B-52

If someone had shown me what I would be eating in a typical day, as far as the ...quantity and portion size, and then tell me I would not experience any hunger on top of that, always feeling satisfied, and have no desire or interest in eating - cravings, ....PLUS having more energy that I know what to do with.... I would have said that they were full of you know what, and that they were trying to sell me on a scam! There is no way a person can survive on so little and still be so healthy, and never hungry? I would have read into this as no different than those "Miracle" diet cures, pills, gizmos, whatever, advertised on TV everyday.... What were they smoking???? And yet....there it is....it really is real, and amazing to say the lest...it does work! I used to eat an entire LARGE pizza, with toppings, all by myself every Friday night, and wash it down with plenty of soda or beer....NOW, it is impossible to eat 1/2 slice, so I don't even bother anymore....and that is but one example.... Me and my friends were once asked to leave an "All you can eat" steak restaurant...I don't eat meat anymore....

You should expect to continue to "Heal" and return to normal, the same as you were before the surgery.....there is nothing physivvally THEN you will be ready for the next phase....where your Dr. will begin adjusting the band to get this whole thing started.... Until then, it's just follow our post-op diet plan, and "White Knuckle" it......you may experience some post-op inflammation creating some restriction, but that will pass and it will be as though you never had the surgery....

I weigh myself everyday, usually twice a day...when I first get up, and later at the gym..... First, I have to say my weight loss journey has stopped 2 years ago...I am at a optimal Body fat %...there is nothing left to loose other than lean muscle, and that would be unhealthy. I say that to set a baseline...... Weighing myself everyday, I have noticed how normal it is for my weight to rise and fall within the same 5 lbs...everyday it is something different, can even see it change throughout the day.... IU can be 3 lbs up fro yesterday, then tomorrow I'm down 2, next day up 1, then down 4... I say this because all too often I see people getting upset over 2-3 lbs here and there...IT IS NORMAL....there is NOTHING WRONG..... You have to look at the big picture...believe in the band, live by it's guidance by eating right and differently, and your body will adjust by dropping the weight....

30 days after surgery, had my first fill, which did absolutely nothing.......then I gained weight....and was heavier at my next visit, after a fill, than I was at my previous visit 30 days earlier...because the band was not doing what it was designed to do...not yet anyway...at that point it was still up to me and my own will power...just as it was before the surgery.... 2nd fill, things evened out 50-50....did not gain, and lost very little....still fighting hunger and eating more than I should....3rd fill did the charm for me.....THEN the weight loss began consistently..... All you have is a band installed...but it is not necessarily "Activated"...normally, it takes a few months and a few adjustments to get it working as it should....took me 3-4 months, and 3 fills...some are more, some much less....everyone on the point finds their different "Sweet Spot...Green Zone". Everyone looses on the pre-op diet...that's the point of it...

Well, I am a banded person.....little different than the others.... However, I did have this discussion with my Dr....about reaching goals...and his response was "Whose Goal?" "Your Body will stop when it is ready to stop" In other words, I was Obese because I lived a very bad lifestyle..primarily eating...how much, how often, and the trash I would eat... NOW...I have adapted a new lifestyle...eat considerably less, and make good food choices... If living a bad lifestyle added my weight and body fat, then living a healthy lifestyle will only lead in the opposite direction...and eventually level out...reach equilibrium.... And that is exactly what has happened...I continued my new lifestyle, and I continued to loose weight and body fat way beyond my expectations, and it has settled out in a healthy, normal range....that was 2 years ago... I have continued living that lifestyle, and I have not gained, nor lost any weight in at least 2 years...and my new eating habits and exercise routine has not changed either...and I do not expect them to if I can help it...

Lets face it...it's called a "WORK" Out....if it was easy, then what's the point? It's hard for everybody....when I look around at the gym, everyone is sweating... But it can be rewarding, small at first, but rewarding just the same...and that's the addiction.... There are days I wish I did not have to go to work...and the same voice is telling me to call in sick....but then, if I don't work, who's going to pay the mortgage? And if I didn't pay the Mortgage, I would not have a nice home...so there are rewards to everything we do, but it requires some effort.... Or, we can sit on the sofa in front of the TV and hope it all happens magically....maybe someone can do it for us...

I personally do not care that much what the scale says, and BMI's are very unscientific.... Every month or so I pay a Fee to have a complete Body analysis done, primarily concerned about my Body Fat % Index.... It was due to high fat % that was the root cause of my Coronary Artery Disease, Heart attack, and Circulation problems in my extremities and carotid arteries causing dizziness when bending over or looking straight up......high risk of strokes, waiting to happen.... If I were to follow the scale and BMI charts, I am still categorized as "Overweight"....but my Body Fat % is well within normal limits, actually in the "Fit" range.... So the excess weight is not fat, but Muscle. To loose any additional weight would not be healthy, and perhaps dangerous...even though the scale says I should. And all my medical issues have been reversed....

I try to get to the gym everyday, which means I get there 5 times a week.... Just want to say...EVERY TIME I go, there is a voice telling me today is NOT the day, everybody has those days and perhaps today is one of those days for me NOT to go to the gym...it's Ok, you can go tomorrow....you just don't have what it takes today....I'm too tired, my knee was a little sore last night, there's a full moon....whatever. Everyday I get these thoughts...right now, it's 5am, it's 6 degrees outside, my car is a ice cube..... my wife is still asleep in our warm bed...and that voice is telling me I should not go....I am crazy! BUT...everyday when I do go, 5-7 minutes into my run, etc, those thoughts vanish....every time! And I always feel rewarded I did go.... This has not changed in over 3 years.....EVERYONE has doubts......

Absolutely NOT OFF! Being successful in Loosing weight (and it's nobody's business how you do it) changes one self image, self respect, confidence...all of the above... Sure...the band, though surgical intervention did it, not me....but I do not care....it's all about me anyway!

I know exactly what you mean...it is not physical with me, but more mental...I have no interest in food, and most times I do not feel like eating...and when I do, I simply come to a moment when I do not want to continue.... My Dr. described it to me this way...the mere presence of the band, where it is, how it is adjusted, is stimulating the correct nerves telling my brain that I have just eaten, I am satisfied, full even, but Physically I may not have had anything to eat all day... it is with me 25 hours a day, not just between meals as some people experience... Here it is 4:30am, I have not had anything to eat in just about 12 hours, and if I try to think about food, something now and perhaps what am I going to have throughout the day...like you, I find it boring! I am not interested.

Most definitely!!!!! I have lost all that walrus blubber...no more insulation.

It all depends upon your history....you have to be consistent...or the band should be performing consistently for some time before you can recognize any real differences, and what they may be.... I have been consistent for 2-1/2 years now, and have not had, nor needed a fill in all that time...I know I am finished with the adjustment phase and do not need any more fills, thoroughly within the Green Zone.. ....I know the ups and downs of gaining and loosing the same 5 lbs....I recognize and expect the band to be tighter certain times of the day... I also know, from what transpires day after day all that time, how much the band allows to me eat at any one time, again I expect changes throughout the day, and by what kinds of food I'm eating.... As an example...my band is always the tightest in the morning, and I have not eaten a solid Breakfast in over 2 years...if I were to go out for breakfast tomorrow with friends, and ate an omelet with little to no feedback from my band, I would immediately take notice.... Everyone is different, and everyone needs to learn all about their band...and how to listen to it...

I learned just how little food I actually need to remain healthy and fit, and thinking what I used to eat ....I cannot believe I actually ate that much food, and how can ANYONE possibly eat that much...and more importantly, why would anyone want to? But I did..... The band has physically and mentally changed my appetite, hunger and cravings, plus the desires and need for food so much, that much of what I see now simply disgusts me...I'm no longer interested in food.....and watching some people eat.....well.....I admit I used to be one of them...can only imagine what people thought of me all those years..... I now look at everything from an entirely different perspective....

Put me down as a definite....MAYBE...but I am subscribing to this thread to follow it along. I have to check with my daughter, she is planning a "food and Culture" Tour through Central Greenwich Village....it might be that weekend... I'm in NJ, but it's a breeze taking a train in....

Lately I have been hearing the phrase that WLS is personalized to each individual, and I could not agree more.... It's "Personalized" because the band is adjustable....my band is not like your band as is the other person's band... If I never had a fill, or when I was just starting out, I could eat and drink anything as though I did not even have the surgery...it was all about will power and classic dieting... As my band got adjusted, things began to change, and become unique TO ME, and NO ONE ELSE....what other people experience is unique to themselves and no one one else....sure there are some common things.... People need to realize that there is no concrete answer to questions such as drinking with meals, eating rice, breads, etc...experiencing hunger/cravings, and portion control....because everyone's band is different from everyone else s... That's why when someone asks a question, you are going to get 100 different answers.... I read posts, and see the person was banded within a month or so, even within a year sometimes, and I will avoid giving my response because it is night and day.....where I am at, and what my band does is no where near what the new person is experiencing, and things I may say, well I might as well be talking about visiting Mars or something....will not make much sense....and only confuse many people.... Only things I can say sometimes is "Yes, I've been there and yes, it does pass, it does get better...things do progress" And the only thing we have in common is that we all have to follow our Dr.'s treatment plan, and not what someone we never met on the internet tells us to do....and even our Dr.'s advice will differ from one another's...is one Dr right and the other wrong? My only pet peeve, after saying all the above...is when people come on here and say "THIS is the ONLY way"..."It's my way or no way" Do it THIS WAY or you will be sorry!!! How can people say that? It may be true FOR THEM.....and that is good! Share your experiences....that's what it's all about,,,,,But sometimes people will make a definitive statement about something that can never happen or will not happen, and I'm sitting here scratching me head thinking I have personally experienced the exact opposite....??? Someone may post here stating that the way they became successful was by standing on their heads for 30 minutes after every meal....may even provide a You-Tube from some Yoga instructor, etc....refer to a book or 2.... I have no problem with this person sharing their experiences, I find it informative, and perhaps entertaining., and enjoy reading everyone's different ways they have found happiness and success.......I may even try it myself and see for myself the results..or I may not.... BUT As soon as this person comes on here and starts telling everyone THIS is what you MUST do if you want to be successful, or else you are asking for certain doom...medical problems..... Saying To loose weight and be successful...YOU MUST stand on your head for 30 minutes after every meal, OR ELSE!!! It Is the ONLY WAY! Now I have a problem....I lost my weight and never stood on my head....yet this person is telling everyone this is what you HAVE to to, this is the ONLY way it works.... There are are a lot of new people here looking for guidance...and they're being told they must stand on their heads for 30 minutes after every meal? I cannot let this go by unchallenged.... Ok, my so much for my coffee induced morning rant...off to the gym....Hey IT'S FRIDAY!!!!

I could care less if it was cheating or not....it's all about ME....when I have to "Pay the Piper" where will these critics be then? Besides, I have found this to be a whole lot easier than dieting....and I like the easy way out...let's me get on with my life at a normal weight and worry about other things.

So you're saying he filled your band completely and then slowly took some out until you could swallow? If so, then he is going for maximum restriction with the first fill....and NOT tell you how much.... I know a lot of Dr.'s have their own methods, but this is the first time I have ever heard it done this way... Most Dr.'s start on the bottom and slowly work their up with a few visits and fills....you Dr. started at the top and worked down.... All I can say ids be very careful the next few days, possibly weeks....especially if you have that much Fluid in your band. Cutting out guessing is one thing...whaming you all at once is another...I now I had to ease into it and it took a lot of adjusting, lifestyle changes to get comfortable with it....and I am not a wimp.... My last fill took me 2-3 weeks for everything to settle down, including me mentally.

I had many medical issues due to my obesity also, including cardiac issues (MI w/Stent), type 2 diabetes, High BP, Cholesterol, circulatory issues, chronic skin issues including infections - cellulitis,and others, ...all kinds of issues, too many to list right now...I have a morbid family history with the loss of both of my siblings at an early age with obesity at the root... My Dr. sat me down and said I did not have much longer on this earth, as I was following in my Brother and sisters footsteps...and the chips were already starting to fall... He even asked me, friend to friend if I had made preparations and will y family be Ok with me gone... Unless I loose weight....problem was, with all the diets I have tried over the last 35 years, I have failed at every one of them...I have no self discipline or motivation to stick with any type of program where it is left to me to manage... So as a LAST RESORT...he suggested Surgery...surgery to alter my digestive system making it unable for me to overeat, and taking away my hunger and cravings... And that is exactly what it did...and in return, it has reversed my Diabetes, ALL my lab work has been right down the middle perfect for the last 2 years...with NO MEDICATIONS, other than the Heart meds which I'm stuck with for life.... I feel 20-30 years younger, go to the gym every day....at 62 years old I play on a softball team - shortstop...and I am 6-7 years older than the next guy... THIS SURGERY DOES WORK if you believe it can, and go for it and not back down....least that's my take on it...after all, what was my alternative? I had no choice but to give it 110%, and then some. Sure, I had all the pre-op jitters, etc...but it turned out to be the absolute best thing I could have ever done...only regret is that I did not do it sooner....then I would not have wasted all that time and money on all those diets.

I'm one of those that works out in the morning on an empty stomach....there is much published on the topic..google it...many people swear by it, others say it does not matter....but I know it works for me.... After a workout, you have just burned a lot of calories and fat, and your body is asking for it to be replenished....which you need to do...but be careful...do not replenish it with something that would negate everything you just accomplished.... I always finish with a high Protein shake....satisfies me.... As far as Water...you can never get too much.....and as you are exercising and as you sweat, your body is also expelling toxins...replenish it with fresh fluids...keep the system operating...helps skin tone among other things.... C 2 5K, when I started running I found this app to be extremely helpful....and it was not easy...many times I could not finish a session, and would go back and re-do that entire week and work back into the session I had trouble with.....so it probably took me twice as long to complete...but when I did, I had it down... and I found that running, over all other exercising I have done, was the most efficient for me to burn fay and loose weight.... The C 2 5K program, if I remember correctly, is only 3 sessions per week....if you follow that, you could do something else on the in between days.... As far as how many days...that is really personal...some people believe every day....some say other...it's up to you...

Sounds like you got your head screwed on right for a young-un....(joke) But seriously, I read here all too often posts from various people and I think they look at this surgery as nothing more than something of a fad..purely cosmetic....then they are the first to complain and whine when faced with the band attempting to change their lifestyles, etc...they just "DON"T GET IT" and I ignore their repetitive posts....they already know the answer, but only want to get Their way somehow by crying..... I know from reading plenty of your past posts...( thought you were banded already) YOU already have a grip on this with eyes wide open.... You're gonna do fine......

I'm sure it will pass....I know for me, and much of what I have read, exercising curbs your appetite, as well as handling stress, and improving an overall well being... Be sure you have a Water bottle with you at all times and drink in between sets, etc... I have a vigorous workout, and go through 32 oz.'a of flavored water easy....probably sweat most of it out but that is the point... Also, my routine, I always work out first thing in the morning on a empty stomach...before eating anything that is...I want to burn stored fat rather than burn what I just ate....also, after my workout, my body wants something so I always have a high Protein "Recovery" Shake"...

B52 So glad to read this..... I too had soooo much additional weight that I couldn't even consider jogging. I started off on the bike seven months ago (bc I didn't have to carry my own weight). Eventually moved on to elliptical ...now I'm up to 60 minutes , 6.2-6.3 miles, 6 days/week . But I really want to start jogging...... You can't elliptical a 5K or a 10K...... And I want to experience these things. I think I'm going to have to try starting at our neighborhood walking/running/biking path because I LOOK LIKE A DUCK trying this on the treadmill. Anyway, that's my new fitness goal..... TO RUN!!!! You would be surprised what you can do on the elliptical....I wear a Heart rate strap, and by adjusting the resistance way up on the elliptical I could get just as good cardio as I now get running....and sweat just as much... I used to do, along with periods of a "Steady State" intervals of "Hill Climbs" and "Downhill Sprints" Once I started to loose some considerable weight, it was easy to transition over to the treadmill....I knew I was ready.

Really?? Tonic water? I thought carbonation was a no-no. God...I miss my Beefeater/Stoli and tonics... I drink wine now but would love a mixed drink once in a while. Don't get me started on carbonated drinks...there has been plenty of discussion on this website.....it is one of those topics where you are going to get a 100's of different responses....

I know several people who graze all day, or at the least have 5 tiny meals a day.....I always look at the big picture...how much did I actually eat in a single day? Which adds up to how much in a week? and so on...and realize, as a whole, I eat considerably less that what I did before surgery...adapting a new lifestyle.

ANYTHING is better than nothing..... I could not even attempt to jog, until I got to the point where I lost a lot of weight....just too much stress...high impact...on my body and joints....with every step I could feel all the fat rise up and fall....... So I did the elliptical for a year straight....