Lizalee

Oh you echo my thoughts. Its been nearly 4 years for me...the first year was easy. But it's been tough since then. It is so easy to slip into bad habits, and so hard to get back in the zone to stay healthy and re-re-loose those pounds that creep back on. Now I'm up 60 pounds from where I want to be, and can't seem to get back into the healthy diet groove! Each day I think tomorrow will be the day I start ...and then the next yummy thing gets me off track!

One thing I don't miss....having to say "two-hundred...." for my weight. As of today, I'm in onderland! 363 days ago, I went to the mandatory seminar for getting banded - the info session. At that time, I weighed 339 pounds and was miserable - suffering from all the things you've listed in this list, plus diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol. Now, a year later, 7 months after being banded, I'm still 'obese' but on my way to being 'just overweight' and soon thereafter, hopefully, "normal." And I've said goodbye to "super morbid obesity" forever. My list of things I won't miss has turned into "things I don't miss." Sure, I still have 60 pounds to go...but that's a managable number for me. And even if I don't make it to my goal, I am feeling fantastic, don't have those medical conditions anymore, and my life has changed dramatically. So, for all you out there who long for the day you can say goodbye to the obese lifestyle, I'm living proof it CAN be done!!! I'm no different that any of you...it takes committment and hard work, following the rules, and the band can be the tool to get you where you want to be!

Debbi, I love your line "Taking my life back." OH how true! I too have taken my life back and it's SO wonderful! I can walk for and hour without being tired, with my dogs. I can ride my daughter's horse (not well, but hey, I can do it!!) We are trying to buy a hobby farm to bring our horses home - I had given up on that lifelong dream because I was always too tired and too fat to do the work involved. YES - taking my life back describes it perfectly! Who would have thought that a little silicone band could do all that!!! Well...it didn't do all of it, but helped ME do it! And to think only a year ago I was looking forward to 'retirement' in a condo so I wouldn't have to do anything...what a mistake that was. Now I'm nowhere ready for life in front of the TV.

You know, I agree with you - although I can find clothes I like at other stores with plus sizes - HOWEVER the funny thing is that I am on the verge on not needing the plus sizes, and I feel lost! Those regular misses departments are so HUGE and SO MANY choices! I'm overwhelmed!! I don't know where to shop or what to buy! And, I feel like I don't belong there--like the people see ME in the normal people department and are thinking - wow, who is she kidding? She must be shopping for somebody else... I know - what a terrible problem! :eek: It is kind of fun though...so much nicer than having to pay shipping to buy from Roamans, etc, and hoping things came in EXTENDED plus sizes! Wow! I can try things on!!! You all hang in there - your dreams will come true!

Now that's one NSV I've never considered. But I have to say, I'm so happy not to have to scout out the stalls to find the BIGGEST one anymore - It feels good to fit into a normal stall (instead of the handicapped stall) and still be able to wipe! I realized recently that I didn't have to have the steering wheel at the most up-tipped position and the seat as far back as possible to fit without hitting the wheel. I love it! I can even fit in the back-seat belts now! NSV's are the sweetest things - they are so much more real that looking only at the numbers!

I've been reading this list for a long time, adding comments once in awhile. My lists were much like all of yours. It occurs to me that... I am finally no longer the fatest one in church, at work. I no longer have to buy 5X clothes from catalogs, and no longer have to buy the biggest size I can find...In fact, I even bought a regular ladies XL the other day! I can see light between my legs when I stand (no thigh rubbing) I can sit in any chair or booth, even with arms. Chairs don't groan when I sit on them. I have to put my car seat closer to the sterring wheel and even back seat belts fit me. No more farthest back position with my belly hitting the steering wheel. I weigh less than my husband. I can fit into his T-shirt. I'm not all the way were I need to be yet...before I can cross everything off my list, but I have to tell you, everything I've done to get to this point was so well worth it! It can happen to all of you too! Got for it!

You're very welcome! I would have never believed the changes, and in only a few short months. Like you, I'd heard the stories, and even read the studies about health improvements, but didn't think it could happen to me. Nothing ever worked for me before. It has been WORK to get to this point - but it's been worth it! Congratulations on your recent surgery! How are things going for you?

HI ChariTee, While I haven't had kidney stones, I have had fertility problems in the past, probably related to PCOS though never formally diagnosed. (My OB/GYN and I had this conversation a few years back - but since I'm done having children, it's a moot point) Anyhow, I can tell you about some health improvements I've experienced post banding. Due to my weight loss: Diabetes - I was taking two oral meds for type 2 diabetes, and my HA1C's (glycosated hemoglobin - measure of blood sugar control over time) were creeping up - last 7.1. I knew I'd have to start taking more meds soon, and probably insulin in the near future unless I lost weight. In just a couple months, I was longer taking ANY diabetes meds and last HA1C was 5.5 - NORMAL. Random blood sugars are NORMAL. Diabetes - gone! Blood pressure - I was taking a bp med that was a 'ARB" and a 'Water pill' I now take 1/2 a pill, and could probably be off completely as my BP's are normal, and sometimes even too low if I don't drink enough. sleep apnea - I can tell this is much improved. I still use my CPAP machine, but probably won't need it much longer. Fitness level - I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without feeling really winded. I avoided any exercise like the plague. I now walk 2 - 3 miles a day, and don't even feel tired. I can walk up 3 flights of stairs non-stop. I used to hate to shop - I'd park in the closest parking area, shop briefly, and have to sit down in the mall for awhile. I hated taking my girls shopping, and mostly bought clothes from catalogs/internet. Now, I look forward to walking, shopping, and being active! I feel SO MUCH healthier and happier. I've starting having periods again without taking progesterone - which I had needed to take for years or would never have a menstrual period. While this is ONE health improvement I could do without (LOL), it certainly is healthier! Now, you don't have to have a band to experience improved health - you just need to loose weight. For me, it took the band to be able to do that! It's been the most wonderful thing I've ever done for myself! I still have a long way to go, but my life has changed SO MUCH in the past months, I am so grateful to have been banded! LIfe is so much better now. Good luck with your journey.

HI Chinadoll, Certainly with your exercise, you're going to be building muscles - and loosing inches. But, my questions are: What do you eat? How much Protein do you get? I've heard others say you need to eat enough calories so that your metabolism doesn't shut down, but not too many, obviously. I eat between 800 - 1200 generally, 100 - 300 occasionaly more, but usually not less. I get between 60 to 80 grams of protein each day. I haven't gotten to my sweet spot quite yet, but I'm close with my fill yesterday. Keep changing up your diet and exercise to see what's going to work for you!

Hi Omar88, I was banded in Milwaukee. Not sure what you mean - the 6 month period-- is that something that your insurance provider requires? Or that the bariatric center requires? Or both? I went to the Aurora Sinai bariatric program. Surgeon is from Wisconsin Bariatrics. It took a little over 4 months from seminar date to surgery, with a 3 month supervised diet. This was the center's requirement, which they did because of my insurance company's requirement AND because they are a bariatric center of excellence - and for that certification there are minimun standards they need to maintain - which includes a wholistic approach - proper candidate selection, making sure the patient is emotionally ready for this huge lifestyle change, nutrition counseling, choosing the proper procedure for your needs, etc. If you are self-pay, I am not sure that you would have to wait 6 months. Also, you can investigate Mexico or other foreign programs which can be done very quick, but you have to travel and self-pay (but cheaper than US). My sister did that. But if it's an insurance requirement - and you want insurance to pay - doesn't matter where you go, you'll have to do whatever insurance requires. Where have you tried? Are you in a hurry? I was, desparately so! The 4 months seemed like forever! However, I finally realized I didn't have to wait for the band to start changing my life. You can start today by changing your diet and learning about your new lifestyle with the band. Retrospecitively, it was a good thing, because I lost 30-40 pounds doing the dietitian supervised diet, and learned what life was going to be like post-banding. I was better prepared for the surgery by jumping through those hoops, even though I hated every minute of it. I am NOT a patient person! The band is only a tool...it will make losing weight easier, by taking away the ability to eat huge portions, but it is NOT a easy answer and doesn't work magically by itself - so learning how to change your lifestyle and eating healthy are the most important thing.s I can still eat too many calories and not loose weight with the band by eating the wrong foods (sweets like ice cream, Cookies, cakes, crackers). But I don't want too! But, I have to tell you, if not for this band I wouldn't have made it this far. Good things are worth waiting for!! Good luck!

Becky, this is truly amazing! When I get down on how much I have yet to loose and/or that it's taking too long, I will try to remember YOUR success! You are an inspiration!

Hi I found that I couldn't tolerate the regular protein shakes, but Slimfast Low Carb worked for me. I bought it at WalMart. Chocolate was my favorite, but Creamy Vanilla is OK too.

Nobody's girl, Gosh, your post made me so sad!! :-( So many things I can relate to in my former, younger years. I don't know where you are in the process, but having Weight loss surgery can help, and it's amazing the transformation that can occur. However, it won't solve everything - but it sure does make social situations easier! I'm about halfway there, and have already so much has changed. Not really my relationships with others, as much as I have so much more energy, feel better about myself, etc. Which is the first steps. You don't have to be perfect! I hope someday we'll see a happy post from you, and you'll change your name to "Somebody's Girl" Best wishes!

Hey, We all go through this!! Three---four weeks of not loosing, despite following all the rules, etc. I am not sure what the deal is, but everybody says it's your body adjusting, etc. I believe it's your body's way of adjusting to sudden weight loss -- it's like -- whoa -- we got to stop this before we starve to death!! (Seems to forget all those fat stores hanging around.) This too shall pass...and all of the sudden you loose 4 or 5 pounds in a week....and then, bam, another week or two of not loosing. The other thing is - you're not at your sweet spot - enough restriction to curb the hunger, and not too much that you're unable to eat/swallow liquids. I'm not either. I've had really 2 fills - my second one lasted only a couple days. Sure, it's not like before the band -- but still feel like I can eat too much. Some of the wise people on another thread reminded me to realy focus on Protein - like filling up on chicken breast, fish, lean ground beef and really avoiding carbs, which creates urges for more carbs. It has worked the past couple days. (for the hunger, not the weight loss...) Also exercising at least 60 mins a day. And hanging in there. If you're doing everything right, then you will loose again! For me, that has to be under 1200 cals a day...exercise, and even with that now, I haven't lost in over a week. Go figure.

Hi, Well, I'm not exactly sure, who is your appointment with? In my case, the "pre-op" appointment with the dietian at the "Center" was for diet teaching regarding the post op restrictions. Once they knew my surgery date - which was scheduled through the doctor's office - then they set up a pre-op testing date - had to have blood work, upper GI x-rays, and EKG - but that would depend on your age & needs. And also a GB ultrasound (I didn't have to have it since I had mine out already.) For that day of testing there are eating rules for the tests (like nothing to eat or drink) So it depends....just ask them! Good luck!

Hi Smartgirl & Blessed! I went to the seminar to start the process Dec 5, 07, and ended up the earliest I could get banded was April 9, 08. The Sinai center insisted on 3 months supervised weight loss for me, but now I've heard of people who didn't have to go that. I guess it's different for everyone.... GOOD LUCK with your process & I hope it goes fast for you. It seemed like FOREVER waiting for the surgery date...but now that's it's over, as I look back it wasn't THAT bad. I'm on another one of those little plateaus...and ready for another fill though I have to wait another 4 more weeks till my next fill. It's hard until you get enough lasting restriction to adequately curb the hunger. Right now I feel like to I could eat almost anything again. But, I'm so happy I did it! Today I saw a bunch of people I work with who haven't seen me for a few months - they were very complimentary and surprised at the change. (yeah, loosing 100pounds will do that :-) I wish the same sucess for you both!

MyTurn, Go back into the ticker factory, you'll have to sign in with your PIN, and click "update weight info." Then it will take you to a grid, at the bottom it will have field to update your weight and date. Then click Next - and it should automatically update.

Just curious...how are you all feeling about Brett now? Will he...won't he...where will he play? :-) Here we thought we had the answer a few months ago...and now this soap opera continues!

Yes! I never would have believed it a few months ago, but you can! If I can do it - nothing ever worked for me before - you can. I agree with above - 800 - 1200 (for me) calories a day, 30-60 minutes of walking & increasing general activity like taking stairs at work. Follow the rules, eat Protein first, and eliminate junk food from the house. It CAN be done, but you do have to be focused. Good luck, and many of you have done a great job already!

Moriah said: "Sometimes I think it's too good to be true. Could it be that it really works?" YES!!! It CAN! :-) I know- I thought the SAME thing...this might work for other people, but ME? Nothing has ever worked for me, why would this be any different? Well, let me tell you, it ain't an easy way out...you will have to 'diet' and increase your exercise (which is a lot easier when you weigh less!). Depending on how engaged you are in the process, the weight loss will be faster or slower - BUT - I've NEVER lost 100+ pounds before. I am optomistic that I will see this out to the end - my goal or close to it, and keep it off forever. Before the band, I couldn't stay on a diet that long. I'd feel deprived and starving, and the amount to loose was overwhelming. So, I'd give up and gain it all back - plus more! I am off ALL my diabetes meds, cholesterol med, and only 1/2 a BP pill. My blood sugar today was 83! I feel great! AND I don't miss eating - sure, sometimes I wrestle with wanting a chocolate bar or a cookie - and sometime I have it. But I'm still able to stay on track, because the hunger is controllable now. There's nothing mysterious about how it works, really. The band just limits how much you can comfortably eat. You feel full sooner. So then, you can use this physical/mechanical restriction to diet - I try to keep my daily calories to 900-1200. If I go over, I don't loose weight. I also walk 30 - 60 minutes a day, and try to do more things around the house and at work - like walking up stairs. It's not rocket science. Really, it's just like the old way of dieting - but this tool makes it easier! Re: Realize vs AP LapBand. I have the AP Lab band. There was a thread on this site blasting the Realize band by somebody who claimed to be a expert or something, a few months ago. I believe the argument was that the one continuous balloon design of the Realize band theoretically could break down because the edges fold over when circular touch each other and could breakdown. The AP LapBand has little balloon pouches all around the band, so you don't have the balloon folding over each other. Does that makes sense? (Check their web sites for pictures.) I don't know that here is any evidence of statistical importance of the design differences. (If somebody knows, feel free to chime in!) My surgeon explained that the Realize band doesn't have a connection in the tube - that on rare occassion (he's had one case) the AP LapBand tubing connector might come apart. Also, the Lap Band port is smaller in diameter but taller, which the Realize is wider and flatter. There are different suturing/fixation methods for each, making it a bit easier or quicker for the surgeon. Also, I think the Realize is supposed to be a little lower pressure, although I think the AP might be the same now?? (not sure). But all in all, he didn't recommend one over the other, and left the decision to me. The realize band apparently has a cool web page for tracking weight loss that your dr's office can view if you chooose? The AP Lap Band doesn't have much (my opinion) In the end, I had the AP LapBand because I'm a data person, and there was more of a track record on the AP design here in the US. Talk with your surgeon. Frankly, I don't know that it makes any difference...but there are a lot of opinions out there, and people that know much more than me!!! GOOD LUCK! If you follow the instrutions you will get, follow the diet guidelines, and bump up your exercise, YOU can be writing this thread in a few months after your band! YES, YOU!!! :-)

Hi you guys, You are very early in your process! I remember the feeling of frustration because I was eating so little, got hungry (about 3 weeks out) and wasn't loosing all that much. Many wise people out here on the Lap Band site told me to just relax, stick to the diet instructions, and allow my body to heal and the swelling go down before expecting to loose much weight. Without your band being filled, there may not be much restriction, and will get hungry. Also, being of mushie food, it slides through pretty fast, so the pouch gets empty and you get hungry. Try to increase your Protein - I would add a couple ounces of cooked chicken to the mashed potatoes or whatever else I was eating, and that seemed to "stick" longer. Follow the other band rules like not drinking for 30 min after a meal. Increase fluids. Start some gentle exercise - a nice walk, moving around more then usual to keep your metabolism going. Good luck...this stage will pass!

Hi I recall not being able to get as much fluids as recommended in the early days. Just keep sipping as frequently as possible. This may be TMI, but, check the color of your urine - if dark, then you must get in more! If normal amounts/light color, you're probably doing OK, especially if you're taking it easy and staying in cool areas. Everybody has a different Fluid need, and I am NOT a big drinker. But, especially in warm weather, you do need to watch how you feel. (Such as getting light-headed, weak.) Some medications can make people prone to dehydration/heat exhaustion, so just be careful in hot weather! Good luck - gradually you will be able to tolerate more as you heal.

Dear stay tuned: That is frustrating, no doubt about it. Sounds like your port flipped...and it unfortunately DOES happen. My tubing kinked, and my second fill resulted in WAY too much Fluid in since they couldn't tell if it was going in or not. Once I drank Water, it was obvious it HAD gone in I had extreme pain, vomiting. This was on June 6th - also the night of my 3rd child's high school graduation -- in our home town 60 miles away. So, I ended up missing graduation and having an emergency port revision instead. It's just a memory now, and I was upset at the time, but what are you going to do? It sets us back, it's not convenient. I've managed to do very well by sticking to the band rules while awaiting for my delayed 2nd fill - which I finally had today - because it was delayed while I re-healed. Hope you can get this fixed real soon and get back in the swing of things. In a few months from now, I won't seem so bad once you're back on track. Hang in there!!!! :thumbdown:

Southerngirl: "Not being able to tie my shoes without an act of Congress" I hear you there --- my shoelaces ALWAYS seem to come open when I go for walks - and I'd look for something to prop my foot up to retie. NSV noted last week: I can bend over and tie my shoe now, without feeling like I'm going to pass out! :-)

Hey, welcome Wisconsinites! Protein bars - I really like the South Beach Protein Bars - I look forward to eating them & they have them in the grocery stores here. I also found that low-fat lunch meat is a low cal (albeit high salt) way to get protein too. I can't wait till my fill later this week - my family had take-out chinese for lunch today, and I could eat WAY too much...all the fat-and-sugar laden sutff, not the healthy low fat stir-fries type stuff. It was my first bad day since... the 4th of July parties...yeah, I really need that fill! :-) It's great to hear from some other 'locals' who are planning or have had bands!