serenity55

Last March when I started my lap band journey, I had no idea it would end up as wonderfully as it has. I was denied several times, went to a seminar for other surgeons, and wrote letters pleading with my insurance company for this surgery. In October of 2008, my medical group was bought out by another one, and within three days I had been approved to see Dr. Philippe Quilici. The minute I walked in to the office I knew I was in good hands. I am totally blind, walked in alone, and was helped by one of the staff to fill out the necessary forms. I spent two, maybe three hours there, meeting the team. I was allowed to touch the model of the stomach, and learn what it looked like with the band in place. Although I can't be sure, I'm almost positive I was the first blind weight loss patient there. Dr. Quilici was very warm, and I felt that, even though he is a busy man, he didn't make me feel rushed. He asked if I had any questions, and didn't try to discourage me from getting the band. My surgery went without a hitch, and three months out, I think it was the best thing I've ever done. I have had no problems, and as far as I'm concerned, Dr. Q is fantastic!

Boy do I know how you feel, about the eating, anyway. I never drank. First of all, congratulations on your sobriety, and on giving up the smoking. I think there have been some wonderful suggestions made here. Someone suggested a therapist, and journaling, both of which I have found very helpful. I'm wondering, too, if you might consider finding a buddy, or sort of like a sponsor the way people do in twelve step programs. That's someone you could talk to on a daily, or hourly basis, if necessary. Dealing with feelings is no fun, but since my comfort, food, has been taken away, there will be more for me to work through. Keep posting here, too; I've found lots of support on this site. Restless, congratulations on becoming a nurse! Way to go! Debbie.

Hi everyone, Well, I guess all this exercising, which I'm not exactly thrilled about doing, has paid off. I went to my primary care doctor today, and her scale says I weigh two pounds less. She has taken me off one of my blood pressure meds, too! I've been exercising faithfully since the last time I wrote, and this doctor's visit--and all of you--will keep me motivated. Thanks everybody! Debbie

Thank you, maryrose. No, I never watched Seinfeld. And yes, the eating normally support group is very informative. A lot of the stuff we talk about I already knew, or suspected I did, but it's nice to have it confirmed. I'm glad to know it gets better. Good luck with your piano lessons! I don't practice nearly as much as I should, either, but I volunteer twice a month at the hospital where I had my surgery. They have a piano in the lobby, and I play for a few hours. It's really nice. I also am going to be musical director for a show; auditions are in July, so I'm playing the piano a lot more than I have been. Debbie

Hey Donna, congratulations on the 40 pound weight loss! Yes, it's hard work, but the results are awesome! Speaking of awesome, thank you, Gloucester. I did have just as much fun at the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Someone made taquitos, and they had rice and salsa. It wasn't really hard because although I like taquitos, I didn't really feel like I missed anything. If, on the other hand, it had been enchiladas ... Debbie

Maryrose, we both play the piano, we both think about food. Yes, I knew I had a sister my folks didn't tell me about! lol Duet? I'm there! I guess it's just about acceptance--that I may always think about food, and if it gets better that's a plus. If not, thank goodness for therapy and support meetings! My surgeon has a psychologist on the team, and she facilitates a group she calls "Eating normally." It's good in that I look forward to it every month. So, whenever I think about eating, I'm sending you a message and bringing my piano over! lol Debbie

I am so terrified of needles that when I was kept waiting for a blood test several years ago, I walked out, because they kept me waiting too long and I couldn't stand it. I was just as terrified of the fill, but all I felt was a little sting, and then my doctor said, "Ok, you're done." I couldn't have been more surprised, or pleased! Debbie

Hi everyone, Saturday I went shopping with my roommate and her niece. I had a hamburger, and promptly fell asleep, for four--count 'em, four--hours! So I made myself get on the treadmill when I woke up. And I've behaved better since then. And I only ate a few fries, gave the rest to my friend. I exercised yesterday, went on the treadmill, and got on it again today when I came from work. They're celebrating Cinco de Mayo in my department at work, but I'm bringing my lunch. I want the scale to keep going down Debbie!

Luvs2Teech and CityGirl, I agree that therapy is essential, for me. I was already in therapy before I began the process of getting the band, and I know lots of reasons why I got to be this big. My doctor's office has a therapist who facilitates a support group on eating normally which uses cognative behavior techniques. But it helps to know that the cravings may never go away; it just means I have to accept that and be vigilant. I love this site because people are so willing to share openly and honestly. Thank you everyone. Debbie

Hi everyone, I haven't been on my computer for the last couple of days, but I have been exercising. Monday and yesterday I walked at lunch time. I eat about half an hour (at my desk) before I go for my walk. Yesterday I was supposed to do my second group of exercises, but I didn't; I did them today instead. I told myself that at least I walked yesterday. Penney, I work at a place where there are lots of diabetics. I think there is a class called chair dancing, where they do exercises as well. If you like, I can ask the instructor for ideas. Stay with us! Debbie.

Hi everyone, How are you? How many fills have you had? How much weight have you lost? And most importantly, how do you feel? Are you struggling emotionally? Physically? Over all, I'm doing pretty well. I still struggle with head hunger sometimes, but I've lost a total of 42 pounds, exercising and eating every three or four hours, and trying to drink all the water I'm supposed to. It's pretty neat to notice the changes in my body, the difference in the way my clothes fit. Would love to hear from you! Debbie

Ok, I'm dressed for exercise, and today we'll concentrate on arms, and afterward, the treadmill. Once I have on my workout clothes there's no turning back! Michelle, I'm doing great. I went to my doctor Thursday and have lost 8 pounds. Because I'm eating every three, sometimes four, hours, he didn't want to give me another fill, but he said if anything changes I'm to go in immediately, not wait for my next scheduled appointment. Thank you for asking! Good for all of us! Debbie

This is a great thread! About four years ago, a friend who is a personal trainer set up a program for me and my best friend. She helped us pick out weights, a bench and bar, so we have a little home gym. We also have a treadmill. It was always hard for me to make myself exercise, but I do like the feeling I have after I'm done. That hasn't changed, but with the band, I have more motivation because the weight is coming off. Three times a week, we do weight resistance, for different parts of the body, crunches plus going on the treadmill. At work we have a gym, and a track on the roof of the building, and we walk a mile during lunch. I've started doing this at least twice a week. I try to go on the treadmill even if I don't exercise, and, as someone else said, there's always an excuse for not exercising, but I think this thread will keep me honest. The days I do the programs set up for me are Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and I go on the track in between, Mondays and Wednesdays. When it gets hot, though, I'll just have to go on the treadmill, which is what I was doing, though not faithfully, before my banding. Thank you, Donna, for this thread! Debbie

Thanks, everybody. Well, I saw my doctor yesterday, and I don't know if it's psychological or not, but I've lost eight pounds, and it made me feel better. That's not to say that I won't (or should I say don't) still think about eating. I think the thing that keeps me from eating until I'm really uncomfortable is that I don't want to pb. I chew my food well, I drink Water, I exercise, and I do feel full, or satisfied, and these are the things I'm trying to always pay attention to. To the poster who asked when I--or were you asking someone else--?had surgery. Mine was February 10, and I think yours was that same month. Debbie

Thank you, everyone. When I saw my doctor yesterday, he asked how I was doing. I told him I was eating every three hours, because that's when I get hungry. Sometimes it's four. He asked if I was eating small amounts. I said yes. I've lost eight pounds since my first fill. He said he was hesitant to give me another fill because I seemed to be doing well. My weight loss is good, he said, and added that if anything changed, if I started getting hungrier, eating more than I am now, to come in and he would give me a little fill. I have to say that I'm not disappointed. He didn't want me to have any problems and neither do I. If anything changes, I'll definitely go in before my next scheduled appointment, but I'll just wait and see how I do. Mgiusti, I'm sorry that you're having a hard time right now. I can't offer any advice, but maybe someone who can will respond. You might want to call your doctor Monday, or if there's an emergency number to contact someone over the weekend that might be an option as well. Please let us know how you're doing, and again, thank you all. Debbie

Hi all, Today for lunch, I had a salad, with grated carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, and some chicken. It filled me up, comfortably, but about three hours later, I was hungry again, so I ate some light mixed fruit, which was fine. For dinner, I had beef stroganoff over brown rice, and didn't finish it all because I was full. After dinner, even though I was full, I felt depressed, because I know I can't eat the way I used to. I know this stems from childhood, when I didn't always have food to eat, and I know that I do now, and will, hopefully, not have to worry about that happening again. I also know that I can do other things to distract myself, and I have--exercise, play the piano, even coming to this web site. The weight is coming off; people are still commenting on how great I look, and I feel that I'm doing all the right things. I'm just wondering how long this will go on. Will it get better when I have more restriction? Help!!! Debbiet

Is there anyone who has never had food get stuck, or pb'd? I have been very lucky so far, and have not experienced either. I'm going for my second fill tomorrow, and am just a little nervous about it happening because I might be too tight. Worrying before it actually happens is ridiculous, I know, but there it is. Debbie.

I have been using my CPAP machine for almost two years now, and it has made a big difference. I am usually totally compliant, but I have fallen asleep without it. My roommate says she used to be able to hear me when she was down stairs, but now I'm much quieter. I may never lose my CPAP, and that's fine with me. What I'd like to know is when you decided it was time for another titration? I'm not anxious to go through that, but if I can have the pressure lowered that would be great. I also don't want to keep the machine at this pressure if it would be harmful. It's only at 8 anyway, which isn't bad. Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Debbie

Well wouldn't you know it? My scar hasn't hurt since Saturday night. I'm using pillows to support my stomach--I was doing that before, but it seems better, so I didn't call my doctor. I seem to be able to lay on my right side, and I've been stretching, and bending, all stuff I normally do. Anyway, it seems to be helping. Thank you, RestlessMonkey Debbie.

I was walking a few hours after surgery, and I continued walking on the treadmill when I got home. I did not, however, sleep on my stomach. I haven't done that in years. I was even uncomfortable on my side for a while, but reading what you say RestlessMonkey, I'm going to try sleeping on my left side, something I did before I got my band. I have laid on my stomach, but not slept that way. Ok, no more babying! :welldoneclap: Debbie

Thank you, Restless. :welldoneclap: Is there anything that can be done for it? I'm definitely calling my doctor Monday. Debbie

Hi all, I know my band is working because, according to my home scale I've lost two more pounds. I'm learning to recognize when I'm full; had Cereal about three hours ago, and still am not hungry. I'm exercising and drinking water--I probably could drink a little more, but I'm doing all right. The problem is when I'm lying in certain positions the scar on my left hurts. I guess it's more like a sting. Sometimes I'm afraid that it's a pulling sensation. It's hard when I touch it, so maybe that's keloids? It's above my port, and that's not giving me any trouble. I'm scheduled for another fill on April 23, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like this. I've been thinking of just calling my doctor's office, but I've been doing ok. I've read posts where it's suggested that, even if that's true, it doesn't hurt to call, and I probably will, now that I'm writing this. Still, I'd like to hear any experiences, or suggestions anyone has to offer. Encouragement is good, too. :welldoneclap: Thanks in advance. Debbie

Hi! I was banded in Burbank on February 10th. There is a forum for people local to a particular area. If you go to the California section, you might find people close to where you live. There are quite a few of us! Debbie. .

I was banded on February 10, 2009, and it's been a breeze. I'm terrified of needles, and even my first fill was no big deal. It could be that those who are doing well don't post as often as those who are not. I would do it again.

Thank you, that's good to know, because I don't like the way that one feels. It worried me a little.