ready2bthin

Leona: Happy Belated Birthday!!! Hope you had a Great day!!! Mark: We are happy to have you on the July thread...except you are DEFINITELY showing us up in the weightloss category...LOL!!! That is an advantage that you guys have over us ladies!! Keep up the great work and thanks for the compliment to all of us ladies!!!

Elisabeth, Can't say I had satan or his brother as a trainer, but I sure got a kick out of your post. You certainly have a way with words. I understand about the knees as i've gone through 3 surgeries on one (in past 25 years) and 1 surgery on the other. I try to do low impact stuff like swim and bike ride on a stationary recumbant bike (not one of those that hurt the behind).

Congratulations all you LOSERS...lol!! I'm a loser too!!! Never thought I'd be happy to be called that...but in the case of this deal....I will accept!! I have a question that I discussed with Kari and wanted to ask all of you. Are any of you experiencing a bad taste in your mouth? We are thinking it may be due to ketosis or something. Any input would be appreciated!! Also, Baylor Mom, hang in there and you might want to try your pool in the morning. I got in mine around 10 (i live near denton) and it felt great. Water was warm but the air wasn't too hot yet. I just moved around and tried to exercise some. I don't want to walk right now either cuz it's so HOT here in TX!! Hope this helps and keep on keeping on!!

Kari, Good for you!! That taco salad sounds yummy!!! Maybe in a few days, I'll try that. I did fine with cottage cheese and then last night had pinto beans and cheese from taco bell. Didn't eat the whole thing and felt okay, but later in the night I had a tummy ache. So, either my body and the beans didn't agree or I ate too much. I am also going lightly into this stage. Today was my measuring day. It's been 4 weeks since I started on pre-op. Well, I have lost 22 inches all over by body....YIPPEE!!! I measure from my neck and work down to measuring both feet, so this is total inches lost!! I'm around 15 lbs. down, as well! So ya'll make sure you MEASURE and if you haven't start now!!

CONGRATS OLIVE!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO JOIN YOU IN ONEDERLAND!!!

Dezadoo, I wondered the same thing about bowel movements. So, I just checked the lapband booklet and on page 13 it states, "There may be some reduction in the volume of your stools. That's normal after a decrease in food intake, because you eat less fiber. This should not cause severe problems. If difficulties do arise, check with your doctor. He or she may suggest you take a mild laxative and drink plenty of water for awhile. Drinking plenty of water is a good idea, anyway. Your needs will vary, but you should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day." Hope that is helpful!!

Hey everyone, I was talking with my bandster friend who had her band put in right after the FDA approved it here in the states. I asked a question and she referred me to the booklet put out by the manufacturer of the lap-band system. http://www.allerganandinamed.com/pdf/health/94829-12_LB_Patient_Book.pdf On page 11, it gives the list of bandster rules. There is nothing said about not drinking right before meals. Funny thing is that I have had this booklet printed up since May...lol!!! Thought it might be helpful for those who don't have it or forgot they have it...like me...lol Jen, sorry about not playing BINGO. I am going to just have too much on my plate...lol...this next week. It's a great idea and for those who are playing...Have fun!! Do worms provide protein?? LOL!!

I say AMENto that Kari!!!

KMO: I am so glad that you are back!! After chatting with you, I didn't see you on here and wondered what had happened. Thank God that they found out what was going on and treated you!! It's been a rough start, and you've been a trooper!! 10 lbs. gone....hurrah!! Concerning the water before meals, I am allowed to drink right up to my meal and actually practiced this during my pre-op time. I'm thinking as KMO stated, that maybe some docs think it could cause one to feel too full so they don't get in enough food/nutrition in the meal. It didn't affect me like that, but of course, that was pre-band. I reread my stuff and called my doc's assistant to be sure during my "practice time". Baylor Mom: So happy to hear your band is okay. Sorry about the tests and what happened after....Hang in there!! Leona06: You are doing AWESOME!! And I can bet when you start walking in New York, you are going to drop those lbs./inches like crazy!! Really curious to hear about the fill, too, when you get it! Please report. I'm a little nervous about that part!! Coach Buckley: KUDOS to you for breaking 100 lbs!! I can't wait until that day!! Seems like you are healing well and continuing to drop that weight!! EVERYONE: All of you are such a support and help to me!! I feel like I have a bunch of new friends from all over and it is so totally awesome that we are in the same boat. Thanks for the encouragement and the openness to share about your experiences. This is sooo helpful!! WE ARE SUCCEEDING WITH OUR BANDS!!!

Mine seems to be in the middle more about half way between bra line and belly button. If I drew a straight line it would be just slightly left of the midline. At least that's where I think it is. I think I can feel it...lol. Guess I'll know at my first fill!!!

You can also look into a yahoo group called mexicanbandsters. They have lists of fill doctors for most states. It's in the "files section" I believe.

Welcome to the July Band Crew!! I have not had any trouble with a bra, but I will say that I am not very big on top My port is lower closer to my incision on my waist (i think). I think that I can actually feel my port when I push in. 3 of my incisions are waist level or close and 1 is up near my bra line. I usually go braless at home and can actually get away with this outside of home depending on my top. Some people say to try a sports bra. Maybe that will be more comfortable.

First off, what kind of aftercare are you talking about? I had my band done in Mexico (about a week ago) and I feel pretty good. I have soreness around port area but from what I'm reading, that is pretty typical. I plan on returning to my doc in Mexico for my first fill which will be at least 6-8 weeks out. I do know of other docs in the area that will do fills for those banded in Mexico. When I inquired with Dr. Ortiz's Office (first doctor I looked at), they told me of a Dr. Dobson in Grand Prairie. I know of a gal who had my doc (Dr. Jose Rodriguez) and she goes to Dr. Maese for fills. My patient advocate recommends Red River Radiology in Paris for fills. She said they have never had a patient return to them with port problems, etc. I do have a copy of my report in English, my band box with serial number.

I cut up an apple yesterday and made a smoothie with it, using milk, vanilla protein powder (probably would use water next time...) and an hour or so later I was relieved of constipation. So, maybe try blending up pieces of apple, add a little water and have fresh apple juice. I don't care for prune juice, so I was happy it worked.

I am using the unjury unflavored protein powder and mixing it in my broth, jello, juices, etc. I use the flavored stuff (vanilla) to mix with fruit that I make a smoothie out of. I am getting in 60-70 grams of protein a day along with 64 oz. of water. I do not feel week at all and have actually had great energy. I am on liquids for 2 weeks, then mushies for 2 weeks. I will reorder the unflavored protein to add to some mushies too, in order to get the needed protein. That seems to be the key to energy, at least for me. Hang in there!!!

Oops, just looked at a map...guess Delaware is a bit far from Mass. If I find anything out for you, though, I'll post.

Hey, I was just banded in Acuna Mexico by Dr. Rodriguez. I don't live in Mass., but the gal with me is from Delaware and also looking for a fill doc. I will email her and see what she has found in the general area. If you have any specific questions regarding Dr. Rod (Jose), I'd be happy to help.

I think that you need to contact your doctor immediately. This does not sound normal. Please call your doctor tomorrow.

I thought this would be helpful for those of us who try and compare our weight loss with others. It was sent to me. When can you compare your weight loss to someone else? Original Text - Copyright 2005 From: "Gary E. Calhoun, Ph.D." drgary@mylapband.com When can you compare your weight loss to someone else? A lot of people post on the message boards wanting to compare their weight loss to someone else. It may be helpful to make some comparisons regarding experiences with a particular surgeon, hospital, procedure, recovery, etc. When it comes to comparing weight loss that is a very slippery slope to start down unless you can are exactly like the other person in at least all these categories... You both have the same family history regarding obesity You have both lost and regained weight since puberty in exactly the same pattern You both have exactly the same metabolic rates You both have the same history regarding activity levels You both are eating exactly the same way now and being totally honest with each other about your calorie and food intake You both have exactly the same activity level and being totally honest with each other about your current activity level You both weighed exactly the same at the time of surgery and have lost at exactly the same rate You are both the same sex Your band placement/fill/surgery is absolutely identical You both have exactly the same levels of stress in your life You both have exactly the same levels of support in your life If you can answer yes to all of these questions you might consider comparing yourselves to each other with regard to weight loss. However, be cautioned that even with all the above being identical it does not guarantee you will lose weight at exactly the same pace. Moral of the story is to concentrate on changing the behaviors you need to change, follow your Physician's orders, and take care of yourself. You will experience less frustration and enjoy the journey more if you Lose the comparing. Thought for the day, Dr. Gary Gary E. Calhoun, Ph.D. Email: drgary@mylapband.com www.mylapband.com

I am able to drink at any time before my meal, just not with my meal (when I'm eating again that is) and to wait at least 90minutes-2 hours after the meal. I started practicing this on my pre-op diet and it was fine. I think that if I'm drinking plenty of water throughout the day, I don't have a problem with this. I was pretty surprised that it was as easy as it was for me, cuz I was a big drinker with meals....almost every bite I would drink.

Congrats to you Coach!! As a fellow Michigander (now in TX), I'm glad to see that all is well!! I also am not hungry but boy those smells and watching/hearing people crunch stuff is getting too me!! I'm having "food withdrawals" big time today. But, I'm committed to getting through these 2 weeks of liquids and on to mushies. By the way, how do ya'll do with tomato soup? Have you had any problems with that? I didn't buy any cuz I though it might bother me. I agree with you Coach...can't wait to see how much we all lose...lbs. and inches!!!

Okay, I will add my two cents here...lol... First off, we didn't have to worry about protein cuz we probably were all getting adequate protein along with all the other stuff we were stuffing our faces with. (at least I know I did ) Now that we are on liquids, mushies, etc. a lot of what we are eating doesn't have the adequate protein to help our body keep muscle and burn fat. This is also a healing time for our bodies and the weightloss right now is not the most important thing. If we lose weight, great, but letting our bodies heal and taking care of the band is the most important thing. I know that I can't afford any slippage, etc. cuz I'm not following the "rules" and taking care of this "tool" inside of me. I will obey...lol!!! I have to say that 3 weeks and 12 lbs. is GREAT!!! That type of weightloss over a year would be 208 lbs.!!! From what I have read, the average weightloss is not even that high per week. Of course, this will depend on starting weight, how much one has to lose, exercise, etc. I don't like the protein shakes much either so I have bought unflavored protein from www.unjury.com and add it to my soups, jello, crystal lite, etc. I use the vanilla flavor and make smoothies with frozen or fresh fruit and they taste pretty good. You can order this online and they even have samples to try. I would also suggest you make sure you have taken your measurements from head to toe. I measured my neck, chest, breasts, waist, below waist, hips, etc. all the way to my feet. Barbara, who is the pt. advocate working with my doc had her band put in around 4-5 years ago and has lost 150 lbs. She has had her time of backsliding but is on the wagon again and has been very helpful in educating me about the band, protein requirements, measuring, etc. I'm a newbie, too, but really ready to get to a healthy weight!!! So, let's keep on going and when some of us are struggling, others can help "pick us up" and we can do the same!!! WE CAN DO THIS!!! HANG IN THERE JULY BANDSTERS!!!

Trish, The first question that I have for you is whether you are getting enough fluids and Protein in during this healing process? Next, I'm wondering if it's a fluctuation of your blood sugar that is doing this. I probably would assess this and make sure you are drinking enough fluids, getting in 60-70 grams of protein, and see how you do. I would also call the doctor's office and let them know how you are feeling. Do you have a slight fever? You might want to take your temperature. I'm no expert and just got banded on July 28, but I am feeling pretty good. I do mix in protein at least 3x a day with my liquids and am trying to drink 64 oz. min. of Water each day. I don't always get in the whole 64 oz., but pretty close. Hope this helps you out and let us know how you are doing.

Liz, I'm home now from Mexico after a stop in San Antonio. All is going well. You will do great. I'm praying for you. I tried to IM you!! Can't wait to hear how everything went.

My doctor said 2 weeks.