment on September 12th... got my approval from UHC on October 10th... and am scheduled for surgery on November 21st (the day before Thanksgiving). I was super impressed at how hard the staff at LBS worked to make this happen. I am in a situation at work where I cannot take off any time right now (company just merged with another division and relocated to another town, and no time off is being permitted for anyone)... so, I really needed to have my surgery done the day before Thanksgiving so I could have recovery time without having to take any additional days off work. Dr Smith and his staff were awesome about making this happen for me I researched several other local WLS physicians, and did not feel comfortable with any of them until I met Dr. Smith. You are making a good decision Everyone I have talked to that is his patient has nothing but good things to say about him (even the few who had complications).

Sara, I have UHC too, and am having my surgery performed by Dr Adam Smith as well. If anyone can get you approved, his office can. Nancy is the BEST! I got my approval on Monday from UHC, and am scheduled for surgery on November 21 (the day before Thanksgiving). I think it took 2 to 3 weeks to get approved... not sure of the exact day it was submitted, but it was three weeks after my initial appointment with Dr Smith. UHC is "supposed" to be one of the easiest insurances to get approved through (provided that your employer has included the WLS clause into their selected benefits). The only difference between the HMO and PPO plans is the amount you would be responsible for (I think). At our company... we have both choices... Choice Plus and the PPO... both plans have the same benefit coverage... just different ways of paying for them. At least that is my understanding of them. Good Luck!!! If you need a local support friend... just email me