bandedbob

I have a group of friends who are 'party animals'. As an example we have a summer home, and individual guests will regularly bring a 40-pack of beer for a Saturday visit, or a 'handle' (a 750 ml) large bottle of (pick your hard stuff) and mixers. I am a Lap Band patient and admittedly party too, however knowing that my weight is health-affecting, need to slim down. I am trying to find an 'acceptable' alternative to significant beer and random liquor consumption. I have given up beer for the last 14 months and I came across conflicting anecdotes regarding vodka, which seems to be the low-calorie / lo carb drink of choice for Lap Banders - Vodka is the lowest calorie liquor and the best choice especially when combined with crystal lite Vodka has 7 calories per gram which is equivalent to lard or Crisco (pure fat) Vodka is made from various source materials (potatoes [carbs], grain ,other) In consulting my bariatric surgeon on which path to choose (band or bypass) he indicated if a patient took in the most calories from liquid sources (fraps, Soups, sauces, liquor (?)) he would recommend gastric bypass. I find myself drinking regularly to counteract work related stress, I am very highly compensated for my work (6+ figures / and have hit 7 figures) and need some stress relief - not interested in 'seek help' from other sources and reply’s (fyi)... I see gastric bypass patients losing 100+ pounds and am getting frustrated with limited weight loss which I m sure is affected by alcohol consumption. What are band patients doing (consuming / using) for alcohol consumption while trying to progress with weight loss???? Save the liquor soap box for your congregation – just answer the question pls… Thanks/ Banded Bob

You ar eall wondeful open honest people - thank you for opening up your experiences - I am grateful ~

My nutrientist suggest 4-5 ounces of lean Protein with the following guidelines: Less than 7 grams of fat Less the n 7 grams of carbs 21 grams of protein or more Limited greens if necessary That makes choices very limited. Breakfast: eggs, lean meat ommlettes, greek yogurt, smoked salmon, cheese Lunch: Lean protein: thin and trim coldcuts http://www.thinntrim.com/catalog/product_detail.cfm?component=2&category=2&group=5 steak, etc dinner : same as lunch : fish / steak / chicken / tofu

I had the Lap Band surgery in October 2010 - so it has been 15-16 months. Initially I had over 35 lbs of weight loss, but never really felt the 'smaller stomach', or 'pouch' so often described. I have limited capacity to exercise because I need a knee replacement (bone on bone / no cartilage / arthritis). I have a broken foot and put on 12-15 pounds over the holidays so I am back here for advice... I often feel great restriction, especially the first morsel of food in the morning. I have 'frothed' which is the production of massive amounts of saliva to help get food down - and have puked because of this (one time). I have thrown up from not chewing food sufficiently (especially chicken and smoked salmon) on a dozen occasions and it is quick and not unpleasant, but not desirable. It simply reminds me I cannot 'gobble' food down. I have been carb restricted due to self imposed limits for 14 months - no bread, pasta, muffins, subs, pizza etc. but if I splurge on pizza I can eat as much as I want - WHY ? I have a delayed one year follow-up in 2 weeks and would like to have had more weight loss. When does the effect of the band 'kick in' ... I feel restriction (almost daily) / I have frothed / I have lost 35 lbs / I have gained 12 lbs / I want to lose 80 lbs / I do not eat at all like I used to (no waffles. no muffins. no snacking, no subs) yet I see no limited progress.. Please share your thoughts and experiences.... when does the band start to 'work' and how do you know it is working ???

Well I spoke to my doctor and I have 8.5 cc's in a 14 cc band if that is useful to anyone. I can still eat more than 2-4 oz. but am feeling restriction on more types of food. I cannot (and should not) eat bread for instance. Dry chicken (breast meat) can get stuck, and the first food item inthe morning, if I do not have coffee or some Water, can be difficult to swallow. I find myself chewing a LOT more, and am loosing 1-2 lbs every 2-3 weeks, so the weight is s-l-o-w-l-y coming off. I have another fill scheduled in a week or so. Interesting note - I got a co-pay bill from my last fill (it was neglidgable) - but the physician's charge was $300 !! Three hundred bucks for 5 minutes of work ! If I had a script for syringes and access to sterile saline I would do it myself !!!! But that's just me (being silly)...... Wishing you all the very best .....................

Hi Ninababy - sounds like we are in a similar place - I am trying to find the 'sweet spot' and wish I could find a definition, or personal experience describing that. Sometimes if I do not chew food thoroughly it seems to get stuck and wants to come back up - not a nice feeling (panic and mild regurgitation) ! For the most part (98%) food processes fine. I can still take in way over 2-4 oz. of food, for example I eat a bowl of salad w/ chicken or fish or anchovies for the Protein, but the volume is still significant - so it's not 2-4 oz. in volume so I do not think my restriction is where it needs to be. As I mentioned I have a fill coming up and hope to 'be there'. If I can get my fill history I will post it here so others might derive some benefit from it.... regards Bandedbob

Well I am finally feeling some restriction. Beef, chicken and fish can get stuck. I feel real full after 4-5 oz. protein. I do however feel like I need one more fill. I can still eat how much food I want to - so I am not there yet. I have lost 7 lbs since last Sunday (275 down to 268) and feel good about that. Next time I see the Dr. I will ask the fill amounts and dates to share back here. Eating mostly protein is difficut - especially trying to create some variey, and keep cholesterol down, and the 'system processing' everything along. We have started eating a lot of fish. Easy on the system , low in fat, quick to prepare, and mostly low in cholesterol. My nutritionist says to keep red meat to one meal a week. I do not eat greek yougert, or cottatge cheese or anything similar. So its ommelets for breakfast - some type of canned fish for lunch (smoked sardines, tuna, pink salmon, octopus, smoked mussles, or similar) or some high protein option from the cafe'. Dinner is fish , beef, or chicken. A easy eat-out option is chicken or beef teryaki from the Chineese food place.

Well I got another fill Monday , now chicken AND beef and fish can get stuck if I do not chew chew chew. I have a 14cc band and its at 8+cc filled. I feel real full after 4 oz Protein - very full - like after a holiday meal! So I think I am very close to the 'sweet spot' I am getting another fill in 3 weeks - I hiope that does the trick for me. I wish you all well, and thanks for the fantastic interaction !

There are so many reply's to this post - I hope it is still active. I had my surgery in October. I lost ~ 40 lbs pre-and post surgery due to diet change. I have had 4 fills, and am seeing my weight creep back up. I have NO restriction on a 14cc Band. Occasionally chicken breast gets stuck, or deli turkey if I do not chew well. I enjoyed reading the initial post - it really is encouraging. Here is my question: when one finally feels 'restriction' is it the same feeling as the food getting stuck ? Because that almost causes a panic in me (so I hope not). Can someone please describe the feeling of 'restriction' or restriction vs 'food getting stuck'. Also I am presuming that when there is restriction, the food is s-l-o-w-l-e-y passing through the opening and you do not get that panicky feeling when food gets stuck. I am 8 months out and have had no surgery related progress. pls share your experiences / thank you

This should be another whole other topic , but how about food shopping ?! Do you see what some people buy - 8 x macaroni & cheese, chips - chips - chips, cheeze dip and on and on - yup yoused to love em all. Surgery in October - have not had a beer, pizza, or Pasta for 4 months - no problem! But - you do have to plan ahead and purchase the right foods and stick to your shopping list. Funny how our perspecitves change. I now have lot more respect for 'self control' for folks who always maintained a healthy life stlye and have their health too.

My band was in October - but my first fill was in January due ti the holidays. I have had 2 fills -, 3 cc and 2 cc. No real pain, nothing to minimixe the experience. Just a very small needle prick in the incision area. I have had 2 fills and still feel no restrictions. I can eat a head of lettuce - so I know there is more then 2-3 oz. of space there to fill. Hoping the next fill will help me get to the 'green zone' Cruising on my pre-op diet, and looking forward to more weith loss. Hang in there / ignore the 'prick'. BDB

I guess after the pain subsides and you are off the pain meds (who can get off on percocet or roxicet - no one I would imagine / they are marathon enablers when used recreationaly) anyway, after you are off the pain meds and can move comfortably around in bed (while sleeping, tossing to and fro) you are probably good to go. Listen to your body. Sex can wait because it is optional - healing is a necessary bodily function to seal up all the incisions and whatnot and a absolute priority post op - thats why they call it recovery. When in doubt err on the conservative side or consult your physician. I am sure this is very different for everyone.

Hi - I was banded in late October, and have managed to maintain my pre-surgery (and rules for life) intake of 30-35g of protein per meal, and some friut and veggies + supplements and cutting out all (most) additional calories. I have not had a fill yet but will tomorrow! I was able to loose nearly 40 lbs doing this, was a BMI of 40+ , now am a 36. After my fist fill - what are the dietary restrictions ? Do I have to crush my meds like post-surgery ? Or do I just take them and how do they do not get stuck? Do I just eat less than what I did pre-surgery? How may fills do folks get - before reaching the 'sweet spot' ? My band is 12cc - is there a specific 'fill' level to expect ? Do 'fills' hurt ? is it an office procedure ? I was preparing for Ruen-Y , but learned Lap Band and Ruen Y both produce the same results over 5 years, and opted for the band, Do I still need to seperate fluids and solids while eating ? Or can I eat and srink simultaneously ? For those of us who have had surgery - and have yet to have the band 'filled' please share your experiences and knowledge - thank you so very much !

Thank you all for sharing your experiences. After reading some of the initial replies, I did not feel properly prepared (w/ knowledge) to get the fill this AM. I was able to get some details: no solids for 24 hrs after the fill and no changes to the meds, procedure is done in the office. The holiday season had several folks on my medical team out of work for extended periods which is why I was not able to get answers. They are a GREAT team! Fist fill next Monday morning...... I really liked the barrium example one of you posted - that makes the most sense to me. Go once, see whats really going on, get your fill(s), and move on! Here are 2 things that confuse me: I am on a diet of 4 oz of Protein +veggies, supposedly the stoma (Pouch) is approx 2 oz. , but the diet does not change - HUH?!?!? how does a 2 oz pouch hold 4+ oz of food ? Secondly - why do I have to seperate liquids from solids ? The liquids flow right through the 'pinch point' where the restriction is ? Any insight to this ? thaks again to all of you!

If your eating a low carb / hi protein diet, your trying to get your body into ketosis , and alchohol can supply ketones instead of your body burning fat to provide them - I know you mentioned "no drinking' but thought I'd mention it/

Sorry for the delay - yep it's 'only skin deep' - really, it's right under the skin. Easy to locate, not really sticking out , and my fist fill is Jamn 3rd. I went for a 5 week checkup after surgery and it was protruding just a bit, and the nurse pract. told me I was still swolen from surgery. I beleive this to be true, as now it is less pronounced. HTH/ Bob

My oh my - this is such a wonderful forum and folks are so open - the only advice I can offer which may be helpful - is that of my nutritionest. Consume liquids 45 mins before or after a meal Make the liquids something like crystal lite, or power aid zero (no calories) Eat ONLY 3 oz of lean Protein (actually 7 grams per oz) If your still hungry after eating the protein - eat up to 1.5 cups of cooked veggies per meal Substitute a Protein shake 2-4 times a week Shakes: http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=WP-1070 That simple advice took me down 35 lbs - don't eat till your full - eat the perscribed plan. I know its not easy, I am a comfort food eater, a grazer, and eat out of boredom. Fortunatly the surgery made me loose my appetite - I wish you the very best !

Hmmmm - my medical team approved the same time off as gastric bypass patients - 6 WEEKS ! The idea is to develop good eating habits and focus on yourself and your future. My job allows up to 6 months short term disability and this is the most time off I have had in 30 years -so it is an interesting social experiment as well... I am in week 4.5, and STILL have some stuff I need to get to before returning to work. Am I ready to go back physically (desk job) yes, am I ready completly - sure ( I guess). I am enjoying the time off - sure - and I hope they missed me there :-) . I think my spouce will be happy when I am back in the office and out of the house - like I said - interesting ......

I was banded late October (27th?) - So I am on week 4.5 of recovery - longest I have EVER been out of work in 30 years. I a get my fist fill Jan 3rd. I am down 35 or so lbs from the lifestyle change (= diet) from the nutritionist. I have full faith in her which helps a lot. Since being banded I feel no restriction, have little appetite, and pay closer attention to my eating habits. I am just feeling close to 100% and did some lite yard work today (live in New England and had to PAY someone to remove the leaves from the lawn this fall). Went to the pistol range this AM and shot some large caliber ammo w no problems and removed an AC from a window. Christmas is a big deal for us (food wise) and I will participate (minimaly) - but not w/ a 2 oz pouch (ouch) - I am saving that for 20111 and beyond ! Hope y'all are having a great holiday season -

Yep - right under my rib cage to the right of center about one inch

Well I am a comfort eater and emotional eater and I was banded in October - I have totally lost my appetite and have not had a fill yet - I am down 35 lbs on the pre-surgery diet (life style change), it sounds as though you understand yourself which is half the challenge . You can eat around the band (slider foods) and expand your stomach or eat lots of small meals. In the end its just a tool , self control, and making good choices seem to be the key to success. best of luck to you !

WOW - just beginning my journey and fid all this so inspirational

hi - I was banded 2+ weeks ago and told to crush my meds. I take hi blood pressure , hi cholesterol, and asthma meds. I used a mortal and pestal (remember that from high school science ?) Anyhow - I had to change one capsule to a pill. Here is my question - I have learned that the post op diet is to let the band stitches heal, and help prevent slippage, and although I can eat anything I dont and wont. I did find however I can take all my pills (except the gigantic chewable Calcium citrate :thumbup:) whole w/ no digestion problem. Am I doing myself a dis-service by not crushing ? Is that practice for once we have a fill and a stoma/pouch ? Should I be crushing em even though I dont physically feel the need to ? I know we are all not dr's here, looking for other experiences and opinions. I have an appt later in the week and will inquire and post back. In the mean time any advice appreciated! thanks Bob

The two differences explained to me were this: the lap band has been around for some time and there have not needed t obe any engineering enhancements to it / therealize band is newer and has had a fe changes. Second - the 'shape' of the expansion part of the bands is somewhat different do to the number of pillows or sections. Causing a different shape of restriction. I went w/ the lap band as that is what my physician was trained on and recomended. I think the bigger issue is choosing Gastric bypass or banding - what a huge difference. With bypass there is no going back and a lifetime of medical follow up and more complications. A study I read showed equal weight loss for the bypass and band after 60 months - thats what made up my mind. I think the doctos should help you make the surgery choice and not make it 'self selection' or at least cover ALL the pro's and con's of both.... just my .02

Well I was 1 week post op yesterday =) My team recomends: 1 week clear liquids + protein 1 week pudding / cream soups + protein (started yesterday) 2 weeks pureed foods + protein 2 weeks gradual introduction of foods + protein I seems that each center / hospital has a silghtly different approach. Right after the band placement there is no restriction but I understand there can be swelling and the focus is to prevent any irratation to the esophagus / pouch to get the whole process off to a good start. Thats is what I was told....