I've made a decision that when the surgeon's office calls to set up my surgery date in the next few days or weeks, I am going to push for February. Preferrably the 11th, because where I work that would give me two Holidays off, plus one of my Friday's off. I have the 9/8/80 schedule if anyone out there knows what that is, or has it. I plan to take full two weeks off. Why not? I have plenty of time on my books, and I want to be sure I stick to my liquid diet 100%! That can be hard to do if you're stuck at work and end up not bringing enough to keep you satisfied during the day.

So, anyone else out there with a date that month or trying to push for it? I'd love to hear from you and see how it's going.

Here is my journey, I hope your up to a long read...

I began looking into the lap-band surgery about three years ago when I first heard about the surgery. Not very intently at first of course, and I always said I'd never even consider bypass.

Not long after hearing about it my PCP told me I had chronic hypertension. Well, I was only 30 years old at that time! I was blown away. I was a chubby child (not bad), but at about 12/13 I lost the weight and was able to keep it off until about 19. It was about 2 years later I met my husband and we married shortly afterward, and it was at that time I made the most of my weight gain. It was like I was sleeping all though it and I never realized it happened. My eyes were really opened that day my doctor informed me of my disease. Well, needless to say I hadn't even stepped on the scale in many, many years. I was wearing a size 28 at the time of my diagnosis. I made a conscious effort to lose some weight on my own, still not fully supporting the idea of surgery. I did pretty good. I did it through good old better eating and exercise. I lost about a pant size before making that ultimate step onto the scale. It said 315!!!

OMG! :faint:

You know, I knew I was pretty bad off, but still - even then - I didn't imagine it to be that bad. Keep in mind I'd already lost some weight. I've come to terms with it now, and can easily say I was probably at my max upwards into the 330's.

Well, I continued to lose a little more weight in the same way - but somewhere betwee 270 and 280 I'd stopped. I've been yo-yo'ing the last ten pounds ever since. I've been this weight for probably the better of two years now. It was at the beginning of this year I realized I needed more help. I figured I needed a little something to keep my portions in control, as I noticed by journaling my intake I tend to "overeat" especially during dinner hour. Breakfast and lunch are perfect, as always. I do great when my mind is busy at work.

It took a lot of courage to ask my PCP about bariatrics. It was almost as if I was admitting to myself especially that yes, I'm fat, and yes - I can't lose it alone. My travels from there have been long and arduous. But one moment of it, I do not regret. I am so thankful for the six month dietician appointments, as it prepared me a great deal and in so many ways. I don't think I will be as successful had I not done them.

I am so close now, I can see the Bandland gates from here!

So, anyone still going through the toughest part, HANG IN THERE!! It is, and it will be SO worth it.

I simply can hardly wait!

I've been good w/the calorie intake...not good enough w/the Protein intake. I've been way under and I need to help the healing process & curb this voracios hunger that peeks its ugly head once in a while.

What powders does anyone recommend and why?

...there are SOOOOO many in the market. I just dont want to buy this tub of protein and have it go to waste because it makes me gag....please help me w/some suggestions.

What powders does anyone recommend and why?

...there are SOOOOO many in the market. I just dont want to buy this tub of Protein and have it go to waste because it makes me gag....please help me w/some suggestions.

Hey olgi,

I personally use 100% whey. I buy it at Wal Mart. It comes in chocolate and vanilla. There may be other flavors, but I haven't seen them. I had a hard time getting the shakes down at first, then someone told me I could use sugar free syrups. I use the chocolate powder in the blender with ice, fat free milk, and a little Sugar Free Chocolate syrup. Sometimes I add a small spoonful of reduced fat Peanut Butter. Sometimes you have to get creative!

When I don't have time to make those, I use the ready made Atkins or EAS shakes.

Edited March 19, 200818 yr by tskelli

i have not even had one little burp since my operation.

That's crazy! I am constantly burping! Especially after I eat...

Anyway, checking in... 5 weeks post and down 18 pounds since surgery date.

Everyone is doing so darn well - and if this is what it takes to be a BIG LOSER then I'm all for it!!

Thanks Karen for your support. How are you feeling? Congrats on your success!:biggrin:

My nutritionalist suggested unjury because it has very few calories and it comes in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. It is disgusting.

I got my first fill yesterday (3cc in a 5 cc band). I begged the surgeon to NOT EVEN think of being conservative & told him of my situation these last two weeks. I even GAINED 2 lbs. He gave me a good fill, some encouragement & made me sit in the office 30 min drinking water to make sure it stayed dowm.

All went well.

I was full the rest of the day with sips of water & chicken broth. Hope the restriction remains, I'm obviously weak without it!

Thats great Ogli

I asked the nurse who does the fills to be aggressive with my first fill. After the fill, I was restricted, but the restriction and gone away somewhat. I still remain where I was before I was filled. I'm looking forward to my 2nd fill, where hopefully I can become full on less food!

I had my 2nd fill today. It was a bit of a bummer. The nurse practitioner dug around for a while. Then she took forever giving the fill! She could not withdraw any fluid from the band. After poking around in ther about 7 times I told her she just needed to stop or I was going to throw up. Then she wanted me to sit up but I told her I just needed to lay there for a while. She said she thought she got some in.:sad: I guess she did because I am not hungry today. I think I felt it go in.

Later my doc called and lectured me on only losing 1/2 pound. I have been eating wrong. I know it of course. I'm just having trouble. I know it is only a tool! Anyway he said if I wasn't going to lose then we needed to remove it so I did't damagemy stomach. Also, he wants to check my port. The tubing my be kinked or the port may be bad. Oh joy.:crying: Anyway, that has been my fun for the day.:thumbup: Yuck.

Hi Taz,

Wow, that is a bummer. First of all, what have you been eating? Do you feel any restriction at all?

Secondly, while I'm not really losing, I'm not gaining either. I've only had one fill and I do feel some restriction, but obviously, not enough. Why does your doctor think you're going to damage your stomach because you've only lost 1/2 lb. since your last fill? That seems pretty extreme to me. I've read a lot of bandsters say that they didn't really start losing until they got to their "sweet spot," in terms of their fills.

If you'd like a "weight loss," partner, I'm certainly willing. Are you exercising at all?

b.

Hi, Bonniep. Thanks for the response. I did pretty well after my first fill 2 weeks ago but it wore off about a week ago. I haven't done too well after that. Really I was able to eat anything again. Like most people say not as much as before surgery. Still, I lost and then gained it back. Phooey! I have had restriction today after my fill. Yea!

I think my doc feels I will cause my band to slip or erode. I have never PB'd or had pain from eating. Except right after surgery I have never felt tight.

I would love a weight-loss buddy. I do walk 2-3 miles about 4 times a week. I enjoy it and have been going to the same park for 10 years. I started after I hurt my back. Doing the strength training is not so successful. Thanks.

Tina

I am sure you will find your sweet spot, don't be discouraged.

Wow, I wish I could get into walking...I am trying, but incorporating new things into my schedule has always been difficult for me.

congrats on the walking. You have an exercise you enjoy thats awesome.:huh2:

I am sure you will find your sweet spot, don't be discouraged.

Wow, I wish I could get into walking...I am trying, but incorporating new things into my schedule has always been difficult for me.

congrats on the walking. You have an exercise you enjoy thats awesome.

Ready, I had the hardest time getting into a routine. I just happened to get into it a few years ago. It was right after I was diagnosed with hypertension and I was told exercise can help with this.

You have to start slow and with "baby-steps". I started with maybe 15 mins of walking as fast as I could, which to me now is quite slow. There is nothing wrong with that. The only thing wrong would be NOT doing it (if you certainly can of course). I see though you have already begun, which is great!

It takes awhile to get so into your groove that you just don't feel right "not" doing it. It took me at least six months to get to that point. Then your body starts to let you know when you need to pick up the pace, by not losing or even gaining even though you are constantly doing your routine. Also, if I don't work out for more than a few days, or I'm not working out at a good pace I notice my body gets or feels kind of jittery. Almost described like restless leg syndrome or something. It's a good place to be for myself. It keeps me true to my routine.

I wish you the best!

At the park where I go we have a variety of people. Diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, hurt backs, weight loss, and people who just like to exercise. (You can tell I'm during the time older people are there.) :redface: The thing I enjoy is seeing people who have been coming for years. One friend does 12-15 miles a day. She lost 60 lbs many years ago and she really moves every mile. She is 72. I guess I like the people. Maybe over time you could find people to join in with. Our lap is one mile so we run into each other a lot. I walk slow so I tell them I get to visit with everyone when they pass me.:biggrin2:

Hi Tina,

Do you want to message me privately? I'd love a weight loss buddy and we can start from there!

bonnie