khath0620

I am currently an OA member and, for me, it has changed my life. I, personally, think it has made life easier following my surgery. It is emotional and it is work but, for me, I am striving for not only physical but emotional wellness. It is a 12 step program and you are supposed to have a sponsor and call in your food everyday and so on but you can work the program whatever way you want. For example, I am a mother of a 3 and a 5 year old, work full time, was just banded in May, am working out 4 times a week and go to one face to face meeting a week. I can't possibly make the calls and do the homework I maybe should be doing but I am not judged either. I am entirely accepted for who I am, where my addiction has taken me, and what path of recovery I want to take. When I am feeling a binge coming on, I know I can call my sponsor or another OA member to help me talk me through it and not take that ever disasterous first bite! The other thing to know is that it can be overly spiritual for some people but you don't have to believe in "God" to be a part of it. You can try a phone meeting to see if it is for you. Go onto the oa.org website and search for a phone meeting. Just like this website, to have someone else who understands you and what you have been through makes A WORLD of difference, at least to me. Good luck, Katie

Thanks for the support! I am actually at week 17 not 21....see how I rush things! :smile: Anyway, back to the gym tomorrow, my broken toe feels better and even if I do the recumbent bike, at least I am doing something. I bet by my next appointment I will be headed in the right direction!

So just went for my follow up (at week 21) and am disappointed that I haven't lost any weight in 4 weeks! I have not gained which is great but, with all the hard work, it is very frustrating when the scale hasn't changed. I know this is a process and a lifelong commitment but I want all this weight off yesterday! The doctor was able to give me a fill and I have 8 cc in my 14 cc band now. Hopefully that will help. It didn't help, of course, that I haven't been able to exercise in 2 weeks because I broke my toe! Is this what they call bandster hell??? :smile:

I don't mean to be gross but one of the side effects from the medication from the general anesthesia is that it slows down your bowels. That, along with the stated water retention, could be playing a part to the weight gain. In any case, don't worry because all of a sudden you will be down like 5 pounds and feel better! Post op, I was on liquid Tylenol and Motrin and I was in little discomfort with that. Good Luck!

Hi everyone, I am on week 4 of C25K and I don't know whether I should continue just because my knees are bothering me a bit. Not so much that I can't walk but they ache at the end of the day. I don't want to do any permanent damage and want your suggestions......continue to just do other cardio until I lose more weight and then start running again? Thanks, Katie

I have gotten the "all you need to do is..." speech before and, for those saying it, they don't understand how hurtful and frustrating it is! I HAVE tried everything out there and some things I have tried (i.e. starvation, purging, overexercising, diaretics/laxatives, high Protein, low carb, high Fiber, grapefruits, etc) only worked for a short time and ended up hurting me. I, of course, ended up gaining what I lost plus some each time. I don't know where I got the strength from but I ended up saying to those who didn't really support my decision at first that this was MY decision, it is based on the support from my primary care physician, it is safe and this is not something I chose out of desperation but rather the determination to live a good, long, and HEALTHY life with my family. I think in my situation the person (my brother) was trying to get me not to do it just because they didn't know enough about it and were afraid that I would be doing harm to my body. He said it "wasn't natural" for people to have foreign objects in their bodies. I quickly reminded him about people with pacemakers, hip or knee replacements, etc. Take pride in the fact that you are choosing life! Remember that this is your life and, as someone else said, your dad will ultimately realize down the line when you are down 40# that this was a good thing. It is the safest surgical option with the least complications. Good luck and keep your chin up! :confused: Katie

I have concerns too about having loose skin but my surgeon says that it benefits you to lose more slowly w/ the LB because your body will have a chance to respond but, as bambam31 pointed out, there are factors which would keep the skin from tightening up. I am hoping, since I am only 35 that my body will be good to me and kind of tighten up with all the strength training I have been doing.

Hi all, I am about to start week 3 this week. I am doing my running at the gym on the treadmill and I only run at a speed of 4.5-4.6. I guess that is good considering I have never run (or as I figure JOGGED) before. Is that speed ok or should I be pushing myself to go faster? Also, I have heard it is harder to run outside. Should I be trying to train on pavement vs the treadmill? Thank for all your support! :-) Katie

I started looking at exercise like a part of my job...in other words the days that I work (which is 4-5 days a week) then I go to the gym. I don't have enough energy to go after work or else find excuses like I have to stop by the grocery store or have an appointment or need to run an errand so I go to the gym at 5 a.m. It is hard to get up that early but I am very proud of myself that I get up and get it done and over with in the morning.For some (like me), at first you have to start to make yourself do it and then it becomes part of your routine. I actually like going now. I know when I haven't been because I feel more tired, achy and so on. Good luck...you are already doing a great job! Keep up the good work!

This is such a personal journey including your decision to tell people. There are some people I have shared with, people that I trust. There are others that are noticing that I am losing weight but I just tell them I am increasing my exercise and time at the gym while watching my portion sizes....its true without telling them I went through with this procedure. I am not ashamed about it, I think it is the best thing I could have done for myself. I just know how they are and what they would say. I am making myself healthier and no matter what path I took, it is MY path. Gracierose...I really felt pretty good within a week but because of lifting precautions, had to take 2 weeks off. Going back to work was kind of like coming back from vacation...you know how when you start off really slow and then pick up. I just wouldn't plan to do much after work when you get back. Do you have enough vacation time or sick time to take 3 weeks off just to be sure you are ready to go back??? Katie

Thank you for all your support! It means a lot to me to get the encouragement from such a successful bander! Have a great day!

My doc says that an occasional glass of wine or mixed drink is fine but no beer/carbonated beverages. The only thing about alcohol is that there are extra calories...

Hi there, I am an Occupational Therapist in an acute care hospital. Needless to say, my job is fast paced and requires heavy lifting of patients. I had to be out of work (per MD order) for 2 weeks but I felt physically well enough to go back after 1 week. My recommendation is to take the time off your doctor recommends and take care of yourself. This is a big change in lifestyle and takes some time to get used to. The other thing is to listen to your body...when you go back to work you will be a little on the tired side from not being as active (at least I was). Ease into it and don't overcommit yourself if you can help it! Katie

The scale only makes me crazy!!! Why am I letting this metal monster dictate my success with the lapband??? I am down 30+ pounds from pre-op on May 8th! I need to stop looking at others' successes (weight wise) and see that I am successful in other ways. My other measureable successes ... going to the gym 4-5 times a week, putting a full trashbag of too big clothes in the Goodwill container, getting my "thin clothes" out of the attic that I haven't worn in years, sleeping peacefully at night, being happier....these are things I have to focus on. My journey can't be based on numbers but rather being healthy physically and emotionally. I got the lapband because I was tired of feeling tired...and stressed...and depressed...and feeling insecure, etc. I am in this for the rest of my life and need to start ignoring the numbers of the scale and enjoying the better things in life... Have a great day everyone!

Everything is going fine I guess. I am trying to not fall into the trap of wanting all my weight off overnight. I have to work hard to not assume if the scale doesn't reflect all the hard work I am doing immediately then the band is failing or I am failing the band. I have to look at all the other positive changes I have made....going to the gym 4-5 days a week, fitting into clothes now that were impossible for me to fit in for the last few years, having more energy. The weight will eventually come off but it is a slow journey. I guess I need to just keep that in mind and work on my patience. It took me a LONG time to get to the weight I was, I can't expect to wake up thin and in perfect shape. Hope all is well with you....:redface: Katie

I just spoke with my nutritionist and she said that typically my surgeon's office sees patient's eating about 1200 cal/day but, as stated earlier, everyone is different and there are different variables to consider including activity level. I am getting about 1600 or so cal/day and I do not feel I am losing well. I also don't feel I am adjusted to where I need to be just yet, not in the "sweet spot".

Thanks for getting back on track all you May bandsters! I think the farther I get out of surgery the harder it becomes. I tend to lose some of that rigidness and can become softer in following the rules. Listening to your stories/successes/struggles help me out tremendously. After all, we are all going on this journey together. I, myself, just had a 1 pound weight gain following vacation. I could look at it as a failure that I didn't lose weight but I can also look at it as it could have been a lot worse. Back in the day, I would have had the mindset that I could eat anything because I was on vacation. I didn't this time, or rather, I couldn't. Did I make the best choices? No, not 100% of the time but I did make much better choices than I would have had I not been banded. Thanks to y'all for your support.... Katie

I went to the doctor yesterday and was up 1 pound. I was the only one who freaked out...he was fine with it. All he said was that I needed an adjustment. He also wanted me to look at the good progress I have made since surgery (30#) and the positive changes I have made to my everyday living by going to the gym and eating better. I felt very supported. I did ask him again about if I should be weighing my food and he said, "Absolutely not. This is not a diet, its a lifestyle." In a way, I like that he want me to listen more to my body cues. It is 3 meals a day and 1 high Protein snack that they want. This is their tool for success. Thanks, Katie

So I went to the doctor's yesterday and I was actually up 1 pound. I, of course, freaked out. He was so great...he just said, no problem, just means you need an adjustment. He put another 2 ccs in and now I am up to 7 ccs in my 14 cc band. He is really pleased with my 30# weight loss since May. I don't really know if I feel restricted yet because I haven't eaten anything solid. Prior to this, I have pretty much been able to eat things I didn't think I could. I had some brown rice, Pasta, toast (not bread), and even a few munchkins on vacation, etc. I am hoping I get good restriction this time but, as my doctor says, as you lose more weight you will need to be adjusted every now and then and not to worry. Some advice others told me to slow down my eating....not eating with my family (who eats fast), using a clock to put 2 minutes between bites, using baby utensils.... Thanks! Katie

Sydney, When you say you put on weight, how much did you gain? My OB said that most of her patients deny weight gain but the pamphlet they gave me said that there is a chance for about a 2-3 pound weight gain.... I am supposed to have it put in Wednesday but I don't want to slow/stop my weight loss..... Katie

I think they are pretty strict for the cutoff for a bunch of different reasons including surgical complications, liability, etc. They aren't trying to be mean or anything but they also need to see that you will take this procedure seriously because it is a serious operation. The Glasgows want you to succeed but they are not willing to put you through something if you aren't ready for it. You will have to meet with the team psychologist to be cleared for the procedure anyhow and he may stall you from having it if they do not feel you are both physically and emotionally ready to do the work. It is a huge commitment and lifestyle change. I know that band time is still a couple of months away but they need to see that you will be able to follow through with the requirements to lose weight. TRUST ME, it is worth the work! I am down 30# since my May 18th surgery and I am eating well, exercising (and liking it) and feeling so much more energized. The band is only a tool and it can be sabotaged if your mind and heart are not into the process. I know someone who went for the full gastric bypass because she knew she ultimately would eat right through the band....not saying that is the right thing for you, but it was for her. good luck, Katie

I was banded 5/18/10 and I down 31 pounds. When speaking to other bandsters, I seem to be able to eat a lot more than others can. I have 5cc in a 14cc band. My surgeon does not recommend that his patients weight and measure their food but rather go by their body's signs of fullness. I find myself eating faster than maybe I should and feeling really full after my meal. I haven't gotten sick or thrown up though. Anyone have any suggestions??? I go tomorrow for another fill/checkup. Thanks, Katie

Hi there, I was also banded on 5/18 and I have had 2 fills so far (5 ccs in a 14 cc band) and I feel only a little restriction. I can still have a decent size salad or a whole sandwich. I go next week for another fill/appointment. My surgeon wants me to lose 1-2 pounds a week. They will add Fluid if I don't meet that. If I do meet that, then they said they won't add anymore and wait another couple of weeks. I like to feel "full" after only a small amount...although my "small amount" may still be too big for what they want me to have. I am afraid I am going to stretch my pouch...something I have to address with the nutritionist. :scared2: Katie

I am in the same boat. I have PCOS too and have been on the pill since I was 18 (I am 35 now). I stopped taking my pill a month before surgery and don't want to go back on it because I know I gain a few pounds when I am on it. I am going to get the Mirena which is supposed to be side effect free and, hopefully, will keep my ovarian cysts at bay. I just don't want to have worked THIS hard to put weight on because of medicine!

I am having a fill this upcoming Tuesday. I can't wait because I feel like I am eating TOO much. For instance, I was able to eat a veggie burger on a flour wrap with a slice of cheese and veggies the other night. I am not sure I should be eating that much, even though it is healthy stuff. My surgeon does not want me to weigh or measure my food but rather eat slowly and go by my body's signals. I haven't stepped on a scale at home (I would drive myself nuts stepping on it everyday if I had one) so I don't know what my weight actually is. oh well...