Sula

I think all these posts are supportive, even the more direct ones. Sometimes people do need a reality check and when someone takes the time to respond, it is because they are trying to give support and suggestions. We all do struggle, and friend of mine had the band a month and a half prior. She makes chronic poor choices. I'm very direct..told her to stop eating pop tarts and fruit loops for Breakfast. I make poor choices..OD'd on popcorn last week...not pretty. Shawn

Hi Tonya, Like you, I probably can eat anything but I do avoid bread. I'm afraid, to be honest, but whatever it is in my head, it keeps me from eating it. I eat steak and chicken, some fish, etc. I'm going to work on hydrating today and in the days to come. I've slacked off and need to get it going again. My fill is this afternoon and the Dr. hasn't given any tidbits of advise pre-fill, just liquids post fill. TAke care, Shawn

Hi all, Just checking in. I'm headed for my second fill tomorrow. I have lost about 10 pounds since my last fill, about seven weeks ago. I am eating properly except portion control and I'm hoping the new fill will help that. I don't have hunger pains unless I go well over time to eat, which sometimes happens, but not too often. My total weight loss is 33 pounds since surgery. I'm pleased with that. I do get jealous of others who lose rapidly but I have not engaged in much for structured exercise (my bad). I'm working on getting that going. I do live a very active lifestyle, but I think your body gets used to a certain level of activity and then just holds onto calories, so I have to "kick it up a notch" as Emeril would say. Hope you are doing well and having some great days! Shawn

Have you thought about putting on muscle weight instead of fat weight? Then you'll be ahead of the game and into exercise program before you ever have the surgery. Shawn

Your weight loss is so awesome..good for you! Shawn

Hi all, Just an update from the "support group". No nutritionist showed up. Just four people there, a friend of mine, the "leader" and Karen. We brought a few food items but nothing that we hadn't talked about during that first group where we met. I was pretty dissappointed that the nutritionist didn't come. My friend who was there is considering the band and had met with her and was "less than impressed." So, nothing really insiteful to share with you all about that group. Maybe we should set a time to meet here once a month and support each other? Sophie, that is great about your lost and entry into onederland. Great going. I think that if you don't feel like you need a fill, pass on it. I was told that when you are no longer losing weight, have significant hunger, portion sizes creeping up, and are past that 6 week mark, that is when you start scheduling them. I just scheduled mine for the 17th, because of my eating more in portions than I'd like. Altho today I feel like I'm eating the right amounts! Go figure, it does change, day to day. I hope you all have a nice easter with family and/or friends. Talk to you soon, Shawn

Hey Sheri, Congrats on your weight loss and will power. You've done great! I'll bet the exercise is helping on your journey as well. Keep it up and you'll really impress them when you go in for your first fill. Keep up the good and HARD work! Shawn

Meat and Cheese Pizza, thick crust by the 1" surface size. <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=250 bgColor=#ffffff border=1><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Nutrition Facts </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#000000><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Amount Per 1 surface inch </TD></TR><TR><TD>Calories 15.84 Calories from Fat 5.91 </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#000000><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=right colSpan=3>% Daily Value * </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Total Fat 0.657g </TD><TD>1% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD noWrap>Saturated Fat 0.237g </TD><TD>1% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD noWrap>Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0823g </TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD noWrap>Monounsaturated Fat 0.296g </TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Cholesterol 0.904mg </TD><TD>0% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Sodium 35.55mg </TD><TD>1% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Potassium 11.6mg </TD><TD>0% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Total Carbohydrate 1.86g </TD><TD>1% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD noWrap>Dietary Fiber 0.107g </TD><TD>0% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Protein 0.6g </TD><TD>1% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Alcohol 0g </TD><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#000000><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=250 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Vitamin A</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Vitamin C</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Calcium</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Iron</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Vitamin D</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Vitamin E</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Thiamin</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Riboflavin</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Niacin</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Folate</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Vitamin B-6</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Vitamin B-12</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Phosphorus</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Magnesium</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Zinc</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Copper</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD>*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=250 bgColor=#ffffff border=1><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Nutrition Facts </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#000000><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Amount Per 1 surface inch </TD></TR><TR><TD>Calories 15.84 Calories from Fat 5.91 </TD></TR><TR bgColor=#000000><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=right colSpan=3>% Daily Value * </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Total Fat 0.657g </TD><TD>1% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD noWrap>Saturated Fat 0.237g </TD><TD>1% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD noWrap>Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0823g </TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD noWrap>Monounsaturated Fat 0.296g </TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Cholesterol 0.904mg </TD><TD>0% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Sodium 35.55mg </TD><TD>1% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Potassium 11.6mg </TD><TD>0% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Total Carbohydrate 1.86g </TD><TD>1% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD noWrap>Dietary Fiber 0.107g </TD><TD>0% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Protein 0.6g </TD><TD>1% </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap colSpan=2>Alcohol 0g </TD><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#000000><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=250 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Vitamin A</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Vitamin C</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Calcium</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Iron</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Vitamin D</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Vitamin E</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Thiamin</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Riboflavin</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Niacin</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Folate</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Vitamin B-6</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Vitamin B-12</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Phosphorus</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>1 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Magnesium</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap><SMALL>Zinc</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>Copper</SMALL></TD><TD noWrap><SMALL>0 %</SMALL></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5><HR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD>*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I don't mean to be harsh and maybe I'm just verballing what I say to myself in my head but I think that using the excuse that I got here because of poor choices so don't blame me now if I'm still making poor choices needs to stop. The band will not do the work for us and you have to make better choices. No one will be perfect. I just got back from a week in Denver and put on two pounds. They are off now. At home, I try to not put myself in positions where I have to make a choice between a favorite food and something that is appropriate for my goals. I do not keep bread in my house, or chocolate or cracker and chips. It is the only way I can help myself to make good choices. When I go out, I have a plan of what a particular place will offer and have it in my mind what I will order. It is just something that has to be in our minds. I don't give myself food rewards...my reward for my 30 pound lose is a massage. I'm not exercising and I need to get with it. So, fellow bandsters...you can do it. You have made the decision for the surgery and have had sucess so far with it. You CAN do it! Shawn

Hi All, Just wondering how you all are doing? It's been pretty quiet on the site so I thought I'd touch base. I just got back from a training in Denver and navagated the "eating" out bit for a week. I put on a couple of pounds I think due to portion control issues, but I'm back on track and have reined myself in. I've not done well with exercising and have a variety of excuses, weather and not feeling well. I do need to get after it! This thursday is the support group..anybody but me planning on going? I am looking forward to hearing what the nutritionist has to say. Hope you are all doing very well. Shawn

Just FYI, The K scale is a measure of defensiveness. For example, presenting as having no shortcomings at all. Or nothing ever bothers me. And therapists can bill for a 90 minute session as one session. When you get your explanation of benefits from your insurance company check to see how many "units" they billed. Sula

I had surgery on a Tuesday nite, spent that night in the hospital and got out at noon on Wednesday. Spend that day in the hotel and got on a 12 hour flight home on Thursday. I got a ride home from the airport and had to return the next day to pick up my car and I drove it the 30 miles home. The next day, my husband and I drove from Central Montana to North Dakota and back over the weekend. I did my share of driving after my three hour nap on Saturday morning as we started out. I went to work on Monday for a full day. No, I'm not crazy but maybe a bit tough! So, if you're tough, you can do it. I'm 2 1/2 months post-op and have lost 30 pounds. It is a great jouney! Good luck on yours! Shawn

Hi Sharon, Why do you think you stalled out on your weight loss? I'm trying to look ahead and at least be prepared with some sort of game plan. Maybe winter just caught up with you! I'm planning on going to the support group and I think I'll have a friend who is considering it with me. I was just thinking about what food item I am planning on taking. I don't do any fancy cooking for this, just eat plain stuff. Yogert, tuna fish, Cereal or Protein drink in the morning. I eat a normal dinner with the exception of portion control. My DH gets a bit of my food if my plate gets too loaded up. But he is losing weight as well. He doesn't have a lot to lose tho, like me. My mom is coming over from Kalispell on Monday and we are on a road trip to Denver where I'm taking a two day class. So it will be interesting to see how I fair eating out for a few days. (Actually about a week.) I think that we will order one meal and split it. Sophie, I think in the beginning I was only able to put down about 1/2 cup and I'd feel full. With any type of consistency of food. Now I try to just keep it too about 3/4 of a cup and probably a 1C to a 1 1/2 cup of food per meal..that is just a general guideline..sort of depends on what the food is. And I think you really have to struggle to get 1200 calories. I bet I rarely do. I just try to make healthy choices and get probably between 60 and 70 grams of protein. I do take a pretty potent liquid Vitamin and adhere to protein first, veggies and then fruits. I don't eat bread, just because I'm afaid to. I've not PD'd or slimed and I'm guessing at some point that will come. The nutritionist is coming to the next support group, if you can come great. But if not, I'll try to pay close attention and give you some feedback. You might want to email the head guy (Pat?) and give him your questions to ask! Take care all of you! Shawn

Hi Band-family, I finally lost a couple of pounds this past week after having been stuck for about 2 weeks. I'm now down 28 pounds. TracyV--I have the 10cc band (we have a group on here as well). From what I am told, the larger band is chosen based on the size of your stomach. I was a bit dismayed at getting it but I have reconcilled myself saying that this is just a tool and I don't want to lose too rapidly. I did start out wit 2 cc's, so not everyone starts out with an empty band. I had a fill at 6 weeks and got 1 cc. So, you are actually more "filled" than I am. I do feel some restriction and no apetite, unless I go too long (more than four hours) without eating or having a Special K20 protein drink. I'm battling a cold so I've not been exercising, altho I am active...been trimming trees all weekend. All the bending and picking up debris...I sweated! Hope that all of you have a great week. Spring starts tomorrow! Maybe that will be the incentive to carry on! I am so ready for nice outside days! Shawn

As a therapist myself, I know that the psychologist must have developed a treatment plan with goals that you BOTH establish and agree upon. Ask to see the treatment plan and goal (should be written down in your chart). If they are not (a big no-no and grounds for you to see another therapist) ask to develop them together. Then, set up your goals for treatment. Secondly, if there are goals that you have developed together, then you must have set a time frame in which to reasonably reach those goals. Escpecially if you are doing all that is needed (as far as "home work" etc) to get the job done. Sula

Well, the "horses mouth" is dead. I had surgery on January 16 and Dr. Sanchez' son, Rudolpho Sanchez was my liason and did all the transportation, medical visits, etc, to get my surgery done. He told me that his father was going to his ranch, with Dr. Gonzoles, to pay his people. As he got out to open a fence, he was ambushed, and shot. Dr. Gonzoles had to drive him an hour and half back to a hospital, but unfortunately he expired. In January, they had not apprehended the suspects. Dr. Gonzoles was extremely upset and when I got there, she had just took some needed time off, (with my medical records somewhere other than with the Dr. I was seeing). They eventually did something and by my medical report, she assisted in the surgery, however I didn't meet her....(I was in la la land).

Hi Sharron and Becky, I was wondering, beings as you guys are the old-time lap banders here that I know...do you get hunger pangs? I was on another thread and one person was saying they hoped that the lack of hunger pangs lasted forever and so I wondered. I don't feel hunger very often, unless I go beyond 4 hours or so without eating. Sometimes longer, but I'm trying to stay within that general time limit because if I get too hungery (5-6 hours without eating something) my tendency is to grab a quick fix and that may not be the best choice for me. So, maybe you can educate me as to your experiences. Thanks,Shawn

I don't think it is the easy way out...but a way out. I thinking knowing what we have tried in the past to lose weight, with short term success and then the rebound plus 10, it was time to try something different. I have been very selective in whom I'm shared this journey with and have had no negative comments. I'm still doing the lifestyle changes, I'm still monitoring calories, I'm still kicking up my exercise, I'm still doing the work. And this doesn't have anything to do with anyone else...it is about me and me doing something for myself. Or should I say "us" and "us doing something for ourselves." I think the end result is what really matters. Shawn

Hey Sophie, Sounds like you're doing great! I didn't have the "what have I done" thoughts at all. It took me some time before reaching the left shoe lace got easier so I can relate! Isn't it funny how this affect you. I think, too, that it was difficult to get even close to the recommended daily amounts for the first week or so. Just keep trying but don't force anything! I did go for a long ride today with my husband. He has a walker and we were checking out some new locations to run our dogs (field trials) so my mare, Gracie had to hustle. I did have some minor pain at a gallop...just a reminder that I had the surgery, but nothing to make me stop. I guess it takes some time to really heal all the nerves endings...and I'm about 8 weeks out. And down last week a total of 26 pounds. I'm probably down this week (I had a fill two weeks ago) but I'm "bloated" so I don't know what the scale will show. I have upped my exercise as well as doing some heavy duty corral cleaning just a bit ago. You can get aerobic throwing manure! As far as the liquid stage, I did Protein drinks, very runny cream of wheat, Jello (they gave it to me in the hospital so I figured it was okay) and campbells select Soups. I also did broths but that didn't last long. I really think the difference is the Protein Drinks and I still have that for my morning meal most of the time. Well, keep up the good work. Shawn

Chris, That is amazing and wonderful. Keep up the good work. Shawn

Okay, I'm confused...how does the stuff get absorbed? Shawn

Hey, I've been out three times since Sunday, walking. No chance today as I'm booked all day with NO breaks. Have to eat on the fly. But I can't tell you how inspirational it is to read about others attempts here and the successes. I'm going to ponder the body for life challenge. I had a friend try to convince me to do it a few years ago and I get a little resistant so...didn't! Sunshine, 2.2 cc's wow! I only got one in the BIG band. Go figure. You all have a great day! Shawn

Congrats, welcome to band-land! I do think the worst part is the anticipation right up to the moment. I didn't feel too bad until the third day, then I took a three hour nap and woke up a new me! The gas pain is from the gas they pump into your abdominal cavity. It won't be burped or .... out. It has to be absorbed... It is tolerable but uncomfortable. One girl suggested getting on your hands and knees and then crouching down, butt in the air...she said it worked for her. The bloating is part of the swelling of your stomach and then the stab wound sites. That does take a while to go down. Loose bras! Gotta run but I do hope you continue without problems! Shawn

Happy banding. I know today is your day and I hope that you will be wildly successful in your fast recovery. Drop us a line when you're able and tell us how it went and how your doing! Shawn

My DH has a habit of using my upper stomach area (where my wounds are) to leverage himself ..sheesh!! Anyhow, my libido has gone up with the 26 pounds lost, but his has gone up even more. Its all good! Sula