RestlessMonkey

To send a PM, go to the left of your screen and select messages or edit profile then on the right is your "control panel" If you scroll down you'll see an area called "private messages"...and an option will be "send a message" that should get you going! :crying: Good luck, ok, and keep in touch. If you get the band I'm sure you'll be successful and an inspiration!

I'm a nursing student so I know all about KG :crying: We have to convert from pounds to kilos to calculate our medication doses. :eek: Yes I started at 184.1 kg and have lost 18.8 so far. Many people just need to loose 100 pounds or less...often at my weight they opt for bypass but I didn't want my innards rerouted! THis will work for me too as long as I realize it is going to take me a while, and I'm good with that!

Why do you cough? Is it acid reflux, or allergies? Makes a difference of course; may be the band, maybe not!

Honestly I had a head cold that I got 9/16 and lasted 3 freaking weeks that bothered me more than the surgery. Pain was nothing. Your matter of fact attitude will see you through! I did get hungry almost immediately post op (many dont, lucky dogs LOL) but I had to stay on liquids 2 weeks. It wasn't FUN but I did it. I can do anything for 2 weeks, you know? It is worth it, to me. I have never had a minute's doubt or regret. I did wonder very quickly preop (took me about 5 seconds) if I should get bypass but realized no way. This will work for me; I know myself, why i eat, and when. I can control it with the band. Good luck to you and please, if I can help you in any way, email, PM or post, ok? If you decide to get this surgery I am sure you will be super successful!

I keep my carbs low (under 15 gms a day) my fat low (under 15 gm a day) and push first and foremost Protein. I have Protein shake (17 gms protein, 2 fat, 2 carb, 110 cal) for Breakfast. I often have a shake for lunch, and for dinner 3-5 oz of lean fish, turkey or chicken and some green veggies (no fat, nothing added). NO SNACKS! EVER! and no drinking 15 min before, during, or 15 min after my meals (the ones that aren't shakes, that is) I lose quite well doing that...keeping cals to about 800 a day. As I lose and am more active I'll add in more calories. I suggest you talk with your nutritionist or dietitian to see what you can change to jumpstart weight loss.

No he didn't offer up any reasons. I have my own opinions though. I think it's maybe that we are more indulgent. I do know America, not Australia, but you guys, while wildly independent and fun, seem to be a little more grounded or matter of fact? I think too many Americans get the band hoping it will be a quick fix and do the work for them. Most who are unhappy with the band are people who don't really work with it. So that's my guess anyway... I don't know the average age, average excess weight, etc of either group so I may just be generalizing. But bottom line for me was if you guys can do it, I can do it too. I just have to work at it, which I'd known anyway! I can lose weight fine but struggled keeping it off. Now I have hope and can "stick to the plan" enthusiastically because I know the band will help rein me in when I need it. (when I get bored eating fish and green beans, for example) LOL

Hi and welcome! I can give you some statistics pertinent to Australia! My surgeon, during the seminar, told us this: Most gastric by pass patients, at 3 years out, have lost 80% of their excess weight. Most AUSTRALIAN lap band patients, at 3 years out, have lost 80% of THEIR excess weight. Most AMERICAN lap band patients, at 3 years out, only lose 55% of their excess weight. I told him I'm going to be an Aussie for lap band purposes! :crying: So already the odds are in your favor!

Preop for me there wasn't much to plan; I was very restricted and knew exactly what I could have. Post op...we're supposed to get a base of 60 mg a day protein and I aim for that but don't preplan my meals. Post op you can buy various protein supplements (I haven't but many do) like unjury or those bullet things from GNC that have a LOT of protein in them. I know from nutrition class it's best to get stuff from the food if you can so I just eat proteins first, then veggies. You'll get the hang of it. Personally one of the big draws of the band for me is that I don't have to weigh, count, journal and overplan my meals to lose. I get so bored with that! But many people prefer to have a plan and keep track of calories, protein, etc. It's up to you, on other words, and you'll find what works best for you!

If you look in the "post op" forum there is a thread at the top called "surgery day stories" and there's more there than you ever wanted! LOL If you read through those and still have questions, just post, or PM me. I'll be happy to try to help you! AND welcome and good luck. I'm 53 and got my band 8/29 and I LOVE that little sucker! :crying:

I ROFLMAO at waaaahmbulance. I have taken that ride more than once. It gets better and you start dropping weight really fast and that is very encouraging. I had to do preop 5 1/2 weeks (fatty liver) but I lost 32 pounds over that time (and most of it WAS fat, not water). It was worth every crabby minute. And in a couple days you adapt and it really isn't bad. Hang in there! :crying:

I don't know about you but I'm 53 (post menopause) and I can lose without exercising. I have lost weight fine in the past; I just can't keep it off. If you are supposed to lose on your 6-month plan, or at least maintain, then you can do that if you want to. I didn't have to do that for the band but you may bet I've done diets in the past (including WW's last year from Feb to July where I lost 25 pounds, no exercise) I understand your frustration but I think you're just not looking at the big picture. If you want the band, and you have to diet for 6 months to get it, then do that. OR pay for it and get it. Just realize that even with the band you need to diet and eventually exercise, or the band won't work. I got banded 8/29, have no restriction yet, and am having to watch my intake or I'd gain everything back. If you really truly can't do that (lose on a diet....and some truly can't I know) then maybe the band isn't for you. Maybe bypass or a duodenal switch would be better. Only you can decide for sure; only you know how hard you've been trying to lose preop. But your age and the arthritis aren't reasons to stop you from losing.

I agree that whomever you are, you should do what YOUR doctor directs. S/he is the one with the experience and knows how his/her patient base reacts post op. They are the ones truly up on the science, not anecdotal stories. So do what your doc says, if you trust him/her. If you don't, why on earth would you let that person cut into you? Get another doc! LOL

Fhlippr, you will be able to eat most, if not all, of the "foods that you love". You may want to pass on many of them until you've lost, but odds are you won't have any limitations. My Doc says stringy red beef and white bread that isn't toasted are the 2 big problem areas. I know of bandsters who even eat popcorn and drink the occasional soda! AND odds are, if you follow guidelines, that the love affair with food will fade anyway. You'll find other things that interest you more. Isn't that just wonderful? Good luck to you all! I love my band and hope you all love yours too.

Emilie I sent you a link in a PM to Patti's post earlier.... Good luck to all Dr. Cavazos's patients and especially you Emilie you've been with me from the first! :crying: Hugs! I'm so excited for you all. This is just so groovy.

I agree with MistyD65, what are you eating? Are you exercising? Are you snacking? Fills do part of the work, of course, but we have to do the rest. I've had one fill and no restriction and had gained 11 pounds back. After a nice chat with my surgeon I'm reinspired and have lost 6 of those pounds already since thursday. I'm doing what he said...proteins, then veggies, then fruits, finally grains, 64 oz of water, no liquids 15 min before, during or 15 min after a meal, exercise, and NO SNACKING. I guess I was using "no restriction yet" as an excuse, but those days are OVER. I'm so happy to be losing again and I know by the time I am bored and tired of the diet, I will have restriction to help keep me going. Maybe that outlook will help you a little! :crying:

Maybe it's just irritated the band? Try liquids for the rest of the day. See if it doesn't calm down. Try mushies tomorrow morning and you can call your doc if you're still having issues (as you said)

That is a GREAT idea! I hope I remember it when we move! :eek:

If you meant you were scared about having to chew etc? LOL Don't worry about that. One year out many people have lost successfully and eat normally, only less. One poster here says she even has popcorn now at movies; she just doesn't need the huge bucket any more. You'll be shocked and happy, I think! :crying: Dr Cavazos doesn't want us so restricted that we are PB'ing and sliming everytime we put something in our mouths. He'll guide us through this.

You will both breeze through, I know it. Dr. Cavazos is an excellent surgeon. He may not come across as arrogant but many of the best surgeons are and I've seen people jump when he gives the look. He's a wonderful doctor. And Patti...it is scary. It is awesome (in the true sense) in that it can fill one with awe to think that maybe life can be truly wonderfully different. I understand. I'll be thinking of both of you all day. Email when you can, ok? You'll be in my prayers. I'm so excited for both of you!

My 1st fill was at 6 weeks, but only 1 1/2 cc in a 14 cc band. I was, post op, on clear liquids one week (broth, water, and sf jello ONLY) then 1 week full liquids (add in protein shakes) That was awful but I did it; I can't imagine going 6 weeks! WOWIE! but the odds of you ever having slipping or erosion will be about 0 I'd think once you've healed that well!

Sounds familiar but I don't think I've read it. Let me know if it helps you. I'm trying to NOT have to "journal" every bit. That's a big thing for weight watchers and after a while I get so tired of counting and weighing and writing (whine whine whine LOL)... But you are right it is a great way to stay aware of what you're consuming. OK You record your daily intake, no fast food, etc...and I'll do my atkins-esque thing. Let's check back in a week and see how we've done. You may post or email or PM me if you want to, for more movie paraphrasing etc LOL This will give me the impetus to quit working my way back to Atkins and just DO IT. I was off to a great start; like you I need to keep the train rolling until I finally get some restriction. I'm going to add you to my "friends" list because I'm afraid I'll forget your exact screen name and "lose" you. Good luck. Let the restrained eating begin!

Ok you committed a SERIOUS breach of etiquette by moving directly to the triple dog dare LOL LOL Rules? We don't need no stinking rules! Just don't knock down your sweet little grandma. I too am struggling; I've been hungry since I came to in recovery (and no it isn't emotional. It's hungry!) but I've found if I eat a lot of lean Protein, a little green veggie, and nothing else (but some low carb shakes) my hunger is better controlled. I'm working to that. I did have crackers and Peanut Butter for dinner tonight (see I told you I love crackers!) but no Snacks at all today. A major step forward for me. (I"m an evening snacker) So tomorrow, more "atkins" type food, no crackers. Are you trying to follow any rules/guidelines/whatever? My doc says protein 1st, then veggies, then fruit, then grains etc. Were you given guidelines, something you're "supposed" to be doing but aren't? I don't think fast food is on the menu, at least during the weight loss phase... I did test my boundaries in the 2 weeks that I could have food before my first fill. Apparently, I HAVE no boundaries food wise. Thus the return to the atkins type meal plan until I get more restriction going on. What works for you?

Good! I didn't mean to be obnoxious! And I hear you; even when I was living the "wild" life food wise, a shake would be an occasional treat...not a meal LOL I whined a LOT about them and finally just got tired of hearing myself be petulant LOL but I did (and still do when I need the protein) choke those suckers down. It's worth it! :thumbup:

Let's be real here. I'm a 5'5" female who weighed 405 when I started. If I can hang tough, a person who started out at a lower weight can hang tough! You don't get to be 405 pounds without eating inappropriately, you know? What if I double-dog dare you? I can do almost anything for a month...and I have 1 1/2 cc in a 14 cc band. Another fill in 5 weeks. I'll make it, so I challenge you to hang in there too.

I hope I don't sound prissy or mean. I am glad you found your way here and don't mean to fuss! I think I just feel that if you realized how very important it is that you get adequate protein, you would be GETTING enough whether it tasted good or just ok. So forgive me if I'm preachy; I am just trying to stress it so you'll be healthy and lose the right way. :thumbup: