JoannMarie

Slinderella, where did you have your surgery? I went to Topeka - St Francis Hosp, Dr. Berntsen. I live in Independence, MO, and there are options in KCMO area, but as a Medicare patient, I found the Tallgrass surgeons to have better coverage. I am delighted with my choice of surgeon and my Realize band. I have good restriction after the 3rd fill (total of 6cc), but I am able to eat anything I have tried - bread, salad, Pasta, etc. Because of that it might be easier to eat foods that are not the best choice for good nutrition, but I concentrate on Protein and vegies/fruit, and small amounts of whole grains. I have occasionally been a little "stuck" when I have eaten too fast, but have not pb'd on anything. My losses have been slower than some, but consistent, and I am very happy with the outcome so far. I am finding as time goes by food has not been the primary focus of my life(!). I do think about it, but not in the old way - rather just planning how I will be able to eat what I need to eat to stay on the program. We are on vacation now - visiting with family in Korea - and I am finding that eating out in a foreign country can be a challenge for a banded person! But I've lost 3 pounds since arriving here last week! Lots more physical activity... Good luck to all new banded people. Make good choices and move!

Ladyracer, check on getting another fill. At 5cc I had little restriction, but at 6 I am much better. I may have a bit more put in, but I'm going overseas for a month, and don't want to have any issues while I am out of range of my surgeon. I'm scheduled for mid-May to tweak a little. Be patient and work with your surgeon as much as possible. My surgeon says they can't go too fast or you will not keep anything down, so she tries to be "assertive" but not "aggressive." That seems to be working for me. Good luck.

Careypea, don't worry about the nurse. If (when) she starts to give you a hard time, tell her it has been an emotional thing with you - and you are there to get your fill because you are dealing with those issues. You are not there for a lecture, you are there for a fill. Does your surgeon have a psychologist set up for patients to work with? I have continued to see the one I saw prior to surgery - on an infrequent basis, but still seeing him about every 2-3 months. We are on an "as-needed" basis at this point. You have some issues he/she could help you with - practical help with emotional eating and such things. Most surgeons work with a person like that or have suggestions about some who help people with our disease cope with the emotional aspects of it. Required reading for my shrink is a book called "The Emotional First + Aid Kit" by Cynthia L. Alexander, PsyD. It is available on Amazon for a modest price (paperback). My shrink said to BUY it, not borrow it from the library, because I could find it very helpful to refer back to as needed. The unfortunate thing about our disease/addiction to food - the drug addict can stop - the alcoholic can stop - but we still have to eat. You have taken a huge step in putting your emotions down on paper. It has helped you to talk about it with your most treasured friends. There will always be those like the nurse who are well-meaning in intent, but mis-guided in action. Pay attention to their intent, and forgive them their action. You do not owe an explanation to those people, but you do owe your best effort to yourself. God has guided you to this point and He is not going to abandon your here. Let it go and concentrate on the steps to make this journey successful.

It's always a tough call. My heart goes out to both of them.

WASaBubbleButt - great post and thanks for those recipes. I totally agree with you that this is a lifestyle change, not a diet. We have to rethink everything we have ever known about nutrition and exercise. In reading these posts from mom, I have been wondering why the daughter does not post and ask these questions. I realize mom pays the bills and empathize with her need to know, but I would feel much more hopeful for ultimate success if the daughter was showing a little more interest. There may be a very good reason why not, but mom can't do it all for her - she has to take ownership of her life and learn for herself what has to be done in order to be successful. Mom can be a great support person and help with the shopping and cooking process, but daughter has to make the changes. It is not easy, but it is the ONLY way. It does get easier - little by little - and it is doable. Thanks for helping me in my journey, too.

Trina, you are doing great! Congratulations on the weight loss, the result of hard work and band help!

I agree with Dal - call your doctor for an appointment. You might need a bit of a fill to provide you with more restriction. You say you have not lost weight in the last 4 months, have you lost inches? Your band could be loosening because the fat pad around your stomach (under the band) could be shrinking. I wonder if your doc meant your band was full, or if he meant you simply had too much at that fill. Please make an appointment and ask about this. Your band can't help you if it is not maintained. Also, make sure you are getting plenty of Protein - it may help you stay satisfied for a longer time.

DaMomb, your posts are very inspiring to me. I had not thought of this process in quite the same way, but your words open my eyes to the reality of my weight issue. Thank you.

Don - it sounds like you are doing well. Your swelling should be down by now - it's been about 6 days since your fill. You should be able to eat between 1/2 and 1 cup of food at least - and definitely be able to eat solid Protein (meat) by cutting small pieces and chewing it to liquid. 3-4 oz of protein per meal eaten first, then your lowcarb vegies, and last any starches (if you have room). Your losses with the help of this fill are really good. I have good restriction right now, too - but still losing slowly. I think that is just my pattern. I am supposed to go in tomorrow for another fill, but I think I will pass this one up. My restriction is pretty good, as I said, and DH and I are going out of the country (to Korea to visit with DD and her family who are posted there with the Army) for the month of April. I would rather be a little bit looser than to be too tight during and after the long flights to get there and home again. I don't need a lot of help to keep things under control. Keep up your good work!

I have not seen any stats that show a slower weight loss over a period of time with Realize. I am finding my losses to be right in the middle of the losses of other people banded in December. I have a goal for myself - to be a healthy weight and have a normal BMI. I just had bloodwork done last week, and my cardiac profile is excellent, liver functions normal, blood sugar normal. I guess I am just not concerned about losing fast as long as I am losing consistently and my overall health is improving. I have read that gastric bypass has a faster rate of loss at the beginning, but over a 5 year period the band produces weight losses that are about equal to bypass.

Hi Sherry, I know people have been very successful with either band. Your success will depend on how well you follow the rules of eating healthy, small portions, and exercise - these are the same for either Allergan band or Realize. I have the Realize band, banded on Dec 4th, and I have lost approx 31 pounds. I will soon be 67, and I know everyone worries about losing significant weight at my age. My doctor does both bands, and originally she offered either band to me. When it came time to make the decision, however, recommended the Realize for me. She says she has seen better results in people my age - not necessarily faster weight loss, but fewer problems with the ability to eat certain foods, fewer port problems. She also knows I am a computer oriented person and would make use of the website Realize offers. I will say I have had very good luck with this band. I am 3 1/2 months out - have lost 31 pounds. This is not esp fast weight loss, but fast is not what I am looking for. I am confident I will meet my goal, and I don't have to make it in the next 6 months! It has taken 3 fills for me to feel good restriction. 3cc, then 2cc, then 1cc - spaced 3-4 weeks apart. At 6cc for the last 2 weeks I feel nicely restricted, able to eat small portions with satisfaction. I have not had any issues with any particular food. I can eat salad vegetables, any meat, rice - all things some others have trouble with. I have avoided bread - tend to retain Water with carbs - but last week tried 1/2 sandwich on whole wheat bread. The bread tended to get stuck a little, so I probably will not have that bread again. I've had a few breads that have not been a problem. I like the website, have tracked my foods and exercise with it early on. It has good tips and an appointment reminder that are helpful. I confess I'm not using it much in the last several weeks, but I will keep up the weight and measurement charts. It is encouraging to see the inches go away... I think the process of applying the band is similar with either band. The port application is different with the Realize band, but that's one of the things my doctor likes about Realize. I will say the port area is painful for a longer time with Realize because of the way it attaches (as explained by the PA at surgeon's office). I still feel it if I bend over just right, but it is no longer painful. As I said above, I believe either band will work for you as long as you follow the guidelines of banding. I think Obesityhelp.com has a comparison article you might find helpful. You can be successful with either band.

I've taken Celebrex for my arthritis for several years with no adverse effects, and my doctor approved it post banding. Because of my Medicare Part D ins coverage I was put on Mobic for 6 months before they would approve the Celebrex last year. I did have good results with Mobic, but my doctor is concerned about long term affects on the stomach because it is basically an aspirin product. He says the Celebrex is less of a concern in that area and I've had no complications with it over the years. Celebrex is definitely more expensive (quite a bit more... even with the Part D ins covering part of it) as it is still under patent protection. For those who need a prescription drug for this condition, I suggest you discuss all of the available products with your doctor, find out what your ins will pay for them, and make your decision based on what your doctor recommends and what you are willing or able to pay.

Big Congratulations! You are having a great experience with weight loss. I'd like to be losing a little faster, but know we are all different. My pattern has been slow and steady, and I can live with that. The GOOD thing is that when it's gone it's GONE! My band is my friend now - and will be esp important when it comes to maintaining the losses...

Jayne - I'm experiencing the same good luck with 6cc after my 3rd fill a couple of weeks ago. I have an appointment for a 4th fill on Fri (3/20), but I think I will wait a while longer. I will be out of the country visiting DD and her family in Korea during April and part of May. I sure don't want to be too tight while I am there. I may be losing restriction by the end of my trip, but I will do okay with whatever I have till I get back. It certainly will be better than pre-banding! All of you who are concerned about your restriction - watch your choices and your portions until you get there. Most of the doctors are concerned about too aggressive fills at the beginning - they don't want you so tight you can't eat without bringing it back up. My surgeon gave me 3cc about 4 weeks postop, then 2cc a month later, then 1cc about 3 weeks later. I've done very well with this last fill and happy with the restriction I have now. I don't want to get hung up on "how many cc's?" because it will be different for each of us. Until 2 weeks ago I had very little restriction and relied on portion control and good choices. I lost slowly - but I will probably always lose slowly even with restriction. It's been my pattern.

I've been thinking about Pete from Jupitor a lot lately - haven't heard from him for a long time. I hope he and his family are doing okay. It's good to hear from you, Aunt GiGi. How is your weight loss going? I hope you are feeling good restriction and losing those pounds. Good job, Sue. I have 6cc for the last 2 weeks and I'm feeling good restriction. I'm supposed to have a fill on Friday (3/20), but I'm not sure I will do that. I feel pretty good right now and I don't want the problems of being too tight. My arthritis has been bad the last couple of weeks - exercise always goes down while that is happening. I need to get back with it! Hope everyone has a good weekend. Eat healthy and move!

Deb, I agree with Vickie - you might not be getting enough to eat. If you eat too little your metabolism slows down to practically nothing because your body thinks you are starving and you have to hold on to every ounce of energy (in the form of fat). You should also be eating more solid Protein. Each meal should be 3-4 ounces of protein - meat, fish, poultry, eggs - eaten first, then vegies, then starches if you have any room left. Try not to depend on the Protein drinks, as they go right through the pouch and will not help you keep hunger away. Cut your food into very small pieces and chew everything until it is liquid consistency. Eat slowly. As Vickie suggested, be sure to track your food intake, at least until you are confident you are getting it right. FitDay.com is a good place to do that, also Dailyplate.com and sparkpeople.com. If you have the Realize band, their website has a good food diary. The band is great - but you need to be sure you are eating a healthy diet, or you will miss out on important nutrition. Hugs,

Just be sure you take it very slowly with those first bites! You will probably have pretty tight restriction, esp till the swelling goes down in a few days. I have the Realize band also - 3rd fill gave me 6cc last Monday (3/2). Swelling is down now and I still have good restriction - for the first time I really feel banded! It's hard for me to get those morning vitamins down - I think it helps to have some coffee or hot tea first - the warmth seems to open things up a bit. I have to watch the size of bites now, and eat very slowly. It just takes some getting used to - and I'm very happy with my restriction at this point.

It's great to hear from you Clempier! I'm sorry to hear you have had such a long wait, but - having had a long wait myself (March to December) I found it was actually a good thing because I had a lot of time to read and learn. When the day finally came I was very well prepared and more determined than ever to make it work. I also made a lot of great friends here on LBTalk! There is a lot of great support here. I've had 3 fills to date. The first two (3cc and then 2cc) did a pretty good job of restriction for a week or so, then seemed to fade away. I just continued to eat healthy and watch portions carefully. This fill of 1cc, received on Monday (Mar 2) is giving me a lot more restriction in the first few days - I have hope it will last better this time. I am scheduled for another fill on Mar 20 - will decide later if it will be necessary. DH and I are going to S Korea to visit with our DD and her family. SIL is US Army, and they have been posted there almost 2 years now. They have a 2 yr old boy, expecting another boy in April and we are going to help out, leaving 4/7 and I am returning on 5/8. I absolutely don't want to be too tight while in Korea - far from home and help for subsequent problems. I would rather have less restriction and have to be a good girl on my own. I know I will have powerful help with that! I may wait till I return home before I have that next fill. Yesterday I tried on several articles of clothing that have been in my closet for a number of years. I almost passed 1 pair of pants up, almost too loose already! 2 pair of jeans I can now wear -good thing cause there are 4 pair of jeans that are way too big! It was really a good feeling - I really FELT slimmer for the first time since banding. scale and logic aside - it's that FEELING that made my day! I can't wait till you feel that way too! Hugs,

Hi Sue! I'm here!! Just had my 3rd fill on Monday. 1cc this time for a total of 6cc. I am feeling very good restriction at this time. My doctor says there is always a little swelling after a fill, and it takes several days for it to go down. I should loosen up a bit after that. That has been my experience with the first 2 fills. I am liking this restriction, but I'm having to relearn some eating habits. Since I did not have very good restriction prior to this I am feeling like I am banded for the first time. Cutting meat very small, chewing a LOT, being very careful to eat slowly enough to not crowd stuff in there. The last few days have been interesting. No major difficulties, though, so I guess I'm doing okay - and - let's face it - this is really what I have wanted all along! We are looking forward to spring around here - how 'bout you?

Oh my goodness - I love that woman, too! She is all business and approachable, too - a great combination... I would love to meet you. I am scheduled for a fill on Mar 20 at 10am. After my fill I always go to the Red Robin across the street for a cup of Soup - to make sure everything is going down okay before I drive 80 miles home. (I'd hate to have to make a return trip right away.) Wanna make a lunch date for Mar 20? PM me and we can plan the particulars.

I just had my 3rd fill Monday (3/2) and have very good restriction. My first fill was 3cc, second was 2cc, and third fill was 1cc - total of 6cc at this point. I am pretty tight still - the restriction from the first 2 fills seemed to fade away as the swelling went down. This one is hanging around so far. My surgeon will continue to give me fills, each one will be a bit smaller until I reach the point where I am satisfied with 1/2 to 1 cup of food per meal. From that point she will make adjustments as needed. I am there right now - but I'll have to see how I am after a week or so. I find it is absolutely necessary for me to make healthy choices and practice portion control. If I had not been doing that during the last three months I would not have lost any pounds, because restriction was not there yet. The band is not designed to do it all. It is a tool that helps you control your portions, but you have to make the good food choices - particularly when it comes to hard Protein. That is the food that stays in your pouch the longest and provides the best hunger protection. For myself, I have found that if I measure my food, eat what I am allowed, then wait a few minutes, I do have a sense of fullness and decide I don't need anything else. I think my brain just needs a few minutes to catch up with my appetite. and I do believe exercise is a very important component. Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue does, so building muscle helps your metabolism. For most of us we can start small (walking for 30 minutes) and build - just like everything else. In the end it all comes down to calories in-calories out. I hope your daughter has success and reaches her sweet spot with another fill.

Maggifer - I just noticed you are from Kansas. Where did you have your surgery? My surgeon is Bernita Berntsen at Tallgrass/St. Francis in Topeka.

Oh Gosh, Maggie -- I had my 3rd fill yesterday. First was 3cc, 2nd was 2cc, yesterday was 1cc. After each I have felt a week or so of restriction (doc says after a few days the swelling goes down and you feel less). After the second fill it was better. Today I am quite tight - everything is going down, but very much slower. This is okay and where I think I should be. I think after the swelling goes down this time I will have pretty good restriction. My doctor told me yesterday that it does take several fills - she can't start me off with 5 or 6 cc, because I would be throwing everything back up. So she does it gradually, each fill a little bit smaller, until they get to the point where I have good restriction, and can comfortably keep my food intake to 1/2 to 1 cup per meal. I am scheduled for another fill on Mar 20. I may not need it, but I'll check in with her anyway. So plan on a few fills before the optimum restriction sets in. Meanwhile, eat healthy, lots of Protein, and portion control. You will have enough restriction to help you with that, and you will lose pounds.

Mary - you are soooo right. Just doesn't seem fair, does it??

I forgot to mention a thread that I find very helpful. Check the homepage and find the Mentoring section. "I'm Here to Help..." is a thread started by IndioGirl and there are several people on that thread who have been successful and have great insight on the lifestyle change necessary to get to goal and stay there. It is not specifically a Christian oriented thread, but most of the people there speak openly about their faith and are very supportive, kind people. You may find it helpful to stay in touch with others who are struggling and those who are commited to helping in that struggle. They have become some of my best cyber-friends.