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Excellent! Thank you for the link. I never thought about measuring my calves. I was always down about them ever fitting. I have several pairs of boots but they are mid-calf and not form fitting (loose fitting). I also like these boots because the heel is low. Many boot's heels are very tall and not practical.

Thank you for your question. I thought I was going to glide through this lapband experience without being stuck from food. Was I ever wrong! Yesterday, I had some rice and fish and got royally stuck. It took about an hour to get it unstuck. I had the Trader Joes tablets and I think they just came out when the food came up. It was painful in my chest and I tried throwing it up, burping it up, having my friend hit me on my back, etc. I ended up having my saliva accumulating and that would come up. Totally gross experience. I felt so bad for my friend that saw me go through this. I know she felt helpless. I was considering going to the emergency ER. We were at the beach quite away from home. I am going to get some pineapple juice on hand. I hope this never happens again. I am not going to have rice again. I thought the rice was a bit sticky eating it but I ate slowly and small bites. Today, I am okay. I had a Protein shake and tuna for lunch. I'm going to be very careful eating small bites, chewing better and avoiding this stuck feeling. My husband wants me to take Fluid out but I'm going to see my bariatric surgeon if this reoccurs. Very unpleasant experience. I've never had my saliva come up because food was lodged in my chest. Its so different than vomiting from your stomach. I can tell that it was stuck at the top of the stomach (band). I encourage others to post and tell their experiences because I am considering having a bit of an unfill of my band if this continues.

Isn't that great? I have the same problem. I have a ton of clothes that don't fit me and I have sorted through them to give the ones I don't want to Goodwill and then I have a bag for my Aunt of good things and then there are clothes I can't seem to part with. I think I am giong to seriously consider having them altered. I have one dress that I paid almost $300 for and I'm planning on having it altered. I would just buy some new pants. You can get such good deals at TJMaxx, Marshalls, etc. I kept several pair in the back of my closet for YEARS and now I fit into them so its like having a new wardrobe. Thanks for sharing. Let me know if you decided to alter the pants and how they came out.

I know its been awhile since you made this post but I wanted to let you know that I live in the North Hollywood/Burbank area and would like to get together to talk about our lapband experiences. Starting a group would be appealing to me. I go to a support group through my bariatric surgeon at St. Joseph's Hospital but it is open to everyone that have had bypass or lapband procedures. Many of the issues we have can be shared with bypass patients but many things are different and I would like to attend a group for people with lapband only. If you write back here, I will give you my e-mail address so we can exchange phone numbers. This website has really helped me.

:thumbup:I'm going to check it out. I also LOVE boots. I'm hoping with more weight loss that will help with the calf problem. I grew up in Michigan and always had the most unattractive boots because my calfs were so big the boot top wouldn't go up. I'm tickled to hear that you found something that you like so much.

Congratulations! I had a similar experience. I went shopping the other night and tried on size 16 and they actually went up and I was able to button and zip them up. I don't recall EVER wearing a size 16. I think I went past that size.

How about having some Chinese soup and eating only the broth? Believe or not, it is quite satisfying. The liquid diet is quite difficult but worth the trouble in the long run. Its only a temporary phase of the path to the inplanting of the lap band. BE SURE to have adequate amount of protein. That is the key. I eat between 50 to 80 grams of protein a day. It satisfies you and takes away the cravings (except the head cravings). You can do it with protein drinks. If you need some ideas for different types of protein drinks, search this website for ideas.

:thumbup:Happy Band-Day to you! You have done great in one year. Congratulations! You make me believe that it is possible that we can not only lose the weight but keep it off. It does change your life. You gain more confidence in yourself because you feel like you have a plan and a new way of life. Thank you for sharing your day. I can't wait until my first band day (May 20, 2009).

Thank you. I will check it out. I'm always in the market for a new protein drink. I especially like the protein drinks from Trader Joes (if you have them where you live.).

:thumbup:I'm glad to hear you are feeling better. I have experienced the tightness since my last fill last Friday. I am excited about it because its the first time I have felt such restriction and it helps me with the amount of food. Certain foods like steak, chicken, etc., have to be eaten in tiny bites and I can't seem to eat as much.

You were just the post I needed to read today. I had my third fill last Friday and went on liquids for the first day (per the doc's instructions). Its now Tuesday and I've been noticing that I have to eat really slow and chew and chew and chew (did I say chew?) to make the food go down. I don't have heart burn but it feels like discomfort in my chest. Like the food is getting stuck. I use this papaya pineapple enzyme you can buy from Trader Joes. My doctor's office said you can use it when it feels like things get stuck. I think I have to re-think what type of foods I am eating and the amount. I'm excited because I think I'm FINALLY feeling the restriction with food that others talk about but it scares me to know that maybe my band is too tight. I'm going to experiment with mushier foods for now and watch my quantity of food. I think I was eating steaks and chicken without any problem. I don't think I can do that now. If it gets too restrictive, I'm thinking of calling and talking to my doctor. I would encourage you to do the same. That is why they get the big bucks to help us with these things.

Sounds like a plan to me. Ground beef and turkey agree with my lap band. I have noticed since my third fill that I'm having trouble eating chicken, steak, etc. I have to make meals for my husband and step-daughter so I try to make meals that we can all eat. I make sure I use portion control on my dinner. We also all sit together. No one seems to notice that I'm eating less. I like to make things with Beans for Protein because they are so satisfying to me. I use pinto beans mashed with some cheese or black beans with a little salsa. Its all about experimenting and finding things that satisfy you but are good for you and give you protein.

I can see why your stomach cramped after having fried fish. That is tough on a stomach that is used to liquids for awhile. Protein is the key. Make sure you are taking in adequate protein. I've been told I need from 50 to 70 grams of protein per day. I drink protein drinks and eat mostly protein with my meals. I get my protein drinks from Trader Joes (I don't know if this store is near you or not) and Acheive Moca drinks. These drinks have 35 to 40 grams of protein in one drink. It is satisfying and gives you the protein. I put fruit in the blender, ice, milk, cinnamin (not sure of spelling) to make different versions and to statisfy me.

I'm so glad to see your post. I thought I was the only one with a rash after surgery. I am a bit allergic about coming in contact with things so I shouldn't be surprised. I was banded on May 20. I developed an absolutely awful rash on my chest and neck that was not only very painful but itched and had bumps with clear Fluid. The rash came out the day I came home from the hospital (May 21). I almost went to the emergency room. I initially thought I had shingles. I talked to my internist and dermatologist the day the rash came out. I took over the counter things but they didn't touch the pain or itching. I had to go to the dermatologist several times afterwards. I had to put on a steriod cream several times a day and take pills two or three times a day. My doctors thought it was the antibiotic that was given to me in my IV. I requested the hospital records and the antibiotic was the same one I was given many times in the past. A doctor friend suggested I might have developed an allergic reaction to the band itself! I have had one other break out a few weeks later but not as severe but I still had to return to the dermatologist. She thinks my body may be getting used to the band so that is why the rash was not as severe as the first time. I really don't know if that is true or not but I have never had a rash like that before. I'm going to avoid taking antibiotics just in case it was that. If its the band, hopefully my body is getting used to it because I have no desire to take it out at this point. How are you doing now?

I don't think this is a silly question. I wondered about this too. I dislike wasting food and don't want to eat too much. I buy the smaller bananas (when I can find them at the store). When I can't find the smaller bananas, I buy the normal size bananas, I then break it in half and freeze the part I don't eat. I put these half portions into a zip lock freezer bag. I just open the zipper lock and drop the unusued banana into them. At times, I will my husband one-half of the banana (or apple, pear, etc.) to share with me. I use the left over banana pieces (or any fruit) in my Protein drinks in the blender. They add a fuller flavor to chocolate Protein Drinks (also with a little milk). This morning I added fresh banana with my vanilla Protein Drink with some cinnaamon (along with some more milk). I then blend the hell out of them in my "bullet blender" (any blender will do). You can also add a ice cube or two.

I love my Protein shakes. You have to experiment to find the ones you enjoy. I don't know if you have Trader Joe's in your area but I regularly buy their chocolete and vanilla. I put the cans in my refrigerator so they get very cold. I use my blender "bullet" (or any blender will do). I add frozen fruit (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.) into the vanilla and add a 1/4 cup (or so) of milk and blend the hell out of it. I also put frozen banana into the chocolete flavor (along with milk). You can also add cinnamin to the vanilla (also along with milk). I also love this coffee-flavored Protein Drink that comes in a glass container. I'm out of it right now. I think its called Acheive. I think it tastes better than any coffee drink at Starbucks. I also make this VERY COLD and store in my refrigerator. I've been told we need to take in 50 to 70 grams of protein EVERY DAY. I usually have one protein drink a day. I also have protein pudding by Sly Stallone (don't recall the name of it). I add whipping topping on it and it tastes great. Good luck to you!

I don't know what is "normal" weight loss. I think your weight is dropping and that is great! Keep it up whatever you are doing. Everyone has a path that appears to be different because our bodies and ways of eating and exercising is different.

I felt the same way. I almost wished I did not get my first fill and waited until I felt I need one. I have second fill on August 13 (next week). My surgeon at his support meeting that he did not believe lapbanders do not achieve food restriction until their SECOND FILL. I also learned that the restriction I felt for the first six weeks after my procedure to have the band placed, was probably due to the irritation and newness of the band in my stomach. It did take us time to gain this weight and its going to take time and patience to take it off and KEEP IT OFF! Thanks for sharing! Please keep me and others posted on your restriction and future fills.

I agree with you. I think the lapband is the better choice. It is slower but it took time to put this weight on so it takes time to take it off and keep it off. That dumping syndrome is a blessing and a curse. I'm glad I don't have it. Its all a mind set on what you can eat and not eat. Chocelete goes down the band really well but its not good for you in large doses (as we all know). I think we made the best choice for us! The mortality rate with bypass is quite high compared with lapband. Good luck to you. Keep posting your experience. It really helps me.

It was my internist/cardiologist who suggested the lapband to me. I was all ready to proceed with the lapband after a few months of contemplation and research and after visiting with the bariatric surgeon that he suggested. On a subsequent visit to my internist/cardiologist, he changed his mind. He said he thought I would lose more weight with the bypass. When he told me this, I was a bit irritated because I was already approved by Anthem Blue Cross for the lapband. He said I could change my request through my surgeon. I then sat down and wrote down a list of the pros and cons of both procedures and decided the lapband was the best choice for me. I was banded on May 20, 2008, and I believe I made the right choice for me. I am losing weight slowly and have very little side effects as those in my support group who have had bypass surgery. I have had no loss of hair, gas, diarrea, vomiting, etc. I am quite delighted. I have gone from a size 22 to size 18. I feel and look MUCH BETTER. I also believe my recovery was quicker with the lapband than the bypass. I only stayed 24 hours in the hospital and the bypass patients stayed 2 or 3 nights. I also returned to work more quickly. As of right now, I think I made the correct choice in chosing lapband o:smile2:ver bypass. I hope you do too!

I hope your next fill up gives you some restriction. It appears from reading the various e-mails at this site and from other members from my support group with lapbands, that food restriction will come depending on the right amount and number of fills. Lets hope it comes to us much sooner than later.

:rolleyes2:I've been disappointed with lack of food restriction like you and others but yet I have gone from a size 22 to size 18 and felt great. I am off high blood pressure medication because of the 26 pounds I have lost. My arthritic knees are much better. I have had one fill and have another one scheduled in August. I had the most restriction right after surgery for about one month (until my first fill). I still do not have food cravings and I realize I am full when I watch the exact amounts of food which go into my mouth. I cannot let my head rule on the what and the amount what I put into my mouth. It also helps to not drink fluids as suggested and eat slowly, etc. My surgeon says he believes that lapband users have no restriction until our second fill. I have a 10 ounce band with 2 cc's add in the first fill. He also said we have to gradually add to our band because it takes time for the body and ourselves to adjust to the restriction. My surgeon also said that he believes that obesity is an emotional problem more than anything else. So when I want to overeat I realize that I eat to comfort me (and other reasons) rather than be truly hungry. We have to figure out the triggers on what makes us eat. The band is only one tool in this fight against obesity. I have realized how much I turn to food when I get frustrated, tired, lonely, etc. I have turned to other sources of distraction and comfort instead of returning to food. Going to food doesn't help anything. It took us time to get this high in weight so its going to take some more time to take it off and keep it off. I am hopeful that the lapband will help us (it already has for me). Hang in there my fellow bandsters! WE CAN DO THIS. The restriction will come when we hit our sweet spot. In the meantime, measure our food and watch what we are putting in our mouth, exercise, surround ourselves with people who support us and that will help even more.

I know exactly what you mean. I feel full most all the time and I do not have cravings like I used to have. I believe its a mental/psychological thing to eat more than your body needs or wants. We have to deal with being social by participating with not only eating and drinking but having dessert. It really helps me to know that I can participate but in much smaller amounts and still feel like I have satisifed myself in all areas. My bariatric surgeon at my support group spoke lat month and he said that the number one problem facing the obstacle of fighting obesity is psychological. I think this is so true. Its a frightening and powerful obstacle. The lapband is one powerful tool to fight this battle. Congratulations to you for achieving your goal and your wise words.

My favorite drink was not on the list. Its called "AchievOne." You can look where to buy it on the internet. Someone in my support group gave me a bottle. I put them in the refrigerator so they get super cold. They come in glass containers so I think they taste better. They taste like a coffee mocha drink. They have 20 or 25 grams of Protein. I have a new flavor to try but haven't tried it yet (I think its Hazelnut). My next favorite Protein drinks are from Trader Joe's (called Worldwide). They come in chocolete and vanilla. I think they have 25 or 30 grams of protein in each can. I also keep them in the refrigerator to keep them cold as possible. I add frozen banana to the chocolete flavor and it makes it richer. I add cinnamin to the vanilla with a bit of frozen banana or I add frozen berries. I actually look forward to these drinks. The protein in these drinks helps keep you full and satisfied.

I agree with Julie. I felt pressured to have my first fill despite that I was losing weight. After my first fill, I have not lost ANY WEIGHT. In fact, I gained a few pounds. My bariatric surgeon said at a support group meeting (weeks after my first fill) that he doesn't not expect any restriction of food until the second fill! My second fill is in a couple of weeks and I'm looking forward to it and to start losing weight again. I would suggest not having a fill until you start slowing down with losing weight or stop losing weight. If I had to do it all over again. That is what I would do. I am not craving food but I have little to none restriction on the amount of food. To succeed with weight loss, we need the added tool of restriction with a fill.