Mommy0105

I eat them a lot as well. the chicken parm is pretty high in Protein (over 20 grams). My favorites are the BBQ Chicken pizza and the sesame chicken though. I used to love the chicken club panini, but have a bit of trouble keeping it down lately. I too, bring them to work for lunch.

Debbie - I questioned my decion constantly up to, and shortly after my surgery. I was even sobbing in the OR as they prepped me for surgery. I wondered if I should have chosen the bypass instead and I told my surgeon that I felt like such a failure for resorting to surgery. She told me I was making the right decision, and while a yellow brick road did not lie ahead, she had every confidence in me to use the band and be successful with it. After the surgery, I still questioned if the LapBand was the right procedure. I was one of the people who still felt a lot of hunger before getting filled. I had been losing weight, but only out of my short termed will power (that was beginning to wane). After my 2nd fill ( I think it was the 2nd one) I noticed a huge difference. I was no longer constantly starving and fruits and veggies actually filled me for once in my life!!!! From that point on I knew I had definitely made the right decision. And with continued collaboration and band adjustments, I am certain my viewpoint will remain as such. We are not failures for electing to get the band, and neither will you be. We are strong people who were willing to admit we needed help with our weight loss and even stronger people for doing something about it. Good luck to you. Keep us posted as to your journey.

I told my hubby, my mother in law (who told my father-in-law), my mother (who told my father) and 3 very close friends. Didn't want the skepticism of others. Too much pressure if too many people were in on it. I may share with more after goal, but right now I am content with my little circle.

Does anyone else have a letter they would like to share? I'm sure I am not the only one who chose to explain themselves in writing. I think it might be theraputic for others considering surgery and reassuring for those of us who have already taken that step. Just an idea... feel free to post them here if you think it is a good one.

Didn't mean to make anyone cry, but I'm glad so many of you can relate to the letter. Sophrosyne - I'm sorry your hubby isn't as supportive as you would like. He needs to know that this, in no way, is an "easy way out". It is a last resort. My husband wasn't on the band wagon at first either. He gave me the "give it the old college try speech" several times. I think he was more scared of losing me during surgery though. He came around fairly quickly once he realized I was so determined. mommyofthreebs - I am going to try and send you my e-mail address through here. Let me know if it doesn't work. I have never sent a PM before.

Mommyofthree - To answer your question, yes, my family was extremely supportive of my decision to have WLS. After reading the letter, my mom actually called me crying. She said she never knew how much my weight bothered me (always put on a happy face, right?). I did, however, decide to keep my decision rather private. Only my husband, my parents, my husband's parents and 2 of my friends know. I didn't tell extended family yet. I just didn't want to deal with the skepticism. Once I reach goal, though, I think I will come out of the closet so to speak... LOL We sound like we have a lot in common. If you care to chat outside of LBT, let me know. Good luck with your journey!

Thanks Ladies. I'm sure my letter could have been written by so many others on here. That's why I thought it was important to share. Funny thing though... I was dripping in tears as I wrote it and now that I am getting closer to goal, the letter actually makes me smile. Seeing how much has changed is really rewarding Thank you for your encouraging words! Good luck to all.

While clearing out space on my computer, I came across a partial draft of an e-mail I sent to my mother and mother-in-law explaining my decision to research and have WLS. I know many of you out there can relate. It was written in April of 06. My surgery took place in July 06 and to date I have lost 70 lbs. :confused: I hope I never return to the place I was in when I wrote this letter... ----------------------------------------------------------------------- I am writing to help explain my decision to investigate and most likely have weight loss surgery and hopefully help you to understand why. I know you do not think it is a good idea and you are not in favor of me doing something so drastic to lose weight. To ask me 2 or more years ago if I would consider something like this and I would have, without reservation, said no. But in those two years a lot has changed for me. And unless you have walked in my shoes, it is probably difficult to understand. <O:p</O:pFor as long as I can remember, my weight has been a concern/issue for me. Even before I was "fat", I was aware of my weight in relationship to my friends, family, strangers, etc. While I was never the fattest girl in the room, I was never the thinnest either. And that didn't bother me - I never strived to be a Victoria Secret Model, nor do I wish to become one at this stage in my life. In high school I was able to keep my weight in check playing 3 sports a year. While I was encouraged to drop a few pounds by my coaches, my weight never affected my ability to play, enjoy or excel at sports. I had a large social group of friends. I was outgoing and loved to participate in outdoor activities like hiking, roller blading, skiing, swimming, etc. While my weight was something that entered my mind from time to time, my self-image was in check and being a few pounds overweight didn't change that.<O:p <O:p By the time college came around, I became a little more self conscious about my weight. I can remember driving myself to my first soccer practice for wondering if I would be the heaviest person on the team. To my relief I wasn't, but no longer playing basketball, I packed on the pounds during the off-season between soccer and softball. Without the pressure of a coach forcing me to exercise, the pounds crept up. I was able to take it off the summer going into my sophomore year though. I had heard about the new soccer coach, and how much he loved to make us run, so I starved myself and ran every day until I lost the weight. After getting injured in a soccer game, and being unable to return and play at the same level before my injury, I quit soccer my junior year and now only played softball - getting even less exercise than before. The weight came back once again, plus 20 or so more. <O:p</O:pBy the end of college, my weight had become a bigger concern for me. I began a series of diets and exercise programs, and never once reached my goal weight. I would "fall off the wagon" so to speak and be right back where I started from, plus a few more. This pattern has been going on for over 10 years now. I diet for a few weeks and then something comes up where the temptation is too great and before I know it I am so far gone that I end up feeling hopeless. Time goes by and I summon the courage to start yet another diet... lose a few pounds... then gain it all back plus some Everyone says, “but you lost so much weight for your wedding. You can do it again.” Before we got married, yes, I did lose 30 pounds on Weight Watchers. I began in May of 2000 and by November 2000 I had lost 30 or so pounds. Then Thanksgiving came... I "took a break" - you know, to reward myself for doing so well... and I never started up again before the wedding. I guess I kept rationalizing that in November of 2000 I still had 11 months to "get back on track". I mean after all it would be the most important day in my life to date. I couldn't fail, right? I knew so many girls who lost 50, 60, 70 lbs for their wedding. I would do it too.... But I didn't. Whether you realize it or not, when I took my "break" Thanksgiving 2000... I never got back on track and had actually regained 20 of the 30 lbs I lost. <O:p What none of you know is that when I walked down the aisle, the happiest day of my life was bitter sweet. I never told anybody, but a significant part of me felt like a huge failure. I didn't achieve a very important goal for myself, even with my own wedding as my motivation. <O:p Since then, my weight has yo-yoed several times. I have joined gyms, rejoined weight watchers a dozen times, taken diet pills, tried other diet programs, and fail each and every time. I lose a few pounds and then gain it pack plus 10 more or so. Each failed attempt leaves me feeling, frustrated, depressed, and worthless. <O:p For the past 2 years, things have steadily gotten worse. I have episodes of depression where I just want to stay in bed. I don't want to attend social functions because I feel like anyone who sees me is thinking "Oh my God, look how fat she has gotten." I don't participate in the things I used to enjoy. I haven't been skiing in 3 years because I am afraid I will break my skis. I won't go to the beach because I don't want to put on a bathing suit. Hiking is out of the question considering I get winded walking up a single flight of stairs. I am so tired of battling with my weight. I am 31 years old and I am cocooning into myself. I have an amazing husband and a beautiful daughter who deserve more than I am able to give them right now. <O:p Hubby works 2 jobs and goes to school. When he gets home he should at least be able to come home to a clean house and dinner on the table, but the truth is, I am usually too tired to do that. I am ready for a nap by the time I get home from work and if the baby will go down for one, I am embarrassed to admit, I will too. If she is not ready for a nap, I have limited energy left to devote to her. It is difficult for me to get on the floor and play with her. She deserves better than that. I don't want to be a lazy mom. I know deep down that is not who I am and I hate myself for letting myself become this way There is no question that I have to lose weight. But I truly do not have it in me. I am almost 100 lbs overweight and I can't believe I let myself get this way. I am tired of feeling like a failure. My life feels like it is spinning out of control. Honestly, if it weren't for hubby and baby and their unconditional love for me, I truly think I would just give up. I feel disgusting and worthless. I cry at least once each and every day. Every so often hubby catches me and I feel awful for making him see me like that. I can see it hurts him and I hate that. I try to keep it inside as best I can, as long as I can, but with each pound it becomes more difficult. I keep on a happy face at work, but even there I am becoming more introverted. I no longer leave my room to eat lunch. I don't want anyone to see me eating. While it may sound ridiculous, I constantly wonder what people must be thinking of me when they see the "fat girl" eating something. Even if it is something healthy. <O:p I am not looking to do this for an easy way out. It is, in my opinion, my only way out. My last chance for a life worth living the way I want to live it.

Please send some of that Colorado snow to NY. I just got home from a jacketless, 70-degree afternoon at the park with my soon-to-be 2 year old. All she wanted from Santa were roller skates and a helmet. Santa delivered, but we were convinced she would sulk until spring when it was warm enough to finally use them. Little did we know 70-degree days were in store for January in NY!!! But I want to introduce her to SLEIGH RIDING!!!!!! SO please Colorado, send us New Yorkers some snow!!!

I think it will, in great part, depend upon your insurance carrier and your surgeon's office. My surgeon's office was so on top of eveything that I didn't have to do any of the grunt work myself. After first meeting with my surgeon in April, I was apporved in May and chose my date for early July (teacher's schedule!). I have heard horror stories from other people regarding their approval process though. Some insurance carries routinely look for anything to delay the claim and will give you the run-around when you call. So make sure your surgeon's office stays on top of things as well. Good luck to you and keep us posted!!!

what type of noises? i hear stuff, but have always assumed it was coming from my stomach getting to work. ever even contemplated it was the band itself. How could that be? No food enters the actual band. Curious...

I don't know anything about that surgeon, but have you checked out obesityhelp.com? If you click on the "find a bariatric surgeon" link toward the top left of the page, they provide pretty good information about the the experience of different surgeons. You can search according to location. I used it as a start to my research. You can compare experience in terms of years in field and the # of surgeries performed etc. Of course, you should still get testemonials. Here's one from the San Fran area that looks good on paper Paul Cirangle, M.D. 2100 Webster Street, Suite #518 San Francisco, CA 94115 Phone: (415) 561-1310 Fax: (415) 561-1713 http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+profile+Paul+Cirangle+dpj.html Good luck!

I agree with DrewsLou... definitely check with your doctor first. I might imagine marking yourself before hand might interfere with sterilization. My doctore was very specific about showering the morning of surgery to help with just that, but maybe the doctor has special surgical markers. My port hit at my waistline, but I do not recall it causing any discomfort. Looser clothing would probably help. I see your surgery is scheduled for the 8th. A very lucky day! (My daughter's birthday) - Good luck to you!!!!!

I think I will join in the Valentine's Day Challenge. Since my weight loss has begun to slow down a bit (part destiny / part me :phanvan ) I will aim for reaching the 150's (159 counts right!?!?! ) So my goal is AT least 10 lbs. in 6 weeks. Good luck to everyone!

Just be careful.. It sounds like the surgeon you spoke to favors the bypass and is biased. (Bypass = more $$$... coincidence???) Yes, LapBand is a company/product name. It also happens to be the current leader in adjustable gastric banding devices. There are other name brands out there, probably just as good, but I felt comfort going with the LapBand brand because of it's popularity. What area are you from? Would you consider traveling to NYC for surgery? I HIGHLY recommend my surgeon (Dr. Marina Kurian) from the Lenox Hill program. And just across the way at NYU are Dr.'s Fielding and Ren (leaders in adjustable gastric banding) Both practices have been cited on Castle Connelly's Top Doctor lists.

What was the surgeon so "blunt" about? Did he mention something about surgical risks, or was it something else? If you are comfortable, please give us more specifics. The advice you receive will most likely depend upon his remarks. When I was searching for the "right doctor" to perform my surgery, I attended several seminars for several different surgeons before finding one I LOVED. I debated over having any kind of surgery for a while. Then, once I decided to go for it, I was back and forth, back and forth, between the band and the bypass. I was so afraid I wouldn't lose "enough" with the band. But re-routing my insides and having to deal with malabsorption issues was just as dis-concerning. Obviously, I chose to have the lap band. And I must say, I am confident I made the right decision. I have lost almost 70 lbs in just under 6 months. The band can and does work if you are willing to put in the effort. Keep us posted!

Hello July 2006 Band Crew. While I am not new to LBT, this is the first time I have posted in the July 2006 Band Crew thread. I just wanted to say hello and wish everyone a fabulously new and THIN 2007. Keep up the good work everyone! - Lynn

Welcome Jerry! I had bad knees as well. I was unable to do the bike or treadmill soon after surgery. I found the eliptical to be relatively low impact on my knee joints, but it did take me a while to work up from 2 minutes to an hour, so don't be discouraged. I still can't do the bike, but the treadmill is no longer a problem. Talk to a personal trainor. It might be worth it to pay for a few sessions. They are great at designing a program tailored just for you. Good luck and keep us posted!

Well the good news is, your DH must already think you are sexy. If he loved and stayed with the overweight you for 15 years, I can't see another 10 lbs. causing a major riff between you. I agree with everyone who says he just needs time to get used to the new slender you. My DH and I have a very similar situation. Just yesterday at the mall I held up a size 4 pair of jeans. I commented on how nice it would be to fit into something so small. He was actually turned off by them, telling me it was way too skinny for my 5'4" frame. (I think I'd look damn hot though... lol) He proceeded to look through the pile to find an acceptable size (his opinion of course) and he held up a size 12. When I told him I was a 14 now and still wanted to lose 30-40 more lbs. he told me he thought I was perfect. Men... Gotta love em, right?????

That really is amazing. Maintaining my weight loss with the band conerns me. It is truly inspiring to see you do it for over a year without it!!! If I may ask... What signs did do have that your band was eroding? I have been experiencing upper stomach pain for the past few days, and while I am trying to convince myself it is just a stomach bug trying to break through, I can't help but worry about erosion or some other band related problem. Thanks and Way to go!!!!!!

Thank you for your input. No, I do not have a fever. And although I feel as if I am on the verge of vomitting, I haven't actually done so yet. Keeping my fingers crossed it is just a stomach bug.

I have been feeling ill for the past 4 days or so. My stomach (up high / just below the sternum) feels as if I have some sort of stomach flu trying to break through. While I would not say my pain is severe, it is uncomfortable to the point of waking me up at night. I have been borderline nauseas as well. I initially assumed I was fighting something off, but thoughts of possible band erosion have started entering my mind. I would appreciate input from anyone who has experienced erosion with their band. WHat were some of the early warning signs you experienced? Thanks!

I am cutting and pasting this from another post I responded to.... When I was first banded, I felt las if I could eat way too much also. It was so hard for me the first several weeks. In the beginning, 95% of my weight loss after surgery was due to my will power. I had to keep reminding myself that the band was my last hope, and that I just couldn't mess it up. It was not until my 2nd fill that I finally felt restriction. But everyone is different (A lot of people say they feel it after the first fill). When you feel like you are eating too much, remind yourself of how much it means for you to be successful this time. I promise it will get easier. Talk to your doctor and drink A LOT of Water... it really does help to fill you. Good luck and keep us posted.

When I was first banded, I felt las if I could eat way too much also. It was so hard for me the first several weeks. In the beginning, 95% of my weight loss after surgery was due to my will power. I had to keep reminding myself that the band was my last hope, and that I just couldn't mess it up. It was not until my 2nd fill that I finally felt restriction. But everyone is different (A lot of people say they feel it after the first fill). When you feel like you are eating too much, remind yourself of how much it means for you to be successful this time. I promise it will get easier. Talk to your doctor and drink A LOT of Water... it really does help to fill you. Good luck and keep us posted.

Good Luck as you continue your journey. I think it is AMAZING that you were able to maintain your weight loss during "hiatus". My biggest fear is putting it all back on once I finally reach goal. Welcome back... you can do it!!!