Butterfly2010

Hello All! Been a while since I posted. I've been thru an awful lot the last 2 1/2 months. Good News, I'm down 27lbs. Bad news, I lost my baby last Thursday. It's been a rough time, but I'm getting adjusted to it. Alot of adjustments in just a few months. It was so tough being pregnant, nauseous and dealing with the effects from the band. I'm still pretty weak and now trying to figure out how to get on track with the band. I have no idea where everyone is at and where I should be, I have to start reeducating myself on the steps of banding. Being pregnant, I didn't follow any of the steps and not really sure where I would have been.

I've read alot of the posts and you guys are helping me get back on track. The thing with me was I felt restriction the whole time, without any fills. My doc said that only 5 percent of people get that effect right away and keep it. The relation from my mind to the plate was instint I saw the food as "way toooo much" and couldn't eat much at all. I still have the full feeling after eating such small portions. I started at 275, banded 9/22 and am down 27lbs to 248. I am not good at the drinking Water, actually the thought of it was making me sick and I've not exercised at all. My ob gyn said exercising would raise my blood pressure, who knew!

I'm hoping to start exercising once I regain some strength and get back to an optimistic outlook. Keep up the good work and I'll keep reading and posting.

Regards!

Brenda

Hi Brenda!

It sounds like it has been a tough road for you! So sorry to hear about your baby.

But I am glad you have posted again and want to continue your banding journey.

I too, have not received a fill and it amazes me how well the surgery alone has worked for me. So far!

Have a blessed day!

Hello to all bandsters! I have been so busy that I had not been on the site, but it is good to be back.

Wonderful to read so many great stories!

The questions is a good way to start of the postings again:

1. how many cc's you have in your band? I was banded 9-9-2010 and received less then 1 cc, possible only 1/2 cc at surgery, and have not gotten a fill. Somehow the surgery did what I needed! So far!

2. do you feel you have restriction- what does that mean for you? Ohhh, yes, I do feel restrictions! Yogurt, icecream, shakes go down with zero restrictions... but let me try to eat 2 peanutbutter crackers and I am full. Last night I tried pizza for the very first time in months, one of my favorite foods. One slice and I was super, super full, and I had to eat this slice over 30-40 minutes. Thank God! It works great for me!!!

I have had one major episode that something was stuck, and hope it will not repeat. I have to chew certain foods real long and eat very slow, and that is at times still challenging for me.

3. are your calories tending to stay below like 1600 (or what are your calories generally.) Pretty much; I stoped counting but try to get Protein in first and stay away from empty carbs. But do have some "bad" food in moderation, like the pizza last night!

4. what is your weight loss like. Has been great! I lost 50 pounds all together and hope to looooooose 20 more! I might have a week with no significant loss but usually loose 1-2 pounds per week.

5. are you hungry between meals. Not really hungry but have terrible gravings for my old bad foods that made me as big as I was...so it is all a mind game for me at this point. Hard, very hard to stay away from it!

6. are you exercising, and how much I exercise an average of 4-5 times a week and have gotten into weights, cardio, zumba and step aerobic. Love going to the gym again; I used to be active and only after I had gained so much weight stopped doing work outs. I am back to being my active self!

7. how much Water are you drinking? Honestly: not enough! When I excercise I drink a lot, but the rest of the day I forget...sad to say but I have to constantly remind myself to drink.

Overall the band has changed my life dramatically and has given me myself back an dmore! . I am off ALL medications. Well I take the multi vitamine and Calcium. I have no more GERD, I have very little back pain compared to prior banding, and I recognize myself in pictures and in my activity level. I am HEALTHY again and love it. This hard journey has been worth all the hard work!

Looking forward reading more of your great stories and happenings!

Merry Christmas from NC!!!

I had my surgery on 9/28 and I haven't felt any of what I've been reading today. I'm now wondering if my band is even in place. I haven't thrown up once, no diarrhea, and no not getting anything down. I have been able to get in at least 3 to 4 Protein shakes per day and broth. I'm getting in my Water not as much as recommended but I'm getting it in. My only concern was I hadn't had a bowel movement but I had one finally yesterday afternoon. I hope there isn't anything wrong with my band cause now I can't wait for my two appt.

I would not be scarred! Be happy! You should NOT throw up! diarrhea is "optional" lol; Protein Shakes and broth, yes, that's good!!

To me it looks like you are doing as your doc told you; but you got to read some of the positive posts too! Hope all stays well for you!!!

Hi Butterfly2010 !

Yeah I think I am starting to feel a little like you . Tonight I went to dinner w/ my special Friend and I am thinking SHE AIN'T THAT SPECIAL ANYMORE !!! She did say " wow ! you are losing a lot of weight " which gave me a smile but I think our relationship is a little ... actually A LOT too one sided on her favor. I just don't think I am getting anything out of it compared to what I do / put into it.... I actually feel a little used now. She is sweet, she is stunningly beautiful, etc etc all an ex-model / actress yada yada whatever. I am thinking I need to move on. :thumbup:

such is life.

-Brian

Hi Brian:

listen to your heart! :smile2:

I ended a relationship a few days after I was banded and as hard as it is at times I know it was the right thing to do. I need a partner that will walks mostly beside me, sometimes behind me, sometimes in front of me.... but if I am the one constantly pulling and guiding and making "it work"....something is not right for me.... anyways, YOU know what is best for you. And you have all of us September ladies to keep you company until you find "the special one"..... Have a great Sunday!

Hi Butterfly2010!

I am sorry to hear that about losing people... BUT as they say they probably weren't your friends or that good friends after all. So far I haven't lost friends but I have also mostly been cooped up at home / I return to work on Monday. I seriously wonder what kind of reactions I will get OR IF I GET SERIOUSLY HAZED OR RAZZLED by my friends or co-wrkers once I get back. I only told 4 people / close friends who weren't supposed to tell anyone but since I am fairly well known and people talk... EVERYONE might know. As a guy in a pre-dominately male work place / semi -testosterone filled environment... I am a little apprehensive. BUT screw 'em if they mess with me ... I am a higher up at work and I will make their lives miserable !!!! ( ha-ha just kidding ).

No I can take anything anyone dishes out but I do wonder.

Hope you are having a great weekend.

-Brian :smile2:

Hi Brian,

no need to feel sorry, the people I left behind were not friends, just "people" around me. Coworkers, and others, and it did not have so much to do with me getting banded. More a clean up of my personal life; guess the banding just "brought" it on. Being home, having more time to think.... so it was and is a good thing. I want supportive people around me, people with a true heart and honest people! No time for fakeness! I enjoy the forum.... feel we all banded with the banding experience!

... One of my goals is to (and has been since pre op) not obsess about the actual numbers (weight loss wise) but to focus on Portion Control and making good choices. However, the scale taunts me every time I walk by it. I asked my partner to hide it! I really want to weigh myself once a month - does anyone feel the same way? It is a big challenge - but I know my personality and I don't want to weigh myself everyday - too emotional and it could lead to some problems and failed expectations kwim?...

I can relate:

The scale is constantly calling my name as well and I too, do not want to focus on a number. I only want to weigh in once a week, but broke my own rule again this monring and had a nice wake up call. On my home scale I was 204 and so excited! another 4 pounds down ( I thought). Then 2 hours later I had my official weigh in at the fitness center and was 207 . Of course that bugged me so I went home again to weigh in thinking it is "the scale". Well, NO! At noon I had 207 at home! Sooooooo, another example why I should only weigh myself ONCE a week. It is driving me nuts... :smile2:

Have a great Saturday!!!!

Thanks Brian for getting us started "on the other side" . I am a day behind you and have to say too: I am pretty much back to 100% other then not being able to lift anything heavy. I too can feel restrictions even though I have had no fill at surgery and no fill since surgery. I am still loosing weight so I am not sure if I should get a fill this Friday. I am scheduled for one, but I think I will at least postpone until next week. I have changed not only my eating habits but have also lost people along the way that I felt were negative and I will continue to do so; This journey has opened my eyes in many ways! Life is tooooooo short to be miserable or to have people around that are downers.... Time to live life to the fullest! Greetings from NC!

Great to read so many postings with postive results. And almost everyone got the band..yahhhhh!!!! Good luck to the few that are left for September, you guys are almost there!

I am on the pureed phase ( week 3 + 4 post surgery) and have been hooked on sweet potatoes, yogurt, tuna and lean ground beef with spaggetti sauce! Still take my shakes to get my Protein in... I can feel restrictions and barely can eat an entire yogurt. Weight loss has slowed down with the food changes, but I hope it will steady go down. I had my first day at he gym yesterday and look forward of getting veryyyyyyyyyyyyy healthy!

Good Luck to all!

I had my post-op check with my doc today and everything is looking great. I am now allowed to go to the gym for cardio ( we get a 3 months free membership to a great place in town!)

I started on mushhhhiiiiieeeessss and enjoy it very much! Even though I did not get a fill yet I can feel a restriction if I eat more then 1/2 cup...so good news for me! Still taking Protein Shakes to get all my Protein in! No more pains at allllllllllllllllllllllllllll! Scheduled for my first fill in 2 weeks!

I am also trying to weigh only once a week...it's hard!

Good luck to everyone!

Greetings from NC!

Ok guys, I'm feeling the major need to vent. Last night proved to be the biggest trial of my banded life. For those of you who don't know much about me, I'm a 29 y/o labor and delivery RN. I've done L&D for the past 8 years. Most of the time, L&D is the happiest place in the entire hospital to work. The rest of the time, it's the most awful place on earth. Well, yesterday was the rest of the time.

I work in a unit that stays pretty busy in the Oklahoma City metro area. On top of our regular scheduled procedures (inductions and c-sections) we have lots of walk-in traffic for various complaints. Yesterday about 1pm, we had a mother come in who was VERY premature...she ended up delivering a tiny, very early baby girl. This baby was such a fighter, she made it through the delivery, but we have no idea if she will make it very long term.

Now to where this affects me being banded. Usually on days like yesterday when something so stressful happens, I turned to food. That's all I could think about last night when I got home. I had a major meltdown, the coping mechanism that I've always used to get by is gone. I laid in bed sobbing...not sure how to deal with the stress from yesterday, but from the stress of not being able to deal the way I was used to handling things. Have any of you already banded bandsters experienced anything like this? I LOVE my job, but the few and far between times like this are extremely hard to handle.

Thanks guys for allowing me the time to vent, I had to get that stuff off my chest, I felt like I was about to explode!!!

Good luck to those of you being banded today!!! I wish you safe and speedy recovery!

Hi Pooky!

I am sure different people have different feelings and advise for you. My personal view of this is: It's okay to truly feel such emotions ( it also shows how caring you are!), that is what you and I have been eating away; those tears and anger and so on....now we are having to feel it "all the way"...so shedding tears is maybe one way to compensate. It would be more of a problem if you would have a major break down at work every time. But you managed until you were safe in your home. Nothing wrong with feeling sad. And yaaahh, could you have gone to the gym or walk or take abath...sure...but honestly I don't think there is anything "wrong" with crying....and talking about it just like you did. I bet over time you will be able to find other ways too.

Just my thougts on that, and thank you for being so honest.

I just had a break up with my boyfriend ( both sides wanted it) and had similar feelings, usually food will sooooooooth me. Well instead I called one of my friends last night and talked for a while and also let the sad feeling run it's course....

Wishing you a great day!

Quick check in:

I had my first day back to work today and felt great!

I am increasing my walking and hope to start in the gym soon. Will have my pre-op with my doc on Friday and hope to get a release to go to the gym.

Lost 27 pounds since 8-4-2010; so I am happy! Still on liquid diet but will start puerred in 2 days! yahhhhh!

To all of the once still getting banded: Good Luck!

And everyone else geat healing!

Have a great day from NC!

Good morning to all from NC. I am new to the site. I received my LAP-BAND® Thurs 9/16/10. Its been a journey not knowing what to feel or expect. Been alot of gas and discomfort. But suprising to me I had a little emotional melt down where I wanted the band out night of surgery. I felt weird but was okay after given something for nausea and pain. Looking for friends to correspond with. I feel like im on an island right now. The support I had prior has wained. I think my parents are upset with me they didnt want me to do it- go figure when all of the adult women in immediate family are obese and have multiple helath problems.

Anyway, Im back at work today and we shall see how it goes:unsure:

You are not on an island on this forum....it has helped me a lot reading and posting so I encourage you to keep coming back here when you feel alone or frustrated as well as happy to share good news. You are going back to work already: hats up! I will start back to work tomorrow. I am also from Eastern NC!

Have a great day! :thumbup:

Very happy for you!:thumbup:

Hope to get there sooooooooooooooonnnn myself.

How did you loose your weight? Healthy food, small portions or a specific diet?

Thank you so much for this post! This is what I needed to keep me going on my last few days of fluids only....I don't ever want to be on a diet again...but changing my life, that I have been ready for! Thank you so much!

I was wondering about the same question. Nobody has called me either and I am thinking about writing a note to my surgical center to tell them about my feelings on just that. A short personal call goes long waysssssssssssssssss... Sad part: prior to surgery I had 4-5 calls from the hospital going over the same old stuff...

My care at the hospital was also not catered to my needs as a banding patient. The nurse was not even able to tell me how much Protein was in the shake she gave me. I did not get the Fluid intake, they gave me a straw....yikes.... Not trained in bariatric care; nice nurse, but little help...

But I am doing well; will see my surgeon next week. If he asks me about anything I will let him know....:thumbup:

Hey gals, looks like everyone is doing good.

TimandMich, that sounds scary. Glad you stuck around though and were able to get it taken care of quickly.

I have been doing ok. Today is 3 weeks post op. I started back at work on Monday, but only worked Mon and Wed. I was bad at work yesterday and ate some mini m&ms. That is my problem, the whole time I was off I was fine, but as soon as I got to work the cravings kicked in. I work at cvs and am surrounded by candy all day. They say to eliminate the things you crave, and I never have them in my house, but unless I quit my job I don't know how to get away from them.

I also was really mad at work yesterday. I work with this shift supervisor that is a 23 year old boy, and he just doesn't understand. Monday I was only working 6 hours, but I asked him if I could take a break, since it was my first day back and I didn't want to overdo it. He got really snotty with me, but gave me 15 minutes. I was able to gulp down a Protein Shake. Then yesterday I went in at 2:30 even though I was supposed to start at 4 because the store manager asked me to come in early. Well he didn't believe I came in early, and was snotty again about giving me a break. I ate at 1 pm (my first meal of the day), then showered and came to work. I was working until 10. There is no way I can go that long between meals, and since I am only able to eat small amounts at once, if I don't get 3 meals I won't be getting enough Protein in. Finally at 7:45 he gave me a break, but asked me if I was gonna take a full half, so I said no I'll do 20 minutes. I guess I was tight because I had trouble swallowing the shake, and I think it's because I was stressed out. But of course because I only had 20 minutes I couldn't take my time so I had to suffer through the pain and keep drinking it.

I am working with him again tomorrow. I am scheduled for 4-10, but might be going in early. I NEED to take a break so I can eat. I am a cashier and am not allowed to eat at the register, so I don't know what to do. I am tired of him getting annoyed at me. Yesterday I was practically crying because I was hungry and I knew I needed to eat. I wish I had a job where I could do what I wanted and didn't need permission from a punky kid to eat or pee. :thumbup:

Sorry to hear that you have so much trouble at work. Are you okay with telling your supervisor or your Human Resource person about your surgery? If you are, I would explain to them your current limitations and needs for reasonable accomodations. This is only temporary; they may work with you. If not you might want to get a note from your medical provider stating your "medical needs" and accomodations at this time and speak with Human Resources. I was put on Family Medical Leave and on the form it asked for restrictions when coming back to work. Did you take Family Medical Leave? You want to protect your health and your job. Hope you can get this resolved.

Wonderful Wednesday to Everyone!

I am just wondering how is everyone doing when it comes to loosing weight? I have read about people gaining or standing still after they start back to regular food or pureed.

I am 6 days post op and have lost 22 pounds since starting my pre op diet about 6 weeks ago. I have lost about 5 pounds since surgery.

Expecting it to be a rollercoaster ride until the fillings start; but curious how everyone else is doing?

Greetings!

First and foremost a heartfelt thank you for all of your support and encouraging words - they brought tears to me eyes. After dry heaving and salivating all morning, we finally discovered that my band was too tight. This afternoon I went in for an adjustment (which was such a breeze) and they took out the nasty little air that was stuck in the band. I instantly felt better - my voice changed, I could breathe deep breaths and thank God I stopped spitting! By no means am I 100%, but the relief is 1000%! Now I can move more than 10 steps without losing my breath and talk with my people:thumbup:

thanks again!

Great to hear you are feeling better!!! And you just taught many of us something new with sharing your happenings. It might help someone else who is feeling similar pain! Thanks! Keep us posted!

Thank you so much for all the posts; I plan on driving if I need to go somewhere... won't be no 1-2 hour trip right away but around town for sure.

Have a great day!

Hi Maxi2010 ! Good Luck with Surgery on Friday *** BUT *** by looking at your surgeon and his credentials ... I think you are in great hands. I have a GREAT Surgeon too and like I have posted elsewhere here it was pretty painless / less painful because of it.

As for fretting about the Post Op food... DON'T. You are making a extremely MAJOR life changing decision here. You want a better / healthier life and by going with a Band, you will be committed to it either way. Once you are banded ... you are banded Babe! It doesn't come out easily and once its it its in and you have to go through some hoops to get it out. It is almost like the Mafia but in a good way... it will make you lose weight unless you seriously fight it.

I am Day 6 Post Op and I have to say that I have had to come to grips that my attitude and relationship with food has to and HAS changed. I can't eat what I want and an extremely large amount of whatever I want when I want anymore. I can't pig out anymore / I can't numb myself with food anymore. AND thats a good thing. The Band is working and keeping me in check against my own food addictions and cravings. It is giving me the extra will power to fight a lifelong losing battle with food. Although I have had some major weak moments in the last few days and days I have had some low commitment ... the Band KEEPS working and keeping me in Check. The Band is great in that even with low commitment and resolve, it works and then when my Sanity returns a few hours later, I am so much more happy because of the Band and that it kept me honest and strong. The REALIZE Band is working for me and it is doing what I thought it would do for me. I am so sick of being overweight and what it has cost my life so far, it is time for a change. Now that I have it I only wish I did it YEARS ago !!!

-Brian

Very much agree with Brian, I am a day behind him and feel similar. Thinking about food and knowing I already made changes and there is no turning back; this is our road to a healthier self! One thing is for sure: It is not easy, but I am so hopeful with the band that I think and feel I can change my eating habits forever. And so can everyone else as long as you work towards the goal of a healthier YOU! I am already "seeing" myself in a regular clothing size and love that feeling....

Thank you for all the book tips! Will check them out on B&N.

Has anyone read any good books in regards to getting banded and post op issues, living with a band?

I remember that Brian mentioned he was reading a couple of books in one of his posts; anything you would recommend Brian?

Thanks!

Hi Everyone - 3 days post op here

I have been hesitant to post my banding experience b/c I am one of the most positive people I know, and unfortunately this has not been positive for me - I am truly heartbroken about it.

I love my surgeon - she is great - everyone in the hospital - fab.

After several hours post op I started feeling a tightness in my chest. It threw me for a loop as I was expecting the shoulder/back gas pain - which never came. The incision pain is no fun - but easy to deal with - the tightness in my chest - not so much. I stayed over night in the hospital and walked the hall several times, but the tightness would not decrease. My surgeon called me on Saturday and asked how I was doing and i let her know where the tightness was - breast bone, she informed me that is where the band is - not to worry. After I was released and moving more the tightness was accompanied by shortness of breath. So I couldn't read more than one story to my daughter, or have a decent convo with my son. My neighbor convinced me to call the surgeon on call yesterday - he told me it was not normal and to head to the ER. I did. They scanned my lungs for a clot and i had to hold my breath - and I couldn't - the tech remarked on how shallow my breathing was. Then came the chest Xray and when he told me to hold my breath I couldn't - then coughed. It was no fun. After 7 hours in the ER they concluded that I didn't have a clot or pneumonia and that I needed to contact my surgeon on Monday morning to discuss the next steps as they only avoid catastrophic situations. I called my surgeon this morning and she was in the OR, but she had my paperwork and ordered an upper GI to see if my band was too tight. I actually cried this time b/c i hate barium and I felt sorry for myself (shame on me). Now I wait.

I am frustrated. I don't regret the surgery - I just need answers and I need to know that I will be able to take deep breaths, read stories, walk more than 10 feet without sweating and catching my breath.

Has anyone experienced anything like this?

thanks for your support.

Please don't ever hesitate to post anything; even if you don't get an answer to all the questions; someone will learn from what you posted and it helps all of us to know that we experience things very differently. I hope you are feeling better and received the medical attention you required. Keep us updated!

I do have some tideness around the breast-bone but nothing what you described. 5 days post op and like someone else wrote" every day is getting better".

Take Care!

I am 5 days post op and would like to know when did you all start driving again?

Greetings from NC

Great, so many people with new dates! To all of you good luck on your pre-op diet and upcoming surgery. I am 4 days post-op and doing well. Not 100% yet, but I have taken time off from work and taking it easy for a change. I am not in pain, just discomfort. But I felt very happy after my surgery and know this is the right decision for me. I am on a 2 week fluids ( Protein shakes) only diet and starting to miss some real food; but not reallllly hungry yet.

Again good luck to everyone! Keep posting!

Greetings from NC

Greetings!

Day 2 post op!

I had to get back on my prescription pain med; but only take it as needed, sometimes I make it 6-7 hours on a dosis...

Question: could you all feel your port right away? I have not felt mine yet.... but I also do not want to push down very hard... when did you feel it? Left side appears more sore...

Still no hunger. I also find the calcium citrate wafers very hard to chew...

But other then that feeling great; walked outside today, so I am getting better and better!