StevieVieth

I am a month out This friday and I still feel a good bit of restrication too, Just wondered if you did too.. Please let us know how your fill goes!

I have some restriction, its not to bad. I just wish I was at my sweet spot already. I am very active even though I hate to work out. I do a lot of at home exercises and it all gets to be the same routine. I would like to get out and join the gym, but financially right now I can not afford a gym membership. I will update again tomorrow on my first fill and how it goes also my weightloss/gain progress since one week after surgery. I hope its not bad.:cool:

Just checking in. I'm five weeks post op today. I'll try to avoid the "only" word and just say I've lost 10 pounds since surgery; mostly in the first three weeks. I can now eat normal food - and alot more than I should - so thankfully my first fill is tomorrow.

I'm trying to be honest with myself - the decision to have the procedure, the rapid process thru pre-surgery and the ensuing excitement helped me lose 30 pounds prior to the big day. I feel like I'm drifting back to old(bad) eating habits and realize that I need to work with a therapist to get around what's driving me to eat. Why would I rather eat McDonald's which I know is bad on so many levels, than a healthy meal? Why do I continue to eat Snacks rather than meals? Why do I start the day with good intentions and by late afternoon blow them out the door?

One good thing about the band is that despite only losing 10 lbs in five weeks, I have not re-gained. Now there's a ringing endorsement for my success!:cool:

Its great that you have no regained. I dont have a scale at my home so I am not sure of my weight loss. I go in for a weigh in and fill tomorrow. I can not wait to see what I have lost if I have lost anymore. I have been working out everyday and I dont know if that is enough. I want the weight to be falling off and I know that wont happen till I reach my sweet spot. I can eat more then I should be able to and when I stop eating I am hungry still. I am taking in the amount of Protein that I should be taking in, I dont know. I am not eating what I am not suppose to. I have no had bread, Pasta, or rice since before surgery and my pre op diet. I just dont know what I am doing wrong. I wish i could afford to go to the gym.:eek:

I dont think I have ever really had a problem with throwing away food. I tend to no eat leftovers anyway, it is a waste I know, but I cook something I know my husband and I will deff eat. Lately I am getting a little better with leftovers because fish is expensive and I have been eating a lot of fish in the last month.

I'm on the Nuvaring also, but I kept mine in this whole time. My doctor knows every medicine I take. I don't know. So many doctors are different.

Yeah my doctor made me stop all medications except my anxiety meds. The hospital even said they would make me take out my nuva ring. I dont know I guess everyone is just different. My period when I have the nuva ring is like 3 days and so lite. But when I was off the nuva ring after surgery the period I got before I put it back in was the WORST I have ever had. 5 days of hemorraging (sp?) pretty much cramps and everything and I have been menstrating since I was 8 and it was always the same till that one week after surgery.:thumbup:

I didnt have that problem, I had mine the week before surgery and I was on the nuva ring and it was the week it was out. the dr said to not out it in for three weeks because of blood clot risk.

I then I got my period and it was the total opposite as it was before, super heavy. But I waited till the sunday after I started my period and put my ring back and now I am back to normal.

Do you still have any restrication? Just wondering.. Good luck with your fill. Let us know how it goes..

On a TMI note...... Is everyone having normal BM's again? I am 3 weeks out, 1 week of all much regular food but on the softer side.. I am still having very runny bm's,. I havent had a Normal BM like before the surgery since the surgery.. Just wondered..

Kelsey

I do still have restriction and if I dont feel full know when to stop eating tho, or else I get stuck. As for the BM's I have had normal ones for me... I wasnt normal before surgery at all. Since surgery I have been going regularly like everyone is suppose to.

I will keep everyone posted.:thumbup:

I am still here!!!! I check in every once in awhile.. Not many conversations going on so I just keep quiet. I

I go in for my first fill on wednesday, yay! I know I can eat more then I should be able too, but Im not just cause i dont want to gain anything..

I am taking in an adequate amount of Protein and Im still hungry. Although, this morning I am actually not to hungry. I had a carnation instant Breakfast with skim milk the no sugar added kind, and Im feeling good. Ive been doing these 2 mile leslie sansone heart healthy aerobic/cardio walk.:confused:

Hope everyone is feeling this good.

It'll come off Stevie, you just started so be patient it'll come. As for the loose skin - I'm from the school of thought that it doesn't exist and over enough time and FAT loss (not weight loss, but FAT loss) skin will shrink back to it's original state.

You will have arguments for days on here regarding the topic, and people who are "know it alls" on the subject giving their "expert" opinion as if it's fact - but do your own research and draw your own conclusions and go with that, after speaking with your doctor.

Excess skin tightening usually happens 1-2 yrs post goal weight is achieved, most people are in such a hurry, they don't wait it out and go under the knife before the body can fully bounce back. However, in some cases it comes off all the same time and there's no excess skin at all (this is currently what I am personally experiencing - for those that disagree, there's no amount of writing or pixels on the screen that can argue differently - so please save your time on responding to tell me I'm wrong)

You'll do great, stay positive, compression helps and so do natural oils and massage in the stubborn areas. Keep working out, cardio is your friend.. nothing burns fat like cardio. Keep us posted on your progress! :confused:

Thanks, Iam doing lots of cardio. I actually just finished a 2 mile leslie Sansone heart healthy cardio aerobic 2 mile walk and I love the way it makes me feel afterwards.

Thakns everyone again for your input. I just have to lear that it had only been 1 month since I have been banded and I know I am just all rush rush rush.

I get my first fill on wednesday I wonder how much will get filled. Today and yesterday I have noticed I am more hungry then usual..

Im just frustrated lately.

Thanks for all of the replies and answers. I know it will take a long time to get rid of. I just hope that it is not permenant.

I was heavy when I was younger but then I was at a healthy BMI and I only weighed 120 lbs. Unfortunately that was still heavy for my height. I have never really been at a normal weight for my height. I also did the unhealthy eating disorder way of losing weight when I was still in my teens.

This is Karma's way of getting back at me. I gained 80 lbs during my pregnancy, even tho I worked all day on my feel moving around, and ate right. My son will be 2 on the 23rd of this month so it will be my 2 years being heavy.. bouncing weight from 209-180 and back. My highest weight is 209 one week before surgery, then 200 day of and 194 on my week post op.

I go in for a fill next wednesday!

Depending your your original size (high weight)- it may not go away because what you're partly dealing with is excess skin. You can lose all your excess weight, but if your skin has been stretched out (I know mine has), that will sting hang down. I've heard of people who've reached goal talking about practically "tucking it in" to their pants.

And of course the only way to get rid of excess skin is surgery. :smile2:

Also- exercises like situps and crunches don't do anything to target specific areas of body fat . (It's not possible to spot-reduce).

Sorry to be a downer!

that stinks, I am at the beginning of my weight loss and if it wasnt for my pouch, I would fit into smaller clothing.. it is getting in the way@

I am having the same problem... when you find the answer let me know... all I keep hearing is Cardio-- cardio cardio-- well I am doing that and well... it's still there.. I am 10 lbs away from goal and yes it is smaller - but still I need to get this off ! Good luck to you!

Yeah I do lots of cardio and im losing everywhere else.I just want it to go down!

I am doing everything right, working out and eating right. Getting the right amount of Protein in too. But this dang thing wont shrink. I think I am losing weight everywhere but my spare tire. I have went down in areas around my back because I have had to more the clasps on my bras tighter, my face loos alot better then it use to... Im starting to get frustrated..

I do sit ups, squats and crunches@@@!!! Anything elsee.. WHat are your remedies?:thumbup:

Hi Stevie -

I am from Tenafly in Bergen County.

Any other NJ bandsters here?

Ah I am in South Jersey. I am Mays Landing/Hamilton Twsp NJ in Atlantic County. I was banded in Atlantic city:cool2:

Hi March Bandsters,

I liked Stevie's update, so decided to do one too. I am doing great, and SO happy that I had the band placed.

Had surgery 3/5. First week lost 15 pounds on liquids. Second week on mushies lost another 5 - totalling 20. Then went onto soft food - and gained 4 pounds even though I was eating between 500-600cals/day! Two weeks, and didn't loose a pound. Then at week 4 (last Thursday) went onto a more regular diet (cals increased to about 100cal/day) and in the last few days not only lost the 4 pounds I gained but an additional 3.

I had joined a gym, but unfortunately with the problematic weather in NJ, the roof blew off the gym after week 1! Didn't like the other options in the area, so was not doing anything for 2 weeks. Finally the weather has been nice, so I bought an ipod and have been enjoying walking outside. FYI - I found a bunch of podcasts abount living with the band on itunes. They are great to listen to while walking.

How is everyone else doing? My size 32 winter clothing is not going to go into storage this year, but rather to charity :smile2:

First Fill 4/15 - I cannot wait!

BTW - this was the easiest Passover ever, since I cannot eat bread anyway! Happy Easter and Passover to all.

Cynthia:smile2:

Banded 3/5 - 350

Current Weight 4/4 - 327

Goal 180

Where in Nj are you from cynpatt? I live in south jersey and I know a lot of the weathe was terrible and buildings and streets are so messed up!!!

I decided to stop back here. I feel sometimes as if our little gourp has drifted apart because we all have our bands now as it is April. BTW Happy Easter to everyone who follows the holiday. And Hope you had a great Passover Jodi!

I still have not seen my numbers, but a friend of mine gave me a pair of new jeans that didnt fit her because my jeans are a size 15 and fall off!! The jeans she gave me were the brand Sevens, and are a size 12!!! I couldnt believe it I have not been in a size smaller then a 15 in 2 years! Im working on some of my smaller capri's for the summer. This year I do not want to be wearing goucho's nd my ugly old lady FAT clothes.

I go to the Dr for my first fill 4/14 I hope that all goes well. I havent been having much restriction, but I have been eating small portions. :smile2:

I agree. I know alli sometimes makes sense but not really its a fat blocker but if you are eating stuff that doesnt contain a lot of fat then you shouldnt have to take it... I had another friend that thought just eating like she normally does and taking Alli would make her lose weight. But then she complained she was on the toilet all day everday.. and I told her that was because she was eating high fatt foods like french fries and cheese steaks what did she expect was gonna happen..

Now I have never used phentramine or Alli but I about 5 years ago I found myself into the weight loss supplement fad... Of course I would use stackers and not eat I lost 100+ lbs but of course when I got pregnant I gained it back.

Since I have been banded I eat 2 small meals lunch and dinner, and in the morning I drink a no sugar added carnation instant Breakfast. I am onlt one month out so I am doing either 30 high intense cardo workout called cardioke... or I do Leslie sansones heart healthy 2 mile brisk walk.:bored:

Buy a scale and a tape measure - sometimes the latter is a better indicator than the scale. Forget drugs.

Haha I know to forget the drugs.. I have never taken them before or after being banded.. Didnt you read my second post?? I am worried a friend may be abusing them while being banded.

And I prefer not to buy a scale... I dont want to jump on it everyday.:bored:

I wasnt talking about me. I have no interest in taking over the counter or even prescription drugs. I was wondering if was safe for my friend..

Se before the band she had to do the 7 month diet and she didnt eat right or exercise... SHe actually gained 20 lbs so she would qualify to be banded by our insurance. And she is rather lazy if you dont mind me saying so.

I am not here to bash her ways but I wanted to know if these drugs we safe for her to be taking them.. SHe thought that with the band she was gonna drop 50 lbs in the first month without diet and exercise...

Its really sad tho, because here I am busting my hum working out and eating right.. And she keeps asking me how am I doing it and she isnt ...

A friend of mine was banded and she uses these diet aides to try and thin out. I dont know if they work or are they safe to take with the band,I am one month post op as of yesterday and I couldnt tell you my progress. My first fill is 4/14 and I dont own a scale at home!:bored:

Hi everyone..good evening,

Hope Everyone is doing well. Its been a rough week. Its passover...ive had the seders here and company all week. Ive been cooking and cooking and cooking. I havent tasted anything which is really hard however time tested recipes have always pursued so....I didnt deviate and even so everything was yummy....heresay of course. I have to say the only thing that really got me...was the pot roast made with brisket. That tempted me...maybe the chicken Soup which after skimming I did taste. I could of had some of that but Im so sick of broth after the first two weeks post surgery!

Hi..yes it is frsutrating but be patient....youl start to feel better soon...probably by this post allready!

The bloating is not Water its gas. When you have surgery in the stomach they blow air in it to be able to get done what they done which is why we feel the gas pains all over for about a week or so after. It took me about a week to feel like I lost the bloating but still was swollen for a long time...until this past week. Good luck...it will come soon enough.

GingerJane:

I dont have a scale in the house because I know id be checking every day but the surgeon said not to check everyday...once a week is fine..and even then no need if I come to see him every month. I prefer weekly. scales are also different yours might be not showing the same as the doctors which probably is exact and yours may not be. If you are following the diet and the doctors instructions you should be lossing just fine. Give it at least a week. Because of all the gas and bloating you might not see it on the scale...also well if you havent gone to the bathroom yet a BM....this may also cause the scale not to move.

At your post op apt. which should have been a week or so I bet you will see that you lost a lot!!!

Stevie and Monica,

Glad you are both doing so well. I read in both your posts that you are excersizing allready?? I was told not to do any exercise or lifting anything over 8 pds. for a month just to walk and walk and walk and walk! Why do feel like the only one who is concerned for no reason as to ripping the stiches or hemoraging?

Yes. Everyone isnt it great that the clothes are starting to fit better and we allready in need of a slightely smaller size??

Yes, thrift stores are deff in order. I am lucky enough to have been involved with an organization that collects clothing in my area. I bring all the clothing that is collected to the houses that house them and organize them before people come and look at them and take what they want.

The clothes are all amazing!! From the richest of the rich and I get to take what I want whenever I see something I like.

I get first choice, sooooo at the end of this month Ill start getting rid of what I have now..and take what I want and there is plenty and then every month Ill bring back what I took and take new stuff each month. Sometimes it pays to do volenteer!!

Feeling really good. Havent weighed myself since last week so dont know if I lost any more weight but certainly my clothes have gotten looser.

Have a great night everyone.

Happy Passover and easter

JOdi, I was told to walk for the beging, but after two weeks I was told to work out as tolerated. So far it is going awesome!!! 30 minutes of intense cardio or 2 mile areobic?cardio walking.:frown:

Hey Stevie... I am doing better, NEver called the doctor about the fever, I am a paramedic and nothing seems wrong to me other than that i was catching a cold so i think i just had a fever cause of that..

Today is my 2nd day back, I am hanging in there, I wish i could have taken this week off too, but I think its good for me to go back to work and get moving, I will be fine..

My biggest issue today is i have cold, everytime i cough I am in a huge amount of pain.. its no fun but I am sure i will get over this "hill" soon :smile2:

Thanks for checkin on me.. Have you had your first fill? or when is it?

Yes, moving is better. I actually get my first fill April 14th due to the Doc being away this and next week because of Easter coming up this weekend.

I have noticed clothing becoming not tight anymore. I wore pants and shirts that I would steer clear of because they were tight. My husband commented that he was proud of me for working out 5 or 6 days a week, and eating right. He also pointed out that he could see my weightloss. But because we do not have a scale at home, I do not know my weightloss by number, only by how clothes are fitting me now.:frown:

The March one was great! They cooked quinoa polenta for us. Mmmm! They mentioned no more overnights and no more swallow tests at the support group. I'm so thankful that I got to stay overnight. I needed it -- I was nauseous and glad I had the nurses there to help me.

I live in western Atlantic County, yep. :frown:

I couldnt make it to the March one, I wouldnt have been able to eat it anyway. Plus I HATE polenta! But Ill will be at the april one. It is awesome to find a fellow Dr. O patient. If you are at the next one I will see you there!

Dr. O is my surgeon, too. Just love him and his staff. :frown: Do you go to the support group? When was your surgery?

I was banded 3/2 I love Dr. O and Lauri and Lisa. EVERYONE. haha I go in for my first fill 4/14. I was Dr. O's last patient to be banded and have to stay over night, as well as have the swallow test in the morning. I do go to the support groups, however I didnt go to the March one I will be there the April group. Thats cool that you were banded by him as well. Do you live in Atlantic county? I live like 5 minutes from the life center.

I went to MyVirtualModel.com and put the information in for my highest weight. I did a screen capture (PrtSc button), and then pasted it in a photo program I use called IrfanView (because it is free, easy to use, and has the "panorama image" feature -- URL is IrfanView.com to download) and saved the file, calling it filename High. Then I went back to MyVirtualModel.com and entered my current weight in the model's information. I did another screen capture and pasted it in my photo program and saved the file, calling it Current. Again, back to MyVirtualModel.com and entered my goal weight on the model. Screen Capture, paste in photo program, save file, calling it Goal. Then! I went into IrfanView's Create a Panorama Image under the Image menu. I selected all three files (High, Current, Goal) in that order horizontally. Save the file! Then I added it to my LBT album, and took the URL and added the pic in my signature using that URL.

How's that?! :-)

Hey Sawyer where in south Jersey did you have your surgery done? I had it done in AC by Dr. Onopchenko. I have the 5 incisions 4 tiny ones and my port incision