TamifromAL

DS and RnY are two other types of bariatric surgery. DS = Duodenal Switch, and Roux-En-Y (RnY) is the most common method of performing the gastric bypass surgery. Both involve cutting and stapling the stomach and re-routing the intestines. Tami

I'm at 1.5 right now. In mid-December, this amount was a tad too tight, and I got a .25 unfill. Then, in mid-January, I got filled back to 1.5, and it seems just right. In my opinion, if you have "some restriction", .5 cc might be too much of a jump. I'd go with .25 (or less), if you really feel like you need more restriction. Tami

This is the Quilty time of year! We all like to bundle up under a snuggly quilt when it's chilly out. So, don't feel guilty about feeling a little quilty now and then! :heh: And don't feel guilty about taking care of yourself, either. You deserve it, you need your good health to take care of others, and you might as well have some good weaponry in your arsenol before the battle of the bulge takes a toll on your health! Tami

I'm down two for the week, and exercised 6 days last week. I'm happy! Tami

Arcael, do you have a copy of the commercial yet? Post it on YouTube and share a link! Tami

I have a major scale victory....glorious ONEDERLAND! Woo Hoo! Lisalee, congrats on the running. Great idea to plan for an event like that. It's a good motivator to have something specific to train for. TruBluSue, Karey was ahead of me with the rocks idea! That's exactly what I would do. But, I also really think you should let your doc know how you feel about his policy. To me it really takes away your momentum if you can't have a fill if you lose any weight. It's like it's a punishment if you do well. Karey, glad the thermage went well. I'm going to check into it! Tami

Karey, I belong to a health & wellness center (that's where I work out). I visited the nutritionist, and she had me relax for 10" or so, then I breathed in this device for 10", and that's what gave her me RMR. There are some formulas that can give you an approximate RMR. Here's an online calculator: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/calrmr.htm According to that calculator, my RMR is 1710. So, my *actual* RMR is about 200 points higher. I believe the difference is in the percentage fat vs. lean. The more lean muscle you have, the higher your metabolism is. Let us know how the Thermage goes. Tami

Good grief, I can't keep up with ya'll these days! And here I was worried that this group was petering out a month ago or so! Mim, I can relate you the situation you're going through with your hubby. I lost about 100 lbs. 10 years or so ago, and hubby stayed the same. He definitely developed some "issues" that led to some marriage counseling. In retrospect, I realize that I did contribute to his insecurities because I was dressing more sexy and was flirting. But, it wasn't because I wanted any other man, it was just because I was celebrating the "new me" (and I've always been a flirt...it's just received differently when I'm thin vs. fat!). It's great that you guys are talking about it, because that's where we went wrong. Each of us was guessing what was going on in the other's mind, and we were way off base! This time, he's losing with me, and it's much better. We're both getting lots of positive comments from others, enjoying new clothes, and the sex is awesome! Ohh, did I just say that? But, even with the 65 or so pounds he lost, he's *still* very sensitive about his "man boobs". April, thanks for checking in with us! I'm glad to hear you've been able to maintain. When will be be getting checked again? Hope you can get a fill soon, and get your band in gear. Sandranoelle, how much fiber are you getting in? We need 25 grams of fiber for good digestion, and that can be tough on a diet that's focused primarily on protein. And make sure you drink your water! Fiber + water = poop. :nervous harlito, isn't restriction great? I love not having my every waking thought about food! Lauigee, hope you fill gets you there! I've never had the pain after a fill that you're having, though. Did they have to poke you several times, or prod you to find the port? lisalee, congrats on the running! I didn't start exercising until I was halfway to goal, but now I love it. I'm sorry that you can't eat breakfast. I know a lot of bandsters can't. But, for me, if I can't eat breakfast it's a sign that I may be too tight. I'm not saying that you are, but I hope you watch for the other signs, like PBing frequently, not being able to eat solid proteins, or having acid reflux. I had just one week when I was a little over-filled. I couldn't eat breakfast, and that put me in a "deprivation" mind-set, that led me to eating some high-calorie soft foods. Right now, though, I'm at the exact same fill level that was "too tight" a month ago, and it's perfect. Weird. I found out an interesting bit of info today. I had a Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) test today. My RMR is 1930, which means that I burn 1930 calories, if I just lay in bed all day. So, based on that figure, I can lose 3 lbs. a week while eating 1150 calories and no additional exercise. My speedy metabolism is why I've lost weight so fast. And, it means I have no excuse for being fat in the first place, except that I like to eat (and drink!) too much. I can't blame my genes, my hormones, or my metabolism, fer sure. Tami

Cory, if you continue to have those attacks, you might want to get your gallbladder checked. Here's a website with info on gallstones: http://www.nym.org/healthinfo/docs/010/doc10prevention.html Hope you've seen the last of 'em, but if not, see the doc! Tami

Sue, if you need it, you should *insist* on it! I think it's ridiculous when doctors hold to some arbitrary weight loss figure to determine whether or not you need a fill. He should be asking you questions like, "Are you able to eat solid proteins?", "Do you PB frequently?", "How long after eating do you get hungry again?", "Do you have acid reflux?" The answers to those questions more accurately tell whether or not you need a fill. I don't want to be over-filled, but to make the band do it's job, we need to have *enough* fill! Do any of you follow the comic strip "Cathy"? Lately, it's been about "portion control" as the new diet buzz word. I love it! We are on that band wagon, for sure! Here's today's comic: http://www.gocomics.com/cathy I'm down 5 lbs. this week. That brings me to -12 for the challenge. I exercised every day last week except yesterday, which brings me to 19 so far for the exercise portion of the challenge. I'm trying to progress with my exercise, and am up to 45"/day on the elliptical. Tami

Hi ya'll! It's been busy around here. I'm working on some redecorating, and organization projects. With the possibility of going back to work, I keep thinking about all the stuff that I won't have time to do with a full-time job. But, I have more energy and stamina than I've had for years, so it's all good. I swear, I feel ten years younger. Of course, it was ten years ago that I was at this weight, so it figures! You guys have been so sweet about the ticker thing. Maybe I'll put one back on when I do my weigh in tomorrow. At least one for the challenge, anyway! Val, it's great to "see" you (the avatar pic)! I wish more of you would post pics! It's nice to put a face to the name, and helps me remember who's who. Val, thanks for the smoothie idea. I'll try that. I picked up some protein powder from GNC, and so far I've just had it in coffee. I picked that idea up from another board. You mix vanilla protein powder with cold water, add it to your coffee (or expresso), and then nuke it. It's not bad. Hopefully, that will slow the hair loss. BJean, if you want, I'll be glad to share my thick hair...I'll just scoop it up off the bathroom floor, and send it your way! :confused: Mim, I'm glad to hear that your's is growing back already. I'm definitely making an appt. with the nut this week. I want to get her to check my BMR, too. I've got a "small world" story to share. I'm also a member at ObesityHelp, and post there occasionally. I'd run into this other woman who had surgery by the same surgeon as me a month after mine. So, we chatted a couple of times, but never got into our specific location until yesterday. Turns out she's in my neighborhood. How weird is that? Mariecarmen, thanks for the tip about drinking our water. I am fanatic about drinking H2O ever since I heard that eating a high protein diet combined with low water intake can lead to kidney stones. Kidney stones scare the crap outta me! I'll be checking in tomorrow, but I can tell already that it's a GOOD week. I've dropped a pound a day since my fill, and I SWEAR I'm eating! Tami

Let me give you guys the downside of losing fast. I am seriously losing some hair. I have to rake out the shower drain with my toes 2-3 times per shower, my bathroom floor looks like a hair salon with no broom, and I have to swipe my clothes with one of those sticky roll things before I leave the house. I'm shedding worse than a dog. I talked to the doc about it, and he wants me to see the nutritionist. Maybe I'm not getting in enough protein or something. Luckily, I have thick hair naturally, so it's not showing so far, but it's my best feature, and I want to keep all I can! Anybody else having this problem? Tami

Ron, thank you for clarifying that! I was raised a Christian, and married a Jew. We both live our lives as agnostics. But, I always thought that if I wanted to return to the faith, that the messiantic ministry might be a way to blend Christianity with his roots and traditions of Judaism. However, now that I know that the goal is to prostelisize to Jews, I'll take a pass! Tami

Renee, I took my ticker off my signature, because I feel bad when someone is disappointed in their own weight loss in comparison to mine. This is a very individual journey, so there are a wide variety of experiences. But, I think it's safe to say that every one of us here is in a better situation than we were a year ago! And next year at this time we'll be even healthier. :bounce: Tami Banded 9/5/06 273/204/150 :horn:

I was self-pay, and had my surgery in Birmingham, AL, for $13,900, which included a year of aftercare and fills. Even though money is a deciding factor, keep in mind that you are more likely to have a good band experience if you have good aftercare. That means being close enough to your doc so that you won't delay getting help when you need it. If you decide on surgery at a distant location, MAKE SURE you have aftercare arranged locally *before* you have your surgery. So many people struggle with finding a good doc who will do their fills, or they end up relying on a doc so far away that they either get too aggressive of fills, or they delay getting fills that are needed to make the band work. Tami

I saw my surgeon this afternoon for the first time since surgery. He seemed very pleased with my progress, and asked all kinds of questions about how *I* did it. I told him that I give credit to the band, and to the surgeon who placed it! (And eating healthy and exercising, of course.) Then, the fill nurse came in to do my fill, and asked me if I'd consider doing a commercial for them in a couple of months! *That's* the best compliment I've had since starting this process! She added .25, so I'm back up to 1.5. She said it's unusual to have restriction at this level, and even said that I should come back in two weeks, if I don't feel like it's tight enough! And here I was worried that I might be jumping the gun in getting another one now. Tami

Hi September Bandsters! I haven't checked in for a while...just busy. I'm looking for a job, too, MOM! I haven't worked outside of the home in 20 years, but my baby is 16, driving, and sure doesn't need me anymore. :think But, of course, that means I have to have clothes!! aaahhhh I don't have enough casual clothes right now, let alone career clothes. So, I've been doing some shopping (in the MISSES section!!!). Love the fact that everything is on sale right now. I went to Kohls, and got three complete 3 pc. outfits, 2 pairs of shoes, and 4 tops for my daughter and spent barely over $200.00. Can't beat that with a stick! I have been struggling lately with food, and won't post what I've eaten, 'cause I don't want anyone to think, "hmm, *that* sounds good, maybe I'll have one, too!" Let's just say, I have *not* had a good week food-wise. I'm going for a fill this afternoon. I still have mixed feelings about it, because I really do not want to get overfilled. I keep asking myself whether my hunger and poor food choices are due to my fat mind, or if it's because I need a fill. On the positive side, I have been exercising. Plus, I feel awesome in my new clothes. My daughter and I went to a mother/daughter bunco game last night with all her friends and their mom's, and people were just amazed at the difference. I was beaming all night. Oh, and better yet, I avoided the wine! I love my wine, and usually look forward to social situations like this when I can justify a glass or two. But, I stuck with my bottled water, and pushed the dishes of M & M's to the far side of the table! Hope everyone is doing well. April, how's it going since the unfill? Keep us posted. Thanks, ya'll for being here. Sandy, I agree...we need each other to lift us up when we're down, and to celebrate our successes! I love this group. You guys are an inspiration! Tami

PB = Productive Burp. Sometimes when you eat too fast, take too big of a bite, or overfill your pouch, the food comes right back up, along with a lot of slime (mucus). Nothing to be concerned about, though. Just the body's way of telling you that you overdid it! Tami

Thank you so much for posting about your experiences. I think it's important for all of us to realize that yes, you *can* regain weight with the lap band. But, the good news is that the band is still there, and when you're ready to "work" it, it will help you get back on track! Congratulations, and good luck on reaching your goals! Tami

Thanks, ya'll! Tami

I don't think that the number of fills contributes to erosion (or slippage), but being over-filled can. I understand your concern, because I also want to be fairly conservative with fills. Besides the erosion/slippage concern, I also just want to be able to eat Breakfast and not to struggle with solid foods. But, you need *enough* restriction to make the band work. So, get a fill, and if you find you can't eat breakfast, or struggle with solid Proteins, or have a problem with reflux, then get a little taken back out. It's a fine line between too much restriction and too little. And from what I understand, Jadedlady is right. Sometimes when you lose weight, you actually lose some fat that lies under the band. So, the band can loosen a bit as you lose weight. Good luck, Tami

I haven't been through that yet, but I don't doubt that I will at some point. How is your restriction level? If you feel like you have pretty good restriction (without being over-filled), then I'd say you need to look at a) your food intake; your level of exercize; or c) both! Maybe set up an appointment with a nutritionist, or join WW for a few weeks until you get going again. Or, sign up for an exercise class or get a personal trainer. You just need something *new* in your life that spurs you on. Doing the same ol' thing will just get you the same ol' results! Tami

The danger to me is due to the size of bite as much as because of the rice. If you get any kind of roll, it's very difficult to cut because of the seaweed, and it would be a mistake to pop the whole thing in your mouth like you probably would pre-band. Tami

I'll join the "0" club, too! I think I'm going to call the doc for a small tweak. The two pounds I lost week before last was at the beginning of the week, so it's been almost two weeks since the scale moved. It's no wonder, I *am* eating more. But, that's because I'm hungrier! I did exercise 4 times last week, though! I'm on track there! Tami 1/20 No Exercise B: 1 c. Kashi Go Lean Crunch; 1/2 c. 1% milk, Coffee w/ Creamora Lite and S&L L: Chick Fil-a Chicken salad sandwich (ate 1 piece of the toast), couple bites carrot raisin salad S: 2 mini Bonbell cheese rounds D: Outback: 2 gl. white wine, 4 pieces seared Ahi appetiser, chopped salad 1/21 30" Elliptical, 30" Cybex, lower body B: 1 c. Kashi w/milk; coffee L: 3 oz. teriyaki pork; 1/2 c. broccoli D: Salad with leftover teriyaki pork, almond slivers, and honey mustard dressing S: Yogurt

Hi Barbara, I can't help you with the insurance (I was self-pay), but I live in Birmingham, and just wanted to say Howdy Neighbor! Have you selected a surgeon yet? That's probably the best place to start. My doc is Dr. Miles at Medical Center East, and I highly recommend him. He was the first doc in the state to do the Lap Band surgery. They do free seminars a couple of times a month. Here's a link to their web site: http://www.alabamawls.com/index.htm Good luck with your insurance approval. If you have any questions, give me a holler! Tami