Ravyn

what about Filet Mignon, mash potatos and brocolli? Are those food items easy to swallow, if taken in small bites, and of course chewed really well. I am still pre-op, but my family eats this at least once a week and I'm wondering how I'm going to turn it down. Guess my band will stop me from wanting it.

Adagray - Wow! Thank you so much. You are a wealth of information combined with the other post, I should be able to discuss this further with my doctor and come to a pretty well-educated decision. 24 days to go before I'm banded for life.

My Doctor gave a demonstration on both products and didn't really have a preference for either. He felt that both were good, but then he said the LapBand seemed to help men lose more weight. Thanks so much for all your posts. I think I'm leaning towards the LapBand based on its years on the market. I'm worried about the port being visible under the skin, as the Realized port does look flatter. But honestly, no one has complained that you can see the port --yet. Ravyn

Thanks for sharing! I find this all very interesting and helpful. I'm an emotional eater and my weight is 195 lbs. My BMI is about 33, so I'm assuming that my weight loss will be very gradual, provided I can change my habits to make it happen. Luckily I enjoy fruits and veggies. Unfortunately they just don't seem to sustain me and I reach for other things that may not be so good for me. I'm hoping that the slow absorption of food will help me stay full longer with the fruit and salads, and keep me way from the candy bars, chips and ice cream. I also love to work out, but since I've put on so much weight my stamina has decreased greatly, which affects my motivation. I'm hoping the LapBand will help to jump-start me back to the way I was 5 years ago. I know it's a tool and I'm hopeful that I'll be able to make good choices. However, for those moments that we make bad choices, does it still help to keep the caloric intake down? I wont be able to cut out ice cream permanently, but I do make a lot of good choices in between my ice cream habit. Thanks for all the helpful information. I think it's important to hear the stories of those who weren't successful, as that information can help other's to make better informed choices. Thanks again and best of luck to all!! Ravyn

I went to my pre-op appointment today and my Dr. asked if I had decided on which product to use for my surgery. Well, I really couldn't decide. He said he is well versed in both and that it was up to me. So I beseech my fellow bandsters, "what do you think about either or? I have 3 weeks to decide. There doesn't seem to be much of a difference other than how long they've been on the market. However if you know something important that may make my decision easier please share. Much appreciation, Ravyn

Monty - I keep the economy size Tums next to my bed so I can sleep. It's ridiculous. Im glad it can be fixed. Now I can save my Tums money to buy a new pair of jeans ; )

Ginger, I know it took a lot for you to finally make the decision to have the surgery. Most people don't take surgery lightly. Unfortunately you're work colleague doesn't know you or the challenges that you've experienced as a result of your weight. It's always easy for those who are on the otherside to lightly tell of how they "just don't eat fries." Well most of those people don't wake up at midnight with cravings. If it were that easy, believe me, we'd all be at healthy weights. I'm with Nayed and Catherine. Keep somethings private. Not everyone is empathetic enough to realize that we all have different challenges. Furthermore, it is not your job to help her understand, unless you want to take that on. I have chosen to tell a very select few about my decision to have the surgery. Many of my friends are healthy and active and just don't understand what I struggle with on a regular basis. Rather than burden them with my decision, which they just wont get, I've decided to relieve us all from this uncomfortable discussion. I told a cousin, who I'll need to take me to the doctor and I've told another cousin who had the surgery herself and is now about 145 pounds. She swears it was the hardest and the best decision she's ever made, after being close to 300 pounds for over 10 years. Chose your support system carefully and wisely. This is a safe place for you to share your fears and your excitement. Focus on YOU and not on people that you can't change. Warmest Regards, Ravyn

Hey Bandster Bunnies! So I met with Dr. Nazarian today. He was very pleasant and no yawning, like a few people experienced in the past. I'm glad he was attentive and made good eye contact. He was very patient with my questions and I thought it was a decent experience. I have a few tests to do before my surgery date, which means I'll be quite busy the next two weeks, with Dr. appointments and lab work. I asked about the pre-op liquid diet and he said that my weight was within a range that did not require the diet. For those with a higher BMI he requires a post-op diet. I guess I'm fortunate, because I still get to eat food up until the night of my surgery. I also found out that I've dropped 3 pounds since my last visit. That's a good thing too. I'm very excited. I hope I clear the EKG, and blood work. Wish me luck all! Hey has anyone else been told that they'll have to have a hernia repair due to acid reflux? My doctor believes I have a hernia and said he will fix it at no extra cost. I hope this doesn't prolong my recovery! Warmest Regards to all! Ravyn

Hi April Bunnies! My date is for April 18th. Don't have a time yet. I started the whole process with a phone call in February. 3/5/2010 Seminar 3/27/2010 1st Pre-op appt Im so excited that I can hardly keep my mouth shut about it at work. But I'm determined not to discuss this with anyone except for my fellow, supportive April Bandster Bunny Buddies (LOL). I'm eager for the change in life style, but I worried about recovery and adjusting to the new way of eating. I hope I'm not spitting up like babies all the time. I'll have to carry a burp clothe around and beg people to put me over their knee and pat me on the back - haha. Okay that was silly, but I couldn't resist! :Banane20:

Mimi - So how was the first few weeks of learning how to eat again? For some reason this has me a bit anxious. I liken this to being an infant and only able to take in small amounts of liquids, and just like babies, we'll be spitting up all the time. However, I'm willing to go through this process to gain control - ya know!? Best of wishes with your first fill. I hear it isn't bad at all. The needle is thin and some doctors even use a local anesthetic. Rayvn

Well, Darkangel got her band today. Wishing you a speedy recovery!! Happy Mom, you get yours tomorrow. Wish you all the best too. Don't forget to post to all of us eager beavers waiting to hear how you're doing. Talk Soon! Ravyn

I feel as though this is a decision that I did not make lightly. It takes away time from my family and my life and I don't need doubt at this time. I have decided to tell 2 family members about my decision as I will need their support in getting to and from the surgical center. As I lose weight I will simply tell people that I have changed the way I eat, which is true. I have decided that people are judgmental and often negative when you're attempting to do something positive. I have even had people make adverse comments about my decision to get another degree. Those people aren't living in my shoes or dealing with the hurt and pain that I've experienced as a result of the excessive weight gain in the course of 3 years. I feel that this is a decision that will better my life not only for me, but for my son. I will share my experience in this venue as it is anonymous and highly supportive. Unfortunately sometimes those closest to us, understand us the least in certain situations. It seems that weight is one of those situations. I wish you all the best on your journey to a healthier you and may you receive all the support you require as this is a tough and often lonely journey. Glad I have you all and my two cousins because they are AWESOME!!

I spoke with the Surgical assistant and she said my first 6 fills are covered under the cost of the surgery. I'm paying out of pocket. Any fills after that would be 320.00 per. My insurance doesn't cover. I'm investing in me so I'm eating the cost. Hopefully your insurance will cover the bulk of the cost for fills. My cousin told me that she only used 3 fills in the first year and has never had a fill since. She's had her band for 3 years now. And she looks great. I think she lost about 100 pounds. Hope that helps.

Happy Mom, Good luck on the 25th. I can't wait to hear from you after your surgery. I'm eager to know how quickly you're able to jump back in to life. I'm wishing you a quick recovery! Ravyn

Wow! Up to 14 days on liquids? If I did 14 days I may no longer be eligible for the surgery - haha. I will find out on Saturday if I have to do the diet and for how long. I've had a c-section before and the gas pains are horrible after surgery. I am NOT looking forward to that at all! It would be kind of nice to get a little jump on the weightloss prior to the surgery though. So what are you drinking - juices and Protein shakes? Oh, how about smoothies from Jamba juice? Is that acceptable? I have so many questions. Thanks for all your posts.

Congrats! Ginger. I hope you're feeling much better now. Please share after what, 3 days? I'm due for my surgery April 18th and I have to go back to work almost immediately - or at least that's what I'm thinking. Are you able to move about and bend over all right? How about your liquid diet. How's that going? Well, I look forward to tracking your success. Best of luck!!

Wow, so there really is such a thing as the "Pre-Op liquid Diet?" God I hope not. I don't know if I can handle it. How many days prior to surgery are you supposed to be on this diet? My doctor hasn't said anything about it yet, but I will probably hear about it this weekend, when I meet with him for my pre-op appt. I have to meet with a nutritionist too. I'm going to ask about the hair loss that some posted about on here earlier. That's another frightening thought! Well, I'll keep you all posted on what the doc says. I have an 8am appt this wkend.

The possibility of losing my hair is frightening. I hope that doesn't happen. I take Biotin, Vitamin B6 and B12, milk thistle and kelp which are also supposed to promote healthy hair. I'm due for my banding on April 18th. I hope I've successfully protected my hair. It's great to be able to read all of these posts prior to my date. How do I add that ticker to the bottom of my page?

Hey fellow banders. Where and how do I get that weight loss ticker located on the bottom of your responses and posts. It's almost like it's a part of your signature. I'd love one to count down my weightloss goals. Happy Losing to you all! Ravyn

Congratulations on your weightloss success. Your blog is very motivating. I started my Journey March 5th and I'm scheduled for surgery on the 11th of April. I'm very excited. I really like the ticker you have at the bottom of your page. How do I get that ticker as my signature? It looks great and it's fun too. Thanks for the inspiration! Ravyn

Hi, it's an upper GI. They want you to go to the doctor for this icky procedure. I believe you have to drink this chalky substance so they can check the upper portion of your intestines to make sure everything is cleared for surger. I hope I don't have to do one. I hear the substance is nauseating. Best of Luck!!

OMG! I can't believe I've made the 2nd step in the rather daunting process. I saw my doctor the end of February, Dr. Nazarian. I made my down payment yesterday and I'm on the calendar, April 11th for surgery. I will keep you all abreast of my journey and I move closer to the process and past it. Thanks for the welcome :cursing: