TQUAD64

Hi: I am not 50, but getting there. Anyway, check out the forum for age groups on thise site. Here is the link for the 50 group. Fifties - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum Good luck.

I am sorry this happened to you. And I have total empathy for you as I have been in your shoes. I have terrible balance issues because of my weight. It does not take much for me to go from standing up right to being on the ground. Example, last year I am walking on the pier with my new expensive camera in front of hundreds of people. And what do you know, I step on something that throws my balance off and I hit the ground hard. I took a hard hit, but saved the camera. However, my dignity was damaged. Talk about embarrassing. I felt so huge and insignificant. Luckily people passing by came to my aid and offered assistance. I knew I had to get this weight under control and get my life back. I am so glad I was banded. It will be the best gift you can give yourself.

For me it was not wanting to end up like my mom who is very unhealthy. I wanted to regain my ability to be actively fit. And the pain in my back, shoulders, knees, and ankles was making it difficult to get around and enjoy life.

Well, from the research I have reviewed the band is a tool and it requires work on our part. The band does not take away our poor eating habits. It never promised that. But you already know this since you did your research prior to having the surgery. So perhaps connecting to a support group will help. And I don't mean this forum. I mean one in which you meet with people face to face to help you be accountable. Or maybe a counselor or a nutritionist. Are you sure your fills are staying in?? Does your doctor pull out the old fill to see what is left before putting in new fill? Are you losing any of the fill?

For me it is about portion control. I suck at it. Pre-band I weighed the food out and measured it, but I would eat more and more, because frankly I was hungry. I was always snacking too (head hunger). I walked too, but I really was just flipping hungry all the time. Post band, and mind you I am a newbie, I don't have the crazy hunger. I am satisfied with small measured portions for longer periods of time. I am not snacking. And I am back to exercising. And I have lost 30 pounds. And for someone who has dieted for the last 19 years, I decided to try the Band for what I hope are longer lasting results.

I feel like I am on an island (Exercise Island) all by myself. Where are my exercise buddies? Who is going to motivate me and keep me in check??:tongue2: Today: 50 minute treadmill 2.10 miles at 4% incline. Upper body workout with free wights for 20 minutes.

Lori, I so know that story. I feel the same way. But I look for safe flirting zones. Sounds funny, I know, but it has to be about my comfort zone. So I look for activities that I don't dread, but I have the opportunity to meet men. I always do this with my friends with me. It always feels safer with people you know mixed with people you are getting to know. dinner parties, social gatherings, mall, lunch events, and movies are just a few of the things I do to build up my social skills with the opposite sex.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too! The best thing you did was not to give up, you received a fill, and now your re-connecting to this support group. Your right back on track!

I agree, walking and a heating pad really helps.

Wow!!! Great job. You are amazing.

Hi, I was filled at surgey (11/11/08) with 3cc and had great restriction. I was give a 1.5cc fill on 12/10/08 and have REALLY great restriction. Prior to the December 10 fill, I was getting really hungry and started snacking. My weight stayed the same. No loss, but no gain. I track my calories (Sparkpeople.com) and I went from eating 1,100 calories a day to over 1,600 calories a day before the 12/10/08 fill. I shared my concerns with my surgeon and she gave me the fill on December 10. Thank goodness! I am not snacking, my daily calories are around 1,000 to 1,200 a day. I track my Protein intake every day and I am right on track. I am getting my fluids in as well. Results are different for everyone, but I just wanted to share my story with you. If I need another fill, I will get one on January 14, 09. Good luck!

Hello Bones, Congrats on your weight loss. You give newbies like myself hope. Thanks for posting your success.

Wow, so sorry to hear this. And 4cc on a first fill seems very aggressive. Insist that your doctor do a barium swallow test to make sure everything is okay. Why take a chance.

I agree, the variations are just odd and confusing, especially when you read all the posts on this forum. The best any of us can do is follow our doctor's instructions.:tongue2:

During the liquid post op diet phase, my doctor allowed me sf non-fat yogurt and nonfat milk, which really helped a lot. Ask your doctor if he/she will allow you to move forward to these types of products.

My doctor did not give me that rule. I was told moderation is the key, because alcohol is empty calories. I will ring in the New Year with a some type of "Cup of Good Cheer."

Today: I need some organge juice, because I am feeling a little bit run down. 54 minutes on the treadmill at 4% to 5% incline 2.05 miles. I am going to crawl in bed and nip the begining of this cold in the bud.

I have to agree with the other posters that the Band is less evasive, which was a big draw for me. I had a HUGE issue with portion control and hunger. The band has alleviated these two issues for me as I get my fills. I live in the every day world. I work, go to school, and raise a family. Therefore, I need to eat with co-workers, friends, family, and class mates without the constant constraints of a rigid diet. The beauty of the band is it allows me, for the most part, to eat regular food....just a whole lot less. And because of the investment my doctors and I have made in me with the band surgery, I select healthy food choices. I see myself investing in me and my healthier future. As far as my doctor's sphere of influence in one procedure over the other. Really there was none. My doctor and all the other doctors at the clinic I go to equally espouse the benefits of both procedures.

I have only had one fill and that was at 12:15 pm last week, so I am not sure about a difference, between morning or afternoon fills All I know, is that in the morning I am more restricted than any other time during the day.

I would definitely call the surgeon. Your partner will dehydrate at that rate of Fluid intake. Not good.

My doctor lets me take my pills, but suggests that I cut them in half if they are to big.

Jachut: I totally hear you. Any time I increase my work outs I start to feel drained and run down, like I am coming down with a cold.

Today: 30 minute treadmill walk. This week at worked drained my energy. I am hoping to sleep in tomorrow and get my energy back!:rolleyes2:

My doctor has the two day rule. 2 days liquid, 2 days mushies, and then back to regular foods cautiously.

I had my tonsils out when I was 23. The procedure went well, my recovery was quick. But the raw feeling in your throat is gross. Of all my surgies, this was the one I hated the most. :-(