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Nice start. Good name too. Good luck! ~Fran

Dave, I have read on this forum that the band presses on the vagus nerve which inhibits the hunger hormone "ghrelin". As a result we do not feel hunger the way we did pre-surgery. Some people feel the effects of the pressure on the vagus nerve immediately and for others it takes longer (apparently). But, that's my understanding of how it works. I was on diabetes meds before surgery. Stopped taking meds about 3 months out. No more shaky, lightheaded, nervous feeling when too hungry, good BG numbers (i.e., 86-100). So, I think there may be something to the vagus nerve/ghrelin hormone info. ~F

I live in L.A., CA and I have BCBS. I did not pay a dime pre or post AND I don't even pay a co-pay when I get fills. I think you are right about funding the docs wallet. I also think you are right about "the price of getting thin and healthy for my family." Good luck to you! ~Fran

Before this thread gets out of hand, let me just say: @djb: you lost 8 lbs in 2 WEEKS! That is fantastic AND way ahead of the curve. What are you talking about when you say "I am worried that I am not losing as much as I see others on this board. I am so afraid that I am going to be one of the people who does not lose even after being banded." YOU ARE LOSING WEIGHT. Also, if you pin your hopes and dreams on the success of others instead of yourself, you will spend the rest of your life hoping and dreaming instead of enjoying your personal success. Don't go there ... it's not good for you. YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB. Read more on the forum for the things to come (good and not so good). I repeat, knowledge is power when it comes to the band. Hurray for DJB!! @morethanaprettyface: "I know I should be grateful for any loss BUT I was hoping for so much more. I know it's not a good thing to "compare" because everybody is dofferent but I just can't help it." Sure you can "help it" and you will if you want to succeed on this weight loss journey. This journey is soooo personal. Don't set yourself up, acknowledge that you are losing and keep moving foward. 11 lbs, great job! You are both still healing from surgery. You will have PLENTY OF TIME to "work" your band. Give your body and your mind a break. This is a marathon, not a foot race. Keep up the good work ladies! All the best to you on your jouneys. ~Fran

"So, my personal journey is accepting there is NO cure for this disease I have. I am a food addict, I eat when I am upset, I eat when I stressed. The band makes that more difficult but does NOT prevent me from doing that. Only I can do that, which sometimes I have the wherewithall to ignore, but sometimes I don't. I avoid beating myself up for slips because that was my entire existance before banding-eat, beat myself up, feel bad, stress, then eat again. So, if I chose to eat something I take responsibility and acknowledge it for what it was and move on and eat healthy again. I can't live in a bubble and I can force perfection on myself. That won't happen." I have never heard it so well put or succinct. Thank you. I totally agree. ~fran

Okay ... noooo ... I have never heard of "chubby bubbys" being accident prone and noooo I am not accident prone. The last time I broke a bone I was 5 years old ... that was 50 YEARS AGO. I suppose if you count falling while snow skiing, I have taken a tumble or two, but that was 20 years ago and about 100 lbs lighter than when I got my band. LOL Seems crazy to lump overweight people into such a group. Hmmmmm. Doesn't seem productive for a doctor to mention it .. but ... hey ... I may be totally missing your doctor's point. I have a number of friends that are overweight (birds of a feather ... etc.) and none of them are particularly clumsy or accident prone. Interesting post/poll though. ~fran

I am so sorry that your NUT was so unsupportive. I really don't get why people that don't understand obesity and/or the band, are allowed to work with lapband patients. Good for you that you will not see her again. No one is receptive to abuse, least of all people that are trying to lose weight. KUDOS to you for taking a stand! All the best to you on your journey! ~Fran

Fluffy, I think you missed a key word here: "want" ... the OP said "Wondering if any others are having this issue, I'm eating and start getting pains in my chest and back, but want to keep eating." We are not necessarily giving in to the urge, we are just acknowledging that even after all this time and all the weight we have lost ... our heads still want to eat MORE! Just our heads ... not necessarily our bodies ... I know for me, even when I try to take another bite .. it's a BADDDD idea and I PAY dearly for doing it ... But I don't stop "wanting" it. The 3 oz bowl is a good idea ... think I will take your suggestion and buy one ... it won't stop me from "wanting" to eat more, but maybe, it will help me stop ... remember this thread ... and not take another bite. Thanks, Fluffy!

Been there, done that ... still do it ... HATE IT!! LOL Ditto what everyone else has said. Therapy helps me a lot. I don't know if the urge will ever completely go away because it is connected to my emotions, but I will keep hope alive! LOL Good luck to us all! ~Fran

Love you NSV! I have one ... lately I keep checking to see if I have my seatbelt on. The seatbelt indicator light is not on, but I can't feel the seatbelt so I start to panic thinking I don't have it on. Low and behold, it's on ... it just fits differently now that I have lost weight. YAY for us!! LOL Have you tried cauliflower? I don't particularly care for it but it is similar in texture to broccoli, so if you can stand the taste ... Good luck. ~Fran

Once you are banded you will learn that it is a very personal journey. Eating healthy and exercising is the "ideal" way to work your "tool". But, some people don't get on board immediately. Unless you are one of the lucky ones that feels restriction/cessation of hunger from the beginning, you will probably feel as you did before banding -- until you reach proper restriction. Depending on your doc, this could take months. The thing about the band is that you can work "with" it or you can work "around" it. If you work "with" it you will follow your doctors eating instructions (or whatever food plan works well for your weight loss) and watch the weight fall off. If you work "around" it, you will eat unhealthy foods even after your have proper restriction (i.e., slider foods like ice cream, buttery mashed potatoes, some cakes and Cookies ... anything that goes down easy). The band is truly about choices. The saying "To thine own self be true" comes into play when you find yourself going back to old eating habits. You have to choose what you really want for your life. Once you have decided, you will never again feel like you are dieting. Example: Never in a million years would I believe that my CHOICE, when eating chicken, would be to eat ONLY boneless skinless chicken. But, that is exactly what I eat. When I buy chicken to cook for myself (and family too), it is ALWAYS boneless and skinless. I remember, before banding, when it was suggested that I should eat boneless, skinless chicken by a friend I told her "what's the point of eating chicken if you can't eat the fatty skin?" I laugh at that statement now ... I am soooo not interested in eating the skin. You change ... if you really want to have a different life than you are having as an obese person. I absolutely, 100% DO NOT think of myself as dieting. I eat what I want, just in MUCH smaller portions. I bake for family and friends and yes, I may have a cookie or two. Do I binge? Not by the traditional definition, and certainly not like I did pre-banding. Why? 1) I have learned through therapy about emotional eating, and I use the tools given me to stop; and 2) The band does not allow me to eat and eat and eat ... just can't do it anymore. As I initially said, this is a very personal journey. Some people follow a strict diet, but that is their choice and it is what works for them. I have gone from a size 26 to a size 14/16 in 18 months and still losing -- many others have lost 100+ lbs in 7 or 8 months. It's your choice, it's your journey, it's your life. Learn everything you can about how the band works so that you can use it to your best advantage. All the best to you on your journey! ~Fran

My story may fly in the face of what some have experienced, but it's my story and it's true. In January 2008 I was sent to the emergency room (from my docs office) with a BG of 917, I weighed 307 lbs at that time. I was released from the hospital 4 days later -- BG in the normal range. I lost 23 lbs in a month or so. Inside of 3 weeks I was off insulin but taking 1000 mg of Metformin 2x a day. Eventually I could "feel" when my BG was up. I didn't have to watch my food closely because my BG was more often too low than too high. Sixteen months later I had lapband surgery, and three months after that I was off all diabetes meds. While it is true that you never stop being a diabetic, my personal journey with diabetes is that I live my life, for the most part, the same as a person without diabetes. I don't watch my carbs (don't have to, with the band I can't eat most of them -- bread, Pasta, etc.). The difference between me and a person without diabetes is that I check my BG every now and then just to be sure I am not dreaming. And, every time I check it, my numbers are great -- usually between 86 and 100. Okay, to be PERFECTLY HONEST, I have had a problem once or twice ... when I haven't eaten all day (due to a busy schedule), I start to feel listless; I checked my BG and found that I was dropping below 70. So, for me, I have to worry about my BG being too low more than too high. Yes, I know, low BG is not good either, but in 18 months I have had a low BG reading only twice. I realize my story is atypical ... the doctor described me as having "atypical" type 2 diabetes. But for the most part my lapband eating plan keeps my blood sugar normal without any extra thought or planning for diabetes. But that's just me. I, like many others here, have had great success getting off diabetes meds after lapband. There are a ton of articles touting how lapband can send diabetes into remission. Gastric bypass is not the only WLS that accomplishes this. Good luck to you. ~Fran

And that's my point mattie ... you SHOULD have been made aware. But you are definitely right about "making the sale". It is unfortunate, because the truth about the surgery is not so bad, it's just not the "quick fix" that many believe it is. Having the lapband is different for different people ... fluffy, I rarely feel "physical" hunger ... but, I didn't feel "physical" hunger before the band very often either. I was/am an emotional eater. The band helps me to not binge when I feel an uncomfortable emotion. I have learned through therapy that eating doesn't really stifle the emotion, not really. So, now I brave it out and deal with the emotion without food (95%) of the time now that I am banded. Even without enough knowledge about the band, I am very glad that I have it. For me it has been a life saver! ~Fran

LOLLLL!!!! I am 55! I was banded on June 15, 2009, I was 53. I am so tickled with your comment about 50, 60, etc with the lapband. When you have been fighting obesity for years, you don't care if you are 90, if there is a solution, you want to take it! I have never felt better in my life. I went from a size 26 to a size 14/16 and I am still losing! I no longer take diabetes meds, I walk 1 1/2 every morning (had back surgery in 2004), no more problems with asthma, I was on 3 meds for blood pressure - now on only 1. I don't even feel like I am 55 ... I just feel ALIVE!! If you are a young person getting this procedure, I say BRAVO to you! Do it! It can be life changing! But ... be sure to educate yourself about how the band really works. Your doc may not tell you everything so review the post op forum. Knowledge is power when it comes to the band! Good luck! I hope everything goes well for you! ~Fran

If you would like some more information about how to use your "tool" to optimize your success with your lap band you may want to join in our free call tomorrow night, Wednesday January 5 atThe Ten Lessons of Successful Lap Band Patients. By the way, I didn't need a fill for over a year after my surgery so not everyone goes through bandster hell. I am definitely an exception though.... This is such a great idea/service, Sandi! Docs should recommend your site to bandsters BEFORE sugery! And yeah, you were definitely one of the lucky ones not to need a fill for over a year. Whoever coined the phrase "bandster hell" did so before I was banded ... and if it were'nt a relatively common occurrence I don't think the phrase would still be around. All the best to all! ~Fran

I feel it in my stomach, but yes, it is higher up than before ... just not in my chest. After a few bites I should really stop. When I don't ... here it comes ... back up. LOL Yes, after all this time, I sometimes still struggle with stoppping, especially when it tastes REALLY good. LOL! ~Fran

Yes, there are some, but not many, that have restriction from the start that continues. But, check out the post op forum and you will find so many people that, after the swelling goes down, no longer have restriction. It is my understanding (but, trust me I am not an expert on this part), that sometimes when the band is installed it can have an immediate effect on the vagus nerve giving people that much needed feeling of fullness without a fill. Others have surgeons that put in a fill while installing the band. But, the vast majority of us have to get fills before our band is a "working tool". Congratulations and continued success on your journey! ~Fran

I have Empire BCBS. I live in So. California. And yes, I was required to have six months of diet tracking. I read it on the BCBS website. So, since I had been seeing and obesity therapist for almost six months before I started the process, we used my food diaries as the six month tracking. Worked out fine. All the best to you. ~Fran

Good luck to you USMC Wife. I am sure you will do great! And, thank your husband for me ... for serving and protecting this great nation. Hoorah!

Bless your heart, peacequeen. You have been through so much and still going through. I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery. I do have a suggestion ... while you are recovering from this surgery why not seek counseling. Many insurances require a single session of counseling before lapband surgery. Lapband is not an "easy fix" AND it takes a while before you reach proper restriction. You can avoid a lot of frustration by seeing an obesity therapist that will give you tools to deal with each stage of weight loss after surgery. Add to that, you would have a place to vent, someone that will truly listen to you and how you are feeling, and by the time you are ready for lapband you will be relaxed and well informed and ready to succeed. I started counseling 8 months before my lapband surgery and continue to see my obesity therapist even now. It has been a tremedous help in understanding why I desire to eat when I am not hungry. I started out a "slow loser" which, when you spend time on the post-op forum and see how many people lose 100 lbs in 7 months while you struggle, can mess with your head if you let it. I had to learn that this is a very personal journey and not to compare myself to anyone else. I started this journey with surgery on June 15, 2009 at a size 26. Today I wear a size 14/16 and still losing. I believe that I would still be struggling if I did not give myself the gift of therapy ... someone that was there just for me. Just a suggestion. I hope everything works out well for you. Come here to "vent" any time. We are here to support you. ~Fran

I have read again and again on the post-op forum that newbies are "hungry" and "can eat anything and everything" they could eat BEFORE surgery. YES, THIS IS TRUE. Before you have restriction (via fills that tighten the band and press on the vegus nerve inhibiting the hunger hormone ghrelin) you will be hungry and because you don't have Fluid in your band you do NOT have restriction. So, be forwarned that (once the swelling from surgery goes down) if you want to lose weight AFTER surgery and BEFORE you reach (some) restriction, you are going to have to watch what you eat. And, yes, you will be hungry sometimes. It's called "bandster hell", but don't worry it doesn't last forever and we all get through it. Also, this is a good time to learn when you are "physically hungry" and when you are "head hungry". I am amazed at how many people are surprised that they have to participate in reaching their weight loss goal (i.e., changing their diet, being hungry sometimes). The band is a "tool". It only works as hard as you do. I am more surprised that surgeons are not explaining this to their patients BEFORE surgery. What's THAT about?? Hang in there folks, barring complications, this is a great WLS. It can "help" change your life. As you will learn in the post-op forum, lapband surgery is not for everyone, but many, many people are succeeding with this surgery eveyday. I wish I had done it years sooner. Knowledge is power folks ... read, read, read. And, read the post-op forum for experiences and information from those in the "know". Good luck to all of you!

Honk and Hokiemama made some very good points. I would like to add that if you can learn why you (as an individual) eat/overeat, be it constant physical hunger or emotional head hunger, you can figure out how the band can work for your particular situation. Many people on this forum talk about being physically hungry constantly, while others (myself included) do not feel hungry but eat over emotions (any emotion). It is important to know the difference so that you can work your band to your best advantage. Knowledge is truly power with the band. All the best to you on your journey. ~Fran

I LOVE Muscle Milk! But, I use the powder because I am lactose intolerant. I mix half soy milk, half Water and the chocolate shake flavor that is 26 grams of Protein per scoop. I drink it every morning for Breakfast and it keeps me full till lunch. As a matter of fact, today I didn't even eat lunch (not really a good thing) because I couldn't think of anything I felt like eating and I wasn't the least bit hungry. Everyone's taste is different, but for me Muscle Milk powder is the best! Good luck. ~Fran

FANTASTIC!!! So happy for you. Keep up the good work! You are truly having a Happy New Year! ~Fran

Don't give up Lacey, you can find support here. Many of us fall off the wagon every now and again -- you can get back up, just as we have. You just need a little support to get rolling ... consider it done! You say you have "rheumatism", we don't use that term "medically" much here in the U.S. anymore, but I read that it is still used in other countries and can sometimes mean "fibromyalgia". Are you on pain meds for it? I have spinal stenosis (which is actually arthritis of the spine) which can be very painful. I had back surgery in 2004 and cannot run anymore, but I walk. I walk 1 1/5 miles 5 days a week. Every week or so I add another 1/4 mile. What I have learned about arthritis is that a body in motion stays in motion. So, if I don't move I will continue to be stiff and in pain. Do I wake up some mornings feeling like "nooooo, I can't do it"? Yes, I do, but I do it anyway because I have found that I am getting stronger. My Ortho told me that while my spinal stenosis will not get better, the weight loss and strengthening of the muscles around the spine from exercising will help make my back stronger. He was RIGHT! Wow! So, if you don't have fibromyalgia, but you do have arthritis, start small and slow (and be sure to take pain meds -- I take Tylenol arthritis because it is time released). I don't know how much you weigh so I don't know if you are morbidly obese or obese or what. But, exercise is a big part of this journey. You may want to start with the food as suggested by hokiemama and move on to the exercise when you have lost a few pounds more. YOU CAN DO THIS Lacey! Just don't be too hard on yourself. You are not in a race with anyone. Doesn't matter how long it takes, just keep trying. It will get better. You are NOT failing. All the best to you on your journey! ~Fran