atgoalgal

I really agree with elcee and others on this thread. Hang in there. Tjis really is a journey, and for me much of the journey was learning to use my tool. I've posted this before elsewhere, but thought I'd share here. I'm in my 4th year and have been maintaining 100% EWL. It is important to look at what you are eating and how long you are eating for. That being said, it took me a long time to get to my sweet spot It was frustrating, but I really learned to use my band along the way, and I did get there - and I will still get a small fill when I think I need it. I am one of those people who is sensitive to a small amount of Fluid, so adding a few drops was the difference between a good fill and being hungry for me. (it was a good thing that the cost of all my fills was included in my surgeon's one-time fee; I was cash pay) I think its and art and a science. I also found that it's super important to be able to describe what u feel to your doctor. Here are some things to talk about - how much dense Protein (and I don't mean yogurt or cottage cheese) can you comfortably eat in one 20 minute sitting (no food lube) and 2) how long since your last meal do you go until you start feeling really hungry - and that doesn't mean you passed a Taco Bell sign. Anyone who wants more on this, I actually put together a powerpoint slide to talk about it with my surgeon. I'm happy to email it to you if you PM me with an email address. Don't know how to post a powerpoint here. Yes, for those who are asking, I'll eventually, lpost it on my blog, but I haven't gotten there yet...

I would defintely call your doctor. It's always important to calll when something doesn't seem right. Let us know.

I wasn't on this thread yesterday, so it seems like I've missed a lot. There is something very special going on here! Trying to keep up with everyone Bob-Glad you're feeling better. I married one of those guys who would never grow up and I wouldn't have it any other way. Jen-love how you handled the subs at work. You go girl! Illuminationlady - didn't realize your daughter was in the process. She's going to be so lucky to have your support. Cocoa - How's the blood sugar. That butter sounds like a lucky dog. liz - my kids are still only 8 and 10, and I know the day is coming. still praying for the magic bullet to prevent peanut brain, just like I was waiting for the magic bullet to my weight problems...about those rolls, my doctor alwyas says its not about counting calories, it's about knowing, so now you know; so cool how you are accountable. Betsy - thinking about you and Mark; glad he is home. I'm amazed at your eloquence and grace when you talk about what you are dealing with. Also good for you, that you are making sure you try to take care of your self. Still saying prayers. Leigha - thanks again for starting this thread. My husband gets kind of tired heraing about my weight loss, how much I love my band....and he's been listening to it for 3 1/2 years. He also shared with me recently that he missed some of the attention that was focused elsewhere. He's said he always loved me and always found me sexy, but...wanted to share that today is our 15th anniversary, we've been together 25, and he's loves his new wife.....It doesn't get any better than that. Feeling very grateful. Sorry if I missed anyone. Have a great day!

I have a very similar experience as HeatherR and cocabean. Stuck hurts! I'm miserable until something comes back up. Full is a sensation of ok, I've had enough, it's definitely not that, I've got to unbuttom my pants full ( I think because I get i get "full" using only the small upper portion of my stomach) - I also call that satisified. I find that I have a soft stop - that feeling of satisfied, then if I eat more maybe a sniffle, hiccup or runny nose, if I continue to eat it will progress to discomfort and then overfill which can result in and experience similar to being stuck. Over the years I focus on trying to stop at satisified; it's definitely a learning process for me.

I think you make a fair point, white meat chicken has never been a problem for me, but I know it can be for some people. You might try another solid dense Protein, but cottage cheese or yogurt are probably not good indicators. I'm not saying that it should be easy, I'm suggesting that it may help you describe what how much solid food you are easily able to eat in order for you and your doctor to have a dialogue. Does this make sense?

How is Mark, and how are you holding up. Continuing to send thoughts and prayers your way.

I posted this, or some of this on another thread and wanted to share here... If it's any consolation, it took me a long time to get to my sweet spot It was frustrating, but I really learned to use my band along the way - like eating more dense and fibrous foods when I'm feeling less restricted. I did get to my sweet spot - and I will still get a small fill when I think I need it. I am one of those people who is sensitive to a small amount of Fluid, so adding a few drops was the difference between a good fill and being hungry for me. (it was a good thing that the cost of all my fills was included in my surgeon's one-time fee; I was cash pay) I think its an art and a science. I also found that it's super important to be able to describe what u feel to your doctor. Here are some things I would talk about - how much plain white meat chicken can you comfortably eat in one 20 minute sitting (no food lube) and 2) how long since your last meal do you go until you start feeling really hungry - and that doesn't mean you passed a Taco Bell sign - and it smells good... I actually put together a powerpoint slide to talk about it with my surgeon. I'm happy to email it to you if you PM me with an email address (Illuminationlady, I promise to dig it out and send it later) Don't think I can post a powerpoint here. Yes, for those who are asking, I'll eventually, post it on my blog, but I haven't gotten there yet... Now about leaks, they are very, very rare (yes, been there, done that too, wasn't a big deal, once it was fixed). If your doc can pull out most of the fluid in your band you don't have a leak. I thinkwwe worry about that too much and I think it was my way of handling fear that I would fail again. So I had a leak, it's rare, it was easily fixed and I lost all my weight and am maintaining. Hope this helps!

OK, I've sworn off the word "rule" (you'll know why if you saw the thread I started - do you break the rules?http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f178/banded-living-do-you-bend-rules-110679/ ) At any rate, it is really important to understand how the band works, here's how I picture it, imagine a funnel, the narrow part of the funnel is where your band is. If you liquify what's in the funnel it will slide through faster, and it will limit the bands ability to help us with Portion Control and satiety. That is why we are not supposed to drink with our bands. That being said, my surgeon does not discourage, sipping an occasionall glass of wine with dinner. Notice the words sip and occasional. But when I do sip an occasional glass of wine with dinner, I take accountability and understand the trade-off I'm making. Does this help?

J'smom and others in search of a good fill. If it's any consolation, it took me a long time to get to my sweet spot It was frustrating, but I really learned to use my band along the way, and I did get there - and I will still get a small fill when I think I need it. I am one of those people who is sensitive to a small amount of Fluid, so adding a few drops was the difference between a good fill and being hungry for me. (it was a good thing that the cost of all my fills was included in my surgeon's one-time fee; I was cash pay) I think its and art and a science. I also found that it's super important to be able to describe what u feel to your doctor. Here are some things to talks about - how much plain white meat chicken can you comfortably eat in one 20 minute sitting (no food lube) and 2) how long since your last meal do you go until you start feeling really hungry - and that doesn't mean you passed a Taco Bell sign. Anyone who wants more on this, I actually put together a powerpoint slide to talk about it with my surgeon. I'm happy to email it to you if you PM me with an email address. Don't think I can post a powerpoint here. Yes, for those who are asking, I'll eventually, lpost it on my blog, but I haven't gotten there yet... illuminationlady - would be interested to hear some of the tips you picked up at support group. I'm always eager to add to my bag of tricks to continue to maintain.

Can't believe we are hearing from you already! Thanks for posting so quickly - I guess your official now!!

Betsy, You, Mark and your family are in our prayers. You have such a great outlook and give so much to so many of us here. I'm glad your daughter can be with you. Unfortunately I know the drill, growing up my dad had a similar history (excluding he diabetic componenet), so I understand a little of what you are going thru, and my heart sank when u say this one feels different. My husband, Tom, will be sending thoughts and prayers your way too.

The sign up box is on the right hand side of my blog page, just below my before and after pictures, just type in your name and email address. BTW, I really appreciate the feedback; we are going to change the sign up box to make it easier - you're defintely not the first person who wanted to sign up and couldn't figure out how.

Sound like you are working hard to find what works for you, and you're getting results. Good for you. :w00t: It may get harder and you get closer to your goal. That is what happened to me. At that point I stalled and had a decision to make. I blogged about that to - if you're interested here's the link //http://www.gloriasbandedliving.com/transforming-002-maintaining-002-my-lap-band%c2%ae-journey-results-not-typical/ Good luck on your journey!

Thanks for taking the time to look and comment. I'm really interested in feedback from people wherever you are in your journey. I also help you found some ideas that can be useful in helping you reach your goals, the way you need to. Please stay in touch.

I recently started a thread on this board about the rules of the band. It turned into a passionate debate, and a huge source of inspiration for me. The manufacturers of the bands have "rules" or "tips" posted on their sites.What I learned from my fellow members of the banded living community is that: 1) a lot of us don’t like "rules" because we’ve tried them before and frankly they didn’t work as a way of life, and -- 2) we are all different, and we need to work hard to find what works "for me." So here I am, in my fourth year, and maintaining a normal healthy weight and in the best shape of my life. I devote a lot of time and energy to paying it forward. I mentor lots of folks, some of who are frustrated or struggling and trying to figure out how to get the most out of their tool. My doctor, reminds me over and over again, that it’s a tool, and I need to work it. I shouldn’t expect "it" to do anything. (A screwdriver can’t remove a screw unless you turn it.) I have to work it to get the results I want – and for me that was more than the average 50% Excess Weight Loss. My band helps me with portion control, controls my hunger and leaves me with a feeling of satiety when I work it. I would really appreciate, if everyone reading this thread would follow this link to the 10 things I learned about how to use my tool: http://www.gloriasbandedliving.com/transforming-003-maintaining-004-getting-the-most-from-my-lap-band%c2%ae-how-i-learned-to-use-my-tool/, and answer 3 questions: 1) Which of the things I've learned about how to use my tool work for you? 2) Which don't work for you? 3) Is there anything on this list that your surgeon would object to? Thanks for taking the time to help me pay it forward.

Hi Juliansmom, another east coast early riser on this thread. I've never done zumba, although I work out every day,and see a trainer. I'm thinking it may be fun - and wondering if it's something my 10 year old daughter would have fun doing with me (always looking for opportunities to have good clean fun with my kids - that was one of my motivations for surgery). Please let me know if you like the set, and if you think it would be fun to do with a 10 year old. BTW, to those who started and are keeping this thread going, I love seeing the great attitude on this board. I look forward to seeing what's posted.

Each practice has somewhat different protocolsfor post op diet, based on what they've seen in their patient populations. It's always wise to follow your doctor's instructions - you chose your practice, but never be afraid to ask questions of your doctor, and his/her stafff. I would ask is if there is any period of clear liquids required, just to be sure. Were you given written post-op instructions? Regarding in-patient and outpatient. What I've learned is that most (NOT ALL), patients can be safely banded in an outpatient setting and some find it more comfortable and less stressful. Most large insurance companies require in-hospital, often a center of excellence. I was banded in the hospital, before my surgeon started doing bands in a surgery center. I know lots of people who were very happy with their surgery center decisions, but I think most if not all were cash pay.

Thanks for the feedback. I should probably think about what I mean when I say "I stay close to my surgeon", what I really mean is is stay close to my surgeon and his practice - aftercare is critically important.

btrieger, Been seeing you a lot on these boards. I also spent a lot of time exploring/preparing before actually having the surgery, but I must admit I lurked on the boards back then rather than posting. I was so far in the closet about my surgery that I wouldn't post (LOL). Just wanted to wish you good luck tomorrow - I think I feel bad for that niece of yours...

I would really appreciate if you could follow the link on the thread started, and answer the 3 questions. Thanks and congratulations!

Thanks for letting my know Betsy. It should work now. I'd really appreciate your feedback as always. You bring so much to this community!

I started a thread about the rules of the band. It turned into a passionate debate, and a huge source of inspiration for me. The manufacturers of the bands have "rules" or "tips" posted on their sites.What I learned from my fellow members of the banded living community is that: 1) a lot of us don’t like "rules" because we’ve tried them before and frankly they didn’t work as a way of life, and 2) we are all different, and we need to work hard to find what works "for me." So here I am, in my fourth year, and maintaining a normal healthy weight and in the best shape of my life. I devote a lot of time and energy to paying it forward. I mentor lots of folks, some of who are frustrated or struggling and trying to figure out how to get the most out of their tool. My doctor, reminds me over and over again, that it’s a tool, and I need to work it. I shouldn’t expect "it" to do anything. (A screwdriver can’t remove a screw unless you turn it.) I have to work it to get the results I want – and for me that was more than the average 50% Excess Weight Loss. My band helps me with portion control, controls my hunger and leaves me with a feeling of satiety when I work it. I would really appreciate, if everyone reading this thread would follow this link to the 10 things I learned about how to use my tool: Transforming #003, Maintaining #004, Getting the Most from My Lap-Band®: How I Learned to Use My Tool Let me know if the things I've learned will help you on your jouney.

Hi Elfiepoo, I didn't realize what you were going thru with the pain issues when I posted to you this am. Just wanted to send good wishes your way. I hope you are finding some relief.