emjay

BandedDude - you can do this! It is the hardest part of the journey. But the end result is so worth it! Looking back, it's hard to imagine I had the mental willpower to do it, but I did because I wanted it so much. Keep your focus on the long term while you are in the liquid/mushie/soft food stage. Then you can start to make short term goals that are attainable. And GOOD LUCK! The best advice I can give you is to keep busy and distract yourself. It does help!

Wow! Sounds like you got pretty tight! Glad you're feeling better. The coughing and GERD are not fun symptoms at all. I've been doing well. Don't post on this thread a whole lot. I've been really lucky with no problems. Can eat anything yet have restriction. No problems with sliming, pb'ing, etc. Reflux and night coughing went away after 2 slight unfills this spring. Haven't had a problem since. It helps me (personally) to keep my band on the loose side so I can eat solids well. Seems to help with keeping me feeling full, but I have to rely on myself to make the right food choices. I'm willing to do that so I can eat what I want. I just hope I can keep maintaining thru the holidays.

No regrets - not a single one. I almost pinch myself everyday because I can't believe how far I've come. I'm at my lowest since my early high school days. From a 3X/26-28 to a medium/8-10. I had gas pain in my shoulder like the dickens for about 6 weeks. I could have done without that stabbing pain, but a heating pad was my very best friend. I had my surgery on a Friday and was back to work Monday (not 100%, but in a week or so I was pretty close). My port incision was tender for 3-4 months and took the longest to heal. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have had the success I've had. It is hard work, mentally difficult. You have to sort through your food issues and come to terms with your demons, but that being said, restriction helps greatly! And I feel like the band gives you the time you need to get your head in the game so to speak. My best advice if you decide to go through with it is: 1. Find a workout buddy to walk with, bike with, go to the gym, hike, swim, whatever you think you can do to get moving. 2. Plan your meals, Snacks. Especially on days that can be chaotic. Always have something with you healthy that you can grab instead of heading to a fast food joint. In my desk at work I keep at least a couple of these things: single servings of mandarin oranges in a can, 100 cal popcorn bags, almonds, homemade granola, dried fruit, Protein bar, a yogurt (if you have access to a frig), Protein shake, 100 cal snack packs, cheese sticks. You get the idea. Stuff something in your purse or bag to tie you over until you have time to eat a small meal. 3. Don't get discouraged. You will have highs and lows, periods of great weight loss and some plateaus. Try and focus on the big picture and what you want to achieve. 4. Reward yourself when you get to a small milestone. Buy something small, treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure, have your hair done or makeup done, or just go shopping and try on clothes if you can't afford to buy any. Enjoy your successes! 5. Try and remember that your work is not over once you get to goal. It's just a new phase. 6. Keep posting, go to support groups, get together with bandsters in your area to share tips and ideas. Don't make this journey one you must make alone. It's easier with people who "get it". 7. Remember to remind those who care about you (who you have told and are supportive) that their support is important. It makes a world of difference to have someone who is there for you when times get tough, that motivates you to go and take a walk (and goes with you) when you don't feel like it, that is there when it's hard not to fall back into old habits, and helps you Celebrate your successes. 8. If you have trouble with food issues you can't resolve on your own, to seek professional help. Sometimes it takes their insight to help understand your underlying reasons for unhealthy behaviors. Those are the ones off the top of my head. But it is just so worth it.

I must be extremely lucky because I don't miss anything. I'm able to tolerate anything (and I like it that way). I still have restriction, but I can even eat a pancake in the morning if hubby makes me one (yes, only one). I've been too tight and it's not fun. At times I compare myself to other bandsters I know near me and think I should get a touch of a fill, but I like the fact that I can eat "normal" and by that I mean anything, and haven't pb'ed since Memorial Day. But I guess normal is what you want it to be and what you're willing to live with or without. There was a time when having some foods too difficult to eat was easier for me to lose weight since they were off limits. My physician's office has recommended on their message board to keep it as loose as possible yet still have restriction in order to avoid having problems with dilation or slippage. I guess I've also subscribed to that notion so I can keep this band in me for a long, long time. Count me as a fortunate one. And good luck to all on your journey.

I never cared for the Strawberry but really like the Chocolate and unflavored with Crystal Light. I would call them on a return. I order monthly and have found them to be absolutely wonderful.

I'm really happy for you Joker! It will be a much easier experience knowing he is with you instead of against you. He probably thought he could either embrace this with you or possibly lose you and didn't want that to happen. So, whatever the reason, best of luck to you and I sincerely hope everything works out for you as you want it to be.

If it is slight, your doc may just watch it closely for awhile. You could do more of a liquid diet for a few days, then slowly progress to softer foods, being careful not to eat too much. Sometimes a doc will do a complete unfill and let the pouch rest for awhile to see if that helps. Otherwise, surgery may be the only option if it progresses.

Boobs and feet are a great thing...if only the boobs did point toward the feet.

Count me in the samt boat as the others. I've lost several hundred pounds over the years only to gain in back and then some. As long as I stayed focused and didn't stray from whatever diet I was on - I was fine. But that isn't realistic long term. Let's face it - when you're on the Atkins diet - there's not a potato chip or potato to be had.....ever. I finally realized that eliminating foods that I liked from my diet just made me want them that much more after a while and eventually I would give in. I would allow myself 5 lbs, then think 10 isn't so bad, then the desperation starts, but you're already on the train back to where you were and feel powerless to stop. The lap band has changed my mindset. If I gain a few lbs, this time I KNOW I can get them off. Many of the foods I couldn't stay away from don't appeal much to me anymore....some do but I'm able to limit them to occasional splurgings. The band has definitely changed the way I eat...which I feel is healthier anyhow given that your supposed to eat slowly, but it has made me concentrate on what I'm eating, what is the nutritional and caloric value, and how much. No mindless eating in front of the TV anymore, very little if any fast food, and I plan snacks or keep something handy on days when my schedule is crazy to avoid grabbing something unhealthy or too fattening. Can I say for sure I will never gain the weight back? No. I am only hoping that given this different approach I have now vs. all the other attempts will stick and be a way of life forever. I felt it was my best shot.

Jachut - please keep us posted! Dave-NW - I'm not necessarily a long term bandster, and I agree with those that said many successful bandsters don't necessarily post. I find myself coming out of habit, not because I feel the need to - other than to keep mindful of what is needed to keep me here. I also have had a pretty uneventful journey to goal. Weight loss was fairly steady, and I had only 1 episode of being overfilled, which I believe is truly doing a disservice to yourself. But many like having that great of a restriction, so be it. Being overfilled is no fun - many foods are uncomfortable to eat, and I believe a severely limited diet can lead to unhealthy eating habits and other nutritional deficiencies. I'm like Jachut, I can eat anything, but some foods - like apples, bananas for some reason, and other dense fruits have to be eaten really slowly and can be uncomfortable, so I tend to limit them in my diet. That being said, the band has been wonderful for me. I do have some fears about the future...will my pouch stretch, band slip, what if I need future surgery (any kind) and how to handle that. Some have mentioned trouble obtaining medical insurance after being banded, which seems rather ironic to me since being obese cost me much more in medical costs than being banded has. More long term questions are how the band is going to hold up over time, if I get in an accident or am unconscious - will medical professionals know and understand the ramifications of my being banded. There are very real considerations to having a band as well as having the sleeve, and what you would be willing to do for the rest of your life. I'm not going to say the band is the be-all or end of all your weight problems, let's face it the average success is 50% of excess weight, which pretty much means that it works for everyone in various degrees. It does require true lifestyle changes for the most success, and a bit of maintenance that after the first year seems minimal. (I plan to go annually to my surgeon for a checkup). But it has been great for me and I would recommend it for those who are serious about losing weight. Much of the work is your own (changing your eating habits, mindset towards food, incorporating exercise into your life), but well worth the effort put into it. I hope it all works out for you. If I found that my body could no longer tolerate the band I would certainly look into the sleeve, however, the reflux issues that I have heard about scare me among the surgery itself. So, make your decision based on your gut instinct, and choose what is best for you.

I agree with the other posters. How does the doc know you are in the green zone since it's different for everyone? Make an appointment, show the doc a diary of foods you have eaten, (make sure they are more solid/protein dense foods), the amounts, how long until you are hungry. If he/she still doesn't want to give you a fill after showing what you can eat, how much and how often, then ask for a referral to another doctor. That band isn't going to do you much good if you can't feel the restriction. BTW - I really hope your treatment is a resounding success. You've had a tough year...time to get your mind on the future! You can do it!

Happy to hear it's working for you! Wait until you start to make noises like a dinosaur when you open your mouth after eating...pretty embarrassing. I'm always asking my husband...can you hear that? Yes honey...it's really charming...

03/19/09 (Initial Consult) = 257# 04/10/09 (Surgery) = 245# 05/11/09 - 232.5# 06/12/09 - 223.0# 07/15/09 - 217.0# 08/17/09 - 207.0# 09/14/09 - 199.5# 10/15/09 - 192# 11/18/09 - 184# 12/18/09 - 178# 01/08/10 - 170.5# 02/17/10 - 166# 03/18/10 - 160# 04/23/10 - 156# 05/19/10 - 154.5# 06/24/10 - 154.5# 08/05/10 - 150# (initial goal) 10/03/10 - 147# (2# to go!) Tips? Drink plenty of Fluid. Get the recommended Protein levels (60-80 grams?). Do something active daily. Working out with weights or using strengthing equipment really helps! Choose to eat a more healthier diet (don't we all feel better when we do?) Honestly, from reading posts on this forum and knowing other bandsters, I count myself as one of the lucky ones. I can eat anything I want, however, I CHOOSE to eat healthier foods for me since I don't eat as much (Most of the time :thumbup:). Don't get discouraged. I had periods of time when I went up a few lbs, but it seems to turn around once I got in the right frame of mind again. I hesitated posting this because I don't want people comparing themselves to my journey, but at the same time, I think we are all on here to get questions answered and to answer questions, so I wish you the best! My biggest suggestion is don't allow yourself to get too tight and severely limit the choices of foods you are able to eat. Too much pbing, sliming, or too many foods that give you trouble is no good. You should be able to eat solid foods. Try and get some Fiber in your diet if all possible. Kashi Cereal is a great source of protein and fiber. A glass of Plumsmart light helps also. When choosing your diet, pay attention to carbs. I'm not a low-carber anymore, I just limit things like potatoes, rice, Pasta to only a couple of days a month. Choose bread (toast) that is whole grain and high in fiber. Foods that are protein and/or fiber based help you to stay full longer. A great choice for me is a Greek yogurt with homemade granola (made with Kashi cereal, peanuts, pecans, choc chips, brickle bits). You really have to experiment with food choices to see what works for you. I do drink 2 Protein shakes a day. One in the morning with skim milk (220 calories) and 1 in the afternoon (100 calories) - for 50 grams total. So I get plenty of protein with my diet. I seem to lose more weight when I drink the shakes and can go several hours before getting hungry. Good luck!

Not sure what is going on Jessica. I know someone who has insurance that doesn't pay for fills, however, her doc charges for an office visit and gets it paid that way. If your doc says free fills for a year, there should have been some sort of documentation stating that fact given to you when you paid for your fees. The "courtesy" comment was crap. It is not a courtesy if you already paid for it in your initial fee. He may be billing as an office visit only, but it seems strange that it is coming up as a surgery. Which kind of creates an ethical dilemma? You can contact your insurance and make them aware of what's going on, in which they will probably stop covering the costs (and then the doc will probably try to start charging you). You can remind the office that you paid for a year's worth of fills in your initial fee and shouldn't be billing your insurance. Or you can do nothing. I'm not going to tell you what you should do. That is for you to decide.

Herraven - Wow - you put so much more thought into it than I usually do! Glad you liked them! You can put almost anything into them really (as you have done). Easy, freeze well, and packed full of Protein when you use meat, cheese and eggs. Best of luck to you...especially when you graduate to real food!

What is the best thing you learned on your journey? That I've gotten to the point that a couple of pounds gained don't scare me like it used to. I KNOW I can get them off now. That exercise can be fun if you do it with someone. And that I feel like I deserve the success I have achieved! What makes you successful? Eating healthier and exercising. If you're not hungry, don't eat. And take the time to change your mindset during the first 6 months to this being a life-long process of changing the way you do things. One of the best quotes I ever heard was the definition of insanity...doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. What can I do to make sure my journey is a sucessful one? Get adequate Fluid intake, getting 60-80 grams of Protein a day really does help keep you satiated longer and seems to help with the weight loss. DO something every day...walk, bike, hike, swim, workout...just something to get active. What are your best tips??? It's the easiest for me to just drink a protein shake in the morning since I'm not hungry. Then eat about every 4 hours starting with lunch. Keep the junk food or your "trigger" foods out of the house so they aren't tempting to you. Find a workout buddy to keep you motivated. Plan meals or Snacks. Keep healthy snacks at work in case of the munchies. And give yourself time to enjoy the changes you are experiencing. Celebrate small milestones (just not with food). Keep a picture diary. Try to develop a new mindset when it comes to food...which is easier when you're not hungry as much What's your best advice for new bandee's??? Don't expect it to happen overnight. It is a work in progress. Also, it's easy to get frustrated when you hit a plateau or the weight is coming off slower and slower. Try and be realistic about your goals. Get support any way you can, either thru this site, going to support group meetings, friends, family, (easier if it is someone who is banded who understands the journey a little better). And DON"T give up so easily! Realize that many of the emotions you feel right after getting banded are perfectly normal. And remember that since you are eating smaller amounts of food to make them healthier choices. What should i NOT do?? Worry about the smaller portions of food you're able to eat. Don't keep food in the house that isn't good for you. Don't obsess over every little "cheating" incident...we're not perfect! Don't think you're along in this battle...there are plenty of us on here. And realize that when you get to goal, it isn't over...it's just adapting to the changes and trying to maintain your success for many years to come! Perhaps the biggest and most important - don't get OVERfilled or let yourself get too tight. Don't equate restriction with the amount of weight you are able to lose. I see many people on here that IMO are too tight, but again it's their choice. If you want this band to keep working for the rest of your life and not have complications, you need to get to a restriction that will help you with portion control, but allow you to eat solid protein. Otherwise, it's easy to make the wrong food choices. Good luck to all!!!

I got these type of comments from my boss and both my parents. Mind you I'm still 147-150 lbs, and at 5'7" I'm pretty much where I want to be. It got to the point where I just told my parents that my weight was not a topic for conversation anymore. My boss, I winked and said do you want me to get on you about your weight? I know all of them are well meaning, but have never seen me at this weight before. They don't get it about trying to achieve a goal you've spent your lifetime dreaming about...and that many take for granted. So, try and remember that are many reasons they may say it, whether it's out of concern, jealousy, their own perception of where you should be, etc. And if it gets to the point where it's a catty remark, just say, "why do you feel it's your business?" that should shut 'em up.

I was thinking a slip, but if they rule that out....congrats! Never heard of it happening, but who knows, you may be the exception!

The mental aspect of this journey is more difficult than the physical. Don't beat yourself up over cheating...we all do it in one way or another, either by eating more of the things we shouldn't be eating, or not working out, or not getting enough fluids, Protein...whatever. You do the best you can, give it your best shot and see what happens. Don't let anyone stand in judgement of you when they don't know how your life has been. Best of luck to you...I hope you get all the things you want!

That surprises me about Dr. Curry's technique. It would scare the bejeezus out of me to go back. My fills were always a piece of cake. No "can't find the port" issues, no pain, conservative but acceptable fills...very happy. Sorry you had to go thru that. If you really don't want to have that happen again, please ask them to be conservative in their fills. Better to be safe than sorry. With the way some swell after a fill, I wouldn't think it would be a very accurate way to guage what level to put in. But it seems that docs all have their own ideas of what is appropriate. Good luck on your journey!

Angera - Try making little omelets in muffin or mini-muffin tins. You can use a little canned biscuit dough to place in the bottom, then add any kind of meat (sausage, bacon, hamburger, even crabmeat) then pour an egg mixture (seasoned eggs with any kind of cheese), over the biscuit dough and put into the oven at 350 until browned on top. They freeze really well and you can pop a couple in the microwave in the morning for Breakfast. You can also heat up some Pasta sauce or salsa for dipping. Heck, my husband used to eat them for breakfast too when I made them.

Herraven - When you call the doc's office, ask if they put any Fluid in your band during surgery. Some physicians "prime" the band and leave a few cc's in. If he/she did, then see if it's possible to have a little taken out. It is VERY important for you to stay hydrated. Dehydration can make the band tighter! The pain will go away, the scars (for most) will fade...this is the time for healing. What you are experiencing emotionally is very common. If at all possible, keep trying to get fluids in. Try warm fluids which helps some to "open up" the band. And keep us posted. Everyone's journey is different as well as their post-op experience. Be persistent with your doctor's office. They should be concerned about the lack of fluids you are able to tolerate.

Congratulations LaShonda...I wish you every success! It's not easy, but if you commit yourself to it, you will do fine. It's going to be a great November for you!

I am a hopeless Farmville addict. But I've been limiting myself to once or twice a day.

Joker - You've received alot of good advice and insight from those who responded. Since you are firm about having the surgery, do try to include him and remind him that you will have the biggest success if he is supportive of you. Having him attend a session where he can ask questions is a great idea. My brother was very skeptical of the procedure until he attended a session and found out more information. And believe me, he would have asked a ton of questions! After that, he was very supportive. My hubby is incredibly supportive. It makes it hard that he's a foodie, and he doesn't always get why I am irritated when he buys me potato chips or fried food when I'm trying to eat healthy. But he helps me in other ways like exercising together almost daily. We push each other to do it if one of us doesn't want to. He sees how much happier I am and knows that I love him no matter what. Sometimes an insecure thought will come out of his mouth and then I just reassure him that we are in a good place. He was very apprehensive about the surgery also and still doesn't exactly understand the issues I have with food, but he tries and that's all I can ask for. Include your fiancee' in as much as you can. Encourage him to be apart of your success and appreciate it when he does. Doesn't hurt to stroke his ego once in awhile! Your fiancee' just may be afraid of the changes that will occur, but if he's apart of it, he will be more likely to be accepting of the situation. Remind him that a happy wife is a happy life! :drool: