BansterNYC

A few of my key finds to ease post-op recovery: Magic Bullet (mini blender - great for mushies and protein shakes) Purchase it at www.buythebullet.com Liquid Tylenol (Extra Strength) -- I was Percocet as I left the hospital and then switched to this on day 3 after surgery, and only took Percocet at night through night 5. Drink lots of water with Tylenol since it's harsh on your liver. Danon Light & Fit drinkable yogurt - yum!!! Sold in packs of 4. Iso-Pure juice drinks -- available at GNC and comes in 5 flavors. Each juice has 40g of protein... remember that protein promotes healing! This is the best way to get protein in the initial days after surgery. Full protein shakes with milk were too "heavy" for me in the first seven days after surgery. Compression Garment has been a savior! I don't know too many patients that get them, but my surgeon sent me home with one and I wore it for the first 2 weeks because it minimized the pain so much! It held me in so well. I wrapped it tight for night sleeping, and a bit looser for moving around during the day. Here's an example: http://shop.beautysurg.com/<wbr>index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&<wbr>ProdID=5286 Kelo-Cote -- this is the product for scars. Start using 1 week after surgery: http://www.skinstore.com/<wbr>store/product.asp?catID=8975&<wbr>prodID=8977 Also available for about half the price on eBay. I have applied this every morning and night and my scars look great! Arnica Montana -- available at GNC. I took tons of this as it really reduces bruising and has helped heal my scars. Start taking 3 weeks before surgery. Birkshire Bedding -- it's a soft pillow I bought at Bed, Bath & Beyond for $19.99. Just 16"x16" in size... but it helped me sleep! I could not sleep on my stomach for the first 12 nights, so I slept on my side and pushed this pillow on my stomach.... it really eased my pain! Milk of Magnesia - helps with constipation that is brought on by the Rx pain medication. Just 1/2 a dose worked effectively for me. Ben-Gay pads -- large sticky pads you can put on your lower back for pain. I used it on Day 2 and Day 5 for 1 hour each. Really helped, but walking was more effective overall (see below). Walk! Walk! Walk!!! I walked for 3-4 miles per day starting on day 3. Boy did this help! I didn't go at any increased speed, but just normal walking pace. It eased my back pain and a bit of gas pain. My surgeon did not overly promote walking per se, (and said for me to do it if I wanted) but I read about it on so may LBT threads that I knew there was something to it. After I did it on Day 3, I continued through Day 35 because I felt so good. I bought a pedometer at GNC to make measure 3 miles.

Actually, colder weather tends to make our bodies produce more mucus. We swallow the mucus (we do it subconsciously most of the time) and then that "clogs" the band opening. This is also the reason many of us are *tight* in the morning -- all the mucus and saliva our bodies produce at night get swallowed as we sleep and can clog the band area. So, the change in weather may have your body producing more mucus. This may be what's going on. One way to combat it is to have about 1/2 cup of *HOT* Water (hot like you would use for tea). This will flush the mucus through and less likely you'll PB. Also helps in the morning time if you are tight then too. Hope this helps.

I was banded at a low BMI. I wrote about it in this post. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/i-lost-faster-than-gastric-bypass-80988/

Oh - I forgot to mention that I don't do any cardio, well not anymore. I decided to do the lap-band after running 3 marathons with no weight loss! I exercise now, but it's Pilates 4x per week. It helps sculpt my muscles, but it's not a vigorous workout -- I don't even sweat. I decided to have the surgery at this point in my life being just under 30 and wanting to have children in the next few years. My research revealed, and was later confirmed, that the band yields the best results if you wait at least 2 years (and 3 is better) before getting pregnant. I did not want to get even fatter, have a few kids, and a decade later regret that I didn't get the lap-band earlier. My exercise (marathon running) didn't help lower my weight either, it just made me more hungry. With all of that, plus some other factors, I went for the lap-band surgery. I am not trying to brag or anything, but if I can figure out why my weight loss was faster and greater than gastric bypass in the first year -- then maybe I can hold on to that to keep the weight off. This whole time I never thought I lost faster at all. Thought I was pretty normal, lost weight at a normal lap-band pace. I am happy with my choice to get the lap-band. So is it better to get the band when your younger (under 30)? Or with a lower BMI (lower than 40)? Will it yield faster weight loss?

I have lost over 70% of my excess weight, and I lost it in 9 months. I didn't really realize it was over 70% until my surgeon calculated it. He also told me that exceeded the usual pace of gastric bypass patients (WOW!), and far exceeded the usual pace of lap-banders. I also started at a "Low BMI" of 36 and was told I would lose slower than bypass and bandsters with much more to lose. Maybe this motivated me to prove the statistics wrong. This is all interesting to me. I am not sure why I lost faster than others. I have some ideas. Has anyone else been told this? Why do you think you lost fast? Or are not losing fast? Do you know why some lose faster than others?

I live here in NYC, so I certainly prefer NYC. With over 40 million visitors a year, MANY groups have conferences here. Unless there is some DRASTIC cost difference, NYC is by far better than NJ. Also, 2 airports are north of NYC (LaGuardia and JFK). Only Newark Airport is in NJ. If anyone were to fly into the NY airports it's a PAIN to get to NJ. Hands down, it should be NYC. Also, great docs, plastic surgeons, etc are based here in NYC. Easier for them to commit to a conference here. Work with the tourism & Conference Council (it's called something like that) and seek their guidance to help you navigate getting a conference set up.

Yes - I hope to attend.

I picked 135 as my goal weight because that number puts my BMI in the ideal BMI range. <table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><th class="black_sm">Classification</th><th class="black_sm">BMI</th></tr> <tr><td class="black_sm">Underweight </td><td class="black_sm"><19 </td></tr> <tr><td class="black_sm">Ideal BMI</td><td class="black_sm">19-24.9 </td></tr> <tr><td class="black_sm">Overweight </td><td class="black_sm">25-29.9 </td></tr> <tr><td class="black_sm">Obese</td><td class="black_sm">≥ 30</td></tr> <tr><td class="black_sm">Severely Obese</td><td class="black_sm">≥ 35</td></tr> <tr><td class="black_sm">Morbidly Obese</td><td class="black_sm">≥ 40 </td></tr> <tr><td class="black_sm">Super Obese</td><td class="black_sm">≥ 50</td></tr></tbody></table>

For me, I was a 34 BMI on average, but was up near 36 BMI at the time of surgery. I am also 5'1". After reading your post, I am concerned about your working out so much. I tried diet and exercise to lose my excessive weight -- lots of exercise! I ran 3 marathons in 18 months while also following Weight Watchers. When that didn't work, I decided the lap-band was the best option for me and began exploring the surgery. Around the same time, I began researching why the diet/exercise combo didn't work. I read several health articles that noted exercise actually makes many people hungry and if the body is not fueled with *enough* calories to keep up with the exercise, it will switch into starvation mode. Now - this is one educated thought amongst many when it comes to diet and exercise. However, this resonated with me. However, I knew that completely eliminating exercise would not be a logical option either. 2 months after my surgery, when I was healed enough to get exercising again, I decided to try Pilates.... and fell in love with it! I have been doing it 4x/week at a local Pilates studio since January 2008. Along with the band, my body has completely changed and I have lost weight while also transforming into a strong, ballerina body. You may want to rethink the amount you exercise vs. the calories you take in. You may be keeping yourself at 1lb per week because of it. Also note that with a lower BMI you are going to lose weight slower, but 1lb per week is still good progress. Also at a slower rate, that can be a good thing esp when it comes to lose skin.

I was banded at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Dr. Brian Jacob (baricenter.com) PM me if you'd like to learn more information.

Kat817 is absolutely correct. Body produces mucus when it needs to help food slide through. Many bandsters get the sniffles when they have eaten too much... they feel their nose running, etc. You happen to have several sneezes. You are lucky you have an obvious sign that you've eaten too much! Look at this as a positive thing!

1. No soap for at least 5-7 days - especially any soaps with a perfume additive. Soap is not working to eliminate the problem and likely contributing to the problem. 2. sleep without underwear and let the area "breathe". Don't wear tight clothes, stockings, etc. 3. hair holds on to odor better than skin. Have you had a bikini wax lately? 4. Get some carbs into your diet! If Protein is disproportionately in your diet, then it can cause some people (not all) to have odor issues. 5. Strong deodorants are high in aluminum... maybe your body is having an allergic reaction to the aluminum. Read the label and do some research online. 6. If all else fails, see your surgeon. Maybe this is surgery related, and if not s/he can refer you to a specialist.

1. Are you a candidate? if your BMI is over 40, then yes. If your BMI is over 35 and you have co-mobitities (sleap apnea, diabetes, etc). then yes you are a candidate. However, discuss with a surgeon your options. I live in Manhattan and my surgeon is listed below. 2. Do fills hurt? No more than having blood drawn. Ya know, being fat and uncomfortable hurts way more. **Your best next step is to make a consultation appointment with a bariatric surgeon who has done several lap-band surgeries. Good luck in your journey.

I have a desk job so it was easier for me to return on Monday (after a previous Thursday surgery) than if I had a physically active job. The difficulty was that my job requires me to *think* -- novel concept, I know! It was difficult to concentrate on tasks while taking prescription pain meds. In my case, I was on Percocet, and thus difficult to actually work! I left each day around 4:30 (I usually work 9 - 6), and went home and took a nap. I made sure we didn't have any social event or after-work stuff to attend to -- I think that helped as well. As soon as I shifted off of Percocet (day 7) and on to Extra Strength *Liquid* Tylenol, that made all the difference! I was alert and able to focus at work. Liquid Tylenol is great. Drink lots of Water with it. I also had chicken broth with me and drinkable yogurt.

Yes - everyone is different. There have been a few threads posing this question (do a quick search to locate them), and the general consensus seems to be that 1 week out of work is average. It all depends on your job though. I have a desk job so it was easier for me to return on Monday (after a previous Thursday surgery). The difficulty was that my job requires me to *think* -- novel concept, I know! It was difficult to concentrate on tasks while taking pain meds. In my case, I was on Percocet, and thus difficult to actually work! I left each day around 4:30 (I usually work 9 - 6), and went home and took a nap. I made sure we didn't have any social event or after-work stuff to attend to -- I think that helped as well. As soon as I shifted off of Percocet and on to Extra Strength Liquid Tylenol, that made all the difference! I was alert and able to focus at work. Bottom line... if you're still on heavy pain meds, stay home.

UPDATE: Those of you who wrote I was too tight... YOU WERE RIGHT! A few weeks ago, my surgeon took out 0.5cc...and problem solved! No more choking at night. I was scared this was going to be too loose, but it's just right. So now I am at 9.5cc and it's my sweet spot. Reflecting back, being filled to 10cc was too tight, and I was actually eating more frequently throughout the day because I could only eat a few bites at a time with that level of restriction. Thank you all for your words like "get your butt to the doctor"! Much appreciated, and I am continuing to lose weight. Only 9 more pounds until goal!

I was a lower BMI too. 180lbs. LB was best decision of my life. No - you are not crazy. As for Adderall and Ritalin... well, I used to take those and for me they stripped my personality and put me into a robotic mode. Now, that was great for me in law school but not after I entered the workforce. I have found Focalin XR to be amazing, and have been on it for 3.5 years. I take 20 mg in AM and 10mg in PM (if needed). Something you may want to consider if you run into problems with other medications.

I love sausage from Sam's Club -- particularly Chicken Sausage with asiago cheese and spinach. Only 110 calories and a whopping 15g of protein for each link! I do take it out of the casing, break it up, and brown it in a pan.

I had a sleep study as part of my pre-op testing. I was a lower BMI to start (36), so I needed to prove 2 comobities to qulify for insurance to approve me for surgery. Sleep Apnea qualifies as a comobitiy according to my insurance at the time--Aetna. However, they found I did not have Sleep Apnea. The study was easy and didn't interfere with my schedule. I arrived at 9pm and was released the next morning at 6am. Yes - call your surgeon and discuss this situation. Discovering you have Sleep Apnea help you with getting approved by insurance, if you are still in that stage.

Let me clarify: I did the Master Cleanse diet about 5 months BEFORE surgery. Not after being banded.

I did the Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet. The book on this diet clearly says it is intended to *cleanse* the body...not to lose weight. The book also states that you may lose weight on the diet, but its artificial weight loss and gained back immediately after ending the 10-14 day cleanse program. The above poster is correct about liquids and solid foods with the band. The band was designed to make you feel full after eating solid foods, especially Protein. For me, the band was the end of fad diets and programs. You don't need the master cleanse.

Here's a link to a similar thread you may find helpful: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/how-soon-can-i-have-glass-wine-48986/ I was told to wait 4 weeks post surgery. Remember, alcohol may affect you differently.... you have less calories and food to absorb it than you may be used to, and you will likely weigh less. For my first glass of wine, I actually had 1/2 wine 1/2 Water and took baby sips and finished it in 40 minutes. A few days later, less water in the wine, and it only took me 20 minutes. After having wine a few more times after that, I realized I need to have some food with it -- so I have 15 little goldfish crackers about 15 min before I have the wine. If I don't have a little something in my stomach, I feel tipsy and kinda drunk pretty quick, even on a small amount of wine. I know this is against the bandster rules to eat with liquids, but it works for me only in alcohol scenarios. Once I am finished with the wine, I then wait 10 min until I start my dinner. If I want to resume drinking wine, I will wait a full 60 min after I complete my dinner. Bottom line: you need to ease into alcohol use to see how it will affect you, and you may want to start out doing it at home and not in a social setting.

Since my symptoms were at their worst 4 weeks ago, I have essentially fixed the problem with the following: 1. Don't drink 30 min before bed 2. sleep with head slightly elevated. I have actually found this more comfortable on my neck, etc. 3. I am more likely to wake up choking if I have had a PB during the day. So, I am being careful to avoid a PB situation. I usually PB if I have cold liquids before I eat, even 20 min before I eat. It's hot in August and cold Water feels great. I just keep reminding myself I can't have it! Even though I think I have fixed the problem, I have endured 2 choking nights in the past few weeks. After meeting with my doc, he scheduled a floroscopy which was completed last week. It revealed liquid does not go through my band when I take several gulps while lying down. Well, duh!!! You're not supposed to drink lying down even if you don't have the band. Esp not if you do! While standing up, liquid goes through the band, but not "fast enough". Radiologist said I was too tight. But he has limited info on the band, and didn't even know what a PB was. I see both my surgeon and gastroenterologist on Friday. I don't want an unfill until after I reach my goal weight of 12 more lbs. No unfills!!! I am on a successful path!!! Thoughts?

I was banded 9 months ago. Biggest issue: Keeping my band a secret. 3 people in this world know I have the band (aside from doctors). I am an open-book personality - lively and energetic. For a number of reasons, some obvious and others not, I decided not to tell anyone about my band. Here's a few reasons why I kept it a secret: I didn't look fat. I was 195 and 5'1". Really, no one looked at me and thought I needed weight loss surgery. Most people would guess my weight at 170 at most. I carried it well. I didn't want to be "known" for my band. Do you notice when someone suffers an injury in a car accident, or when someone is diagnosed with cancer.... it's all anyone talks about to them! A neighbor of mine had breast cancer, and she hated that it was the only topic of conversation among friends and family. She appreciated their support, but said she was more than just cancer. I sort of feel the same way -- didn't want to talk about it all the time. I didn't want to fail. "Oh, she got the lap-band and it didn't even work!" Fortunately, it has worked incredibly well for me. Many people don't understand the struggles with weight nor the long process one goes through to decide if the lap-band is the right decision for them. I didn't want to have to explain and justify myself over and over. These are just some of the few reasons I didn't tell people about my surgery. I said I had my appendix out, and was back to work in 3 days. No one noticed. I didn't really start losing weight until weeks after surgery and my body was hidden under big winter clothes. So, keeping it a secret has been tough.

Here's something to ponder: **Pilates!** 2 months after I was banded I walked into a local pilates studio and pre-paid for 4 lessons per week for the next 6 months. (Jan- June 2008) It cost me an arm and leg -- literally! It is expensive, but worth it to me to tone my body into a long and lean ballerina figure. Everyone is shocked and amazed at my body now. I am not only thinner (due to band) but toned and strong (pilates). I also believed it has prevented me from eventually needing to seek out a plastic surgeon to deal with loose skin. Granted, I have lost 47 lbs so far and started out as a lower BMI (36.5) so that is a factor too, however I have been able to tone as I lose weight... not just melt like a candle. I also believe that cardio makes me hungrier. Pre-banding I ran 3 marathons and just ate more after each 2+ hour training run, despite trying weight watchers simultaneously. I am done with cardio as I now see how well my body responds to pilates. Much more strong than cardio. The biggest change with pilates is how much my core is strengthened, and thereby my *posture*. I look 10 lbs thinner just by standing up with a strong and lean posture. It's amazing. Now, I attend a pilates studio which is about $30 for a small class session or $80 for a private trainer session. It's worth the expense to me, however it could be replaced by a dedicated user of Pilates DVDs and a Magic Circle DVD. Magic circle is versatile pilates prop. Pilates DVD: http://www.gaiam.com/category/<wbr>fitness-center/pilates-dance/<wbr>media-books.do?page=all&gcid=<wbr>S18376x028&keyword=pilates%<wbr>20dvd [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Pilates-Collection-Sculpting-Accelerated/dp/B000KCUBH0]http://www.amazon.com/Winsor-<wbr>Pilates-Collection-Sculpting-<wbr>Accelerated/dp/B000KCUBH0[/ame] Magic Circle: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JWLZAI]http://www.amazon.com/gp/<wbr>product/B000JWLZAI[/ame]