YoungBlackAndBanded

I find that journaling is a good way to lay out, in black and white, what you have comsumed. I tend to stick to pretty much the same foods, and am still in the pre-op phase, but I'm looking at lap-band as a life change, and not as a fad diet. Therefore, I'll journal once in a while, maybe when I'm introducing a new food, but I definately don't plan on making it an everyday occurance, it just feels too 'diety' for me.

Hey, I'm in a similar situation as you. I'm 24, weight 242 and am 5'4. I have been going back and forth about the surgery for almost 6 months now. I have been reading a lot of posts on here, as well as some blogs from different banders, as well as some books just trying to get as much information as possible. I am scheduled for surgey June 18th, and have already postponed once. I came to the realization that although it is great to see what other people's journeys have been like, no two are exactly alike. More importantly, no two surgreons are the same, and the way they approach the surgery will also be different. I read one bloggers post last night that kind of slapped me back into reality. She had a list of questions that she wanted to ask her doctor (I've included some of them below) and got me thinking that although I've been thinking about this surgery for so long, even went so far to book a date (twice) there were still a lot of questions going through my mind that only MY surgeon could answer. I printed a copy of these questions and will be taking them to the appointment I scheduled in a few days. I highly reccomend doing this, as well as talking to your support system about it, whether that's family or friends, whoever you trust. I believe before you do this you should be 100% comfotable in your decision and educated as to what to expect. The journey will not be an easy one, and it's best we know what we're getting into before we get into it! I wish you all the best with whatever decision you make! Questions for the doctor. 1) What kind of band will I be getting? What size? What size port? Where will you put the port? 2) Will there be any Fluid placed in the band during surgery? 3) Do you suture the stomach over the band to help prevent slipping? 4) How long do I have to wait for my first fill? How long between fills? What’s the cost of the fills? 5) What, if any, precautions will need to be taken because of m history with blood clots? 6) Can you suggest Vitamins I should be taking? 7) Why is there such a relation between the lap-band and gallstones? Preventative measures? 8) What’s the occurrence of slippage/erosion in your patients? 9) How many surgeries have you done? 10) On average what percentage of excess weight have your patients lost? 11) How will you determine my goal weight? 12) Will I stay overnight? 13) What is the pre-op, post-op diet like?

Sounds like you need another fill....

Hello, and welcome! I have not been banded yet, so my answers are based on what I have learned from my surgeon, and other banders on here. As you get closer to restriction, and your band gets tighter, it will be harder (if not impossible) to chug Water or other liquids. As for wine, and other alcohol, I look at it this way, the lap band is for life so you have to learn how to fit it into a lifestyle that can be maintained, and although most doctors will tell you that you shouldn't comsume alcohol (liquid calories) I absolutely plan to from time to time. I'm only 24, and well my friends like to go out and have a good time, so will I comsume alcohol, absolutely! I've also heard somewhere here that the "buzz" sets on faster after banding, I assume it has something to do with less food in your stomach. Hope this helps a little.

I too am EXTREMLY suprised the doctor banded you at 144lbs! How tall are you?! I understand the frustration though, but I, personally, would not even consider gastric bypass with only 40lbs to lose...and would have to question a doctor who is willing to perform the surgery at your weight. Hang in there, they say it's harder to lose those last few lbs.

I'm 5'4, and I set my goal to 135 to be closed to the middle of the healthy range. I don't remember ever being that weight, so I may have to re-evaluate as I get closer to that number.

I Agree...it kind of does stink. Especially if you are ready to start! BUT it is also a blessing, as it gives you that time to develop some fantastic eating habits, as well as time to think, and figure out exactly what you have to do to succeed with the band.

My surgeon also offers the single incision, but because of my history with bloodclots, he said I wasn't a good candidate. The SILS has a longer surgery time, and it will be benificial for me to be under no longer than neccesary.

Hey Guys!!! I'm getting banded on June 18th. I was originally scheduled for May 14th, but moved it back because I wanted to make sure I had my mind right for the journey ahead. I must admit I've been obsessing, and trying to gain as much knowledge as possible as to what to expect, so i've been reading a lot of blogs, watching a lot of vlogs on youtube, and cruising this site! I kind of wish I kept my original date, but at the same time I'm happy I pushed it back because I feel I'll being going into the surgery knowing full well what MY part in this whole journey will be! Good luck to all!!

But I just finished watching some informative videos (EMMI) on the Lap Band system and how it works. It goes on to talk about the small pouch and stoma that are formed when the band is placed. Where I'm confused is the emphasis on small bites and chewing well, so that food can pass easily through the stoma without getting stuck. I thought the purpose of this smaller pouch was to hold the food (and slowly release it to the lower stomach) so that you feel feel sooner, and for longer? If not, then what is the difference between swallowing your well chewed Protein, and say ice cream (other than the nutritional content) if they are just going to pass through the stoma anyway and make their way to the lower stomach? Is there something I'm missing?????:bored:

Also along with that (also from the FAQ page) How do you calculate Calories Burned? When nothing much is logged, we try to guess how many calories you have burned if you were sedentary. (Sedentary means you got out of bed, got dressed, went to your day job, came home and did nothing much more than walk to your car.) Once you start logging activities, we assume that you know best and we stop estimating; we use the data you provided. If you only log a small portion of your activity, we'll be missing a lot. This, to me, doesn't do much more than other calorie/activity tracking websites like livestrong, fitday and the like. If you have to INPUT what activities you did, then what's the point?

So just like every year, it's about that time to go through my closet to exchange the winter/fall clothes for the spring/summer ones. Now, the winter/fall to spring/summer exchange is always the harder change as I put away the clothes that cover me up more, for some clingy, non-flattering clothes:crying: UGHH I hate it....USUALLY! Well, something just occurred to me. The thought that the winter/fall clothes that I just finished washing and folding, and now placing into storage containers, may never see the light of day again!!! These may all be too big by the time my spring/summer to winter/fall exchange happens! So cardigan by cardigan, blazer by blazer, I felt like I was saying 'good-bye' to the overweight, unhealthy me, and making room for the healthy, 'regular' weight me! This thought turned a usual dreadful task into something uplifting!:thumbup: Anyways just wanted to share, and wondered if any of you have experienced something similar!?

Rubio, I gotta say you're a lucky girl to have a sister who you can share this experience with (all my sisters, I have 4, are thin, and have not had and real weight issues, but are still completely supportive). Good luck!

Hey guys!!! Ronke here (no my name's not Jonelle...long story ) I'm supposed to be banded June 18th...BUT still not 100% about it. I still have some questions/concerns to work out about whether the surgery is right for me. I should have a final decision made by the end of next week though!! Anyway just wanted to say "hey" to everyone!!!! This is a nice little support group we've got going here!:smile:

LOL....if that wasn't blatent advertising I don't know what is!! Care to share this study with us?

When did you do that test? During the pre-op appointment?

Hi Guys, Pre-band patient here!! I want to get an idea of the kinds, and quantity of foods that you post-banded people are eating. I'm not talking about a week or two post-op, but more during the losing phase of this lap-band journey. Please be as specific as possible, and also if you could include your work-out schedule/regime. I know everyone is different, but I'm trying to get a general idea of what I can expect from the surgery. Also, are you on any supplements? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!! :thumbup:

I'll be banded June 18th and I am looking forward to... 1) Not having to throw away a pair of jeans because my thighs rubbing together has almost burned a hole into them!!! :smile: 2) Going shopping with my sisters and friends in the 'skinny ppl store' and not be limited to looking at accessories only :thumbup: 3) Not being the 'token fat friend' 4) Not being embarrased to exercise 5) Not getting tired climbing a flight of stairs, and having to pace myself! 6) Falling in love again, and not being guarded because of the way I look :eek: 7) Passing my work's yearly phisical for the first time! 7) JUST BEING NORMAL!!!!:tt1:

I have to agree with you, but also say that a HUGE part of this has to do with your metabolism. Based on the calculator, the caloric intake I needed for extreme weight loss was 1960!!!!! LOL if only!! I've been doing 1400-1600 per day and have been maintaining my weight for about 10 months (with moderate exercise). I believe my body needs half of that for weight loss!

Well hello Skinny_jeans! Looks like both you will be banded before me...You'll have to tell me how the experience goes. Are you required to do a pre-op diet? Nean, your pre-op is today? let me know how that goes. I know I'm going to have to do 2 wks of a Fluid only diet...protein shakes mostly, but i dont really know the details! i guess I'll find out at my pre-op appointment.

Oh Wow!! So are you getting banded in Ohio...or does Dr. Watkins do double-duty in Chi town?

Dr. Watkins. He and his staff are great, and I've heard pretty much nothing but good about him. How about you?

Hi guys!! So after a LOOOONG time of going back and forth about the lap band surgery, I think I'm ready to start this journey. So I know going this alone is not going to be easy, and I'm still on the fence as to who to tell (other than fam). So, my lap band friends, I'm looking for people with similar stats to go through this journey with! I'm 24 yo Weight - 244 lbs (goal weight of ~130) Height - 5'4 Band Date - June 18th Location - Cincinnati area Outlook - Extremely optimistic!!!

Do you know how to sinc the phone app to the website?

I submitted my paperwork March 19th and was informed that it would take about 3 - 4 weeks. So, like clockwork, I called my surgeon's office April 8th to see if they had heard anything. Apparantly the insurance company "misplaced" my paper work!!! So we re submitted April 8th. I figured I'd have to wait ANOTHER 3 weeks to hear anything back. By the 12th I received a phone call from my surgeon's office telling me I was approved. I of course could not believe it, so I called my insurance company, and had the lady repeat three times that I was approved!!!! LOL.....Surgery set for June 18th!