Hi all....

To start us off....Ill begin with a little about myself.

I had joined the thread Feb Bandsters...however...Ive been booted to March...as I am being treated for sleep apnea....so I needed to push back surgery date from Feb 8th to March 15th..hoping it stays there!!

Im hoping to connect with others that are on a similar time frame for surgery, for support, advice, education, encouragement and just to shoot the breeze...to share experiences from the first consult if needed to way after being banded...lets get together and share this journey the good, bad and the ugly of it all!!

so.....lets get to know you....by answering some questions that was asked of me before....im passing them on through this group....it was a great beginning. Ill start.

Date of Surgery: March 16th

Where Surgery will be: NY

Doctor/Center: New York Bariatric Group

Dr. Holover/Manhasset

Seminar date: January 2009

1st consult date: Dec 30th, 2009

2nd consult: Feb 3rd, 2010

Consults and tests completed: Cardiologist. Pulmonologist, Endocronologist, Sleep Study, Nutritionist, Endoscopy

Tests still needed: Psych test

How is surgery funded? Insurance

Concerns? How will I ever be able to re-educate my brain to eat differently

Reason for banding? See thread in "Introductions"for NYSparklegirl.

Good Morning-

Hope everyone is doing well:smile2: The holiday and spring break with everyone at home has been a bit rough, my food was more random than I'd like, I really need to buckle down and focus on nutrition.

My first fill isn't until April 19, though my pouch is working pretty good right now.

It's gorgeous here I'd like to get some walking in today.

Hiya Everyone :thumbdown:

Had my 2 week post of visit today.. Down -12 lbs, He was very happy with my progress, I told him i was worried i didnt lose enough and he said if i had lost anymore he would be concerned so I feel great :thumbup:

He told me I wont get a fill until my weight loss slowes down or stops. , Which i think is a good thing.. My band is working good right now with nothing in it, if its working dont mess with it :thumbup:

He said i am going to be one of his "Star" Clients,, Already back in the gym and working out.. I know my hard work is going to pay off.

Well I am still here. I still check in at least a couple of times a week....ok well at least once a week. Way to go on gettingin a size 12!!! I would love to see a size 12 but would be happy to get back to an 16 or 18. Seems like a long way away from my size 26.

Hey findingme....how are you? I was thinking about you all last week and I was hoping you made it through those tough days you were having :thumbdown:

Hey findingme....how are you? I was thinking about you all last week and I was hoping you made it through those tough days you were having :thumbdown:

I am doing well. No more gas pains, the clothes are fitting better, and the weight seems to be coming off nicely. However, the last few days I seem to come home from work and want to eat everything I can get my hands on. I do fine between Breakfast and lunch but then about 3 I am starting to get hungry. So I have a handful of peanuts and that seems to hold me over til about 5. Tonight for dinner I had mashed potatoes and cottage cheese. Which was satisfying but I think I ate to much. How are you doing?

Well I am not sure where everyone went but I am still here. My cousin had a baby this week so I was worried about not checking in sooner but I see that I was the last one to post. I had some hoe managed to gain 2 lbs this past week but then when I weighed myelf this morning it was gone. Let's hope it stays gone...lol. I went to Smoothie King today and got a Gladiator with pineapple and orange. It kind of tasted like an orange julius and it had 45 grams of protein in it. Well I will check back in a few days to see if anyone else is still around.

Hiya finding Me..

I am still here, Just dont post cause I dont want to talk to myself heheh

I am 3 weeks and 1 day op off.. Feeling good :confused:

I am still here!!!! I check in every once in awhile.. Not many conversations going on so I just keep quiet. I

I go in for my first fill on wednesday, yay! I know I can eat more then I should be able too, but Im not just cause i dont want to gain anything..

I am taking in an adequate amount of protein and Im still hungry. Although, this morning I am actually not to hungry. I had a carnation instant breakfast with skim milk the no sugar added kind, and Im feeling good. Ive been doing these 2 mile leslie sansone heart healthy aerobic/cardio walk.:confused:

Hope everyone is feeling this good.

I am still here!!!! I check in every once in awhile.. Not many conversations going on so I just keep quiet. I

I go in for my first fill on wednesday, yay! I know I can eat more then I should be able too, but Im not just cause i dont want to gain anything..

I am taking in an adequate amount of protein and Im still hungry. Although, this morning I am actually not to hungry. I had a carnation instant breakfast with skim milk the no sugar added kind, and Im feeling good. Ive been doing these 2 mile leslie sansone heart healthy aerobic/cardio walk.:confused:

Hope everyone is feeling this good.

Do you still have any restrication? Just wondering.. Good luck with your fill. Let us know how it goes..

On a TMI note...... Is everyone having normal BM's again? I am 3 weeks out, 1 week of all much regular food but on the softer side.. I am still having very runny bm's,. I havent had a Normal BM like before the surgery since the surgery.. Just wondered..

Kelsey

On a TMI note...... Is everyone having normal BM's again? I am 3 weeks out, 1 week of all much regular food but on the softer side.. I am still having very runny bm's,. I havent had a Normal BM like before the surgery since the surgery.. Just wondered..

Kelsey

I am just the opposite. I have not had a "normal" BM since surgery. I have a hard time going and have been using benefiber almost everyday. I think I only go 2x a week.

Hi I live in Monmouth County at the gorgeous Jersey Shore. My goal this year is not to be too embarassed to wear a bathing suit to the beach.

Do you still have any restrication? Just wondering.. Good luck with your fill. Let us know how it goes..

On a TMI note...... Is everyone having normal BM's again? I am 3 weeks out, 1 week of all much regular food but on the softer side.. I am still having very runny bm's,. I havent had a Normal BM like before the surgery since the surgery.. Just wondered..

Kelsey

I do still have restriction and if I dont feel full know when to stop eating tho, or else I get stuck. As for the BM's I have had normal ones for me... I wasnt normal before surgery at all. Since surgery I have been going regularly like everyone is suppose to.

I will keep everyone posted.:thumbup:

Hi all....

well.....Passover and Easter is over. Its back to regular schedule programming. Im sorry ive been incognito for the last two weeks but see im observant so most of passover I couldnt post at all and getting ready with all the cleaning and cooking and getting ready...I didnt have a moment to spare when I could post. I havent disapeared, Im here....and back.....so get ready for those long posts consisting of updates and rants and raves!!! lol

quick update....Its been a month since surgery and wieghing in yesturday....I lost 28 pds!!! I cannot believe it. Passover was really hard,.....I cooked and cooked but didnt taste anything....nada nothing....chicken soup, fish, pot roast, meat balls, chicken, side dishes of all sorts and tons of passover rolls and rolls and more rolls..lol I didnt taste one taste not even a pinky taste. I made everything like I always do...didnt dare make anything new without tasting.

I sat and watched everyone eat at the Passover seder. I did not have a smidgen of matzah the whole passover.

We didnt go to anyones house for any meals...I had them all here because....going somewhere meant having to explain why I cant eat anything except something mushy......or drink but not at the same time...or the mushy needs to be only proteins. lol talk about an ungrateful guest. lol

So it was just easier to have meals here at my house, no one ever asks or insists you eat your own food they dont really ask as you are buisy serving and no one notices so much.

The only thing that I wanted the whole week?? A Passover roll why???? Why??? Nothing of the real food but I wanted a roll more then anything else, not the deserts and chocolates or macaroons but I didnt have one....nope not even one.

I was sooo proud of myself. My mother could not believe it. I couldnt...the only year or person Ive ever known to have lost weight on passover!!!

I joined a gym and had two training sessions so far but oh how I hate to exersize. I just hate it but know I must. I spoke to the surgeon last week and he said...I could now do what ever I want...lift more then the 8 pounds excersize whatever! So, it was time to take that next step.

baby steps here....even bought new sneakers for that occassion.

So, im feeling really good.

Ive pretty much developed a regular routine, in the morning around 7 I have a protein shake, then at around 9 I have a poached egg. I try to drink water in between.. at around eleven I have a piece of sliced cheese or two tablespoons of rigatta or greek yoghurt or cottage cheese. At around 1 I have a few tablespoons of ground chicken or meat. I keep drinking my water, in the afternoon I have a protein shake....and then at about 9 I get hungry somewhat or at least I think I am and eat a piece of fish...like maybe three tablespoons and then I take my vitamins and pills...crushed and thats it!!!

So its goes..since after the first post op while starting mushy foods.

Ive been really careful about the juices.... I have them watered down and make sure I only am eating proteins. I havent eaten any vegetables or starches....caffeine and limit the sugars. I wont eat anything that has a more then total carbs of 7-10 percent in any one food and or more then 5-7g of sugar. This doesnt leave alot of room for food. lol

I really want to try to not eat anything that is white that turns into sugar. No wheat, No more white potatoes, No white rice and vegetables that are considered starches and try to eat as little as white sugar as possible.

We will see how long I last. lol Right now im eating only proteins. I also have one "REDS" and one "GREENS" drink a day....this is powder vegetables and fruit mixed with water. So I am getting all my veggies and fruits for the day as Im not eating any now.

I need some variation this week though getting really bored with the current repertior. lol Help.

Ive bought, some chumus and white beans. Some protein bars that have little carbs, etc etc. and steel cut oat meal, and I tomorrow I will be making home made chilli with chopped meat and beans for dinner and I will eat fish for lunch. The oatmeal has a little more carbs then I would like but the nutrtionsist has said this is important for fiber so a little more carbs is okay as long as sugar and fat is very low. Any ideas for more friendly foods??

I also, am having a problem with BMs. I am soooo constipated. Since the surgery Ive gone only 3 times?? Is that possible?? but true. I spoke to a nurse who I work with and she made me...a concoction...of get this.....prunes, apples, honey and olive oil. blended them all up in the bullet. and she gave me about three tablespoons...and said now jodi....dont be going anywhere for the next few hours....well guess what??? nothing happened. So when I called her in the AM she said....now take olive oil and honey and take a tablspoon a day till you go.

Hmmm finially went some but nothing reg...

any ideas?? Id hate to take over the counter...would prefer natural remedies first. Not sure how long this will last!!!

How is everyone else feeling? What is everyone else eating? Drinking? exercizing?? etc etc. I feel like i can eat anything now..and drink alot at once. I dont dare tempt the fate....so am being very careful and wont eat anything other then mushies and drinking slow but steady. Im not hungry most times....but sometimes I get what I called hunger pangs! They actually hurt and make so much noise then I know I need to eat something...but that doesnt happen often thank god. I do feel like I need to eat more often so I eat a little something every four hours and drink in between; anyone else feel like they dont have a band anymore? It doesnt feel like it did three weeks ago thats for sure!

So now that weve lost some weight and Im sure people have started noticing somewhat....what are your feelings about this? Are people surprised? not....asking questions?? what are your responses to them? Are you telling them that you had surgery? what have been their responses? Interested in all of your experiences so far. Lets talk about this.

Anyone ever make a decision about going into the chat room at the same time each week to meet up and chat at the same time? I thought this was a really good idea, anyone want to set a time for that each week?? Id like after 9 if possible. Anytime after is good for me. Any day except wekends.

I decided to stop back here. I feel sometimes as if our little gourp has drifted apart because we all have our bands now as it is April. BTW Happy Easter to everyone who follows the holiday. And Hope you had a great Passover Jodi!

I hope not....I think that the holidays have gotten in the way as they were at the end of the March...people were on vacation and celebrating all week with Passover and Easter.

People will join and leave...and join and leave again,,,,,but support is here and I for one.,.need it, all our experiences are essential to each of our journey.

I still have not seen my numbers, but a friend of mine gave me a pair of new jeans that didnt fit her because my jeans are a size 15 and fall off!! The jeans she gave me were the brand Sevens, and are a size 12!!! I couldnt believe it I have not been in a size smaller then a 15 in 2 years! Im working on some of my smaller capri's for the summer. This year I do not want to be wearing goucho's nd my ugly old lady FAT clothes.

Sevens are exact so if you are seing a change in fit.,,,,you can know you are deff loosing!! I am also seeing the difference in fit. Some things are looser and I cant wait till they will be falling off! lol

Well I am still here. I still check in at least a couple of times a week....ok well at least once a week. Way to go on gettingin a size 12!!! I would love to see a size 12 but would be happy to get back to an 16 or 18. Seems like a long way away from my size 26.

Come visit more often.....lol

I love your posts, I hear you...Id like to fit a size 12 as well......I was a 20 now down to 18 maybe 16, youl get there.....keep up the work. Its not easy but it will be rewarding!

Hi March Bandsters,

I liked Stevie's update, so decided to do one too. I am doing great, and SO happy that I had the band placed.

Had surgery 3/5. First week lost 15 pounds on liquids. Second week on mushies lost another 5 - totalling 20. Then went onto soft food - and gained 4 pounds even though I was eating between 500-600cals/day! Two weeks, and didn't loose a pound. Then at week 4 (last Thursday) went onto a more regular diet (cals increased to about 100cal/day) and in the last few days not only lost the 4 pounds I gained but an additional 3.

I had joined a gym, but unfortunately with the problematic weather in NJ, the roof blew off the gym after week 1! Didn't like the other options in the area, so was not doing anything for 2 weeks. Finally the weather has been nice, so I bought an ipod and have been enjoying walking outside. FYI - I found a bunch of podcasts abount living with the band on itunes. They are great to listen to while walking.

How is everyone else doing? My size 32 winter clothing is not going to go into storage this year, but rather to charity :thumbup:

First Fill 4/15 - I cannot wait!

BTW - this was the easiest Passover ever, since I cannot eat bread anyway! Happy Easter and Passover to all.

Cynthia

Banded 3/5 - 350

Current Weight 4/4 - 327

Goal 180

HI Cynthia..welcome..yes, I agree easiest passover ever!!! I was banded on 3/9. Sorry to hear about your gym. Was your area affected by the floods as well? There are no other gyms that you can join anywhere else? Maybe one where you work so you can go before or after work? I know its a pain when not close to home.

I was lucky and have several in the neighborhood to choose from. I chose Hollywood. I seem to like it.

Where in Jersey are you?? Where did you have surgery? Please feel free to post any suggestions, experiences and ideas for eating. Welcome again.

Happy Monday!!

I hope everyone survived the weekend. This is the start of my fourth week on clear liquids. Next week I start the mushie stage, then the following week my first fill. I think that i'm at the stage where I'm not feeling very restricted. I am getting hungry, but still sticking to the liquid program. I know i've said it before, but if i never see broth again it will be too soon!!!!!!!

Have a great day.

;

I cant believe that you are still on liqiuids "clear" is this usual? Ive never heard clear liquids. I was on clear liquid two weeks after surgery then mushy for four and afterwhich reg for two weeks and then they do the first fill. Or so it will be with me if everything goes well. I would go out my mind with another two weeks of "clear" liquids if I had to. How are you doing now??? Hope all is well and you are good

Hiya Everyone :cool2:

Had my 2 week post of visit today.. Down -12 lbs, He was very happy with my progress, I told him i was worried i didnt lose enough and he said if i had lost anymore he would be concerned so I feel great

He told me I wont get a fill until my weight loss slowes down or stops. Which i think is a good thing.. My band is working good right now with nothing in it, if its working dont mess with it

He said i am going to be one of his "Star" Clients,, Already back in the gym and working out.. I know my hard work is going to pay off.

im so glad to hear your doing well!!! yes, 12 pounds is great!! Good for you!! Thats terrific.

I am doing well. No more gas pains, the clothes are fitting better, and the weight seems to be coming off nicely. However, the last few days I seem to come home from work and want to eat everything I can get my hands on. I do fine between breakfast and lunch but then about 3 I am starting to get hungry. So I have a handful of peanuts and that seems to hold me over til about 5. Tonight for dinner I had mashed potatoes and cottage cheese. Which was satisfying but I think I ate to much. How are you doing?

Glad to hear the gas pains went away!!! See....we told you they would eventually. It did for us as well although you think they will last forever.

I also a little hungry between three and five...so I eat a protein bar or have a protein shake. If you are coming home and are starving maybe the handful of peanuts isnt enough, What time are you eating lunch? Maybe you need to eat a little more smaller things,,,,,over the day. Maybe something every two hours or so. Nothing big but a handful of peanuts is a good snack but its not a meal. maybe a shake before leaving work or protein bar before leaving work or that time would help starve of wanting to eat right awaymwhen you get home.

Are you eating mainly proteins? This will keep you full longer and keep up energy,. Carbs I was told will make you want to eat more pften as they are called sliders....they go down easy and dont stay for long and turn to sugars more quickly. You might want to try only proteins during the day and see what happens.

Would love to hear from everyone who was banded towards the end of the March...how are you are doing??? I missed alot of posts then because of Passover so ,,, hope you all had an easy time and are recouping nicely!!!

well.....its late and gotta get up early once again!

Have a great night everyone and a great week!!!

Jodi

Just checking in. I'm five weeks post op today. I'll try to avoid the "only" word and just say I've lost 10 pounds since surgery; mostly in the first three weeks. I can now eat normal food - and alot more than I should - so thankfully my first fill is tomorrow.

I'm trying to be honest with myself - the decision to have the procedure, the rapid process thru pre-surgery and the ensuing excitement helped me lose 30 pounds prior to the big day. I feel like I'm drifting back to old(bad) eating habits and realize that I need to work with a therapist to get around what's driving me to eat. Why would I rather eat McDonald's which I know is bad on so many levels, than a healthy meal? Why do I continue to eat snacks rather than meals? Why do I start the day with good intentions and by late afternoon blow them out the door?

One good thing about the band is that despite only losing 10 lbs in five weeks, I have not re-gained. Now there's a ringing endorsement for my success!:cool:

Just checking in. I'm five weeks post op today. I'll try to avoid the "only" word and just say I've lost 10 pounds since surgery; mostly in the first three weeks. I can now eat normal food - and alot more than I should - so thankfully my first fill is tomorrow.

I'm trying to be honest with myself - the decision to have the procedure, the rapid process thru pre-surgery and the ensuing excitement helped me lose 30 pounds prior to the big day. I feel like I'm drifting back to old(bad) eating habits and realize that I need to work with a therapist to get around what's driving me to eat. Why would I rather eat McDonald's which I know is bad on so many levels, than a healthy meal? Why do I continue to eat snacks rather than meals? Why do I start the day with good intentions and by late afternoon blow them out the door?

One good thing about the band is that despite only losing 10 lbs in five weeks, I have not re-gained. Now there's a ringing endorsement for my success!:cool:

Its great that you have no regained. I dont have a scale at my home so I am not sure of my weight loss. I go in for a weigh in and fill tomorrow. I can not wait to see what I have lost if I have lost anymore. I have been working out everyday and I dont know if that is enough. I want the weight to be falling off and I know that wont happen till I reach my sweet spot. I can eat more then I should be able to and when I stop eating I am hungry still. I am taking in the amount of protein that I should be taking in, I dont know. I am not eating what I am not suppose to. I have no had bread, pasta, or rice since before surgery and my pre op diet. I just dont know what I am doing wrong. I wish i could afford to go to the gym.:eek:

Wow Jodi Great for you! I wish I could say No to some foods :eek: . Losing weight during PASSOVER! Great job!

Now, i dont know what its like to hate working out, but Just remember every time you workout (exercise) you are taking one more step to reaching your goal ( baby steps wins the race!) I love working out and use the time as me time and Thinking time.

How is everyone else feeling? What is everyone else eating? Drinking? exercizing?? etc etc. I feel like i can eat anything now..and drink alot at once. I dont dare tempt the fate....so am being very careful and wont eat anything other then mushies and drinking slow but steady. Im not hungry most times....but sometimes I get what I called hunger pangs! They actually hurt and make so much noise then I know I need to eat something...but that doesnt happen often thank god. I do feel like I need to eat more often so I eat a little something every four hours and drink in between; anyone else feel like they dont have a band anymore? It doesnt feel like it did three weeks ago thats for sure! [/Quote]

I am having problems with drinking with meals :cool: I know i am not supposed to but its been so hard! So i have been trying to drink smaller and smaller amount after time. I told the doctor too, he said i will learn to be able to not drink with meals with time.

So now that weve lost some weight and Im sure people have started noticing somewhat....what are your feelings about this? Are people surprised? not....asking questions?? what are your responses to them? Are you telling them that you had surgery? what have been their responses? Interested in all of your experiences so far. Lets talk about this.

When I first decided to have this surgery i thought I would keep it a secret but I havent. I have told people and alot of the people i work with comment on my weight loss every day! I personally know this wasnt the easy way out and i know i am working hard to lose what i am , so i am not ashamed to tell people i had the surgery. I am hoping that i can encourage others that want to lose weight to get this lives together and lose the weight too.. Dont get me wrong i am not broadcasting it everyone, but when people ask i tell them.