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Well, here I am counting my carbs, eating 11 carbs for Breakfast and 5 carbs for lunch. My plan for dinner has less than 20 carbs. Then Murphy's Law comes into play. I am sitting at my desk and the phone rings ... wait .. a little back story: My bro and I went to visit our 90 yr old mom at the convalescent home yesterday. She wasn't well. The nurse said they had a call in to the doc to see what they should do. Her blood pressure had been extremely low and she was not herself. After not receiving any emergency calls in the night, I called to check on my mom this morning and was told she was doing better, that her pressure was back to normal. Two hours later I get a call telling me that they are taking her to the hospital because her pressure is too high, then too low, then too high ... etc. My mom has a bad heart (among other ailments). I am now a bit frantic. The hospital is not far from my job so I am giving them time to check her in and run some tests before going there. Rosie Posey (that's my mom's name) is a tough cookie (no pun intended) and will probably be back at the home tomorrow, but, in the meantime ... I'm just worried sick. Here's my problem ... all I can think about is a soft, sweet, sugar cookie! Geeeezzzz! WTH??!?!?!? I am worried about my mom and the closest thing to comfort for me is a sugar cookie. I'm not getting any work done here, but there's no point in leaving right now. This is the worst it's been since banding. Maybe I'll call my therapist. Any suggestions to keep me away from the sugar Cookies? Thanks. Wish me luck. ~Fran

Often friends and family "look out" for us without having done ANY real research. So, if you have done your homework and you are satisfied that this is the surgery for you, that should be enough. This is YOUR life and YOUR health. How many times have you tried to lose the weight, lost some, and put that weight and possibly more back on? It's a vicious cycle. For me the lapband stopped the cycle. You mentioned that they said there are "so many risks involved". Do you know how many risks were involved in the spinal surgery I had in 2004? I had TWO orthopedic surgeons -- one was a neuro-spinal specialist. Had I not been morbidly obese, I likely would not have needed the surgery. That surgery was a SERIOUS RISK -- one that was brought on by my weight. Think about the risks of being obese and what it does to you mentally, emotionally and physically. Are your friends thinking about that? My former sis-in-law said something to me about having a "foreign object" in my body ... how is wasn't natural. I said "you mean, like hip replacement or an artificial heart or an organ transplant?". We didn't speak for a year. Why? Because I DARED to tell her that she didn't know what she was talking about. If you think that I gave her ONE thought after she got mad at me for standing up for MY life ... you would be wrong. I saw her the other day (we work in the same high rise bldg, and rarely run into each other -- we use different elevator lobbies to get to our respective floors). She was all smiles and compliments on my weight loss. I am not moved by others and what they think "I" should do for MY health. "I" take care of ME. BTW, my sis-in-law is even bigger than she was when she made the "foreign object" remark. I, on the other hand, have gone from a size 26 to a size 14. Nuf said! Do your homework and decide what is right for you. This is YOUR LIFE. All the best to you on your journey. We are here for you! ~Fran

Melody, You are the best salesperson for low carb! I was checking out your 3 week low carb plan on another post and hope to start on Monday -- I have to write out my food plan and go grocery shopping. I have to admit that I am a little scared to eat fats ... but I KNOW that the low carb thing works. And, I would love to feel more energetic. Congratulations on your success! And thanks for all the useful info! ~Fran

I think that "willpower" means different things to different people because I do not credit "willpower" to one ounce of weight I have lost. But that's just ME. Personal opinion here ... not saying that anyone else is wrong. (Have to use a disclaimer about everything you say on this forum these days I do not now, and did not before, suffer from ravenous hunger. Ravenous head hunger, now that's a different story, and unfortunately mine. Unlike some others the band does actually restrict the amount of food I can consume in one sitting. And, for me, the fullness stays for hours. I have at times, eaten my dinner -Protein and veggies & starch - and promised myself that I could eat dessert in an hour (when "I thought" I would have room in my pouch), no luck. One bite and it's coming back up. So I wait longer, still no luck. Eventually I say "what the heck" and forget about it. Because the band limits the amount I can eat I cannot binge, not even on slider foods. I know that MOST bandsters have a different experience, but I can only tell you about mine. So eating as a result of emotional issues just doesn't work the same as before lapband. I also see a therapist, an obesity specialist. She has helped me retrain my mind about eating and to deal with head hunger in other ways. The very best thing for me is that when I have a bad food day I do not have to start from square one the next day, because I was unable to really overeat due to restriction. This dimishes my stress about my weight and allows me to get back on the wagon the very next meal -- not the next day, or the next week, or the next month -- as I did in the past. Have I lost weight fast? No. Do I exercise more than I ever have in my life? Yes. I was banded almost 21 months ago. I still don't like the numbers on the scale, but when I started this journey I was wearing a size 26 and the jeans I am wearing as I type this are a very comfortable size 14. It feels good, and I am still losing. I am very clear that I am not in a race to lose weight, so I work at a pace that I can handle; one that will get me to my goal weight. If you can do WW, lose the weight and keep it off, I'd say you are right ... you don't need the band. But for me, that just would not have happened. In my many years of dieting I was never able to keep it off. Now, I feel confident that I have a fighting chance - sans willpower. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best. ~Fran

YAY* Shirley! Glad to hear you are on your way to better health. Your attitude about being on liquids for the next 2 weeks is great. You have my best wishes for a successful journey! ~Fran *Yes, I meant to type in all caps. "YAY" is an exclamation and I wanted Shirley to get my message. I hope that I proofed my post to the satisfaction of others (not really , just being sarcastic -- in case you didn't get it.). I say again ... YAY! Shirley!

Melody, Melody, Melody ... I cut my carbs a couple of weeks ago, and the results were mixed: The good news is that I lost 6 lbs in one week. YAY! (And that was based on my doctor's scale -- had two appts a week apart). I was thrilled to see such great progress in my weight loss. The bad news is that I tied up my kids and put them in a closet because their music was too loud. They are big (20 and 22) so I had to let them out cuz they were kicking the walls so much that the neighbors were sure to call the police ... eventually. I was rude to everyone, including my bosses ... had a really hard time censoring myself and almost told one of my bosses that if he changed his travel plans ONE MORE TIME, his next trip would be to SIBERIA - ONE WAY! I did manage to keep those particular words in my head ... so I still have a job ... for the moment. I was just MEAN, GRUMPY and IRRITABLE. I was jonesing for my carbs sooooo badly. I felt like an addict! Bottom line is that cutting carbs really does work. I just have to find a way to do it so that I don't lose my mind, job, and family in the process. I'm working on it. I won't give up. ~Fran

Wow, that must have been scary, Acadia. So glad you are all right. I will heed your warnings should this, or something similar, happen to me. Thanks. ~Fran

You will likely get a number of differing views on this. One thing is for sure, doctors can differ greatly in their post op instructions. My doc had me back on solid foods in 3 weeks, mushies starting my 2nd week. I am now 20 months out and doing fine. You will also hear that many people that were absolutely starving on the post op liquid diet called their docs and were told they could start mushies. Perhaps you should speak directly with your surgeon about your concerns. I have to say that 1 gram of Protein per serving of broth sounds ridiculous -- but that's just my humble opinion. Also, in my opinion, I would not starve myself because a PA told me to do so. I would speak with my surgeon, tell him that I hired a nutritionist and explain the situation and how you are feeling. It has got to be so frustrating to read about people eating mushies (some) after just a few days post band and there you sit eating broth! It is so important to get your protein daily. Remember this is YOUR body and YOUR health. Get all the information you need and take care of yourself. Good luck. ~Fran

I am sorry to hear of your slipped band and hope you recover quickly. I have not experienced this but your post has me very curious. Do you (or your doc) have any idea why after 2, apparently successful years in lapband land, your band would slip? Was it just a fluke or did something prompt the event? ~Fran

I am an emotional eater as well. I agree with happygirl, planning your food is the best route. When I plan my meals I tend to have a good day overall. It seems the band is unique to each person. Physical hunger was never a problem for me before banding, and even less of an issue since banding. Emotional eating has always been my nemesis. As for restriction, for me it really does help me stop. I am fuller faster and, I learned the hard way that eating at night before going to bed was a no-no. Before banding I had a habit of eating something before I went to bed. The urge to do this did not stop after banding, but because of therapy and my desire to lose the weight, I stopped doing this -- for the most part. If I had a particularly stressful day I noticed that it was harder to use the tools my therapist taught me. So, some nights I would have a snack, then lay down to sleep. OMG, it was awful! The food was in my esophagus! I couldn't sleep, I couldn't lay down, I was miserable. I would have to sit up for at least an hour, no matter how tired I was. As you might have guessed ... I don't do that anymore. You see, because of restriction my food stays in the pouch longer, as a result, eating more food before the pouch has emptied enough caused the food to back up into my esophagus. Of course, because in the past I was accustomed to eating as much food as I wanted, I couldn't imagine that the little bit of food I ate for dinner would prevent me from having a late night snack -- but it did. So, while restriction doesn't work for some, it works for me. Do I still struggle sometimes? Yes. But, because I started therapy with an obesity specialist 8 months BEFORE I had my surgery AND I continue to see her now (I could actually stop now, but it's great ME time:), I work on my emotional eating, while the band helps me with the physical. Because my therapist is an obesity specialist she has training in nutrition so it's like two for the price of one -- therapist and nutritionist. YAY! BTW, my insurance pays for my therapy. I make a small co-pay that my therapist decreased to practically nothing. It's true, the band is often not a "walk in the park", especially if you are an emotional eater. But, if you are truly ready to change your life, you will do everything it takes to have that happy, healthy future you want. Learn everything you can about the band. Ask ANY question, no matter how crazy you think it is; someone will answer. This forum is great for information. Take what you can use, and ignore the negative (and there will be negative). One last thing, you will read on this forum that the band does not work for everyone. This is true. Sometimes there are physical issues and sometimes ... people cannot get past the mental issues (i.e., emotional eating). Sometimes the physical issues cannot be overcome, sometimes they can. It is up to you to be the best advocate for yourself, no one is going to care about you more than YOU. I believe you are making a good start by asking questions before you begin your journey. All the best to you!

I was a little confused by your post because you seem to know what you want, or rather what you don't want: lap band surgery. But after reading the responses of Dave, Dawn and Rainydayz, I was able to see your post from a different perspective. You are asking people to give you reasons to have the surgery, yes? Well, Dawn and Dave wrote truly kind and thoughtful responses. I don't think that I could say it any better. And Raindayz, well, her response was closer to what I was thinking, and she said it gently and to the point. I hope the information here helps you with your decision. Good luck to you whatever you choose to do.

I am sorry you are having such a difficult time with your band. Doctors are so different about when to eat mushies, when to eat solids. My doc had me on solids in less than 3 weeks. I did fine. But, I have to say that I don't think it was because my doc had such a "great post op food plan" (he is a general surgeon, not one that specializes in lapband), but because I just happened to be able to tolerate food at that stage. That said, perhaps, because your stomach seems to be more sensitve you might consider the more conservative path mentioned by "honk". It may not seem like much fun, but it could save you a lot of grief and aggravation -- and pain -- in the long run. Be sure to get all the nutrients you need and stay hydrated. Many a bandster has found herself in the emergency room because she is dehydrated. As for your eating "just to feel good", I totally understand. I too, am an emotional eater. It is a complex problem because it is much harder to put a "band" around our heads, in fact, it is impossible. LOL But, for me, seeing a therapist that specializes in obesity has been extremely helpful. Because of my "head hunger" and the need to continue eating after my hunger is gone (a life long habit), my weight loss has not been "speedy", to put it mildly, but I have lost weight. I have lost because my therapist has given me tools to use when the "head hunger" hits. Also, I have learned so much about myself since being banded. And, I have changed in ways that has baffled and surprised family and friends -- and myself. I hate exercise, but I get up every morning and power walk at the park. I am up to 2 1/2 miles. I don't eat fast food anymore, I don't want it and I don't like it -- not anymore. I am not perfect with my food. But I am kind to myself when I am not. Beating myself up only leads to self sabotage. Emotional eating is one thing that the band cannot stop, but I have learned to use "self talk" which helps me to make better choices. Remember, we have to be kind to ourselves both mentally AND physically. Do what you need to do to heal your stomach from the trauma you recently experienced (i.e., explosively rejecting the Protein, stomach spasms, etc.). And gently remind yourself that eating "just to feel good" doesn't feel so good when you get on the scale. I truly hope that your troubles with your band are a thing of the past. Hang in there ... you are not alone.

Your post is a reminder to me to be thankful. I have arthritis (knees), but definitely not as bad as yours. I also have spinal stenosis (arthritis of the spine) - doc says surgery is not an option because it is too extensive. And I have NEVER been able to tolerate ibuprofen, which I believe would have helped my pain. But since being banded and losing weight I walk every morning before work. I am incredibly thankful. I remember how bad the pain can be and I truly feel for you. I remember when I couldn't stand in line at the pharmacy to get the pain meds to stop the pain! Crazy, huh? I feel your pain! I do have one question: Have you tried Water aerobics? I tried it a couple of years ago. It went well until I did the "water weights" segment. I was off from work for two days trying to recuperate! Pushing the weights into the water awakened my spinal stenosis BIG TIME, the pain was unbelievable. But, running in the water was great -- no pressure on my knees. It was nice. Just a suggestion, it might give you exercise without pain. I wish you the best on your journey. I am sure you can lose weight on minimal exercise, it may take longer but you can do this! ~Fran

Congratulations on your weight loss! I have to agree with Zenaida, while I think WW is a great program I just don't see paying someone to weigh me. If I need group support I have this forum, and if I need it in person, there's always OA. And for those reading this post that are unclear on my intention: THIS IS MY PERSONAL OPINON ABOUT USING WW FOR MYSELF ONLY. (This board had been wrought with tension over every little thing a person posts lately, so I like to put a disclaimer in when I post now. LOLLLL) But actually Sdart, I was writing to see how you are feeling. I remember reading that you were in an accident where your truck rolled a few times. Just wanted to know if you are 100% yet. I hope so. Take care. ~fran

Congratulations! I know exactly how you feel. It took me months ...and months to get with the program. I hated exercise and I was already exhausted because I have sleep apnea and my CPAP was not working properly. So I started small, parking far away from my destination and walking there and back. Now I am up to 2 3/4 miles every morning before work. I am NOT happy when the alarm goes off at 5:00 a.m., but when I am at the park and the sun is coming up and the sky is turning blue ... wow! I feel really good -- so good that sometimes I throw in an extra quarter mile just because I am happy! Does my body ache when I am done? OH YEAH! And, since I haven't received my new CPAP I get tired once I am at work ... but I work it out. Point is ... I sooooooo hated exercise, but the resulting weight loss has changed everything for me. I listen to music on my iPod while I walk and it takes me back to my youth .. LOL It is really hard for me to believe sometimes that I waited so long to do this. But I am very glad that I did. Bottom line, we all have to get into it at our own pace. You are doing great and should be VERY PROUD. When you see the numbers drop on the scale you'll be jumping for joy! All the best to you on your journey! ~Fran

I'm afraid I have to disagree with you just a bit ... they don't know you best, YOU KNOW YOU BEST. Do what YOU think is best for you, trust yourself. Remember you're talking about the rest of YOUR life, not theirs. Good luck to you on your journey! ~Fran

Your insurance doesn't cover psch care? If it does, you should only have to pay the co-pay. I would check with my insurance carrier to be sure. If your ins does not cover psych care, I would look for a cheaper psych. Because I wanted to be certain I was having the surgery for the right reasons so that I would have a better chance at success, I started seeing my therapist (an obesity specialist) 8 months before my surgery (and continue to see her 18 months after my surgery), many people only go in for the required psych eval. Geezzz $500!?!? Sometimes this can be such a racket. As for your BMI history, I wouldn't think that your past BMI of 35 should be an issue but, take a look at the surgery requirements that your insurance lays out. I have BCBS and read through the rather long, but informative info on their website. All the best to you! ~Fran

So sorry to hear about your band slipping, Tracy. I hope your revision goes well and you are back on track in no time. BTW, how are your students reacting to your weight loss these days? I remember months ago when you told a couple of really cute stories about them. LOL I worry a little about slipping because lately I have had food come back up more frequently. I know it is because I do not stop when I should, but 4 bites of something that tastes really good makes it hard to stop. When you say you started vomiting, was it like vomiting when you are sick or just food coming up because you ate more than your pouch could handle (like I do)? I am working hard to stop before I am too full. Some days I am okay, others ... not so much. Again, the best of luck to you on your revision. ~Fran

CONGRATULATIONS on your decision! Be sure to read, research and ask questions. This forum is great! I would also suggest that, if possible, see the therapist regularly before having the surgery. With the negativity you are living with you will need re-enforcement to get through this and succeed. About this quote: "He told me that I'm not committed. That nothing was going to change except that I would have wasted a bunch of money and have something around my stomach. He says that I will get even lazier than I am now because of the less calories. He said a lot of other stuff that I can't really remember because I was so upset at that point. I spent the rest of the night crying while he went to sleep..." I have a (or a couple of) question(s): Would somone that loves you EVER say something so hurtful and demeaning? Three years IS a long time (for someone young ...for me it's just a blink of the eye -- but I'm ooooolllllddd ... LOL), but how much longer are you willing to allow someone (and it could be anyone) beat you up emotionally? Is that really love? Would you REALLY miss being treated in this manner, if you said goodbye? And, if you would miss this (and I can't say that I don't understand, cuz I do), then you really should spend time with a therapist so that you can learn about your worth as a person -- NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU WEIGH. I wish you the best. Please take good care of yourself and keep us posted on your progress. ~Fran

Tasha, Congratulations! You are asking really good questions BEFORE gettting the band. Smart, smart, smart! This forum is full of good info. To begin, the band is not really a "special occasion" tool. It is meant to be a lifestyle change. That said, if you can get your doc (and you are willing to pay your doc) to unfill you for Christmas, etc., have at it. But, the idea is to change your life, the way you eat, the way you think about food, etc., so that you never have to be obese again. Pregnancy is a different story, of course. I think most people get an unfill when they are pregnant. There are posts about it on this forum. I would ask that you think about this: what point would there be in having surgery (and this is serious surgery) for weight loss if what you really wanted was to yo-yo diet just as you (and the vast majority of us) probably have done in the past? Again I say, GOOD questions you are asking because you will have a much better understanding than many by the time this thread is done. It may take months before you reach your "sweet spot" and by the time you get there taking a "break for a month or so" will be the last thing on your mind. LOL Another thing about unfilling your band so you can "take a break" has to do with your doctor. Many doctors depend on their "success rate" to bolster their numbers in the bariatric surgery community. A high success rate will increase their patient roster and make them more $$$. So, they would prefer you NOT take "breaks" because when you take a break you are likely to gain back weight that you've lost and possibly more. Get the picture? I am not at goal yet so I can't speak from experience about whether I will get an unfill. But, based on my food issues, I likely will not unfill. Some people do, others don't. It's a personal decision. Keep reading this forum. Take what you can use and leave the rest. KUDOS to you for asking these particular questions BEFORE surgery. All the best to you. ~Fran

I can honestly say that "physical hunger" was never a big problem for me even before the band. And now that I have the band I rarely feel/hear my stomach growl. My problem was always head hunger - and it was a BIG problem. I am 18 months out and when people on this forum talk about being hungry post-band, I cannot relate. I do, however, applaud those who, even with the continued hunger have managed to lose weight, achieve their goals and maintain. KUDOS! As for the part about "I read that Ghrelin is also connected to learning and some other things." I can't say I have first hand knowledge of this being a problem for me since my "zest for learning" left a long time ago ...somewhere around the time I was experiencing the 10th grade for the 3rd time with my kids ... LOL But, in my reading about ghrelin it is my understanding that ghrelin is also produced in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (which is in the brain) and further research says that "Ghrelin plays a significant role in neurotrophy, particularly in the hippocampus (also in the brain), and is essential for cognitive adaptation to changing environments and the process of learning." My guess is that you would only have an issue with learning/studying/focusing if you reduced the production of ghrelin in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Don't quote me on that, just seems logical to me. Please let me know if your research is to the contrary. I am about to take guitar lessons and, I don't want to waste my time if it's a lost cause. LOL Good luck! I'm sure you will be back on track with school in no time! ~Fran

I am glad that I waited to buy a new scale. Now I can buy the "right" scale, the Omron Full Body Sensor Body Fat and Body Composition Monitor scale. LOL I had never heard of this scale before your post. I looked it up online and did some reading about it. Do you find it to be fairly accurate? I think it will be good for me because I need more than just numbers. How does it tell you if you are drinking enough water? That particularly function would make the scale worth every penny for me. Either way, I will buy one this week! I am keeping my fingers crossed that I do not become obsessed again. Thanks for the info. ~Fran

Best wishes on a speedy recovery! Great advice you offer newbies: STAY HYDRATED!

I too was a scaleaholic! But, I am happy to say that I have not weighed myself in 7-8 months. I was so obsessed with the scale that the number I saw in the morning determined how my day was going to be. It was NOT pretty! So, I threw my scale out. I was down about 50 lbs and my scale started fluctuating 2-3 lbs, up and down. It was making myself C-R-A-Z-Y! As it turned out the batteries in my scale were dying, so I threw it out and haven't weighed myself since! I am actually ready to get on a scale again. I know I am losing because my clothing size is 10/12 numbers down from when I started this journey. I worry that I will become obsessed again, but I think it's time. ~Fran