LapBandit

Restriction has always been tricky for me...I might be really tight for a few days then whammo...it feels like I don't even have a band. So, it's hard to say where you're at except that you sound a little too tight to me. Good luck!

I'd say they're basically the same thing. The concept is that you don't want your stomach to have to churn very much to get the food digested during the healing stage. So, if you aren't having any trouble getting down what you are eating then you are probably OK. I, for one, could not stomach putting real food in the blender so I did similar to you and broke up the food as much as possible and made out just fine. Just be careful, chew a lot and eat SLOWLY!

Oh my goodness...you sound exactly like me right now. We both lost a lot of weight with our bands pretty quickly and that's says a lot about how dedicated we are to this process. But, it also probably means you didn't snack or cheat and worked out every day, just like me. My thoughts on why we're struggling right now?? We're burned out. I got frustrated and let my focus wane. My reward is a terribly depressing 17 pound gain over 4 months. Now, I am really struggling with thoughts of failure. But like someone else said above, this whole thing is a journey. We didn't get to be over 300 pounds in a year or two so patience and balance are what we need to focus on to continue losing the rest. I think we can do it. I know for myself that I have to stop trying to "lose weight" and just start living my "healthy lifestyle". When I do that I know I'll start reaching my goals again. I need balance. It's OK to have something yummy for dessert or dinner once in a while...not once a week. I don't have to be perfect...I just have to be consistent. So, that's my new philosophy and you might not agree. I just wanted to share that with you seeing as we both seem to be in the same boat right now.

Wow, Josette you've done a great job in your one year! You look wonderful and I believe you'll go all the way!

Waterlilly (Molly)- How's your husband since his surgery? Is he OK? Also, sorry to read about the job you were trying for. You're a bright person and I think an even better opportunity might be just around the corner. Hang in there! Katie-I'm glad the doctors said your son's heart murmur is OK. I know a few people with murmurs and they live perfectly normal lives so thankfully the same is true for your son...good news! Everyone else, great work. Although we hit "speed bumps" sometimes, we're doing our best. I am very impressed with the progress everyone is making! We're an AWESOME group!

Hey Molly, I'm glad dear hubby is recovering and coming home! It's so funny...I always think of appendicitus as a "kid's disease" but in the past year your hubby makes adult #2 I've known who got it. That's crazy. It can also be very serious so I'm glad he's on the healing path. I'm proud of everyone who is working toward their goals. You guys are helping me get motivated to jump back on the horse and start kicking butt again. Maybe I'll be up for the next challenge. I'm a little shaky right now and have usually never reached my challenge goals but perhaps getting back into it is what I need to get focused again. What is the next one going to be?

Hey Molly!!!!!!!! We need to find our source of motivation again, you know? I think I'm finding it slowly...it's my health. Since I've been "off the wagon" I feel like crap and my back is starting to hurt again. If I want to feel healthier then I've got to get back to what I was doing before I started being bad. We'll get there! I am going to really try from now on.

Thanks for the support everyone! This has always been my favorite thread...I've gotten lots of support, encouragement and friendship from you all over the past year or so and it means a lot! Yes...this is a tough journey and if I've learned anything over the past few weeks it's that a strong support system is so important to success.

Hi everyone. I am really ashamed of myself for "dropping out" like I have recently. I have thought about you all a lot but my life took some surprising twists and well...if you'll still have me, I'd like to join in again. I've been in hiding is because I've just totally let myself go. I didn't handle all of the stress I've been under lately very well at all. I stopped exercising and have been eating like crazy. I will just go ahead and admit that I've gained about 22 lbs since my last doctor's appointment. I've been so ashamed that I even cancelled my appointment that I should've had two weeks ago because I couldn't face my doctor. He has done so much to help me and I've let him and myself down. But, I had to come to the conclusion that I hate having this weight back on me. I have no energy and I feel hungry and tired all day long. When I was doing well...exercising and eating properly...I felt great. I honestly felt like a different person than I do right now. It's funny how our brains work. When I was this weight a few months ago, just on the way down the scale instead of back up, I felt successful and proud at this weight. But because I'm travelling in an upwards motion, I feel ashamed and embarassed. So...I need to turn that around and get moving in the right direction again. I can't hide and I have to admit that I've messed up and start fixing the problem. I've gotten a lot of support, encouragement and friendship from all of you on this thread in the past and I can only hope that you can forgive me. I really need some help gaining the courage to face my mistakes and start trying again.

Hey Libra, I told my doc that I already drink a lot of water so I didn't think lack of water was my problem and he said that not enough salt in my diet could also contribute. He said we need some salt to help our body retain the water we drink. I told him I thought salt was bad! This stuff is so confusing. To make it even worse...I just tried to donate blood at the blood bank and was declined because now my pulse is too low. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?? Low pulse and blood pressure?? I'm getting a little freaked. I think I might buy a blood pressure cuff w/ pulse reading and start tracking this myself too. About what your doc said about the fat pads around your stomach...I got the same exact speech too. My doctor also said the band will "set" in place soon which will mean fills are a rare occurrance. I surely hope not because I still don't have blasted restriction!!!!!!!! I have never maintained restriction for more than a few days. You're funny...my doc told me my body fat percentage was in the normal range and I asked the same thing you did...so what's up with this belly roll and arm flab? He said it's excess skin, not fat. So, you don't need your band wrapped around your butt...consider it excess skin!! Congrats losingjustme! I'm proud of you...you'll be in Twoterville anytime now!

Hey all...sounds like everyone's doing pretty well. I am still up so again I refuse to update my challenge figure with a higher number so we'll try again next week!!!!!!! Wow, that week of splurging over vacation did me up BAD! Plus, I haven't been exercising...been feeling like I'm going to pass out. So I just went to my regular Dr. today to find out what's wrong. They think my blood pressure is going too low so I'm on a new med that will supposedly keep my blood pressure up a little bit so that I stop feeling faint. The only sucky thing is...it's a corticosteroid. I HATE TAKING STEROIDS....they make me gain weight so easily. But, I hate passing out during my morning shower even more so I guess I'll try the darn pills. UGH.

Libra...you are in SOOOO much trouble!!!!!!!!! You are banned from ever talking about Oreo's ever again!!! Just kidding! You guys are just too stinking funny...I'm about peeing myself reading all of your posts over those darn cookies!!! I love this thread...always a source of support AND entertainment!!

Hey all...I've been MIA for awhile. I had a house full of family in for a visit. I read the last couple of pages to check in and see we're all pretty much in the same boat right now...stress=stress eating. I am SO doing badly right now with my diet. I feel so bloated and disgusting and need to get back to the gym and out of the junk food. What am I doing to myself? I have gone off the deep end and I hate it. So...I'm making a promise to myself to get back on track tomorrow. Anyone with me? I will drink my water and eat sensibly and EXERCISE at least 30 minutes a day. I'm gaining like crazy...I refuse to check but based on how my pants feel I'd guess it's easily 10 pounds. UGH...I am so not proud of myself right now. I've got to fix this...junk food is so not worth this feeling!

Great, I hope you find the book as helpful as I have. He talks a lot about how you actually have to feed your body to lose weight and that was hard for me to trust because all the media talks about is diet, diet, diet but if you follow the book then apply the "bandster" rules I think you'll do great!

OMG Libra...you're so beautiful! You look fabulous! I'm glad you shared your pics because they are just remarkable!!!!!!!!!! Molly-I'm sorry you were too tight but I'm glad you got the barium swallow and were able to figure it out. PLUS...awesome about them putting your pic up at the office! Yeah us! We're all doing so well!

I have terrible PMS issues now but my cycle is more regular now than it ever was. My doc explained similarly as posted above...weight loss can cause hormonal imbalances so that explains the PMS. Yes, my doctor also said I am a lot more fertile than before as well. As far as sex drive...no boyfriend right now...I got the "drive" just can't get no sex!!!! LOL.

Congratulations! Plus, 7 lbs to goal??!! What a great story!

This is so funny because I have always been the biggest person in any environment...and was usually sweating even in winter. But, since banding/losing weight...I freeze all the time! My metabolism is great and my bloodwork is perfect so I'm not unhealthy. I do believe it's because for years and years I did have so much "insulation" that now my body doesn't know how to regulate my temperature properly any more! Either that or it's totally mental and since I don't have so much padding I am just able to feel the colder temperatures more than I used to. Either way...my doctor says there's nothing wrong with me...it's just one of those new sensations we get get to finally experience like the other skinny people!!! Enjoy it...I do!

These guys are right...gas X, walking etc. will help. Time really is the only thing that helps for sure though. My shoulder was killing me. I also used a heating pad which helped me...so it's worth a try. Trust me...it goes away but it just takes a little time.

I agree...you're way too "fresh" to do anything against your docs orders. Why chance it? Hang in there...you'll make it. So, I'd vote NO to pnut butter but go ahead and drink extra protein shakes or milk or whatever helps you feel better.

I'm getting ready to go in a little bit! I agree...why chance it that your scars might look worse so protect them but otherwise go for it! Now, I'm a year out and my scars actually look a little less noticeable since tanning but if you're less than a year out...cover those puppies just to be safe!

I follow "Eating for Life" by Bill Phillips. The concept is similar to what WasabubbleButt said...your body needs some carbs...but it needs COMPLEX carbs...not refined carbs such as white bread. Plus he teaches us how to mix good foods properly and at the right times. I have lost 180 lbs using this book and I am not starving myself! You CAN do this...the band will always require motivation since it's not like RNY. There is no malabsorption so everything you eat "counts" so to be successful you'll have to adobt a healthy, sensible diet. That takes a lot of committment. I was scared I couldn't do it too, but the "Eating for Life" method was required from my doctor and it is just so stinking easy! It's like DUH...why didn't I just do this my whole life? If that book had been around when I was younger I am positive I wouldn't have ever gotten so big to need surgery! YOU CAN DO THIS AND YOU'LL BE SUCCESSFUL!

You are right on track. Please don't let your recovery make you start doubting your decision. They say it always gets worse before it gets better...that's where you are! I was the same way...day 2/3 were my worst days. Your body was in a state of disrepair immediately following surgery and today it's realizing...OK...now I got to get down to business and start healing! So, you're probably in super-healing mode right now but it gets better! You'll probably start feeling better by tomorrow. About the pain meds...your doctor is sort-right in my opinion. I think it's good to avoid over-medicating yourself (just my personal philosophy). However, when I'm uncomfortable I take something. That's why there are a such thing as pain meds! Why be in pain when it's not necessary. Healing from surgery is a lot different than being a baby about a headache and wanting to take a vicodin instead of some tylenol!! So, my vote is...if you've got something then take it! Don't let your doctor make you feel bad or guilty...I took my pain meds the first few days. By like day 4 I didn't need them any more but I figured there was no sense in being uncomfortable. As far as the grumbling...oh yeah...it's totally normal. It will calm down over the next couple of weeks. I had loud rumblings for about 3 weeks post-op. Enjoy it...get a laugh out of it...I entertained family members and co-workers during that time...but it should be temporary!

Hi mememe...well, all doctors seem to be different so we'll all probably have different answers to your question. Here's my story... Attended a seminar about lap-band in February 2006. Scheduled an appointment with my surgeon about two weeks after. I think I scheduled my surgery date at that appointment. I had work committments so I had to put off my surgery by a month otherwise, I could've gotten a date within a few weeks. In the meantime I had a follow up appointment with the surgeon to see how my weight loss was coming along. My pre-op stuff included a pysch consult, an EKG an upper GI and a full blood panel. I had a pre-op appointment with my surgeon and we discussed everything one last time. I had surgery in April of 2006. Like I said...I could've had surgery in March but had to post-pone. Now, I did not have any insurance hurdles which many other people struggle through. Thank goodness my state requires insurance to pay if the surgery is considered medically necessary.

Tann...you just made my week! Me, the smallest??!!! WOW...I'm never called that! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSETTE! Ladies...we all know the drill...it's not really possible to have gained 3 "real" pounds in one week so it'll come off. Remember to have gained 3 pounds in one week would've meant consuming 10,500 extra calories than your body burned and I doubt you ate that much (or drank in Josette's case!). But, I KNOW...trust me I KNOW how hard it is when you see a number change like that but please don't get discouraged. Just hang tough...drink some extra water and I think you'll see it gone in a few days!!