I'm here to help...

[Apples2 19]

It has been wonderful finding this website. I had surgery on Sept. 28th and my first fill is on Nov. 5th. I started my journey this past January at 260 lbs. and I am 5'1". I am diabetic, with high cholestorl. Since june I have lost 36 lbs. and just saw my endocronlogist last week and it is possible I will be off insulin within a month. I have been self medicating for 3 months because my sugars have been so good. I am 56 and so tired of being unhealthy. I had a total knee replacement 4 years ago and if I don't get this weight off I will need the other knee replaced. I feel like this is the beginning for a new life.

Thanks for all the encouragement from all of you.:thumbup: Its great not to be alone.

Orchardgrl...welcome and congrats on your 36lb loss. I know where you are coming from on being tired of not feeling well. I was beside myself when I could not walk 50 yards without panting and not being able to catch my breath. Keep up the good work and Celebrate your accomplishments.

This thread is a great place to ask questions, check in with others, Celebrate your steps toward a healthier you. We make friends easily and include lapbanders in all stages of their journeys.

[phyllser 3]

GREAT.... I learned the hard way... to take a pain pill about an hour before PT, especially when I was still getting in home PT. By the time I switched to outpatient, a couple of ibuprofen would take care of it. Yes, I'm bad... I took ibuprofen for a few weeks even though we're not supposed to. It took the edge off enough that I wouldn't have to take the vicodin. If you can do a movie, and get in and out of the car already, you're a better woman than me!! I had a tough time sitting through church 3 weeks out, and didn't even attempt the car for 2 weeks. So I didn't get cabin fever.... I gradually increased my scooter time... I mean I HAVE to have my SF, FF lattes!! So I was crusining around the neighborhood on the scooter before I tried rides in the car.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Janet, gosh I think of you as such a pro at this banded lifestyle that never has struggles. It reminds me of how individual and human we all are in our LAP-BAND® journeys when you share your struggles with us. You have such a good perspective on fills. I think sometimes they are psychological, I think I finally got a good handle on what was a good fill for me after about a year, but it took me getting too tight once to realize that, until then I thought the tighter the better. I guess maybe we have to get too tight once to find out where we don't want to be. I think I am pretty good now. In fact I PB'd for the first time the other night which was a good reminder my band was there and working. One of the dinners that was brought to us after my surgery was chicken breasts and no matter how they are cooked or how small I cut them up, I just always seem to have trouble with them, I can do thighs but must stay away from the breasts.

Well gang, it's my first day alone today,only for a couple hours. DH and DS went to sight in their rifles for deer hunting this weekend. DH wanted me to ride along so as to not be alone, it just didn't sound appealing to me, so I promised to stay planted in my recliner and be a good girl while he was gone. No showers or anything while home alone. Blood pressure is still low but not as low. Did go to 95/65 this morning but back to 116/72 or something later. Am anxious for my dr appt tomorrow to see what they have to say. I think my knee is doing well though quite sore today after the therapy yesterday plus I missed one dose of pain pills in the night.

DH might take me to the movies this afternoon, I think I can handle that as it's just sitting and if I gt my favorite row, it has a bar I can put my leg up on.

Great -GF no I miss eating !!! The first 2 yrs were pretty easy - I would say the last few months haven't been - I miss my weekend pig outs - home made tortilla chips (very very greasy) with homemade bean dip with a block of cheese - then maybe some brownies - I miss not thinking about how many calories I consume. IMHO this is going to be a lifetime struggle for most of us..

Do I miss it enough to go back - nope - feel to damn good - and like I said to 1day - when I am on that treadmill at the gym - I read the sign "Power starts with you" & "Power is strenght" - I feel damn good about me that I have made the changes and that I am at the gym working out instead of sitting on my butt and eating..

I agree with you - 1 time being too tight was 1 times too many for me..

I can tell you that right now I want to soothe myself with food - I am feeling very anioxous - today is the 1 yr anniversary of my bro's death - I want eat - am I really hungry nope - but I know the chemical reaction that will happen if I feed my face with carbs - it will calm me...

There is still cake in the lunch room from yesterday - I could walk around and find candy somewhere - but nope - I am aware of whats going on - I have 1 minute till I can go eat my lunch (pinto Beans with turkey ham, cliantro, garlic)..

Hopefully the starch of the Beans will help - but I will live thru it - Like I said - I feel to damn good and worked to hard to get where I am to go back - but doesn't mean I don't struggle - I do - somedays are easy - some aren't..

Poor doggies - Mine don't leave my house - well except to go to the groomers every few months and they are current on their shots.

Great...thanks for the info on the scale. Mine has a lithium battery and think the next time I am in town will buy one to replace it and see what it does. I try to stay ahead of this game and, as you know, don't want to lose. My scale was up 5lbs b/4 the weekend and did not pay as much attention to my intake. Then it went all the way down again which is not a good thing.

OK...so I forever feel like I don't have a lot of advice to give cuz of my situation. But, I do have my perspective on what I think of fills and the band. I believe Janet and Great are correct in having to do a lot of the work ourselves. You never want to be too tight and it's OK to be hungry. Just get the good ole' hard Protein in first, then whatever else your tummy can hold but make good/healthy food choices.

Since losing that 20lbs I DID NOT WANT TO LOSE...I have been able to test my band and play with certain foods and food consistancies. I make sure to stay within the 1 - 1 1/2 cup portions cuz do not want to stretch my pouch. I know that in able to maintain my weight I need to eat a certain amount of calories a day. (Between 2500-3000 or more). I know, it doesn't seem fair and there are days I would rather not have the chore of getting them all in.

I am at the point where I almost dread eating hard Proteins because they keep me full for too long and I cannot get in the necessary calories that I need. I like to eat "real" food...have never ever relied on protien drinks. But, when I am really trying to maintain or gain, I eat high Protein Fiber Cereal, Protein Bars, fruit sauces, more slider foods, etc. On those days I am HUNGRY ALL THE TIME.

My point in sharing all this is that if you follow the band rules, that band really does work for you. By putting 4oz of hard protien in my stomach, I can stay full up to 4 hours or more and I can hardly thing about putting anything in the tummy during that time period. I notice with slider foods, 20 min. is the max. Just goes to prove the band is a huge help.

As far as the head hunger goes. I am a believer that having an alternative activity to take the mind off of food is a biggy. Don't let yourself get too hungry and then binge once you get in the door from work. Carry something with you. Even if it's just a small handful of soynuts, a couple of peices of Jerky to eat while you are on the way home.

Plan your meals in the morning or the night b/4 and stick to your plan the best you can. Stop eating when that planned meal is finished. It might just take your tummy time for the brain to tell you that you are full.

If you are still hungry after eating 4oz of protein and some veggies and continue to be hungry during that hour after, maybe it is time for a small fill.

Just my two cents worth.

I have a 14cc band and only have had two small fills. .5cc the first and 1cc with the second fill.

Apples - you are very lucky - but again I think you have had your ah ha moment and you are such a busy busy person who's motabolizam is now in over drive - :0)

It has been wonderful finding this website. I had surgery on Sept. 28th and my first fill is on Nov. 5th. I started my journey this past January at 260 lbs. and I am 5'1". I am diabetic, with high cholestorl. Since june I have lost 36 lbs. and just saw my endocronlogist last week and it is possible I will be off insulin within a month. I have been self medicating for 3 months because my sugars have been so good. I am 56 and so tired of being unhealthy. I had a total knee replacement 4 years ago and if I don't get this weight off I will need the other knee replaced. I feel like this is the beginning for a new life.

Thanks for all the encouragement from all of you.:thumbup: Its great not to be alone.

Nope you are not alone - Welcome and Congrats on your loss of 36 lbs

GREAT.... I learned the hard way... to take a pain pill about an hour before PT, especially when I was still getting in home PT. By the time I switched to outpatient, a couple of ibuprofen would take care of it. Yes, I'm bad... I took ibuprofen for a few weeks even though we're not supposed to. It took the edge off enough that I wouldn't have to take the vicodin. If you can do a movie, and get in and out of the car already, you're a better woman than me!! I had a tough time sitting through church 3 weeks out, and didn't even attempt the car for 2 weeks. So I didn't get cabin fever.... I gradually increased my scooter time... I mean I HAVE to have my SF, FF lattes!! So I was crusining around the neighborhood on the scooter before I tried rides in the car.

Our little coffee addict :0)

[Apples2 19]

Hey Phyll...do you ever make your own flavored coffees at home?

16 oz dark roast

1- 25 cal packet of Swiss Miss lite

2 tbls Torini or DaVinci SF syrup

If you like...2 tbls FF Cool Whip for an added 15 cals.

[Apples2 19]

I hope that my above post did not come off as "braggy" that I can eat at this point in my maintenence. I guess I was just trying to make a point that sliders go through the band really fast and hard Proteins can last for hours...even proteins like soynuts. Hope I did not confuse anyone.

[IndioGirl55 32]

I hope that my above post did not come off as "braggy" that I can eat at this point in my maintenance. I guess I was just trying to make a point that sliders go through the band really fast and hard Proteins can last for hours...even Proteins like soynuts. Hope I did not confuse anyone.

Darling - no - you didn't come off braggy - it's very true even with good restriction - sliders don't keep you full and just leave you wanting more :0)

You are very very lucky that your metabolism is so good and you do eat very very healthy - how can we fault you for that :0)...

I'm envious that all :0)

[Apples2 19]

Thanks for that, Janet. As I said above, sometimes I feel like I don't have a lot to add as I do have a different way of eating than most. I do get frustrated, I do have to be very diligent in watching that I get what I need. DH and DS are my biggest supporters when I get frustrated. One good thing. My band works perfectly for me. Nothing gets stuck (99.9 percent of the time) and I feel wonderful. I guess this is just the way it is going to be for me for a while. I do feel my weight will come back on and I can deal with a "normal" maintence program.

[Great2BThin 5]

No braggy, Apples,just a different perspective and experience that we all need to hear and can learn from. Maintainance is tough whether you are struggling keeping the weight off or struggling not to lose anymore. We all have to find our way.

Who was it that mentioned a potato sausage Soup the other day? Apples? I've been thinking about it since care to post a recipe?

Nice surprise, someone just dropped off dinner tonight, we thought they ended last night, but another night. YUM Looks like stuffed peppers. Better go eat 'em.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Thanks for that, Janet. As I said above, sometimes I feel like I don't have a lot to add as I do have a different way of eating than most. I do get frustrated, I do have to be very diligent in watching that I get what I need. DH and DS are my biggest supporters when I get frustrated. One good thing. My band works perfectly for me. Nothing gets stuck (99.9 percent of the time) and I feel wonderful. I guess this is just the way it is going to be for me for a while. I do feel my weight will come back on and I can deal with a "normal" maintence program.

Apples - it just as hard for you (to maintain) as it is for me - it's just diff that's all - :thumbup:

[Apples2 19]

No braggy, Apples,just a different perspective and experience that we all need to hear and can learn from. Maintainance is tough whether you are struggling keeping the weight off or struggling not to lose anymore. We all have to find our way.

Who was it that mentioned a potato sausage Soup the other day? Apples? I've been thinking about it since care to post a recipe?

Nice surprise, someone just dropped off dinner tonight, we thought they ended last night, but another night. YUM Looks like stuffed peppers. Better go eat 'em.

Yep, was me that was making it on Sunday, I think. Not a "skinny" soup but not too terrible for calories either.

We have a local supermarket that makes their own Italian brats. I stick six on them in the oven at 350 degrees and (on a cookie sheet) and bake for 35 minutes. When cool, cut lengthwise, then again and then dice. You could use any kind of Italian sausage...even ground. I always rinse a bit to get the fat off.

3 cups diced celery

3 cups diced carrots

8 medium diced potatoes

1 medium diced onion

Cover with cold Water and boil all till tender and pour off

1/2 the Water remaining. Add enough skim milk to cover veggies, add diced sausage and 2 Tbls of chicken broth mix and 1 tbls minced garlic (optional). Heat till just b/4 boiling. Make sure to stir often as the milk may scorch on the bottom of pan. When hot, add 1/2 - 3/4 cup Potato Buds to thicken a bit. Enjoy!

Aren't you the lucky one to have your dinner delivered again. Reminds me of when I used to deliver "Meals on Wheels" each day when I worked in town.

[Great2BThin 5]

Thanks, Apples, for the Soup recipe, I wrote it down to save for when I am up and about more. Could it be made in a crock pot you think??

Whew, just finished my 2nd set of exercises today on the knee. I keep telling myself the pain is so worth it. I can extend the knee so easy but the bending OUCH! The worst exercise is one I have to lie on my stomach with my legs hanging off the bed from just above the knee. I am to just let them hang for 5 min. and also to bring my foot up and bend the knee 10 times. It about brings tears to my eyes each time, DH rubs behind the knee and now I have ice. It will be worth it right, Phyl???

Saw the movie Couples REtreat this afternoon. It was okay, not super great but entertaining. It was the max I could do for an outing though. I am exhausted and hopefully will sleep good tonight. I gotta rest up, my folks come in tomorrow. HOpefully my sister will entertain them some.

Speaking of my sisters, still no word ever from one of them and the other gave me the obligatory phone call my last day in the hospital, no follow up or anything. It just really hurts, can't they at least pretend to care? Even my SIL that the relationship is a little strained has called and checked and said she was thinking of me. Am I being selfish or unrealistic? I'm about to just write them off more or less. I know I am done trying to force a relationship, it's just not worth it and can only go so far when it's all onesided. Sorry to vent.

[Apples2 19]

Thanks, Apples, for the Soup recipe, I wrote it down to save for when I am up and about more. Could it be made in a crock pot you think??

Whew, just finished my 2nd set of exercises today on the knee. I keep telling myself the pain is so worth it. I can extend the knee so easy but the bending OUCH! The worst exercise is one I have to lie on my stomach with my legs hanging off the bed from just above the knee. I am to just let them hang for 5 min. and also to bring my foot up and bend the knee 10 times. It about brings tears to my eyes each time, DH rubs behind the knee and now I have ice. It will be worth it right, Phyl???

Saw the movie Couples REtreat this afternoon. It was okay, not super great but entertaining. It was the max I could do for an outing though. I am exhausted and hopefully will sleep good tonight. I gotta rest up, my folks come in tomorrow. HOpefully my sister will entertain them some.

Speaking of my sisters, still no word ever from one of them and the other gave me the obligatory phone call my last day in the hospital, no follow up or anything. It just really hurts, can't they at least pretend to care? Even my SIL that the relationship is a little strained has called and checked and said she was thinking of me. Am I being selfish or unrealistic? I'm about to just write them off more or less. I know I am done trying to force a relationship, it's just not worth it and can only go so far when it's all onesided. Sorry to vent.

Long...you should be able to make this in the crock pot. Just add all the ingredients and instead of the Water, cover vegies and sausage with skim milk. Once all is tender, add the Potato Buds.

I know your sisters are a spur in your saddle. Maybe they are just so self-absorbed that they think of no one else. Try not to think of it as anything that you did or that they intentionally do the things to upset you. Let them live in their own little world. When the time comes and it is their turn for comfort and support, be there for them like you would for anyone else. Maybe they will learn from your actions. Don't know what else to tell you except to try and not see this as YOUR fault. It is them that are acting uncaring and unloving at this time. See what the family visit brings and how it goes. Keep us informed and "vent" if you feel the need. I feel for you and understand where you are coming from with this.

Keep up the exercises. You are doing great. DH's aunt had both knees replaced at once about ten years ago. She went to PT right after surgery but when it was time to do them at home, she quit any and all exercise. Her knees are now a constant pain for her and she is always complaining that they have never worked.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Hey Gang

Just cking in.. I want lamb for dinner - really a lamb shank but can't find any... So I guess I will have my fish and some cauliflower... I hate it when I am hungry but don't know what I want or can't find what I want.

Since I went to the gym twice on Monday and then again yesterday - I am taking a day of rest - Like that excuse !!!

Great - Hugs on the Sis issue - you and me GF - how about we become sisters and forget about our biological ones :0) I'm not as nice as Apples :0)... It's them not us - so don't sweat it.. I know it's hard though.. Today is the anniversary of my bro's death - and we should be talking - but we aren't - I could call - but I am not up to being fake and I don't think telling her how I feel will do anything but turn into a tit for tat argument - so it's best left alone..

Apples you give great advice - Like you said - we all have issues w/family and know where each of us is coming from.

[Apples2 19]

Hey Janet...forgot to mention anything earlier when you mentioned that today is your bro's anniversary of his death. Thinking of you.

You'd have to tie me down in order to get me to eat lamb. Crown roast was our Thursday dinner growing up. I HATED lamb. Would spit as much to the dog as I could or wrap it in a napkin when no one was looking. Enjoy it though!

[IndioGirl55 32]

Hey Janet...forgot to mention anything earlier when you mentioned that today is your bro's anniversary of his death. Thinking of you.

You'd have to tie me down in order to get me to eat lamb. Crown roast was our Thursday dinner growing up. I HATED lamb. Would spit as much to the dog as I could or wrap it in a napkin when no one was looking. Enjoy it though!

Thanks Apples...

I love lamb - we always had it for Easter - and when I 1st moved out - til I don't know when - we had Sunday dinner at my Dad's - even before I moved out - I remember that when my Aunt Dot moved here we had Sunday dinner and would have it occassionally - Sunday dinners were always a big deal - we had nice dinners - roast - mashed tatoes - veggies - then my mom would take the left over meat and we would have great sandwiches for lunch.. Saturdays during the summer was always bbq.. Growing up it was all about the food - both my mom & dad were great cooks..

I like escargot - raw oysters - mendo - etc - I like weird foods :0)