catfish87

BAHAAHAHA! I think it directly relates to what one does...or doesn't do throughout the day. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/362798464

20 year rotating shiftworker here too. As others have said, please go back to your surgeon. I was at that point a couple of years ago....just as you describe. Embarrassed to go to my surgeon because I had gained, because I got tired of dieting! My surgeon was fantastic about it. "Welcome back....why be embarrassed...you told me you weren't good at dieting" he said. Now, things (the band) couldn't be better. A little saline can work magic! Never, ever give up! Best wishes.

I went into this four years ago with confidence, absolutely sure IT would work. Notice I say IT would work. I wasnt so sure about myself, as I had failed at dieting several times. .... but this HAD to be different. It was surgery! Initially, I was doing fantastic....I was. But that waned, just the same as every other time I was "in charge". After FINALLY giving the band a chance. ....we, together can't fail now. Never, ever give up! Best wishes.

According to your profile, you've been banded since March of this year...so like 5 months? I'd suggest you are doing the right thing by "experimenting with fills"...getting your band properly adjusted. Then it will help with those weekends where there is an event and you go a little crazy. You seem to have done a very good job at dieting the past few months! Congrats! Just keep following up with your surgeon, discussing your eating habits/hunger/portion sizes, etc. He/she will know what to do. Best wishes for your continued success.

...definitely wasn't envious, as I couldn't be happier with my band.....I was just curious. But you are correct Elcee, it would have certainly turned me away.

Good article Terry....thanks for posting. There's a reason the experts called me MORBIDLY obese...instead of just fat.

Glad You're doing better. And the sleeve is working well for you. I wish you continued success. Your post this morning is such a coincidence!!......I hear so many people debating what surgery to get when I go to some of the seminars my surgical group puts on. ( They really like it when us "alumni" come back as they call me ) They like to show us off I guess....a product of all their hard work! But I really do like going when I can...just to talk with some of the folks who were right where I was 4 years ago, debating should I really do this. After all, they hold the meetings very close to my home, at a convention center with a top notch steakhouse/bar. (wonderful selection of beer/wine and crabcakes after the meeting!!!) But I digress.... My surgical team does bands, sleeves, RNY's and they discuss each at their seminars. Prospective people ask questions about each, as they should from what they've heard/read/seen on TV/heard on the radio/or even what they've read on here. The reason your post caught my eye was last night at work, I had some free time...ok a lot of free time thankfully. I thought I'd take a look over on sleevetalk....just to see how wonderful it was OR wasn't from people who are sleeved. Funny thing.....there were some very successful and happy folks on there....And some who were miserable, not losing, leakage, obstruction, can't eat, etc, etc. And those are the ones I feel sad for....How can they ADJUST their sleeve? Maybe I'll ask that question at the next seminar I attend, or next time I go to the office.

At 2 1/2 weeks post op, any post op swelling has probably diminished. Therefore, you may be in whats known as Bandster Hell...that period of time between surgery and when your band has been properly adjusted to provide that hunger/portion control. It may take one, two or several adjustments to reach that level....known as the "green zone"....when the band does its job. Do not worry....just do your best limiting portions ( just like any other diet ) and stick to the TYPES of food you have been prescribed to "eat".

Think of this for the long term....lifestyle changes! Congrats on the loss.

You're doing GREAT my friend! You seen your pics recently? Amazing difference

Are you serious?!?!? He really said that he's not happy? He needs to reevaluate his expections....and most importantly, his motivation skills....just my opinion. Keep up the great progress!

just seen this..how was it? Looks like it would have been fun! and fast!

Strict?.........mine was one WEEK of CLEAR liquids only...no protein, no salads, no veggies, etc. Basically ZERO calories....and I didn't cheat once. Hang in there. It could be worse.

I'd suggest that depends on your restriction level. It's definately not sliding through my band....now.

My surgeon request his patients NOT eat for several hours prior to a fill...because he wants to SEE what everything looks like. Pouch size, etc. But I'd suggest calling your surgeon to see what he/she requires.

If you're just looking to increase Protein, there are several "shots" at places like GNC, etc. Some are pretty high in grams of protein ( up to at least 45 grams ) to take at once. They are so small, less than 4 ounces, I couldn't imagine anyone not being able to tolerate a couple sips of them.... just hold your nose. http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2830571 New Whey liquid PROTEIN™ is the most convenient, best tasting way to give your body the protein it needs. With 42g of complete protein in just 3.8 oz., NEW WHEY is ideal for post workout muscle recovery or as a healthy dietary supplement. Lactose Free Gluten Free Caffeine Free sugar free Fat Free

I'm not sure of your age, but I see you are about the same "size" I was, according to your profile. I was 39 years old when I had a heart to heart with my PCP. He was very blunt....called me morbidly obese and warned me I was headed down the road to an early death, unless I made a change. I knew dieting wouldn't work for me long term. It HAD to be something that wasn't based on my willpower alone, because I would fail again. So upon advice of my PCP, I attended a seminar for WLS. I seen a couple of people there who were in much worse physical shape than I was at the time, but I knew I would soon be there with them. I read, I listened to YouTube, I watched video's, I read some more, I talked with a friend who had been banded a few years before me, and read some more....then made the decision. It hasn't always been an easy journey for me...but being morbidly obese wasn't easy either. Think about that...."Morbidly Obese". The experts use that term for a reason. This surgery has changed my life....I couldn't imagine going back to where I was 4 years ago. I can do ANYTHING I want now....well, at least within reason

Congratulations to you! You are an inspiration to many, many folks on here...to include myself. I've read your post for a long time...and I continue to read and LISTEN/LEARN to what has obviously worked so well for you. As I've said before, thank you for continuing to post your experience.

I was thinking the same thing.