PhotoNut

I'm taking Jachuts approach to banding. I see way too many people looking for that really tight restriction which dang near prevents them from eating icecream. I have a 4cc band and have 1cc in it. I'm not super tight, I can down a half a bottle of Water in large gulps, I can eat pot roast, rice, and a wide variety of other foods. I think I can eat about 1 cup of food generally, sometimes a bit more. But its far less than I've ever lived on before and I'm happy with my weight loss. Sometimes I think I'm starving all day and eating way too much. But when I add it up, I see that I rarely go over 900 calories. I'd much rather live with this than to be so tight that I'm dealing with PBs and slippage, etc. I wouldn't know if I can eat bread because I haven't tried to, and I won't. I have no self control and breads (any flour product) are my addiction. Like an alcoholic, I can't allow myself a sip lest I be under the table with a bag of garlic bread hugged to my chest! lol The main thing to remember is that everyone is different. Our stomachs are shaped differently, they are different sizes, we eat different foods, and have different responses to our bands. It is impossible to compare fills and get an accurate assessment of what we should have based on what someone else has. By the way, there is a chart on this thread which shows the different bands and how small they make the stoma with each amount of fill. It's very interesting, have a look: http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=15216

*laughs* Yeah, well I didn't mention the $780+ worth of blood tests, the EKG, and the appointment with the Pulminologist! My surgeon is either thorough or in league with all of these other folks and they are making a fortune!

Hello to yet another Susan, from a Susan. I was self pay as well, and still had to go through all of the pre-tests including a $3,600 sleep study and a $1,500 CPAP machine. My psyche eval was about 3 hours long. It involved answering tons of questions on a computer and a one on one discussion with the psychologist. After all of that, he determined that I was deeply depressed and wasn't a good candidate for banding until I had some counselling. Well, I fell apart and begged him not to take away my only chance to get out of the misery I was in. He agreed to restest me in two weeks, after I had been on anti-depressants for a full six weeks. I went back and even though I was still depressed, I was much better. Amazing what two weeks can do. So I was approved. The nutritionist was an hour long meeting with a gal who asked what my goals for weightloss were. I had to bring in a journal of everything I'd eaten the last few days. She went through each meal, asking what I thought I could have done to make better choices. I had to fight not to laugh at her. Duh! Anyway, I let her think she was teaching me something, and then she talked about the pre op diet and the post op diet. That was it. I think she was looking for a realistic attitude from me. She wanted to see that I wasn't expecting to loose weight too quickly, and that I understood I'd have to make good choices in order to succeed with the band. Long winded as usual. Sorry to run on. Hope it helped you somehow. Best of luck to you.

Vines... whatever got into you, m'dear, THANK YOU for sharing it with this big group of people. This kind of attitude can be infectious and I hope everyone catches it! *hugs*

For me, I believe it was a control thing. Food was something I could choose and eat as much as I wanted. It was a comfort to know that there was something in the world I was in control of. But the joke was on me. I was way out of control. Food called the shots in my life, not me. Once I realized that, and saw clearly what that food was doing to my body, my health, my self esteem.. well, I got mad and took control. I got banded. Your help is on the way, Willy. Don't be too hard on yourself. We all know what it's like to ask "Why?!" and while we don't always know the answer, we do know where to get help. The band has changed everything for me. I don't ask why anymore, I am finally in control.

Wow, how many times have I said these very things to myself in utter disgust and frustration. I have no clue why we do this, but the good news is you've overcome this before and you can do it again! Minute by minute we make choices. Where we end up in life - in fact, where we are this very moment is because of choices we have made. When you are bringing that food to your mouth, get pissed off and choose to shove it away. You see the results of letting it control you. It produces self loathing and fat bodies. I know you care about that! You've come too far to let it knock you back now. To quote you, 'Never give up!' Daisybelle, this goes for you too. Get mad and break free. These old "demons" sneak up on us and get a foothold in our lives before we notice it. But you do recognize it and that's a huge step! We are all here fighting the same battle and we link arms with you and Coyotegirl - together we can beat this thing! Fight that stupid food demon! :fencing: :boxing: I changed my siggy today. Like it? *Grins*

How about canned chili, Starkist Lunch packs (comes with low fat mayo and pickle relish and 6 ritz type crackers, no fridge needed), and canned peaches or pears. Ok, I'm hungry now - time for lunch

Hello Vanhos, I'm so sorry you're feeling down about things right now. Maybe all you need is a little refocusing. Like Anne said, your 50 pound loss is awesome. The average loss is 1-2 pounds a week, so you're right in there. Slower loss means a healthier more long lasting loss. Chin up, the others might beat you to the finish line, but you'll look better and feel better! So, how about taking a good look at your food choices now. Are you drinking enough Water? Are you remembering to chew carefully and eat slowly? What types of foods are you eating? Are you drinking carbonated drinks or spicy foods that are causing the gas? Are you eating enough Protein? Are you eating too many carbs? There are many reasons why you'd be gassy, and I don't think the band is one of them. Take a good look at your diet. Journal your food, including the amounts of protein you are eating. This will help give you a clearer picture of things. I know it sounds glib to just list off things like this, but the truth is they are all important in your successful weight loss and general health. Try not to be discouraged. You are doing very well and perhaps a bit of tweaking is in order.

Heyas Ms. Vicki NSV is non-scale victory. Benefits of weight loss other than reading the numbers on the darn scale. PB is productive burp. Nice words for a very unpleasant event which occurs when we don't chew well, eat slowly, or choose wisely. The food gets stuck and has to come back up. Not a pretty sight. DH is darling husband. ILs is in-law's. DD is darling daughter, DS darling son, etc. There are many more of these types of abbreviations in the thread that StrawartS has references in her post above. Click on that link and you'll be taken to that thread. *laughs* K@t you beat me to it. Hi K@t! *waves cheerfully*

Amen, Letha, amen! Wanna do my yard now? *grins*

Mini Me - Youre a jewel. *hugs* Cashley - Absolutely right! It's our differences that bring out discussions. If we all thought the same, what would be the point of posting here? Dr. Pleatman - I fully understand and agree with what you said about not being married to the band. However, because most of us here do have bands (thus the name of the site) it would be great to hear some positive input from you about the band. I rarely see you posting on threads with positive answers to band questions or concerns. To me, it seems your answer to just about every situation is to convert to a bypass. I respect your right to that opinion, I just can't figure out why you wish to portray a negative image of the band while offering the more extreme surgeries as the answers. Isn't it true that after three years, lapband and RnY patients have lost about the same amount of weight, and that RnY patients tend to put the weight back on after that initial three years? I guess, for me, waving the bypass flag as the answer to most lapband problems is a false dream. Yes, these people will lose quickly and praise the procedure, but what about the long term complications? I'm really not trying to argue or be disrespectful to you, Dr. Pleatman. I just find it almost rude to come to a place where people gather to get support about their lapbands and the only vocal doctor here consistently professes the bypass surgery to be a much better choice. But then, I guess you'd be preaching to the choir if you were posting on a bypass board. On last thing.. Um, have you met the people here who have had their bands removed that are still doing well?? DeLarla, Penni, and all the others who may struggle with a few pounds but by no means have they completely lost it. Why do you say this is guaranteed? Note: This is my opinion. It is not meant to represent any other person here, nor is it meant to run Dr. Pleatman away - so he doesn't need defending. He is a professional who is very capable of answering questions directed to him. By the way, I know someone who eroded and was rebanded a year and a half ago. They are doing exceptionally well with their new band and are almost to their goal weight. There are indeed people who choose to reband and do very well.

Here I am! Wow, I really slacked off on reporting last week. I really think that forgetting my Effexor for that three days through me into a slump. I still don't feel as good as I was. Guess it will take six weeks to build it up in my system again. Oh well, live and learn - forget and learn again! LOL I've done well on my Water and eating. Only walked on the dreadmill once last week but we did go to the gym and get our evaluation done. We will be starting with stretching out the unused, knotted up muscles in various parts of our pathetic bodies for a week or so, then it's on to the muscle toning, resistance machines. In the meantime, daily 30 min cardio is on the list (stationary bike or dreadmill). Also, after reading the article on water, I've upped my daily intake. So, once again, my daily goals are changing: I will do 30 minutes of cardio every day. (Ran tons of errands. Walked a lot, even took the stairs on a couple of occassions. Not too shabby but not full out cardio either. I'm working on this.) I will drink 6 - 16.9oz bottles of water every day. (Only did 4) I will write down every bite I put in my mouth - quantity, calories, Protein. (Yup, keeping up on this.) I will take on one realistic self or home project per day. (Today is me, from head to toe. I smell purdy! and I finally took care of a long list of errands that I've been putting off for the last two weeks. Good day.) Gym days: Tuesday __ Thursday __ Saturday __ Grocery shopping and the tanning beds is on my list today. Enjoy your time with your grandson Penni! Do you have a pic to share? I'll show you mine, if you'll show me yours. Oh, ok... you talked me into it! Here is one of my biggest reasons why. Ethan.

Cashley! *laughs* Excellent idea... boycotts ads, buy TiVos!

Where, where?! I wanna see! Oops... Nevermind, I found it! Nice pics! You're such a pretty woman.. and you have a neat dog too!

Butting in on the MD thread to welcome Stocky to Bandland! Grats girl! So glad to hear things went so smoothly for you! And um, can you feel the energy coming off of Teresa?? LOL I think she's going to explode! Someone take her out for a walk! So much fun to read a thread by a group of excited folks who are seeing lots of success! Yay Maryland!

Oh my gosh! Look at your weight loss over the past two weeks girl! That's truly amazing and so exciting! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your 5 pounds tomorrow! Let out a big yell when you hit the mark and we'll ALL be here celebrating for you! How amazing to have friends around the world doing the happy dance with you! *big happy hugs*

*laughs* GeezerSue, what does any of that have to do with MY opinions about Dr. Pleatman? Nothing at all. I clearly stated that it was MY opinion. I don't think anyone's in danger of the doctor thinking I was speaking for anyone them. But thanks for clarifying the motivation for your post.

I am so happy to read this thread! It sounds like you are getting back on track and it WASN'T YOUR FAULT! Yay! Someone go kick that stupid Dr that put her through this crap! *hugs* I'm excited to hear good things coming from you now! Time to get back on the road to success! Yay!

We want to look at you too! *chants* Pictures! Pictures! Thank you for adding your NSV to the cascade of NSV's that are motivating everyone! This one is truly awesome in that we can FEEL your joy and that is worth so much! You think you're in Heaven now? Just wait a few more months! :clap2:

WOW!!! GO MARY GO!! :faint: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :plane: :clap2: :faint:

I've suggested this to a few people and heard that it's really helped with the hunger. I know it sure got me through! Campbell's bean with bacon soup! Blend the soup and water together in a blender until it is smooth, then heat. Yummy, thick, warm, rib sticking goodness! Depending on where you were banded, most surgeons do not fill until 6 weeks out. There's a lot of swelling that has to subside before they can tell how much restriction you will need. So, as the swelling does go down, you'll find yourself feeling like you did pre-band. As my doctor put it, "You can eat just like you did before surgery, but that doesn't mean you should!" Like Kathy said, those stitches are still healing and you don't want the stomach to be tugging on them by working to break down more solid foods. Hang in there, Sparkles, you'll get through this!

NewLife, If I were you I'd see my doc and have the band checked. No weight loss and trouble swallowing even the softest foods could be an indication of slippage. I stress the words "could be" because I don't want to worry you, but I'm sure you've already wondered this yourself. Rather than being worried and troubled by this, why not go have it checked out. For your own peace of mind. Let us know what you find out, ok? *hugs*

Hi Susan from Ft. Worth, Texas! I'm Susan from Boise, Idaho! Welcome to LBT. You found a great place for support and knowledge. Best of luck to you on your banded journey. I look forward to hearing about your success!

Mercedes - I completely agree with you! Those are important keys to success. And while not everyone will agree that they are essential, I'm sure that noone will dispute their value for those who follow them! Nice post. You stick to those keys and you will succeed. No way around it. (unless you have a medical condition which would be a totally different matter) Mercedes, you should join the Gone for Good Club and post your weekly weigh-ins with the group. We post on Wednesdays, but that doesn't mean you have to actually weigh on Wednesday.

Click on Post Reply (or Edit if you want to add the pic to an existing post) Click on the paper clip icon (attachments) and a new window will open. Click on Browse. Browse to the picture on your computer, click Ok. Click on Upload. When the upload is complete, close the window. Click on the paper clip icon again. You will see your image listed there. Select it and the image will be placed in your post.