nu2ywg

Way to go!!! You rock

I'm in the process of having my gall bladder investigated...I've had two attacks that were not my heart (was tested). I'm in Canada though so there is a long wait for the ultrasound (May 19th).

1200 calories is exactly what I've been aiming for since the mushy stage and it has been working very well for me (although there are many days that I go over).

Hi everyone, I'm in Winnipeg. I was banded on Jan 5, 2011. Looks like there are a few Canadians here on this board.

Dr. Pepper!!!!!!!

I'm pretty new to the lapband, had my surgery in early January. I chose this surgery because it's not as risky as bypass and they don't have to cut any internal organs. I am 40 and I was missing out on a lot of fun stuff with my 3 kids because I just didn't have the energy and mobility. My knees were killing me and I knew it was just a matter of time before I would have to deal with other things like blood pressure and diabetes (runs in my family). I am very happy I did it. The surgery itself took a little more out of me than I expected and it is a lot of work initially while you are waiting for restriction (when you finally have enough saline injected in your band for it to work properly and make you feel full sooner). I recommend that you read as much as you can, do the seminar etc and then decide. It's a big decision and changes your life, but I for one am glad that I did it. Good luck with your choice!

My second fill is scheduled for next week on the 8th. My surgery was on January 5th and my first fill was about 3 or 4 weeks ago. I am losing solely on willpower right now...I'm keeping a food journal, I'm working out and the weightloss is happening. But I'm hungry and I know it's not the band because I can take big bites and can eat a lot more than a cup of food. I've never had any sliming or stuck episodes or any of that other stuff. Since my last fill I've already lost about 12 pounds (eating about 1200 calories per day with multiple cheats). I'm worried that because I'm losing that they won't fill me next week. Anyone have any information about that? If I tell them that I am able to eat anything and that it's all will power will they give me the fill? I am really really ready for my willpower to have some help...I can't do this forever.

It all worked out! They decided on the fill based on the conversation and my answers to the questions on portions, hunger etc. before they even did the weigh in. So I got my second fill today. Can't wait to get back to real food in a couple of days to see if this was the magic one!

My surgery was Jan 5th and first fill was Feb 8th, so just over a month.

It took me 5 days after surgery!! I had a non prescription stool softener and I have since started taking benefibre once a day.

Any other January bandsters have their first fill yet? I'm nervous about tomorrow and hope it won't be a difficult process. I have the embarrassing situation that I didn't even know where my port was...I thought it was in one spot but when I went for my 2nd nutritional session, the dietician said usually they are in a different spot and when I started feeling around I realized she was right! Oops! Anyway, would love to have some of you to share the experience with so let me know when you are getting your fills. Julie

I think that post surgery your stomach is swollen...I had the same thing for at least 8 days. Then poof, the swelling was gone and I was hungry. I hope you have some restriction when you get back to food Second fill tomorrow! Hoping for restriction!

nu2ywg (julie) - 269 lb, loss of 3 lb.

I've seen a couple people post about not taking ibuprofen and the like...nothing has even been said to me by my doctor about this. Can anyone tell me why you aren't supposed to take this if you have a lap band? I plan to ask my doctor next time I see him but would like to know what others have been told here.

WHy would you need one?

I was lying down for the fill, no numbing. I get my next fill next week...having a hard time this week with poor food choices. It's hard when there is no restriction; I guess that's why they call it bandster hell.

I can't speak for all your questions but for the constipation have you tried benefiber? I was having trouble in that area and now take 2 tsp of benefibre in Water every morning. I also still have the stool softener (non prescription) from the surgery which I took once when the benefibre wasn't enough. I also started eating salads almost every day and I think that's helping. Good luck on your goal for vacation!

Name, real or screen~ Julie (nu2ywg) Age~40 Weight on February 28th~272 Goal Weight for March 31st~260 Exercise Goal for March~More classes at the gym (just started classes and realize they are a way better workout than machines) Dietary Goal for March~ less cheating!!! Personal Goal for March~ get and fit into new spring coat from Lands End Date Banded~ 1/5/11 Total Weight Loss Since Banding~ 47 lb (including pre-op)

Congratulations to you! Great post and great attitude. I love it when people post their happiness like this, it's very inspirational to newer people.

Honk, you should discover stevia! I'm trying to avoid artificial sweeteners as much as possible but stevia is natural (from a plant) and you can buy it in individual packets to add to coffee, yogurt etc.

That's funny I just bought Greek yogurt for the first time and am eating it right now...I bought the fat free and I don't like it! I normally buy regular yogurt (Activia) and 2% cottage cheese because I don't like fat free versions of most stuff. I'm making it work to have the better tasting stuff within my calorie allowance. Enjoy your treat, it sounds yummy! (I may try greek yogurt again but I won't get the fat free next time).

I agree, denying your cravings over a long time may result in a binge. Dark chocolate actually has some health benefits so a small piece might help the cravings without throwing you off track. I pretty much crave the same things I used to...but they are the things that are high carb so I'm trying to retrain myself. When it comes to chocolate, I give in occasionally so I don't feel too deprived.

Oh my goodness! I ended up in the ER on saturday night with what I thought was a heart attack! I had never heard that gallstones could result from weightloss and I've lost over 40lb since mid December (and I'm female and I'm 40). They did multiple tests and determined it was not my heart and told me to follow up with my regular physician which I am doing on Friday morning. It sounds like what I have! I'm so glad you posted this rumar! I hope you are able to find out what is causing your pains too and let us know.

I hope you have a great consultation and get lots of your questions answered. I personally told only my husband and my dad (who lives far away and is not married to my mom anymore). My kids think I had a stomach flu when I was recovering and I haven't told my mom (who also lives far away) because she weighs about 85lbs and has no clue what it is to be overweight but doesn't mind giving me advice every time I turn around. I'm just now approaching the point where people are starting to notice my weight loss and I haven't decided yet what I'll say if anyone actually asks how I'm losing the weight. At this point I'm not at restriction so it's all been willpower so far so it wouldn't be a lie to say "less food, more exercise", lol. Anyway, I think you should only tell the people you feel would be supportive and as others have said, say it in a way that is sharing info and not asking for advice. People will worry about you as they would for anyone having surgery but you can just accept that as an indication that they care. Let us know how it goes

I'm so sorry for your losses I haven't heard of the band affecting pregnancies negatively but have heard of women having babies after bands. I do know that miscarriages are far more common than many people realize until they start trying to have children. I hope you are able to find some answers and that you will eventually be cuddling a new little one in your arms.