CarolD771

CAN SOMEONE LET ME KNOW THE TIME FOR MONDAYS MEETING I WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND, IT WILL BE MY FIRST TIME?

THANKS

Hi, The meeting is 6-7:30pm in the waiting room. I hope to attend on Mon after a long absence. I look forward to meeting you!!

Carol,

Remember that the initial purpose of the band isn't to FEEL restriction, but to make you less hungry---not head hungry, but physical hunger. When you constantly seek to have restriction from that outside source, you could jeopardize yourself and your band. (as I undoubtedly did....)

Jennifer,

I went through a really difficult time about a year and a half post banding. I completely relate to what you are going through. I'm sorry you're dealing with a break up---I know how disappointing it can be---and daunting to consider dating with this band, too! Just remember how much BETTER dating will be at -70 pounds..... The best part of the band is that it is keeping you from gaining the weight you likely would have if not for having it. It's a tool that will be there when you're ready to get back on track. Stop putting pressure on yourself. Realize that some days are better than others and there are bound to be set backs. Anyone who tells you that this is about losing constantly is not being honest. We're human and we have life issues. We wouldn't be in this predicament if eating didn't provide us comfort. Think about getting back on track one behavior at a time---portion size, diet, Water, and exercise. To make all changes at once and expect perfection is not only setting you for failure, but you're more likely to resent it.

Ladies, if nothing else, I've come to re-appreciate how much I need you all!!! Thank you for being here for me and for helping me through this seemingly impossible rough patch. I'm still in PT for my healing foot surgery so I can't make it next week. I hope to be at the meeting in June, when life becomes routine once again. Be well. Have a good week, and thanks again!!!

What day is the support group? Thanks

First of all... HELLO CAROL!!!! How are you??? I wondered what happened to you. I haven't seen you on here since your surgery! I was getting kind of worried! I am so glad you have returned and are okay. Secondly- Paige you are right. My fear of seeing Dr. R really comes down to me and my own embarrassment for having gained a couple pounds and the fact he ultimately called me out on it. Really, i'm disappointed in myself. I can't believe I went through all this and have fallen back into my old patterns or at least leaning in that direction... I'm stuck between having lost 65-70 pounds (that of course includes weight lost before surgery). I can't get past the 70 mark. I of course have a million excuses... work too much, went through a break up... but really I need to make myself accountable. I could be doing things differently. For starters I need to re-read the lap band information i got and get back on track with my portion sizes and eat more Protein. And go to the gym. Carol I have either 8.5 or 9 CCs in my band. I go back and forth about whether to get .5CCs removed. I am not sure if I am a bit tight or if I am not eating slow enough and not chewing enough. Some days it can be hard to get anything to go down. And certainly, eating out with friends is no longer fun. I think I must feel pressured to keep up with them and eat faster (even though I try to go slow) BUT of course it never works out. I must get a look on my face because they can always tell when I need to make a quick exit to the bathroom. Each time I tell myself "get the soup" but I don't. I need help around what to actually cook.... actual recipes (if anyone has any they want to share...). Spoke with the nutritionist and she directed me to Cooking light magazine. I am going to check that out. I tend to eat a lot of salads because I have trouble cooking chicken or steak... And now I am cooking for one so that has been an adjustment... here I go again with the excuses. Ugh.

Hi Jen,

I was ashamed and angry with myself. I think you should be very proud of yourself with your weight loss. It's just a platea. And I think we

all need to review our info again.

I don't feel ANY restriction AT ALL. I have never lost it or been stuck. I have felt very uncomfortable but, not enought to stop me from eating. I want to feel something!! I too think I need more protein & Water. but then I'm constantly constipated. This week I started to juice, that helps alot. I also asked my husband to not let me know when he brings junk food and sweets in the house. But tonight he ate a pint of Haigen Das in front of me. Yikes!!

I need to talk with all of you more, to help me get going in the right direction again.

Hi Ladies,

Sorry I haven't been around. Paige, sorry you've had to go thru new surgeries. But You are back and that's what counts.

I fell off the wagon during the holidays and gained a few lbs. Then I suffered a compression fracture of my T-11 from advanced osteoperosis and was bed ridden all of Jan & Feb. I have been going to PT 3 times a week ever since. I have never endured such a crippling pain in my life. I didn't eat like a maniac, just all the wrong choices. I lost 35 lbs. total but, have gain all but 10 lbs. Talk about discouraged.

I have an appointment to See Dr. R an the dietician in 2 weeks. I dread facing him but I am starting all over again. If he gives me a scolding he won't like what he will get in return!!!! I am not going to beat myself up anymore. None of us went into multiple surgeries to intentionally FAIL!!

Jennifer, how many cc's of fill are you up to? I only have 9.25 and I'm sick of paying $350 for a .5cc fill. I want to feel restriction NOW! I am coming up to a year June 15th.

So what is the date of the next support group? May 9th at 6pm? I NEED to get support bad! How is the new dietician?

Thanks for listening to me rant!!

Hi

I am planning on going to the Monday group as well. I'm scheduled to see Dr. R for my first fill on July 20th. He actually just referred me to an oncology surgeon who I see on the 13th. During my LAP-BAND® surgery he saw some lesions on my liver and sent me for an MRI about a week after surgery. Well turns out I have 5 Adenoma tumors on my liver. They are typically benign, unless they get too big. So I guess I have to see this other surgeon to find out if they will just monitor them or if I will need surgery to get them removed. I wonder if it will affect me getting my first fill??? I am one of those unfortunate people who has discovered that I can eat anything right now Carol- HaHaHa. Though I am down 52 pounds so I haven't lost complete control yet. Anyone else familiar with Adenoma Tumors? :ohmy:

I sure hope everything goes okay!! I'm sticking with the diet plan for stage 3 but I've gained 4 lbs. No cheating,

I guess I'm getting more calories than the shakes gave me.

I'm not going to worry about it though. I see Dr. R on the 26th and hope I get a fill then. See you Mon.

I'm planning on coming.

omg this is grosss!

Hi Nean,

I started soft food this wed.:tt1:!!!! I'm going real slow cause I'm scared I'll throwup. I lost 10 since surg and 30 total so far. I actually felt like a human this week!! We've had some cool dry refreshing air the last couple days, so I got to work in my garden!! It felt good!!

We are expecting a long heat wave for the next week. Yuk, I'll have to hide in the air conditioned house. I don't do the 90's and humid. I postponed my ocean vacation until Sept. cause my original date was July 7th. I live about 40 min ride to Cape Cod so I'll do some day trips to the beach.

I hope you are doing well. I'd love to hear how you're doing.

Thanks Ladies,

I'll play around with it, it can't be too hard.

Have a GREAT weekend!! Happy 4th!! :tt1:

Everyone!!!!!!

I had my gallbladder removed 3/31/10 as day surgury and was home by noontime. I remember the day and the gas pains were worse than the lapband surgery. I don't regret a thing and am 2 weeks post-op. I started soft "real" food yesturday. Very happy to not look at those shakes :tt1:!!!

Hey Paige,

Did you mention a smoothie with Peanut Butter, banana and flax oil? What else goes in it? Yogurt? I'm not even sure it was you except for the flax oil part??

Thanks!!!

Wow, that's great!! Congrats and take it real easy!! I was useless that 1st day and was required to stay over night. I couldn't wait to get out of the Hospital the next day.

"There's no place like HOME":smile2:!! This forum has really been a tremendous help to me too.

Thanks again, to everyone :thumbup:!!!

Hey All,

Thanks for checking on us Paige.

Carol it's great to know that your doing well. I'm hoping that I have the same success when my time rolls around. Are you feeling any sort of restriction or your just being a good girl with the eating?

Hi Geniseg,

To be honest, this has been a tough couple of weeks/Months!! I had my gallbladder out 3/31 so I knew what expect of Major Surgery. Not Fun but bearable. As a matter of fact, this 2nd surgery was easier than the 1st with a major hiatal hernia repair thrown in for good luck. I just didn't appreciate 2 surgeries in 3 months.

The 2 weeks pre-op & 2 wk post-op diets of Protein Shakes really pushed my limit but, I stuck with it. The 2nd week post, I started to feel hungry and ater a good cry, :thumbup: I felt alot better!! I did not cheat, I've worked real hard to get here. I'm afraid to push any buttons that might make me tempted so I'm not going there.

Day 2 of soft foods, today, I cooked 2 scram eggs & ate about 2/3's of (The dog finished them) 2 hrs. later I had 4 oz. Unsweetened Applesauce Plus Fiber. For lunch I went out with Hubby. I got a cup of Clam Chowder, mashed the potatoes and spit out the clams.

I've heard too many people say they can and do eat much more. I don't want to know how much I can eat, so I'm sticking to "The Plan" from Phyllis. So to answer your question, "I'm being Good."

Don't go into this thinking it's going to be easy. Be prepared, plan ahead and call on us for support!!

If I don't do this now, I won't live long enough to see my 7 grandkids grow up. That's what's keeping me going. I know you're a strong Lady!! I know you can do this too!!! All prayers are welcome, I'm gonna need them!!!

Just checking in to see how you're all doing! It's been nearly 2 weeks since anyone has checked in. How are you healing? (Jennifer & Carol) How are you managing on the post-surgical diet? Blue, how's your Couch25K going?

Hope you're all having a good summer thus far! :Yawn:

Hi Paige,

I'm doing really good!! Saw Dr. R. Mon. I lost 10 lb. since surgery, 30 total!! Never thought I 'd make it with those shakes for 2 weeks, but, I did. Today was my 1st day to eat REAL food. It was wierd, I was afraid to eat:huh2:?? So paraniod about throwing and getting stuck!! I only ate 1 scram. egg with Am cheese and stopped, for Breakfast.< /span>

I was so starved at lunch, I had a "shake" to get 32 gr. of Protein in me. For supper I calmed down and had turkey meatballs and FF gravy and FF Creamed greens. about 1/3 C. each and stopped (from my garden, Kale, Collards, Pac Choi, & Vita greens)

Now I'm trying to wait my 1/2 hr. after my meal to drink my Water. My computer is in the shop, somthing got me. Overall, very possitive about it all :yikes: Thanks for asking:wink2:!

Just a thought but I understand quinoa pronounced (Keen-wa) is the latest grain getting all the attention. It's about the same texture as couscous but is very high in Protein, gluten free, low glycemic index and has been shown to stabilize blood sugars. Can be found at the health food stores although some supermarkets are now carrying it. I have some gluten free crackers made from quinoa, brown rice and sesame that I just LOVE!

Quinoa is very high protein and delicious eaten hot or cold with veggies and all that shelly said!!! Great for diabetics or anyone watching Carbs!!

Thanks everyone!! It really helps knowing all my lapband family is out there at the ready to help!! THANKS a Bunch:wub: !!!

Hi All,

I am 10 days out and can't wait to get some real "mushy" food in. Curvy, you're making my mouth

water :smile2:. I already have my 1st day (Wed) almost planned. Soft Scrambled eggs. I like the mock lasagna idea alot!! and I'll probably have a shake or 2.

I picked my 1st greens (Kale, Collards baby Choi, Vitagreens) from my garden today, used 1 t. olive oil, the greens, 1 C. Water, garlic & onion powder and simmered until tender. Made a sauce of 1 C. Milk, 1/2 C. cooking liquid, 1 T. Flour w S & P wisked together. Purreed the greens and mixed together. If I have to put unflavored Protein in it, I will!! Okay , enough of that

Hi Fluffy,

I too had a hiatal hernia repair. We actually had 2 operations!!! I'm out 10 days & last night I had a lot of pain in the same area. Every breath was like a knife. I have had this off & on since surgery. even my shirt touching my incisions hurt.

Good Luck,

I know you can do it, Just don't push or demand too much of yourself. Loosing slow and steady is the best you can do. Good luck!!!!

HEY, SORRY TO BE POSTING THIS ON HERE but anyways, i graduate from highschool tomorrow!! i was the first student that i know of who has had the band done at 18 while in highschool. i may have missed many days due to being sick the first few months of having it done but everyone has told me that i made a complete turn around. its true! my final grades are 87-96 and i made high honor roll 3 quarters in a row (1st quarter made nothing) now more about the band, i got my insurance card today!!! very exciting (: but i have news for some of those who commented my thread about gallstones i believe...i'm having surgery to get it removed, i was going to have my surgery done on july 5th but they surgeon on the hospital near me told me to call my LAP-BAND® surgeon to see if he should do it and obviously they said he should do it do the surgery is cancelled and i have a consultation with my surgeon on july 7th. i just hope that this (gallblader) is what has been causing me discomfort and pain....nausea!so i say BRING IT ON!! i hope i feel 100% better after andd after i get that out, i'll be getting my first fill!!!!! finally after a year getting banded! omg! and i'll also be seeing a therapist most likely because my "depression" or whatever i have is still with me and i cant stand it, yup :thumbup: and i have a question..woman answer only please, my boobs have been (mainly the nipple part TMI!!!)hurting a little over two weeks, no monthly thing and no having been with guys, does mean i'll be getting my monthly thing soon? i never had that happen before

Hi Erin,

Congratulation on your High School Graduation:thumbup:

Sounds like you had one heck of busy year?? I had my gallbladder out on 3/31 and lapband 6/16. I too go to a therapist to deal with my issues with food. It's best to find out "What's Eating You!!" while you're going thru this life changing part of your life. You are a Wise, Beautiful Young Lady and I wish you a Great Future and Long Healthy Life.

:smile:

Hi,

Day 9 so I am in the same boat as you :thumbup:! I'm walking thru the house like a caged Tiger. My stomach is roaring and hurts from hunger. I have lost a little but real hunger kicked in on Wed. I don't know how I'll make it to next Wed. I do see the Nutr. and surgeon Mon. I just finished a 12 oz chic broth with Protein Powder mixed in and I still need (not want) something. This is no help but, you're not alone. :smile: Anyone have any Ideas???? HELP

Hi Slim,

Wow, you did it . I'm just starting out :bored:. Just 9 days since surgery. It's very encouraging to hear a success story. You have worked hard :welldone2:to get to this day!! Check in on all us newbies. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions

Okay great so its three days after my surgery, the thought of more chicken broth is actually making me queasy...and then...I just started crying, I mean bawling...for no reason for like a half an hour. I don't even know what upset me.

Have I lost it?

Hi,

Yup, it happened to me last night (day 7). Just started to cry like a baby. Lucky my husband understood and just gave me a long hug. He got drenched with my tears.

We've been thru a lot of physical and emotional changes. We deserve a good CRY. Hang in there!!

This is normal. It Is Major surgery!! It was 4 days before I could stay up for any length of time. Then each day is a little longer. If you need more time off work tell your Dr. Each person is different??

I'm day 7 and feeling much better!!

Good Luck!!

Tomorrow will be two weeks since my surgery and I am very happy that I finally had it done. I have lost 16 lbs since May 25, when I started the liquid diet. I am now on soft foods and not having a problem. I am still very tired from the surgery and still resting a lot, but I am back driving and have been working in my gardens doing light work. Haven't had anything get stuck, no nausea. I get my first fill in another month. Best of luck to all keep up the good work.

Hi,

Congrats!!:thumbup: I'm 1 week out, w 1 week more of shakes. I'm not hungry but, I'm already thinking of my 1st soft food day. What did you have? I'm nervous as to what to have or how to cook it? :biggrin: Any advice? Do you still have a shake to keep up your Protein levels?

Keep up the good work!!!:smile2: