healthyagain

Then I guess the waitstaff has to deal with that...The menu offers those items, so they are fair game...But if the menu states "for children under 12" or even simply "Children's menu" Then that is exactly who those items are intended for.

exactly what I was thinking...Had to read through 4 pages to find someone who thinks the way I do...In addition Waistaff work on tips...(which is figured on a percentage of the bill) If a group of bandsters go out to eat and all order off the Children's menu, the waitress works just as hard to please the table and makes less than 1/2 the money she would make on a table of paying adults...So She then suffers for our "Disability" Fair??? I think not!!

This thread was going strong until my post...That was on 6/25/08...Whenever I post something of this nature it is a complete thread stopper...I'm not sure if it is because I come across as discouraging...Or if others agree and are just trying to stay positive...Any thoughts???

The problem I have with this theory, is the same thing that made me doubt this band would work...If we could all stop when we were "No Longer Hungry" vs. "full/stuffed" we would not be here...I feel like the band should make it almost impossible to "Over-Eat" and I'm not talking about the slider foods and junk food. I'm referring to a meal of Steak and potatoes, salad and bread...After a surgery it should not be the norm to feel the same way we did before. And that is just how I feel...When I stop eating it's due to will power. I may not feel "hungry" but almost always I feel as if I would like to eat more...To me this past 5 months has been like a very hard diet...and If not for the fact that I told everyone I was getting banded, I'd likely have quit from pure discouragement by now...I give great credit to all that have been succesful with the band. And I will continue to give it my best effort. I am down 40 lbs. But honestly, I'm having serious doubts about the effectiveness of this tool...

I am 5'3...By your formula I should be shooting for 115 lbs...I simply don't see myself getting anywhere near that...I weighed 118 for about 5 minutes in my early 20's...I was strutting my stuff in a very small bikini...(That summer and that summer only!!!) anyway...That was before Kids, a sit down job, and the need to nourish my body with food rather than Booze and Bong hits....To be honest...I'd feel wonderful at 140...Skinny even...but I think your formula is a good guideline...especially for the younger crowd...

I think after divorce you lose weight initially....Then gain back double what you lost.......That was my experiene anyway

Just wanted to say...I'm 5'3 on my tallest days...and at 165 I feel wonderful...I'm down from 228 to 182 and I already feel like my old self...I think goals should be realistic and timely...As you continue on you journey, your goals may change...And the best way to acheive them is to go for attainable goals...and always make new goals to better your life...Wieght loss or otherwise...

I was/am in the same position as you. My Dr made me wait 16 weeks for my first fill of only .5cc's and I am supposed to wait 16 more weeks before getting another one. I can eat anything at all and in large amounts...That being said...I am doing really well...I was on a pre/post Op liquid diet that helped me shed about 20 lbs...It seemed that was the motivation I needed...I'm now down a total of 45 lbs since January. At first it felt really slow...But it's picking up now and I'm really starting to notice. This is my advice to you...Try, Try, Try your very hardest for a bit longer...Make healthy food choices and get some excersize...It's easier said than done I know...but once the weight starts coming off it is motivating...and when you do go in for that fill in 3 months you will be down 15 pounds or so rather than up...Then the fills should start to kick in and things will get easier and easier for you...Give it some real effort...You will be so proud of yourself...and you'll be feeling better...That will keep you on track...And since you still have a large appetite right now...Pick one day of the week and have a great meal out at your favorite restuarant...Then get right back on track...

Manatee...You've hit the nail on the head!!! Everything you've said is completely true and understandable.

I hate to sound sceptical...And I am not being judgemental. Just trying to get a better understanding of others religious beliefs. Why is it that your relationship with the Lord didn't giude you to health pre-banding? Again, I mean no disrespect and I wish you continued success and health.

I got a Weight Watchers Portable digital scale at Kohls for $29.99. It works perfect. Extremely accurate.

I'm In Woburn and would like to join your group. Please keep me posted with any developments

Thanks for the replies...I put a phone call in to the Dr today. (I got a call back from his nurse) Anyway, he has agreed to see me on June 24th. That was the first appointment I could get. I have come to the conclusion that he is just far too busy and has overextended his services. I started to realize this at his last support group. I think there was about 200 people there. And he is the only Dr at his office. He quadrouple books his appointment slots and once I waited 2.5 hours in his office to be seen for a scheduled appointment. I guess I need someone who has a bit more time for his patients.

Hi, I'm from Woburn Ma...If you don't mind me asking, Who is your surgeon?

I have the same 10cm band that holds 4 ccs. I just had my first fill 1 week ago and the Dr only gave me .5 CCs..I don't feel any restriction...I'm discouraged too because he said I shouldn't expect another fill for 4 months...

That's why this board is so helpful...It's a great place to come for understanding from people going through the same thing as you...I think it is hard to put yourself in anothers position and truly understand until you've been there yourself...Like people who can't undertand Alcoholism or homosexuality or anything else that is personal and exclusive to certain individules. The important thing is that they stand by you and maintain a loving caring friendship...If they don't get it...You've got us!!!

If you have an Outback nearby they have a ground sirloin steaK. That's a Fancy name for "Hamburger without the bun"!!! Anyways it comes atop of Mashed Potatoes and is topped with some sort of a gravy... Delicious...This was my first meal out...The Hamburger was totally do-able. Just chewed it really well...Had a little bit of Mashed Potatoes...and a glass of Merlot...I thought I was in Heaven!!!

Well today I finally got my first fill. (banded Jan 14th) 16 full weeks from surgery. My Dr gives me .5 cc's. He trys to tell me this is ALOT. I explain to him that I have done much research and read these message boards and that I felt it was very conservative considering how long I have been waiting and since I can eat very large portions still. I did not sway him at all. He kept on about how it is not good to put great pressure on the stomach and this fill will help me alot. I'll notice a big difference. I asked him "what if I don't feel restriction?" He said (get ready), "If you are still feeling hunger we will give you another very small fill when I see you again in 4 months" I questioned it thouroughly. Said I felt 16 weeks was extremely excessive but he wasn't having it. So I guess I can expect to have a whopping 1 cc fill by my one year aniversary. Does this seem crazy to anyone else???

How did they diagnose the hernia??? I'm going crazy trying toget an answer to this question....I went for a CT Scan on Monday because the Dr thinks I might have a flipped port and a hernia...But I think the scan was mainly for port location. What about the hernia...Was there an x-ray or test to determine what it was??? What does the surgery intail??? Mine seems much smaller than what you describe...Like a golf ball rather than a grapefruit.

how did the Dr diagnose it? I just went for my 1st fill (12 weeks post op) and after feeling around the port site the Dr. felt a "buldge". I thought that was my port. But he said no. Anyway, he thinks it is a hernia and I'm scheduled for a CT scan. Maybe it is a seroma? Should I suggest it to him?

I am the single mother of a 9 year old girl. She is not overweight at all and she seems to eat healthy by choice rather than me forcing it on her. So I don't have much advice there. BUT...Since my surgery, she has been my walking buddy. She loves it as much as I do. We walk 3 miles together a few nights a week. It's a great opportunity to spend some time together and catch up on the days happenings. Maybe you and your daughter could try something similar. It really is great quality time spent together. And good for both.

My Dr has ordered a CT scan as he thinks I have a flipped port. Has anyone else had to have a Scan for this reason? I'm concerned because reports state high levels of radiation from Ct scans can be dangerous. I just had a Ct scan in January on my heart as pre-op testing. Does this sound too soon to have another? I've called my Dr to ask about alternative testing. A receptionist called me back and said this is what the Dr. Ordered. Should I insist that the Dr himself call me back???

I was banded on 1/12/08 and just went for my 1st fill yesterday 4/8/08. Doc couldn't get in my port and feels there is a hernia present. I'm heading for a CT Scan next week to see what's going on. I was very dissapointed. I hope it is just this once. Sorry you had to go through it 2X. What does the port rpair/replace intail???

Well today I went for my first fill. I'm 12 weeks post-op and felt this was an excessive wait for a first fill, But that's the way my Dr. does it so it's OK with me. Anyway, I go in all excited thinking that finally I will be feeling some restriction things will get a bit easier for me.. As I lay on the table the Dr with needle in hand, he starts to press on my abdomin searching for the port. He asks me how long I have had this "buldge" He is referring to the hard-ish lump just above my port site. I explained to him that I haven't noticed any change It's been like that since surgery and I assumed it was my port I was feeling. It's pain free untill pressed hard on and then only mildly uncomfortable. It is right where I'd expect the port to be. He thinks it could be a hernia. He did stick me with the needle and poke around a bit but couldn't get the port. He pulled the needle out and is scheduling me for an ultrosound or CTscan. Possible the port has flipped and I may have a hernia...I walked in there so happy. And left totally bummed... I wish I had known earlier. Now I'm feeling like it will be another several weeks until I can get a fill and get this show on the road!!! Unbelieveable!!!

Larose. you mentioned emotional eating. Is it possible that you are feeling emotional and discouraged at this time. I get the same way. I feel like I wanted it faster and like I'm unsure if the band will work. Also, sometimes it feels like if was going to be such hard work, why didn't I just do it on my own...But be honest with yourself. Would/Could you have done it on your own. Haven't you tried many times in the past unsuccesfully?? And if I'm doing the Math correctly you've lost at least 40 lbs. And you've not gained a single ounce. And it sounds like you are making fairly good choices by going sugar-free. Just try to stay positive. And get in excersize. You will succeed...And it is nice to feel proud of the hard work and what you've accomplished..If it was too easy you may not get that gratification