pumpkin5

I'm staying plan today because it gets me closer to goal.

Better late than never. I'm 1 year 2.5 months out since my procedure. Basically I've confirmed for myself that the band does about 50% of the work during the first year. During the second year I realize I will have to do 80% of the work. I need to keep a handle on the bad habits that I've had all of my life and re-visit the 10 important rules every bandster should follow. They're posted somewhere on here - I printed them out and posted them in my office. I'm struggling with self-control - it started over the holidays and right now I'm really, really determined to start following the rules for success. I don't see my surgeon until March '08. I panick and think I need another fill, but then I realize I do have restriction if I eat my Protein first. . .(one of the rules).

Most people have hang ups about our bodies and we project our issues on to others. I know I've done it. I feel competitive with other females in the work place that are losing weight. I sometimes think that people that say nice things aren't sincere. Also people that try to tell me not to eat too much make me mad. I also think that all of this is normal - I try to be nice to myself and remember I'm just a mere human trying to figure things out as I go.

Thanks all for sharing. Pre-band, it was during this time of year that I would lose myself. Unfortunately, now I have the band I again feel lost. I'm scared about the weight I've put on during the holidays. I didn't just allow myself one day. I've been messing up for at least a couple of weeks. Thanks for sharing. I'm contemplating getting a fill, so I can get a grip on reality. Take care everyone.

Hi, I forget to ask for liquid meds all the time. It's usually after I've picked them up and taking my first dosage. Typically an antibiotic or decongestant, but I always call my doctor to ensure that breaking, splitting or crushing the pill doesn't alter the effects of it. Don't ever feel that a question is stupid. It's your body! Call your doc!

I have lots of lose skin. The skin looks strange - I think part of it is because I had a hysterectomy 5 months prior to the lapband procedure. The hormonal changes and the fact that I've been obese most of my life have contributed to the condition of my skin. My skin has no elasticity to it and is just shriveling up to match the smaller frame underneat. It's creepy - almost like melted plastic. I waiver on the plastic surgery . . .part of me wonders why I need to do it, the other says I'm only 46 and could have a long time to enjoy the freedom comes with being comfortable in my skin. I'll have to choose between a regular vehicle and a luxury vehicle to pay for my surgery. I'm selfish, so I want both. I still have time to ponder this too. Congratulations to all that are still losing and especially those that are maintaining!

Congratulations. You look great. How is it psychologically to not have stuff (skin) hanging? It's probably too soon to tell? I've read a lot of your posts and have learned a lot! Can't remember if you did your arms too? They appear so firm!

I think I'm developing some bad habits. Mid-November my band seemed to be working just fine. Now I think I've developed the snacking habit. Violating one of the rules I know. I'm fearful that I will sink into my old habits and regain my weight. Here is where I must "choose" to the right thing and where my band can't help me. If I only follow the rules I'm fine. Why can't I follow the rules right now? I read about how everyone has good restriction - maybe I need to get my next fill sooner, rather than later. Thoughts?

Happy Birthday. You're worth it! Stay Focussed.

I experienced shoulder pain with my meals for approximately 4 months post op. I was told that it is part of healing. There is a nerve near the stomach that sends pain towards the left shoulder. I ate small bites, chewed thoroughly etc., too. Walking or standing helped me with the pain.

You should wait 1 hour to drink liquids after meals. If you don't then the food is washed from the pouch and thus defeats the band's purpose, i.e., keep the food in the pouch to avoid the hungry sensation

Wow, this is a great question. I hope an experienced bandster replies soon. I've had 4 fills, and have an appointment on Thursday with my surgeon to determine if I should have another. Last time I saw him I was told that was should be near my "sweet spot." Since my last fill I'm not able to eat any solids before 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning. Liquids are fine, so I have a protein drink in the mornings. I take very small bites of food and chew very, very well. When I do this, I do not have problems with PB'g. Sweet spot is also determined by the amount of weight a bandster loses. I've probably lost an average of 1 lb a week since my last fill. One more thing, after a fill I am on liquids for 24 hours. Your doctor doesn't require that? Maybe you tried to eat solids too soon after a fill? I'm glad to read the other posts that indicate we should be able to drink liquids with no problems. I've always worried about if I'm drinking water to fast.

I've been meaning to ask my doctor why we need fills? We get a fill and then feel restriction, then by the time it is time for another fill, we begin feeling hungry sooner? Which implies that the passage way between the stoma and stomach gets increases in size? I don't get it yet.

Hi, I have CIGNO HMO TX. I pay $15 for each co-pay. What was wonderful about my CIGNA coverage is that there was no out of pocket expensive for pre-op or surgery. I met all of the criteria required by CIGNA. Which include more than 5 years of medically documented weight loss attempts, etc. I was documenting all the steps I went through during my approval process. See below - I cut this from one of my previous posts. 8/9 PCP Begins Referral Process to Lap Band Surgeon 8/10 Sign PCP Medical Record Release 8/11 PCP advises referral to surgeon ready and provides me with the telephone number to call for appointment. 8/14 Darla takes intake form at Surgeon's office, someone else will call me back. 8/15 PCP Medical Records Released 9/1 Psych _Eval 9/5 Med History Review (find out I need a consultation with a nutritionist (MD) and need a stress test and heart sonogram, and blood work drawn and results). 9/5 Called to schedule the stress test and heart sonogram. Scheduled for 9/8. 9/5 Request for nutritionist referral from PCP (could take 1-5 days) 9/5 PCP calls with name of nutritionist. I call to make an appt, but can't until CIGNA approves, may take 5 days. 9/11 Nutritionist calls to advise that CIGNA approved the request. Can't be seen until 9/26. 9/5 PFT at PCP Office, and request for x-ray results 9/6 PFT Results and CXray results pick-up 9/8 Stress Test and Echo sonogram done at Cardiologist office. 9/11 Stress Test and Echo sonogram results rec'd by Surgeon. 9/113 & 9/14 check with Nutritionist for cancellations in order to get seen sooner than 9/26. No openings. 9/24 Get blood work drawn at PCP office. 9/26 Nutritional Consultation appointment scheduled. 10/2 Nutritionist consultation report. 10/4 Bloodwork results.

I too was ill prepared for the post-op experience! If you watch the lapband infomerical some of the patients say they went to back the next day! I felt terrible even 7 days out. Just relax, take your pain medicine, remember to use your ice pack on your port incision (biggest incision), heating pad for the left shoulder pain. I couldn't sleep in a bed for over a week. Needed a chair next to my bed for leverage once I did go back to my bed. Drink Water and your Protein, protein, protein. Pray - breathe in the through your nose and out through your mouth. Rest.