bandpal

Thanks for the support, everyone. I'm back from my unfill, one cc lighter than I was before (wonder if that'll show up on the scale?). I got to the appointment early enough to stroll through a nearby pedestrian mall, passing restaurants and food stands that would have reduced me to a puddle of drool before. Now, I gave them a passing thought and decided that I preferred my own cooking. I did buy 2 kilos of green seedless grapes from a fruit cart, and right after I left my doctor's office, I sat in a l ittle park and slowly and successfully ate six of them (I had been unable to keep fresh fruit down before). That was my celebration. Back at home I ate a delicious dinner without any pb's, and woke up this morning without any regurgitation. It looks like this morning's coffee is staying down, too. My surgeon was great about the unfill. It was interesting that not one of my list of complaints (not being able to keep food or liquids down before noon, pb's during and after meals, not being able to keep down fresh fruits or vegetables) raised his eyebrow: all normal at that level of closure, he said. That relieved me, because I was concerned that something had gone wrong. This morning I feel a little like a kid setting off on his first bicycle trip with the training wheels off (or, more accurately, raised a little). I hope it's a smooth and steady ride, and if any falls are ahead, I know I'll be able to get back on the bike and keep going. My guidelines for a safe journey: - Eating slowly. - Chewing food thoroughly. - Not eating a large breakfast (basically, I don't eat breakfast anymore). - Eating primarily vegetables, reasonable amounts of Protein and small servings of carbohydrates. - Avoiding sweets as much as possible and trying not to ping pong between sweet, salty and fatty foods. - Not binging late into the night. - No bread or bready foods. The only thing bread ever did for me was make me fat. Thanks again, everyone - have a good weekend. - Bandpal (David)

Hi Firebolt, thanks for bringing life back to this board. I know you get to wherever you need to go. I weigh in at 65.2 kilo (143.4 lbs), 7 pounds below goal weight. I got as low as 135 last August, at which point I opened up half a cc. I'm up 8 pounds since then, and I'll take those results and run, thank you - I was probably too thin back there. I still have food issues, still obsess, still binge, but less frequently and , of course, in much less volume. Overall, it's easier dealing with these problems today than at my high of 286 lbs, literally double my present weight! The lapband has been one of the most significant and beneficial decisions I have ever made in my life. I think of all of you with whom I set out on this journey. I miss the perspective and encouragement we gave each other. I wish all of you only the best.

Congrats on your progress despite the difficulties you've run into along the way... I couldn't imagine reaching a healthy BMI, but three years with the band have helped me realize that dream. I lost half of me... you can do it too! Welcome, and good luck.

If there are Israelis here (either in Israel or anywhere else), don't be shy - there are at least two of us here already! Chag Purim Sameach, let's all stay away from Oznei Haman together, b'seder?

While I was weighing in on the old doctor's scale, I fiddled around with the height ruler that extends frome the scale pole. Then I stopped playing and checked three more times. Then I ran home and got my 16 year-old to measure me against the bathroom door frame. The verdict remained unchanged: 5'4.1", meaning I have shrunk 1½ inches! As my bemused bairn blithely informed me, men lose an inch every 30 years, so at 50 I am perfectly average. Yeah, thanks a lot, kid! You try to have a statistic ripped from you that's been your loyal friend ever since puberty, a height which stood by you steadfast and unchanging even as your width violently careened out of control and back again. Wait… oh no… my weight! I ran to the computer and recomputed my BMI. Sure enough, my universe had been knocked off it's axis once again. At 5.5½, I was looking at a BMI of 22.2… but my newly calculated " height" bumped me up to 23.1! No fair! I didn't do anything wrong, officer! Now I'm not going to get myself seriously out of joint about this, considering that before surgery 2½ years ago I had a 47 BMI to my name, but still, something of a bummer, no? I suppose I have to find me some serious stretching excercizes, right? Really, though: does this mean I'm calcium deficient, or what? How do you contend with unintended shrinking?

While I was weighing in on the old doctor's scale, I played around with the height ruler that extends frome the scale pole. Then I stopped playing and checked three more times. Then I ran home and got my 16 year-old to measure me against the bathroom door frame. The verdict remained unchanged: 5'4.1", meaning I have shrunk 1½ inches! As my teenager blithely informed me, men lose an inch every 30 years, so at 50 I am perfectly average. Yeah, thanks a lot, kid! You try to have a statistic ripped from you that's been your loyal friend ever since puberty, a height which stood by you steadfast and unchanging even as your width violently careened out of control and back again. Wait… oh no… my weight! I ran to the computer and recomputed my BMI. Sure enough, my universe had been knocked off it's axis once again. At 5.5½, I was looking at a BMI of 22.2… but my newly calculated " height" bumped me up to 23.1! No fair! I didn't do anything wrong, officer! Now I'm not going to get myself seriously out of joint about this, considering that before surgery 2½ years ago I had a 47 BMI to my name, but still, something of a bummer, no? I suppose I have to find me some serious stretching excercizes, right? Really, though: does this mean I'm calcium deficient, or what. How do you contend with unintended - and unwelcome - shrinking?

Hi Tracy! Congratulations on your surgery and your weight loss, and welcome! This period in between the operation and the first fill is commonly referred to as "bandster hell" - after the swelling from the operation, which creates a sense of restriction, goes away, we are essentially left as we were before. Except, we are not. First of all, the first few months are crucial for the band to set right - can't mess with that. What kind of a post-op diet do you have? Secondly, think of the step you've taken (I kept pictures of the bruises on my chest, and had the scars to remind me, too) and honor it and yourself by hanging in there. Not only is there light at the end of the tunnel, but there is finally a tunnel! The band gave boundaries to my endless, insatiable appetite - even during the hard period you are going through. Feel those boundaries - I know they are there for you too. And you have us here to share with. We know what you're going through. Miracles can happen here - if you can stand the sight of a middle-aged man in his underwear, click on my bandster profile, and you'll see one. Good luck!

While I was weighing in on the old doctor's scale, I fiddled around with the height ruler that extends frome the scale pole. Then I stopped playing and checked three more times. Then I ran home and got my 16 year-old to measure me against the bathroom door frame. The verdict remained unchanged: 5'4.1", meaning I have shrunk 1½ inches! As my bemused teenager blithely informed me, men lose an inch every 30 years, so at 50 I am perfectly average. Yeah, thanks a lot, kid! You try to have a statistic ripped from you that's been your loyal friend ever since puberty, a height which stood by you steadfast and unchanging even as your width violently careened out of control and back again. Wait… oh no… my weight! I ran to the computer and recomputed my BMI. Sure enough, my universe had been knocked off it's axis once again. At 5.5½, I was looking at a BMI of 22.2… but my newly calculated " height" bumped me up to 23.1! No fair! I didn't do anything wrong, officer! Now I'm not going to get myself seriously out of joint about this, considering that before surgery 2½ years ago I had a 47 BMI to my name, but still, something of a bummer, no? I suppose I have to find me some serious stretching excercizes, right. Really, though: does this mean I'm calcium deficient, or what? How do you contend with unintended shrinking?

While I was weighing in on the old doctor's scale, I played around with the height ruler that extends frome the scale pole. Then I stopped playing and checked three more times. Then I ran home and got my 16 year-old to measure me against the bathroom door frame. The verdict remained unchanged: 5'4.1", meaning I have shrunk 1½ inches! As my teenager blithely informed me, men lose an inch every 30 years, so at 50 I am perfectly average. Yeah, thanks a lot, kid! You try to have a statistic ripped from you that's been your loyal friend ever since puberty, a height which stood by you steadfast and unchanging even as your width violently careened out of control and back again. Wait… oh no… my weight! I ran to the computer and recomputed my BMI. Sure enough, my universe had been knocked off it's axis once again. At 5.5½, I was looking at a BMI of 22.2… but my newly calculated " height" bumped me up to 23.1! No fair! I didn't do anything wrong, officer! Now I'm not going to get myself seriously out of joint about this, considering that before surgery 2½ years ago I had a 47 BMI to my name, but still, something of a bummer, no? I suppose I have to find me some serious stretching excercizes, right? Really, though: does this mean I'm calcium deficient, or what. How do you contend with unintended - and unwelcome - shrinking?

"Not me, but I do find that even placing something I am carrying wher I normally would have on my chest/stomach, I have to move it because the port is uncomfortable. SO I have to carry with my arms, or not at all." Interesting... come to think of it, I also consciously avoid physical contact with the port site - I rough and tussle less with the kids, and am conscious of potentially painful situations. My port is not uncomfortable in and of itself, but it is definitely more exposed than it used to be, a lot less padding there for sure. Most of the issues I've come up regarding port sensitivity through searching on this site involve post-op complaints. I think I'll run this by the "near or at goal weight" folks and see what they have to say... * * * So it seems that there is a solution out there (not ready for this one yet, but good to know it's out there); a "low profile" port, located slightly lower on the belly. According to previous posts, it "can be done under local anesthesia. Apparently, the reason most surgeons don't start with a low profile port is because they would need an ultrasound to find the port for fills through the fat." For more info, check out this thread: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f109/low-profile-port-39874/

Wow... at five months out, I'm surprised there's that much concern, though as a teacher myself I know that moving file cabinets can strain you, band or no band. Tell you what, though - I have a fear of playing contact sports because of the chance of taking a ball or a body blow right in the chest - can't imagine that's be very pleasant with the port right there (yeesh, hurts just to think about it). Anyone had that experience and lived to tell about it?

You can still shake it with the band... and there's less to shake! Best of luck with your upcoming surgery, you'll be back on the dance floor in no time, and the band won't cramp your style - it'll only improve it.

Karen, enjoy feeling liberated yet being able to feel full. I tell people that, for me, life after the band is like walking down a corridor as opposed to through a broad, endless plain : finally, now, there are boundaries. Enjoy that salad! I think that's sound advice coming from Cheri and Janet - watching what we eat and watching the scale are obviously essential. I'm glad I took it a few pounds under my goal weight - gives me enough time to realize any change I have to make. Since my last unfill (from 6.5 to 6 cc) I've monitored amounts and calories, and I weigh in a few times a week. Gotta tell ya - it's a lot more fun doing this at 137 than it was at 286!

Thanks for the welcome and the feedback. Jachut, that sentence ("Because I do so much exercise, I can literally eat what I want and I have not gained an ounce in 2 and a half years") of yours is ringing in my head. I'm off to the workout room to see if I can handle 20 minutes of walking at 5mph. If I don't write back in two hours, call an ambulance... * * * So, the treadmill was being recharged. I settled for biking, did 18 minutes at no resistance, worked up a sweat (can't remember the last time I did that) and tried out some free weights for a minute or so. Hurray!

Hi Guys, Thought I'd check in here. I'm two years and nine months and 150lbs out from LAP-BAND®®®® surgery, maintaining at or below goal weight for about a year and a half. I weigh 137 pounds, about 13 lbs. below my goal weight of 150. I like the idea of having some elbow room between me and that number. It gives me some pounds to play with, and enough room to put on the brakes If I see my weight rising. I had an unfill of .5 cc two weeks ago, from 6.5 cc to 6. It was my first trip to my surgeon in 16 months. What a difference half a cubic centimeter makes: I'm able to eat foods I wasn't able to keep down before (like fish, fruit and fresh vegetables), and food goes down easier and stays down more overall. I feel ready to take more responsibility over my food, and not let the band do most of the work for me. I'm keeping track of calories, weighing and measuring, but trying not to be obsessive about it. A normal day starts with 1 cup of espresso, about a quarter cup, which is all I can keep down at that time of the day. At 10:00am I start to drink water, and put down anywhere between half a liter and a liter between then and lunch, at about 1:00pm. Lunch is my main meal of the day: red meat, chicken or fish with vegetables, and a grain. I drink about half a liter of water while I eat – I know this is unorthodox, but it works for me. I have some fruit in the afternoon and early evening, and try to have dinner (grain, vegetables and dairy along with another half liter of H20) no later than 9:00 pm. Food is still an issue. There are still urges to binge, and sometimes I give in. But no doubt about it: it's a whole new ballgame when you're playing at 137 pounds and not at 286. I can use the tool I've been given and the tools I've learned, and reach out for help. Where do I go from here? I'd like to maintain the weight I'm at. I want to become more comfortable eating around other people, which means concentrating on cutting my food, eating slowly and chewing more. There are significantly less PB's since the unfill. Could this be the sweet spot? Only time will tell. Eating with others will also mean giving up on cooking for myself so often, although I am my own favorite chef. Finally, I've got to do something about exercize. Can you believe I've managed to lose 149 pounds without hardly lifting a finger? Crazy. There are self worth – self esteem issues that have always stopped me from investing in myself this way. I've never been able to make it part of my life. Any feedback will be much appreciated. My monthly support group here has pretty much dried up – here's hoping for new voices, insights and friendships. - Bandpal P.S. Pictures: One week post surgery (Early December 2007) and earlier this summer, minus ~ 150 lbs

Hi Fifties, Thought I'd check in here. I'm two years and nine months and 150lbs out from LAP-BAND® surgery, maintaining at or below goal weight for about a year and a half. I weigh 137 pounds, about 13 lbs. below my goal weight of 150. I like the idea of having some elbow room between me and that number. It gives me some pounds to play with, and enough room to put on the brakes If I see my weight rising. I had an unfill of .5 cc two weeks ago, from 6.5 cc to 6. It was my first trip to my surgeon in 16 months. What a difference half a cubic centimeter makes: I'm able to eat foods I wasn't able to keep down before (like fish, fruit and fresh vegetables), and food goes down easier and stays down more overall. I feel ready to take more responsibility over my food, and not let the band do most of the work for me. I'm keeping track of calories, weighing and measuring, but trying not to be obsessive about it. A normal day starts with 1 cup of espresso, about a quarter cup, which is all I can keep down at that time of the day. At 10:00am I start to drink water, and put down anywhere between half a liter and a liter between then and lunch, at about 1:00pm. Lunch is my main meal of the day: red meat, chicken or fish with vegetables, and a grain. I drink about half a liter of water while I eat – I know this is unorthodox, but it works for me. I have some fruit in the afternoon and early evening, and try to have dinner (grain, vegetables and dairy along with another half liter of H20) no later than 9:00 pm. Food is still an issue. There are still urges to binge, and sometimes I give in. But no doubt about it: it's a whole new ballgame when you're playing at 137 pounds and not at 286. I can use the tool I've been given and the tools I've learned, and reach out for help. Where do I go from here? I'd like to maintain the weight I'm at. I want to become more comfortable eating around other people, which means concentrating on cutting my food, eating slowly and chewing more. There are significantly less PB's since the unfill. Could this be the sweet spot? Only time will tell. Eating with others will also mean giving up on cooking for myself so often, although I am my own favorite chef. Finally, I've got to do something about exercize. Can you believe I've managed to lose 149 pounds without hardly lifting a finger? Crazy. There are self worth – self esteem issues that have always stopped me from investing in myself this way. I've never been able to make it part of my life. Any feedback will be much appreciated. My monthly support group here has pretty much dried up – here's hoping for new voices, insights and friendships. - Bandpal P.S. Pictures: 1 month before surgery (Oct. 2007) and earlier this summer.

Hi Everyone, Thought I'd check in here. I'm two years and nine months and 150lbs out from LAP-BAND®®® surgery, maintaining at or below goal weight for about a year and a half. I weigh 137 pounds, about 13 lbs. below my goal weight of 150. I like the idea of having some elbow room between me and that number. It gives me some pounds to play with, and enough room to put on the brakes If I see my weight rising. I had an unfill of .5 cc two weeks ago, from 6.5 cc to 6. It was my first trip to my surgeon in 16 months. What a difference half a cubic centimeter makes: I'm able to eat foods I wasn't able to keep down before (like fish, fruit and fresh vegetables), and food goes down easier and stays down more overall. I feel ready to take more responsibility over my food, and not let the band do most of the work for me. I'm keeping track of calories, weighing and measuring, but trying not to be obsessive about it. A normal day starts with 1 cup of espresso, about a quarter cup, which is all I can keep down at that time of the day. At 10:00am I start to drink water, and put down anywhere between half a liter and a liter between then and lunch, at about 1:00pm. Lunch is my main meal of the day: red meat, chicken or fish with vegetables, and a grain. I drink about half a liter of water while I eat – I know this is unorthodox, but it works for me. I have some fruit in the afternoon and early evening, and try to have dinner (grain, vegetables and dairy along with another half liter of H20) no later than 9:00 pm. Food is still an issue. There are still urges to binge, and sometimes I give in. But no doubt about it: it's a whole new ballgame when you're playing at 137 pounds and not at 286. I can use the tool I've been given and the tools I've learned, and reach out for help. Where do I go from here? I'd like to maintain the weight I'm at. I want to become more comfortable eating around other people, which means concentrating on cutting my food, eating slowly and chewing more. There are significantly less PB's since the unfill. Could this be the sweet spot? Only time will tell. Eating with others will also mean giving up on cooking for myself so often, although I am my own favorite chef. Finally, I've got to do something about exercize. Can you believe I've managed to lose 149 pounds without hardly lifting a finger? Crazy. There are self worth – self esteem issues that have always stopped me from investing in myself this way. I've never been able to make it part of my life. Any feedback will be much appreciated. My monthly support group here has pretty much dried up – here's hoping for new voices, insights and friendships. - Bandpal P.S. Pictures: 1 month pre surgery (Oct. 2007) and earlier this summer.

Hi Everyone, It's been nice to read this latest round of posts. Here's where I'm at: I weigh 137 pounds, about 13 lbs. below my goal weight of 150. I like the idea of having some elbow room between me and that number. It gives me some pounds to play with, and enough room to put on the brakes If I see my weight rising. I had an un- fill of .5 cc two weeks ago, from 6.5 cc to 6. It was my first trip to my surgeon in 16 months. What a difference half a cubic centimeter makes: I'm able to eat foods I wasn't able to keep down before (like fish, fruit and fresh vegetables), and food goes down easier and stays down more overall. I feel ready to take more responsibility over my food, and not let the band do most of the work for me. I'm keeping track of calories, weighing and measuring, but trying not to be obsessive about it. A normal day starts with 1 cup of espresso, about a quarter cup, which is all I can keep down at that time of the day. At 10:00am I start to drink water, and put down anywhere between half a liter and a liter between then and lunch, at about 1:00pm. Lunch is my main meal of the day: red meat, chicken or fish with vegetables, and a grain. I drink about half a liter of water while I eat – I know this is unorthodox, but it works for me. I have some fruit in the afternoon and early evening, and try to have dinner (grain, vegetables and dairy along with another half liter of H20) no later than 9:00 pm. Food is still an issue. There are still urges to binge, and sometimes I give in. But no doubt about it: it's a whole new ballgame when you're playing at 137 pounds and not at 286. Plenty of time to use the tools I've been given and the ones I've learned, and reach out for help. Where do I go from here? I'd like to maintain the weight I'm at. I want to become more comfortable eating around other people, which means concentrating on cutting my food, eating slowly and chewing. It also means giving up on cooking my own food so often, although I am my own favorite chef. Finally, I've got to do something about exercize. Can you believe I've managed to lose 149 pounds without hardly lifting a finger? Crazy. There are self worth – self esteem issues that have always stopped me from investing in myself this way. I've never been able to make it part of my life. Steph – how's the recommittment going? Good luck with school. Shalee, is it still what it is? Momto1plus1, I am your biggest fan – hope that reflux thing is way behind you! Go get 'em, teach! Ladybug, hope you are enjoying 36 and taking care of yourself. Cherlitta, way to go on that first 100lbs – keep knocking them down. And Shortgal, you are amazing – maintaining is where it's at. Congratulations on your new granddaughter – may she bring you happiness without end. That's it – the sound you heard was my tree falling. Here's wishing a wonderful summer's end to us all. - Bandpal

Name................ Lbs Lost........% of wgt lost...........BMI Abbisgood.........53.............23%.............?? Aubrie............65.............%...............31 BandChick64.......104............34.67%..........31.6 Bandpal...........150.7.........52.7%............22.2 BarbBee...........154............51%.............25.0 Cherlita..........108.............49%.............46.5 Cindyg............62.............24.5%...........34.5 Close.............50.............20%.............33.1 Firebolt..........73.............30%.............29.2 Foofy.............50.5...........18.5%...........35.5 gabeekeeper.......101............30% ............40.2 Hajohnson1........49.8...........18.2%...........39.8 Hollyberries......113............31%.............36.2 HoppingToIt.......69.............19.7%...........49.1 Huskerette........54.............22%.............30.5 kandiceb..........63.............26%.............27.6 linda.............52.............23%.............29.9 lindseyann2u......115............N/A.............N/A Maincat...........141............46.5%...........22 Mariegabrieleee...86.............40%.............36.9 Melanie1972.......80.............30%.............29.7 MollyBrown........36.............12.5%...........36.5 Momto1plus1.......144............54%.............19.6 NYGirl1...........102............33%.............32.6 plump_princess....57.............22%.............36 QatarPhil.........55.............19%.............32.2 Rachel............63.............%...............28.3 Robin_Bird........132.2.........43.3%............26.3 Sades.............44.8...........19.5%...........33.7 scarecrow.........125............40%.............27.3 Shalee04..........70.............28%.............29.2 Shortgal..........44.5...........20.5%...........32.9 Skinny_Jill.......71.............32.4%...........28.5 Staysee...........70.............20%.............48.4 Stephanie.........67.5...........29%.............25.9 strangeratx.......70.............30%.............27.9 Teresajo..........93.............36%.............27.3 Tmusicmaker123....73.............19%.............48.7 TxArcher..........122............31.5%...........36.7 tyman311..........61.............31%.............28 want2lose.........91.8...........32%.............31 lisawach.........104.0...........29%.............??

Name................ Lbs Lost........% of wgt lost...........BMI Abbisgood.........53.............23%.............?? Aubrie............65.............%...............31 BandChick64.......104............34.67%..........31.6 Bandpal...........150.7.........52.7%..........22.2 BarbBee...........161............53%.............23.8 Cherlita..........60.............20%.............55 Cindyg............62.............24.5%...........34.5 Close.............50.............20%.............33.1 Firebolt..........73.............30%.............29.2 Foofy.............50.5...........18.5%...........35.5 gabeekeeper.......101............30% ............40.2 Hajohnson1........49.8...........18.2%...........39.8 Hollyberries......113............31%.............36.2 HoppingToIt.......69.............19.7%...........49.1 Huskerette........54.............22%.............30.5 kandiceb..........63.............26%.............27.6 linda.............52.............23%.............29.9 lindseyann2u......115............N/A.............N/A Maincat...........141............46.5%...........22 Mariegabrieleee...86.............40%.............36.9 Melanie1972.......80.............30%.............29.7 MollyBrown........36.............12.5%...........36.5 Momto1plus1.......144............54%.............19.6 NYGirl1...........102............33%.............32.6 plump_princess....57.............22%.............36 QatarPhil.........55.............19%.............32.2 Rachel............63.............%...............28.3 Robin_Bird........132.2.........43.3%............26.3 Sades.............44.8...........19.5%...........33.7 scarecrow.........125............40%.............27.3 Shalee04..........70.............28%.............29.2 Shortgal..........44.5...........20.5%...........32.9 Skinny_Jill.......71.............32.4%...........28.5 Staysee...........70.............20%.............48.4 Stephanie.........67.5...........29%.............25.9 strangeratx.......70.............30%.............27.9 Teresajo..........93.............36%.............27.3 Tmusicmaker123....73.............19%.............48.7 TxArcher..........122............31.5%...........36.7 tyman311..........61.............31%.............28 want2lose.........91.8...........32%.............31 lisawach.........104.0...........29%.............??

<p>Hi from Israel, everyone - well, I am truly one of you now, having just returned from being banded up in Tel Aviv yesterday. Wow, am I sore (coughing and sneezing are especially not fun) - and my kids are going to be very impressed with my scars; hopefully they'll remember that the days of jumping on Daddy's belly are over. Wait untill Daddy doesn't have a belly to jump on anymore! Then we'll all go out on the lawn and jump around together. I'm subsisting on water, herbal tea and chicken broth as per Doctor's instructions, and am not experiencing significant hunger. I'm exhausted and am going to sleep, but no doubt about it - something new has begun.</p>

There once was a man from Wisconsin Who in his easy chair was ensconcin' When he shot a PB Which took out the TV In a manner evoking Charles Bronson.

In Arlington Heights, Illinois, A young bandster was weepy with joy, Without using a pole, he had wiped on the bowl For the first time since he was a boy.