catfish87

My PCP suggested it...and then I read up on it, discussed it with my surgeon, and talked to a couple folks who actually had it. Last night, I went to a support group meeting I attend sometimes. I left there happy with my decision....once again. Here's why I am so happy in my decision. There were folks there last night who had the bypass, sleeve and lapband. And as they go around the room at the beginning of the meeting (introductions/etc) I hear the following.... From the bypass person "I've lost about 130 #'s....BUT, I'm stuck...haven't lost anymore in months....and don't know what to do." From one of the sleever's...who has lost about 160 #'s (she started at 409#) "I'm not losing anymore now, but thats ok...just look where I started". Then there were some bandsters there. One, who previously was at a stall...BUT is following up with her doctor, BECAUSE there are options to improve with adjustments, etc. And she's back on the losing track! Yea her! One had a temporary port issue, but has done FANTASTIC so far, and will continue to....she's got the motivation and determination. And me....when I wasn't losing much a couple of years ago, because I was eating too much, getting discouraged, etc....and I went back to my surgeon...he say's "why would you be discouraged. You told me you weren't good at dieting. Lets adjust your band." I think about that particular visit often.....I wish everybody could have a surgeon like that. AND, an option to adjust....if things aren't working to desired results.

We'll get that run in soon! Now you just rest and heal up.

Bingo! If it didn't change your eating habits, what good would it be................ Happy for you! Congrats.

I don't drink soda, but have no problems drinking beer....I just drink them slowly. AND I waited until one year post op. There is a "lapband pioneer" surgeon who says as much diet soda as you want. You can find that info on Dr. Simpsons website. The actual quote is from Dr. O'brien.... From his 7 Golden Rules.

Never, Ever Give Up!

Eating more net calories has NEVER caused me to lose more... just the opposite. Ensure adequate Protein and plenty of Water,then minimize net calories and I burn FAT.... just my experience/opinion. Im not a believer of the "starvation mode", unless one gets to a body fat percentage of around 5 or so, providied you consume adequate protein....I won't have to worry about that for a long time.

I've flown several times.... never noticed any difference.

I've had a Ninja for about 6 months. ... since my magic bullet bit the dust. I love it! I don't have the same model as you, but it makes snow out of ice. Enjoy!

Donna, Sorry to hear of your struggle with the inner ear issue...hoping it passes soon. Do you by chance like Lentils? Reason I ask, is you mention the only thing that sounds good is Soup. And youre struggling with enough Protein. I make this quite often....its hearty, super easy, and lots of protein. Keep in mind, its NOT necessarily low cal/low fat....but it is high protein, and I never have any problem eating it. Take a package of country ham pieces, the very little pieces, (provided you like it and not too much salt for your likings or any dietary restrictions), put it a pot with a diced up onion. Cook til the onions are pretty done, about 10 minutes. Put in a bag of lentils and about 10 cups of Water. Add any other of your favorite seasonings. Cover it and bring to just a slight boil. About 30 minutes later, YUMMY! And you know exactly whats in it. Last me a few days....unless I take the pot to work. Then it last about 30 minutes! You could also use smoked jowl cut into small pieces as well. Goes wonderful on a cool fall day, watching some Big Blue basketball!

I posted this reply in another topic... One of the most important words in this journey for me was and still is Patience. It's not always going to be that you eat correctly, correct amounts, get some exercise, then jump on the scale and see 10 lbs per week/month disappear. It just didn't work that way for me. Its been 4 years this month for me.....and I STILL get frustrated when I don't see that scale move as fast as I want it to. But...it's going the right direction. I was thinking just yesterday, as I was going to a run event....where would I be if I hadn't stuck with it....if I'd given up and said it won't work? Probably 350 lbs....or more! And it literally brought a tear to my eye, almost four years after surgery. I've never felt healthier in my life! SO many people have been where you are right now...and have become VERY successful. You'll read on here from people who have lost tremendous amounts of weight....but most of those have probably had a time when we thought the same things you are saying right now. But one thing is for sure....if you have the desire and determination...you will be successful too! Just never, ever give up!

One of the most important words in this journey for me was and still is Patience. It's not always going to be that you eat correctly, correct amounts, get some exercise, then jump on the scale and see 10 lbs per week/month disappear. It just didn't work that way for me. Its been 4 years this month for me.....and I STILL get frustrated when I don't see that scale move as fast as I want it to. But...it's going the right direction. I was thinking just yesterday, as I was going to a run event....where would I be if I hadn't stuck with it....if I'd given up and said it won't work? Probably 350 lbs....or more! And it literally brought a tear to my eye, almost four years after surgery. I've never felt healthier in my life! SO many people have been where you are right now...and have become VERY successful. You'll read on here from people who have lost tremendous amounts of weight....but most of those have probably had a time when we thought the same things you are saying right now. But one thing is for sure....if you have the desire and determination...you will be successful too! Just never, ever give up!

Great job! Very motivating!

Wow! I had no idea.... Thanks for the info. I'm going to check into this. I have Aetna.

I can't say that I have.

Thanks for the reply and link. I agree, I start out riding pretty empty (coffee and half cup of oatmeal) most of the time... depending on what I'm planning on doing...group vs solo ride. I usually stick with Clif bars while riding solo. First one at about 70 minutes, then half another one every 30 to 45 minutes. If I miss that first one. ...i really feel it at 2 hours. I took that protein I mentioned 30 minutes before a couple rides. It's not for me before riding. But. .... before running, I think I really like it. I'm only doing 5km the majority of the time, so it's boost time is great for that. 20 grams of protein works good.... just MUST give 30 minutes.... or else tummy ache!

Dang T....that sucks! I agree....I don't think you did anything to cause this. there are several people who have had a port replacement on LBT. From what I read, its a day surgery...sometimes even done in the office? You'll be back stronger than ever in no time. Will you be at the support group next thursday? I'm thinking I will be there. If you need anything, you know how to get in touch. Take care and feel better soon! Cards sweep the Pirates this weekend? I hope so!

Just my opinion, but here goes: Sounds to me like the NP you mention is more of a dietician. You didn't really need surgery to diet..... She's telling you that you NEED 60 minutes of cardio 7 days a week to lose weight? Really...7 days a week? Not that it wouldn't help, but you don't NEED 7 days a week, 60 minutes a day...to lose weight with the band. (By the way, burning 1000 cal/hour during your cardio is awesome! ) You say you are making good food choices, getting enough Protein, and are starving......sounds like you are NOT IN THE GREEN ZONE...YET. Best wishes!

BINGO! Thats what you want. Congrats!

It's hard to see/understand it now...being you're only 3 months out from surgery, but my experience is that it took a LONG time to get to a level of adjustment to where my band was working correctly for me. Some find that magic spot sooner, and some it takes a while....quite a while! But once you do, it really works!! Hang in there, do your best at dieting until you reach that level/green zone. Then....enjoy your new life. Best wishes...and NEVER, ever give up!

I eat a VERY wide variety of food for dinner. (These sizes are appx...as I no longer measure/weigh food. I did for long enough to have a good idea what the amount is.) Choice of: 4-6 oz if its a red meat....which has become less and less frequent....my choice. 4-6 oz of chicken breast. Or about 4-5 chicken wings. 8-12oz of fish, more if grilled, less if fried. 6-8 oz of shrimp....scampi style. 2 crabcakes...appx 8 oz total. Then add in maybe a small salad, or a small potato, and usually some kind of bean/lentil. "Lunch" is usually pretty light, depending on what I'm doing. If I'm working, A few slices ( appx 2-4oz ) of turkey breast/couple slices of cheese/half dozen crackers, then usually a few grapes/half an apple/or avocado. Tuna salad/crackers Blackened fish with maybe a small salad. OR - a small bowl of chili (homemade!) or wendy's small if I'm out and can't find anything better.....like Long John Silvers "hold the batter" (baked) fish plate with green beans/slaw.

" A properly adjusted band is the key to your success." From the site listed above....LOTS of good information there. Describing many important points. http://drsimpson.net/fills/fill_01/fills_01.htm

As Hazel mentioned, after the initial "healing" time has passed and you get in a good spot with your band, you probably will be able to drink "normally". My experience is I can drink quite fast ( lots of small drinks ) MOST of the time, and I consider myself to have great restriction now. Sometimes 3-4 QUARTS an hour....if I'm really sweating and need to....about a half a quart every 10-15 minutes. Keep water handy and drink often, just like the suggestion would be pre-banding. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery.

You're doing great! And cheating is what you do on a diet. This is forever! ENJOY

what Steph said!

" I just think I can eat too much !" Thats what I discussed with my surgeon a couple of months ago....and he added .2 cc's. Made a nice difference for me!