Phranp

"I fully understand it all, and it has all been explained to me, plus my own sister went through it all, so Im educated on the process...just saying I feel nothing yet, when my dietician is telling me to eat 1/2 a cup. If I could restrict myself to that for a period of time, I WOULDNT NEED WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY! That is my only point...I need restriction, or something, I can eat everything now...all the warnings, and education leading up...never once was I told, oh and 3 weeks into it you will be hungry and eat anything and everything you want!" Okaaayyy ... so, you know everything there is to know about the band, and you even have your sister to help as a guide to how everything moves along ... here's my question: what's your point? If you are positive that you cannot manage on 1/2 cup of food without restriction (which I TOTALLY understand) why don't you eat more than 1/2 cup of food so that you can stop being miserable and frustrated? It's only for 3 more weeks, right? Your doctor is willing to top you off (and while many doctors will not do this, hey, your doc DID finish med school and has probably done it before so ...), so I don't see the problem. Eat what you want for the next 3 weeks, then get topped off and start from there. You can live with being the weight that you are for 3 measly weeks, right? Since you were not told by your doc that your hunger would return, and apparently your sister's hunger must have abated immediately upon having the band installed (otherwise I am sure she would have mentioned it to you, right?), you have been left in the unfortunate position that so many of us have experienced: being hungry until we have appropriate restriction. Yeah, NOT FUN. There's even a name for it: BANDSTER HELL! So many of us have gone through it that we warn newbies about it on this forum. But hang in there, you are almost out of hell. I don't know ... it just seems as though all the advice people are offering is falling on deaf ears. Do what you need to do for you. This lapband is a personal journey ... do your thing. Please keep us posted on how being topped off so soon into the journey works out ... we will all be soooo jealous when you sail through it without a hitch (after we have all had to wait MONTHS to reach our "sweet spot"), and the pounds drop off like melting butter (bad metaphor, sorry). All the best to you on your journey. Happy New Year!

You're employer should be obligated to offer you "COBRA". You have to pay for COBRA yourself and it is quite expensive, but if you use your last paycheck to pay for it, perhaps it will cover you through the surgery and maybe you will have an new job by the time you are ready for your first fill. Just a suggestion. I am very sorry to hear that you have been let go. Hang in there ... when a door closes, a window opens. ~Fran

Hi Stacy, I have BC/BS PPO as well, although here in Cal (I live in L.A.) it is called "Empire BC". I don't know, it's all very confusing. The ONLY problem I had (surgery 6-15-09) was I went through 4 docs before I found one that would accept the low payment that BCBS will allot for the surgery. In one case the surgeon was okay with it but the surgery center refused. And yes, the surgery center was contracted with BCBS, but still they refused because they said that BCBS wouldn't pay them enough. I was soooo angry. My surgery was rescheduled for two weeks later with a "general surgeon" not a WLS surgeon. He's a nice man, competent surgeon, but did not have a lot of information or experience in the aftercare. I have done alright (went from size 26 to size 14/16 so far and still losing), but would have been nice to have had a WLA surgeon. You might want to check out the BCBS website, I found all the info about qualifying for the surgery and what they expected there. All the best to you on your journey! ~Fran

@Nate and TDJ, Ditto what the others have said. And let me throw this cliche out there: "Knowledge is power". It is true. When you understand how the band actually works you will be less frustrated. It is a "tool" and you have to work with it. It takes time to get to your "sweet spot" and, depending on your doc, it can take several fills. Some docs are more aggressive, while others seem to want to "torture" their patients -- making them wait for months between fills. That's the kind of thing that will increase your frustration 10 fold. So, Dave's advice is truly on point. You can "get with the program" so that you are ready when restriction comes -- as MollyRN points out, or you can kick and scream and make yourself crazy. Your choice. Read, read, read. Once you understand the band you can relax a bit knowing that this particular surgery is one that you get out of it only what YOU are willing to put into it. The good times are coming. Will you be ready? All the best to you on your journey!

Sounds like you just need a little support right now. No, "it will not be like this after you get your fills". Now that the swelling has gone down, it is as if you do not have the band. As you get fills, ideally, you will feel restriction and you will not be hungry between meals for a longer period of time. Your body is still in the process of healing. Please don't be hard on yourself, you will get there in time. People who modify their diets BEFORE they have restriction seem to be much better off once they are at their "sweet spot". So, if you want to see weight loss BEFORE restriction, you have to ACT like you already have restriction. Modify your diet, exercise and stay hydrated. But DON'T beat yourself up. None of us here are perfect, and many of us find this a challenging road for a while. They don't call it "Bandster Hell" for nothing. LOL! One more thing ... many do not feel any restriction at all after their first fill (or second or third for some), so don't be surprised if you are in that group. Just practice patience because once you get to your sweet spot ... the skies the limit! All the best to you on your journey. ~Fran

I have read on this forum that a number of people have gone down in cup size. Here's my experience ... I have gone from a size 26 to a size 14/16. The "girls", while noticeably smaller, are still DDD cup! I am 5'8" with long legs. The FIRST place I lose weight is in my legs and hips. I bought a pair of "jeggings" a few weeks ago that are now just "skinny jeans" because they no longer hug my legs! The upper part of my body is a different story. When I started this journey I was wearing a 46DDD bra. A friend gave me a bunch of bras (prior to surgery) that are size 44DD. I have one of them on today. They are a little big around ... but THE GIRLS ARE STILL FALLING OUT OF THE CUPS!!! LOL! I have been "adjusting" them all day long! I bought a bra on Sunday, size 44DDD. It doesn't fit right (it's the "Butterfly" bra), but the girls don't fall out! I am in a full out battle with the fat on my torso, currently I am winning. YAY! But, the girls, they are holding on for dear life. All the best to you on your journey! ~Fran

You are so right, docs are very different. My doc gave me very little info. I've learned a lot on this forum. When I would go in for a fill (I am at my sweet spot and haven't had a fill in several months), my doc would say "drink liquids for the rest of the day and eat solids starting tomorrow." And that's ALL he would say. LOL! My doc is a general surgeon and I think they are a lot different from docs that specialize in WLS. I am okay though. Slow start, but losing like crazy now. I haven't been on a scale in about 8 months, but I started this journey at a size 26 and I am wearing a pair of size 16 slacks today ... and they are loose. I am going to have them taken in soon ... can't keep buying new clothes every month ... well, I could ... cuz I like to shop ... buttttt ... not so good for my budget, you know? LOL Another thing, I and others I have read on this forum, still drink Protein drinks. I drink them for Breakfast EVERY morning. I would LOVE to have and egg for breakfast, maybe a piece of toast (or even half) or a sausage, but, alas I absolutely cannot get ANYTHING solid down before lunch. I have tried, on the weekend, to have an egg for breakfast, I have tried to have a thin slice of quiche that I made for my family, NO LUCK. My band is very finicky and some days will not allow me to eat at all! To be honest, on the days my band won't let me eat at all, it is because I have not had enough Water. My blood pressure med has a diurectic so, I have to be very careful or I will become dehydrated and that is a big "no, no" with the band. One thing is for certain, we are all individuals and our bodies sometimes react differently to the band. You are very fortunate to have a good and knowledgeable doctor. I am sure you will be very successful following his intructions. I have had to take a different path in learning how to eat with the band since my doc was not very knowledgeable -- a lovely man, a competent surgeon -- but NOT a WLS surgeon. But I think what matters most is that we are all on the path to reaching our weight loss goals. HOORAY FOR US! All the best to you on your journey. Happy New Year! ~Fran

Hi Kourtany I have Empire BC/BS and on their website they list exactly what's needed and that they require 6 months of supervised dieting, etc. After that it's just a matter of getting the paperwork signed by the appropriate people (which was totally out of my control -- but I called them anyway, LOL). Perhaps you can check the website for your insurance and it may have more precise information. Good luck! ~Fran

BetsyB, I hope you don't mind me mentioning you in my post. It's just that you have had amazing success while overcoming past problems of not losing even when you followed Weight Watchers, etc. to a "T". My point was that you were able to work the band YOUR way. If I were to attempt your same regimen, I am certain that I would have fallen off the wagon in about 2 weeks. I am though, continuing to lose and happy with my progress. I do admire your focus. I was hoping to convey to the original poster that we have to do what works for us individually, and your story (as well as Elfipoo's) I thought was a great example of making a commitment to working the band. Happy Holidays. ~Fran

drsmossy, congratulations! I am very happy for your success. I'm not as "focused" as you ... but I continue to lose weight at an acceptable rate for "me". That said ... we have heard the "calories in v. calories out" before and while life seems very black and white when it comes to food and weight, I have learned here on these forums that it's just not so. There are numerous intelligent people on this forum that have had extreme difficulty losing weight no matter what they tried. Some found "their" niche and discovered how to make the band work for them. It was neither simple nor black and white. Your theory is very logical, but if you continue to read these forums you will find that weight loss is complicated and personal. I will direct you to a search the topic " Dr says my calorie count cant be right Grrrrr". You will gain some interesting insight. After you have been on these forums for a while you can tell when a person is lying. The people responding to the topic I suggest are truthful and quite enlightening. All the best to you on your journey.

I am lactose intolerant as well. I do use Muscle Milk whey Protein powder and I mix it half and half soymilk/water. Works out ok for me. But, for those that don't want any of that, have you tried: For vegetarians, vegans and anyone looking for a non-animal derived protein, try Swanson 100% Pure Pea Protein: pure, easily digestible, great-tasting, vegan-friendly protein source made with yellow peas (Pisum sativum). It features an amino acid profile very close to ideal for human nutrition, as recommended by health organizations worldwide. Plus, unlike many protein supplements, Pea Protein is easy on the stomach and almost completely digestible, making it the perfect choice for sensitive individuals, children and the elderly. Hope this is helpful. Happy Holidays! ~Fran

Nadine, I can imagine how frustrated you must be. I certainly would be if it were me. I am a slow loser but have not had your issues, nor have I exercised as much as you have. I do, however, have a suggestion. There are a couple of posters on this forum that have not had the "normal" response to the band. They are very literate and articulate about how they have managed to lose weight with the band not working for them the same as it works for most. One of the posters is "Elfiepoo" (not sure if I have spelled it correctly), she explains how she had to do all the work (just like you) to lose 100 lbs because the band was not working for her. Eventually, she decided to have the band removed and have a different WLS. Well, when they took the Fluid out of her band she learned that the band HAD in fact been helping her by keeping her appetite at bay much more than she imagined. Look on this forum for some of her posts. She explains how when the band is properly filled it presses on the vegas nerve which inhibits the ghrelin hormone that stimulates hunger (trust me, I'm no rocket scientist so I don't understand the particulars). She thought that the band wasn't doing anything for her -- that is, until she had the fluid removed from her band. Once the fluid was removed her ravenous hunger came back. My point is, she learned that the band works differently for different people and we have to figure out how to make it works for us. Another wonderful poster is BetsyB. BestyB is a marvel! She learned that she cannot lose weight unless she severely cuts her carbs AND only eats about 800 calories a day. She lost more than 100 lbs in less than a year. What the band did for her was to keep her hunger at bay (if I understand her posts correctly) and enabled her to live comfortably on 800 calories. She has phenomenal self discipline. Check out some of her posts as well. Both these women have worked the band in different ways to suit their needs, and they have both had great success. For me, physical hunger was never my problem, head hunger was, and is, my nemesis. I started therapy with an obesity therapist 8 months before surgery, and I continue to see her to this day. I didn't often get physically hungry BEFORE surgery and even more rarely after surgery. I now know when I need to eat because I begin to lose energy. I almost never (and I mean this) have hunger pangs. This morning when I came back from my walk (can't run, back surgery 2004), a trip to Walmart, and the grocery store I realized that it was time to have Breakfast, so I put away the groceries and went to my room, signed on to my computer and then remember again that I should eat breakfast. So, you see, hunger is not my problem. My problem is totally mental. So, with the help of my therapist AND my band, when I want to eat emotionally I have 1) tools that my therapist gave me tools to combat the need to eat to become calm, happy, comforted, etc.; and 2) because I have the band, even if I cannot find the "strength" to pick up a "tool" to combat the urge, my restriction keeps me from going overboard and having to start from square one again and again. I think that the essence of what I am trying to convey is that perhaps you will have to use your band in a non-traditional manner. One that suits you personally. It really sounds like you have all the tools to get the job done (i.e., exercise, ability to change your diet, perseverance, etc.). All that is left to do is to tailor your life to make the band work for you. One last thing, there are many that will tell you that "the band is not for everyone". I cannot disagree. I am sure this is true. But, before you give up on the band perhaps you can tailor it to "Nadine.Carr.Phd. " All the best to you! Happy Holidays! ~F

Has the burning stopped since the unfill? Are you feeling better? I hope so. I would think that you have time before you make a decision about removing the band. With the unfill you will hopefully get back to normal. That said, if you do not start feeling better I would suggest changing your GI doctor. This could possibly be something serious and you will need a doctor that listens to you. I truly hope that you are on the mend and that you will feel "normal" again soon! Happy Holidays! ~Fran

Well ... kind of ... I hated to cook before banding. But, because 1) I hate wasting money buying fast food that I cannot eat (and don't want the leftovers); 2) It is important to me now to have "clean" food ... food that isn't full of fat and preservatives; 3) I LOVE the Foodnetwork and Bravo for their cooking contest shows; and 4) I really want to lose the weight and the best way for me to do that is to eat healthier. So, I cook virtually ALL my meals. I love to bake (thanks to "Top Chef Just Desserts"). I give the things I bake to family and friends mostly -- I do have a cookie or cupcake, won't lie about that. But I really love experimenting with the recipes. I now make THE BEST red velvet cupcakes! Ask my family! LOLLL! But, yes, I do cook a lot more now than I ever did. When I eat chicken it MUST be boneless and skinless ... NEVER imagined THAT would happen. I eat more veggies than I ever have. And, the kicker is that I am enjoying it! Who knew! YAY BAND! Happy Holidays! ~Fran

Unless your doc put Fluid in the band during surgery, you are the same as you were before it was installed. You can eat anything you like -- although, that would defeat the purpose of getting the band, don't you think? Anyway, you need to do more reading about the lapband. It is a "TOOL" not a magic wand. It works as hard as you do -- and ONLY if YOU work. The thing is that without restriction (or, pressure on the vagus nerve) YOU are doing ALL the work toward losing the weight. So, now that the swelling from the surgery is gone you are back to normal. The idea is that as you gain more restriction with each fill. It is a good idea to put into practice the changes in your diet. If you do this, not only will you likely lose weight before hitting your "sweet spot", but you will have a smoother transition when you REALLy can't eat much more that a cup of food. Your doctor probably has you on a post-surgery diet -- follow it. Read, read, read! This forum is a well spring of information. Take what you can use and leave the rest behind (including anything I say that you don't like... LOL). Be sure to get your Protein in, take your Vitamin supplements, STAY HYDRATED and EXERCISE. I take a blood pressure med that has a diurectic so, if I don't get my fluids in during the day my legs and feet cramp at night -- and sometimes during the day. STAY HYDRATED! More than a few people have gone to the hospital for dehydration after this surgery, all because they did not drink enough Water. Take care of yourself. Remember, this is not a race ... it is definitely a marathon. And a "walking" marathon for some of us. LOL Relax, you are going to be fine. Learn more about the band and if you have questions ask them here AND prepare questions for your next visit to your doctor. You are well on your way to a new life. Enjoy the scenery while your body heals because once this ride gets going, you will be laughing all the way to the stores to buy NEW, SMALLER SIZED CLOTHES! All the best to you on your journey. Happy Holidays! ~Fran

So glad to hear you are better! And, for sure it's TOM gain ... for sure. Now, am I crazy? I've been continuing my walks in the rain. The track is closed when it rains so I google the distance to a spot near my home that will equal a mile or so round trip, and head out the front door. I put on rain gear and voila! This morning was great. Monday morning ... not so much. Monday I walked in the opposite direction and when I was almost home, I stopped at the store and bought new shoes. In my defense, they were on sale. Then I stopped at the grocery store for a few items. It was POURING when I came out of the grocery store! Oh well, I made it home without melting. LOL I just didn't want to get off track with my exercise, and I'm not good about exercising at home. I hope to buy a treadmill in January or February. Again, so glad you are feeling better! Happy Holidays! ~Fran

First, and most importantly ... you are NOT, let me repeat that NOT ... a failure!!! You are less than two months out and you haven't had a fill so you are the same as you were before surgery (provided your doc did not put Fluid in during surgery, did he?). So, stop it, stop it now! You are healing. Give yourself a break, ok? This is a difficult time of year to start a "weight loss" anything. Seriously, as it has been written on the forum (and is so true), even thin people eat a lot during this season! But, I digress. Please remember that the band is a "tool" and at this moment your "tool" isn't even turned on. LOL While it is a really good idea to make efforts to change your eating habits before you reach proper restriction, not everyone is good at it. But, you should keep trying. When you miss the mark and fall down, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start again. You are not expected to be perfect, but for your own sake you should try your best. Do more reading about the band and how it works. Did someone really tell you that you wouldn't be hungry anymore right after surgery, without a fill? Hmmmm, not true for most (but for a rare few, yes). Apparently, you -and I - are in that "not true for most" group. Remember, when you don't do what is best for YOU, you only let yourself down. No one else matters when it comes to weight loss. It's your health, it's your life, it's your future. Take a breath and give yourself credit for having lost 11 lbs without a fill. There is a wealth of information on this forum. Take what you can use and leave the rest. You can do this!!! All the best to you on your journey. ~Fran

Hi Rebecca! Happy Holidays! I think you said it best with : I just wanted to get my thoughts out of my head…thinking about nixing the scale, but maybe I just need to find a way to accept what numbers I’m given and practice loving myself and my progress even more. Whatever you decide to do, just make sure it uplifts you. If the scale makes you crazy and doesn't contribute to you loving yourself ... maybe you should stay off of it for a while. You are doing a WONDERFUL job. I hear the last pounds are the hardest to get off, so keep doing the right things, take a deep breath and let your body do it's thing! YAY REBECCA! Happy Holidays to all! ~Fran

I've already started kicking it into high gear - holiday season or not! So I am with you! 2011 is going to see a new me. I am building up to do a 5K (walking - I've had back surgery and can no longer run) cancer walk in May with friends. I am currently walking 1+ miles M-F and will increase as I continue. I have had a really hard time getting the weight off my torso. My legs and hips are shrinking just fine, but oooohhhh my stomach! It's holding on for dear life! LOL We can do this, count me in!!! ~Fran

Yep, that was me too. My problems with my weight were never about hunger ... at least not physical hunger. My problem has always been head hunger, eating over emotion, just about ANY emotion. So, eight months before my surgery I started seeing a therapist, an obesity therapist. Had a session today, it was great!! Journaling works for some, others keep a food diary ... my therapist has had me do both. I won't tell you that things are always smooth sailing, but the head hunger is soooo much better than before. Now, when I want to eat but I know I am not hungry, I take a moment to think about what I am feeling and why I think food will make things better. Usually I am able to "talk myself down from the ledge" LOL But, I've been at this so long now that I just take the short cut: I ask myself if it's time to eat and if the answer is "no" then I think about how eating over an emotion will make my journey to my goal weight that much longer ... so I skip it. It took a while to get to the "short cut" point, but I got there. I have an example tonight. I thought about having a glass of wine or two. I don't drink often, but hey, it's Saturday night and I have a bottle in the fridge. Well, alcohol is just wasted calories and will wipe out much of the exercise I did this week so, I'm skipping it ... just not worth it. Today, it's not a big deal ... that wasn't always the case, denying myself something was just not an option in the past. Hang in there, find ways to break the old habits. You can get a lot of good advice on this forum. Take what you can use and leave the rest behind. All the best to you on your journey.

I tried the adult chewables by Centrum and ... well, let's just say the bottle is still full. YUCK! There is a very good liquid viatamin by Balanced Essentials ... pricey and doesn't taste good. I would take it as soon as I got out of bed ... I would stumble to the refrigerator and down it before I could wake up and taste it. LOL But now, I take Vitafusion multiple Vitamins for adults ... they're delicious! And VERY reasonable at Target. Hope you find something that works.

Ok, well ... old age will get you everytime, my birthday is Thursday the 16th, not tomorrow! LOL Guess I am anxious!

Thanks and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you too!!

Yay Mikki!!! Congratulations! Wooooo whooooo! Yeah, I bought a pair of 14/16 jeggings about 2 weeks ago ... they are no longer "hugging" like they are meant to (I have increased my exercise like crazy lately). And the new slacks that I bought that were snug are now fitting a little loose. YAY! This is the best Christmas ever!!! Yes Virginia, there IS a Santa Clause! LOL!