PitPat

Very! Like someone else above, I can't eat in the mornings. Just drink coffee until about 11am. And it depends on the day; some days I get stuck on everything (even if it's foods I usually eat with no issues), other days it seems like literally there's no band there. I've had four fills and 2 defills....I'm not sure now if I need another fill or not. Evenings I'm very loose, mornings I'm very tight. This is more difficult than I thought it would be!

I agree, this is harder than I thought, too! I was banded in October 2010. I lost 40 lbs. by December 2011. I went in for a fill and it was way too much, so I had it removed. now, I have gained back 20 lbs. and I am just sick about it. I am wondering if I have it all removed and start over would it help. Has anyone ever had this problem? I really need some advice. Thanks!

You might try Slim Fast. I love chocolate and their chocolate is very good. Walmart's brand (Equate) chocolate is good too. I wish you the best! Blessings, PitPat:rolleyes:

I was banded October 29th and had my first follow up appointment on November 12th. I have lost 14 lbs so far (as of the 12th) and while I should be happy with that, so many people on here lost so much more. I am trying hard not to compare my experience with other peoples experiences, but it is a little disappointing when I know that I didn't cheat at all and I am still continuing as directed. I can start exercising on Friday (19th) which I am actually looking forward to. Me next appointment is December 10th and I hoping to be down at least 30lbs total by then. We will see. How is everyone else doing on their journey?

Texasdream, don't worry too much about your weight loss. I was banded on10/18 and I have only lost 21 lbs.. It was discouraging until I realized that's not too bad and it's not going away overnite (but I wish). I've not been able to walk like I should and that is a disadvantage. So, if you're not walking, and you can, get out and walk a little every day until you can work up to about an hour. Take care. Blessings, PitPat

Pit Pat right don't worry about anyone but you right now What you think is what matters. It is your journey and believe me it is a wonderful trip if you stop the mind games :thumbdown:and the second thinking about other people. I was banded Oct 20, 2010 and go in next week for my first fill. I do have a scale and at first I was on and off it alot now the new has wore off and once a week after a shower I get on and take a look it is always Good News, Not to say I only shower once a week!!!LOL I have lost 10 pounds from surgery from 275.5 to 265.5 in 3 weeks :biggrin:and I have eaten thing that were not on my diet, LOL chips, M&M, pizza, diet coke from sonic. But that was just to make me feel normal, I think I didn't make a meal out of anything "Bad" I know what I have to do and each week it is getting easier, It is hard to teach an old Dog New Tricks or Traites of how to eat. I am sorry to rabble:tt2: on so But just hang in there and Now that next Year is going to be wonderful and keep that in your head everyday you have a bright future God Bless :thumbup:Cherie Arkansas Band Land[/quote

Thank you for the encouraging words...I needed that! It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. I had a bad weekend. I wanted to eat everything I could get in my mouth. Now, that's bad!! I am a lot better now. Back on schedule now. Thank you again for your words of encouragement. Blessings, PitPat

If we could control our appetites and lose weight without a fill we wouldn't have needed the lap-band®. My Dr. says not to worry about losing between surgery and 1st fill (6wks), but to take the time to heal. You'll lose once you get your fill. Be gentle with yourself.

I think of you so often. And you are in my prayers and I send you blessings.

I'm glad to know I'm not alone. Some days are really bad. I want to eat anything and everything. I will be glad to get the fill on 12/1(6 wks. 2 days). Going through the holidays is going to be tough.

I started keeping my great-grandson today. I didn't have time to eat. It has been so many years since I had a little one around. I love it but it lets me know my age. How sad:frown:.

Take care and let me hear from you soon.

Blessings,

Pat

I was banded October 29th and have my first post-op appointment on November 12. I have no idea how much weight (if any) I have lost as I do not own a scale nor do I intend to buy one. Natural fluctuation of weight can be very discouraging so I would rather just be weighed by my doctor at appointments. I have had a few people already tell me I look like I am losing weight which is wonderful because they don't know I was banded. I have kept that information to myself as I feel somewhat ashamed that I had to be "surgically altered" to lose weight. I make this statement as no relfection on anyone but myself, but I wonder if anyone else is ashamed as well. At the end of the day I just want to feel comfortable in my own skin and I don't want people making comments about how getting banded is cheating. I didn't realize until I started researching it that there was MORE work to be done and MORE restrictions in our diets with LAP-BAND® than with just dieting. I hardly think it's cheating but I am concerned about people being judgemental. Does anyone feel the same way?:w00t:

Congratulations on being banded!:crying: Don't worry about what people think, or say. We all know that if we could have lost the weight on our own, we would have. If someone mentions about you have lost weight, just tell them, "thank you. I'm trying".

Keep us informed on your weight loss. We're all in this together.

Blessings,

PitPat:smile2:

Glad to hear surgery went well. Walking helps the gas pains. I'm spinning my wheels here feeling better but with no fill having trouble maintaining diet (which is why I had the LAP-BAND®®) and having some real down moods and can't get exercising. 3 more weeks until my first fill. Can't wait to get my ticker moving again.

Hello! I totally understand about trying to stay on the diet. I won't have my first fill until 12/1! The upcoming holidays are messing up their scheduling. The nurse said that it was normal to go four to six weeks before a fill. Maybe for her but I feel like I need one before then. Oh, well, I can't do anything about it but fume.

I can't walk either. I twisted my knee and then ran into something in the middle of the night and really messed it up. Thankfully my orthopedic doctor's nurse is working me in tomorrow. If it's not one thing, it's another. But, it could be worse.

Take care ad let me hear from you.

Blessings,

Pat:smile2:

Well my surgery went well! I am now 2 weeks post op. Ive lost and then gained and then lost and then gained. I now had my daughter hide the scale and told her she was not allowed to tell me where for at least a week. I have struggled some, have had awful pain-mostly because i didnt "want" to have to take pains meds- stupid...[please take ur meds!]

Through it all, I have no regrets! Im ready to get the show on the road!

Good luck to those of you still waiting for your surgeries this month! You will do amazing! The surgery is a breeze! And all the liquids will be worth it in the end!!!!

I am sorry that you gained, lost, gained, lost but it did make me feel better. I gained on the pre op diet! :smile: I had not been eating that many calories for about 3 weeks, so I had lost about 10 lbs.. And then....gained it back, then 2 more. Mad? Yep! I was. One week and one day out from surgery and I have lost 20 lbs.! Whoohoo!!!

Do take your pain meds. I find that if I do a lot during the day, I still need it at bedtime.

Take care and when you "find" your scales, I hope the number has dropped dramatically!:thumbup:

Blessings,

PitPat

Hi. Me too. Wednesday. Check n on each other!!! Good luck us!

Wishing, you both, the very best tomorrow. I will have you in my prayers.

Just think....This time next week it will be a different world you live in! :thumbup:

Blessings,

PitPat

Hey BigGerr and PitPat are you still posting on this site? How are you doing?:smile2:

Hello! I have been looking for you. I am doing good! Finally feel better. All the swelling has not gone yet. But it is a lot better than it was. I've twisted my knee and can't walk as much as I would like. How are you doing? :blushing:

I'm a guy too. Thanks to my band I can look down and know this immediately without having to find a mirror or ask a stranger what is between my legs.

The best way to get unstuck is to try and not get stuck in the first place.

It will happen but we all need to pay attention and keep the occurrences down.

Sorry if I mislead you...I AM NOT A GUY. I am a lady and I was trying to be nice and pass on a tip when food does get stuck.

Surgery on MONDAY!!! I have finally resigned myself to the liquid diet and I don't feel like I am dying. I have lost a few lbs!

YAH!!! I'm glad you feel better about the liquid diet. After a certain time, you just accept it for what it is. Keep me informed and up to date and if you want to call me, that will be fine. I will have you in my prayers. :thumbup:

I feel better today than I have most of the week. That is a good thing! Not as sore...but still some swelling :sleep:. But hey....It's all good.

Blessings,

Pat

Well, I have 3 more days to go until surgery. Don't know what I'm feeling. A mix of everything. I had my final pre-op appt with the anethesiologist (sp) so everything is good to go. Just wish the family was more supportive. Just hoping to get through Monday without any problems.

Thanks to this board, I was able to get lots of info from reading a lot of posts.

Maybe I'll post Monday and tell you all how it went.

We all know how you feel. If you feel comfortable with the surgery, knowing that it is for your better health, try not to listen to the negative talk of others. I know it's hard because my children didn't want me to have it. But I know without a shadow of a doubt, that I will be in better health a few months down the road!

This is a great sight to learn from. Everyone is very supportive and compassionate. Ask any question and someone will be able to answer you.

Take care. Blessings, PitPat:wink:

Cherie, I'm so happy everything went so well for you! You have a wonderful outlook on things. Keep us posted on your progress.

Blessings,

PitPat (Pat)

Thank you, PitPat :w00t:

I do feel better today, but I think it's going to still be a little rough as far as keeping anything substantial down.

Last night, I was feeling pretty poorly, so I didn't think to tell you guys the good part.

When they took my vitals yesterday, they were better than they had been in a long time.

My blood pressure was actually good instead of high, 108/62

and my pulse was down to 88.

My pulse hasn't been below a hundred in almost ten years!

Praise the Lord!! That is wonderful news! You continue to be in my prayers. I will be "listening" for more good news from you. I'm sorry that you are feeling so bad and I do hope you get better in the coming days. As they told me today, "It will take two to three weeks to feel "like me".

Take care of yourself and keep us posted.

Blessings, Pat :thumbup:

How is everyone doing?

I just had my first fill today and I am miserable.

Hopefully, I'll be able to keep some liquids down by tomorrow.

I do hope that you will feel better tomorrow. I didn't realize that the fills would make you feel bad. :w00t: That's not good. Rest and feel better tomorrow. Blessings, Pitpat

Well, I am on day 3 of my pre-op liquid diet. It is going pretty well now that I have found exactly what I can eat. My surgery is scheduled for Monday, October 25th! I am so excited I want to shout it from the rooftop that I am getting banded, but my family doesn't want me to. So being on here will give me that release that I need! I'M FINALLY GETTING THE SURGERY I HAVE LONGED FOR FOR SO LONG!!!!!!:w00t:

Hi! I just wanted to tell you congratulations! My children didn't want me to have the surgery. I finally convienced my husband and he is really being helpful. I decided that I was doing this for me and I am in control. I had my surgery on the 18th. I'm so glad it is behind me.

I wanted to tell you that I am from Lanett. If I can be of any help, let me know.

Blessings,

PitPat

Hey all,

Things are even better so far today. I was able to walk off most of my shoulder and gas pain (I must have walked 8 miles last night). Didn't sleep well in the hospital last night (noises) so I can't wait to get home later today. I am feeling just slightly sore on my insicion areas. I have a question. I cannot feel my port. I am swollen and bloated though. Had anyone had this? Will I feel it better soon?

Hello! I was banded on the 18th, also. My surgery was out-patient. I slept very good....in my recliner. I understand about the bloating. Ugh! The incisions are not as sore today. I think I can feel where my port is. It is a little poofy. I keep telling myself, "And this too shall pass". I hope it is soon. I'm like you, I want someone to tell me what's next. Let me know how you are doing. We're all on this journey together. Take care. Blessings, Pat

Hey Pat,

I'm pretty sure today is your big day. Sending you my prayers and very best wishes for a speedy recovery. Let me know how you're doing. Hugs Lynne

Thank you, Lynne for checking on me. Yes, Monday was my day! Everything went well. I couldn't have asked for better care. Needless to say, I slept all day Monday after the surgery. Yesterday I was up and moving (slowly). The pain was pretty bad. It was better this morning but is trying to act up again. I'm tired of the backside of this journey. I am ready to feel good!!! Maybe tomorrow.

How are you feeling? What are you eating? I would appreciate any suggestions.

Well, I better go walk a little bit and see what's for lunch. I think I need someone to tell me to "Eat this today". I get confused. But I know that this too shall pass.

Blessings, Pat

Hello All! Well, tomorrow is THE day. I'm very nervous about now.:thumbup: I have to be at the hospital at 6:00 and I'm the first surgery at 7:30. We will have to leave home at about 4:00 in the morning. I decided I wanted to stay at home tonight and not spend the night there. Everyone please wish me luck and say a prayer for me (and the surgeon).

I will be back to let you know how it goes as soon as I can.:smile:

Blessings,

Pat

Was banded yesterday and it went great!!!

*Arrived at hospital at 7:30 for registration. The lady that registered me had got banded by the same dr and she has lost 70 pounds since April... Yay!! So we talked and it was such an encourgment..

*Got iv, doctor came in and talked to me and my husband and said it would be about another 30 mins and I would be on my way. I have such an awsome dr. Dr. Dana Edwards is great!!!

*They gave me my happy meds about 9:45

*Rolled me to surgery room, I got on surgery table, stapped my arms down put oxygen mask on and the nurse said, "Im gonna put some stuff in your iv to put you to sleep, it may burn."

I never felt it burn, I think I took two more breaths and the next thing I know it was 12 oclock and I was waking up in recovery.

*The worst part about the whole thing was cottonmouth when I woke up. I was feeling a little woozy so they gave me something for that and since they gave me that they couldnt give me any ice chips for 2 hours..Ugg..

*So I finally got ice chips and was able to hold them down and on my way to the house I went.

*I asked if I could walk out instead of riding in a wheelchair. The nurse let me.

We stopped at Walgreens on our way home and I walked around for 20 mins or so.

When I got home I went ahead and took some of the pain meds and fenegren to be safe. I sat up and visited with family a little bit and then went to bed.

*Slept really well. I would wake up to turn over very easily and then go right back to sleep.< /p>

*Up at 6 am walking around house, stomach a little sore this morning but nothing unbearable. Really only notice when getting up and down from chair.

***For all of you that havent had your surgery yet, put all worries aside. I worried enough for all of us and it was all for nothing****

Would definatly do again!!! I am sure I might have bad days ahead but as of right now I feel great (concidering) I am not doing any flips or kicking to high but seriously feel great. Although I dont want to push it..

** Best of luck to all of you with your surgery in the future**

Thank you, Tabatha Lynn, for a wonderful note of encouragement to those of us that are still 'unbanded'! It helps to hear from everyone on their experiences of the surgery. I do hope that I am fortunanute enough to have a good experience like you! If we could all choose the outcome, it would be yours.

I will have surgery Monday. I have been on a liquid diet since this past Monday. My doctor uses Slim Fast....I've gained

5 lbs.!!!! That is awful!!! I had lost 10 before I went on the Slim Fast. They say it is the Protein. I don't know, but I don't like it!! I'll go on to say that I am a lot older than you, too.....but I'm young at heart.

Thank you agian and please keep us informed of your progress. Take care.

Blessings, Pat

Today is my 3rd day on the recovery "band" wagon. They found and repaired a hernia when they went in as well as placing the band. I'd love to say this is a piece of cake (especially since today is my birthday) but it really isn't. Each day is getting better though and I can't wait to start seeing the results. I'm not weighing myself this week as I'm very bloated from the surgery, but next Wed. will be 4 weeks and I plan to start the day with a weigh-in and a Protein shake!!! Thinking of you all that are on this path with me. Roll on November so we can start reporting in big or at least steady losses. Safe journey.

"Happy Birthday"!!! I'm sorry you couldn't have birthday cake but it will be well worth it soon! Today is my husband's birthday, too! Bless his heart....he didn't get a cake, ice cream or party:sad: We can Celebrate next year.

And I am so happy that you say each day is getting better. Those are encouraging words. A couple of more days and "the journey" will begin. I am having to keep myself pumped up because I have a son and grand-daughter that are worried. I appreciate their concern but I need their encouragement right now. They worry about any surgery and since this one is really my idea (and not necessary to them) it bothers them. Don't get me wrong...I love them for it! They are so sweet.

I kept my great grandson for a few hours today! Now that was fun!!! My grand daughter is going back to work a couple of days a week and she asked me to keep this little bundle of joy! Life is good. And God is good All The Time!

Let me hear from you. Take care. Blessings, Pat

Does anyone have thyroid issues? I do, and was wondering what others are doing about their thyroid. I started out with Grave's disease and then they gave me radioactive iodine. FUN......... When the thyroid bottomed out, I started on synthroid. I've been taking synthroid for a little over twenty-five years. I'm wondering...Now what?! If you have any ino on it, let me know.

Thanks to all,

PitPat:wink:

I was nervous too, but just kept thinking about me in 1 year. Good luck with your surgery tomorrow Jojo :grouphug:

Pitpat: Are you allowed sugar free Jello, broth and/or sugar free freezer pops? The Jello really helped me and I was drinking beef or chicken bullion a few times each day too.

PuppyBandit: Yes, I am. I am not a fan of bullion....but I might have to change my mind. I will try again tomorrow. The SF Jello really helps but I guess I want to bite something....it's a mind thing. Thanks for the suggestions. if you have any more, just let me know. I do appreciate any advice I can get. :smile:

Day 2 post-op.......ouch! Had applesauce and yogurt today no problem. Getting up and down is another story! I'm focusing on the new wardrobe I'm going to buy at the end of this journey:rolleyes2:.

:grouphug: I bet if you look at all the clothing catalogs, that pain will be easier to withstand! LOL.... It is sooo encouraging to hear that it is bearable. I know they say it is not as bad as childbirth, but it has many, many years since I have given birth. And the memory does fade.:smile: I'm looking to you to know that I will survive.

My husband is having a very hard time because I can't eat this week. He told me last night that I could back out any time I wanted to. I keep telling him that it will be better....eventually. I will be able to eat most everything I love but in a lot smaller portion. Five more days! If I can hang in there. I have to admit, I have gotten hungry several times. How do you get past this? What did you "eat" pre-op? It is so hard to come up with different things to drink. And of course, the headache! Ugh!

Please let me hear from you. It's good to have friends to go through this with.

Blessings, Pat