ready2bthin

I just got on and saw this post. I had my band put on in July of this year. Once I was on solids for awhile and needed a fill, I was able to eat a regular piece of pizza and part of a second. I had a fill on Oct. 7 and the other day had 2 slices of very thin, crispy crust pizza. It was a froze one (California Pizza Kitchen thin crust barbecue chicken). A friend of mine who has been banded for about 4 years or so can eat 1 piece of regular pizza. It all depends on the person...but if you can it will be with small bites, chewing very carefully.

Well, "bandster bad girl" (lol), you want to pig out on Thanksgiving? I can't believe it. I'm sure none of us have "wished" for the chance to get more through this band...lol...I will probably need another fill myself, but I was thinking about my cruise at the end of November and all those midnight buffets, etc. So, I guess maybe I might be a "bandster bad girl", too!! Really, Kari, you have to decide if you can wait that long and if you don't mind your weightloss being stalled if you can't control the eating. I know that I was going crazy for those last couple weeks before my first fill. I am doing okay now, although my head wants chocolate and sweets. UGH!! I went to the bandster dinner in Arlington (Beth, you should come some time) and although it was a small crowd tonight, we had 2 pre-banded people. It was good talking with them and also being excited with them for their banding. Guess I better hit the hay. It's late and I have Tai Chi tomorrow!! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Pumpkin 5, I recommend that you join up at the yahoo group dfw bandsters. They have a calendar which shows meetings in Plano (usually lunch), dinners in Dallas, Arlington, Burleson and maybe some others. I say "they" but I'm feeling like I'm more part of the group now that I've attended 3 dinners (1 in Dallas and 2 in Arlington and I may go this week as well...have to check the calendar to make sure this is the right week for Arlington.) There are many "seasoned" bandsters on the dfw site and they have been a supportive and friendly group to me and many others, too!! I've met Carlene at the Arlington dinners, along with her hubby, Bob. My hubby went with me to the Sept. meeting.

Sherri Jo: I think that you need to stop drinking with meals. The reason that we aren't supposed to drink with meals, is that this washes what we eat out of our "pouch" and into the rest of our stomach. Therefore, it can cause us to overeat or eat more often because we are hungry. I could drink with my meals, too, but I don't for this reason. Rice and toast are filled with carbs. I'm not sure why you can't eat protein, but the bandster way of eating is lean protein first, green veggie and then add in some type of fruit, starch, etc. if you are still needing it. Now, I recognize that we don't always eat the bandster way, but I would begin with this before going for another fill. My typical day begins with a protein shake (my own making as I can't stand the canned ones). Lunch is usually some type of tuna, chicken, shrimp, etc. salad or some other type of meat, then some veggies or a fruit and 5 wheat crackers with it. Dinner is protein, green veggie and then a taste of rice or potato or something...not much though. This is just an example. I have had lasagna and other stuff, too, but I make sure I don't eat much of the noodles, and more of the filling. It's good that you are upping your water intake. Try and get 64 oz. in at least. I drink my first 8-16 before I even have my morning shake. I always drink at least 8 oz before my meal and was instructed that I can drink right up to my meal (don't need to wait). This is working for me. I do wait 90 minutes after my meal before drinking again. Beth: If you do fine today then don't get a fill. Just make sure you are eating small bites and not too fast. I'm surprised you are having the difficulty in the evening. Most people have problems in the am and are more restricted then. The only other thing I can think of is that your pouch is already full and you are trying to put more in or for some reason your band is more sensitive in the evening due to stress or something. If you have problems tonight, again, DON'T WAIT. Yes, your doc may say "I told you so", but big deal, if he's right. You have to protect your band and your tummy!! My son is home now from the hospital. Doctors not sure what was going on. He is taking oral antibiotics and I will speak with his regular doc today to update. If he has any continued problems, then I will take him in again.

Thanks everyone for your concern about my son. Hoping the doc will come in this am and let us know what's up. He's in good spirits. Beth: YOU NEED TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW! Don't wait! I'm writing this from all the posts I read on dfwbandsters, etc. You are too restricted. It sounds like you need a slight unfill. This has been going on now for a week or so hasn't it? Let us know when you get in to see the doc. It's not healthy for your band or your body to have this happening. You should be able to eat. Okay, I'll check in with ya'll later. Hve a great day!

Well, it was good to hear from everyone. Glad ya'll are getting the "adjustments" you need. I am typing this from the hospital near my home....no it's not me...it's my 13 yr. old son. We thought maybe he had appendicitis and took him to emergency last night. Well, it rained here all day and guess what, the emergency room had about 50 people ahead of us...UGH!! To make a long story short, they did an ultrasound, and admitted him for enlarged lymph nodes. The appendix looked ok. Well, we didn't get into a room into 5:00 am!! So, I'm lacking some sleep. The doc has put him on IV antibiotics and we will stay tonight. She didn't come back in so I'm not sure what's going on. His bloodwork was fine. So, guess his body is trying to fight off something. Thought I would let everyone what's up. This is the first time any of my kids have been hospitalized. He's doing okay with the pain still being there in the right side of his lower abdomen. Hopefully, the meds will work. Better go and get back to his room in case the nurse comes in or doc ends up coming in.

Thought I would jump in here. I just checked the website of ready4achange and it looks like it's still connected with Dr. Sanchez. So, either the post is incorrect or they haven't had a chance to update the website. Does anyone know which it is? I just think it's important for us to keep accurate info on here as much as possible for visitors, etc. So, if someone knows what's going on, please post.

Hey July friends!! I thought this was my 12 week anniversary since my pre-op diet, but I guess it's been 13. Anyway, since my fill last week, I'm down another 4 lbs. or so, making my total loss 33.2 lbs. I also did my monthly measurements and I have lost another 8 inches from neck to feet, mostly around abdomen, waist, upper chest, and bust (darn). That's a total of around 41.25 inches!! I've lost more than a yardstick of inches...SHOCK!! Guess that Tai Chi class is paying off, along with the fill. It seems like some of our July bandsters have dropped out of site. We miss you! Please post and let us know how things are going and how we can support you. Now, I realize that some are just busy, getting healthier, not on the computer much, etc., but I'm wondering if some are struggling with plateaus (that happened to me for a couple weeks) or the weightloss has slowed down (expected with the band....1-2 lbs. a week is an average weightloss). Whatever the reason, please check in, even to say..."hi"!! Love ya!!

Sherrijo: I really feel for you and pray that things at home will improve. How are you doing "bandwise" with this stress? Are you feeling okay? Is there any chance that your hubby would see a counselor with you? If so, I would highly recommend this. In the meantime, hang in there, try and do things for yourself that are special and pamper yourself if nobody else will pamper you. If money isn't an issue, go get a pedicure, manicure, hair done, make up, massage or something else that you enjoy!! You are worth it!! Well, I went to my "exercise class" today and even used some boxing gloves. I was so sweaty but it was fun (in a painful way...lol). I also did extensive abdominal exercise (crunches) and was so proud of myself. My "inner athlete" is coming out. I was an athlete in high school and ran 3-4 miles a day in college for exercise, but over the years with the weight gain and knee problems, haven't worked out as much. Did join Curves over a year ago and did that between surgeries, etc. But, what I'm doing now is fun and challenging. I had to drag myself there, though cuz I like to stay up too late!! Oh, I lost another 2 lbs. Hurrah!! And this weekend I will do my measurements because it's been around 12 weeks since my pre-op diet began. I'm celebrating. The fill is helping me stay satisfied between meals and I'm happy about that! Well, hope to hear from everyone. Some of you haven't posted in awhile. Where are you?? We miss you??

Desiree: You look MAHHHVELES!!! What an inspiration to keep me away from JUNKFOOD!!! SherriJo: HUGS from me to you! That TOM is causing you to be down on yourself and to gain some weight. This will pass and things will be better!! We are all rooting for you and ready to lift you up...cuz we July bandsters are here for each other! Paulax: Way to go...another 2 lbs. bites the dust... Leona: Keep up the losing girl... a littl more than2 lbs a week is awesome! Jane: Glad to hear about your eyesight and your fun weekend with hubby (Happy belated Anniversary). I'm wondering if the small gain is due to all the exercise you are getting. Jessica: I, too, understand about the size deal. My waist is much smaller than my hips/rear, so I'm in the same boat. Beth: Hope you can figure out how to get those pills down. Things getting stuck is no fun at all!! I did hear that pineapple juice is good for "stuck stuff". The dfw bandster people carry a can in their car with them, along with a bag (in case of pb). Kari: I am CELEBRATING with you!! I am so glad your hubby is feeling more like himself. Boy, ya'll be burning off those calories...hee hee!! Well, I am in San Antonio right now!! We went to the Alamo today and did some other sightseeing. Yesterday I had my first fill and had it with Dr. Rod, my surgeon. We traveled down to Acuna, Mexico yesterday morning and there were 3 gals ahead of me. I've seen posts by one of them on Dr. Rod's yahoo group. Good to meet her in person. Anyway, the fill went fine with Dr. Rod using the xray machine to show me my port/band. He numbed the skin and then put in the needle into my port. Had me drink the barium drink as he filled me...had to put some in, have me drink, put more in, back some out, and did this a few times until we could see it going through the band. I have .8 cc in my band now. He keeps us on liquids for 3 days, then liquid am, mushies the rest of day, then 5th day liquid, mushy and regular solids. So, my family got to eat yummy mexican food and I had garlic soup, which was delicious, but I would have rather had a plate of other stuff. We did some shopping and had a good time. Oh, Dr. Rod just had me stand up for the fill. So, hopefully, this will jumpstart my weightloss again as I've been going back and forth (of course, eating chocolate, ice cream and other goodies certainly didn't help matters....lol) Okay, gotta go join the family now for some fun!!

Dezadoo: I have been on rides at Six Flags and Disney World. I know that I was at least 230-250 at the time. I will say that the batman ride at Six Flags was a bit tight and when the overhead harness bar came on and the buckle came up between my legs to meet it, the guy had to kind of push it in. (I actually told him to do this...as there was no way I was getting off that ride). It went fine and I had a blast. Disney rides accommodate larger people much better than Six Flags, but I was able to go on rides at both places. I sympathize with the sliming incident. I have had a few and I hate it!! With me, it's when I've been too hungry and I eat too fast. This has happened with fast food, too. Now, today, I was able to eat part of a chickfilet grilled chicken sandwich. I ate most of the meat and probably 1/2 the bun. I was starting to feel it though. I'm sure that after my fill on Sat. the bread part will change. By the way, My doctor WILL be there when I go to Mexico this weekend. YAYYYY!!!! I wanted to see Dr. Rod!! I worked out today at the Tai Chi again. I feel good, even after only getting about 5 hours of sleep!!

I went to my first Tai Chi class on Monday night and will go again tomorrow (oops...guess this morning...better get to bed..lol). I did well and think it will help me out!! I am going to go 2x a week and then move it up to 3x. Just thought I would check in. By the way, I tell lots of people about my band!! I'm proud of it and don't give a rip what they think. I will say that I've had about 99% support and positive feedback. If I don't think someone will be supportive (and I do know some that wouldn't be), I don't tell them. I feel like I've educated a lot of people in the past couple months. I also have so many that have family members that are considering it, etc. I always tell them that I am open to them calling me and asking questions, etc. But, again, this is an individual thing and we must all make choices that will help us be successful and if that means not telling anyone, than so be it. How's everyone else doing this week with exercise. Oh, Sherrijo, I think you got PLENTY of exercise in with all those chores. Made me tired reading it...lol!!!

I just looked at that article and who even knows if it's true. Let me assure you that I had my band in Mexico in July and am doing great. My doctor gave me the box that band came out of along with the wallet card with the serial number and my operation report typed up in English. The gal who also had her band done the same day had her sister with her who is a SURGICAL NURSE and had been down to the same hospital with our doctor 2-3x. She had 4 friends get banded by Dr. Rod. He showed her the operation room and spent a great deal of time with her knowing she would want to check things out. So, she was with her sister and certainly wouldn't take her sister to someone who she didn't think was competent. So, I've heard many good things about your doctors. You have done your research and don't let some type of "scare tactic" keep you from the band. There are complications that can happen and it doesn't matter what country you are in. Go to the Inamed website and read up. Just be informed. Okay, enough said. Let us know when you get back from Mexico with your bands!!

I went on a low carb, low fat, diet for 2 weeks. I only lost about 3 or 4 lbs. but that was fine with the doctor. I was eating 30 or less carbs a day. Basically, I cut out all bread, sweets, potatos, tortillas...those kind of carbs. I was allowed to have a couple pieces of fruit and encouraged to do so. That didn't count in with the 30 carbs. I've seen some go on a liquid diet 2 weeks before but don't understand why unless maybe they are so overweight that the doctor wants them to be at a lower weight. My doctor just wanted my liver to be in better shape and have some fat released from it. The diet above did that. There would have been NO WAY I would've done 4 weeks of liquid. I'm feeling good and losing, although it's slowed down and I will get my first fill on Saturday. Hope this helps.

Chris, I thought I was the only one on here that hadn't been filled!! You've done fantastic!! I can't remember, are you working out daily or what? I'm about to start that Tai Chi class tonight and talk with Derrick (the trainer) about getting started on a daily routine or at least 3x a week routine. I'm getting inspired looking at you and everyone else. I also will be going on a cruise at the end of November with 15 other ladies....YAHOO!!! So, I need to start toning. I want to minimize the extra skin syndrome as much as possible. Do you have a lot of extra skin? You are young so it may be elastic enough to just go down on it's own. How's everyone else today? I had a lazy day as Saturday night I went out dancing with some young chicks. My hubby was all for it as he's not a dancer. Well, I danced off some weight, but on Sunday I didn't get my afternoon nap and boy I was tired today. Oh, by the way, they took me to a place that is "big girl friendly". I wasn't interested in anyone cuz I love my hubby, but it was nice to know that I was not being judged harshly for being plus size. I was thinking that soon, I wouldn't be plus size...YEAH!!! As a matter-of-fact, I ordered a swimsuit online for the cruise and ordered an 18 and it fit...a bit tight but will be perfect at the end of November. It was on clearance for 17.99!! That's my NSV for the week!!

mysherrijo: HUGS to you!! Hang in there and don't let yourself get into a competition with your hubby or anyone. Men lose easier and faster than women...that's a known fact...and we cannot compare ourselves with others either, as we are all made up differently, different ages, etc. Sounds to me that your husband is having his own issues regarding weight, etc. You are doing fabulous!! I do hope that you can discuss your feelings with your hubby and encourage one another as you get healthy together! I go Saturday for my FIRST fill....I think I'm the last one on here. I was excited to get it, but have learned that Dr. Rod's assistant will be doing it. If I had known this, I would have gotten one sooner here in Dallas. I really wanted to see MY DOCTOR and planned this trip with my family for that reason. Yes, I'm whining a little. I guess I have needed this fill for probably 2-4 weeks and I'm hungry between meals, can eat too much, and in a quandry. I'm sure his assistant is competent, but I wanted to see him for my first time. We are still going to go, but I'm not as confident as I would be with Dr. Rod. I know several of you have had fills with other people besides your doc, I just had my heart, head and nerves set on one deal and am getting another. Okay, time to get over it and just plan on a nice time with my family and exchange student!!!

Brandy: Welcome to our wonderful group here!! We are glad you "found" us. We support one another and have fun, too!! Chris: Glad to hear about your success, both in and out of the classroom. I can't wait until someone thinks I'm unrecognizable!! Jane: No exercise yet this week. But, next week I am starting with an exercise class 2x a week. It's some type of Tai Chi (I have some knee problems, so I have to limit the "impact type" stuff till I get some more weight off). Kari: I think you should try and get your toe healed up and do some upper body stuff or stuff that's not weightbearing. Have to go for now!!!

Leona: WOW!! Keep it up!! You can really see it around your middle!! I also hope that your gyn problems aren't anything that causes too much a hassle for you. Please keep us updated. Kari: Seems like I just miss you every night!! So glad you are feeling better! I'm struggling with needing this fill and with the desire or should I say lack of desire to exercise. UGH!! Let us know all about your fill when you get it. I think we are the two last people on here to get fills...lol...I will be the final one...anyone else not have one yet??

Baylor Mom: We had a nice time tonight. It was a small group but they are a friendly one. I was the "newbie" of the bunch. One gal was about a month before me. Maybe you can come next month. My hubby ended up going with me, too. Thanks for the compliments everyone!! Ya'll are so sweet. Ruthie: Only a few words for you: "JUST SAY NO!!"....LOL!!! I do totally empathize with you, as I'm a big time stress eater (hard to believe I know...lol). And with this caregiver situation, I really can't even imagine how you feel. I'm a Physical Ther. Assistant, so I do have a little understanding, just haven't "walked in your shoes". I do hope and pray that the right person comes along to fill that position. Leona: Doesn't sound like you need a fill yet. If you are losing, I wouldn't mess around with it yet. You don't want to get too tight then have to have the unfill done. Sorry you're still having pain, though. Let us know what doc says.

Thanks Sherrijo and Kari!! I need those kudos!! Yesterday was a bad day and I'm struggling some with needing that fill (2 weeks to go). Kari, how are you feeling girl? Give us an update when you can!

Thought I would post my pre-op pic and then my 8 week pic (6 weeks post band...8 weeks since pre-op diet). I chose to wear the same outfit. Next time, the pants won't fit...LOL!!! Pre-Op 8-Weeks

Beth: Sorry to hear about the doctor's appointment and response. You may need to change docs and go somewhere else for your fills if that's possible with insurance, etc. Jane: I did the bike Monday as I posted, but today my pool was too cold and I didn't get on the bike. Guess I have tomorrow and Friday to do it again...lol. I want to meet the 3x a week goal for this week. I don't think I'd do well in Washington, although it looks beautiful in pics. I like SUNSHINE!!! Texas needs rain though and I think we may get some tomorrow. It's been so dry here this past year.

Beth: I sent you a pm about the dfwbandsters. Leona: So sorry to hear about what you are going through. Hang in there gal. Don't worry about the "no situps" for now. The other exercise...walking, biking, etc. will still help you overall. Give us a report after you see the doctor. Kari: Hope you are feeling better today. Miss you! Ruthie: It would be very difficult for me to even have chocolate covered peanuts in the house. Maybe DH needs to put them in his own place and get his own snack. I would probably eat the whole bag!! But, you are right...TODAY IS A NEW DAY!!!

Beth: I really like the recumbent bike. I haven't heard anything about them bothering one's back. I think most regular stationary bikes end up being clothes hangers. Many of them have small seats that hurt the behind, so people don't last much on them. At least that was my experience in the past and several others that I know. I invested in a very good recumbent one, as I've had a couple of knee surgeries and my doc recommended the bike over walking. This is probably due to me carrying so much weight on my body and that being hard on the knees (walking). The brand name on my bike is Diamondback and it's a very good one. It wasn't cheap, but if you can find one on ebay, I'd recommend it.

Well, it was too cold to get into my pool today, so I had my hubby move my stationery recumbant bike out to the living room, so I could ride and watch t.v. (helps the time go by faster). I road for 30 minutes and went over 7 miles...lol. I used a program of varying levels. Felt pretty good!! Other than swimming, this is the first exercise I've done. I am looking into a Tai Chi class and having the intstructor also do some personal training with me just to get me in a routine. I'll let you know when that starts. For now, I'll do my bike and maybe some walking when it is cool here in TX. Stephanie: You look fabulous and those pants aren't going to last much longer without falling off of you!!! BGP and Stesti: I'll let you know when I'll be coming to town. I may be passing through around Christmas, but probably wouldn't have much time for anything...except maybe meeting for a dinner or drinks or coming to your store for the makeup session!! We usually stop in St. Louis and stay in a hotel...many times at the Drury Inn in Fenton (the newer one). I try and get the best deal with a breakfast as there will be 6 of us. I'll keep you updated.