cierra'sgrandma

I found this cartoon while surfing the web for various and sundry stuff. I think many banded ones out there will be able to identify with it. I sure did!

Hope this cartoon goes through! I think most will be able to identify wth it!

Administrators, if this isn't the appropriate "spot" in which to discuss the nature of my subject, I whole-heartedly apologize in advance. And PLEASE let me know if I am in error.

I just got a good look at Sarah.R's photos in the latest photo albums section, and for some reason, I personally find these pictures offensive, I suppose, because they remind me of what I used to look like, the "before", and what I was headed towards.

I didn't take lightly, the decision to have the lap-band surgery. I was tired of being FAT! I was tired of being stared at and made fun of, if not openly, then "behind the hand". At the age of 45, I had yet to experience any medical problems making losing weight an absolute necessity, but I feel they were under the surface, waiting to spring up and bite my butt, so to speak. And it's sad that, for some people, it has to come to losing weight or facing certain debilitating medical problems and/or death. I believe I was headed in that direction.

Sarah.R, if you're comfortable in your own skin, if you're comfortable with your weight, more power to you. I'm sorry that, due to medical complications, you HAVE to lose weight. But try to think about the whole new world that could open up to you, once you start losing weight. I pray your husband (I hope I got that right!) supports you in this new endeavor, just as he has expressed his love for you just the way you are. Be strong, whatever you do.

Well, this just shows-to-go-ya, um, goes-to show-ya how much time I've NOT spent on this site! I guess it's one of those duh! kind of things. ANYWAY, I'm glad I found this group. I was banded by Dr. H. on February 6th, 2008. I weighed 310 pounds when I started the two-week liquid diet, and had lost down to 290 on the day of my surgery. I'm not sure if this is the norm or not, but I was pretty pleased with myself. I sort of got used to it, but was glad when I got to the mushies stage! One of the major struggles I had was about two weeks post-op, when we had our annual Valentine's Day banquet at church...catered by Texas Road House! All I could do was sniff the air and drink tea. Ah, but this year...I think I'll have a bit of steak! My last visit to Dr. H was January 6th, and I had lost two pounds, and while Dr. H was pleased with my 76-pound weight loss, he seemed to think I had reached a plateau, and now I'm scheduled to see him on the 27th of this month, and have to present him with a food diary. :scared2: He will be pleased to know that I've started working out at Curves, which is accepting Humana's SilverSneakers program. And, I am ashamed to say, but will admit, that I've never been to a lap-band support group meeting. Why? I just don't know. Hey--I just realized that I am writing quite a lot here, so I will "sign off" for now and come back tomorrow.

I watched an episode of Dr. Phil {or was it Oprah?} a WHILE back--okay, a long time ago--something about cheapskate spouses. One woman was ragging on her husband because he saved empty butter tubs, etc. for storing leftover, etc. And I thought--hey, what's wrong with that? This is the gist of my poll. {Looks like I made some typos in the poll! Sorry about that! Apparently my attention span isn't too great this evening.}

When I was a teen-ager, I used pads. I switched to tampons in my twenties, and continued to use tampons into my forties {I'm y6 yrs. old.}, when I started having to use tampons AND pads at the same time, because my periods were so freaking heavy, as in changing tampons at least every hour. I got home from church one night, got out of the car, and felt something trickling down my leg. I thought, since I had to go to the bathroom so badly that I had started to pee on myself {yuck!}, but that wasn't the case. Yeah, y'all guessed it. It wasn't pee. About three months after that incident, I had a procedure call an endometrial ablation, in which the lining of the uterus is cauterized, or in effect, "burned off". My gynecologist did this procedure in, his office, instead of resorting to a hysterectomy. The recovery time was, for me, very quick. It's definitely not a procedure for women who want to get pregnant. ANYWAY, I haven't had to use a pad or tampon since about a month after that procedure. I still have my ovaries, etc., just not the flow!

Menopause is the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months, and starts with varying menstrual cycle lengths and ends with the final menstrual cycle. This is a very basic explanation of menopause. Perimenopause is a time of transition to actual menopause. There are any number of websites one could go to for more information. I got this from MedicineNet.com.

I guess I could say I'm perimenopausal. I'm 46 years old, and on my way! ANYWAY, as for TOMs, I don't have the flow. I had what is called an endometrial ablation done about four years ago. My TOMs were HEAVY, and quite painful. My gynecologist performed this procedure, in which the lining of the uterus is cauterized {or "burned" off}, instead of a hysterectomy. It's not a procedure for anyone wanting to get pregnant. I still have "all the stuff", but I haven't had to buy a feminine hygiene product since about a month after the procedure, and I SO TOTALLY LOVE not having to do so.

Okay, I've got to be honest and say that I didn't have the desire to look through well over 100 pages of questions and responses concerning food issues, so I'm going to ask anyway...Has anyone ever had a problem with eating Peanut Butter? I have found that while it's not a physician-restricted food, I personally cannot tolerate eating peanut butter. It's like having a plug put right over the stoma. It's a shame, too. I like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! But then again, in a way, it's a good thing, because peanut butter is SO fattening.

I eat popcorn! It's probably another one of those dietary restrictions my surgeon would be upset about if he knew I didn't/haven't cut out the popcorn! I don't eat it all the time, although I went for quite a while after my surgery before I risked it, and I didn't have any problems.

I've been a "bandita" for almost a year, and I drink sodas, although not with the frequency I once did, and I've not experienced a problem with drinking it. However, I think my surgeon would probably be upset with me if he knew! I do drink a lot of coffee though. Gotta get my caffeine somewhere!

Although I don't just go around introducing myself by saying, "Hi! My name is "cierra'sgrandma" and I had lap-band surgery.", I DO, when asked, tell people about my surgery, and I'm not at all shy to talk about it. Having this surgery was one of the most important decisions I've ever made, and I absolutely don't regret it!:cursing: I've gone from 310 pounds to 236 pounds {so far}. {Banded on February 6th, 2008.} As a matter-of-fact, I'm thinking about designing a t-shirt that says something to the effect, "Ask me about Lap-Band surgery!", and add before and after pictures.

This is for any/all "banditas" out there who has Humana's Medicare-approved HMO, PPO, &/or PFFS plans: Curves has been added to the nationwide SilverSneakers network of participating locations. "Effective January 1, 2009 Humana members may use any participating Curves location AT NO ADDITIONAL COST. For the location nearest you, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 1-866-634-1067, Monday--Friday, 8 a.m. to8 p.m. EST. TTY: 1-800-833-3301, Monday--Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m." {This is the direct quote from the mailing I received this morning, and since I have a Medicare-approved PPO plan through Humana, I thought maybe there are some "banditas" in the U.S.A. who could benefit from this information.}

I was banded on February 6th, 2008. My starting weight--before the two-week liquid diet I had to be on--was 310 lbs. As of this morning, January 6th, 2009, I weigh 236 lbs. And even though my surgeon feels I've hit a plateau, he was rather pleased with the amount of weight I've lost so far. I didn't get a fill today due to problems finding my sweet spot and gallbladder problems. I haven't had any difficulty with the fills, or the three unfills I've had. I know right where my port is, and thank God, there's never been a problem with accessing it. My new goal is aimed at a 100 pound weight loss. Then, I'll move on to the ultimate goal of 135 pounds lost, AND maintained, THEN consider plastic surgery. I've pretty much had enough of the belly hanging over!

I was banded on February 6th, 2008. i've had a number of fills and three un-fills since then, in the ques to find that sweet spot. My surgeon, and his wife, who is also a surgeon, one of their nurses, and a nurse practitioner have "done the honors". I've never received any type of topical anesthetic before a fill or unfill, and they [those mentioned above] have never had a problem accessing my port. As far as any discomfort associated with these precedures, well, I guess it felt somewhat like a slight, sharp pinch, a sensation that faded rather quickly. I actually felt and have felt more discomfort upon being "stuck" for an IV or blood draw! I won't EVER discount anyone's account(s) of pain and/or discomfort!

I didn't realize that it had been September of '08 since i was on this site! A lot of things have been happening...I am nearing the one-year mark since my surgery (February 6th, 2008). I've lost 76 pounds, so far. I've had a few problems with the fills, in that they were actually too much! ANYWAY, I've been doing a lot better, but you know, there are times when--or so it seems--all I want to do is EAT:w00t:! And yes, I've fallen of the wagon a few times. But, my surgeon is rather pleased that I've lost 76 pounds, and that makes me feel pretty good--even though he feels I've hit a plateau. Sort of breathes new life back into the situation. Now, I'm learning to NOT eat fried foods, as my stomach will say, "Not in here!". Fried foods tend to mess with my gall bladder problems. Other types of foods do too. Still, hard-head that I am, I'll attempt to eat something that I know I shouldn't, and I pay the price. I've actually stuck my finger down my throat a few times to make it all come back up and chase away the extreme discomfort. Don't like admitting to that, but there it is! No, it's not an every day, every meal thing, thank God! {I hope that last comment wasn't insensitive or offensive to those who struggle with bulimia. I sincerely apologize if it is/was.}Sometimes, when I get nauseated and feel sick, and I know what's about to happen, my thoughts are to help it along. After seeing my surgeon this morning, I do feel better about myself. I was sor tof punishing myself for "not doing better", but he was really very pleased with my weight loss. Yet, I can't help but feel that if I had just been more vigilant, I would have more than 76 pounds lost by now. Hey, I'm going to break through that plateau.

I've looked at only a mere fraction of the recipes for us bandsters--from liquids to mushies, to solids, and I am overwhelmed at all the choices! How about a Lap Band Cookbook?:crying: Something that covers ALL the stages, from pre-surgery liquids to post-surgery solids? I know that there are gazillions of great recipes and ideas on this site, with more that have yet to be posted. I could make my own cookbook, but I know that with the overwhelming popularity {and success} of this procedure, a Lap Band Cookbook would be a phenomenal success. Hey, Administrators! Any ideas? Thoughts? Comments?

Thanks!

This new thread deals with appetites, in particular, MINE! You see, about four weeks ago, I had .2cc removed from my band, and since then, it's felt like I don't have any restriction, and that I could eat pretty much as normally as I did before. I'm trying very hard not to become a glutton! It may sound somewhat foolish and immature, but I am embarrassed about it. Too embarrassed to talk to my surgeon. I've probably gained some weight back, but not so much that any of the smaller clothes I now wear are getting tighter. I think I might have gotten a handle on it, though. I've discovered cottage cheese. Yeah, it's been around for quite a while, and I thought it would be disgusting,:crying: but it's not. I like to mix it with tuna, adding pepper and garlic salt {or garlic powder} to taste. I'm looking for other tasty, low-fat recipes--using cottage cheese--that I can prepare. Also, how about some good recipes with eggs? Anybody? Thanks!

P.S.

I go back to my surgeon for another six-week check-up in two more weeks. I'm going to be as honest as I can about "stuff", and ask for a fill, and for an appointment with their nutritionist. I need help! I've come too far, and am working on an 80-pound weight loss {since February '08} turn back. I don't want to do that! I don't EVER want to be fat again!

I have also experienced depression post-op. According to the PA at my surgeon's office, estrogen is stored in fat cells, so as you lose (especially rapidly like we tend to at first), your body gets flooded with estrogen, which can make you more emotional. If you are experiencing any menopause symptoms prior to surgery, it can be even worse for you. Currently, I am taking 75mg of Effexor a day and according to DH, I am "a different person". If it takes that in order to make me tolerable to live with while I'm on my way down, so be it.

Good luck and I hope you get to feeling better soon!!

You know, that makes a lot of sense!:ohmy:I'll be 46 next month. I am peri-menopausal, and rather than have a hysterectomy, I underwent an endometrial ablation. Wow!:thumbup: Such WELCOMED relief! Haven't bought "the goods" for about 16 months now. {Sorry! I went off chasing rabbits there.} I wasn't aware of the estrogen/fat cell connection, but it does make sense. I've lost roughly 70 pounds since I started the LapBand process. Yeah, it makes A LOT of sense. Currently, I am taking Cymbalta 30mg/day, and I really don't seem to feel any different than I did before I went on it. I think I'll check up on Efffexor. Checking up on it couldn't hurt, right? Thanks again!

You know, I've experienced some depression after my surgery. Kind of like I was grieving the loss of an old friend {food}. There are a lot of places I don't go to eat because I can't tolerate the food. Buffets are out of the question, of course, and even though there are foods out there that I can "legally" consume, I can't/don't because I'll get sick, and I HATE throwing up! :confused_smile:I can't tolerate Peanut Butter, and I have to be very careful about what kind of meats I eat. Fried foods {French fries, etc. make me sick}, although I think this might be more related to gall bladder problems than anything. One of the things that "got" me was that 10 days after my surgery, on February 6th, 2008, our church had a catered {steak} dinner for Valentine's Day. That was tough, but I spent that time in the nursery with our pastor's infant daughter. ANYWAY, it's been tough at times, but the results {so far-70 pounds} has been worth it. I'm still adjusting my mindset from "all-I-can-eat" to what I refer to as the "LapBand way of eating. I can cross my legs, walk without losing my breath, sleep on my back without experiencing the sensation of suffocation. My 10 year-old grand-daughter can put her arms all the way around me when she hugs me.:thumbup: I can almost get a bath towel completely around my body. I have a lap! :biggrin2:I've lost a shoe size. I can go on and on, but, as I said, the rewards are so worth it. I can, and will get over my depression concerning the loss of a lifestyle that was on its way to killing me, or seriously incapacitating me before I reached 50. {I'll be 46 next month}.

If there's anyone out there who lives in North East Texas or its surrounding areas, and you are considering the LapBand surgery, AND are looking for a surgeon, consider Dr. Ron Hekier or Dr. Rachael Kaelin. They also do their own fills. Their practice isn't limited to LapBand surgery, but a portion of their practice is dedicated to the LapBand system and all that goes with it, including a nutritionist, etc...from the first seminar to insurance, to surgery, to follow-up care, to fills. Plus, they are really nice people.

Wadley Regional Medical Center Texarkana, TX, is the hospital of choice because it has the American Bariatric Center of Excellence {I think that's the correct wording} certification, which most, if not all, insurance companies, I believe, require that a hospital have.

There's a website you can go to--Lap Band Surgery Texarkana- Serving Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana--to check it out.

I live in extreme North East Texas. There are two LapBand surgeons, Drs. Ron Hekier, and Rachel Kaelin, in North East Texas, in the city in which I live, who do their own fills as well. My surgeon is Dr. Hekier, and I am quite pleased to say that he has had no trouble whatsoever in accessing my port, and even though he gives a warning that "there's going to be a big stick'", I've felt no pain--just a very slight stick. Everyone, of course is different in the way they handle their "fill sticks", as well as their LapBand aftercare, but Drs. Hekier and Kaelin are great. Also, Dr. Hekier's nurse did an "unfill" for me the other day, after my second fill, because it was too tight. She did a great job as well.

Hello, I'm back! It's been a while (30 days) since I've been on LapBandTalk.com. No realy excuse for NOT doing so. Been depressed lately, although it hasn't been due to any weightloss/LapBand issues! Been busy as well.

ANYWAY--Fills--I've had two so far. My surgery was on February 6th, 2008. After surgery, I did feel some restriction, but I pretty much followed dietary instructions to the letter. Guess I was too scared I would mess things up if I didn't! The first fill went fine. The only pain I felt was a very slight prick at the port site. Don't know how much Fluid went in the band, but my surgeon has his patients drink a small amount of tap Water and gives us a Peanut Butter cracker to "test the waters", so to speak. This went well, as did everything else from then on.

The second fill, about two weeks ago, didn't go as well. He put in 1.6cc, and at first, though, I felt okay. Well, to make a LONG story short, 1.6cc was TOO MUCH. His nurse removed .6cc from my band, and I felt a lot better, but ultimately, that wasn't enough. In between the pain, discomfort, and vomiting, I lost about 6 pounds in a twenty-four hour period. I was too tight. When I went back to have the second "unfill" {don't know how much was removed}, I had lost three more pounds. My surgeon said you've just got to find your sweet spot. Not sure if this is it, though. Yeah, I want to lose weight, but not that way! :thumbup: Things have been going great since then, but I do feel like I can eat just like I did before the surgery, so I'm going to ask my surgeon about putting in just a tad more "juice". Got to take it easy!

I've lost nearly sixty pounds and have gone from a size 3x to XL, and have actually worn REAL DENIM JEANS(!) for the first time in years.:biggrin:

My surgeon is thrilled with my progress. For that matter, so am I:lol:.

I was banded on February 6th. I had my first fill today. I was prepared for a little bit of discomfort when my surgeon "stuck" me, but I didn't feel anything! He had absolutely no problem finding the port:thumbup:, and it was over before I knew it. :laugh: Then, he had me drink a little bit of Water, and eat a Peanut Butter cracker, to see if everything was okay. It was! It kind of feels like it did the first week or so after surgery. I was instructed to drink liquids today, advance to "mushy" foods tomorrow, then move on up to solid foods on Thursday. My weight is now 271.4, down from 310. So, that's nearly a 40 pound weight loss since the two week pre-op diet and surgery. Woo-hoo!!!:w00t::wink::smile::hurray:

Can you tell me if you experienced any emotional issues BEFORE you got the band. I was expecting the "mourning" of my friend (food) after the surgery and trying to prepare for it but got blindsided by the feelings I'm already having. I guess the silliest thing is that I have been fat almost all of my adult life and yet I am crushed at the diagnosis of "morbidly obese". I look at myself in the mirror every day yet having someone tell me that and seeing it on paper is killing me. Wow! I really didn't think I was in denial about it but I have been in a funk and feeling absolutely HUGE since I started this.

Give me your thoughts.

Thanks!!!:tongue:

I know how you feel. Before I was banded on February 6th, I was in a period of grieving, of mourning for my old friend, food. I don't think too many people understood what I was talking about, or how I felt, but the feelings were there, nonetheless. It was unsettling to label myself as morbidly obese. I knew I was fat, and, like you, I've been fat most of my adult life. On some days, I STILL feel like I'm grieving, or mourning for my "old friend" at times, but it's getting better. I know it's easier-said-than-done, but please try not to beat yourself up about this! Visualize the on-going "end-results", the benefits of being banded; better health, increased energy & stamina, better relationships {?}, a new wardrobe, just to name a few. :tt2:

I can't tell you how I managed to stumble upon LapBandTalk.com--I think it was during a search for related issues--but I am SO glad I did!:biggrin2: I know you'll find a great community of support with these ladies and gentlemen. Many more "bandsters" than I, have been, and are going through, what you're going through. And let me say this--if there's a lapband support group near you, go to it! I wish you peace and success. ----- "I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears." --Psalm 34:4-----

{This inclusion of this verse was meant to encourage and strengthen your heart and spirit. If, in any way, I have offended you, please forgive me!}

I was banded February 6th. I had some initial soreness, much like one owuld have after coughing a lot. That went away after about four days. The only "reminder" of my port is the scar where my surgeon placed it. HE knows where it is, but it's almost as if it isn't there, because I can't feel it; I don't notice it. I lost 19 pounds on my pre-op diet, and am down, at the last "weight check", about 12 more pounds. I go for my first fill March 11th, and I'm really looking forward to it. If my surgeon decides to hold off on putting me back in the hospital to remove my gallbladder, I'm going to get a medical release so I can go back to Christus St. Michael Heath & Fitness Center to get back to working out.:thumbup: