KimK813

I was very nervous about telling my family and friends, too. I wondered if thought I was taking the easy way out, but the people who really care about me were supportive and understanding. They had questions, but I had educated myself on the procedure and was able to lay out my reasons. I did not share it with people I work with in general until the procedure was over. There are always gonna be some people who just want you to fail, but those people mean nothing to me in the grand scheme of it all. I think you will be pleased with the support you will recieve. If someone is negative about the idea, maybe you need to reconsider their place in your life. There is a woman in the support group I attend who has not told anyone she had the Lap-Band and is still actively hiding it. She has lost next to no weight and is miserable. Like anything in life, we need support to conquer our goals. Good luck to you and everyone else on this journey!:blushing:

I just recently had my first fill and noticed absolutely no difference afterwards. I also like to go out to eat at least once a week. I try to order off the kids menu, an appetizer, or share with someone. Olive Garden's Tour of Italy is perfect for two once you add in the salad and breadsticks (for the other person, of course). While I have no sense of restriction yet, I am trying to train myself to eat like I do, so I have several small food items a day. I am loosing an average of 2 lbs a week already. Good luck, everyone!

I, too, add protein powder to my CIB. I am not a breakfast person, so this is something I can carry with me to work and sip on throughout the morning. While I like the CIB better by itself, adding the protein powder is better than most of the protein shakes out there, and cheaper too!

Thanks for all the advice and comments. My surgeon said it was probably related to the surgery, anesthia, or the weight loss, but it's all tied together. I have always been pretty regular (thanks to BC Pills) but in the last couple of years started spotting between periods. My GYN said it is probably weight related. But this, right now, is so abnormal for me that I am freaking out. I am definitely calling my GYN today. :wink2:

I am 6 weeks post op and have had 3 periods since my surgery. This last one is not like my normal periods. I saw my surgeon today for my first fill. He believes it is related to my surgery but advised me to see my gynecologist. Anyone else have a similar problem post-op?

Great post... I have a TON of vanilla (mostly because I don't care for chocolate) and have added it to some things, but overall, it's not very good. PLEASE, post some non-banana ideas! (apparently, I no longer like bananas post-op). Good luck everyone!

I am struggling with the same problem. I am 5 weeks post op and have to catch myself from falling into old habits. I am trying to train myself to eat the way I will have to once I gain restriction. It is easy? NO! But I am trying and when I fail, I get up and start over. We can do this. Have some faith!

I was banded the 7th of Sept and, including pre-op, have lost just under 27lbs. I, too, was feeling discouraged, but I had to tell myself this is a process, not a miracle. I am using this team to teach myself to approach food differently and adjust my eating habits so that way when the "restriction" finally happens, I will be ready. I have faith in myself and I believe in you, too. Afterall, we didn't submit ourselves to this to give up so easily!

Whew! I weighed in this morning and have lost. I am obviously please but still scared that this trend will not continue. I appreciate the advice and encouragement from those who have traveled the path before me. I have my first fill on the 20th, and while I know it probably won't happen with the fill #1, I am looking forward to "restriction" that everyone talks about. Thanks again!

My surgeon had me wait 4 weeks post-op to start eating "real" food again. I have started this past Wednesday and I am FIGHTING to keep myself from falling back into my old habits. I practically had to slap my own hand from reaching for the tortilla chips and need to put my fridge under lock and key. Tomorrow, Sunday, is my "weigh day", the day I weigh myself once a week and I am terrified that I may have actually gained because I am back to eating regular food. Any suggestions? Advice? Thanks, and good luck to everyone!

I sometimes mix mine with yogurt. It adds some texture to the yogurt and some sweetness to the cottage cheese. Of course, I can eat it straight from the container, too!

The Special Protein Drink mix (just add to bottle of water) is only 30 calories and gives you 5gr of protein. I have to drink Water anyway. I like the pink lemonade flavor, personally.

I was banded Sept 7th and my first fill will be Oct 20th.

I recently bought a new MP3 player and am looking to fill it with music that helps me keep up a good pace while working out. Any suggestions?

I attended a seminar late November 2009. 1st appointment with the surgeon was January 2010. My insurance required 6 months of medically supervised weight loss (7, actually). Approved in August 2010. Surgery was September 7, 2010. Down almost 27 lbs, including pre-op diet.

My procedure was laproscopic. I have 4 very small icision and one much longer one where my port is located. The small scars are healed and fading, however, my port incision is healed but kinda puckered and ugly. I am only 4 weeks post op, so please tell me it gets better!

I recently a new MP3 player to motivate myself to work out. Any suggestions on some good workout tunes? Something with a good beat that you can bounce to? Thanks! And good luck to EVERYONE!

I'd love to know more about the waterproof mp3 player. I was doing water aerobics, but, the class is too "old" for me. Thanks, and good luck everyone!

I was banded Sept. 7th and I just started my "pureed/mushy" stage. Who would have thought instant potatoes would taste so good. As of this past Sunday, I was down 20lbs total. I have decided to weigh myself once a week and try not to be scale obsessed. I find myself sticking to the 4oz portions okay, but I eat every couple of hours. I started keeping track of my calories and Protein intake. I am getting an everage of 1000 calories a day and 80 grams of protein, so I think that's a good start. Any advice on how to get the recommended 64oz of Water a day? I try, but it's hard. I feel like I am drinking constantly. Thanks, and best of luck to everyone!

I don't mean to sound ignorant, but what is "pb"?

I was banded 9-7-10 and am starting my "pureed" foods today. I was told I can have Non-Fat refried beans with a small amount of low fat cheese. I figured I could probably have some other beans, too, so I have some field peas and lima beans that will be my Osterizer soon. Good luck to both of us!

Well, I am pleased with the 20lbs, but that includes Pre-Op weight loss. I am actually down about 4lbs since my surgery. BTW, 8/13 is my birthday. Thanks for the encouragement and good luck to you!

I don't know about the Ready-Set-Go, but I agree it looks cool. However, for you George Foreman users, I get these sponges that make cleaning SO much easier. They about $5 for 3 but they last awhile depending on how often you use your grill. Here's the link: George Foreman

I am naturally a stomach sleeper, so I specifically asked my surgeon this question. He advised me to sleep however I was comfortable. I slept on my sofa on my non-port side for a few days, then on my back or non-port side in my bed with a pillow. Tonight, since my port site has stopped hurting, I am going to try my stomach. Wish me luck!:thumbup:

Banded September 7th... 20 lbs down, 80 to go! Good luck to everyone!