YngGram

Surgery on Mon. 12th, stayed until Wed.(standard for my doc) may have been something in the IV but I didn't push my pain med button at all; they took it out that first night. I was pretty out of it all day Mon. but was up walking by 9 pm. I went back to work on Fri. My issue was nausea, I would open my eyes and my tummy turned. Doc had me take a pain pill half hour before my follow up for drain removal. That's the only one out of the bottle. Wishing you a painless recovery.

The insurance approved the removal, however, they declined the revision to bypass since my BMI is now 28 and they require 35. Kind of shortsighted since I have read and heard that most people will gain their weight back after lap band removal. If someone gains their weight back and gets the BMI is over 35 again then they will pay ???
Not sure if I can maintain my weight without any help. I sure would like to and I really would prefer not to have parts of my stomach cut out or my intestines rerouted. That was why I choose the band in the first place. Nowadays they barely recommend the band anymore because of all the problems and revisions required.

That plate is GREAT! It should come with the band!!

Jump on it! I love/hate my band daily. The loss is reported to be slower but...most of this is up to you and how well you follow the rules. I chose the band because of some of the side effects of GB. I wanted to have some control and I really didn't want to give up all the foods I love, just the amount I consume. I was able to lose most of my 70 odd pounds without much(very little) exercise; so the portions of food is my key. Many things impact my daily life with the band. Allergies...the post nasal drip will stop me from eating. I am full all the time (ha) and just can't eat solids. At these times I sip lots of hot tea. Eating early in the day never works for me and and bad weather makes me feel tight. eggs are my enemy almost always, I can eat most foods without problem as long as I chew it as I should. I honestly haven't had any problems with my band, almost 5 years. Although I didn't reach the goal my doctor set, I have been able to keep it off. 163 lbs. is so much better than 240 lbs. I am a size 10/12 and I love it. In late Aug. I started walking and I am now up to 3 plus miles 3 o 4 times a week. I feel great, get antsy if I can't get to it and I am mad that I didn't start this earlier. I also haven't had very many fills, and I'm not sure I ever found my green zone, so I still eat more that the recommended amount. If I stick my neck out, get a fill and continue my power walks, I'm sure I would easily get another 15-20 lbs. off. However, at 56 I don't need to be a size 6, and I think my DH might lose his mind. The band gave me my life back. I feel better, don't have the issues my two friends who had GB face daily and I don't regret a minuet of it.

Maybe I'm being over sensitive or whatever. I havent been on the board that long, but I've been getting the feeling lately that there are "veterans" on this board (I'm using this term loosely cuz I'm certainly not talking about everybody here) are looking down your noses at those they like to fondly refer to as newbys. Like most of us, I appreciate some good pointers and advice but sort of resent the attitude I see here alot about newbys (and I hate that term) need to be told how to feel or what they are feeling and basically how to get this thing right. There are those on this board, and to name a few, Carolinagirl and Mis73, whose opinion and advice I truly respect and are not among the ones I'm referring to here. There are others that just seem to be trying to impress others with how much they know about the banding process and their ability to lose weight. Newsflash!!! You're no better at it than any of us! After all, you too needed WLS to get your weight under control. Thats why we are here, all of us. I get it! You lost your weight in record time. You did great. Yea!!! I may or may not do everything the same way as you did. Ill try different things until I find what works for me. But, give us a break already. Guess some of us are still in the learning phase. I plan to always be in the learning phase cuz I have a problem with obesity and that may not ever be totally resolved. Like I said, that's why I'm here. I just want you guys to know, that those of you who offer nonjudgemental advice and options, I appreciate it. Those of you who just want to strut your stuff and impress the rest of us "newbys" with your awesome wealth of knowledge about lapbanding..............rants over. Just sayin.

I identify with this 100%. I had people telling me how thin I was and I couldn't see it. Yes I had(still have) skinny legs but surely they could see how much fat I still had around my stomach, back etc.
I have regained a couple of kilos and still get called skinny , which I am not and no I'm not in denial but compared to most people my age I suppose I am. But there is 1 advantage to the couple of extra kilos - my face looks better. At my lowest weight I had big bags under my eyes and I was starting to consider fillers etc but now I don't think they are needed(at least not for a couple more years). I would love to lose again but I probably don't need to which could be why i am finding it so hard.
I think the media has so much to answer for.We no longer know what a normal healthy body should look like as we only get images of models that are super slim with no saggy bits and superflat stomachs no matter how old they are.

I am able to get what I need, I just haven't paid attention to what I wasn't getting done. In just a couple of days I can see a difference by starting the day with a Protein Shake, a lite lunch or another shake and then a correct portion for dinner. My 32 oz glass filled twice daily and the water is in. This was simply me not using my tool the way I should .

I ddn't get tired until week 2. Then it was like somebody stole my energy, I did the sleep, drink, sleep, eat, sleep, sleep & sleep for about a week then I was fine. Get the Water in and time will take care of it.

Please don't feel duped, the band is a daily (I think) learning experience. It's a good chance this woman has not experienced this and is simply "quoting" from her training manual. In March it will be 4 years for me, I have 5.5 cc in my band as of Dec 5th. I went in expecting to get an unfill because of discomfort. Since I got it I thought try and see how this works, I don't think I ever had restriction, there really wasn't much I couldn't eat or an amount. As long as I chewed and went slow I could eat steak & dinner rolls. After the fill I for the first time faithfully did liquids for two days then soft for two and WOW I was in the green, I didn't get fat from always being hungry, I got fat because I always ate more than needed and mindlessly, I grazed and nibbled, drank super sweet tea all day and cleaned my plates. With the band it was hard for me because I am eating bar food 4 nights a week, and I was not as committed as I was saying I was. Since this fill I eat much more slowly, much smaller bites, and I am loosing again. I was down 7 lbs. in a week and I had lost 10 at a month. I have started doing a low impact Zumba/Soca work out with lots of stretching. I am also using resistance bands for my flabby arms. Inches are coming off now and I am kicking myself for not taking control earlier. We must follow the rules all of them, not just what or how much we eat but how we eat it. By going slowly, the brain has time to get the message that we are eating. Drinking Water throughout the day also helps because...it keeps us hydrated and we don't retain fluids, it helps with digestion and the reduction of acid build up and finally it helps it with the feelings of hunger. I reread my instruction book again to help me better understand what I was trying to do, and what the band's role would be. Don't give up, just see your doctor as you should and follow the rules; it will come together.

Please don't feel duped, the band is a daily (I think) learning experience. It's a good chance this woman has not experienced this and is simply "quoting" from her training manual. In March it will be 4 years for me, I have 5.5 cc in my band as of Dec 5th. I went in expecting to get an unfill because of discomfort. Since I got it I thought try and see how this works, I don't think I ever had restriction, there really wasn't much I couldn't eat or an amount. As long as I chewed and went slow I could eat steak & dinner rolls. After the fill I for the first time faithfully did liquids for two days then soft for two and WOW I was in the green, I didn't get fat from always being hungry, I got fat because I always ate more than needed and mindlessly, I grazed and nibbled, drank super sweet tea all day and cleaned my plates. With the band it was hard for me because I am eating bar food 4 nights a week, and I was not as committed as I was saying I was. Since this fill I eat much more slowly, much smaller bites, and I am loosing again. I was down 7 lbs. in a week and I had lost 10 at a month. I have started doing a low impact Zumba/Soca work out with lots of stretching. I am also using resistance bands for my flabby arms. Inches are coming off now and I am kicking myself for not taking control earlier. We must follow the rules all of them, not just what or how much we eat but how we eat it. By going slowly, the brain has time to get the message that we are eating. Drinking Water throughout the day also helps because...it keeps us hydrated and we don't retain fluids, it helps with digestion and the reduction of acid build up and finally it helps it with the feelings of hunger. I reread my instruction book again to help me better understand what I was trying to do, and what the band's role would be. Don't give up, just see your doctor as you should and follow the rules; it will come together.

My band lets many life changes "control" it. Temp changes, travel, stress and even time of day. The big one with the most power is MUCUS! Now that I am finally truly in the Green Zone, I realize just how much impact post nasal drip has on my ability to eat. Since I have year round allergies there will be many problems ahead if I can't figure out how to work around it. This past week I had the flu and a cold. Hunger is never a problem for me but we all need to eat. My thoughts are that the mucus is filling my pouch and it's not leaving room for food. I can drink most things without problem, but if it is chewed I can't get but a bite or two and done. I am even having problems with my meds; most are very small but I have to space them out right now.

This is the voice of your band! Funny this came up because a Bypass person recently told me that this is her getting full sign. I hadn't realized that it is sometimes mine, I got a fill in Dec. that has changed me greatly and my nose runs, If I don't notice, one or two more bites and I know I'm done. If I'm lucky I only have to walk around the house a couple of times to get a good burp for relief. And if by chance it is a cold or allergies mucus can make it harder to eat. Good luck.

I am trying to do zumba at home for now. The "warmup" had me sore the next day. I honestly don't have a goal or target. I just know that I have to move because I have become stiff and it is sometimes as hard for me as it was before I lost weight. No only do I not want the be the big chick, I don't want to look foolish and I know I do, I don't want some 20 lb. 9 year old taking me through the workouts. Self image is so important. Done for now,

On the 5th of Dec., I got a "mistake" fill. I had been having pain after eating for about a month and a half. I didn't think I was getting stuck, but I would get small pains about 10 minutes after a meal so off to see my doc. My doctor didn't look at my intake form I guess and what I thought would be an unfill turned into a .5cc fill. It took me to 6 in my band. I made a real effort to follow the fill rules as well as watching my portions. I saw my PC on Mon. and I have lost 10 lbs. Now it's time to get back to my "very" light workouts and hopefully I will get some tone and the inches will move off as well. Doing the "Happy Dance" in VA. With this over the holidays I feel like a champ and not the chump I thought I was becoming.

On the 5th of Dec., I got a "mistake" fill. I had been having pain after eating for about a month and a half. I didn't think I was getting stuck, but I would get small pains about 10 minutes after a meal so off to see my doc. My doctor didn't look at my intake form I guess and what I thought would be an unfill turned into a .5cc fill. It took me to 6 in my band. I made a real effort to follow the fill rules as well as watching my portions. I saw my PC on Mon. and I have lost 10 lbs. Now it's time to get back to my "very" light workouts and hopefully I will get some tone and the inches will move off as well. Doing the "Happy Dance" in VA. With this over the holidays I feel like a champ and not the chump I thought I was becoming.

SLOW DOWN!! I am 4 years out and I am seldom hungry, it has nothing to do with my band it's just me. However, I got fat because when I did eat I ate way to much of the wrong foods. I ate because the family was eating or I didn't have anything else to do. I got a fill in July that took me to 5CC. I was fine until mid Nov. and I was getting pains when I ate. No clue about why so my DH made me go in on Dec. 5.. Doc gave me another .5 (he didn't read my intake form). I took it and hoped for the best, I had been loosing and gaining about 8 lbs forever. Well now I had to rethink some things. First---I did 2 days of liquids as told. I eased in slowly and I went back to watching HOW I was eating. I don't measure but I had gotten lazy and the portions were getting larger. Also I realized that I was taking bites that were to large! This is what had been causing my pain after eating, I found that by going back to the basics I was able to drop 6 lbs. in that many days. The goal is not to feel full, full is not necessary for us to survive.When you eat slowly it gives your brain time to get the message that you are eating. You may find that you really are getting enough without causing yourself discomfort. I get the Water in by struggle, I don't drink when eating but sometimes forget to drink during the day. I am trying to keep things moving. Keep an eye on your measurements and how your clothes fit. I remember the scale not moving but the jeans getting loose. You will do fine if you follow your rules. A weekly weigh in should be fine right now, your body is still adjusting to the changes you've made. Good luck.

About the same here, but the thing I JUST really understood with my last fill is that I am swollen and feel really restricted. When it went down I didn't feel it anymore. BUT, I am eating much slower and taking smaller bites and get satisfied so much easier and without problem.

SLOW DOWN!! I am 4 years out and I am seldom hungry, it has nothing to do with my band it's just me. However, I got fat because when I did eat I ate way to much of the wrong foods. I ate because the family was eating or I didn't have anything else to do. I got a fill in July that took me to 5CC. I was fine until mid Nov. and I was getting pains when I ate. No clue about why so my DH made me go in on Dec. 5.. Doc gave me another .5 (he didn't read my intake form). I took it and hoped for the best, I had been loosing and gaining about 8 lbs forever. Well now I had to rethink some things. First---I did 2 days of liquids as told. I eased in slowly and I went back to watching HOW I was eating. I don't measure but I had gotten lazy and the portions were getting larger. Also I realized that I was taking bites that were to large! This is what had been causing my pain after eating, I found that by going back to the basics I was able to drop 6 lbs. in that many days. The goal is not to feel full, full is not necessary for us to survive.When you eat slowly it gives your brain time to get the message that you are eating. You may find that you really are getting enough without causing yourself discomfort. I get the Water in by struggle, I don't drink when eating but sometimes forget to drink during the day. I am trying to keep things moving. Keep an eye on your measurements and how your clothes fit. I remember the scale not moving but the jeans getting loose. You will do fine if you follow your rules. A weekly weigh in should be fine right now, your body is still adjusting to the changes you've made. Good luck.

About the same here, but the thing I JUST really understood with my last fill is that I am swollen and feel really restricted. When it went down I didn't feel it anymore. BUT, I am eating much slower and taking smaller bites and get satisfied so much easier and without problem.

SLOW DOWN!! I am 4 years out and I am seldom hungry, it has nothing to do with my band it's just me. However, I got fat because when I did eat I ate way to much of the wrong foods. I ate because the family was eating or I didn't have anything else to do. I got a fill in July that took me to 5CC. I was fine until mid Nov. and I was getting pains when I ate. No clue about why so my DH made me go in on Dec. 5.. Doc gave me another .5 (he didn't read my intake form). I took it and hoped for the best, I had been loosing and gaining about 8 lbs forever. Well now I had to rethink some things. First---I did 2 days of liquids as told. I eased in slowly and I went back to watching HOW I was eating. I don't measure but I had gotten lazy and the portions were getting larger. Also I realized that I was taking bites that were to large! This is what had been causing my pain after eating, I found that by going back to the basics I was able to drop 6 lbs. in that many days. The goal is not to feel full, full is not necessary for us to survive.When you eat slowly it gives your brain time to get the message that you are eating. You may find that you really are getting enough without causing yourself discomfort. I get the Water in by struggle, I don't drink when eating but sometimes forget to drink during the day. I am trying to keep things moving. Keep an eye on your measurements and how your clothes fit. I remember the scale not moving but the jeans getting loose. You will do fine if you follow your rules. A weekly weigh in should be fine right now, your body is still adjusting to the changes you've made. Good luck.

SLOW DOWN!! I am 4 years out and I am seldom hungry, it has nothing to do with my band it's just me. However, I got fat because when I did eat I ate way to much of the wrong foods. I ate because the family was eating or I didn't have anything else to do. I got a fill in July that took me to 5CC. I was fine until mid Nov. and I was getting pains when I ate. No clue about why so my DH made me go in on Dec. 5.. Doc gave me another .5 (he didn't read my intake form). I took it and hoped for the best, I had been loosing and gaining about 8 lbs forever. Well now I had to rethink some things. First---I did 2 days of liquids as told. I eased in slowly and I went back to watching HOW I was eating. I don't measure but I had gotten lazy and the portions were getting larger. Also I realized that I was taking bites that were to large! This is what had been causing my pain after eating, I found that by going back to the basics I was able to drop 6 lbs. in that many days. The goal is not to feel full, full is not necessary for us to survive.When you eat slowly it gives your brain time to get the message that you are eating. You may find that you really are getting enough without causing yourself discomfort. I get the Water in by struggle, I don't drink when eating but sometimes forget to drink during the day. I am trying to keep things moving. Keep an eye on your measurements and how your clothes fit. I remember the scale not moving but the jeans getting loose. You will do fine if you follow your rules. A weekly weigh in should be fine right now, your body is still adjusting to the changes you've made. Good luck.

It has taken me 4 years to learn this. If you have had a stuck episode, stop eating. Do liquids the remainder of the day and the next. Missing this fact caused me to need an unfilll. Take bites smaller than you would give a toddler, don't over chew but always wait until you swallow before adding more food. Give yourself a time frame for each meal and try to take all of the time to eat. The biggest mistake I had been making was eating to much. Making the changes since the 5th has helped me drop 8lbs. Lot of it was Fluid I'm sure. I just know I feel much better after eating now.

After having "stuck moments" it can be irritated to where you have trouble w/ any solid foods. Many people do liquids or mushies for a day or two after being "stuck" and then resume solid foods.

It has taken me 4 years to learn this. If you have had a stuck episode, stop eating. Do liquids the remainder of the day and the next. Missing this fact caused me to need an unfilll. Take bites smaller than you would give a toddler, don't over chew but always wait until you swallow before adding more food. Give yourself a time frame for each meal and try to take all of the time to eat. The biggest mistake I had been making was eating to much. Making the changes since the 5th has helped me drop 8lbs. Lot of it was Fluid I'm sure. I just know I feel much better after eating now.

I kept things on the DL until I felt like I had a handlea on things. Once it was noticalbe and people started to comment, I owned it. I am very proud that I made a choice for my health. While I didn't hit goal I feel so much better and that was the point. I spend 4 nights at a bar/poolhall and it is hard to get good choices. It helps that team members know, I get to share food and split bills.