atgoalgal

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.

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.

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 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.

Firstly, I wouldn't say it's too good to be true, they still haven't found the magic bullet, where you weight vanishes with no work. But, for me, I did learn to used this tool to get to and manintain a normal healthy weight. 4 years ago, I was struggling, in the same place. This was a really hard decision for me, but I can honestly say it's one of the best decisions I ever made. Only you can decide for you and information is power, so get all the information you can, and surround yourself with people who can help. These boards are a great place to learn and gain support, but your journey will be your own, like so many things in life. You may have seen me a lot on these boards, but I don't often post about my decison process and how confused I was. I just updated my blog yesterday with "back entries" about my exploring process back in 2005/2006. You may find it helpful at Gloria's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story Let me know if it helps. Good luck with your decision. Feel free to PM me also (that applies to anyone on this thread).

Hey illuminationlady, soo glad you found "the 10 things I learned about how to use my tool" helpfful. If anyone has a better idea of what to name them, I'm all ears. I've sworn off the word "rules" for good reason! Will proabably start another thread about this with a different title... BTW- did you sign up to get automatic updates from my blog? Trying to make it easy for folks..

Hey Elfiepoo, So I'm assuming you are an east coast early riser like me?

Just like different people have trouble with different foods, I there a differences when in comes to Vitamins. Now in my 4th year, I can take just a about anything including 2 large fish oil capsules, but I DON'T recommend that for everyone, espeically early on. The practice I initially interviewed started people out in liquid forms only. The doctor I actually was banded with and who I still work with, did not have that restriction. I started out with liquid vitamins from costco. I switched to chewables - try to get samples and see what tastes ok to you. I know a lot of people use Bariatric Advantage; I like a the chewable multi from trader joes. Hope that helps.

When I started this thread, I really didn't know where it would go. 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 on this thread 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.” 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, my head coach on this Banded Living journey, 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. Many of you know I started a blog as a way of paying it forward and sharing my journey. I just did a post, inspired by this thread. You can click here to get 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 Please let me know if you find it useful.

Hey Betsy, Glad u put your picture up. It's great to have a face with the name. I've seen many of your posts lately. You offer a lot of great perspective. By the way, I've been assimilating the dialogue on this thread, and decided to blog about it. Will be posting a link later. Have a great day!

Whether or not you are allowed cream soups seems to vary by doctor. My doctor was fine with cream soups and defined a full liquid as anything that you can easily get drink thru a straw (but don't use straws - they can cause gas). So it goes without saying, but always check with your doctor. I pureed soups, and still do after a fill, and my favorite new (to me) and inexpensive product is the magic bullet. May be the only infomercial product I bought that I liked, but I love it. I bought it at costco and it came with lots of extra individual serve size containers.

Saw all the replies and hoping u went to the ER. Glad to see some RN's repsonding here. As others have said, these boards are a great pllace for support and learning whats worked for others, but you must go to your doctor with medical issues. Please let us know how u r doing after u go. It's probably hard to have a positive outlook now, but hopefully once you've taken care of the medical problem - your banded living friends can help with that part.