kgloverii

I truly believe a lot of patients also feel more 'superior' because their doctor sold it to them that way. My follow-up doc who does my fills has been uber helpful, but he is VERY pro-bypass or sleeve. He sees faster weight loss and has more experience with it. PLUS, his patients get closer to goal, according to him. BUT, they are not me... and it all depends on your personal goal. I mean, I was 235, and now I am in the 170's. I wear a size 12. I look and feel NORMAL. I don't have head hunger issues anymore. I am going to get every last pound of me that I can, BUT I know that it may not be likely that I get to 130 or 140, like I'd like. Am I disappointed? GOD NO? Do I have second thoughts? Not even for a split second. I can walk down the beach in a bathing suit and not be totally mortified. I can show my kids healthy eating habits, and more than anything, my obsession and fixation with food is GONE.

CONGRATS!!!! Unbelievable!!!

I found an article that was just published about people who eat eggs for Breakfast, and how those who do, lose more weight than those that eat carbs. This was also evidenced in other studies that have shown weight GAIN from instant oatmeal. This has got to be a carb thing... the fact that blood sugar is not spiking and dropping like crazy... Eggs are usually easier for bandsters... this gives you another excuse to enjoy... New research confirms that eating eggs boosts a healthy weight loss plan PARK RIDGE, Ill., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- A study published online today in the International Journal of Obesity shows that eating two eggs for breakfast, as part of a reduced-calorie diet, helps overweight adults lose more weight and feel more energetic than those who eat a bagel breakfast of equal calories.(i) This study supports previous research, published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, which showed that people who ate eggs for breakfast felt more satisfied and ate fewer calories at the following meal.(ii) 'People have a hard time adhering to diets and our research shows that choosing eggs for breakfast can dramatically improve the success of a weight loss plan,' said Nikhil V. Dhurandhar, Ph.D., lead researcher and associate professor in the laboratory of infection and obesity at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a campus of the Louisiana State University system. 'Apparently, the increased satiety and energy due to eggs helps people better comply with a reduced-calorie diet.' Significant Weight Loss Related to Egg Breakfast Compared to the subjects who ate a bagel breakfast, men and women who consumed two eggs for breakfast as part of a reduced-calorie diet: -- lost 65 percent more weight -- exhibited a 61 percent greater reduction in BMI -- reported higher energy levels than their dieting counterparts who consumed a bagel breakfast (i) The egg and bagel breakfasts provided the same number of calories and had identical weights (energy density), which is an important control factor in satiety and weight loss studies. The researchers also found that blood lipids were not impacted during the two month study. They found that blood levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides, did not vary compared to baseline cholesterol blood levels in subjects who ate either the bagel or egg breakfasts. These findings add to more than 30 years of research that conclude that healthy adults can enjoy eggs without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease. New Emphasis on the Importance of High-Quality Protein This study adds to the growing body of research which supports the importance of high-quality protein in the diet. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) published a special issue in May 2008, which contains nine articles that focus on the value of high-quality protein in the American diet. A major finding was that not getting enough high-quality protein may contribute to obesity, muscle wasting (loss) and increased risk of chronic disease. (iii) , (iv) Jump Start the Morning with Eggs Jackie Newgent, registered dietitian and chef, stresses the importance of obtaining adequate high-quality protein when advising consumers about weight loss. 'Eggs are a good source of all-natural, high-quality protein, so they can help keep you satisfied longer, making it easier to resist tempting Snacks,' said Newgent. 'Nearly half of an egg's protein, and many of the other nutrients, are found in the yolk, so make sure to eat the whole egg for maximum benefits.' Newgent suggests these nutrition tips for a successful weight loss plan: -- Manic Monday: Make a batch of hard-cooked eggs on Sunday, so you'll have all-natural, high-quality protein meals for your on-the-go schedule during the week. Plus, eggs are incredibly affordable. At an average of $1.93 per dozen (or $0.16 per egg),(v) eggs are one of the most affordable high-quality protein foods in the marketplace. -- In-a-Minute Morning Meal: In less than 60 seconds, you can prepare an egg breakfast to help jump start your day. Simply beat one whole egg in a microwave-safe mug then cook in the microwave oven on high for 60 seconds. Slide the egg onto a whole grain English muffin. Add flavor with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, salsa, or cheese. Serve fresh seasonal fruit slices, like peaches in the summer, on the side for a balanced meal. Adults Who Eat Eggs for Breakfast Lose 65% More Weight

Congrats on finding the 'sweet spot.' When I got to that point, I really felt like my brain had been rewired. It is truly amazing not to be always 'planning your next meal.'

PLEASE do your research on this guy before you go under the knife....

Here are some new before and current... I won't say after, cause I've still got a bit to go, but I think this shows big progress... From a size 18w/20w to a 12...

My doc said that Miralax is totally safe and can be used daily. She also said for me to continue doing the fiber thing so I eat lots of veggies, and Fiber One bars... Try the Miralax... it is GREAT!

An organ the SIZE OF A HAND cannot be REMOVED with a laproscopic surgery. Also, an organ that is being HARVESTED for someone else cannot be removed like that. Harvesting of an organ is a VERY delicate procedure... This is an urban legend my dear...

I am going to Florida for 2 1/2 weeks in August and plan on continuing to scale's downward motion while I am on my trip as well. I just wanted to tell you, Aunt Lucy, think of changing your attitude about food as not 'good' and 'bad.' I CHOOSE healthy foods and make HEALTHY choices to nourish my body... However, a slice of carrot cake occasionally should not be viewed as 'bad.' I just know that that majority of choices I make need to be healthy... The band offers us a tool in weight loss, and I really think I've been successful so far because I don't view things as 'bad' or 'off limits.' I just CHOOSE to make better choices for me...

I went from a size 18/20 to a 14 in six months and am at a 12 now. I only by what I need, basics, staples... and supplement with fashionable stuff from Target and Kohl's clearance racks. I just bought 2 pairs of pant from Kohl's for $5 each. Now THAT is the way to redo a wardrobe. As a size 12, I still wear a lot of 14s even though they are big... I'll wait till I am a 10 to 'switch over' some things. Also, for women, skirts are an easy way to not worry about switching sizes so often since they don't have to be fitted.

Nope... can't eat them. I hardly ever PB, but if I eat some bagel, it is GUARANTEED. It is the only real food that I have sworn off..

Thanks for the replies. I saw my doc today and she said to continue on with the fiber, but to do the Miralax too. So I've got a plan, and now I won't be full of... you know! :embaressed_smile:

Yes, you will have to be reapproved. If there is a way for you to start your fills are on COBRA, that will relieve a lot of headaches. You will have to meet all of Aetna's qualifications... also, if there is a weight loss surgery exclusion on the Aetna policy, it will not be covered.

Take it one day at a time. You're early into the band and don't have a proper fill level yet. I really believe when you're at your sweet spot, you'll feel a TON better. Once I got my 'sweet spot' that head thing disappeared and it was like it was rewired or something. I've lost about 15 pounds since my last fill and am starting to get that hunger at times I shouldn't be, so I know that I need a bit to top me off... You'll get through it. Keep working at it, make wise choices... I know that another that really changed it for me was trying to eat mainly organic/unprocessed foods as much as possible. I cut the diet drinks and that made a HUGE difference. I know it sounds all 'tree hugger' or something but the less artificial stuff you eat, the more natural you go, you'll see a big change in your satiety.

Okay guys, I am SO TIRED and annoyed and need your help. I know many have suffered constipation... and I thought with the new way I am eating, mostly organic, non-processed foods, a TON of Fiber, my 'problem' would resolve itself... but it is NOT and I need help. I have a docs appt, but I really want to kick around other ideas with the experts here cause I am really miserable... I have been dealing with chronic constipation since my band surgery in October of 07. I've had to do the stool softeners, the laxatives like Dulcolax, to get it going, and can never keep that momentum. I will only result to the stool softener/dulcolax stuff once a week cause I REALLY don't want to create a dependency... but it seems to be the only thing that helps... Here's what I have tried. 3 prunes/day Fiber One bars Steel Cut Oats coffee Fiber Con - 2 each day Apple juice Prune Juice Lots of fiber from veggies and fruits Yogurt Drinking LOTS I STILL cannot get a regular BM. I take adderall, which is a stimulant, which dries me out. I will stop taking it and STILL cannot go. I don't know what else to do. I REALLY don't want to be one of those people who end up HAVING to use laxatives just to go. I don't want to be one of those people. But I really can't figure out what else I can try... Anybody have any other suggestions? I DO NOT take a Calcium supplement and am NOT a huge cheese eater... so it isn't that... My diet is varied, but VERY fibrous. I get AT LEAST 25-30 grams/day... HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cursing:

Okay here are my answers to your questions: 1) "They" never told me it would take a long time for people to start noticing my weight loss. I went from 235 to 190 before people started to notice. Now, at 175, people see me having gone from fat to 'skinny' or normal, and can't believe it. But, it took a long time for people to notice the true change... 2) After eating, I FEEL FULL and satisfied. I heard all of the stories about chew chew chew, and thought THAT WOULD BE MY LIFE, FOREVER. I still chew, but it is not the bane of my existence. It is natural to chew and not inhale, and I stop when I am satisfied. When you get your sweet spot, you stop when you're not hungry anymore. And you don't plan your next meal. You are satisfied and it 'fixed' my brain when it comes to the fixation on food. 3) I order a meal, and maybe only eat half and take the rest home. Or I eat a light appetizer and take some home. No one notices what I eat or really cares. I eat till I am satisfied and enjoy each bite... 4) I know a lot of bandsters have decided not to tell about their band. That is their decision. I, on the other hand, like to tell about the band so that they can see there are options out there for weight loss that WORK. And that fix the brain too... Here are a couple things they didn't tell me... The band has changed my taste for food. I enjoy it MORE now. I enjoy every single bite and don't eat to fill up anymore. I eat organic because I WANT to be healthy. I ENJOY and can tell the difference in better cuts of meat. I enjoy textures and flavors differently now. I DO NOT crave fried foods or processed foods. I eat to live now, not live to eat. Also, they did NOT tell me about constipation. You HAVE TO drink your Water to keep things moving. I also eat a couple prunes and have some prune juice to keep things moving. Never had a problem with things backing up till I had the band, but it DOES change things, so keep that in mind... I Would NEVER go back... I am so grateful to have a healthy life... and grateful that I now CRAVE activity... Water parks here I COME!!

Target, and my favorite, the Kohl's 80% off racks. I only buy the basics and go from size to size that way... Was wearing size 14 pants as a size 12 for awhile... Also skirts are a great way to get extra time out of them... not so fitted...

Since I got my band, and have gotten my sweet spot, my relationship with food has changed. I no longer crave big meals or wish I could sit down with a tub of ice cream... HTH! However, my relationship with food has also become MORE positive. I am a true 'foodie' in every sense of the word. I enjoy the textures, the taste, the quality of food I eat so much more. I want the 'good stuff' because I am no longer eating to fill... We were at a local pasta place and I got a tomato/mozzarella salad and some soup. I enjoyed that meal more than I ever had enjoyed one at that restaurant, and before, pasta was my favorite. But, in hindsight, it was my favorite cause it filled me up. Now, I get to eat the really amazing stuff with the really amazing tastes and enjoy it more, cause I am not fixated on needing that 'full' feeling.... HTH!!

If people mention my weight loss, I am more than happy to share, if it is appropriate... I don't mind sharing because this is my view: I want people to know they have options. Even if they don't have a weight problem, they may know someone who does. And they can share my success... I want EVERYONE to know there are options, and see the complete change in me, that has happened as a result.

I originally wanted to be a size 12. I just hit that goal and am NOT done. I want to be a 8 or 10 before I am done. I am going to shoot for a 10 before PS and get that panniculus thing I have going on removed as well as some lipo in my arms and hopefully that'll get me to the 8. Single numbers... Who would've thought?!!!!!!!!!!!!

Slim1, Stay strong and imagine a new you very, VERY soon. I am now 8 months post surgery and have lost 55 pounds. I went from a size 18/20W and am now a size 12P (usually cut about 1/2 size smaller than a regular 12). Those are the 'statistics' but here are some of the REAL reasons I am happy I had the surgery... I am no longer obsessed with food. My hunger was a TRUE HONEST TO GOODNESS "Can't be satisfied" hunger. I was NOT an emotional eater, but a girl who was hungry. I am NO LONGER hungry all of the time. For instance, we went to a late Breakfast at noon today. Back in the day, I would have been FAMISHED and SUPER CRABBY waiting that long. But I was not even super hungry... I ordered a spinach quiche. She asked if I wanted hashbrowns. I said NO because I DIDN'T WANT THEM. I have HALF of the quiche and was satisfied. Because I'd gotten the special, they gave me a rice pudding for dessert. I asked to have it boxed up to take HOME. It is now 5:20 pm. I just pulled out my rice pudding for a snack... I'll eat that, and the other half of my quiche for dinner and that will be IT. And I will be satisfied. Back in the day, I would've eaten that all in one sitting, PLUS hashbrowns and would've been hungry a couple hours later. I am a foodie. I appreciate foods more. I enjoy textures, tastes, etc. I eat and enjoy; I no longer eat to fill. I am MUCH more health conscious. We've switch our household to mainly organic WHOLE foods. We eat better now, because we know better. I buy clothes in the RIGHT SIZE, and not a size or two smaller and pour myself into them just so I don't have to go up a size. I buy clothes in the REGULAR PETITE section. I can't shop at Lane Bryant cause NOTHING WOULD FIT! I run after my kids and LOVE playing. I can ride roller coasters without fear of being not being able to ride them from size limitations. I LOVE BEING OUTSIDE... and I LOVE GOING TO THE BEACH. Sex is better. TRUST ME! You won't recognize yourself in a few months. Not just physically, but mentally too. Hang in there!

To all of those experiencing frustration, DO NOT GIVE UP. The surgery is only a small part of the journey. The follow-up and consistent dialogue with your doctor afterwards is what will make this surgery successful. I PROMISE. A lot of people don't invest the time into the aftercare visits. If you are not losing 1 pound per week, allowing for an occasional plateau, you need to call your doc for a consult and possible fill or unfill. I cannot stress enough that proper fill schedules are the most important. As for those people with docs who are being ultra-conservative, I would as a) WHY are the being so conservative, and make sure you are getting in for a fill with them as OFTEN AS POSSIBLE until you get to the sweet spot. I am a girl who HAS the sweet spot and I can't say it enough... it is BAND HEAVEN. Don't give up till you get there...

Just an FYI- I used to work for an insurance company... Namely BCBS. If there was an exclusion on the surgery, it was NEVER covered. No matter what health issues a member had, no matter ANYTHING. I am so sorry to tell you this, but you'll need to convince your employer to add that option on, or figure a way to self pay. My policy did not have an exclusion, but I was at a 40 BMI at the time I started investigating with no "real" health issues, so I just decided to self pay and not wait doing appeal after appeal. I've seen how hard it is from the member's perspective, and I just didn't feel I wanted to wait... I am really glad I did it 'my way.' I know that it is not an option for everyone, but I think a lot of self-payers agree. Good luck...

I currently have my fills performed by Dr. Mark Pleatman in Bloomfield Hills. There is also a fillcenters USA in Troy that just opened. HTH!

Okay guys, I am going to try this... I am down about 55 pounds and wanted to show the newer me... Still aiming for another 30 but, this is a good representation... The AFTER me was not planned, or I would've put makeup on. But DH said it is me... First is before... a year ago, second is when I was down 25 pounds, and 3rd is current... down 55 pounds....