Band_Groupie

I'm so sorry for all you troubles lately, but congratulations on your approval! Every doc has a different lifetime diet/rules. I'm allowed carbonation after 12 weeks, but I'm not a pop drinker, so this isn't a big deal to me. That said, I think I'd give up a lot more to get the band if needed...if someone offered me skinny for life for a few Diet Cokes a day...well, I know what my choice would be. There's also a Tutorial right here on LBT with pics, click HERE. Let me know if you get stuck...I had no clue what a 'blog' was when I signed up here LOL.

Boy, I'm so sorry this has been such a struggle for you. It sounds like your docs office isn't very supportive...'yell' at you....tell you you're 'a failure'??? Seriously?? I'd be yelling back. I've been here long enough to know that some need there bands alomost or completely full before they get to restriction...and if they refuse to give you more I'd ask them for a fill with contrast to check for a leak! Your docs job is to help you to get restriction...that's why you got the band...if that's not happening it's not your fault! Hang in there and know that you have rights as a patient...there's no reason if you're paying attention to your stomach/restriction and exercising that this shouldn't work for you. Keep us posted! -BG

You're on your way! Just stay positive and you'll get there! It's a long journey for some like me, but so worth it...I'm down almost 40# total pre and post-op and surgery was 4/22. You're on the right site and the right path. Side note; DH grew up on the base at Landstul (sp?) near the Ramstein base...his dad was an Army doc. He still tells wonderful tales of his childhood there...wants to go back someday to visit...next big trip hopefully! Keep us posted! -BG

30 pounds is awesome!!! Here's to 40...what a great birthday present! You can do it...fill by fill! -BG

WELCOME to LBT Stephanie! I know you'll find lots of help and support here...good peeps! Your story sounds like many here) only it took me 20 more years to get as smart as you! Hey, I think my DD got her ear tubes at your work place (20 years ago LOL). We lived in Mt. Washington then (DH grew up in Anderson). Welcome and happy countdown!

You're NORMAL! I've been through an even bigger surgery and I was still scared (and excited)! It's all so worth it! If you're feeling really scared the day of, ask the nurses right away if they can give you something to help 'take the edge off'...many here have done that...just a little med to help you stay calm. The team knows everyone is nervous and they'll be great at helping you through it. -BG

It's the start of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals tonight and this town is rockin'. It's a rematch...with a new ending! Go Pens!

Congratulations bander! FYI- there are some non-NSAID migraine perscriptions you can get your doc to prescribe one for the future.

Nummy! I love zucchini; we just planted a few hills. Can you give me your pic link again, I can't find it...went to Fat Frog...sorry, I have oldtimers. I promise to bookmark it.

Thanks guys! ...and I thought no one would understand :-)

Rant away LM, Bandster Hell sucks! Hang in there, Monday is just around the corner for you! 32# in 2 months is amazing...4# a week? I'd be SO happy!!!

LOL...that's what happens when you're more than half way to goal...everything gets skinny!!! Too funny!

OK, I'm long beyond jealous now. Is there ANYONE out there who got banded 4/22/09 or before that has 0 fill and no restriction or am I alone again? I'm only hoping for half as much fill next week. 5 cc's is a HUGE first fill! Good for you!

Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl -------------- 20lb --------------------- 276lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 278lb -------------------- 256lb NY Lady ----------------- 20lb --------------------- 253lb ---------------- 11 May --------------------- 250lb -------------------- 233lb lingling ------------------ 20lb --------------------- 279.6lb --------------- 1 May --------------------- 279.6lb ----------------- 259.6lb JayTee562 --------------- 20lb --------------------- 272lb ----------------- 29 May --------------------- 262lb -------------------- 252lb MrsMitch ---------------- 25lb --------------------- 242lb ------------------ 1 May --------------------- 242lb -------------------- 217lb ALuv82------------------ 35lb ---------------------- 297.5lb --------------- 22 May --------------------- 280.5lbs ------------------- 262.5lb Band_Groupie ----------- 15lb ---------------------- 218 lbs -------------- 22 May --------------------- 210lbs -------------------- 203lbs kaner ------------------- 20lb ----------------------- 275lb --------------- 29 May --------------------- 267lb ---------------------- 255lb scoobydoo -------------- 25lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne -------------- 15lb ----------------------- 296lb --------------- 29 May --------------------- 288.8lb ---------------------- 281lb hopeful41411 ----------- 18lb ----------------------- 260.8lb -------------- 1 May -------------------- 260.8lb -------------------- 242.8lb IsabellaP84 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? hannahj914 ------------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ------------------ 18lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie --------------- 30lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? poconomom -------------20lb ----------------------- 212lb --------------- 8 May --------------------- 204lb --------------------- 192lb myturn2bhappy --------- 30lb ---------------------- 288lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 286lb --------------------- 258lb DM Chef ---------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ------------ 25lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? doodlebug11 ------------ 20lb ---------------------- 207lb --------------- 1 May ---------------------- 202lb-------------------- 187lb tcbgirl ------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202.8lb ------------- 1 May --------------------- 202.8lb --------------------187.8lb twinmamma1130 -------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------- 15lb --------------------- 211.6lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 211.6lb----------------- 196.6lb Babygirl_68 -------------- 20lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? ------------------------- ? kittygirl ------------------ 22lb --------------------- 203lb ------------------ 17 May ---------------------- 199lb ------------------- 181lb jukeBox81782 ----------- 40lb ---------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? Losing for me ----------- 20lb ---------------------- 189lb ---------------- 1 May ---------------------- 189lb --------------------169lb early -------------------- 15lb ---------------------- 202lb ------------------- 1 May --------------------- 202lb -------------------- 187lb lapband-AP-redo -------- 20lb ----------------------- ? ------------------- 1 May ---------------------- ? ------------------------- ? pottergirl----------------- 20lb----------------------- 280lb ---------------- 1 May---------------------- 280lb -------------------- 260lb shakia90 ---------------- 20lb ----------------------- 285lb ---------------- 1 May --------------------- 285lb -------------------- 265lb txdj --------------------- 20lb------------------------ 205lb ---------------- 22 May --------------------- 193lb --------------------185lb ThinWithin -------------- 27.4lb --------------------- 297.4lb -------------- 8 May --------------------- 297.4lb ------------------ 270lb help1977 ----------------20lb----------------------- 251.8lb ---------------- 1 May -------------------- 248.2lb ------------------- 231.8lb vcatalina1 -------------- 20lb------------------------ 255lb ------------------1 May -------------------- 240lb --------------------- 220lb Auddie ----------------- 20lb------------------------ ? -----------------------1 May ------------------- ? --------------------------? lapbandgirl2009 -------- 25lb ---------------------- 259lb -------------------25 May ------------------- 256lb --------------------- 234lb swkrp ------------------ 20lb ---------------------- 219lb ------------------- 1 May ------------------- 199lb --------------------- 234lb Shellynnrn --------------20lb ---------------------- 260lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 260lb-----------------------240lb kath17268 -------------15lb ----------------------- 236lb--------------------1 May ------------------- 224lb ------------------------ 221lb knighmo -------------- 25lb --------------------- 298lb -------------------- 4 May-------------------- 298lb ------------------- 273lb jannyboo -------------- 29lb -------------------- 219lb ---------------------1 May ------------------- 219lb ------------------- 190lb lilith ------------------ 20lb -------------------- 249lb---------------------6 May ------------------- 244.7lb ------------------- 229lb

Good for you...I was worried when I read your other blog that it would be true as my PCP plan had to include excercise. Yay! ...and the Psych visit is a piece of cake, just give honest answers and you're good.

WELCOME to LBT and congratulations on your decision! The blogs don't get nearly as much visibility for questions as the forum does (mostly journals here). I'd suggest you go to the forum tab at the top here and then go down to 'hospitals and doctors' and copy and paste this question as a new thread there (put DENVER in your title). A 'search' there for your docs name might help you too. There is also a forum for each state under groups and you can try there. Let me know if you need help...send me a message. Good luck to you...there are people here from every city, so I know you'll get some input for a bigger city like Denver! -BG

It sounds like you're happy with yourself and your new body. I think a better body image certainly effects your drive and that's a good thing! Congratulations! I'm certainly not suggesting this is you, but I will add for others that read this that transfer addictions are a serious concern after WLS and I have read threads of people for whom this has become a serious concern/problem for them. Just an FYI.

Every doc's rules are different. I'm not supposed to snack, but if I do I try to chose something solid to fill the hunger, like a low fat peel cheese. But frozen liquid treats are the same as liquid calories which I'm supposed to keep low cal. and treat as a liquid (so not with meals)...so I have had SF popsicles and fudgesicles between meals...if it's low cal it would work for me between meals.

Amen! My end goal is to have food be a 'normal' part of my life...you know, not even think about it until it's time to eat...a miracle.

I'd consult your doc or an exercise phisiologist as to why. Congratulations on meeting your goal!

Welcome to LBT!!! Congratulations on starting your journey! -BG

Well said! One meal at a time!

Oooo...sounds yummy! I just bought some more greek yogurt today...high protein and the pumpkin counts as a veggie, right?

What a great bonus reason for getting the band! Happy countdown! -BG

If you’ve read any of my rantings, then you know that I’m nothing if not blunt and honest about my ‘LB journey’…I’m a sharer and I appreciate the ‘real’ story here from others. You’ll also notice that I’m far from perfect (I’m never going to be one of those inspirational bandster’s, so run now if you’re looking for that) and I don’t ‘selectively share’…I share anything, especially my shortcomings (so sooner or later you’re going to find out something about me you won’t like…please be forgiving...the check is in the mail) mainly because I’m here to learn something, especially about myself and my changing relationship with food. I’ve had NO restriction in my 0 fill band since day 9 post-op, and let’s see, that was May 1, so almost a month ago now. I’ve been honest about slowly testing my band and now being able to eat anything…and then testing some more without chewing any more than normal (well, except that bagel that I should have chewed), but I’ve still lost some weight every week. Like I’ve told you, I’m a professional dieter…put me on Atkin’s and the weight drops off. I’ve gotten this new attitude about my LB diet this week though. I’m not sure what it is, but I’m putting it together (welcome to my rambling mind…it’s going to be a bumpy ride…apply seasick patches NOW) …part of it is I promised myself this would NOT be another diet, since I gain back more on diets…I promised myself (and it’s my doc’s philosophy too) that NOTHING would be off limits (OK, maybe bagels). It’s a lifestyle change and I need to stick to the LB rules, but if I eat something high calorie once in awhile then I’m supposed to eat a small amount and cut back on something else…as long as I’m getting my daily protein and water goals it’s fine…so I’ve been thinking…is ‘Bandster Hell’ part really part of my LB journey? I don’t have any restriction so it’s like I have no LB yet. Do I really need to starve myself on another diet and lose big weight until I get restriction back? Hmmm. If I lose a lot maybe my doc won’t give me the amount of fills I need because he’ll think I’m doing fine without it. Am I just rationalizing this? I’ve been pondering this and I think I unconsciously haven’t been trying to diet very hard…at least as compared to all the diets I've been on. I’ve been so busy this week and eating some bad foods over the holiday weekend that I didn’t bother to track my foods/calories (besides the fact that it would have taken me forever to setup al the new/bad foods into FitDay). I drank wine, ate; dips, pizza, sandwiches, etc. I didn’t always follow the ‘protein first’ rule and I didn’t measure everything. I wasn’t a total pig, but like I said, I wasn’t trying very hard. Our April Bunny group has weigh-in’s every Friday (Hef’s rules, man he’s so strict with us Bunnies). After my pig out from Memorial Day Weekend I wasn’t surprised to see I’d gained 2 pounds by Tuesday…what surprised me was to see that I wasn’t upset like I would have been on a diet. I know many people gain during Bandster Hell and I just figured I needed to get back on track and try a little harder not to gain. I paid a little more attention the three remaining days of this week, but like I said, it was a busy week and I wasn’t tracking anything. I got on the scale for Hef this morning…I’d lost 1.5 lbs. this week…DID YOU HEAR ME?!! I LOST weight!!! I got on and off three times just to check it! Chuck what they all say about the Band being a 'just a tool'…it’s MAGIC, MAGIC I TELL YOU! I was so stunned I sat down and thought back over my choices and amounts of food and I realized that I hadn’t really pigged out as much as I thought I had. In fact, if I had only kept track this week I think I’d be surprised at how little of even those bad foods I actually had. Then I started to wonder why…I don’t have restriction, I’ve been hungry, I don’t have to chew…WHY? I realized it’s certainly not my stomach because I could binge out now if I wanted to…it’s really my mind that’s started to change…I’m paying way more attention to when I’m full and stopping then, and again there’s no restriction, I’m just realizing that I used to eat way past the full point…I’m used to eating until I’m stuffed and then some. I’m also starting to notice when it’s just head hunger, I am making mostly better choices…and when I do eat something bad, I’m not always letting myself totally binge out on it…sure I’ll continue to slip up …those old feelings are still there and probably always will be, but I’m learning at least sometimes to control them better. Where once I couldn’t have stopped with 1 or 2 of something, now I am (at least most of the time). Amazing…I’m losing weight just by using my head and even with no LB tool I haven’t been starving! If I’d been only eating tiny portions of only good foods this week and feeling deprived and starved there’s no way I would or could have worked on any of this ‘head stuff’…I’d be back in just ‘diet mode’. I’ve realized by eating more normally this week and not treating this like another diet that I’ve been able to work more on my relationship with food and all the stuff I need to work on with my mind. The restriction will come with time, and sure I’ll probably gain weight some weeks before then and even after…I’m just in awe with the fact that even without my band as a tool yet it’s still working it’s magic on my mind. I’ve got a long way to go, and I’m realizing everyone takes a different journey… …and I’m just slower than some.