I enjoy reading the different entries. It so gives us all a chance to ask questions, vent, share, etc. This section has been a Godsend to me many times over the past 6 months.
I am realitively newly banded (August 2011), and I am very proud to say I have lost 70+ pounds to date. I want to share my best advice with those who may need it.
#1 find a doctor/surgeon you have confidence in - one that will take their time with you, answer all your questions, and give you the truth.
#2 remember that having the lapband procedure (or any WLS) is a personal choice, and no one can make it for you.
#3 if you decide to go ahead an have the lapband surgery done, you will need to work to make it a success. Remember, the band is not a cure all for weight loss. Along with the band comes hard word.
#4 you will have to follow the rules given you by your doctor.
#5 no matter how how you try to avoid it, you will have to exercise. No excuses will be tolerated.
#6 you are going to have to say good bye to the bad foods if you really want to be successful. That means saying no to chips, candy, popcorn, bread, cookies, cake, ice cream and a whole host of other foods that have caused us to become overweight.
#7 reconfirm your convictions.
#8 find family and friends who will support you throughout your journey.
#9 be proud if you made the decision to have wls. Anyone who says you could have done it without surgery has probably never been overweight. Me??? I was obese, I weighed 299 at my heaviest point, and decided then and there I had to do something so I would be around to dance at my granddaughter's wedding (she's only 9).
#10 after care is a must. I started getting fills 1 month after surgery and have received one every 2 weeks since then, 8 total. I have finally reached the green zone after 4 1/2 months.
Be sure to drink you water, eat your protein first, and then fiber, fuits and veggies.
Most of all, have faith in yourself and your decision. It took me 10 years to have wls, and I am a self-pay. It was the best money I have ever spent. I am now more than 1/2 way to my goal, and once I reach that, tummy tuck here I come.
I LOVE MY BAND, AND I BELIEVE YOU WILL TOO.
OMG, from the blogs I am reading, it seems as if everone is having difficulty. It is nice to know that I am not alone. I am not sure if it is the time of year (the holidays are quickly approaching) or just that I am wanting a little of the forbidden foods.
Friday was a very stressful day for me at work, so I found I was snacking ... on nuts ,.,. on the fat content. Then I ate egg foo yung for lunch (just 1/3 of what was served) but decided to finish off the 2/3's for dinner. What a mistake. Then Saturday was no better...don't even ask about the french onion soup. Thankfully, I realized the error of my 2-days way and got back on track yesterday ... having protein shakes and some meat with plenty of water. Am feeling better.
But, I am wondering if something is going on with just about everyone, because we all seem to be suffering some type of setback, be it weight gain, plateauing, not being able to stick to the rules, etc.
JUST REMEMBER, WE ARE ON THE JOURNEY TOGETHER. Don't lose sight of the finish line. Even the longest journey starts with a small step. WE CAN DO IT.
I am fairly newly banded (8/19/2011) and I remember...
when I started my pre-op diet how I could not wait to taste solid foods. We I eat solid, but don't miss the junk foods like I thought I would.
I remember how I thought I would never feel full again. Now I look at what other put on their plates, and ask myself where do they put all that food.
wondering if this journey was going to be a struggle. I have found my journey to be rewarding in that I stick to the plan rules, my convictions and know I am doing the right things, even if my scale does not go down for a few days, or even up a pound here and there. I FEEL CONFIDENT.
wondering if I would have strength to bypass all the goodies on holidays and special occasions - you know, pizza, birthday cake and ice cream, cookies, chips and dip, breads, etc. I found out I am must stronger than I ever realized.
the gas pains that set in a couple of days after surgery, feeling like I had done about 100 sit ups on day 3 post op, and thinking I would never be able to exercise. Well, the gas pains eventually fade, the sore stomach goes away, and I do exercise...I love my bicycle and if it is too cold, I go to the gym and ride there.
I believe every one of us have doubts, worries, challenges along the way in some shape or form. But we will survive and we will conquer the fat demon that has been riding us for so long.
Keep up the good work and know that we are all there for each other.
I LOVE MY BAND.
zIL
OMG, the holidays are upon us. And with the holidays comes never ending array of holiday treats and temptations.
We, as bandsters, need to be even more vigilant and strong because it is just too easy to fall prey to the excitement, the hustle and bustle, and the celebration of the Holiday season. After all, we all love a good party, right? And, if we tell the truth, many of us are probably social eaters. So much of our previous life has been centered arond food.
So, here is my Chrimas wish and hope for each and every one of you...
I wish you the strength to make wise choices, and if you should have a weak moment, I wish you the courage to forgive yourself and move on.
I hope you are able to surround yourself with others who will support your goal, and not sabotage, or tempt you, at every turn.
I wish you a season full of family, friends, laughter and wonderful times.
I wish you success in your journey.
May the new year bring us an easy time as we travel along, and hopefully the scale will move backwards.
Happy holidays to all Bandsters!!!
Zil
It has been a whilke since I have blogged, Things are still good. I am down about 90 pounds, but am having to fight for the last 50 to go away. Anyway, can anyone who has been banded for awhile let me know if you had problems with food going down about 3 months after hitting the green zone? I hit the green zone in Jan 2012, and just lately I have been having problems with food getting stuck, or slowly passing through the port, which is very uncomfortable. Not sure if I should have a tiny bit of fluid taken out or just cut back again. I can only eat 1/2 cup of food, meat is very difficult at times.
But, when I think about things, I wonder if I am just going too fast and perhaps eating too big of bites. I know there is no excuse...I just forget sometimes what the rules are...like dime size bites and chew, chew, chew and then chew some more. (I hate when my life gets hectic as it is right now... graduations, vacations, planning a wedding, and work is extremely stressful...we have 3 audits coming up in the next 5 months, ugh).
Anyway, any advice yiou can provide will be apprecaited.
Happy banding to all!!!
Well, I am not sure if I would call it the week from hell, but it has been close, real close.
Over the w/e I came down with what I thought was possible STREP throat. Throat irritated and dry, ears itchy and hurt. Headed to the dr Monday afternoon after working 4 hours. Good news - not strep (this after 2 swabs of my back throat because the first swab showed negative), bad news -- my allergies were acting WAY up. So, after 2 RX's and the co-pay at the dr's office, I was sent on my way.
Next day, Tuesday, I had made arrangements to take the day off a few weeks ago to take my friend to have a surgical procedure done, but ended up going to work for about 3 hours because I was told the Friday before that I had to do a presentation to our supervisors, and it had to be done during the supv meeting. Bad news - couldn't get the PPT presentation to pull up at work, couldn't get the computer to work, so had to re-write the presentation at the last minute. Good news - got out in time. Spent the entire day with my friend at the hospital, only to have her admitted because her BP shot up into the critical zone. Stayed with her until she fell asleep that evening then had an hour drive home.
Wednesday, on the way to work, Bad News - really bad news - I somehow managed to get into a single vehicle accident while driving my hubby's truck to work...good news, I did not hit anyone and am actually OK with only a little bruising and minimal soreness. The best piece of advice I can give anyone is keep your eyes on the road no matter what, and WEAR YOUR SEATBELT!!! My guardian angel and God were with me that day because I did not do either of those things...and ended up in a field of alphalfa. Truck has a little damage, but thank goodness for insurance.
Thursday, went pretty well, except that I was pulled from my regular assignment (as were many of the staff I work with) and directed to go help do a contraband search...I work in a security facility so this is nothing new to us. Bad news, had to work OT, but because I am salaried, I do not get paid for it. Good news is when I take off early, I don't get docked since I am salaried. It is all a wash.
Today is Friday...and things seem to be going well. Good News -- got word on the damage to the truck...only about $3400 and it will probably be ready next week.
In all of this, I have remained emotionally calm for the most part, but did figure out that I am a STRESS EATER. After I arrived at work (the day of the accident -- my husband told me to drive to work in the car (it was the best thing he could do for me to force me to get back behind the wheel)) I actually ate 2 pieces of candy, and I used the excuse that I needed to calm myself. What a bunch of crap, but because after not having candy for 8 months, it did nothing to calm me, and the funny thing is, it really didn't taste like I thought it would. I'd rather have my protein, veggies, and drinks and stay away from the sugars and carbs.
So that is it in a nutshell as to how my week has been going.
Thanks for letting me get this stuff off my chest, and for being there for me and everyone else. I feel much better now. Oh, and I think my allergies are finally under control.
Have a great weekend.
Until next time---Zil
Well, here I am again...almost 3 months post banding. I must say, my trip on this journey has been very informative. I, like most people, thought the band was going to work miracles. In an a sense, it has. I am now so much more aware of what I eat and how much I eat. The band has made me very aware of my food choices, and how often I eat.
The daily trip to the scale has also helped to keep me on track (although I really hate getting on the scale), but that is one of the two things I have to face every day whether or not I like it. The other is exercise. I am not someone who has ever exercised, which is evidenced by my girth. However, I did start walking somewhat after surgery and found that was not my thing. So, my middle daugher hooked me up with a bicycle and BINGO, I really enjoy it. I have a wonderful friend who I usually ride with if our schedules permit, and at times my hubby has even riden with me (but he doesn't go as far as I like to go). I even joined the little gym close to work and have managed to get there during my lunch a few times a week to utilize the treadmill and/or stationary bike (only do the statinary bike if weather is bad outside).
But what is so amazing is...(my daughter and her boyfriend had their youngest baby Christened on Saturday at our house. So, needless to say, we had to prepare food for about 25+ people)...the amount of food everyone ate, and what they drank. I don't know where they put it. We served pulled pork, with 2 different toppings and one plain, they we had ranch beans, potato salad, veggie tray with dip, tortilla chips with salsa, potato chips with onion dip, pickles, olives, big rolls, cake and coffee. OMG, then we had beer, wine, soft drinks and iced tea to wash it down with. They ate like they hadn't seen food in a week.
Well, and here is another AMAZING thing, I ate some of the pulled pork, beans, and veggies. Oh, and I had about 5 tortilla chips and homemade salas. NO CAKE, POTATO SALAD, POTATO CHIPS, ONION DIP, BREAD, BEER, WINE, SODA POP FOR ME.
So, the really amazing thing, is what people eat and I know they are truly not hungry. I continue to be amazed. So I just sit back, stick to my convictions and watch my scale move backwards. I LOVE IT! I even managed to ride my bike Saturday and Sunday because I told everyone I had to do it, and they all supported me.
AMAZING! THE POWER MY BAND HAS GIVEN ME. I thank the good Lord every day for pointing me in that direction. I think my husband for being willing to pay out of pocket. I thank all of you for supporting me as well as each and everyone else. We are in this together, and we will forge ahead.
Zil
Had a visit on Monday for my first fill. I was surprised when I learned the dr put 4ccs in at surgery time. Another cc was added for a total of 5 now. The dr said I could have one again in 2 weeks so I am scheduled to get the second one on 10/3. Still not feeling any restriction (that I can notice) but am managing to keep my intake down and am making healthy choices.
Even better news, when I weighed in, I had lost 29.6 pounds since my very first appt...not too shabby for 2 months, and 10 of those pounds were in the month since I was banded. YEA ME!
To all of you that are experiences setbacks and doubts, keep with it. It will get easier. He hardest choice was to make the decision to get the band. If I can do it, anyone can.
Good luck to you all and keep up posted on your progress.
Well, here I am about 7 hours post-op. Had my surgery at 9 this morning, they woke me up around 9:40 or so, and was on the road to home by about 10:30. Had a long ride since I live about 70 miles from the hospital, but was not as bad as I thought it would it. Took some pain meds when I got home, took a alittle nap, and have been walking, walking, walking around the house since it is wayyyy to hot to be outside. Juice, water and tea has been doing down very well. I am pleasantly pleased. If this is the worst, I will count myself very lucky. Of course, the real test will be if I on hold of on not being hungry and keep p with the exercise. But I am determined since I didn't spend all this $$$ for nothing. Keep me in your toughts.
Well, here it is...just a little more than 48 hours since my surgery. Yesterday afternoon was a little rough, my stomach hurt as if I did 50 sit ups and getting up and down was a chore. Finally dug out the heating pad and took an Aleve. Thas has really seemed to help. I only took the prescription pain meds the first day, then I switched to liquid tylenol. Gosh, those things taste AWFUL. Plus they didn't very good at relieving the pain; hence the Aleve. Feeling pretty perky except I think that darned anestesia (sp) is still hanging around in my system. Not quite up to normal speed yet. But, today will be my first outing. Our granddaughter turns 2 today so I just have to go to her party. But will be taking my protein drink and Greek yogurt. I am doing pretty well in not experiencing hunger yet. But I am sure that will kick in shortly. Well, it is back to work tomorrow morning at 0630. I just hope I feel twice as improved as I did today.
KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK, MY FELLOW AND FEMALE BANDSTERS.
I LOVE MY LAPBAND. I have been banded almost 10 months and am down 90+ pounds. Less than 50 to my goal. I could not have done this without this marvelous tool and such a supportive family.
I LOVE MY BAND. To anyone who is comtemplating getting the procedure done, I say ' GO FOR IT '. Keep a positive attitude, play by the rules and reach for the brass ring. The longest journey starts with one small step.
I LOVE MY BAND. I am a self-pay and I would definitely put out the money again if I had it go do all over again,. I have a wonderful doctor and her office staff are so supportive.
I LOVE MY BAND. In all honesty, I can't say that the road had not had some curves, sharp turns, and bumps along the way, but I continue to weather the stormy days and learn from each setback.
I LOVE MY BAND. I hope you love yours too, whether you are currently banded, and still fighting the demons, have found your happy spot, or contemplating getting banded and beginning the journey.
Keep in mind, we are all in this together, and with determination, conviction, willpower and each other, we will succeed.
HAPPY BANDING TO YOU ALL.
zil
Those darned messages in a fortune cookie really don't make much sense about 99% of the time. So I decided to make one just for me and I carry it with me all the time. It says...
I am NOT Hungry!!!
Hunger is a figment of my imagination.
WATER WATER WATER WATER
ride / walk / ride / walk / ride
The flip side says...
I AM ON THE WAGON
I am a food-a-holic
Please do NOT offer to feed me
The funny thing is, it works for me. I have been drinking more water, eating smaller portions and not as much eating in between meals, plus I am riding my bike more and walking.
My co-workers, friends and family are so supportive. And this blog is the BEST. I get so much inspiration from everyone.
There is a girl I work with and when she found out I had been banded, she immediately wanted to know more information. She attended a seminar (based on what her insurance covers) and came back feeling that her only option was gastric bypass, since she was told "the band really did not work" and that "people would probably only lose about 50#s". She was further told at the seminar that a lot of the patients who come in for bastric bypass do so after having been banded.
At first I was a little discouraged, but then I realized my fate was in my hands and the band. The band is what we make of it, so I am going to forge ahead, following the guidelines (although I do have a hard time eating slower...I am sure that will change once I reach the green zone) as well as MY FORTUNE COOKIE.
Good luck to my fellow bandsters. Keep up the good work.
Well, I had a visit with the doctor yesterday...my first in a month, and what a month it has been.
Here I have been sailing along rather swimmingly since I started my journey July 26, 2011... have lost 80 pounds (60 more to go).
Then, it was as if I hit a wall that really did not want to give. Last month I lost 5, THAT'S RIGHT, 5 pounds and 1 inch around my waist.
Good news - I lost 5 pounds and 1 inch.
Bad news - and this hit me right where it hurts, and boy is it going to hurt a whole lot.
Since I am eating healthy, the doctor told me in no uncertain terms that I would have to, and here is the bad news...STEP UP MY EXERCISE.
I thought, OMG, DO I LOOK LIKE SOMEONE WHO EXERCISES??? Actually, I have been exercising since about a month after my surgery. My favorite thing is to ride a bicycle or the exercice bike at the gym. I am actually up to doing 7 miles in about 30 minutes. and now I am being told to STEP IT UP.
That can only mean one thing...doing cardio. If I had done cario in the past I would not be in the shape I am in now or at least not as much of bad shape.
So, today I ordered a DVD to get me a huffin' and a puffin' and hopefully it arrives on Monday.
So, that is the tale of my Good and Bad news.
Please keep me in your thoughts because I am not sure how this is going to go. But I am so determined to get this excess weight off ... until then.
Have a great w/e
Zil
Had a nice w/e in the cool mountains. Even managed to lose 3 pounds, although I am not sure how that happened--must be the good food choices, not over eating and walking.
So, I am 19 days post op and doing good. Am learning to eat sensibly, while focusing on protein as my first food choice. Have been having chicken, and beans (lots of beans since they are easy), and slowly adding veggies. Sometimes I have a protein shake in place of a meal, only because I am out and about and it makes it very convenient. Probalby going to start cooking again for my hubby by the end of the week, and seeing where I go from there. I am scheduled for my first fill on 9/19, so am not sure what to expect after that. I have seen where some people have indicated they go back to smooshies for a few days. Does that help with the adjustment or is just a rule of thumb?
My daugher is bringing me a bicycle over this week, I am working on getting a Jumba dvd and moving onto more exercise.
thanks for the support. Still loving my band and this site.
H-E-L-L-O. I have been away from the site for awhile. Really no excuse except that May, June and July are my really busy time where I work.
Things have been going well until this past week. I reached the green zone on January, but with the weight loss I had to get a few fills in July & August. Did good until last one, when I asked for just a tweak, say maybe a .10 in my band, but she insisted that would not do a thing and ended up giving me more, which put me over the edge. Took me 10 days to realize I was in the red zone (I thought I was eating too big of bites, or not chewing enough, but even when I made sure to take my time, have small bites and did chew, chew, chew), the food would just sit on my band.
So, yesterday I went in and had some fluid removed. Feel soooo much better now, but I also think she took too much out because now I noticed that I am hungry. So, guess I will be getting a couple of small fills over the next few weeks and I am going to insist the doc listens to me ... after all, I know my body much better than she does,.
Very discouraging to have to have fluid taken out, but I will chalk it up to a new experience. I am sure some of you have been there, too.
Well, I will continue to tell you that I love my band, it was the best money I have ever spent. And after 40 more pounds are gone, I am getting a tummy tuck and if my hubby keeps complaining about that cost, I may get a butt lift, my arms done as well as my thighs. My boobs look perky in my genie bra (ain't nobody fooling with my nips) LOL.
So, that is it in a nutshell., Hope you are all doing well.
I hit a new middle number this morning when I stepped on the scale...I am finally in the 200teens. YEA ME!!! I really LOVE my band. 80 pounds down since I started my journey in July 2012.
I hit a plateau during the past month, but that seems to have gone away (until the next one). I have been able to get back at the gym this past week too.
I really LOVE my band, but I think I already said that. However, it does bear repeating...probably numerous times.
I have not had a fill since the middle of January and I am still in good shape. Feeling restriction which has really limited my intake. For those of you who are kinda new to banding, just remember, it may take numerous visits to get fills before you hit the green zone. I started getting fills in Sept 2011 and went every 2 weeks until mid Jan 2012.
For those of you who are newly banded, do not get discouraged. Just remember to follow the rules and your doctor's orders.
For those who are awaiting approval, keep pushing forward. Your time will come. Don't you get discouraged, either.
For those of you who are on the fence about lapband...go for it. This was the best money my hubby or I have ever spent. I love my band and the incentive it has given me. I could not be doing it without this wonderful tool.
Best of Luck.
Zil
Happy to report that I am back on track. I officially closed the holidays on Monday night and Tuesday brought a new and improved me. My food choices have been right on track and I have managed to make it to the gym. I even started doing some more exercises...I must confess I don't like the ARC trainer, but I do try it for a few minutes. Riding 30 minutes on the bike and doing the treadmill for at least 1/2 mile - even managing to do a little. Have moved onto leg exercises, figured I would not be able to walk this morning, but all is fine. Next dr visit is on Monday, Jan 2, 2012...I am ready.
OMG, I have been the same weight for the past few weeks. I can't seem to get past this darned plateau. Thought for sure that by now I would be in the 210's, but no such luck. I do think I am losing inches, tho. My clothes are getting loose on me.
Any thoughts on how to move off, and start sliding back down the mountain again??? or is this just something that will happen in time as long as I stick to the rules???
I ust confess that it has been very hard for me to get to the gym the past few weeks...foot problems (me), 2 family members have had surgery (hubby an #2 daughter), have had to watch the grandbabies (#1, #2 and #3 daughters kids), etc. I would like to tell them to take a hike. but my mom was always there for me, so that is not an option. Besides, if the shoe was on the other foot, they would do the same for me.
Such is life and it goes on.
I WILL NOT GIVE UP GOAL -- 65 MORE POUNDS THIS YEAR!!!
Had my surgery a week ago today. I am feeling pretty good, tho have experienced some hunger pangs from just having fluids. Today I get to start smooshies. Does anyone have any good recipes or ideas??? I could use them.
I go Tuesday to get the staples out. I am looking forward to that.
I think I have lost 5 or 7 pounds since the day of my surgery, and while I wish it was more, I am happy. I went into my surgery with a very positive attitude, and did not experience very much in the way of discomfort except for the day after when my stomach felt like I had done about 50 situps (muscles were really sore), and then on Monday I started getting that darned gas in my shoulder. That has been a little rough at times, but I am weathering through.
I am proud because today at work we served sub sandwiches (2 6-footers), pasta salad, macaroni salad, potato salad, chicken salad, chips and birthday cake. I stuck to my protein drink and sugar free pudding and applesauce. The thought of eating that stuff made a little queazy. Just not ready to go there yet. Although, I would like a piece of fish (and I don't know where that is coming from, because I am in no way a fish eater).
Well, fellow bandsters and bandsterettes...I wish you all the best. Let me know if you have any recipes for me.
thanks,
I made it through Thanksgiving. What a wonderful day. I had the full blown holiday meal for my family. I am proud to say that I did not gain any weight, in fact lost 1 more pound.
I am also proud to say the worse thing I ate was cheese. Yes, I did eat 2 pieces of cheese. It did taste good. Being Italian, we had all the appetizers and I did good. I stayed away from potato chips, spinach dip and bread, corn chips and salsa, salami, pepperoni and crackers (3 kinds). I did have some shrimp and a couple bites of cheese and a couple of carrots.
Dinner came around and I had made up my mind I would have only ham, broccoli and a bite of sweet potatoes. I did have a small glass of wine. No bread, stuffing/dressing, green bean casserole, rolls, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy or stuffed pasta shells. I also stayed away from all the desserts.
I sat back and watched everyone else stuff themselves, and I had a good feeling.
Next, it will be Christmas. I am a little worried about that holiday because one of my favorite things is cut out cookies with icing and colored sugars. I always make about 12 dozen for Christmas morning. I also think we wiil be having homemade tamales, rice and beans for Christmas dinner..,.I know, Italians eating tamales??? Being from the SW, we like Mexican food too. Oh well, I will just make up my mind to eat healthy.
Happy days to all my fellow bandsters.
