Elisabethsew

I'm with Jack. I don't understand how you can PB everything you eat AND have everything just slide on down. I had my second fill a little over a week ago and find I have to chew chicken, steak, and even fish very well or I get that golf ball feeling in my chest. To me, it sounds like you were overfilled from what you wrote in the first post but then in the second post it seems like you have no restriction at all. I'm confused.

Has anyone been following the upheaval on "The View?" It appears Star Jones/Reynolds is history and upstaged Barbara Walters by announcing her departure without warning. Star went to "People" magazine and told her version of the story forcing Barbara to make a public announcement on the show and deciding not to have Star return to work out the remainder of her contract. Barbara provided Star the opportunity to become a star and kept her employed for 9 years. Star's contract was not being renewed and ABC said Star could state whatever reason she wanted to for leaving and they would back her up. I think Star's actions were juvenile and a slap in the face to Barbara Walters. She might have been ticked and felt that Rosie O'Donnell was the causative factor in her contract not being renewed but she lacked grace in departing with dignity. OK, I know many of you will disagree with me but it's good to get different points of view... pun intended. LOL.

My MD using a local 2% lidocaine that is injected with a tiny needle gradually. After a minute or two, the area is numb and then the fill is done. The procedure is quick and painless.

My opinion, for what it's worth, is to take the emphasis OFF weight. You lose, she gains... you're looking damn good... she's not the tiny ballarina... blah, blah, blah. I am assuming that with your weight loss, you're no longer the same couch potato that you were several months ago. Do you have children? Why not break the NORMAL routine of weekends at home and start to plan some couple and family activities? Perhaps if you SHARE your higher energy levels and channel them into couple activities, you wife will be motivated to join you in your healthier life style. I think what you're experiencing is perfectfully normal and, after nobody noticing for you in so many years, suddenly getting attention makes you feel like a kid in a candy shop. But... you know what happens if you sample all that candy? LOL. So, invest some time in just you and your wife and see if THAT doesn't make a difference... for BOTH of you. Make sense?

Why didn't you ask for the nurse who got you last time to come in and see if she could get it? There is no way ANYONE should be stuck more than 3 times before another person gives it a try. It's a 2 stick policy where I work. I hope you have better luck next week.

I'm not giving up my A/C either and think it's a joke that it's even mentioned as a source of obesity. Why didn't they discuss things like cell phones, shopping online, delivery services, paying for lawn service, etc.? We used to get up to answer the phone, go out and pick up things, go to the store and shop and work outside a lot more than people do today. Childhood obesity is another concern. Kids don't play much anymore. They come home and sit in front of a TV, computer, video game with chips and soda and pack on weight. I think the authors of the "research" missed the boat on important factors leading to obesity but it was interesting to read. Thanks for sharing it.

I colored mine the day before surgery. Go for it!

I've had 2 fills in my Vanguard band. The first was 1.5 cc's and it did nothing. The second was a week ago... 3 cc's for a total of 4.5 cc's and I FINALLY got restriction. You should feel "IT" with another fill but you're loss is wonderful.

In two days I'll hit my 3 month mark. I had a very hard time getting restriction but FINALLY felt it with my second fill just a week ago. My surgeon waits 8 weeks before giving a first fill and then a month for the second one. I have not had any PB's but I have had that goldball feeling since the second fill if I don't chew my food really well. The restriction is helping me cut down on portion sizes but I've been doing fairly well all along by following the diet plan... down 37 pounds. Exercise is hard as I need a knee replacement but I'm walking longer distances and have been much more active in the last few weeks. It seems like the March group is doing very well. Congratulations to you all.

CONGRATULATIONS on a GREAT victory!

I am hoping to be out of the 3's and into the 2's by the end of July. It's nice to have company and support on the journey downwards.

My medical clearance was 2 days before the surgery. They wanted to wait for the pre-op blood work, etc., that is scheduled about a week before surgery. Results are available a day or two later and can be faxed to your MD or you can pick up copies and bring them with you for clearance.

I only started feeling restriction with my second fill which was 6 days ago. Prior to that, I could eat as if I were never banded but forced myself not to binge and had 3 meals and a snack everyday. Now that I do have pretty good restriction, I am relearning how to eat... smaller portions, chew, chew, chew and stopping when I feel full. SRaeM... it sounds like you might need another small fill. Have you considered this options?

Call your insurance company and ask for your case manager. This is the person who has your file and can read to you what the reason for the denial was. Once you have this information, you'll know how to proceed. I did not find the surgeon's office helpful in the appeal process. You have to take the bull by the horns and FIGHT.

I have the Vanguard Inamed band and my first fill at 8 weeks post-op was 1.5 cc's. That did nothing. I went back a month later (6 days ago) and they put in another 3 cc's for a total of 4.5 cc's and THAT finally did the trick. I now know what restriction is but have never had a PB so I think they got it right this time. If your surgeon is like me, he/she will start slowly and then make adjustments as needed.

Do you tolerate soy milk or lactose free milk? Many of the protein shakes are soy based. All meats are rich in protein and there are many protein bars that taste pretty good as well as protein rich cereals. Legumes are all good protein sources and so are nuts although you have to watch the calorie count on those. I often will have one or two pieces of deli turkey with some fresh fruit for breakfast. You might also want to look at the Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice meals for convenience. They have the nutritional requirements you need for a meal and are low in calorie. I don't have them often but always have a few in the freezer. Take a stroll through the grocery and focus on the nutritional information printed on the labels. You'll quite a few good sources of protein.

Can the friend who lives in the area come and stay with you in the hotel? You really should not be alone for the first day or two. After that, your body will tell YOU whether or not it's ready to progress with a long drive home.

I did two weeks of full fluids post-op (pudding, cream soups, yogurt, shakes, etc.) and 2 weeks of soft foods and then moved to solids on week 5.

It normal to be nervous about any surgery but I was ready for this one and never had a second thought about it. Make a list of the pros and cons and you'll discover WHY you decided to move forward.

I had to appeal the BC/BS decision not to pay for my lapband surgery and eventually won. I had 2 co-morbidities and a sky-high BMI but did not have the 6 month medically supervised diet. It was definitely an exercise in persistence but I won.

The third picture was my favorite. You're beautiful and only 29... go for it.

Reaching my goal will result in another surgery. I need a total knee replacement and it may sound strange to be looking forward to such an involved surgery but, as anyone with end stage arthritis in a joint can tell you, the pain is pretty bad. I look forward to walking pain-free and a fast recovery.

I did the ready to drink (RTD) 90 calorie, 10 grams of protein shakes from Medifast and still have some in the house for fill days. You get them online.

Sorry, but there is no way you should or would be able to make a 3 hour drive solo after surgery. It takes a while for the effects of the anesthesia to go away and it's not wise for you (or the other people on the road) to consider this option.

My surgeon forbids carbonated drinks and I don't crave them so it's a rule I can live with. I don't want to risk any damage to the band.