RayLandry

Jachut, I prescribe to this very same philosphy. Starving is not the answer. I was very reluctant at first to get banded, after reading that some bandsters are only eating 800-1000 calories per day. I believe that this method will only work short term and once the body adapts and goes into the cliche'd "starvation mode", fat is stored. One's metabolism probably slows to a halt. I've discussed with my doctor and I am going to aim for 1600-2000 calories per day. That seems like alot, but I am very active and fortunately have a good muscle make-up. Compared to the 3500-6000 calories per day that I use to consume, this will be a big difference. I am a strong proponent of using weight resistance for overall health. The more muscle one has.....the better the metobolism. There is no doubt in my mind, that I'd weigh over 400lbs. if I didn't workout (both aerobically and weights). I was 280lbs pre-band. My problem was with the amounts of food that I took in!! I'm a believer that the band will help with consumption but I have to to the things necessary to achieve my goals. Exercise has always, and will continue to be my ally in my battle of the bulge. Ray 8/9/05 280/259/05

Mercedes, I was banded on 8/9/05 and I too find myself eating way more than 1/2 cup. Without a fill, everything goes straight down....no problem what-so-ever! Since I don't have a fill yet, I do drink a little with my meals, but I try to limit the amount. I have probably broken every band rule there is but I try and do better each and every day. I'm eating soft foods but NOWHERE near the amount that I could eat before banding. So maybe I do indeed have some restriction. I have managed to lose 21lbs, but I know that I will face some challenging times when I am allowed all foods! Good Luck, Ray 280/259/180

Best of luck to you Amy! Remember, it just hurts for a little while. Everyday is better than the day before. Ray 8/9/05 Dr. Snow Fort Worth, Tx 280/259/180

Hey Jess, Well I'll vent for a diffrent reason. A different whine. I am gong stir crazy here at home! I was banded on 8/9/05 and I won't return to work until 9/16/05. My golf clubs are calling my name! My Bowflex machine is gathering dust! My lawn and flower beds have seen better days. Oh, but i have managed to drop 21lbs! I feel really great physically, but my psyche is in need of an overhaul. Thank god for this website. It has allowed me to gather much useful information about the band, myself and the trials and tribulations that others are also experiencing. My moods sway up and down just like a rollercoaster. One minute I'm eurphoric and the next I'm deppressed. When I walk, I feel much better. Therefore, I'm doing LOTS of walking! Okay. Enough of the feeling sorry for myself! I know that once I am able to the things that I enjoy and become more physical, I will obviously start feeling better. I know my wife is looking forward to me feeling better. I have snaped at her many times. She dosen't deserve that, for she has been nothing but supportive. There! I feel much better already! It is good to vent! Ray 8/9/05 Dr. Snow Fort Worth,TX 280/259/180

Reposses the band! LOL!!!! That is hilarious! Can they do that? Ray

Sue, How ironic! I am going through the exact same thing! I was banded on 8/9/05 and I just found out that the surgical center that I used was out-of-network. I assumed that since my surgeon was in network the surgical center was also. Man am I stressing! Assuming that UHC will pay 70%, thats still leaves me with 30%. Like I told my wife, what are they going to do? They can't have it if we don't have it! They'll have to accept some payments that we can afford and that is the bottom line. Well thanks for listening to me vent. Let me know what happens. Regardless. the surgery center and my surgeon are awesome. Good luck. Ray 8/9/05 Dr. Snow Fort Worth 280/259/180

Hi Ruthie, I have the VG band also. At surgery, my BMI was 40.6 /280lbs. Not what you would call enormous. My Dr. who has done hundreds of lapband surgeries says he perfers this band for most men because of anatomy. Maybe your Dr. felt that anatomy was the determining factor, and not merely BMI. I hope this helps you. Ray 8/9/05 Dr.Snow Fort Worth, TX 280/259/180

food can definitely be a powerful demon! I honestly feel your pain. I'm sure that most everyone that visits this board deals with the very same hardships. If nothing else, this forum can provide hope and support for those issues. Hang in there. You are not alone. (boy could I tell you some stories!) Ray 8/9/05 Dr. Snow Fort Wort, Tx 280/260/180

Great thread! If I may, I'll throw my two cents in the pot. I am currently brisk walking 1-2 hours/day. I was banded exactly two weeks ago and I would love to start doing some light weight lifting. Maybe after my post op follow up next week. I have small goals set out and one of them is to start jogging after I drop 20 more lbs. I have my eyes set to run The Cowtown 10k in Febuary! I believe that setting small goals like these really give you something to shoot for and to really go for it! Motivation is the key to all achievements!!!!! I find myself using alot of mental imagery of what I want to achieve. Ray 8/9/05 Dr. Snow Fort Worth, TX 280/261/180

Ladyfox, I believe that there is one Wed night in Hurst at the Specialty Surgery Center of Fort Worth. you might want to call to make sure. Ray

I was Banded 8/9/05 and I am not returning until 9/16/05. I am really enjoying the time off with lots and lots of walking (about 1 1/2- 2 hours daily). I'm wearing my dog out! My Doc requested I take this much time off since my job is quite strenuous (sp.?). Luckily I have plenty of sick time in the bank and was able to use family leave. Ray 280/261/180 Dr. Snow Hurst, Tx.

Hello, I'm 12 days post-op and believe me, it gets better everyday. I have very little pain anymore, just with certain movements. So, rest and take care. Ray 280/261/180

Stitches out? Did you have laproscopic or a full incision? But hey, my big ol' golden retriever, Landry, also hurt me. He took a running start and jumped on my belly! Ouch!!!! I thought I was going to pass out. Ray

Hello Fellow Bandsters, I was banded on 8/9/05 and have learned that my Doctor, who I have the upmost trust and respect for, placed the larger Vanguard band in me. He says that he perfers this larger band for most men. I didn't get to ask him why and have not had my post-op follow up yet. Does anyone know the diffrence, besides the width, and why it is an advantage or dissadvantage. I'll also ask him at my first follow up. I'm finding that my blender is my best friend! My Doctor told me, "anything that can be blended smoothly to a thick paint consistency can be eaten." He has done MANY MANY band surgeries, so I'm doing what he says. Today, I blended some Ranchstyle Beans. Yumm! He told my wife that if I could blend an enchilada, then go for it. As long as it wasn't lumpy or bumpy. I guess I'll try that tonight! I'm glad that he dosn't adhere to the clear/full/ liquids for weeks like some!!! Ray 280/265/180 Dr. Snow Fort Worth, Tx.

Hello Barb, I know exactly where you are coming from!. I was banded on 8/9/05 I'm at home recovering also. I dont go back to work until 9/16!!!! I am going nuts! I too walk alot but time moves very slowly. I read, walk, watch the golf channel, play my guitar, and make my "meals". I'd go back to work sooner but I have a very laboring job. Ray

Thanks everyone for the great info. Like I said, I seem to learn more and more from this site. I'm excited bout My band date, Tue 9th. I'm going nuts right now on this pre-op liquid diet!! Ray

Hello All, I'm soon to be a banded 42 yr. old male. The surgery date is Aug. 9th! I'm still very much in the dark about what consists of a normal meal (once whole foods are incorperated). I hear different things; from a couple of bites to a plate full. I'm sure it's somewhere in between. Can ya'll give me some example of some daily meals? I'm having all these anxieties about how much , what, when, and how to eat! Any comments will be greatly apprecited. I'm glad that I have found this board! There is so much to learn. Ray Dr. Snow Fort Worth, Texas 280/280/180

I hope that I dont sound like I am gloating or boasting, I truely am not, but I have been approved today for the lap! UHC approved me in just 1 week. I am so excited and grateful (and just a lil' scared). I am new to this site, but have learned that many prospective patients are forced to jump through hoops before getting approved. I almost feel guilty. Dr. Snow's office (Stephanie) made it very painless. My wife and I are going to sit down tonight and choose the best date for us. Luckily I have plenty of sicktime at work, so time is on my side. Thanks for this great site, I have learned SO much information here. For those of ya'll still waiting for approval, my heart and prayers go out to ya'll. I will post often. -R-